Hey y'all, Rachel aka "Dobby" here! I use she/her pronouns and hail from Western NC. I called NH home for a bit as well, which is where my adventures in backpacking began. In 2018, I hiked all the 4,000-footers in the Northeast (NE67) and in 2020, I started hiking the PCT but ended up having to pause that journey for the time being. I joined a friend over on the Colorado Trail instead, which was an excellent decision (would recommend). I returned to the PCT in 2022, and was finally able to fulfill my dream (but probably won't ever stop dreaming about it). I'm in Vermont now, studying at VLGS to become an environmental attorney. When I'm not buried in books or glued to my computer screen, you can find me out on the trails with my furry best friend, Lily. Happy adventuring and thanks for following along! :)
Posts
Outdoor Research Swift Lite Shorts Review
If you're looking for a new pair of shorts to show off your hiker legs this summer, the Women's Swift Lite 2.5" Shorts from Outdoor Research have got
What Is a Trail Name and How Do I Get One?
A thru-hike is a unique opportunity that attracts a very unique crowd of people. Who else would unabashedly refer to themselves as "hiker trash?" It
How Often Should You Take a Zero Day On a Thru-Hike?
Thru-hiking can be physically and mentally demanding, and it's important to practice proper self-care along the way. Allowing yourself time to rest
Triple Crowner Cal Dobbs Runs Across America for Transgender Rights
In August of last year, Cal "Starburst" Dobbs reached the northern terminus on the Pacific Crest Trail, making them the first reported transgender
Italian Hiker Discovers 2,000-Year-Old Buried Treasure
A n Italian hiker from an archaeological group discovered a buried treasure that dates back to as early as 157 BCE, according to an April 14 news
1,500-Gallon Rainwater Collector Installed on Arid Section of Arizona Trail
The Arizona Trail Association recently installed a 1,500-gallon Remote Rainwater Collector along an arid segment of trail in Passage 15 in Pinal
Major PCT Bridge Failure Expected To Cause Detours for PCT, JMT Thru-Hikers in 2023
The South Fork San Joaquin River Bridge, a 100-foot-long steel footbridge in a remote area of Kings Canyon National Park, was severely damaged this
Outdoor Exercise Might Be Better for Your Brain Than Hitting the Gym
Exercise is a good thing—that much you're probably familiar with. What if, then, you learned that exercising outdoors was an even better thing,
How To Read Blazes and Other Trail Markers
Getting lost in the great outdoors—even for a short time—can really kill the vibe. One moment you're in your groove, and the next, you're standing in
How Much Should Your Backpack Weigh on a Thru-Hike?
If your backpack weighed a ton on your first backpacking trip, you're not alone. Unless, that is, your pack literally weighed that much, which would