Posts
Alone
When I started the Appalachian Trail, I was engaged. We'd been together for 5 1/2 years, had a dog together, were ready to buy a house together.
Why “Embrace The Suck” Needs To Die
This week, twice in the same afternoon, day hikers commented that I was "pretty cheerful for a NOBO!" The first time was a pleasant surprise but the second had me wondering: do we really all seem that depressed by this point on trail? But as I thought more about it, I realized how right those day hikers were. By the time NOBO thru-hikers hit the White Mountains ~ mi. 1,800, the tiredness has settled deep in our bones and it's starting to show in our creased faces and crooked half-smiles. I've heard the phrase "just gotta make it to Katahdin" more and more every day. Whatever happened to "the journey's more important than the destination", y'all?
How To Fight A Thru-Hiker
As the old saying goes, opinions are like assholes - everyone has one, and they all stink. Except mine, of course. This is especially true when
48 Miles, 6 Poops, and 2 Thunderstorms: The 4-State Challenge
Quick Disclaimer: There's a little more swearing and poop-talk in this post than normal. Read on at your own risk. Even though I'm 1000+ miles
Giving Up Is Not In The Blood
Down, but not out. Heat exhaustion, food poisoning - but giving up is not in the blood!
Gator in the Snow – A Week in the Smokies
First Things First Ok, so I'm a little behind posting about my thru-hike - a LOT behind. You, my dear readers, deserve better. I'm currently
Call Me “Catchup”
Made It To Fontana Dam! Exactly two weeks after I left Amicalola Falls, I'm happily sitting at the Mountaintop Bistro in Fontana Lodge, where I'm
LIVE from Amicalola Falls – It’s Saturday Night!
Well, Here We Are Reporting live from the lobby of the Amicalola Falls Lodge on the eve of my AT thru-hike - and what a whirlwind of emotions! I
Hiking Is For Quitters
Y'all, these past few years have had me BURNT. OUT. But I know just what my tired soul needs (not more cowbell, although good guess): 2,200 miles of walking in the woods! You know what they say, nothing more rejuvenating than wearing your body to the absolute limit. So I put in my 2 weeks notice as a construction project manager, packed up my life in CA, and set off on this grand Appalachian adventure.