My name is Anne, and I'll be joining The Trek this 2026 as a blogger on the John Muir Trail. After growing up in the midwest, I found my way to the PNW and never looked back! I found backpacking and thru-hiking late(ish) in life in my 30s, and now I'm just so grateful to make up for lost time. I am my favorite version of myself when I am outside, and I hope that my writing encourages others to find their favorite way to love the outdoors - whatever that may look like! I have done many international and domestic backpacking trips, but this will be the longest and most difficult challenge for me yet! I look forward to writing all about my adventure before, during, and after the John Muir Trail - thanks for coming along.