
My trail name is Magic, in 2021 I walked away from my ordinary life to thru-hiked the AT. Shortly after completing my first long-distance trail, I realized I would no longer be content working a traditional job, so I packed my bags and moved to east TN. I now work as a professional hiking/backpacking guide in the GSMNP. In 2023 I plan to thru hike the Arizona Trail. When I’m not on the trail, I enjoy writing and practicing yoga. Check out my personal blog, Magic in the Mountains, to read my AT trail journals along with other outdoor adventure musings.
Posts
6 Mistakes to Avoid on the Appalachian Trail from a Backpacking Guide
No one starts as an expert backpacker and we all make mistakes. Here are behaviors to avoid from an Appalachian Trail backpacking guide.
AZT Day 33-36 (mile 402.6-462.2)
Our last stretch of the AZT… we made it 460 miles to Pine. Thankful to have walked this far, we’ll be back for more one day soon!
AZT Day 28- 32 (mile 380-402.6
Half the fun of a long trail is taking a zero… follow along as we take several zeros and get into shenanigans with the locals!
AZT Day 22- 27 (mile 305.7-380)
The days are hot and the miles are being checked off slowly but surely as we make our way north.
AZT Day 14-21 (177.2-305.7)
Heading into the third week of our journey from Mexico to Utah. These last few days have been filled with wildflowers and breathtaking scenery.
AZT Day 8-13 (mile 96.6-177.2)
Took some time off to rest my aching knees, but now we’re back on trail! Slowly but surely working our way towards Utah.
AZT Day 4-7 (mile 38-96)
Day 4: 12.2 miles (camp at TerraSol) Town day! We woke up and tired to get moving at a decent time. Our campsite turned out to be beautiful in the
AZT Day 1-3 (mile 0-38)
Day 1: 11.3 miles (camp at mile 9.3) What a big first day! We started the day by getting ready at Trail Angel Heather’s house in Tucson, AZ before
The Journey Before the Journey
We haven’t even started hiking yet but we’ve already been on quite the journey. Truffles and I left our home in east Tennessee on Wednesday, March
Magic’s 2023 AZT Gear List – Part 3
Living out of a backpack for months on end is intimidating and seems impossible for most, but for a select few brave souls, it can be one of the most