
We're the Swords and we are starting our northbound thru-hike of the AT on March 19! We're in our late 20’s and since we met in high school we've been doing life by the books-graduating high school, going to college, getting a job, getting married. We've really been very fortunate so far, but the problem is that we love the outdoors and traveling, and our current jobs have really limited our ability to enjoy those things. We’re planning on making big changes in our lives, and we’re using this hike to kick start a new lifestyle. Hopefully, it will lead us to great things!
Posts
For Family and Friends: Our Thru-Hike Explained
To our friends and families that can't wrap their heads around the thru-hiker lifestyle, we get it. We understand why you don't understand. Unless
Five Things You’ll Learn on Your First Backpacking Trip
Some thru-hikers start their journey with zero experience in backpacking, and we're not far from being total newbs ourselves. We have always
Life On Pause: How We’re Preparing To Hike For Five Months
Everyone on the trail has a different story. Here is a little background into what we've had to do to get our lives in order in preparation for our five-month absence.
Appalachian Trail Winter Gear List: Taylor’s Pack
Traveling as a pair means we get to share some of our gear. See how we're splitting the load!
Appalachian Trail Winter Gear List: Nikki’s Pack
Traveling as a pair means we get to share some of our gear! See how we're splitting the load.
Our First Taste of the Appalachian Trail: Visiting Grayson Highlands
The emotions were overwhelming that day: excitement, anticipation, fear, uncertainty. This was our first time stepping foot on the AT since deciding we would attempt a thru-hike 8 months prior, and our desires were really being put to the test.