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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

PCT Tent Shopping: the Devil is in the Details

PCT Tent Shopping: the Devil is in the Details

Whether you love it or hate it, shopping for backpacking gear is a lot of work. There is much to consider: weight, material, dimensions, durability,

Jan 25, 2024 : Kirby
Looking West from Katahdin

Looking West from Katahdin

The mountains around me were breathtaking but I could only see one thing. The iconic sign on the summit of Mt Katahdin was in sight. It had been a

Jan 13, 2024 : Kirby