Luke W

Hey, my name is Luke, known on trail as Blues Clues (formerly Cool Hand). Follow along as I undertake a flip-flop thru hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2024. After years of planning and waiting, I am excited to get out on the trail. There are several ways I want to grow and things I want to learn on this trek, but I am also looking forward to embracing the unexpected lessons and experiences along the way. I am looking forward to the journey ahead and sharing it here with all of you.

Posts

Grinding Gears and Finishing with Head Held High in Central Virginia: AT Flip Flop Days 107-114

Grinding Gears and Finishing with Head Held High in Central Virginia: AT Flip Flop Days 107-114

It was a roller coaster of a week. I get some support, but also suffer another health setback. My tramily waffles between continuing to hike or being done. Ultimately, I decide to be done hiking and leave the trail at peace and proud of what I was able to accomplish this year.

Oct 1, 2024 : Luke W
Big Days and Big Views in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains: AT Flip Flop Days 100-106

Big Days and Big Views in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains: AT Flip Flop Days 100-106

I surpass 1,000 miles and push bigger days thru a beautiful, but difficult, stretch in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, but I pay the price for pushing myself.

Sep 18, 2024 : Luke W
Returning to my Backpacking Roots in Shenandoah: AT Flip Flop Days 92-99

Returning to my Backpacking Roots in Shenandoah: AT Flip Flop Days 92-99

I get back to trail after recovering from my concussion. I enjoyed hiking with my dad in Shenandoah, but had a hard time getting my head back in the long distance hiking game after adjusting my goals.

Sep 13, 2024 : Luke W
Killing the Dream in New Hampshire and Maine: AT Flip Flop Days 85-91

Killing the Dream in New Hampshire and Maine: AT Flip Flop Days 85-91

Day 85 - The Injury I didn’t sleep well during our last night in the Notch Hostel. I woke up every time someone got up to use the bathroom and

Aug 16, 2024 : Luke W
Living the Dream in New Hampshire Part 1: AT Flip Flop Days 77-84

Living the Dream in New Hampshire Part 1: AT Flip Flop Days 77-84

The first part of New Hampshire was everything I hoped it would be. I was so happy to be in the state I had been looking forward to hiking in for years. Everything was going well, and we had a good plan for tackling the hardest part of the trail.

Aug 6, 2024 : Luke W
Peaking in Vermont Part 2: AT Flip Flop Days 68-76

Peaking in Vermont Part 2: AT Flip Flop Days 68-76

I hit my stride in Vermont and tackle ennui by exercising my brain, not just my body. I cross into New Hampshire with optimism and enthusiasm, unaware of what it would ultimately have in store for me.

Aug 2, 2024 : Luke W
Rainforest Vermont Part 1: AT Flip Flop Days 63-67

Rainforest Vermont Part 1: AT Flip Flop Days 63-67

The beginning of Vermont was challenging with wet/damaged feet and hot/humid weather. But we dodged some rain, and I figured out how to get back in the game mentally.

Aug 1, 2024 : Luke W
There’s a Party in Massachusetts: AT Flip Flop Days 54-62

There’s a Party in Massachusetts: AT Flip Flop Days 54-62

Day 54 I felt rushed trying to get ready in the morning after my zero; I was determined to not fall behind Jingle and Subtitles again. We were

Jul 24, 2024 : Luke W
That Which Didn’t Kill Me in New York and Connecticut: AT Flip Flop Days 45-53

That Which Didn’t Kill Me in New York and Connecticut: AT Flip Flop Days 45-53

A heat wave tested my limits, a tornado threatened my life, and wet feet broke my spirit, but I persevered and kept going through New York and Connecticut.

Jul 7, 2024 : Luke W
New York Isn’t For Thru Hikers: AT Flip Flop Days 40-44

New York Isn’t For Thru Hikers: AT Flip Flop Days 40-44

Entering the Empire State was a bit of a letdown. I trudge through the unmaintained sections and prepare for the coming heatwave.

Jun 26, 2024 : Luke W