Posts
So About That 2,000-Mile Hike…
Well, I didn't quite make it to Maine. But I did make it 736.1 miles, collect an absurd number of memories, find some of the best people I've ever met, and learn a whole lot about myself along the way.
Days 28 & 29: From Dollywood Highs to Trail Lows
After one of the most fun zero days of my entire hike—complete with Dollywood rides, festival food, and enough calories to alarm my nutritionist—returning to the Smokies hit harder than expected. Beautiful views couldn’t stop the emotional crash that came with getting back on trail, reminding me that thru-hiking can hold both incredible highs and really hard lows.
Day 27: The Town Vortex
After days of mist, mud, and mountain suffering, Day 27 brought one of my favorite things: town. What started as a simple resupply in Gatlinburg quickly spiraled into giant pizza, total sensory overload, and one of the most chaotic decisions of the entire hike—an unexpected pilgrimage to Dollywood.
Day 26: Mile 200 at Kuwohi- Clouds, Wet Socks & a Miracle
Mile 200 took me to the highest point on the Appalachian Trail: Kuwohi. After days of rain and zero morale, I thought the Smokies would only offer fog—but one unexpected detour turned this into a day I’ll never forget.
Days 24 & 25: Mist, Misery, and Mild Hatred of the Smokies
Days 24 and 25 in the Smokies were nothing like the postcard views people rave about. Instead, I got fog, rain, bear paranoia, a burnt dinner, peeling feet, and what I can only describe as the Appalachian Waterslide. Character building? Probably. Fun? Debatable.
Day 23: Welcome to the Smokies
After two glorious zero days, I was ready to enter the Great Smoky Mountains. The views from Shuckstack were unreal, and I thought nothing could ruin the day… until a swarm of wasps and a torrential downpour reminded me that the trail loves keeping me humble.
Days 21 & 22: The Art of Doing Absolutely Nothing
No mountains were conquered. No mileage records were broken. Instead, we spent two glorious zero days eating donuts, cleaning out our backpacks, working out in ridiculous loaner clothes, and preparing for the Smokies. Sometimes the most important trail days are the ones where you don't hike at all.
Day 20: We Crashed a Trail Wedding
Day 20 brought me to the legendary Fontana Hilton, complete with showers, pizza access, and an Appalachian Trail love story. Unfortunately, the day also claimed a victim: my trusty camp flip-flops. Sometimes trail life gives you luxury. Sometimes it takes your shoes.
Day 19: Floating Mountains and Emergency McDonald’s
A stunning mountain inversion on Cheoah Bald quickly gave way to one of my toughest days yet. Between cramps, tears, trail angels disguised as friends, a hiker-friendly motel, and an emergency McDonald's feast, Day 19 was a reminder that sometimes making it through the day is victory enough.
Day 18: Everything in North Carolina Wants Me Dead
After leaving the comforts of the NOC, I faced one of the toughest climbs yet—along with a bee sting in the worst possible location, warnings about rattlesnakes and bears, and enough bugs to drive me into my tent for dinner. Day 18 wasn't pretty, but I kept moving forward anyway.
