Trail name: Birdman. I'm a documentary filmmaker, podcaster, and former wildlife biologist who has been dreaming about a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail for almost 20 years. My connection with the AT began in 2003 when I hiked the Northernmost 600 miles of the trail. Since then I've worked as a wildlife biologist on the California condor recovery team in Arizona and Utah, co-founded a non-profit, produced several independent documentaries, helped launch a podcast series called "Earth to Humans", and co-directed a film that won the audience award an Sundance. I have an amazing wife and 8-year-old son who are supporting me on my 2022 AT thru-hike attempt.
Posts
Reflecting on the Accessibility of the Appalachian Trail
My 2022 AT thru-hike lasted 180 days. I began hiking from Amicalola Falls State Park on March 28th, and finished at Katahdin on September
Katahdin
For northbound Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, summiting Katahdin is the pinnacle of a long and arduous journey. Not only is it the northern
Cars Versus Hikers
The Appalachian Trail passes through some gloriously beautiful areas - remote peaks, ancient forests, mountain streams, scenic farmland - but the
A Not-So-Perfect Day on Bellvale Mountain, NY
My mom and I had been hiking for four days through New Jersey, and we were hearing lots of stories about the Warwick Drive-In. Although it wasn’t
Birding the Appalachian Trail
The most common question that I get while out on the Appalachian Trail, is, “What’s that thing attached to the outside of your pack??” I have a
Reflecting on the Loss of a Fellow Thru-Hiker
I first met Grandmaster at Tray Mountain Shelter in Georgia. My mom and I had arrived at the shelter in mid-afternoon after climbing Tray
A Perfect Day on Roan Mountain
Thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail are constantly checking the weather. Whenever there’s cell service, everyone jumps onto their phone to check
Trail Magic: The Church Provides
Before starting this thru-hike, trail magic was a mysterious phenomenon to me. I had spent lots of time on the AT in Massachusetts, Vermont, New
Army Ranger Training on the Appalachian Trail
It’s day two of my journey along the Appalachian Trail and I’m hiking along a gloriously sunny ridgeline in the Georgia mountains. I glance up
The Journey Begins
In less than 24 hours my mom and I will begin our trek from Georgia to Maine. The past two weeks have been filled with trip planning, packing and