Derek Witteman

Sup Fam! My name is Derek “Witch Doctor” and I'm thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail NOBO in April 2023. Im from Paradise, CA originally and now I live in San Antonio, TX and have had the pleasure of living in WV, HI and Honduras in between. In no particular order I'm a physician, veteran, hiker, nerd, jokester and student of the game. Follow my journey on The Trek, Facebook or Instagram @Barkelycharles.

Posts

Day 147 – Its About Notching Time

Day 147 – Its About Notching Time

I was treated to a small thunderstorm overnight. The rain was minimal but the flashing lights were visible long after the storm had passed. Overall I

Sep 10, 2023 : Derek Witteman
Day 146 – Gucci Maine

Day 146 – Gucci Maine

Rapper Gucci Mane once said “if you see me fighting a bear, don’t help me, help the bear.” Now that I’m in Maine those words resonate more than ever.

Sep 8, 2023 : Derek Witteman
Day 145 – New Hampshire, It Does A Body Good

Day 145 – New Hampshire, It Does A Body Good

I had a fabulous night of sleep. I woke up when I was good and ready which turned out to be at 9:35. Happy with my solo stealth site, I took my time

Sep 7, 2023 : Derek Witteman
Day 144 – When Quitting Sounds Appealing

Day 144 – When Quitting Sounds Appealing

Today was a weird one, I woke up, still feeling tired, and to be honest my heart just wasn’t in it today. I wouldn’t go so far to say I was

Sep 6, 2023 : Derek Witteman
Day 143 – Labor-Free, Labor Day

Day 143 – Labor-Free, Labor Day

Hot feet and I got up around 8:00 a.m. and decided to take a zero day. Josh and his wife made a fabulous breakfast for us. We had bagels, bacon,

Sep 5, 2023 : Derek Witteman
Day 142 – Fantasy Hikeball

Day 142 – Fantasy Hikeball

I woke up on the floor of the Lake of the Clouds Hut as people started to stir. We had to start packing up early so the paying hut customers could

Sep 5, 2023 : Derek Witteman
Day 141 – The Race to Lake of the Clouds Hut

Day 141 – The Race to Lake of the Clouds Hut

I woke up to several groups of hikers talking loudly as they walked passed our stealth site near the trail. It was before 7AM and groups were getting

Sep 4, 2023 : Derek Witteman
Day 140 – VIEWS VIEWS VIEWS VIEWS

Day 140 – VIEWS VIEWS VIEWS VIEWS

I woke up to Toto coughing. There was an odd sound after coughing, like a bubbling sound, followed by more coughing. This back and forth of bubbling

Sep 3, 2023 : Derek Witteman
Day 139 – THE Franconia Ridgeline

Day 139 – THE Franconia Ridgeline

I tried to hide the sunlight by pulling my beanie over my head, but it was suboptimally effective. I eventually succumbed to consciousness and I

Sep 2, 2023 : Derek Witteman
Day 138 –  You’re Never Too Old To Jump In A Puddle

Day 138 – You’re Never Too Old To Jump In A Puddle

Unless you think you are, then you’ve already lost. It was 6AM and people were stirring. Corndog and Sunshade were getting ready to head out for

Aug 31, 2023 : Derek Witteman