#appalachian trial
The Never-Mentioned States
When you start researching the Appalachian Trail, there are common challenges and states that reoccur in your searches. Before you embark, you feel well prepared for all the things coming
Pennsylvania…
The Good Contrary to popular belief, Pennsylvania (PA) is not all bad. There's much to be celebrated in this state, and much to be missed. A Smugness on a fun...
5 Things Not to do in Your First Week
1. Don't Have a Long Travel Itinerary We started our flip-flop with an extremely long commute: Victoria-Vancouver, via ferry at 2100, on April 23rd; Vancouver-Calgary, via air at
How to Get To Springer Mountain
Originally published 1/10/2017; last updated 1/27/2022 by Penina Satlow. "Where’s Springer Mountain? You mean the Southern Terminus of the AT? That’s easy… it’s in Georgia. In the woods. Actually
Anxiety Ascent: Why I’m off the trail
I wake up in my room, surrounded by four walls and my black cat walking over my down comforter. The air conditioning is cool and my bed is soft. This...
Little Toe, Big Problem
My first two days on the trail were, let's call them, eventful. I've been an avid hiker and outdoor enthusiast since spring break camping trips as a kid, so I...
North Carolina: A Not-So-Warm Welcome
I walked around the curving bend that snuck over the side of a mountain to see my AT partner, Lindsey (trail name: Dorothy), waiting for me at the North Carolina...
Living A Sheltered Life
Shelters become nightly community social hubs after a long day of hiking, despite the lack of privacy, despite the snoring and despite the less than stellar accommodations.
PCT Journal Entry #1: From Katahdin to the Pacific Crest Trail
A thruhike ends like a car crash. It doesn't wind down. One day you are surrounded by friends with whom you share a deep emotional and psychological connection. The...
I Just Called To Say I Love You
Mile 10.4 Horse Gap, Georgia Horse Gap isn’t an ideal campsite, the clearing we chose is on quite a slope. There is a forest road pretty close that apparently gets...