I have spent my lifetime chasing big rapids, mayfly hatches and whistling wings. I was the kid who grew up in the outdoors away from video games and TV. As a youth I spent time hiking the trails of PA including the AT. I was the kind of kid with the full length map of the AT on my wall growing up. I finally took control of my life and thru hiked the AT in 2016. It opened up my eyes to so many new and exciting things and helped me to develop a better understanding of the world, and more importantly, myself.
Posts
My dog is the Bo Jackson of Long Distance Hiking
With plenty of time on our hands during our AT thru hike in 2016 my friends and I would play a game. It was kind of like 20 questions but without a
Gear Review: ZPacks Arc Blast UL Backpack
When someone says the name ZPacks people either know how awesome they are, or they have never heard of them. If you don't know about ZPacks, I'm
Long-Distance Potato Chips
I've missed the trail every moment of every day since September 2nd 2016. I missed it before I even left Maine two days later. I miss it right now.
Gear Review: Montbell Down Hugger #5
It's no secret that Montbell has become one of my favorite UL gear manufacturers. You can see this is evident by reading my other gear reviews:
Gear Review: Icebreaker 260 Base layer
When it comes to keeping dry and warm cotton is OUT! As the saying goes "Cotton Kills." During my time as a white water raft guide I have seen many
Make the time to find yourself
Two months ago, I climbed atop the final mountain on my thru hike of the Appalachian trail. It was 2,189 miles, 151 days, 14 states, 4 pairs of
Trail Angels: A Tribute to Granny and Old Goat
Trail magic and trail angels come in many shapes and sizes. Some more elaborate than others. A simple cooler full of cold sodas or a much-needed
Lessons from the trail
As I came to the close of my hike I began to reflect on some of the lessons I had learned. Some of these lessons came the hard way. Others just seem
The Smokies to Bazooko Circus
It seems that early morning is my time to write. It's currently 2 AM and I again lay in a shelter joined by no less than 6 people who should be
My first Appalachian Trial
Last week while taking a mid day break at a shelter I was trying to find a hostel for the evening my hike came screeching to a halt. The week