JC Van Etten

Hi! My name is JC or trail name Catman-do. I live in sunny Florida, but my heart remains in the Catskills of New York, where I lived, worked and raised my family. I am an AT NOBO Thru hiker class of 2019. I am a nature lover and outdoor enthusiast and hope to share my adventure with those that aspire to live on the trail or for whatever the reason can’t but want too vicariously hike with me! I love nature, plants, pizza and summits - so there will be many pictures along the way! I love rescue dogs and appreciate our veterans and first responders, so I plan to help them along the way! You can also help by donating to Paws of War Florida! Helping both ends of the leash. https://pawsofwar.networkforgood.com/projects/51641-paws-of-war-florida-chapter Thank you, JC

Posts

My Weight Strategy for 2021

My Weight Strategy for 2021

  ​Happy New Year’s fellow hikers! Though, I never left the trail, after my 2019 AT thru hike, I’ve been doing smaller hikes(7-14

Jan 25, 2021 : JC Van Etten
Giving Back = Great Trail Karma

Giving Back = Great Trail Karma

Part of my AT journey was first announcing my goal to family and friends. I used social media to do this. A friend of mine, told me a fellow retired

Jul 30, 2019 : JC Van Etten
AT Q & A’s!

AT Q & A’s!

The AT – Favorite questions from my friends *** very SUBJECTIVE – these are my opinions and the facts are the facts! ***   How many

Jul 26, 2019 : JC Van Etten
Cleaning Up My Act  (It’s No Act!)

Cleaning Up My Act (It’s No Act!)

Well, the hike is over ! Sad, I know. But it’s time to clean up and store my gear as I have no long hikes planned in the immediate future. That

Jul 22, 2019 : JC Van Etten
It Was the Worst – Best Idea Ever!

It Was the Worst – Best Idea Ever!

Last year was spent training every day for this year’s AT adventure. Part of my training was starting every day with a hot cup of coffee and reading

Jul 16, 2019 : JC Van Etten
This Land Is Your Land, This Land Is Mine!

This Land Is Your Land, This Land Is Mine!

On May 17, while hiking the AT in New York near Mombasha Lake, we crested a hill to meet three young folks. They were high school seniors and they

Jul 12, 2019 : JC Van Etten
Maine – Look What You Did to Me… One Week Left!

Maine – Look What You Did to Me… One Week Left!

June 26- July 3 June 26- NERO at Shaw’s hostel- a superb establishment- great staff, friendly and personable owners, clean and well organized.

Jul 5, 2019 : JC Van Etten
Two Weeks to Summit!

Two Weeks to Summit!

June 19- June 25 June 19, Day 115 - Human Nature Hostel to Sabbath Day Pond Shelter. Human Nature hostel is an amazing geodesic house. We were the

Jun 27, 2019 : JC Van Etten
A Week in the Whites!

A Week in the Whites!

Days 107- 114 June 10- day 107 end -1,829.1. Our hiking plans evolved around the weather and getting the most of our views, with that said it

Jun 20, 2019 : JC Van Etten
One Month to Summit!

One Month to Summit!

Days 100 to 106 Last night I scrolled through literally a thousand pictures of my trek while listening to Chris Stapleton’s Traveller! My oldest

Jun 14, 2019 : JC Van Etten