The Journey
This blog is a collection of stories and photos from my hiking and writing journeys.
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The “Correct” Way to Use Trekking Poles
A Day Hike in Rocksylvania Just yesterday, it happened again. I went for a day hike on the AT in Pennsylvania, accessing the trail from the blue-blazed White Rocks Trail. As always, I had my trekking poles with me, ready…
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A Century of FKT
Squeezing In– A light rain began to fall as I poked my head in the shelter, surprised to find it empty. I faced a decision: stay put or try to outrun the incoming storm to reach the next shelter. A…
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Campfire Community
Curls of thin grey smoke twisted upward from the exuberant flames, carrying a hint of the fire’s warm glow as they spread out and dissipated into the darkness. When the wind shifted, the aroma of burning hardwood stirred primal memories…
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What Defines a Thru-hike?
March marks the beginning of the Appalachian Trail (AT) thru-hiking season, attracting many hikers aiming to complete the journey from Georgia to Maine. Despite challenges and potential breaks, such as family obligations or weather, the hiking community embraces diverse definitions…
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Podcast Interview with Mighty Blue
One of the highlights of the 2025 Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association (ALDHA) Gathering was witnessing an onstage recording of the Mighty Blue Podcast with Steve (Mighty Blue) Adams as the Keynote Speaker. He interviewed Mills Kelly, Vegas, Pinkie, and…
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Sometimes You Eat the Bear!
Don’t Leave Valuables in Your Vehicle. In late summer 2024, I travelled to Roanoke for some consulting work and took a couple of extra days to hike the Virginia Triple Crown area again. It’s an incredible stretch of the AT,…
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Trail Magic: The Homebrew Recipe
How many thru-hikers does it take to brew a batch of beer? Trail magic is broadly defined as any unexpected act of generosity, hospitality, or serendipitous good fortune that can lift the spirits of thru-hikers. It could be a ride,…
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Discover America’s Oldest Long-Distance Trail
Vermont’s Long Trail. The Long Trail (LT) is North America’s oldest long-distance recreational hiking trail, stretching the length of Vermont for 273 miles, from the Massachusetts line to the Quebec border. This “Footpath in the Wilderness” traverses the spine of…
