
I was a 34 year old tech support analyst, but in 2016 I quit my job and moved out of my apartment to go hike the Appalachian Trail! It took me six months to get from Springer to Harper's Ferry, so in 2017 I'm back to try to knock out the northern half, starting at Katahdin. I'm no hiking expert, in fact I've generally been fairly ignorant, but you can laugh along at my mistakes and mishaps, while hopefully I learn a thing or two about this hiking thing.
Posts
Thoughtful in Vermont
Just south of the town of West Hartford, Vermont, at the top of a mile long climb from the road, sits a small bench. The words “Relax and enjoy” are
My Favorite Books to Read While Thru-Hiking
We talk a lot about the “why” of thru-hiking around here. Knowing why we're willing to go a week without bathing, day after day of being sore and
The Horror of the Whites
I'm stumbling over the slick wet rocks, wind a constant pressure. I'm soaked through and dripping from the stinging rain. The thick mist obscures my
Fat Man in a Little Notch
It's an odd experience to have spent years dreading something, then to suddenly wake up and know that today is the day. It was a little over two
I Get High With a Little Help From My Friends
I haven't yet read Bill Bryson’s book about hiking the Appalachian Trail, but I have to assume he didn't hike much in southern Maine or New
Broken things and Newfound Dreams – Hiking Through Southern Maine
Two hundred and fifty six miles into my southbound hike, and I'm still struggling to find my mental space here. There's been great days and not so
Wilderness of Despair – A Summit of Hope
The first time I felt a desire to quit my hike was on the climb up Chairback Mountain. I already hiked most of the distance, and I was sitting
My Night on Katahdin (Kids Don’t Try This At Home)
So I spent the night on Katahdin. I really need to preface this story by saying I do not recommend this experience to anyone. It was by far one of
Summon the Musketeers
When I was young, I watched the movie "The Three Musketeers" (1993 version) and a particular scene had a dramatic impact on me. Towards the end of
Cinder-elly Cinder-elly, get fitted for a pack before hiking Cinder-elly
Since returning from the Trail, I've started working at an outfitter. While retail is definitely not a pleasant experience when coming back to “real