Hi.  I’m Deane Giordano.

I live in the Western North Carolina mountains where we have one species of hummingbird, the one with the Ruby Throat.

 

The mighty ruby-throated hummingbird

is my totem animal.

 

She’s a perfect symbol for thru-hikers, in spite of the fact that she can’t walk a step.

Here’s why:

  • Hummingbirds migrate the length of the Appalachian Trail every year.
  • Hummingbirds are “a symbol for accomplishing that which seems impossible”. *
  • Hummingbirds teach us “how to find the miracle of joyful living from your own life circumstances,” * i.e. they teach us how to hike our own hike.
  • Hummingbirds show us how to drink of the nectar of life and to live with tireless joy.
  • Hummingbirds are fiercely independent, a particularly powerful symbol for us solo hikers.

In short, hummingbirds are small, but mighty, badasses.

 

I’m planning my own solo thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail.

 

One of my gifts is that I love to start stuff.  I love planning and researching and talking to experts and taking copious notes. 

I love experimenting and testing and seeing what works.

I don’t mind making mistakes, if for no other reason than to learn from them.

Like the time I was experimenting with Macrobiotics and thought I might enjoy seaweed on a five day backpacking trip in Spain.  Mental note…leave the seaweed home.  Bring macaroni and cheese instead.

 

I created the Ruby Throat Journal to be a resource for other women who long to hike strong, hike long and hike happy.

 

So far, my notebook contains the following research:

  • Gear reviews as I switch to ultralight backpacking (and say goodbye to my beloved 19-year old Osprey Isis with the built-in chair)
  • Packing lists
  • Shoe reviews
  • Food preparation, including freezer bag meal recipes
  • Resources for trail food
  • A training plan, including endurance, strengthening, stretching
  • A pre-hike book list
  • Interviews with women who have blazed the trail before us
  • How-To videos

Every time I learn something new about succeeding at this epic undertaking, I'll add it to the Journal as a resource for everyone.

These resources can be yours for free.

 

I invite you to sign up for Ruby Throat Journal weekly newsletter. 

That way, you’ll stay up-to-date with the latest resources and thru-hiker tips.  

And you’ll join this community of fiercely independent women who are daring to do something epic and brave.

We are mightier together!