It’s hard to believe, but I’m halfway done with my AT thru-hike! At this point, I have passed the spiritual halfway point in Harpers Ferry, the true 2023 halfway point, and several more legit-looking but inaccurate markers besides.

As I’m halfway through, I’d like to take this opportunity to take stock of my hike so far and check in with myself about how I’m doing, physically and emotionally. Hopefully this will also give you all some more details about trail life. This idea was shamelessly stolen from Gretchen’s blog of her 2021 AT thru-hike.

Trail name? Shaggy

Pack name? I never use it, and nobody ever asks, but if they do, it’s the Mystery Machine (naturally). Tbh, I don’t know if I’ve met anyone who really uses a name for their pack; it doesn’t really seem to be a thing, at least this year.

Favorite trail memory? The wedding at Woods Hole Hostel

Least favorite trail memory? Puking in the Fontana Hilton bathroom

Funniest trail moment? Getting trapped in a privy!

Favorite section of trail? In terms of a single-day section, the Roan Highlands were absolutely spectacular. In terms of a longer leg, the Smokies were amazing both for the beauty of the trail and the rich social experience.

Favorite trail town? Hot Springs, NC. I loved spending Sophie and my one month trailiversary here. The breakfast at Smoky Mountain Diner is still the best meal I’ve had out here

Least favorite trail town? Probably Daleville, VA…I hated all that road walking and highway crossing

Favorite trail snack? Cheez-Its

Favorite trail meal? Knorr’s Taco Rice w/ olive oil, plain tuna packet in sunflower oil, and hot sauce, all wrapped up in tortillas

Least favorite trail meal? I’ve had some bad luck (read: human error) with mac’n’cheese on trail so I generally avoid it. Other than that, honestly, the rest of the trail staples have yet to disappoint

Trail food that has been a pleasant surprise? Belvita bars! Omg, where have these been my whole life?

Favorite protein bar? Clif Builder bars and Gatorade protein bars (no, they aren’t flavored like Gatorade)

What food do you crave while on the trail? Fresh bread, fruits & veggies, and homemade baked goods

Favorite piece of gear? My pack! I especially love the huge hip belt pockets that can fit all my snacks

Piece of gear you sent home? Rain pants (eventually, when it warmed up)

Piece of gear you added? Inflatable pillow

Hardest physical aspect of the trail? Knee pain, especially on downhills

Hardest mental aspect? Missing out. I’m always thinking about all the cool things my friends and family are doing back home that I’m missing. Even on trail, there’s always a cool hostel that you don’t stay at or trail magic you miss out on. You just have to make the most of your own experience. Hike your own hike!

What has been an unexpected challenge? Sleeping. It’s hard for me to get a good night’s sleep on trail and I often wake up with back pain

How do you keep yourself entertained while you hike? Listening to audiobooks or music, or singing to myself

Least favorite trail chore? Filtering water

What’s a skill you’ve learned? Many, but tbh reliably swallowing pills and using a lighter feel like the biggest gains

What’s a trail habit you hope sticks after your hike? Waking up early!

What’s your favorite part of the trail experience? Meeting so many cool people! I especially love running into trail friends that I haven’t seen for hundreds of miles. You never know when you’re going to see someone again

Goals for the second half of your thru-hike? Allow myself more flexibility, and be more creative with this blog!