Apr 30

Apr 30 AT LASH 2024, Day 1: Stepping into the Bubble

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.

Mar 2

Mar 2 Training for a Thru Hike: Increasing Base Mileage

Roo Giordano

roulette, long distance hiking

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.

Jan 21

Jan 21 Log Books and Sketch Books and Ledger Books, Oh My!

Roo Giordano

roulette, Sketching, long distance hiking, gear

Sometimes I think my trail name should be Notebook.

I carry three on every hike.

So much for ultralight.

Oct 20

Oct 20 BMT/AT Figure 8 Day 49: The End

Roo Giordano

roulette, long distance hiking

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.

Oct 19

Oct 19 BMT/AT Figure 8 Day 48: Churning Out 20 Miles

Roo Giordano

long distance hiking, roulette

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.

Oct 18

Oct 18 BMT/AT Figure 8 Day 47: Fresh Perked Coffee or Miles? What a Sophie's Choice.

Roo Giordano

roulette, long distance hiking

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.

Oct 17

Oct 17 BMT/AT Figure 8 Day 46: 500 Miles!

Roo Giordano

roulette, long distance hiking

It wasn’t until I was bundled up in my sleeping bag at the end of the day, updating my log book, that I realized I’d crossed the last big threshold of this odyssey—the 500 mile mark.

The end really is in sight, now.

Oct 16

Oct 16 BMT/AT Figure 8 Day 45: Final Resupply and a Rant

Roo Giordano

long distance hiking, vanlife, roulette

The climb up Tray Mountain reminds me of why I love hiking. And hate how zealous trail maintainers have become.

Oct 15

Oct 15 BMT/AT Figure 8 Day 44: Breaking my Stealth Site Commitment

Roo Giordano

long distance hiking, roulette

I decided to break my Stealth Site streak because I heard about a tent site perched on the edge of a rocky outcrop at the Tray Mountain Shelter. I love a rocky outcrop where I can sit and enjoy a view along with a cup of anti-inflammatory Turmeric Tea before dinner.