I just finished my ridge runner training week in Connecticut, and I will be spending the summer working along the Appalachian Trail. I’m excited for the opportunity to give back to the trail. The most asked question we get is… What is a ridge runner? The short answer is I am a...
Most beginner backpackers are grossed out by the idea of packing out their toilet paper, and that’s OK. But it’s an important thing to do in order to preserve our wilderness. Occasionally, you might see bits of toilet paper off to the side of the trail. How gross would it be if every...
This past fall, I was going into the Great Sand Dunes National Park to work for two months. Temperatures were expected to be very cold at night. My crew leaders recommended a 0 degree sleeping bag. The warmest bag I had was 20 degrees, and I wasn’t about to go buy a new one for a job that...
I first bumped into Mandy “Purple Rain” Bland along the AT in New Hampshire. Even 1,800 miles in, she was still bubbling with enthusiasm. As is the fluidity of the trail, I didn’t see her again after our brief meeting. Imagine my surprise when I saw a Facebook post over...
I recently finished a long-distance bike ride (also known as a “bike tour”) from Canada to Mexico along the Pacific Coast. I wanted to give biking a fair shot, even if to prove what I already suspected: I prefer backpacking over bike touring. Nonetheless, it seems wrong not to...
After a day of hiking, you might develop what is referred to as “the hiker hobble.” It’s when you wake up in the morning (or get up after a long break), and all of your muscles are stiff. You inevitably have to hobble around camp for a few minutes before you have full...
Side braids and shaved heads are equally badass. I have always prided myself on having long, healthy hair. I think the inner-hippie in me liked having flowy locks. Naturally, when I decided to do a thru-hike, taking care of my hair was a big concern for me. Here’s how I do hair care...
My recent article for Appalachian Trials, How to Avoid Creeps on the Trail, was such a success that I’ve decided to write a part 2. This article is for the guys in the hiker community. Let me make it clear first, that I think the vast majority of hiker guys are nice and not creepy...
A few months ago, during a section hike in Georgia, my boyfriend and I were tenting at Low Gap shelter when we decided to go watch the sunset through the trees. We walked back to the trail and found a spot in the trees, ignoring the shredded Mountain House packages on the ground. As the...
I’ll admit that I’ve been neglecting my blog a little bit. And I am sorry about that. It wasn’t out of laziness, however. First of all, I moved to Denver recently. I must say, Colorado is as awesome as everyone says it is. I’ve also been working on some articles...