Laura Mason

I am a semi-retired pediatrician, mother, and grandmother who grew up in New England and have live in northeast Ohio for the last 3 decades. I have been a lover of the outdoors since I was a baby and a lifetime hiker, especially been excited to check out new trails with my family wherever we travel. My husband and I and our 4 kids have tracked many miles on trails across our country and abroad, and now we are enjoying introducing our 8 (and soon to be 9) grandchildren to the wonders of God's creation. I have been waiting for the opportunity to hike the whole Appalachian Trail for 55 years, since I walked part of the section in New Jersey with my grandfather at 10 years old and encountered parts of it in New England, Virginia, and North Carolina. And the time is now!!

Posts

True Trail Magic

True Trail Magic

One of the most anticipated unscripted events on the Trail is "trail magic". We all are eager to sit down for a few minutes and eat- often

May 18, 2024 : Laura Mason
Beauty From Ashes

Beauty From Ashes

  Today I was startled by the smell of smoke as I walked through The Pass Mountain area of Shenandoah NP. Seeing the charred downed trees and

May 8, 2024 : Laura Mason
Halfway Through the Rollercoaster

Halfway Through the Rollercoaster

 My first full 24 hours alone on the AT was difficult, beautiful, and exhilarating. I can do this! The rollercoaster is no joke, but I love the

May 3, 2024 : Laura Mason
Birds and Rocks Filled My First Day On Trail

Birds and Rocks Filled My First Day On Trail

Walking from Harper Ferry across the Shenandoah was surreal, but reality quickly hit as I climbed several hundred feet up to Louden Heights. As I

Apr 25, 2024 : Laura Mason
Dreams and Goals

Dreams and Goals

I have spent a large part of my adult life making to-do lists and working towards the next big hurdle. I tuck childhood dreams back into my

Apr 19, 2024 : Laura Mason
All Geared Up and Ready to Go!

All Geared Up and Ready to Go!

Five day countdown! Three work days, one free day to finish packing, and one day to drive; I can't believe after all this preparation the time is

Apr 15, 2024 : Laura Mason