Archives
Can’t Hardly Wait
The anticipation is practically unbearable. All day, every day, the trail is on my mind. I Dream About It I go for long walks in the mornings before work and...
A Video Montage of My 2016 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike
The Appalachian Trail. Three words with five million steps. As I watch these short clips flash by, I have to force myself to see what really lies behind the screen....
How To Give Yourself Permission
I reached for my sauvignon blanc, wrapped my fingers around the stem and took a hefty swing. I rolled my eyes back into my head while I tipped the wine...
Notice of Intent to Hike (or An Affirmation of Job-Leaving and Dream-Weaving)
I will be thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail southbound beginning in June 2017. This will necessitate leaving the education world (but I will return) and a life in Phoenix (but I...
Spiders, Snails, and the Appalachian Trail
I had the privilege of growing up long before it was socially acceptable to give a toddler an iPad. Sure, I had a Playstation (R.I.P. Spyro), but I spent most of...
Shakedown hikes, the case for and tips
A shakedown hike is a typically shorter hike you go on to help prepare for a longer distance hike. This article has some good reasons to do a shakedown hike,...
Gear Review: Helly Hansen Loke Rain Jacket and Pants (M/W)
The world can be a cold, wet, and windy place. So when venturing out into the elements you need to make sure you've got the right jacket for the job....
A Thru-Hikers’ Holiday Gift List
Last year right around this time UPS was at my door about 3 times a week dropping off a wide assortment of thru-hiking / backpacking gear. At that time I...
Week 15 – Delaware Water Gap to Port Clinton, PA
We start this week’s adventure in the nice, comfortable, warmth of my Dad’s home, surrounded by those we love. Shortly, we will have to say goodbye, and we will hit...
Transportation Along the AT: The Section Hiker’s Dilemma
I've section hiked more than 3/4 of the Appalachian Trail, stretching from Monson, ME down to Hot Springs, NC. Through section hiking, by necessity, I've become rather adept at patching...