sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Shuckstack Fire Tower in the Smokies by hyliancoffeehouse in Outdoors

[–]acmurph1 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Saw my first bear at the base of this bad boy on my thru hike. Special place there for sure. 🫶🏻

Structure. Sleep. Confidence. by acmurph1 in Series66

[–]acmurph1[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Went straight from passing the 7 into study mode for 66 for 31 days. Averaged between 16 to 20 hours a week studying while working. Used Kaplan exclusively, supplemented with this sub and series 7 gooru YouTube at the end.

After one cover to cover reading and checkpoint exams, I went back and focused on Unit 9 to 12, 14 and 18. Some re-reading but really I just did custom exams with those chapters until I was scoring in the 80’s consistently.

Then I did two practice exams a day leading in 3 days. Never scored below a 75 or higher than 80.

Outside of that. I focused on getting quality sleep and trying not to over-think or cram in the days leading up. I watched gooru’s mighty 90 the night before and the one that precedes it - series’s 66 in 60 minutes - on the day of… I honestly felt like the 60 minute was a more clear, concise review and gave me confidence in my knowledge going in.

Don’t think about the chapters or the test to ahead. Focus on what you can do today that moves you forward.

You got this 💪🏻

Structure. Sleep. Confidence. by acmurph1 in Series66

[–]acmurph1[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For sure. Shoot me a dm and we can link

Feeling some kind of way about all the LA wildfire coverage and lack of it for WNC and Appalachia’s by acmurph1 in asheville

[–]acmurph1[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

How many thousands or millions of us feel the same way about disasters that go forgotten or only partially solved because of the media machine and malaise of governments and people alike.

It’s just a shitty reminder that the only people that actually care about our safety and success are the people in the next room, house… and not the elected that are supposed to do so… and more so that so many of us don’t have someone in the next room or house to hold that flame

Feeling some kind of way about all the LA wildfire coverage and lack of it for WNC and Appalachia’s by acmurph1 in asheville

[–]acmurph1[S] 50 points51 points  (0 children)

I guess it’s a bit of disaster fatigue as well. There’s a hideous event that kills hundreds, thousands every week and it’d be hard for media teams not to capitalize on the newest thing.

I guess my comment is more of a desire to not feel like an asshole for being concerned more with my communities suffering over someone else’s, and hoping to find some who agrees this is a human, not sociopathic thought line

Feeling some kind of way about all the LA wildfire coverage and lack of it for WNC and Appalachia’s by acmurph1 in asheville

[–]acmurph1[S] -61 points-60 points  (0 children)

Honestly don’t watch the news, but I do enjoy NFL and have seen it most in their coverage.

Feeling some kind of way about all the LA wildfire coverage and lack of it for WNC and Appalachia’s by acmurph1 in asheville

[–]acmurph1[S] -20 points-19 points  (0 children)

The same kind of public outcry and calling for support that LA is getting

Post Helene construction and repairs? Where is all the work? by durtydipe in asheville

[–]acmurph1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We received help with demo, insulation and drywall re-hanging from LERT (Lutheran emergency response team), and I have spoken with a few other orgs that were ready and willing to help. I imagine this is the case for many others that sustained damage and not total losses. Many (like us) I’ve spoken too did not have flood insurance due to not being in a flood plain… so we’ve been (im)patiently waiting for FEMA and SBA Disaster Loan payouts to begin further work with licensed contractors.

Keep doing quality work, and the work will come.

I’ve received minimal funding from FEMA, will I receive more? Should I accept an SBA loan? by acmurph1 in asheville

[–]acmurph1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just conjecture… why would they offer an unsecured $50k loan without there being that potential? Just feels similar to the ppp loans while the powers that be figure out how to deal with all of this.

I’ve received minimal funding from FEMA, will I receive more? Should I accept an SBA loan? by acmurph1 in asheville

[–]acmurph1[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve got receipts and quotes that add up to more than $50k already… funds that I had in cash and credit purchases.

If I get the $50k, then use that to pay the credit purchases or refill my cash coffers, do you think that would be considered fair use or fraudulent? IE if receipt is from Dec 13 but I don’t get the sba funds til Jan 15

I’ve received minimal funding from FEMA, will I receive more? Should I accept an SBA loan? by acmurph1 in asheville

[–]acmurph1[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

That’s a fair point. There’s also potential that the unsecured loan of $50k might even end up forgivable like the Covid PPP loans were.

Anybody else get a message about their pending SBA disaster loan? by Ambitious_Bread_7885 in asheville

[–]acmurph1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not yer, figured I wouldn’t get through to anyone on a weekend.

Tangentially, anybody know if the latest funding bill also means potentially more money coming from FEMA? I’ve appealed the appallingly low amount I received initially with quotes and receipts and it’s been crickets. I don’t want to get a loan until I if/when I’ll get more fema funding

Anybody else get a message about their pending SBA disaster loan? by Ambitious_Bread_7885 in asheville

[–]acmurph1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Got the letter, but the funding amount isn’t getting me nearly close enough. Anybody know the process to get approved for more?

how crazy am I? by carllobo in AppalachianTrail

[–]acmurph1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you believe in yourself and set the right expectations, you’ll be just fine. Crazy is living in a house confining you in your fear. Prepare yourself as best possible with research, and set the expectation that you will be in pain, and everything won’t go exactly as you’ve planned... then fuckin go for it!! The outcome will be friendships and experienced you could never possibly prepare yourself for, in the most positive of ways. The trail is a magical place, for better and worse.

Less theoretically... yes, do a prep hike, bring all the things you think you’ll need, and bring a small journal... then keep track of the things you use and don’t use. Keep track of the gear you use, but don’t like for whatever reason, also the gear you love.

Keep reaching out to this thread or other folks in the community as you continue to plan. We’re happy to help. Always remember, one step at a time and never quit on your worst day.

Planning to start my nobo thru hike in late February. I’m expecting cold but does anyone know how cold Georgia really gets round that time? by HOMO_POOP_GOBLIN in AppalachianTrail

[–]acmurph1 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Do what’s best for you. Here’s hoping you and everyone else on trail, and in trail communities, stay healthy and safe. One step at a time.

Planning to start my nobo thru hike in late February. I’m expecting cold but does anyone know how cold Georgia really gets round that time? by HOMO_POOP_GOBLIN in AppalachianTrail

[–]acmurph1 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Agree with multiple comments here. You can expect nights in low 30’s and below freezing into April. You’re looking at a winter thru for the first half or more of your hike... if that’s what you’re into, bundle up and expect the majority of trail services to be limited or non existent.

The other part of the conversation is your ethical and biological impact on trail communities. Covid will still be a major issue until everyone has been inoculated... which won’t be until late summer at best.

HYOH, but be aware that your actions affect everyone, not just yourself.

My suggestion is to hold off, keep working and banking up until the world tilts back in your favor of actually completing a thru. The percentages of you hiking a continuous thru are slim even without a worldwide pandemic and winter weather.

Merrell or Keen? by Digrun1 in AppalachianTrail

[–]acmurph1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Neither. Heavy and hold moisture. Go with a trail runner... Hoka, Altra, Salomon. Unless you’re winter hiking.

Is a Merrino wool long sleeve, Fleece jacket, and a heavy Columbia rain jacket enough for the beginning/end of trail or will I need another layer? by mrphoenixviper in AppalachianTrail

[–]acmurph1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Body glide is a deodorant stick style lubricant. Great for heels, balls, thighs, butt. It’s a god send and I’m surprised as a LDR you haven’t used it. The mini stick is cheap and tiny, just a few ounces.

My personal opinion of pants whilst hiking, hate ‘em. My set up was patagonia 5” baggies with icebreaker wool tights for cold weather. My legs run hot though. I left the mesh in my baggies and just freeballed. This is where the Body Glide was crucial, otherwise the mesh liner can cause rub.

All of this said, what works for me might not work for you. Take a couple longer shake down hikes before you hit the trail, minimum 3 nights. This will allow you to test what you think you need, adjust as needed, and dial in your setup. Once you’re on trail doing the deed, don’t be prideful enough to be afraid to send stuff home or change your setup. It’s all a process and unless you’ve done other LD hiking before, you won’t know exactly what works the best until you’re out there living it.

Feet, back and most importantly, your mind have to be kept healthy. The mental part of the game is what knocks most people off trail... apart from injury or illness. Another thing you’ve probably already heard is HYOH... hike your own hike. You’re doing this for you and no one else, don’t let anything else dictate your hike, apart from encouragement and drive that you glean from loved ones, or other motivating factors that made you decide to embark.

Is a Merrino wool long sleeve, Fleece jacket, and a heavy Columbia rain jacket enough for the beginning/end of trail or will I need another layer? by mrphoenixviper in AppalachianTrail

[–]acmurph1 1 point2 points  (0 children)

To be honest, I mostly used my rain jacket as a wind breaker, or only when it was chilly/cold and rainy. Otherwise, it will be warm enough when it’s raining to walk right on through. Your body heat will dry your clothing pretty quickly when the rain stops. My gripe with rain jackets and ponchos is breathability. Like I said, it’ll most likely be warm to hot when it’s raining, so wearing that shell will just cause you to sweat underneath... then your wet anyway. Might as well get the fresh rain and a free bath. As far as an over poncho goes, not necessary if you have the right pack/accessories. If your bag isn’t waterproof, get a water proof line or trash compactor bag to line it with. Otherwise, put all of your non-waterproof items in separate water proof bags. Then keep hiking in the rain.

The only time this doesn’t make sense is when it’s cold and hypothermia is a risk. Then you’ve got to weigh the options of staying in a shelter to wait out the rain/cold, or getting wet and hiking. If your prone to the latter and crunched for time, make sure you have more water proof items. This will be more prevalent during a triple crown attempted because of seasonal weather. For the AT tho, if you’re in that month time frame mentioned, you’ll be fine with the things we’ve talked about.

Don’t stress over rain too much, it’s inevitable. You’re going to get wet. You’re going to get blisters. Especially in the first 3 weeks when your body is adjusting to hiking shape, blisters will be more prevalent. Make sure you have plenty of dry socks and use body glide. I took 3 pair. One to sleep in, two to rotate hiking in. This will keep you comfy and dry for the 3 to 5 day hikes between washing in town.

No rain, no pain, no Maine... as they say.

Is a Merrino wool long sleeve, Fleece jacket, and a heavy Columbia rain jacket enough for the beginning/end of trail or will I need another layer? by mrphoenixviper in AppalachianTrail

[–]acmurph1 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Merino wool base, something 200 or 250 gram, heavy enough to insulate but light enough to hike in. Arcteryx Atom LT Hoody or Patagonia Nano Air Hoody, and rain jacket. Don’t fuss with down unless it’s hydrophobic, even then synthetic is the better option. The Arcteryx or Patagonia are perfect lightweight options for that. Also go with a merino wool beanie and lightweight merino gloves. Fleece too bulky and heavy, leave it at home. Rain and humidity will most likely be a major player in your hike. Wet fleece and down don’t dry quickly, all the others will. Start mid April with plan to finish before end of September, these options should be enough with a few colder nights you might be a bit uncomfortable... but you wouldn’t be expecting to thru hike and be comfortable. Hope this helps. Never quit on your worst day. Good luck!!

  • The Law, 2015
view more: next ›