Austin Hays: Goblin

They/them. Chaos emerald. AT 2021 Flip Flopper. Bad brain. Pleased to meet you, hope you guessed my name.

Posts

We’re Cloudbusting!

We’re Cloudbusting!

Listen, I know I can't categorize myself as a NOBO. I reach the northern terminus of the trail, I'm only halfway done. It's definitely not the same

Aug 7, 2021 : Austin Hays: Goblin
In A Big Country: The White Mountains

In A Big Country: The White Mountains

I sat on the couch of the Hanover Adventure Tours hostel in Norwich, VT. In theory, I should have been excited: I was over halfway from

Aug 6, 2021 : Austin Hays: Goblin
Déjà Vu in Western New England

Déjà Vu in Western New England

One of the greatest temptations on the AT from the so-called "real world" can be found in Pawling, NY. In the midst of a stretch of farmland, the

Jul 9, 2021 : Austin Hays: Goblin
Filthy/Gorgeous (New Jersey and New York)

Filthy/Gorgeous (New Jersey and New York)

Stop me if you've had this dream before: as a fully grown adult, you have to relive a random year of school. Perhaps because of some technicality

Jun 22, 2021 : Austin Hays: Goblin
Feet Don’t Fail Me

Feet Don’t Fail Me

People will tell you that the AT in Pennsylvania is nothing but rocks. The truth is it's much more that! It's stones, pebbles, boulders, talus, and

Jun 8, 2021 : Austin Hays: Goblin
Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)

Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)

I do my best to follow Leave No Trace. I only camp at established spots, I pack out all my trash, and I bury my poop. But my first day on the AT

May 19, 2021 : Austin Hays: Goblin
The Past, Present, and Future of Dirt

The Past, Present, and Future of Dirt

I have my gear list more or less dialed down. I shelled out for new a new pack and a nice underquilt for my hammock. I tested everything from my

Apr 21, 2021 : Austin Hays: Goblin
5 Reasons Why I Chose to Flip-Flop the Appalachian Trail

5 Reasons Why I Chose to Flip-Flop the Appalachian Trail

Most of my fellow Trek bloggers have either begun their NOBOs or are fixing to start soon. Meanwhile, I'm still at home, months away from my start

Mar 11, 2021 : Austin Hays: Goblin
How 2 months without walking mentally prepared me for the Appalachian Trail

How 2 months without walking mentally prepared me for the Appalachian Trail

If a broken ankle can't stop me from preparing for the AT, what can?

Feb 25, 2021 : Austin Hays: Goblin
The Healing Path: A Thru-hiker’s Origin

The Healing Path: A Thru-hiker’s Origin

The origin story of a queer dirtbag on the Appalachian Trail

Jan 12, 2021 : Austin Hays: Goblin