Posts
Seven Unexpected Trail Obstacles
I have now been on trail for 1,700 miles. Along the way I’ve encountered many of the more common trail challenges (rain, mud, bad days, rain and mud
Unexpected Gems Between Erwin and Damascus
There are a lot of lists out there on what not to miss on the AT. Where the best views are or what trail challenges to do. Well, if we’re making
Avoiding the Town Food Trap, Making Reservations, and Other Tips
Leaving the Smokies brought all the heat I had been missing in the park. The lower elevation brought warmth and a change of landscape: waterfalls,
Why I Love to Hate the Smokies: Fontana Lodge to Davenport Shelter
Great Smoky Mountains National Park was always going to be a big milestone in my hike. They say (I don’t know who “they” are) that if you make it
Expectation vs. Reality: Franklin, N.C., to Fontana Lodge
You go into a thru-hike with a lot of expectations. What the landscape will be like. How you’ll feel. The people you will meet. I left Franklin in
Eating My Way Through Franklin, N.C.
Getting back on trail after time in town is always a little difficult. However, this instance was different because it came with the knowledge of
When Things Don’t Go as Planned: Neel Gap to Dicks Creek
After making it to Neel Gap, a couple of women I’d been hiking with and I decided to get a cabin at Blood Mountain Cabins for a warm bed and a hot
My First 40 Miles on the AT: Approach Trail to Neel Gap
My first five days on the Appalachian Trail were an eye-opener. For better or worse, I decided to hike the approach trail, which proved to be some
My Lists for Mentally Preparing to Thru-Hike the AT
Preparation is key for any thru-hike. When I started to research and agonize over gear, I had no idea mentally preparing for a thru-hike was even a thing. I hope my three lists of why I'm hiking the AT, what I hope to get from the trail, and how I will feel if I don't complete it.