Hello Friends! My name is Laura and I'm excited to connect with you as I embark on a northbound thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail with my husband Paul in April, 2023. I practice and instruct qigong, which has its roots in the observation of nature. This practice offers balance to the physicality of backpacking and I am very happy to bring it with me. I also enjoy painting, gardening and cooking and these are things I shall miss while on the trail. The AT is a pilgrimage. I hope to embrace both my vulnerability and strength while becoming more patient and comfortable with discomfort. I intend on developing a deeper connection with nature and humanity while cultivating inner peace and enhancing my perspective.
Posts
Week 5 on the Appalachian Trail!
Hello Friends! Enjoy the update and photos below. Day 28 We left Uncle Johnny’s Hostel about 7 AM which is our standard start time. It was a
Week 4 on the AT! Week Three Thoughts and Review
Hello Friends! Enjoy this weeks installment and the pictures below. Be sure to check out my YouTube (qigongonthetrail) and/or Instagram
Week 3 on the AT!
Hello Friends! We’ve gotten to the point where we no longer feel like newbies. The Great Smoky Mountains kicked our butts and we have a developed a
Week 2 on the AT and the Story of the Bear
Hello Friends! What a time we have been having out here on the Appalachian Trail! The weather has been friendly, as has the terrain…mostly. It is
Week One on the Appalachian Trail!
Hello Friends! We have been on the AT for a week now and are already having the time of our lives!!! WARNING: In Day 3 of journal entries
Appalachian Trail – Final Preparations!
The time has finally arrived! Over the past several weeks we have left our jobs, increased our resupply boxes, hiked and backpacked, made gear
Hiking in Western and North-Central Pennsylvania
Hello Friends! The daffodils and snowdrops are signaling the arrival of spring in the Mid-Atlantic. Even if you subscribe to the lore of the
Vegetarian on the Appalachian Trail
Once upon a time... I walked into a gas station and purchased a bag of hot pork rinds, a spicy Slim Jim, and a green Monster energy drink. This
Training for the Appalachian Trail – Wellness Practices
Hello again Friends! Training for our thru-hike has integrated itself into the lives of both Paul and myself. This journey is not just about miles or
Minimalist Shoes on the Appalachian Trail?
Hello Friends! I wish you a peaceful and inspiring 2023. Regardless of our individual plans for the coming year, we are each on an amazing journey,