Tom Willard

Haunted by a failed thru hike attempt in 2016, I am back in 2017. My head is clear, the flame is reignited, and I am hungry for the trail.

Posts

When I successfully thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, I will…

When I successfully thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, I will…

We don’t always get second chances in life, especially a second chance at an Appalachian Trail thru-hike. It’s a monumental endeavor to attempt it

Mar 22, 2017 : Tom Willard
Dear Class of 2017. Lessons From A Quitter.

Dear Class of 2017. Lessons From A Quitter.

I have written and erased this blog post at least a dozen times since I quit the trail in early July. For one thing, it doesn't feel warm and fuzzy

Nov 18, 2016 : Tom Willard
How I Went From GA to WV In One Month

How I Went From GA to WV In One Month

Greetings friends! I'm sure you thought I may have dropped off the face of the earth, but life decided to add some excitement along with a few twists

Jun 13, 2016 : Tom Willard
My Gear List: 12 Pounds of Chewy Goodness

My Gear List: 12 Pounds of Chewy Goodness

There are few things in life that I love more than backpacking gear. My cat Shelby, a good ABBA cover band, and my Aunt Maggie's Jell-O salad on the

Apr 25, 2016 : Tom Willard
60 Days To Go…And Full Of G.A.S.

60 Days To Go…And Full Of G.A.S.

A few days ago my countdown app chirped sixty days to go.  I can't believe it's been 40 days since my first blog post on Appalachian Trials!  In that

Mar 16, 2016 : Tom Willard
Am I nervous…Or Just Two Tents?

Am I nervous…Or Just Two Tents?

I almost puked when I bought my train ticket to Georgia. It could’ve been from the 2 dozen wings I had previously eaten, but I can usually strip

Feb 22, 2016 : Tom Willard
I Once Saw A Bear’s Ass…

I Once Saw A Bear’s Ass…

...And it was not what I expected. I mean, it’s not like I expected it to be a sculpted work of art. But…I was kinda, sorta, secretly hoping it would

Feb 7, 2016 : Tom Willard
Try Tom – Now With New Minty Flavor!

Try Tom – Now With New Minty Flavor!

Ahhhh…it’s February 1st! Generally, I’m slightly grumpy and bitching about the cold and snow. But not this time. I’m too busy planning for the AT.

Feb 1, 2016 : Tom Willard