Sarah Southard

Hello! My name is Sarah, trail name “Froggy” and I will be attempting a Flip Flop thru hike of the Appalachian Trail in April 2018. I have wanted to hike the AT for a few years now, and fate intervened and gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. I have lots of experience as a day hiker but have recently fallen in love with backpacking and camping. I currently live in Virginia with my wonderful husband and two elderly Chihuahuas, but I can’t wait to live in the woods next year. I will also be turning 40 in 2018, so it could be a ploy to hide in the woods for months to avoid the black balloons and Grim Reaper birthday cake. I’d love to have you follow along on my epic adventure!

Posts

Froggy Flip-Flops the AT: Chapter Two

Froggy Flip-Flops the AT: Chapter Two

Connecticut We crossed into Connecticut on Kool's birthday. Kats finished his section, so we said goodbye to him in New York. It was just the

Sep 5, 2018 : Sarah Southard
Froggy Flip-Flops the AT: Chapter One

Froggy Flip-Flops the AT: Chapter One

I stared up in disbelief. How the heck am I supposed to get up that? There were two huge rocks separated by a crack and stones in between that could

Jul 26, 2018 : Sarah Southard
AT Gear List: These Boots and Socks Will Work, Right?

AT Gear List: These Boots and Socks Will Work, Right?

Froggy’s flip-flop AT 2018 gear list base weight: 17.07 pounds Here is my obligatory gear list. Sadly I won’t be hiking in glitter Doc Martens

Mar 5, 2018 : Sarah Southard
Suck It Up Buttercup: Mentally Preparing For A Thru-Hike

Suck It Up Buttercup: Mentally Preparing For A Thru-Hike

Happy new year friends and fellow hikers! As an anxious member of the thru-hiking class of 2018, I am trying to not go crazy while I wait on my start

Jan 14, 2018 : Sarah Southard
If I don’t post about my thru hike on social media, did it even happen?

If I don’t post about my thru hike on social media, did it even happen?

  Social media and I have a love/hate relationship. I literally joined Facebook and Instagram THIS year. Let that sink in. I went over 30 years

Dec 8, 2017 : Sarah Southard
Goldilocks and the Three Packs

Goldilocks and the Three Packs

Once upon a time there was an aspiring thru hiker who wanted to go for a six month long walk in the forest. She needed a backpack so the search was

Nov 2, 2017 : Sarah Southard
Shenandoah Shakedown Hike-Part 2

Shenandoah Shakedown Hike-Part 2

Day Six-11.5 Miles So my pack is trying to kill me. Thanks to Ms. Joy, I realized my pack is too long for me and it’s pulling on my shoulders and

Oct 7, 2017 : Sarah Southard
Shenandoah Shakedown Hike-Part 1

Shenandoah Shakedown Hike-Part 1

It was time. I was at the Rockfish Gap parking lot which sits at the southern end of Shenandoah National Park. I had planned this 10 day shakedown

Oct 7, 2017 : Sarah Southard
Rainbows and Butterflies or Blisters and Bears?

Rainbows and Butterflies or Blisters and Bears?

Learning to accept my 2018 thru hike attempt isn't going to be just rainbows and butterflies. There's a tough road ahead. Will I be able to handle it mentally and physically?

Sep 22, 2017 : Sarah Southard