Hey, everyone!

So things are going really well thus far. Made it to mile 997 today after completing the majority of the rollercoaster in northern Virginia--it's not bad at all once you've done nearly 1,000 miles.

Keeping weight on still seems to be the major difficulty, but today I dipped cookies in whipped butter for a snack and it was diiivvviiinnne.

Hope y'all enjoy my blog, I've been updating daily and trying to make it as detailed as possible. (Link is below in signature.)

-Rayo

This poll asks about the stankiest water sources your have drunk form on the AT. Please check all that apply.

This site has caused me to obsess over pack weight, to the point that I will pack, repack, remove, replace, or redistribute gear for hours on end several times a week. I finally got to weigh my pack last night and it was 21 pounds with food! I have a few things left to replace that will reduce my weight even more. The advice I've received here has been priceless in every facet and quite entertaining. I just want to thank everyone, so this is my way.

Hello everyone. I just joined the forum a few days ago and have been reading many posts. This place seems like a great font of knowledge. I was in Scouts many, many years ago and used to hike quite a bit. I've been to Katahdin a couple of times, as well as Philmont. I have, however, been away from hiking for about 22 years now.

I've been collecting gear over the last month and feel I'm ready for a nice hike. I was planning on heading up to SNP next weekend for a 3 day, 2 night hike (about 30 miles) but just found out I have 6 days off, so I was thinking of heading up for a nice long break. SNP is about 4 hours from where I live. I feel gear-wise, I'm good. I've just had some random questions pop into mind over the last few days as the time gets nearer.

1. Where do you wash your dishes? In the old days of scouting, we did it in streams or had large containers of water. I know with the LNT principals, this is not cool. I've seen collapsable sinks..is this a good option?

2. what do you all do about batteries, specifically for GPS. I have a Dakota 20 which takes AA's. Should I just bring extras? Do you all use some type of charger? I have a solar charger for my cell, but that won't work to charge the Dakota.

3. I'd eventually like to do some section hiking, with the entire length of SNP being my first goal. In other areas, is it ok to camp pretty much anywhere along the trail? Do you rely mostly on shelters?

4. Can you reccommend a good overall through/section hiking book for the AT?

I'm sure more questions will pop to mind, and I will post as they do, but I greatly appreciate any feedback you all have.

~Brian

I have a co worker ask me a question if any one has ever hiked the whole A.T, get to the end , turn around and do it again all in the same year. I told him I knew just the place to find the answer.

i am Through Hiking 2013. and i was wondering how yall physically prepare. i go to the gym this and that. but nothing is like having a 30lb back pack on your back. the closest mtn to me is about 1 hr away and cost for gas everyday just isnt possible. any suggestions that might have worked for you?

also the gym will not allow me to treadmill or step maching with my pack on.

Doing Springer to Harper's Ferry with my fiance. We need a lightweight/compact tent that will fit both of us but are on a budget. Any suggestions?

What is with you Franklin? It looks like next week is supposed to be 20% - 60% chance of rain every day!! Well I don't care... still going from Deep Gap to Fontana Dam. Does rain in Franklin usually mean rain on that southern North Carolina section of the trail? Any other better close locales that I can look up? Franklin seems the best.

Thanks, JB

Hello, All,

The wife and I are doing our next section Memorial Day weekend between Caledonia and Pine Grove Furnace State Parks in PA. Some questions:

1.) Are there any good places to camp between Middle Ridge Road and Milesburn Cabin? The first day, I'm shooting for between 5-8 miles; Quarry Gap shelter is way too close and Birch Run too far. (The second night we'll be at Toms Run.) If there was a good place close to Milesburn Cabin without actually trespassing on PATC property, that would be particularly good, as it would be nice to have water nearby.
2.) Speaking of water, how's it doing around there? The NOAA maps indicate that precipitation has improved over the last month or so, but is still lagging behind normal for the YTD.
3.) How far is Dark Hollow vista from the trail? If it's close, it would be nice to get another good view (since the only other one seems to be Sunset Rocks) but if it's going to be a ways, we might just drive to it someday.

Any other information that people feel would be good to know would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help!

I am thinking of switching over to quick dry shoes instead of waterproof ones and I am trying to pick a waterproof sock. I am curious if anyone has used these products and what they thought.

I'm starting June 15. What temp rated sleeping bag should I stat out with? I have a 40F and a 20F bag. I was thinking of starting with the 20F and then changeing to the 40F in Hanover. If I don't need the extra temp rating through Maine and the White's then I would start with the 40F for the weight savings.

I just recently spent the weekend in Harpers Ferry, it is a beautiful place and it was nice to visit the ATC. I hiked the Maryland Heights Trail and for those of you who are not familiar with this trail, it is a short hike up to a cliff above the Potomac River that offers a scenic view of Harpers Ferry. I was wondering if the ATC or the trail club who maintains this area of trail in Maryland has ever considered routing the A.T. to this point? Seeing how Harpers Ferry is a major destination along the trail and it being home to the ATC, It would seem like a good idea in my opinion to offer A.T. hikers a scenic view of this beautiful town.

http://images.everytrail.com/pics/fu...ghts__119_.JPG

Would like to know what everyone does for their breakfast and lunch meals to get new ideas. For me, it's Special K Protein cereal and powdered milk for breakfast and peanut butter and honey/jelly sandwiches for lunch. We all got the dinners down!

Stayed at walnut mountain shelter last night just south of Hot Springs and a mouse chewed a quarter-sized hole in my $300 bag!? What the heck? Never heard of this happening before. Didn't have food with me or on me at all. I think it was just pulling the down out... No telling how much it got... I patched it up with duct tape and now I'm not sure what to do... patch it with something heavier? :mad: not a happy camper!