Appalachian Trail Bloggers Highlights from the Trail: Week of 3/28

Its almost April and the Northbound thru hiker season is already in full swing. With over 100 Appalachian Trials Bloggers already signed up, there are a lot of awesome hikers to keep up with.

Here is a break down of what has happened on Appalachian Trials this week.

  • Jen Magnuson like so many other hikers has been overwhelmed with emotions at the start of her hike, but with a day off and trail magic looming just ahead, her spirits are starting to rise.
  • Mike has posted his bear wrist…I mean gear list.
  • Stix (Maggie Quamme) started off her hike by getting sick and acquiring a pretty nasty sunburn, but has made it to Dick’s Creek Gap!
  • John Chaffee has this to say about his upcoming hike: “To all you Nobos out there, I’ll see you soon.  To everyone else, quit your job and follow us, we’re walking to Maine.”
  • Andrew Repp is 2 weeks in and picked up the trail name “Mile Marker” after starting to write his remaining milage above his tattoo that states “Miles to go.”
  • Michelle Hand took a zero in Haiwassee before heading to the GA/NC border and is now in Franklin.
  • Rachel Hoyt gets real with us about her feelings of doubt during her first night on the trail.
  • In preparation for his hike, George completed a snowy winter ascent of Mt Washington, and learned a bit about how to take care of himself on the trail.
  • Hot Sauce is 24 days away from starting her hike and has posted some awesome pics from Costa Rica!
  • Connor Mullen is past Hot Springs and has a new format for his updates. He also invites everyone to check out his instagram page where he is posting a lot of pictures from the trail. His most recent update is full of pictures and videos.
  • Oliver Hudgins took a 31-mile test run from Springer to Neels Gap. He is thinking of switching from boots to trail runners. His latest post has a lot of videos.
  • Colleen was waiting for her train and is probably on the trail by now. Her latest post includes her lists of why she is hiking.
  • Stephanie Jones is on her way to the trail by plane from Australia. Steph answers some questions about how she became familiar with a trail that is half a world away.
  • Jill Aubin is a few days in, and explains what its like to tackle some of the immense emotions that can take you off-guard when undertaking a 6 month journey.
  • Chris Allen has made it to Neels Gap and recaps some highlights from his first few days on the trail.
  • Liz Snyder is getting ready to take her first steps on the AT and fulfill her 20 year dream of thru hiking.
  • Erin Tate is bravely beginning the trail even though she is struggling with some personal issues. She is excited to see changes in herself as she continues on her journey.
  • Timothy Pluta is 137.3 miles in and has this to say about the trail so far “The brutality of the trail rewards in moments of wonder and awe. There is indeed magic in these mountains, it’s so obvious to see.”
  • Jeanne Church, who is planning to start hiking in April Has posted an ultralight gear list for “weight junkies”.
  • Sharon is through the Smokies. She has posted a lengthy and well written update chronicling her experience in the park and their last minute decision to try and get into Gatlinburg even through the road at Newfound Gap is currently closed. Hint: they were picked up by a nice park ranger.
  • David posted his most recent update is from Top of Georgia Hostel where they are resupplying. His hiking partner Kyle is having knee trouble and they are slowing down and hoping it gets better.

That’s all the posts from the last 7 days. Make sure to keep up with the most recent posts from out Appalachian Trials Bloggers here!

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