I am a late starter to long-distance hiking (50 years old) and my first introduction was a 5 1/2 month hike of the AT, with my son! Talk about hitting it hard. Trail folks call me "BigTex" which as I am neither big nor Texan confuses me, but I guess they just smoke too much green stuff. I miss the trail, I miss my trail family and I hope to be a part of your hiking success!
Posts
Exclusive: Interview with Hiker Who Assisted FBI in Arrest of James “Bismarck” Hammes
In a previous post, I reported circumstances surrounding the arrest of Appalachian Trail hiker James "Bismarck" Hammes at Trail Days in Damascus,
AT Thru-Hiker, “Bismarck”, Arrested at Trail Days on Embezzling Charges
This past Saturday, May 16th, a former Appalachian Trail thru-hiker, James "Bismarck" Hammes, was arrested at Trail Days in Damascus, Virginia, as
Trail Magic – Love It or Hate It?
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy states: The term trail magic was coined by long-distance hikers to describe an unexpected occurrence that lifts a
My First Month Hiking the AT Was Like Trying to Quit Smoking!
If you have ever attempted to quit smoking you will know how hard it can be. I stopped 10 years ago and, although never regretted doing so once, I do
The Top 5 Regrets of The Dying – Don’t Make Not Hiking One of Them!
Prior to deciding to hike the Appalachian Trail I had gone through a process of rationalizing my intention. Such a mammoth task and commitment at a
Go Beard or Go Home!
Men: Do you want to look more masculine? How about prevent sun burn and potential cancer? How about reduce your risk of allergies while
Leave No Trace Principles on the Appalachian Trail
While the number of hikers attempting a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail each year is around 2500 range, it has no reflection of the total number
How to Deal With Those Who Don’t Support Your Thru-Hike
You have decided to hike a long trail, spend months in the woods, mile after mile, living your dream. You made a commitment to yourself to start and
How to Use Your Thru-Hike on Your Resume
You just hiked the Appalachian Trail (or any long trail) and now the reality of the real world sets in; you need a job! But how do you explain to a
Why An Umbrella Is Better Than Rain Gear
Who do you think you are; Mary Poppins? a passing day hiker asked me. A day hiker! How would they understand the need for an umbrella on the