Hey guys! I get asked these questions a LOT, and I think they could help others who are just getting started. My answers only reflect MY experience. There are multiple other ways to do things, but I will try to explain the most common ways I observed thru-hikers doing the following tasks. Frequently asked questions: … More FAQ About a Thru-Hike
**Warning: Some of the images below may be disturbing, however, it important to show others how our seemingly benign actions can drastically harm those with whom we share our planet. Take it from the words of “Hummingbird”, a young hiker who internalizes the Leave No Trace lessons on her hikes. Watch her brief video explanation here. Why … More What Harm Will One Piece of Litter Do?
On the A.T., expect the unexpected. Ascending the very dry Bluff Mountain in Virginia on an unusually warm day in early October meant lugging three heavy liters of water and drinking conservatively as the next easy access to water was a whopping ten miles away. Celebrating having just crossed over my 1,400 mile mark, at … More A Four-Legged Surprise
How do you keep clean living in the dirt? Hygiene is important. That said, your hygiene on trail will change. Forget daily showers, every other day hair washings, or constant access to hand soap and running water. Your new BFF will be wet wipes. I recommend Wet Ones brand as they are tougher than some … More Keeping Dirty Girls Clean
What will I eat during my thru-hike? I get asked this question often. Simplicity tends to outweigh variety for a thru-hiker who has over 2,100 miles to cover on foot! There’s not a lot of time to break out the camp stove multiple meals a day , although a quick cup of coffee was always worth … More What does a thru-hiker eat?
Should I treat my water? Treating water is of vital importance to your health while living in the wilderness. None of the water on the A.T. is guaranteed safe, and with the large number of hikers and the plentiful wildlife that use the creeks, the ATC and I recommend that all water should be treated … More To Treat Or Not To Treat?
The main purpose of my undertaking in attempting what only 790 people accomplished last year has always been in search of clarity…open-minded and eager for the trail to teach me anything and steer the lessons in any direction. The cloudy years leading up to my pilgrimage needed a large dose of sunshine to burn off … More 2,100 mile journal Lessons of Clarity
When does a thru hike start to seem over? The minute one hits 2,000 miles. The remaining 189 seem like nothing in comparison. Today it slammed into me like a 60mph gust of wind…I have almost succeeded in a task I once deemed impossible. My 2000.0 mile mark happened on a picture perfect evening…the horizon … More 2,000 mile journal – Nearing the Finish Line
The roller-coaster of emotions one experiences on such a long, arduous journey metaphorically mirrors the roller-coaster of mountains one must physically endure to see it through to the end. One moment the sun is shining, the temperature is balmy, and the promise of a beautiful day seems guaranteed. Ten minutes later, one may find herself … More 1,900 mile journal – Low Points
What a memorable hundred miles this has been as my remaining distance dropped below the 500 mile mark and I finally escaped Virginia’s clutches and made my way into Tennessee! With its share of overcast grayness and abbreviated daylight hours, the few dappled interruptions of warm, sunny days were revitalizing gifts that provided a desperately … More 1,800 mile journal – Uplifting Trail Company!
AppalachianTrailClarity 