Pete Bromen

My name is Pete and I'm an aspiring Appalachian Trail thru-hiker. Like many this journey marks a time of transition. I'm from Duluth, Minnesota where the outdoor life is not so much a choice but simply the natural order. After college I spent 28 years as an Air Force pilot, moved many times, and saw a lot of the world under good and not-so-good conditions. Along the way I married, raised two boys to adulthood, and mostly lived the life I had planned, Until the day the plan went terribly wrong. In 2011 cancer struck my wife and in the summer of 2017 she lost her battle after a long and brave fight. Devastated but determined to keep living I've returned to Duluth and am set to start the AT in March. With all due respect to F. Scott Fitzgerald I believe there are second acts in American lives and this hike is the opening of mine. Thank you for visiting and I invite you to follow along with me.

Posts

Appalachian Trail Mission Complete

Appalachian Trail Mission Complete

I did it! My hike is complete!   On Aug. 13, 153 days after setting out from Amicalola  Falls, I reached the iconic sign on Mount Katahdin.  As I

Aug 22, 2018 : Pete Bromen
Maine: It’s Not All Rain and Pain After All

Maine: It’s Not All Rain and Pain After All

The first week hiking in Maine was wet and confusing.  Wet because the rain that started on my last day in New Hampshire continued for seven days

Aug 4, 2018 : Pete Bromen
Rain, Pain, and Maine, the Final State!

Rain, Pain, and Maine, the Final State!

I'm writing this from the Pine Ellis Hostel in Andover ME. Yes, that’s right, I’m in Maine.  The miles, days, and states have flown by since I last

Jul 26, 2018 : Pete Bromen
Loss, Grief, and the Healing Power of the AT

Loss, Grief, and the Healing Power of the AT

A Post a Long Time Coming This isn’t a typical update.  I’ve waited a long time to write this post because I wanted to be sure.  A few days ago I

Jul 4, 2018 : Pete Bromen
The Hike Continues; A “Real World” Pause

The Hike Continues; A “Real World” Pause

I took three zeroes in Harpers Ferry to spend some time with my mom and aunt. They arrived from Minnesota by Amtrak, only 29 hours late, with an

Jun 13, 2018 : Pete Bromen
Reaching the AT Spiritual Halfway Point

Reaching the AT Spiritual Halfway Point

Daleville to Harpers Ferry May 6 to May 24, days 54 to 72 I’ve carried more baggage than my gear on this trek. Previously I detailed how I’ve

May 27, 2018 : Pete Bromen
Walking with Grief on the AT

Walking with Grief on the AT

Dealing with grief on the Appalachian Trail

May 5, 2018 : Pete Bromen
Perseverance, Community Overcome Trail Adversity

Perseverance, Community Overcome Trail Adversity

Hot Springs, N.C., to Damascus Va. April 8 to 19, days 26 to 37 Somehow it’s already day 37 of this journey and 12 days have passed since I’ve

Apr 20, 2018 : Pete Bromen
Bears, Mice, Bulldogs, and Magic. Only on the AT

Bears, Mice, Bulldogs, and Magic. Only on the AT

Standing Bear to Hot Springs April 4 to April 7, Days 22-25 We hiked a short 9.7 miles from Crosby Knob Shelter to Standing Bear Hostel, just north

Apr 12, 2018 : Pete Bromen
The Great Smoky Mountains Live Up to Their Name

The Great Smoky Mountains Live Up to Their Name

The Great Smoky Mountains were great indeed

Apr 7, 2018 : Pete Bromen