Thursday, January 30, 2014

An AT Reading List

Once I decided to dive head first into this crazy journey, I began reading books about the AT pretty voraciously. I also read a ton of online trail journals, especially a woman named Certain's. For those of you interested in getting to know more about the Appalachian Trail and some of the people who have hiked it, here is a list of the books I've read so far:
I have a few more on my list, but I don't think I'll have time to read them before I set foot on the trail. I love reading and would be happy to take suggestions on any others you think I should get my hands on! If you've read any of these books, let me know what you thought!

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Santa was Good to Me!

Happy New Year! I hope you all enjoyed time with family and friends. Santa came to visit and he brought me just the right stuff to round out my gear! I'm so thankful for all of my gifts and the thoughtfulness of the people that gave them to me. Here's a rundown of what I got.


PossumDown Socks - I hear these are great, lightweight options for keeping toes toasty at night.

Black Rock Down Beanie - Expensive for a hat, but I think it will keep me really warm. I had to order a size large since I have a ginormous head.

Outdoor Research Revel Shell Mitts - These will go over my fleece gloves to keep my hands dry when it's raining.


Exofficio Give-N-Go Lacy - Might not bring these on the trail since I already have matching wool bra and panty sets, but I will absolutely use these on other outings or even day to day. I've heard great things about this brand.

Gu Energy Gel - My sister threw these into the cute little gift box she made for me. She filled the box with all sorts of hiking gear and decorated the outside with hiking-related magazine clippings. The Gu will be great on my training hikes and runs!

MSR Ground Hog Stakes - I only asked for two of these so I could compare them to the stakes that came with my Hubba tent. The included stakes weigh half as much as the Groundhogs, so I think I'll be leaving these behind. Great to have back home as backup though.

pStyle - Allows females to pee in the woods without taking off their pants. When my sister ordered this for me, she thought it was a drinking cup. She was horrified when she found out what it actually was.


Appalachian Trail Passport - This is new for 2014. Several hostels and other landmarks along the trail will stamp your passport when you visit. It will be a great keepsake!

Thermarest Patch Kit - Just in case I spring a leak!

Mini photo album of family and pets - My sister had to look high and low to find this little book. I guess they are a thing of the past now that everyone has photos on their phones. Love it and will definitely be carrying it with me!


Inspirational bracelet - My mom surprised me with this gift and a sweet card. I won't be wearing this on the trail because I don't want to lose it, but I'll definitely be wearing it before and after my hike. It says "She believed she could, so she did." I love that quote!



The Appalachian Trail by National Geographic - My sister-in-law found this old book (it was published in 1978) and bought it for me. It's so cool! It has some fantastic quotes and great pictures. My goal is to finish reading it before I leave for Atlanta in 10 weeks.

I hope I didn't forget anything! I got so many great gifts! Thanks again to everyone. I'll definitely be thinking of each of you every time I use these items (well, maybe not the pStyle).