Jim McNelis (Moonshine)

Greetings fellow hikers! In brief, my name is Jim, I'm 39, and I am originally from Manassas, Virginia. I moved to San Francisco in my early 30s and now live in Truckee, California, which is just north of Lake Tahoe. I consider myself experienced at hiking and camping, but not an expert. I'll be attempting my thru hike with an ultralight setup, and in that category, I am a beginner. Join me as I figure out the nuances of thru hiking with as little as possible along this 2190.3 mile walk.

Posts

Am I Doing This Right?

Am I Doing This Right?

This is my first post from a computer since I hit the trail!  A real luxury after 2 months with only a mobile phone.  It's Been A While Sorry about

May 5, 2017 : Jim McNelis (Moonshine)
The Swiss Army Knife of Modern Thru Hikers: A Mobile Phone

The Swiss Army Knife of Modern Thru Hikers: A Mobile Phone

One month into my journey and I’ve adapted to doing everything via my mobile phone.

Apr 6, 2017 : Jim McNelis (Moonshine)
My Transformation Into A Hiking Machine

My Transformation Into A Hiking Machine

Everyone out here will have a different experience with their own transformation. Mine is likely not typical; my body has always had the uncanny

Mar 24, 2017 : Jim McNelis (Moonshine)
Cold Snap in NC: Customer Service Can Make or Break a Business

Cold Snap in NC: Customer Service Can Make or Break a Business

Why customer loyalty is pinnacle to success

Mar 14, 2017 : Jim McNelis (Moonshine)
Hello from Neel Gap

Hello from Neel Gap

This is my first update from the trail. I am writing this post from my mobile; please excuse any typographical or formatting

Mar 9, 2017 : Jim McNelis (Moonshine)
Thru Hiking With Heavy Things That Weigh Nothing

Thru Hiking With Heavy Things That Weigh Nothing

I would like to suggest listening to this track on Youtube while reading this article.  Disclaimer: This is a cheap attempt to steal the emotions

Mar 3, 2017 : Jim McNelis (Moonshine)
Going Ultralight: The Struggle is Real (Gear video included)

Going Ultralight: The Struggle is Real (Gear video included)

Yesterday, I discussed the evolution of my gear over the last 20 years of casual hiking and camping.  Check it out! I never thought I would care so

Feb 26, 2017 : Jim McNelis (Moonshine)
Evolution of My Gear – Aiming for Ultralight

Evolution of My Gear – Aiming for Ultralight

In my last post, I talked about my plan to go with the flow on the trail and provided some background on my professional life prior to hitting the

Feb 25, 2017 : Jim McNelis (Moonshine)
My Thru Hike Plan: Go With The Flow

My Thru Hike Plan: Go With The Flow

In my previous post, I review the moment I decided to hike the Appalachian Trail, adopting an ultralight philosophy for gear, and how much my friends

Feb 23, 2017 : Jim McNelis (Moonshine)
A Little Less Than 2 Weeks Ago, I Decided to Thru Hike the AT

A Little Less Than 2 Weeks Ago, I Decided to Thru Hike the AT

 It started with a thought "If I wanted to hike the AT this year, I could probably get everything together and leave in a few weeks." Followed by,

Feb 22, 2017 : Jim McNelis (Moonshine)