Preparation
JMT Training: 4 Ways I Won’t Let an Injury Ruin My Thru Hike
Injury prevention is short term work for long term rewards. Learn ways I'm armoring my body to avoid becoming an injury statistic.
Pre-Trail Depression: A Victim of the New PCT Permitting System
Every morning begins with a sudden shock; a quick snap to a nonstop rapid fire cycle of thoughts surrounding the actualization of my longtime dream of thru-hiking of the Pacific...
A Return to Writing as Grief Evolves
About four years ago, I made my debut on the Appalachian Trials blogger page, with fiery optimism and about zero experience. I posted, irregularly at best, while I "prepared" to...
Stories From The Trail Episode 10 – Daniel’s First Backpacking Trip!
Do you remember your first overnight backpacking trip? (Or are you looking forward to it?) Were you scared to sleep in the woods? Did you carry too much or too...
Three Nights in Death Valley
Sunday after work, my brother and I drove down to Death Valley for a shakedown hike and to escape the cold of Mammoth Lakes for a few days. The first...
Unencumbered: The Lure of a Life Without Limits
Somewhere between the mountain of dirty laundry, scooping the stinky cat litter, and tackling yet another sink full of dirty dishes, it hit me: In less than three weeks, none...
Planning for the Arizona Trail
Javelinas, rattlesnakes and long dry stretches. Preparing for "hardcore desert" on the 800 mile Arizona Trail.
“Adult” is a 5-Letter Word: Don’t Neglect These Things Before Your Hike
Preparing for a thru hike can be lots of fun, but it's not all shakedown hikes and candy bar taste tests. There's just a lot of stuff to do. Some of...
In Which I Reach Saturation in my Preparations
I have made my lists. Edited my spreadsheet based on AWOL's work. Planned my first couple of resupplies and now have all the gear I will need to start. I...
The Titanic Panic of 2017
Last week, the guy who brings us propane for our RV asked me, “So, do you have any New Year’s resolutions?” He was a little surprised when I responded with...