Posts
An Ending Worthy of an Epic Journey
Friends and family, wine and cheese, single-digit temperatures, a soaking wet finish, and a raucous '80s dance party---it was an epic ending to our
A Reflection Before the Final 100 Miles
I am 100 miles from Springer Mountain. The end isn't near... it's here.I remember seeing the 2,000-mile markers in Maine for NOBOs (there were
My Fear of Hypothermia and the Rain
Cold rain scares me more than anything else on the trail. We've had more than our share in the last week. Staying Dry in Heavy Rain It's not
A Banana, a Pickle, and a Hot Dog Walk into the Grayson Highlands…
The Virginia Blues were looming. We spent a night in Bland, VA, to avoid some 40-degree rain, and I wondered if the town's name was an omen of what
Central Virginia: Embracing the Cold
The cold temperatures have been a swift kick in the butt after a summer of near-perfect weather during my thru-hike. These are my strategies for
How I Fell in Love with Shenandoah
Shenandoah National Park was one of my most enjoyable stretches of the Appalachian Trail. Constant views, well-maintained trails, plentiful wildlife,
Finding a SOBO Party on the Trail
After hiking the first half of the trail solo, I enjoyed a more social week on trail after crossing the halfway mark.Of course, my definition of
1,100 Miles, and Why It Doesn’t Matter if I Finish
Pinning my happiness on Springer is a recipe for disappointment. I plan to enjoy today first.