I thru-hiked the AT in 2013, answering to the name of First Gear. Rarely the first up or down a mountain, it suited me well. As a school-based speech language pathologist, there are no more half year forays in my near future. Still, my work affords ample vacation time compared to your typical 9-5er. I capitalize on summer vacations, spending large chunks of time ticking off the shorter long distance trails while I scheme about one day attempting the PCT.
Posts
Camel’s Hump: A Winter Wonderland
A year ago, a two-day snowstorm hit Vermont, leaving a blanket of wet, heavy snow and downed power lines in its wake. Luke and I couldnt resist: hiking the alpine zone post-blizzard would be a first.
Gaining Perspective on the Appalachian Trail
On a solo snowshoe hike on New Years Day, I made my boldest resolution to date. The fact that Id never followed through on any resolution seemed to underscore the importance of this one: In 2013, I would hike the Appalachian Trail.
I’m Going to Katahdin
Hiking the Appalachian Trail offered something that my daily life often did not: time. Time to slow down, look inward, enjoy a leisurely lunch,
5 Differences Between Long Distance Hiking and Ultra Long Distance Hiking
1. Weeks vs. Months Lets start with the obvious: the time commitments are vastly different. The average hiker completes the AT in 6 months.