Hello, I'm Caroline, a 38-year-old nature enthusiast with a strong love for hiking and the outdoors. Despite working in the fast-paced tech industry, hiking has always been my solace. Whenever I have had the opportunity, I would escape to the mountains or nearby trails to seek refuge in the simplicity and tranquility of nature. The more time I spend outdoors, the more alive I feel. Unfortunately, life took an unexpected turn when I was laid off at the end of 2023. Initially, I felt a sense of panic and uncertainty about my next steps. However, I realized that this setback could be transformed into an opportunity. With my newfound free time, I have decided to fully embrace my passion for hiking. So, in 2024, I will embark on a long-distance hike, immersing myself in nature's beauty and pushing myself physically and mentally. This journey will serve as a reset and a chance to reconnect with the things that truly bring me joy, while also paving a new path in life. I am eager to share my experiences and connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts along the way. My hope is to inspire others to pursue their passions and live life to the fullest.
Posts
Things I Learned in my First 100-ish Miles as an Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker
Foreword Yes I'm over 300 miles now, I actually wrote this in advance of entering the Smokies while reflecting on my first 100 miles, then I
APRIL 21 – 25 Standing Bear to Hot Springs with a zero.
4/21 - Leaving Standing Bear I wake up at Standing Bear for the second night in a row. This time I had a lower bunk, yay. Also instead of sleeping
April 16- April 20: Zero Day, Northern Smokies, a Broken Phone, and a Party at Standing Bear
April 16 - A leisurely Zero day in Gatlinburg, TN (it weird to call it a zero when I walked at least 5 miles by non-AT miles don't count). I
April 11- 15: Fontana Through the Southern Smokies to Gatlinburg
April 11 - Cable Gap to the Fontana 'Hilton' shelter. The radar looked like a god-awful giant storm was brewing last time we had signal but now
April 1-10; Hiking the AT, the Dragon, an Eclipse, Morels, and How I Left My Trail Legs in Arkansas
April 1 - Monday Update We woke up in our tents at the fire tower. We were glad we slept in the tents and didn't cowboy camp in the tower, as
Easter Sunday Hiking
It might be Easter for all of you, but for us, it's just another day of hiking. We woke up at Wayah Bald Shelter (mile 120.6) and planned to hike to
From Winding Stair Gap (110) to mile 120.6 Wayah ShelterÂ
Getting to the Trail So the morning went off as expected. We made plans to travel with another girl, we had meet during our mutual zero in Muskrat
Hiking the AT from Unicoi to Rock Gap
Day 12 - Leaving Unicoi 9.7 miles, 3,000+ ft of ascent (one really long lunch), a stealth campsite at the 'Swag of the Blue Ridge', and a nice
Neel’s to Unicoi and a Zero in Helen
Day 8 - Smiles Not Miles - Taking The Blue Trails Before the sun had even decided to rise from its slumber, we found ourselves on a 7:30am. shuttle
Woody Gap, Woodhole Shelter, Neel’s Gap, and a Zero in Blairsville
Day 5 Woody Gap to Wood Hole shelter. 7.6 miles, 1,800 feet of gain. A great day, beautiful weather, little to no breeze, a mid-trail trail-angel