Day 29 – The Rise of Quadzilla

I’m writing to you from Hot Springs NC. I’m back in NC for the time being – the AT straddles NC and TN for a few hundred miles. It’s rained on me for the last three days. I walked 18 miles in a downpour yesterday and now all of my gear smells like wet dog. But it’s all good because …

Day 18 – Trail Magic

I’m writing from Fontana Dam, 165 miles on the Appalachian trail. It’s raining and I’m not out in it so I’m happy. I’ve been taking my time in towns. White water rafted down the Nantahala river on Tuesday, for free. Gorgeous river but unfortunately no pictures, because water. The last few days have featured some grueling climbs. Coming from the …

Day 11 – The Way of Zen

I’m writing from the Rathskeller Coffee and Pub in Franklin, NC. 110 miles in. Yesterday I hiked 7 miles to get to a road and catch a ride into town. I stayed at the Gooder Grove hostel. It’s a really eclectic place filled with eastern art, Taoist literature, and two old dogs. The owner of the hostel, Zen, is a …

Day 7 – Fried Chicken Mountain

“Fried chicken, fried chicken, fried chicken.” That was my mantra as I climbed another of the endless thousand foot asscents on Saturday. The Appalachian Trail in Georgia is an endless succession of mountain climbs followed by sharp descents. The trail blazers must have been masochists. I started last Sunday at Amicalola Falls state park and hiked 8.8 miles to reach …

D-Day -1 Pizza, Climbing, and Psychedelic Gnomes

The last time I was at a Mellow Mushrooms was almost eight years ago. I was on a 48 hour pass after having just completed basic training at Fort Benning. I remember sitting around a large wooden table with members from my platoon while we discussed how we were going to spend our pass. The conversation revolved around how we …

Essential(and non) Equipment List For My Appalachian Trail Hike

hiking equipment for appalachian trail

My backpack weighs in at 24lbs 11 ounces without food or water. Fully loaded it will weigh between 40 and 45lbs. That is on the heavy end of packs for the Appalachian Trail. Some ultra-light hikers are able to bring their packs down below 10lbs. I chose convenience and comfort over weight. We’ll see whether that decision changes on the …

Hiking to Support the Boys and Girls Clubs of Columbia

I am hiking to support the Boys and Girls Club of Columbia. I’ll use contributions raised to help them set up an after-school gaming program. The program will use competitive gaming(Super Smash Bros melee) to teach life skills that are traditionally learned from team sports. Skills like discipline, work-ethic, and perseverance. Link to my GoFundMe campaign. Thanks for your support! …

7 Physical Training Tips to Prepare for the Appalachian Trail

Training for the Appalachian trail

You might also be interested in this post I wrote, it’s a detailed 3 month training plan to get prepared for the AT. Check out my thru-hike 1-on-1 coaching program. The program covers everything from physical training, mental resilience, nutrition, gear, planning, and any other questions you might have! 1. Walk barefoot on asphalt I learned this tip from a …

Three Month(12 week) Physical Training Plan for Thru Hiking the Appalachian Trail

How to train for the Appalachian trail

I only have about 45 days between when I decided to hike the trail and when I step off from Springer Mountain. Luckily my strength training for the last decade has prepared me well for a long thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. If I had three months to prepare this is how I would do it. Check out my thru-hike 1-on-1 coaching …