Appalachian Trail
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Travels, Friends, Family, Hiking and Kayaking
The pinks and purples emerged over the blue soaked Appalachian Mountains as the sun began its ascent. And I began my ascent of the iconic McAfee Knob. My thru-hike of...
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Backpacking 700 Miles and Off Trail
It was an ideal backpacking day as I strolled down the Appalachian Trail. The sun was breaking through the forest canopy highlighting the flowers below in full bloom. Eventually, an...
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Grayson Highlands State Park
Today was awesome hiking through Grayson Highlands State Park as I just rented entered into Virginia. It’s days like this that I must file away and tap into when I’m...
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344 Miles and My Bear Encounter
As I dial-in my daily routine, gain strength and endurance, and embrace the warmer temperatures I have started pushing myself with renewed confidence to focus on progressing north. I am...
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Typical Day on the Appalachian Trail
Almost overnight, the frosty days waned. The sun gradually warmed the forest as I pushed north through the Smokies, and the smell of cedar was abundant. I basked in the...
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200 Miles and Into the Smokies
The emerging signs of spring were just gradually becoming more prevalent when the temperatures dropped dramatically accompanied by an unwelcome snow storm. It was initially exciting to officially enter Great...
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Exhausting and Exhilarating
After sitting out a couple days in Hiawassee, Georgia to avoid the 15-degree nights, I pushed on refreshed and conquered a few milestones. First, I have hiked all of the...
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Two Weeks and 78 Miles
Two weeks and 78 miles into my Appalachian Trail thru-hike from Georgia to Maine. Bold blue mountains seem to extend to the horizon as I hike up and down the...
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One Week to Appalachian Trail Start
My adventure on the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail begins in one week on March 20th. No more researching, studying and preparing – it’s my turn. On the lighter side of preparations,...
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Backpacking Gear – My Big Three
Between the technical enhancements and surge in popularity of ultralight backpacking, the gear choices for my Appalachian Trail thru-hike cover a wide spectrum. Evaluating and making gear decisions can be...