Jamie Ratchford

Hello, my name is Jamie and my trail name is Glorious Laughter. In 2014 I accomplished a life long aspiration, thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. In the years leading up to my hike I spent a lot of time planting trees, flowers and vegetables in my backyard and on the farm where I worked. I guess you could say I just really love playing in the dirt.

Posts

99 Things I Am Thankful For After Completing A Thru-Hike

99 Things I Am Thankful For After Completing A Thru-Hike

After living on the Appalachian Trail for seven months with only basic necessity, I am beginning to see things a little more clearly. I have a

Nov 21, 2016 : Jamie Ratchford
Journey to Georgia : Beginning my Thru-Hike of the AT

Journey to Georgia : Beginning my Thru-Hike of the AT

Every March an exodus begins as people from all walks of life and different points on the globe converge in Georgia to begin a journey of two

Feb 15, 2016 : Jamie Ratchford
Weathering the Rain on the Appalachian Trail

Weathering the Rain on the Appalachian Trail

There is a stillness in the woods just before the rain. The silence stretches all around you until the only sound you hear is your own bounding

Jun 20, 2015 : Jamie Ratchford
Pooping in the Woods

Pooping in the Woods

Where do you go when you have to go? (number two, that is) This question pops up quite a bit when people ask me about hiking the Appalachian

Apr 14, 2015 : Jamie Ratchford
How I Fell In Love With A Pair of Boots on the AT

How I Fell In Love With A Pair of Boots on the AT

Still deciding what kind of footwear to rely on to help carry you along on your Appalachian Trail thru-hike? With so many options and so many more

Feb 5, 2015 : Jamie Ratchford
Breaking Through Mental Barriers on the AT

Breaking Through Mental Barriers on the AT

The Appalachian Trail can be an incredibly challenging endeavor. There may be times when you forget why you’re going it (but hopefully not, if you've

Jan 25, 2015 : Jamie Ratchford
Daydream Believer

Daydream Believer

I decided to hike the Appalachian Trail when I was four years old. I didn't know that it was a two thousand mile continuous path, extending from

Jan 13, 2015 : Jamie Ratchford