Hi, I’m John Kriz (AlphaGal). Some just call me Kriz. 2024/25 will finally be my time to attempt a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. Starting SoBo late 2024, I made it 220 miles before the weather stopped me. I’ll resume my journey in February, this time NoBo. Eight years ago, for our 25th wedding anniversary, my wife and I decided it would be fun to summit Mount Washington. Afterwards, we continued to hike different sections of the AT and since then, I’ve become serious about completing the whole thing. I’ve completed just over half…but I CRAVE the day I can just keep hiking. 2024 coincided with my retirement, and the opportunity to just keep hiking until I’m done. Somewhere along the way, I was bitten by a Lone Star tick and I became severely allergic to red meat and dairy, a condition known as Alpha-Gal allergy. Seven years later, I believe I’ve finally grown out of it. So, 2024 was also a celebration of recovery…and with it, opportunity for a new trail name. Looking forward so much to the journey and sharing it with you.