flipflop
A Flip Flop on the PCT – Our Experience So Far
What is a Flip Flop? Thru-hikers generally decide on a direction to hike a trail based on several factors. Often, work or school can play a factor, but on the...
AT Mile 750: “What Am I Capable Of?” High Highs and Low Lows in Maine
On Tuesday, I hit the AT at the road crossing of Maine highway 27 for my first southbound miles of the entire journey. My heart was full of positivity and...
Virginia Today, Maine Tomorrow: The Flip Flop
Last week we hiked through the Grayson Highlands, then spent Memorial Day Weekend car camping there with our friends who live in Washington, DC. On Monday they drove us up...
To Shakedown or Not to Shakedown?
That is the question. After a few thousand miles and numerous end-to-end thru hikes, you’d think the words “shakedown” wouldn’t be something I would use to describe an extended backpacking...
NOBO or Bust? Barefoot Weighs His Options
With the days dwindling down this season and inclement weather looming over New England, has Barefoot Hiker thought enough about his options to finish this year?
What It Feels Like to Finish a Thru-Hike
The final days leading up to finishing a through-hike and returning to civilization are a confusing mix of anticipation, terror, pride, sadness and relief. Here is what you might experience...
Completely Normal Last Minute Preparations Prior To A Thru-Hike…Right?
I am writing this late at night on my laptop from my parents' Appalachian farm. My black lab snoozes at my feet and I can hear owls hooting in the...
700 Miles: A Third Of The Way Q&A
While the first hundred miles seemed to take a long time to hit, these last few series of hundred mile milestones seem to come upon me much quicker.
500 Miles: Feet. Food. Mixed Feelings.
Even during my difficult days, I have yet to consider quitting. But that's just me being stubborn. And driven. And by golly, if I can help it, there is no...
400 Miles: Nasty, Filthy Rocks. We Hates Them.
Oh, Pennsylvania. All I know of ye is geology. The Pinnacle. The Pulpit. Knife Edge. Bake Oven Knob. Wolf Rocks. These are words that can instill fear your heart, if...