Day 143 – Climbed Mt. Washington, Ate Pizza, Didn’t Die, Good Day.

I’m writing to you from a 12 tribes operated hostel in Lancaster, NH. The 12 tribes is a somewhat eccentric community that some describe as a “cult.” They have communities across the nation and are famous for their Yellow Delis. They’ve been very nice and super hospitable. They drove us 35 minutes from the trailhead and will return us in …

Day 100… something. Another state completed, on to the White mountains!

I’m writing from the White Mountains Hostel outside of Gorham, NH. It has a reputation as one of the best hostels on the trail. The reputation is well earned. It’s clean, organized, and very comfortable. Today makes a double zero. Southern Maine The last hundred miles through southern Maine have been the roughest terrain I’ve encountered yet. The mountains are …

Day 121 – Some Musings on Life

I’m writing to you from Rangley. A small tourist town situated in a valley on the bank of Rangley Lake in Maine. I’ve climbed several large mountains in the last week; the Bigelows, the Saddlebacks, and several other smaller ranges whose names elude me. This section of southern Maine and the White Mountains(which I’ll climb late next week) are the …

Day 108 – Starving in the 100 Mile Wilderness

I’m writing to you from the Lakeshore House in Monson, ME. It’s a two story house that has been converted into a hostel and pub. True to its name the house sits on the lake and there’s even a dock and kayaks available for guests. Pete’s Place, a small bakery and cafe is located next door. They serve the best …

Day 92 – The Journey of a Thousand Miles…

I’m writing to you from Harper’s Ferry, WV. Mile 1,022 on the Appalachian Trail. I expected a hiker town similar to Waynesboro – buffets, grocery stores within easy walking distance, and lots of hostels. Not so. Harper’s Ferry is a historic town. The homes here date mostly from the 1800s. The primary industry is tourism. Not bad, just not what …

Day 84 – The Seven Types of Hikers You’ll Meet on the Appalachian Trail

I’m writing to you from Luray, VA. Mile 941. I’ve been hiking the Shenandoah National Park with Jillian for the last two weeks. We’ve slowed the pace and taken some extra zeroes because Jillian’s knee is giving her some problems. The relaxed pace has been refreshing. Shenandoah’s The AT follows Skyline drive for over 100 miles in the SNP. I’ve …

Day 64 – The Dip

I’m writing this post while I wait for my laundry to finish washing. I’m in Daleville, VA. A tiny town near Roanoke. The kind of place that one finds themselves after a lifetime of poor decisions. I’m now averaging 20 miles a day. To maintain this pace you have to walk 11-12 hours and not dally during your breaks. This …

Day 57 – Wild Ponies, Bears, and Freedom

I’m writing to you from the Angel’s Rest hostel in Pearisburg, VA. This is mile 635 on the trail. Angel’s Rest is a new hostel that opened this season. It isn’t listed in any of the guidebooks. A southbound(SOBO) hiker named Han SOBO told us it was better than the Motor Lodge(which housed live in meth addicts apparently). His vague …

Day 45 – Meet Bob Peoples

I’m writing from Damascus VA, mile 468 on the Appalachian trail. It’s been a while since I’ve updated the blog so let me catch you up. After Hot Springs I hiked 70 miles to Erwin, TN. About 11 miles out of Hot Springs I camped in a fire tower with a section hiker named Stogie. Having a 360 view of …

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 …