Kirby

I am a thirty-something musician, soldier, gender bender, backpacker, and avid hobbyist. I’m taking a two-year “mini-retirement” from my career as French horn player for the U.S. Army Bands to thru-hike. In 2023 I accomplished my lifelong dream of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, and in 2024 I plan to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail. You can read more of my adventures at www.mini-retirement.com

Posts

I Broke My Footpath

I Broke My Footpath

Day 130Current Location Bend, ORMiles Hiked 2,001.9Miles to Go 653.3Percent of Trail

Aug 18, 2024 : Kirby
Fires Challenge my Purism

Fires Challenge my Purism

Day 120Current Location Ashland, ORMiles Hiked 1,718.7Miles to Go 936.5Percent of Trail

Aug 7, 2024 : Kirby
Halfway

Halfway

Day 99Current Location Chester, CAMiles Hiked 1,332.4Miles to Go 1,322.8Percent of Trail

Jul 17, 2024 : Kirby
Easing out of the Sierra

Easing out of the Sierra

Day 89Current Location Truckee, CAMiles Hiked 1,154.5Miles to Go 1,500.7Percent of Trail

Jul 7, 2024 : Kirby
Entry into the Sierra

Entry into the Sierra

Day 78Current Location Kennedy Meadows (North), CAMiles Hiked 1,018.1Miles to Go 1,637.1Percent of Trail

Jun 26, 2024 : Kirby
Quixotic

Quixotic

Day 43Current Location Tehachapi, CAMiles Hiked 566.5Miles to Go 2,088.7Percent of Trail

May 22, 2024 : Kirby
Gaining Some Speed

Gaining Some Speed

 Day 29Current Location Wrightwood, CAMiles Hiked 369.3Miles to Go 2,285.9Percent of Trail

May 9, 2024 : Kirby
“I’ll Feel Better Tomorrow”

“I’ll Feel Better Tomorrow”

Day 18Current Location Banning, CAMiles Hiked 209.6Miles to Go 2,445.6Percent of Trail

Apr 27, 2024 : Kirby
The First 100

The First 100

Day 6Current Location Ranchita Bodega, Ranchita, CAMiles Hiked 101.2Miles to Go 2,554.0Percent of Trail

Apr 15, 2024 : Kirby
PCT Eve

PCT Eve

'Twas the night before thru-hike, when all through the camp,Not a creature was stirring, each ready to tramp;Their backpacks were

Apr 9, 2024 : Kirby