Laura Budde

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!

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

May 10, 2023 : Laura Budde
Week 4 on the AT! Week Three Thoughts and Review

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

May 1, 2023 : Laura Budde
Week 3 on the AT!

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

Apr 29, 2023 : Laura Budde
Week 2 on the AT and the Story of the Bear

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

Apr 21, 2023 : Laura Budde
Week One on the Appalachian Trail!

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

Apr 16, 2023 : Laura Budde
Appalachian Trail – Final Preparations!

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

Mar 13, 2023 : Laura Budde
Hiking in Western and North-Central Pennsylvania

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

Feb 21, 2023 : Laura Budde
Vegetarian on the Appalachian Trail

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

Jan 26, 2023 : Laura Budde
Training for the Appalachian Trail – Wellness Practices

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

Jan 12, 2023 : Laura Budde
Minimalist Shoes on the Appalachian Trail?

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,

Jan 4, 2023 : Laura Budde