High Five

In 2011, I had 2 months of joblessness and decided to try my hand (foot?) at long-distance hiking. After 49 days and 500 miles, I was sold. I met my future husband two weeks before driving to Springer, and we've spent the intervening years hiking, climbing, kayaking, and adventuring as much as possible. We finished the AT in the fall of 2014, hiking from Katahdin to the VA/TN border and, two days later, our wedding. Immediately after, we hitched a Uhaul to my Honda and moved to Colorado's Western Slope. Six years later, we thru-hiked the Colorado Trail in 2020 and now dream of the PCT, CDT, and beyond. Our fur-kid's name is Jake, and he's famous for giving high fives and puppy kisses.

Posts

Announcing the 2021 Badger Sponsorship: A +$20,000 Gear Giveaway to Benefit the National Scenic Trails

Announcing the 2021 Badger Sponsorship: A +$20,000 Gear Giveaway to Benefit the National Scenic Trails

Calling all hikers, backpackers, day adventurers: we need you! Each year, The Trek lavishes some lucky upcoming thru-hikers with thousands of

Feb 15, 2021 : High Five
The Trek and Garage Grown Gear Present the Thru-Hiking Giveaway!

The Trek and Garage Grown Gear Present the Thru-Hiking Giveaway!

Welcome to your next gear kit, courtesy of Garage Grown Gear, yours truly, and 19 top-of-the-line cottage-industry backpacking gear brands. This is

Feb 3, 2021 : High Five
Life Hacks for the Trail Life

Life Hacks for the Trail Life

Life on the trail, there's nothing like it. SleepingĀ under the stars. Worrying about nothing more than where you'll eat lunch. Meandering through the

May 11, 2017 : High Five
The 5 Non-Profits You Should Support this Holiday Season

The 5 Non-Profits You Should Support this Holiday Season

Happy Holidays! It's that time of year again, when trees are chopped down in the name of holiday cheer and millions are spent in giant department

Dec 11, 2016 : High Five
Gear Review: Vasque Inhaler II GTX

Gear Review: Vasque Inhaler II GTX

A good shoe can make or break your hike, especially with feet like mine. Blister-prone with frequent in-grown toenails and a tendency towards severe

Nov 1, 2016 : High Five
5 Features I Look for in a Backpack

5 Features I Look for in a Backpack

In 2011 I struck out on my own from Neel Gap with a nearly 30 lb pack. My dad, who had driven me to GA, was heading back to "the real world" and

Aug 9, 2016 : High Five
If You Give a Hiker a Cookie

If You Give a Hiker a Cookie

This is a parody of the children's classic (and one of my favorite books) "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" by Laura Joffe Numeroff. If you give

Feb 16, 2016 : High Five
How a Warm-Blooded Southerner Preps for the Colorado Trail

How a Warm-Blooded Southerner Preps for the Colorado Trail

Date: November 2014 Location: Grayson Highlands, VA Temps: below freezing Snow fall: more than I'd ever seen in my life (somewhat facetious) We

Jan 30, 2016 : High Five
Gear Review: Darn Tough Socks

Gear Review: Darn Tough Socks

I love socks. Like the greatest wizard of all time (Dumbledore), I don't believe one can have too many socks. After five years of hiking, I've

Dec 15, 2015 : High Five
Gear Review: MSR SweetWater Purifier Solution

Gear Review: MSR SweetWater Purifier Solution

Headed into the woods for a few days? A few months? Forever? (i.e. Zombie Apocalypse prepping?) The MSR SweetWater Purifier Solution should be in

Dec 1, 2015 : High Five