Posts
Sunrise at Max’s Patch: Realizing the Purpose of My Thru Hike
“It is up to us to put ourselves in the way of beauty.” This quote from Cheryl Strayed has stuck with me while thru hiking. Her late mother reminded
What’s in a (Trail) Name?
Trees shrouded in moss tower overhead. Slivers of light stripe the trail in golden ribbons. Pine needles are pearled with morning dew, silver in the
Finding My Stride at Long Branch Shelter
I trudged over the Georgia state line into North Carolina. I was so happy I kissed the tree that marked the border. It was pouring — I was wet,
Everything I’ve Gotten Rid of Since Starting My Thru Hike
At Neel’s Gap, I dropped my pack’s weight from 33 pounds to 22.5. I got rid of my dignity! Just kidding. Kind of. I weighed my pack this
Joining soles at Neels Gap
There I was. Standing in a puddle, in my wet socks, in a cold rainstorm, fingers freezing, manically cackling and eating an uncooked brick of ramen
I Shaved My Head!
It was my last step to do before my thru-hike. I got all my gear. I quit my job. I relearned how to walk. And now, the moment all of my hair
Take a Wilderness First Aid Course: Someone’s Life Could Depend On It
TRIGGER WARNING: The following story contains events of Paul Classen's (Grandmaster's) fall from McAfee's Knob. My deepest condolences go to his
Toilet Paper: No Thanks!
In brainstorming an Appalachian Trail thru hike, some basic hygiene questions come to mind. For those who wear contacts — how am I going to see? For
Less Pain… More Gain: Painful Lessons Before Getting on Trail
Over the past three months, I've been constantly injured: a wrist sprain, runner's knee(s), plantar fasciitis (in both feet), and now a strained hip
Abby’s Appalachian Trail Gear List
After deciding to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail this spring, I unlocked a new obsession: backpacking gear. Through much fixation, research, and