Officially Registered For My 2018 SOBO AT Trek

My name is Michael Strand and I go by Mick. I am planning on taking on the Appalachian Trail solo July 2018 going Southbound. I am not new to the Trail. 40 years ago, right out of college, a friend and I experienced a section of the Trail for a month and a half. We loved it! Then real life began calling and I had to answer. Life for me included New York City businessman, rural life Inn and restaurant owner in Virginia, and currently high school teacher of Marketing and Entrepreneurship with summers spent in Maine as an athletic director at an elite boys’ camp, Camp Caribou.

At 60, I’ve decided to retire after this school year. The next part of my journey will begin on the AT. I understand by starting in July heading south means spending time on the trail during the winter months with less human interactions, but I’m preparing for that. My support system includes my wife, 7 year old daughter, and puppy waiting for me at home in VA, and also my 2 older daughters, 22 and 29. They are all behind me and supporting me on my journey. “There is pleasure in the pathless woods, there is rapture in the lonely shore, there is society where none intrudes, by the deep sea, and music in its roar; I love not Man the less, but nature more.” -Lord Byron

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Comments 11

  • Nanook : Oct 9th

    Hi Mick,
    Glad I’m not going to be the only 60 year old hiking SOBO next year!
    I’m bicycling from St.Louis, MO to Albany,NY, visiting with my kids and grandkids and then taking a bus to Maine.
    What do you figure, be done somewhere around Christmas?
    Hope to cross paths with you, Happy Trails!
    Nanook

    Reply
    • Mick : Oct 9th

      That’s great. I’m sure we will cross paths. Best of luck on your journey. Yes the plan is to finish around Christmas.

      Reply
    • rhinestone : Nov 4th

      Nanook, You need to study the amount of people looking at their phones while driving. Hiways for cyclists are much more dangerous than ever before. Good luck.

      Reply
  • Bethany Osborne : Oct 9th

    I loved your blog! I can’t wait to hear more when you embark on your journey! The best way to spend retirement is on the trails. 🙂 This is so exciting!

    Reply
    • Mick : Oct 9th

      Thanks Bethany. I will keep you updated from the trail!

      Reply
  • Ruth morley : Oct 9th

    This is great! Our paths will cross at some point, because I’ll be NOBO next year. I’m just 4 years ahead of you in life’s journey, so I’ll be rooting for you.

    It sounds as if you’re well acquainted with what the trail holds in store for you. I look forward to following your journey.

    Reply
    • Mick : Oct 9th

      Thanks Ruth. I look forward to crossing paths.

      Reply
  • Carmen Lomonoco : Oct 9th

    Greetings Mick,

    Please keep me posted when your hitting the New YOrk section—i live in NYC. See ya soon!!!!!

    Carmen—aka BATPEEL

    Reply
    • Mick : Oct 9th

      I will for sure.

      Reply
  • Megan : Nov 12th

    Hi Mick! I’m planning a SOBO hike next year as well and also starting in July. I wanted to go NOBO in 19 but I don’t want to wait for fear of a job or something tying me up. I was afraid I am starting too late but I don’t have much choice. It will be mid to end July. Look forward to running into you!

    Reply
    • Mick : Nov 12th

      Best of luck. I’m sure we will run into each other. I’m retiring so I’m in no real rush except the weather. I may flip when I get to Harpers Ferry. Go to Springer Mountain and back to Harpers Ferry. That may give me better weather.

      Reply

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