Joellyn Sargent

I’m “Moon Pie” on the trail. I grew up in Florida with sand and sea in my soul, sailing, camping, and exploring this beautiful world. After raising a family in Georgia, my spirit of adventure demanded to be set free. I’m excited to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail in 2018. Follow my journey on The Trek and watch my videos @JoyfulRambler on YouTube.

Posts

Hiker Hopscotch: Making a New Plan

Hiker Hopscotch: Making a New Plan

I don’t know if a thru-hike ever turns out to be what the hiker imagines it will be. Sometimes (most times?) it’s a more amazing adventure than the

Aug 22, 2018 : Joellyn Sargent
16 Bears Fill Up a Week in the Shennies

16 Bears Fill Up a Week in the Shennies

Other than the fact that many hikers aqua blaze through Shenandoah National Park, I didn’t know much about the Shennies before I entered the park

Jul 27, 2018 : Joellyn Sargent
Back on the Trail: A Rocky Return

Back on the Trail: A Rocky Return

The sun is peeking over the horizon, shedding a warm morning glow over the idyllic grounds of the Woods Hole Hostel. The quiet of the morning is a

Jun 20, 2018 : Joellyn Sargent
Unencumbered: The Lure of a Life Without Limits

Unencumbered: The Lure of a Life Without Limits

Somewhere between the mountain of dirty laundry, scooping the stinky cat litter, and tackling yet another sink full of dirty dishes, it hit me: In

Mar 13, 2018 : Joellyn Sargent
Beyond Gear: A 36-Point Planning Checklist for Health, Home, and Finances

Beyond Gear: A 36-Point Planning Checklist for Health, Home, and Finances

It’s easy to think that getting the right gear is the key to a successful thru-hike. Building the ideal kit for your hiking style certainly does make

Feb 6, 2018 : Joellyn Sargent
Hunting Down Backpacking Gear On A Budget

Hunting Down Backpacking Gear On A Budget

Thru-hiking is expensive. Sure, you can go to Wal-Mart or Amazon and get nearly everything you need, but most of it will weigh a ton and be poor quality, or both. To get the really good stuff - or at least the stuff everyone says is really good – rumor has it you’ll need to shell out big bucks. Do you really need to spend that much?

Jan 13, 2018 : Joellyn Sargent
Happy Hiking New Year: 2018 is finally here!

Happy Hiking New Year: 2018 is finally here!

This is THE YEAR I’m awake before dawn on this first day of the new year, filled with anticipation and a slight sense of panic. This is the year I

Jan 1, 2018 : Joellyn Sargent
No Longer Nameless: My Trail Name Found Me

No Longer Nameless: My Trail Name Found Me

As an aspiring thru-hiker, my lack of a trail name sometimes felt like a brilliantly lit billboard proclaiming, “She’s a wannabe!” Being a nameless newbie backpacker made me feel incomplete at best and at the worst, like an all-out imposter. I know a name is just a name, but having one gives me strength and a sense of belonging I didn’t have before.

Dec 20, 2017 : Joellyn Sargent
What is a Thru-Hike?

What is a Thru-Hike?

For all the years I fantasized about one day hiking the trail, there was only one way. In my mind, thru hiking has always been starting at Springer Mountain and heading north, one foot in front of the other, all the way to Maine. Things have gotten a bit more complicated as I explore the many thru hiking options. Now I wonder, where should I start?

Dec 10, 2017 : Joellyn Sargent
Sometimes “Plan M” Looks Pretty Good

Sometimes “Plan M” Looks Pretty Good

We were ready to head out on the trek from Unicoi to Deep Gap in North Carolina. That first big up, the one I’d be dreading for a month, wasn’t as bad as I expected. We were fresh and well rested at 8:30 in the morning. It was cold out, about 34°, but once I got moving the brisk air was refreshing. I didn't know then this Thanksgiving hike wouldn't turn out quite as planned.

Nov 29, 2017 : Joellyn Sargent