Archives
A Headlight on a Northbound Train
When you decide to hike a long trail, you are largely advocating for yourself.
Piñata and Sourstraws’ CDT Gear List for Two
My husband and I have amassed quite a bit of gear over two thru-hikes. Still, for the CDT we knew we'd have to purchase some new big ticket items, mostly...
Balancing Caution and Bravery: The Sunrise Summit of a Snow-Coated Mt. Whitney
Upon entering the Sierra in 2017, I was greeted with snow. Snow that made every peak look more dramatic and all the valleys beautiful. Snow that made me learn to...
It’s the AT, not a Walk in the Woods
If you were hoping for views, switchback mountain climbs, and nice outdoor camping nights, do not hike the AT. I’m amazed by the number of people who didn’t expect snow...
The Vortex Is Strong in Damascus
Day 29 (7.5 miles) Laurel Falls campsite to Boots Off Hostel, Hampton, Tenn. Laurel Falls campsite was wonderful, sleeping peacefully by a quiet river. Three guys about my age were...
I Love(d) Not Camping
We arrive at our decisions to thru-hike in all sorts of ways. Some of us get there in a more roundabout manner than others. When I decided in 2015 to...
Failing to Finish Your Hike and Why It’s OK
"The mountains will always be there." You hear this phrase tumble over the lips of fellow hikers when admitting defeat. And nobody likes to say it, but we all fail...
Down in Rain, Up in Smoke
One day out of Nantahala, we reach Locust Cove Gap, where we set up camp and prepare for imminent rain. Other thru-hikers stopped at the NOC for an hour or...
Leaving Nantahala
It is Saturday and we are leaving late. We have waited at Nantahala Outdoor Center to pick up a package for a friend who already left and the mail has...
AT Flip-Flop Thru-Hike 2018: Week One (Video)
Check out my first video from the trail. It is a short ten minutes where I talk about my hikes and history concept, some of the crazy April weather we...