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Jill Lapham

Long time day hiker transitioning into semi-feral forest creature on retirement. Former research chemist and long time Appalachian Trail thru hike lurker. The time of lists, research and rabbit holes is done and Class of 2025 awaits.

Posts

Duncannon to Swatara Gap Day 17-19

Duncannon to Swatara Gap Day 17-19

Leaving Duncannon, we stopped by Goodies, but Daryl was very apologetic that he had no hand warmers for me. Heading out past

May 9, 2025 : Jill Lapham
Zero Miles Hiked. A restful yet productive day in Duncannon PA

Zero Miles Hiked. A restful yet productive day in Duncannon PA

Just like my first hostel, I was wondering what my first zero day would look like. It was on a string of rainy, cold and gloomy days, the heavier

May 6, 2025 : Jill Lapham
If its too cold for your Sawyer filter, its probably too cold for you

If its too cold for your Sawyer filter, its probably too cold for you

Day 12 Ironmasters to Mt. Holly Springs After a near freezing night spent indoors thankfully, we woke to to rain a nd cold. Later start

May 4, 2025 : Jill Lapham
Day 8-11 Tumbling Run to Ironmasters

Day 8-11 Tumbling Run to Ironmasters

Day 8 off to Tumbling Run So looking at the shelter spacing over the next few days, and where we want to be, my insomiac brain had the Wily

May 3, 2025 : Jill Lapham
Day 7 Resupply and time sinks

Day 7 Resupply and time sinks

Today is a slackpack day. Thats when you carry that day's food, water, and essentials, but have things like your tent, air mattress, and things

Apr 27, 2025 : Jill Lapham
Cloudy with a chance of Emu

Cloudy with a chance of Emu

Thus began our journey from a now chilly 35, wind chill 25F from Raven Rock shelter which was at 76 the day before. On our way to High

Apr 22, 2025 : Jill Lapham
Day 4 & 5 Pine Knob to Raven Rock

Day 4 & 5 Pine Knob to Raven Rock

It was hot, fortunately Nurse Zuko had ointment close at hand while mine was deep in the pack. Hill ascent followed by ridge walk and teaser

Apr 17, 2025 : Jill Lapham
Day 1-3 Harpers Ferry to Pine Knob

Day 1-3 Harpers Ferry to Pine Knob

The morning found me at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) to pick up my hiker tag. But first there was a test. Panic! What if I fail? Do I

Apr 14, 2025 : Jill Lapham
Its so close I can’t even

Its so close I can’t even

The count is down to the final doctor appts, haircut, and clearing out the frig. I've been purposely not looking at starting channels, blogs, to

Mar 18, 2025 : Jill Lapham
Balance and Duality

Balance and Duality

Balance Went to downstate in September to visit a friend we hadn't seen in way too long. It was 20 minutes from the trail. No, I told my husband,

Feb 1, 2025 : Jill Lapham