Blog
Sawyer: Water Filters and More
Gear Review: Sawyer “Mini” water filter, Picaridin, Permethrin and Deet
When I began my first thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail, I did not carry a water filter. Warren Doyle, who has hiked the entire...
Read Full Story • comments (4)
Going Backwards
During the summer of 2011, I was hiking to the top of Baldpate Mountain in Maine – on Day 5 of the Record Attempt – and I started to feel a really sharp pain in my right shin. By the time I reached the ridgeline, my leg hurt so badly …
Read Full Story • comments (3)
The Trail Taught Me to "Lean In"
I just finished reading the current female business manifesto Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg. And for the record, two thumbs up. I applaud the way that Sandberg urges us to reexamine gender roles in the workplace. But like most business books – and most books in general – …
Read Full Story • one comment
Wild - Odyssa - Strayed - Pharr
Several months ago, on a late September afternoon, Jen and I were having lunch in this gorgeous Central Asian tea room in Boulder, CO with legendary hiker Andrew Skurka and his wife Amanda. An hour into our conversation, Skurka asked, “Who are the two most famous thru-hikers in …
Read Full Story • comments (14)
FITS
Socks are the most underestimated piece of hiking gear. On my first thru hike on the Appalachian Trail, I had blistered, bleeding feet that had all the signs and stench of trench foot. Finally when I arrived at the rocks of Pennsylvania, otherwise known as …
Read Full Story • comments (5)
Reflections of a Thru Hiker by Luke "Gribley" Costlow
I had the pleasure of meeting Luke “Gribley” Costlow after his 2012 thru-hike. He is an excellent hiker, writer and the significant other of BRHC’s wonderful guide Macon York. Here is a beautifully written reflection of his experience on the trail. Enjoy!
Sometimes I forget that the Appalachian Trail …
Read Full Story • comments (0)
at home on the trail
Last month, Brew and I hit the trail with our good friend New York Steve and our baby Charley. The purpose of our trip was to help prepare Steve for his A.T. thru-hike next spring. Steve is an incredible athlete, but he had never spent the night in the woods …
Read Full Story • comments (0)
1971-1987 Section Hiker - Interview
I had the joy of interviewing an A.T. Section Hiker who tackled the trail back in the 1970s and 1980s. He said when he finished his section hike, only about 70 other people had completed the entire trail. I had a lot of fun doing the interview. I learned a …
Read Full Story • one comment
Questions for Matt Kirk
It is always nice – and really interesting – to ask other hikers some of the questions that the audience likes to raise after my presentations. This week I asked my friend, and the A.T. Unsupported Record Holder,Matt Kirk a few thought provoking questions to …
Read Full Story • one comment
Becoming Odyssa - Biggest Regret
I am very proud of my book, Becoming Odyssa. But I am NOT proud of everything I did in Becoming Odyssa. Perhaps, the thing that I value most about the book is that it is a honest, authentic retelling of my first thru-hike on the Appalachian …
Read Full Story • comments (12)
