Joys Abounding

the MACK family (Matthew, Amelia, Charlotte, & Kara) take on the adventure of a NOBO thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2022

Month: February 2021

Appalachia Dreaming on a Snowy Day

It's not just a play on a classic song - dreams of the AT have started to infiltrate my dreams. I have dreamed of heavy packs, many waterfalls, tents, gear, and fellow hikers.We had several weeks of sub-zero weather here in the Chicagoland area and more than 3 feet of snow in 3 weeks. It was a long slog through the month of February. But now March is on the immediate horizon and with it brings 1 year until we leave for the trail!Our future...

PYOH

A common statement that I am reading when I am researching all things Appalachian Trail is HYOH - Hike Your Own Hike. Don't worry about what other people are doing, wearing, packing, planning. Don't worry about the mileage of others on the trail, the length of their stride, the states they have already passed through. This hike is about you - your journey, your process, your experience.Sounds lovely.But, with a little over a year until our...