#appalachian trial
End of Book 1: New Hampshire and Maine
As I recount the past few weeks, I find myself bewildered by how time, and trail progress passes me by. It has been hundreds of kilometers since Lincoln. We have...
An Overdue Homage to Smugness
Smugness! 823 miles down, and I feel it necessary to make clear some things that may not have been explicitely and accurately represented in my previous posts. For those who...
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.