My father and little siblings would like to join me for my first day of the CT, before turning around themselves. I immediately though this would be a great idea, but now I have a concern. Would segment 1 be enjoyable for them, or should we do a different part? They need something easy, with plenty of camping spots, on a trail-not a road and I'd prefer it be very scenic for them. Does segment 1 meet that criteria, or should we do a different segment. I have no objections to doing a different segment with them, and then returning to the start to do the thru-hike, even if that means 2 extra days for me. I just want them to enjoy their experience on the CT.

Thanks for helping me with all my many questions.

As I've been dodging the rain the last few days in GSMNP I've been reading about SIGNIFICANT die-offs of bats, Western honey Bees, and amphibians in GSMNP and other places in N. America. Anyone wish to opine on these topics?

Is there such a thing as a book swap thread here on WB?

If not, can we start one?

For example, I just finished reading "Southbound" by Lucy and Susan Letcher (aka The Barefoot Sisters). I really enjoyed it, but I don't need to keep it. However, I would love to read anything by/about Jennifer Pharr Davis ("Becoming Odyssa", etc).

I'll ship you my book if you ship me yours!

Looks like the data books with all the new information have arrived. I just placed my order.

Hey Im just looking to see if there any avid hikers on camp Lejuene or in the surounding areas. I think it would be awesome to start a group, or meet up and eventually plan a hike. So Let me know whos out there.

Thanks again to White Blaze for the Pinhoti Forum.

It should be apparent to all as they scroll down the different trail forums in the other long trails section
Pinhoti has had in many cases as much or more viewers as any others.

Looking to aquablaze SNP tomorrow or Thursday. Anyone know an affordable company to use? Already hiked SNP, so no talk about not being a thru hiker, etc. Thanks :-)

Hey gang, I'm looking for a semi big daypack that I could fit the bare essentials into if I want to do an ultralight weekend trip. I use an atmos 65 for my normal multi day trips but once I started looking into cutting my gears weight down, it has cut down the size of the bulk of it as well. now that I see my pack having more and more free space, I'd like to keep it for my thru hike next year but in the meantime I'd like to find a mid size daypack that can hold what I'd need for a couple of days. is 30L too small for bag, tent, pad, camp clothes, stove, and dirty bag with toiletries and such?

please give me your thoughts. I will include some names of the gear I have to show sizes of it all.

marmot atom 40

thermarest neoair xlite

tarptent moment

halulite minimalist with Emberlit mini wood burner stove

normal camp clothing

I'd be willing to ditch camelbak for platypus bottles only for the daypack


...the more I think about cutting down as a secondary setup, the more I would like to pinpoint that perfect pack to just
get by with. one that struck my eye that I thought was just too small is the marmot ultra kompressor
thanks all who reply

Beginning later this month, will be doing a 3-4 week road trip to bag up to 13 state highpoints, but would like to break up the driving with some overnighters on trails we might be near, with even 2-3 day outings on a trail if possible. The general route will take us through OH, IN, MI, WI, MN, IL, IA, NE, OK, NM, TX, AR, MS, bagging the geographical high point of each. I know--not very exciting, but I've completed the other state highpoints west of the Mississippi, except for AK. I'd like to hear suggestions for short backpacking trips on the Buckeye Trail, Pictured Rocks, Ice Age, etc. etc.,, on or near our driving route. Prefer minimum of road walking, good trailhead parking, and 2-20 miles of backcountry hiking trail. I know this is somewhat wide open, but you all are a bright bunch with vast hiking experience, and I know you have some favorite spots you can recommend! Thank you!

I have 33 state highpoints now + these 13 + 3 later on (DE, CT, RI) would make 49. Our section hike of the CDT is on hold this summer, as Gutsy is recuperating from a knee injury.

Odometer and Gutsy

How do you stop Snickers bars turning into a big gooey mess in the heat and how can you make water lighter? Thanks in advance.....

I need a shuttle in the bland va area ....any ideas? I'm on the trail now. Any help would be appreciated.

I don't have a PayPal account but Ill gladly pay in cash.

Anyone on here have experience getting a "cross-country" permit from GSMNP for camping off-trail? I have camped off-trail in the Smokies before (illegally) but would like to go legit. The adventure of orienteering and the desire to get away from folks causes me to want to do this more. I found the GSMNP regs that talk about the procedure, but don't know how hard the vetting process is.
Does anyone have experience getting this type of permit? What should I expect?

Multiple TJ-ers have noted their admiration for solo female hikers. Some of my personal faves in that category are German Tourist “Christine” and Marta. (The kid Sunshine holds promise when she outgrows Dad. ) What I like is that they struck out on their own; I like this in men too but I’d like to hear what traits get your respect - - > not record holders, superathletes or book authors, just female hikers making their own tracks in the hiking world.

I have recently become slightly obsessed about hiking and the AT. I don't have any specialized hiking gear yet. I am looking for a place to buy/try out things like backpacks. There is an REI close by that I will be going to. Are there any other retailers that carry these things to try out in the store? I hate to buy a pack online only to have it fit poorly or be too big/small/heavy.
Thanks,
Norm