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Shakespeare

Hey! I’m Shakespeare (aka Jo off-trail). I’ve been backpacking for years on the Appalachian Trail, but this is my first time attempting a thru-hike. I grew up in the Shenandoah Valley and went to college in Roanoke, home of the famous McAfee’s Knob. Thru-hiking the AT has been a life-long goal of mine and the perfect opportunity to spend almost half a year hiking presented itself last summer. I am so excited to share my journey with you!

Posts

A Jo By Any Other Name

A Jo By Any Other Name

… does not smell as sweet currently… This is the story of how I got my trail name:  (drum roll, please…) Shakespeare!! On my first night

Apr 18, 2026 : Shakespeare
(De)Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow

(De)Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow

I’ve been on the trail for almost a month now so this post is long overdue. The Lead Up The lead up to my start date (March 14th) was filled with

Apr 12, 2026 : Shakespeare
To Pop The Squat Or Not, That Is The Question

To Pop The Squat Or Not, That Is The Question

A good friend recently told me that although she is interested in hearing all about my adventures on the AT, she would really love to know about all

Mar 5, 2026 : Shakespeare
All the Questions, Some of the Answers

All the Questions, Some of the Answers

Like most thru-hikers on The Trek, I’m starting this blog with trying to answer the question, “Why Am I Doing This?” Surprisingly, this isn’t the

Mar 4, 2026 : Shakespeare