As we take our first steps in Maine, we look back on our journey through New Hampshire.  This portion of the trail was easily the most challenging.  Our last days in Vermont included three 20 mile days.  Soon after entry into New Hampshire these big mile days all but ceased and continued to drop until we were regularly in the single digits.   New Hampshire describes their trails as rugged.  I tend to use more colorful terms, ... The post Welcome to New Hampshire, The White’s Introduction, and other Observations appeared first on The Trek ..read more

Way back in the 1990’s, I cut my teeth backpacking in the Washington Cascades. Ever since then, I’ve been dreaming of exploring this section of the PCT. But It’s rugged and remote. Truth be told, I figured that if I started the PCT at the Mexican border and walked all the way to Washington, I’d finally have the legs and the stamina to really be able to do this section justice. Luckily, my plan worked! It’s been an amazing section of hiking; ... The post The Heart of Washington Cascades: Snoqualmie Pass, Stevens Pass, Glacier Peak and Super Great Friends appeared first on The Trek ..read more

Fifty years after her death, there is a push to bring Grandma Gatewood back to the trail. Let me explain. Bridgette Mongeon is a hiker and the artist chosen to create bronze statues of Grandma Gatewood. One sculpture is going to the cemetery where she is buried in Ohio at Ohio Valley Memory Gardens, Green Township, Gallia County. Mongeon said she wants to get the second statue as close to the AT as possible. Grandma Gatewood on the Appalachian Trail. ... The post Wouldn’t you like to see a Grandma Gatewood statue? appeared first on The Trek ..read more

I suppose this is my introduction, I will go ahead and start by saying I am attempting the Guiness World Record for the longest barefoot hike/ journey. I have over 3100 miles to go to secure the title and I’ve only just begun.      The journey has not been difficult from the very get-go. Before even booking my flight I lost my I.D. and quickly had to get a new one, though was only able to receive a paper copy thus meaning I was not able to fly anymore.       ... The post 5000 Kilometer Barefoot Guiness World Record Attempt appeared first on The Trek ..read more

Colorado Trail Days 29 & 30 – Cataract Lake to Elk Park Spur Like many long-distance hikers, I’ve enjoyed backpacking through many diverse mountain ranges. The Canadian Rockies are my first love, and the North Cascades are my regular boo. I deeply love and regularly long for the Sierras, and hold the Southern Alps of New Zealand dearly. The Presidential Range of New Hampshire is good for a one night stand and the high peaks of Southern California are just, ... The post The San Juans Will Break Your Heart appeared first on The Trek ..read more

On mornings like this I question why I’m out here. Camping at Imp Shelter with 65 mph winds and 35°f overnight. It’s September. Somehow my myog quilt is keeping me toasty. I’m not complaining, I’m just questioning my sanity. All of a sudden, the weather went from Summer to Winter, seemingly overnight.  Crossing into New Hampshire felt like a huge battle won. After an 18 mile day, I was beat. Pigpen and Lil John peeled me off the gravel parking lot and whisked me away to their living quarters for the season. ... The post Southbound on the Appalachian Trail – New Hampshire, New Shoes, New M ..read more

I felt reassured that I wouldn't be alone when I summited Katahdin; there were other slowpokes like me! The post Day 139 – Slow and Steady appeared first on The Trek ..read more

This morning we wound up sleeping in at the room until super late. When everyone got up it was around 9:30am. I was starting to get hungry so I started to move around and get ready for the day. Then I grabbed a coffee from the lobby at the hostel. Right around 11am we checked out of the room.  We had to walk through town to grab a couple things. I was starving so I stopped and got a steak breakfast burrito from a place in town. ... The post My Biggest Expense Yet on Trail appeared first on The Trek ..read more

Surprise! I’ve been quiet for a while… but I am still thru-hiking! I’m in New Hampshire and closing in on Maine. I realized I hadn’t posted at all since I began my thru-hike. Fun fact: thru-hiking is much busier than I expected! If I’m not walking over roots, rocks, and crazy elevation, then I’m relaxing, eating, or socializing. I decided I’d make a post (finally!) about the top 5 things I’ve learned out here so far, ... The post Surprise!! I’m Still Out Here… appeared first on The Trek ..read more

After re-energizing in Cascade Locks, I was really ready to get back on trail again. To avoid a fire closure, my friend Kate and my former trail mate Wazzu tag-teamed to drive me up north of Mt Adams near the Goat Rocks Wilderness. I was so excited to climb up through this glorious region. Day one was spectacular! Day 2 however, dawned with some fog in the lowlands. After a few hours on trail, the fog had snaked its way up the valleys and began to inundate the high peaks and my views. ... The post The Wet of Washington: Fungus and Fog ‘till Snoqualmie Pass appeared first on The Trek ..read more