CONCERNED ABOUT NOROVIRUS? WASH YOUR HANDS!
CONCERNED ABOUT NOROVIRUS ON TRAIL? WASH YOUR HANDS! I am not going to lie… We hikers are typically dirty, smelly, and gross out on the trail. Maintaining hygiene on the trail is challenging at the [...]
CONCERNED ABOUT NOROVIRUS ON TRAIL? WASH YOUR HANDS! I am not going to lie… We hikers are typically dirty, smelly, and gross out on the trail. Maintaining hygiene on the trail is challenging at the [...]
I frequently get asked, “What does an Appalachian Trail Ridgerunner do?” While there is an official list of “essential duties and responsibilities” (attached below), I trust that my presence on the trail is primarily [...]
One beautiful winter’s day in 2010, I was day-hiking with a dear friend just a few weeks before leaving for my thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail. Her former career had been as a successful surgeon [...]
After a long day hiking in the rain, I passed the side trail to “Charlies Bunion,” a scenic rocky overlook that attracts many view-seeking hikers. Typically, many day-hikers are headed up to this iconic and [...]
I had the pleasure of sharing a wild Smokies Appalachian Trail adventure with the ATC’s newest ridgerunner, Andy… His excellent trail-maintaining skills were continually being put to the test. He’s going to make a great [...]
On my last backpacking trip just before I left for Nepal last October, ironically in the Smokies, I had a critical equipment malfunction… the dreaded fatal-boot-blow-out. Thankfully, it was toward the end of the trip, [...]
I have to be honest. My first two “hitches” (each 4-day stretch on the trail is called a hitch) have been relatively intense. I knew the weather could potentially be brutal in the Smokies… [...]
When was the last time you made an enormous, unplanned decision that altered every facet of your daily life??? Embarking on a journey of personal growth often requires us to summon vast amounts of courage [...]
Walking in the depths of winter is to experience life in a cycle of quiet, peaceful slumber. The gilded glow of the winter sun streams dimly through windswept trees. The air is crisp and still… As we [...]
Hey friends, I have big news!! I have officially accepted an Appalachian Trail Ridgerunner position in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park for the 2024 season! What is a Ridgerunner, you ask? A Ridgerunner works [...]
I was honored to have eight incredible women accompany me on the trek of a lifetime in the Annapurna region. Everyone did fantastic and an unforgettable adventure was had by all. We began our journey [...]
Are you considering hiking a long trail? There are numerous benefits to committing to such an undertaking. Here is an (unedited) section of my soon-to-be-published book about Backpacking as a Sacred Practice that gives a [...]
When the Wild Woman roamed free in the forest without fear… bold and in her power, she was at peace in her mind and with the outer world. Her sacred rituals kept her centered, [...]
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PAIR OF HIKING SHOES OR BOOTS: “I firmly believe that with the right footwear one can rule the world.” -Bette Midler And Bette is absolutely correct. The foundation and [...]
I held the intention to walk the length of the Foothills Trail, present, and intuitively… choosing a place to camp each night based on how I felt and where I wanted to travel… feeling fully [...]
There is something so magical about walking through the Great Smoky Mountains in early Spring... The crisp, clear streams, endless views, amazing wildflower displays, dark skies, and a special last night at Mt. LeConte Lodge. [...]
Do you get attached to your shoes? I know I do… and like most of my other trusted loved-to-death hiking gear, it can be hard to let go of things that accompanied me on so [...]
Cumberland Island, Georgia, is a barrier island off the coast of southern Georgia. It is home to a herd of wild horses, armadillos, bobcats, coyotes, deer, and the most enchanted maritime forest you could ever [...]
This kind of stuff just doesn't happen to me! I always have snafu-free adventures. I meet interesting people and have nothing but magically synchronistic encounters and experiences when I travel. I have met some of [...]
Do you carry rain pants in your backpack? I know many people who never carry rain pants, and a genuine “Yay!” for lessening pack weight by several ounces. Me? I never leave home without [...]
The Three Rivers Land Trust, the Uwharrie Mountain Trail Club, and many wonderful volunteers make this 4-day backpacking "thruhike" a truly spectacular event! They truly spoil us with cookouts, snacks, cold drinks, [...]
Packing my backpack to walk the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu has me thinking ahead of how I want to present my being... my essence... to this ancient and mystical place. What kind of energy [...]
MANY PAINS IN THE BODY ORIGINATE FROM THE FEET! Even being a daily walker and hiker for decades, I still get annoying little aches and pains. I have a go-to remedy for most minor [...]
Here's a short video of my 40-mile walk in the Wild Woods of the Uwharrie Trail! The weather could not have been better, the trail is in terrific condition, and I met a lot of [...]
I am heading out in a few days to hike the 40-mile Uwharrie National Recreational Trail (UNRT). I am thrilled to be exploring a new trail in a completely unfamiliar area! Investigating new places is [...]
I just returned from a three-day backpacking trip in my all-time favorite wilderness area. The weather was absolutely stellar, I got to hike with a dear, old friend, and I had some new, cool gear [...]
Thank you, John Pritchard, for helping me create an absolutely magical book! Your help and guidance were instrumental in making this dream a reality. I have no doubt that WildWood Magic: A Guide to [...]
Have you wanted to experience the peace and solitude of an enchanted forest but have been too afraid to go by yourself? Many people are conflicted about this, but there are simple ways to move [...]
This is a short video contrasting the differences in outdoor experiences when we plan ahead and prepare (LNT principle one) vs. when we do not. Enjoy! Leave No Trace (LNT) Center for Outdoor Ethics is an educational [...]
I did a thing! I just completed a 288-mile hike on the Benton MacKaye Trail! My journey on the BMT has been a full and magical lifetime, in and of itself. A lifetime filled with [...]