I’ve walked the Appalachian Trail twice, plus another 2,000 miles working as an Appalachian Trail Conservancy ridgerunner for seven seasons.. How did I start all this? By locating the nearest trailhead to my home and setting foot on the trail. That one hour greeting let me hear my call to the trail “If I just …
Category Archives: Journey to YOUR HeartLand
How Much Food for Vegan Hiking?
In response to the question “I’m vegan. What food do I take hiking?” I sprout mung beans and lentils on trail. Hummus, olive oil, sweet potatoes, corn mush, maple syrup. Did I mention olive oil – most calorie dense food? I was soooo afraid of being hungry and not getting enough calories when I started …
There Are Bears on the AT!
My 10,000 miles of walking after the age of 52 have helped me see is that detractors are reflecting in me something that I have not yet fully processed myself because I truly lack an answer from experience. Their questions and doubts invite me to do my research, look at what I really am unsure …
Getting Started on the Appalachian Trail
“I think I want to do a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. How should I prepare for that?” Here’s my answer: Go out for a day, then a night, then three or four nights. Go out for short walks in all four seasons to test your gear. One landmark in preparation is to go out …
Love Your Gear: Toiletries
Here is my backpacking toiletries list: Hotel bar soap, tiny sponge, lidded bowl for taking wash water to my tent; lip balm; .5oz teatree oil (or eucalyptus or peppermint); tiny tube of general salve; travel toothbrush; sometimes a tablespoon of baking soda for tooth powder + deoderant; large bandaids that can be cut to size; …
Delayed Package
May 29, 2020 When I dropped off two large flat rate packages at the P.O. in Borrego Springs, CA, I believed Bonnie, the postal clerk, when she said they would arrive May 26th. “That’s perfect!” I said. “I’ll be there May 27th and we leave there May 29th.” The USPS has been reliable with their …
Why is Walking in Nature Important?
May 22,2020 I was challenged with this question yesterday. I caught my breath in response because I realized that in my heart I KNOW! It’s one of those things that I’ve never had to explain to MYSELF because I just know that walking in Nature is important. So, here’s the beginning of what might be …
Ease is a Choice
May 21, 2020 How I manage the terrain on the Appalachian Trail is to choose each step to be easy. I can always do one step! Breathe, choose ease, step. In each easy step I can savor the beauty of the one rock on which I’m stepping, then choose the next one to be easy …
Quick Answers
Over my 20 years of walking long distance trails, I’ve noticed that practically all of my questions can be addressed with five essential considerations. I have started calling them my Five Essentials for Creating a Radiantly Fulfilling Walk of Any Length. The five essentials are: Know your Trail Consider your Timing Love your Gear Magnetize …
Sunrise Journey
May 1, 2020 May 2, 2020 May 3, 2020 May 4, 2020 May 5, 2020 May 6, 2020 May 7, 2020 May 8, 2020 May 9, 2020 May 10, 2020 Maya 11, 2020 May 12, 2020 May 13, 2020 May 14, 2020 May 15, 2020 May 16, 2020 May 17, 2020 May 18, 2020 May …