Packing It Out

Well y'all we've been on the trail for about a month now and are somehow still alive, haha. The past few posts have focused primarily on Packing It Out and how wonderfully things have worked out for us this far. However, we'd be doing a disservice to you kind folks if we didn't mention just how much fun we're having.  Adversities don't seem quite so adverse when spirits are high, and due to the nature of our trio positivity abounds often. We've also been fortunate enough to meet very encouraging comrades along the way. So regardless of the weather or terrain we have a blast.  4 nights ago we camped just past Standing Bear Hostel at a quaint little campsite called Painters Creek. At first glance the area was dreamy; a babbling brook splitting soft shoulders of moss and ferns with low fingering branches bedazzled by glittering rain drops grasping onto the day's final sunbeams. However, upon closer inspection we found the not so silver lining. The entire fo...

4/3 – 4/9 It's been a wild week hiking north. We covered plenty of miles, experienced world class trail magic, created new friendships, and inspired others to pick up trash along their hike. We are staying with Les and Cathy Murphy who have opened their mountain home to us. We're looking forward to hiking in the Great Smokey Mountain National Park next week. As of right now we have covered 110 miles of the Appalachian Trail. The trail has been challenging in many aspects. Rocky trails and rainy days have led to technical/muddy  trail conditions.  We often stare off at beautiful  views  and it's rare we pass up a stream for a quick splash. The days are getting longer and the trail is getting more challenging as we approach the Smokeys (highest section of the AT) but we are playing it smart by taking our time and letting our bodies fully adjust to the trail.  Whether your hiking Northbound or Southbound many hikers have the privilege to experience “Trail Magic”. T...

photo courtesy of Amy Dobbs Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet Jean-Jacques Rousseau It has been a few weeks since I’ve posted. Here is a quick update on what Joe, Paul and I have been up to…  Here in Minnesota Paul and I have focused on finishing boats and guiding winter trips in the Boundary Waters. In Georgia, Joe has been working hard as lead butcher at a local grass fed farm, Hunter Cattle Co. We’ve been buzzing with anticipation for this upcoming journey; Being patient and keeping our focus on work projects has been challenging to say the least. We are currently finishing up the last of our obligations and to-do’s before we begin our journey along the Appalachian Trail. Boundary Water Winter Trips On the back-trail. photo courtesy of Amy Dobbs Paul and I just lead a series of trips near the border of Canada at a wilderness lodge, Camp Menogyn. Menogyn is located in the northern reaches of Minnesota off the Gunflint Trail. The camp is o...

http://sitoto.com/scenic-photography-hd-hits-picture-fisherman-in-boat-hd-photography-windows-wallpaper/ In this post, I want to share a story I heard a few months ago that really put things into perspective. This story helped reinforce my desire to life a simple happy life. An American investment banker was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked.  Inside the small boat were several large yellowfin tuna.  The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them. The Mexican replied, “only a little while. The American then asked why didn’t he stay out longer and catch more fish? The Mexican said he had enough to support his family’s immediate needs. The American then asked, “but what do you do with the rest of your time?” The Mexican fisherman said, “I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siestas with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village...

It blows me away that we are already coming to the end of January! Throughout this post I want to give everyone updates on our planning and training for Packing It Out’s first trip along the Appalachian Trail. Yep, you read that last sentence right. Packing It Out is no longer a solo effort. As of right now, Packing It Out will be a trio. More information on how this happened below.  Most of January has been dedicated to working and training. I’m still working for Wilderness Inquiry but instead of working as a trail guide I have become a full-time boat repairman. After many seasons of hard use, our cedar strip canoes need attention. Luckily, I get to work with a guide that I spent the whole summer with. Paul and I spend most days dreaming about the trail and ways we can simplify our lives. It didn’t take long for my audacious ideas to rub off on Paul. As of right now, he is on board to hike the AT with me. To say that I was excited when he told me he would be hiking with me ...