Welcome to my blog.
Expect reflections on long distance hiking, hiking culture, nature, creativity and my undying love for backrests.
All in long distance hiking
What it’s like to be dry and smug while watching clouds scatter their showers over an exceptionally beautiful pastoral Virginia valley.
One of my favorite things to do on trail is to nearo into town and go splurge on a big breakfast, preferably with waffles, and some really good coffee.
Today, though, I woke up headachy and nauseous and wound up missing breakfast. No worries. I enjoyed my time in Marion, VA, a fine example of a trail town with all a hiker could need or want.
I’m at that awkward stage in my hike where I don’t know anyone and all the thru hikers ignore me, no doubt thinking I’m some lowly section hiker or, worse, just out for an overnight trip.
Today I started a 500 mile hike on the AT. I’ll hike from Grayson Highlands State Park, VA to Harper’s Ferry, WV. Just getting warmed up for something later on in the summer.
By the time I hit the trail on May 11, I want to be able to hike twenty miles and still be able to get up off the ground the next morning. And then keep doing it. For days.
My plan is to train like a marathoner.
Part one of a series on how to train for a thru hike (and why even bother when everyone else seems to “hike themselves into shape.”
Follow along as I plan my upcoming hike of the Pacific Crest Trail, with loads of information about gear, resupply, outfits, healthy eating and pre-hike training. Let’s do this!
Sometimes I think my trail name should be Notebook.
I carry three on every hike.
So much for ultralight.
This morning I sat on top of Springer Mountain, remembering to appreciate the accomplishment of walking 539.3 miles, of completing something I set out to do.
I’m not gonna lie, y’all. I’m ready to do something else now. Something other than spend my entire day walking in the woods.
So today I became that hiker I usually try hard not to be. I became that hiker who puts her head down and churns out miles.
There are so many people on the trail right now. Lots of day hikers. Lots of people out for a few nights, getting a taste of the Appalachian Trail. Big groups of friends and couples and the occasional solo hiker like me.
