
Hi from Grandma Gatewood’s hiking grounds, the Hopewell Culture’s Serpent Mound, and Lake Erie. We are Beth and Tom, trail names Dessert Queen (one who looks at the dessert menu first before the entrée) and Mr. Rook (one who plays chess), lifelong hikers who are setting off on our next adventure, a flip flop thru hike of the Appalachian Trail. Our journey begins in April 2023 as we willfully step onto the Goodloe E. Byron Memorial Pedestrian Walkway to cross the Potomac River with our backpacks filled with gear needed for this six month journey. We are embracing the spirit of the month and the characteristics of the Jungian archetype The Fool by demonstrating confidence, persistence, and courage. We believe that it is not too late to aim high, to practice joy and awe, to be curious and try new things and to face the unknown together.
Posts
Week 4 (April 22-28) Mud and Rocks
“As long as I live, I hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I’ll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm, and the avalanche.
Week 3 (April 15-April 21, 2023): Perseverance, Courage, Bravery, and Strength
Music for the trail “I went from zero, to my own hero…” Katy Perry, “Roar.” PRISM. Boiling Springs, PA 1124.3 to Rausch Gap Shelter, PA 1178.9
Apology for Missing Blog Submissions
Dear Readers: Several of you have emailed me asking about what happened to our blog. I want to apologize for dropping off the grid or blog post.
Week 2: Hot Hot Hot
“We're having a heat wave/A tropical heat wave/The temperature is rising/It isn't surprising..” Irving Berlin; sung by Marilyn Monroe : Dessert
Week One – Spring Training in Maryland
“It's the fans that need spring training. You gotta get 'em interested. Wake 'em up and let 'em know that their season is coming, the good times are
Crossing the Potomac Threshold
“I’d rather regret the risks that didn’t work out than the chances I didn’t take at all.” – Simone Biles malchus stafa, b. Loading up the bear
Food for the thru-hiker or endurance athlete?
“I’m still not comfortable recommending that people eat saturated fat with abandon, but it’s clear to me that sugar, flour, and oxidized seed oils
Gear Before and After Shakedown Hikes
“This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook- try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and above all have fun!” ― Julia
How did you come up with the gear you’re bringing? CQI.
“When we allow ourselves to adapt to different situations, life is easier.” – Catherine Pulsifer There are some who are able to go by the seat of
What’s in your backpack? Ten…Eleven Essential and No Machete
“There is no harm in hoping for the best as long as you are prepared for the worst.” Stephen King. May 2021: Harpers Ferry Hike It’s been a year