Archives
Planning My Second Thru-Hike: Purpose and Whimsy
After completing your first long distance hike, it is common to go through several “hiking phases”. I experienced three such phases after completing my Appalachian Trail thru-hike, and these phases...
Hiawassee, Georgia – Zero Day in Absolutely Beautiful Surroundings
Feb. 28: Sally and Joyce recommended three hotels in Hiawassee. One did not have laundry and I chose Holiday Inn after hearing that it was the best location. As I...
Neel Gap to Dicks Creek Gap – Trail Name Big Sky
Packed and ready to leave Blood Mountain Cabins and Neel Gap at 8 a.m. I went to drop off my key and one of their cats (gray and white) led...
Listening for an Echo: Deciding Whether to Attempt a Thru-Hike
"You called me knowing what I would tell you, because you wanted me to tell you. You already know what you need to do." I mumbled a weepy, "Yeah, I...
Adventure On: Five Lessons I’ve Learned from Setbacks on Trail
I’ve been on the grid, but unplugged for the past 2.5 months. In December, I had to step away from the Appalachian Trail and pause my thru-hike due to circumstances...
Gear Review: Rab Men’s Kaon Jacket
Rab has made a serious contender for the ideal backpacking jacket with the Kaon Jacket. This innovative jacket is made with efficiency in mind and cuts weight everywhere possible. Inspired...
How to Survive the Snowy Smokies
The Situation Should you be one of the lucky ones to afford a night at the Fontana Dam Shelter, you'll be faced with a dire decision the next morning. Do...
Top Favorite Trail Foods
Food on a thru-hike dosen't have to be complicated! Through trial and error, I've been able to discover what meals and snacks I like the best to power me through...
It’s Official: I’m Unemployed
What a day it's been. It has been a day full of bittersweet goodbyes, lots of well wishes, tears, and a little bout of anxiety. I was leaving the comfort...
A Quick Trip Home: Travel Blog Part 1
Last week, I flew home to Washington State to attend a snow skills class at Snoqualmie Pass. I flew in a few days early to spend time with family and...