James Scott

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

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

Oct 7, 2017 : James Scott
My Favorite Books to Read While Thru-Hiking

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

Oct 2, 2017 : James Scott
The Horror of the Whites

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

Sep 22, 2017 : James Scott
Fat Man in a Little Notch

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

Sep 3, 2017 : James Scott
I Get High With a Little Help From My Friends

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

Aug 25, 2017 : James Scott
Broken things and Newfound Dreams – Hiking Through Southern Maine

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

Aug 11, 2017 : James Scott
Wilderness of Despair – A Summit of Hope

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

Jul 27, 2017 : James Scott
My Night on Katahdin (Kids Don’t Try This At Home)

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

Jul 13, 2017 : James Scott
Summon the Musketeers

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

Jun 20, 2017 : James Scott
Cinder-elly Cinder-elly, get fitted for a pack before hiking Cinder-elly

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

Dec 21, 2016 : James Scott