The questions I get

Have you done this before!!

I promise I am experienced. I’ve completed the Colorado Trail (~400 miles), the High Sierra Trail (100+ miles), and have over 3,000 miles of international backpacking under my belt.

But why

I love seeing places in nature that are so beautiful that my heart cracks wide open, the problem solving that is inevitable on trail because nothing goes as planned, the payoff of every mile earned. I admit that I also love the self reliance and confidence the outdoors gives me which I struggle with in the front-country.

Are you going with someone?

Does my Duolingo App owl count? 🦉

Are you bringing a gun? Pepper spray? Bear spray?

Well… I have a Swiss Army nail clipper that happens to have a 1'“ long knife.

Isn’t it dangerous?

The biggest threat isn’t humans — it’s river crossings, heat stroke, sprained ankles, lightning, giardia, poison oak infections,

What’s this about needing to hitchhike?

I hate hitchhiking but I have to do it to get into a town every 5-6 days to charge my phone, pick up fuel to cook food, and to get updates from my parents about my dog. I try to wait to find another person on the trail to hitchhike with but that rarely lines up with my schedule.

What do you do about food?

My rule of thumb == 1 breakfast item + 3 protein-rich snacks + dinner. I try to make sure every 100 calories only weighs 1oz, so that 1600 calories will be 16oz (1 pound) of weight per day.

Some of my favorite snacks on trail. I try to stick to high protein meals. I learned the hard way that I usually crave salty, crunchy foods rather than sweet protein bars.

Do you have a trail name? (A trail name is a nickname which can only be bequeathed by another through-hiker.)

Yes, but it’s kind of crass and not appropriate for work. Ask me sometime because I’d love to see your reaction.