Loyal Menasha Ridge Press followers may recognize the familiar face of Nimblewill Nomad, a beloved author and accomplished thru-hiker. We have sung the praises of Nomad quite a few times, sharing lessons he has passed along and avidly following his yearly odysseys. And we're not the only...
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During a phone interview with Kyle Kellams of KUAF, I mentioned how hiking and writing about trails go together for me. I couldn’t imagine doing one without the other. He said, “So, in addition to being a thru-hiker, you’re a ‘thru-writer.'” I thought, what a cool...
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So the Appalachian Trail just turned 80 years old. Wow. I hope I am as well-loved and in as good of a shape as the dear old AT when I turn 80. Hell, I hope I’m still alive by the time I turn 80! So...
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It’s been a little over a year since I finished working on Best of the Appalachian Trail: Mid-Atlantic. With this year commemorating the Trail’s 80th year in existence, I’ve spent a little time this past week looking through the photographs I took while working on...
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Let’s talk about wildflowers. Wildflowers are the unsung heroes of the Appalachian Trail. They’re often overshadowed by the sweeping vistas, towering pines, and formidable rock formations, but they are equally important to your hiking experience. They’re small but mighty, brightening up even the gloomiest of...
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"It has been several decades since I first set foot on the Appalachian Trail. As I stepped forth from Springer Mountain, Georgia, on that early spring day, I was ready to revel in the grand scenery of the mountains, the far-off vistas, the roaring waterfalls,...
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The Women of the White Blaze are yawning as dusk falls around them, their tired bodies begging them to lie down for the night. But something more important than sleep beckons on this night. Their shuttle bus driver mentioned that they might get to see the...
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Waking up in the predawn and getting to watch as the sun lightens the sky and nature greets a new day. Sharing a warm, filling breakfast before setting out for a section of the Appalachian Trail full of new sights and experiences. Listening to the...
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The women sit in a living room chatting. Laughter bounces off the walls. Wine flows freely and snacks fill the table. If you were to close your eyes, you’d envision a cocktail party full of fancy ladies and juicy gossip. Only the juicy gossip here is...
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The three women awoke in a shelter on the Appalachian Trail, stretched their stiff hiking muscles, made coffee and oatmeal, and broke camp. They paused to check the weather forecast warning of thunderstorms and possible hail. Normally, weather like this would be alarming, but there...
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