Snow, Blowdowns, and Night Hiking on the Appalachian Trail
This morning there was no rush to get up and moving. It had snowed last night and into the morning. So we weren’t planning on having a super early start....
Did I Drop You On Your Head?
This is my mom’s favorite phrase to say when I share with people that I’m going to hike 2200 miles for the fun of it. In reality, hiking has been...
Southern Alabama Hospitality (ECT Day 63)
This was probably the most amazing trail magic I've experienced on any of the long trails... it turned out to be much more than just an ordinary potluck. Apparently, it...
Days Zero minus one and Zero
Well, the journey begins. I can hardly believe that the time has finally come to make this dream a reality. We start with travel to Atlanta on a flight from...
Final Preparations for the “Long Walk”
It’s 2 weeks before my flight to San Diego to start my PCT thru hike attempt. As my hike start approaches, I’m thinking more about what a monumental task awaits...
Plans and flexibility
What’s that famous saying? Man plans, and God laughs? I had the next week and a half planned out - and then I ate some bad Chinese food. My Saturday...
Starting Alabama: Conecuh National Forest (ECT Day 62)
Going north from the Florida/Alabama border there is about 28 miles through Conecuh National Forest... it was two track walking the majority of the day. The two exceptions being a...
Strategies and Preparation
Sunny morning on Criterion Crest Am I ready?? Before I really begin, I have to know what I’m getting myself into. Thru-hiking is much more than just.. walking. It’s finding
Part Nine: So Long, Montana
I. Dillon, Montana We waved goodbye to Mark as he slowly drove off, the large silhouette of his 18-wheeler fading into the distance while its roaring engine merged with the...
Kennedy Meadows Among 4,000 Campsites That Might Close This Summer as Budget Cuts, Layoffs Threaten California National Forests
Thru-hikers and backpackers planning to traverse California's iconic trails this summer may find their journeys disrupted, as nearly 4,000 campsites across the state's 18 National Forests face