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Checking in from the AT in Virginia


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Sentinel, did that for a whole week about 15 years ago. A 'foreign exchange' counselor and I backpacked through constant rain for the whole time and during the entire time we never even got a decent view of the mountains. So we finished up after that week and checked into a hotel to dry out and shower and wouldn't you know it....it cleared up right away.

But we had a friend (who used to be on these forums but not anymore) pick us up for a short road trip before the counselor had to return to Europe. We still had a great time, though I felt bad that they didn't get to SEE much more than the trail and our campsites. The road trip was good though.

Gear advice. If you're using really old backpacks (no longer waterproof), pack plenty of trash bags to use for rain protection (but after a couple of days, everything is going to be soaked no matter what...just enjoy it).

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I did a 9 day float in the BWCA.  Rained every day.  Don't worry about keeping dry, it ain't gonna happen.  Put up went tents and slept in wet bags, and the next morning put on dry cloths that lasted 5 minutes.  Got our 50 miles in, though.  ..... and didn't have to roll down the windows on the car on the way home.  :)

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TT, if you're backpacking in Florida in the summer, I'm in awe. I don't see how you can stand that heat and humidity.

no backing for me.... in fact as I think about heading up to the mountains to do some, i've been considering doing some warm up hikes more local.... but it just doesn't appeal all that much to me even in the winter here.... sure there are some nice places, but...

 

even just daily living, I keep reminding myself that I don't belong in Florida.... the topography is all wrong for me...the climate all wrong.... the architectural style of the homes is all wrong.... I don't care for the beach..... how did I get here???

 

Yeah, I've had a long standing personal rule against tent camping in the summer here.... up until recently anyway.  Had a few conversation before and after son's first summer camp experience summer before last.  He really didn't like that the troop goes so far away....and as I think about it more I agree.  I really think that is one of those adult driven but scout decided things....(the adults plant the seed that it's too hot and that we should go to the mountains...)  I tend to want to agree, except there would be benefit in staying more local...and truthfully it is doable if you don't catch a bad week of severe heat.  Lots of time it's almost bearable out in the evenings, bring a fan and a good bug net, it could work....

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We get 90o's + 100% humidity with plenty of bugs up here too.  It's part of the planned program.  Drink water and don't worry about it.  If the hot afternoon bothers, just wait until the mosquitoes come out at dusk and it cools down.

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no backing for me.... in fact as I think about heading up to the mountains to do some, i've been considering doing some warm up hikes more local.... but it just doesn't appeal all that much to me even in the winter here.... sure there are some nice places, but...

 

even just daily living, I keep reminding myself that I don't belong in Florida.... the topography is all wrong for me...the climate all wrong.... the architectural style of the homes is all wrong.... I don't care for the beach..... how did I get here???

 

Yeah, I've had a long standing personal rule against tent camping in the summer here.... up until recently anyway.  Had a few conversation before and after son's first summer camp experience summer before last.  He really didn't like that the troop goes so far away....and as I think about it more I agree.  I really think that is one of those adult driven but scout decided things....(the adults plant the seed that it's too hot and that we should go to the mountains...)  I tend to want to agree, except there would be benefit in staying more local...and truthfully it is doable if you don't catch a bad week of severe heat.  Lots of time it's almost bearable out in the evenings, bring a fan and a good bug net, it could work....

 

Man, I can feel your pain. When I was a boy, my father took me camping in the Everglades. We tented on a 'roost' in the middle of a mangrove swamp and there was no mosquito net, no fans, no electricity. I sweated my you-know-what off for weeks one time, on the shore of one of those blackwater lakes surrounded by swamp. Those experiences made for great memories. I hope I never do it again, lol. I'm more suited for Colorado or Montana or someplace like that.

BUT, the fishing was great, we caught and ate so much fish and I still love it. You have to WORK to catch like that in other places, lol.

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