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Lance Ness

Howdy. I’m Backwards Hat aka Lance Ness. In 2018, I hiked over 1500 miles from Springer Mt to CT/Mass border in 90 days. This season, I'm back to finish those miles! Mt K, here I come! If you followed my journey via Instagram, then you know more about me than this blog displays. I am the worst blogger in 2018 but my IG was updated daily! Since I am off trail, I have some veteran insight while still pursuing my goal of completing the AT. Im currently living in Tucson AZ, in a 28' camper with my fiancé and our 2 rescue dogs (Carter and Ruthie). I am section hiking the Arizona Trail and other local trails in my down time.

Posts

Springer Fever Final Results

Springer Fever Final Results

  It started with 32 of the top restaurants on the Appalachian Trail. We created a bracket-style contest, and you voted. After five rounds of

Apr 15, 2019 : Lance Ness
Spring(er) Fever Finals: What Is the Best Restaurant on the Appalachian Trail?

Spring(er) Fever Finals: What Is the Best Restaurant on the Appalachian Trail?

Welcome to the Finals! We have #9 Mojo’s Trailside Cafe & Coffee House facing off against #27 Bob's Dairyland. We started off with 32 of the top

Apr 8, 2019 : Lance Ness
Spring(er) Final Four: What Is the Best Restaurant on the Appalachian Trail?

Spring(er) Final Four: What Is the Best Restaurant on the Appalachian Trail?

Its Final Four Weekend! We started with the top 32 restaurants on the AT, seeded and created a bracket, then you voted. Each round, we narrowed the

Apr 4, 2019 : Lance Ness
Spring(er) Fever Elite Eight: What Are the Best Restaurants on the Appalachian Trail?

Spring(er) Fever Elite Eight: What Are the Best Restaurants on the Appalachian Trail?

We’ve polled thru-hikers, selected, and seeded the best restaurants on the Appalachian Trail. Winners from the first two rounds have advanced to the

Mar 30, 2019 : Lance Ness
Spring(er) Fever Sweet 16: What Are the Best Restaurants on the Appalachian Trail?

Spring(er) Fever Sweet 16: What Are the Best Restaurants on the Appalachian Trail?

Springer Fever Sweet 16 We’ve polled previous thru-hikers, selected, and seeded the best restaurants on the Appalachian Trail. Winners from the

Mar 26, 2019 : Lance Ness
Spring(er) Fever: What’s the Best Restaurant on the Appalachian Trail?

Spring(er) Fever: What’s the Best Restaurant on the Appalachian Trail?

It's Springer Fever. We've polled previous thru-hikers, selected and seeded, the Top 32 Best Restaurants on the Appalachian Trail. Now we need your

Mar 19, 2019 : Lance Ness
The Subtle Art of Successful Hitchhiking

The Subtle Art of Successful Hitchhiking

If you're getting a hitch, someone is picking you up for free. All you can offer is a thank you, a story, and a smile. Smile damn it. Tell a good story from the trail and don't forget your "Thank you".

Jan 22, 2019 : Lance Ness
It’s the AT, not a Walk in the Woods

It’s the AT, not a Walk in the Woods

If you were hoping for views, switchback mountain climbs, and nice outdoor camping nights, do not hike the AT. I’m amazed by the number of people who

Apr 28, 2018 : Lance Ness
Shakedown Complete, I’m Ready to Roll

Shakedown Complete, I’m Ready to Roll

"Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth." A review of my shakedown weekend.

Feb 28, 2018 : Lance Ness
Hitting Trail Without Dogs

Hitting Trail Without Dogs

"One thing I learned from my dogs.. it's not about the destination, rather the journey. They love car rides not because of where we are going, but simply, because they are along for the ride." This is my decision on bringing my dogs on the AT Thru Hike

Jan 10, 2018 : Lance Ness