So this is my first post on WB! I've been lurking for a couple months, so this is kind of exciting for me. I'm in the pre-planning stages for a 2014 thru-hike.

My question: How does one with dry skin deal with being constantly exposed to the elements during a thru-hike? My skin gets so dry in colder weather, that even when I'm not spending a lot of time outside I find myself applying lotion 2-3 times a day. My skin also gets really itchy when it's dry. This is seriously one of my biggest concerns since I'm planning to start in early March and don't want to be any more miserable than necessary during those first months. Should I just suck it up and carry a few ounces of lotion, and resupply as needed? Are there any materials, as far as clothing, that help protect skin from drying out (probably a shot in the dark, but thought I'd ask)?

I can't possibly be the only one who's considered thru-hiking with dry skin :).

Thanks!

Hi all,

I live in Stamford CT and I am looking for a week long section hike either in Mass, Vermont, or New Hampshire. Know any good stretches with some good views etc?

Thanks!

Just curious as to how the wet spring weather has affected trail conditons. We've had a dry April in the northeast, but a fairly wet May. How about further south, say in North Carolina, GA and VA? What have trail conditions been like this spring?

there are a few obvious things about this, i'm loking for any help beyond that. so to clarify my knowledge base the following things are known to be true:
1. expect to get wet
2. line backpack with trash compactor bag - pack covers are not so effective on their own.
3. site selection is important.

i have a few questions though. i use lightweight trail runners and i anticipate my feet being wet - how do people handle this? what kind of sock choices are you guys using?

Hi all,

My partner and I are section hiking part of Maine the second week of June. We have some experience (AT & Glacier), but have never been this far north on the trail. Right now our plan is to do a short trip, Caratunk to Monson. Any thoughts on what to expect in this section? Seems moderate compared to the rest of the state, but I hear that's relative, considering the strenuous nature of the AT in Maine.

Feedback much appreciated!

Thanks!

We are starting on the 26th and are planning to spend hike 55 miles from Neels Gap to Deep Gap NC to finish out GA. We think this should take us about 5 days. Is there anything in this area we should be paying attention too? Something like increased Bear sightings, or Alien Abductions etc etc... Thanks and we are looking forawrd to finishing Gerogia.

BullFrog and Turtle
Fleming Island,FL

Norovirus still an issue for shelters between Clingmans and Hot Springs?

I wanted to check if that was all clear now or still a concern.

Thanks.

I'm about to enter SNP. What are the current mile markers for those famous milkshakes?

Sounds like a few of you folks have been in the Standing Indian area recently. I'm debating whether flip flops will do for camp shoes; if there are stream crossings, I guess I'll run out to grab a cheapie pair of fake Crocs or something. My trail shoes are lightweight Merrells and would probably dry pretty quickly unless there's multiple times they're getting wet.

Details, details! I can't wait to get this first hike under my belt and then I won't have so dang many questions! Thanks to anyone who responds.

Hi ever one just got a few questions for you

1 what do you use to spice up your noodles i use hot dogs spam tuna fish and thing like that have you ever use
stuff like gravy or othe kind of spice like stuff for beef stew.
2would you take a slepping pad trying to drop some more weight off my pack right no got down to 35lbs that
with food and water also wonder if i should bring my rain pants since i am starting in july.

Thank for the help

I was planning to start a couple month section hike Southbound on June 15th. The plan had been to...

1. Get dropped off at Katahdin Stream early on the 15th.
2. Leave my pack at the ranger station.
3. Take the Abol trail up to the terminus.
4. Take the Hunt trail down to Katahdin Stream Campground where I have a reservation for the 15th.

Now I'm kicking around the idea of doing the Knife Edge trail as well as long as the weather is nice. Logistically how would this be done? What would the itinerary be?

I must not be looking in the correct spot , but I am having a really hard time getting information for week long parking at Fontana dam, is there a map or web page that has this information?

There are 4 of us and only have 10 days total time off from classes. Coming from FL so want to stay fairly south, but would be willing to go further north for a break in the heat. Any suggestions would be great!

Getting the pack together, and these are the clothes I'm bringing. Any suggestions?

From bottom to top, wearing:

Oboz Boots
Wigwam Merino Silk Hiking socks

Jockey synthetic boxer briefs (love these, no chafing!)
Columbia Sportswear Synthetic Cargo shorts (built-in belt)

Under Armor synthetic t-shirt, short sleeve
Bandanna


In the clothes bag:

Long sleeve synthetic tshirt
North Face lightweight fleece 'shirt' (it's more of a thin pullover sweater/jacket)
Synthetic long pants
Merino Wool Base Layer long sleeve shirt
Merino Wool Base Layer pants (long john style)
Columbia Sportswear rain jacket
Marmot Precip Rain Hat
Second pair of Merino Silk socks
Crocs sandals

I'm hoping I don't need any other type of jacket this weekend up in the mountains. A few weeks ago I was out on a trip where it got down to 17 degrees at night, slept in my wool base layer with socks on, in my 25 degree down bag, and was fine. And I prefer the wool base layer as my camp shirt anyways, unless it's really hot.

A few years ago I hiked a N Georgia section in early August and, other than a busload of yellow jackets, found the bugs to be minimal during the day. Slept under a tarp with a quilt at Bly Gap, no bugs. That was during a stretch of dry years.

In a few weeks I am taking one of my bro-in-laws on his first AT hike, just an overnighter from GA348 to GA75. Planning on tarping. Any reason to thinkthe bugs at night will be different? Anyone been through recently? Going soon?Not too worried about daytime bugs.
Thanks for the info, Todd