I don’t have a super large social media following, but the folks who are connected are pretty doggone engaged. For this I am wildly grateful! Thank you! Today I reached out on Instagram and Facebook to see if any of my followers had any lingering questions about my experience on the Appalachian Trail. I received some amazing questions that, along with other recent inquiries, will … Continue reading Appalachian Trail Part 1: Questions Answered
I’ve been an athlete my entire life. Started team sports in 5th grade with my go-to favorite, basketball, and played until graduating from high school. I also participated in soccer, track & field, and even, to my mother’s chagrin, a year of varsity football during my senior year. I think she attended one game, and of course it was the one where I got knocked … Continue reading Appalachian Trail Part 1: Injury Prevention
The base weight of a well-packed backpack can be ruined by carrying too much food. I’m guilty of having lugged heavy, spacehogging items that should have been left at home. A six pack of beer, small champagne bottles, cases of nutrition bars, cans of chili or soup. Weighty things that certainly taste good and add to the good times, but certainly less smart choices for … Continue reading Appalachian Trail Part 1: The Food & Water Plan
In an earlier post I laid out all the gear I planned to carry in my pack as I started my thru-hike of the AT. With 5 days of food and full water bottles, I was all-in at 31 lbs. Thirty one pounds is a lot lighter than the 60 pound Lowe Alpine Contour IV I lugged in 1995 when I attempted to the Oregon … Continue reading Appalachian Trail Part 1: Gear Assessment & Review
Along with everything I’ll be wearing for what looks to be a chilly morning hike this Monday (March 14, 2022), here’s the list of gear I’ll be lugging as I start the Appalachian Trail. I imagine there are many unnecessary and superfluous items, and likely way too many snacks, but this is what I’ve chosen to commit to. As the weather warms and I get … Continue reading Appalachian Trail Gear List
Earlier this year I drove away from Spokane in a newly-purchased Dodge cargo van that was filled with all my personal belongings and household goods. My destination, Carrboro, NC, a place I had previously called home for ten years, was more than 2500 miles away. I had done this drive five times in as many years, but never in the sort of weather projected for … Continue reading Every Hundred Miles
My annual account of books read over the year. Happy to have taken in so much good stuff! Nearly doubled last year’s total with 67 completed titles and a nice mix of genres. Top reads are in bold. Enjoy! JANUARY Walking: One Step at a Time (NF) by Erling Kagge: A reread to get the year started. Musings on life and movement. Every time I … Continue reading Books Read in 2021
On January 3, 2022, I am moving out of my apartment and starting my long drive from Spokane, WA to Carrboro, NC (via Los Angeles). I purchased a cargo van specifically for this move, and in order to get all my things in it I need to downsize a bit. My virtual garage sale has been unexpectedly successful at lightening my load, and the money … Continue reading Farewell, Little Buddy
I read a lot. And this year I’ve been devouring books depicting the exploits of various thru-hikers and adventurers. Grandma Gatewood on the AT, Cheryl Strayed on the PCT, Erling Kagge in the sewers beneath New York City. Each hiker’s story, though often on the same trail, is an entirely different experience. I’m currently reading Thirst by Heather “Anish” Anderson. I’ve only just started it—about … Continue reading Getting Got
Tom Griffen 