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@headingnobowhiteblazes
Music: “Nobody Knows” by The Lumineers
The transformation during my 2017 Appalachian Trail thru hike. My transformation was not just a psychical one, but an emotional and spiritual one as well. The trail will forever be part of me.
This is what 4 months of thru hiking looks like. Happy trails and Guac on!
Chasing blazes and making memories. #tbt #ATThruHike2017 #NOBO2017
One year ago today I began my journey of 2,190 miles from Georgia to Maine. Thank you to everyone who supported me along the way. #ClimbYourKatahdin #atthruhike2017
Looking Back On 2,200 Miles
It has been over five months since I have finished my thru hike of the Appalachian Trail. I bring it up every opportunity I have and love sharing my stories, memories, and experiences. I started my journey to find the breaking point of my body and mind. The average thru hike takes 6 to 8 months, and I completed my hike in 3 months 29 days. When I speak of my trek to others, I feel that I have earned the right to be cocky, to have a little swagger. During my entire hike I remained humble. I always said was attempting to thru hike, and stayed humble to the trail. But now that I look back on my journey, I have joined the exclusive group that call themselves thru hikers. Since 1937, only 15,000 people on the planet have done what I have done. I am now Guac, Appalachian Trail Thru Hiker, GA to ME - NOBO 2017.
Did the AT break me? Did I find the mental and physical breaking point of my body?
This one is hard to answer… I do not think it broke me, and the only reason I say that is because I finished. If it had broken me I do not think I would have made it to the end. But how can I truly say the trail did not break me? It did break me down physically, emotionally, and mentally on a regular basis. It brought me to tears countless times and I had to dig deep to continue to walk. My trail families said “Guac is having a bad day” too many times for me to say I was not broken. When I speak of the trail, I say: “It was the hardest thing I have ever done in my entire life”. I mean every word of that statement. The AT was the hardest, most grueling, difficult thing I have done up to this point in my life. But I do not regret it. I honestly believe that we grow as people when we break out of our comfort zones. When we force ourselves to do something new and out of the ordinary. “Guac” may no longer be hiking but there will always be a part of Guac in me forever.
Did I gain that independence I was looking for?
NOT AT ALL!  There isn’t one part of me that is upset about this. I had this perception of the trail that I would be alone all the time. That I would be walking alone, eating alone, and sleeping alone. That was not the case. Laura best described it by saying it was “one big continuous sleepover”. There were moments I would walk alone. In some cases there was no around around and others I choose to be alone. But the trail was extremely social and I loved it. It is what I kept falling back to on the long days. After a miserable day of walking, it was my trail families that kept me smiling, enjoying, and loving the journey. When I look back on the trip, I miss it a lot. I think about it all the time. I can’t help but smile when I think of what I did. But do I really miss the endless walking, countless miles, blisters, sore feet, lost toe nails, wet socks and shoes? No, not at all. I miss the smiles, laughter and bonds that I made with my trail families. I miss Scrip, Pacer, Cyrilia, Pete’s Dragon, Downwind, Tree Walker, Lone Ranger, Uncle Heather, Sprout, and Root.
There is a bond that grows and develops on the trail that you cannot replicate. It is more than a friendship. The best way I can describe is, it is just “surviving”. I will never forget the moments when I would run out of water and we would all stop for a water break and Scrip, Tree Walker, or Pacer would give me some of their water. Why!? They did not have to do that. I was the one that ran out of water and didn’t have any left. They were the ones that carried it all those miles for me to just take it from them.
There were countless times when we would be at camp and I would get water for the entire group while they all set up. Or it was me that would relax while Scrip or Downwind got the water. We were all fighting for the same goal, an outrageous goal of 2,200 miles. We all helped each other along the way and made sure we all made it. You truly love those you hike with. You laugh, cry, bleed, and hurt with each other. You become emotionally attached to those you are around. They truly become your family.
I miss “supper time”. We made sure none of us ever ate alone. It still makes me smile thinking of when I first started to hike with Pacer and Downwind and I yelled at them to wait until we all got to camp for “family supper”. Whenever Scrip and I reunited after being apart for a few days, he always told me that the thing he missed most was dinner. We would all set up camp, gather around, and share treats and food if anyone of us was ever running low. I still remember our potluck dinners of hot dogs, Knorr Sides, Mountain Houses, tortillas, salad, crackers, and anything else we could pull out of our food bags. We would eat like kings and every day we all knew no matter how miserable and terrible the day was, there would always be a warm meal at the end of the day with your trail family.
I did inspire, but you all inspired me.
I want all of you that are reading this to know that I was, and still am truly moved by how many of you followed along. It is still amazing to run into people and have them mention that they read every single one of my posts. People that I haven’t seen in years reading my blog. I am shocked and honored that you all followed along. There are plenty of other things to read or watch on the internet but you chose to read this blog. I was an honor to know so many were following. It was a huge motivating factor during my hike. If I failed, I wouldn’t just be letting myself down, I would be letting every single one of you down. I hope one of you, just one, is moved and inspired by my blog and journey and do something with it. Take that jump off the deep end and see what happens, see where life takes you.
I have been contacted by a few people about my thru hike and they have mentioned that they would like to start their own journey on the Appalachian Trail. It makes me emotional thinking about it. When this idea about thru hiking first crossed my mind, I was reading countless blogs and articles online. I was reading about previous hikers like Rabbit and Biz. They were a major inspiration for me and I hope that one of you out there decides to pack what you think it takes in a backpack and start following those white blazes. Trust me, you will not regret it.
I can’t help but smile and cry at the same time when I think about what I did. I actually did the entire thing. I made it from Georgia to Maine, on foot, hiking 2,200 miles. It is still remarkable to me and doesn’t feel real. I am asked all the time what the trail was like, and would I do it again.
The trail was everything…
The trail was hard, difficult, brutal, sucked, terrible, wet, cold, muddy, buggy, and just plain horrible at times. But at the same time it was AMAZING, beautiful, rewarding, unforgettable and truly life changing. I thought about the yo-yo hiker, Skippyjon Jones, that turned right around at Katahdin and headed back to Springer. I can see why. I miss it, and yes I would do it all again. I do not regret being out there. Even as I sit here writing this post still letting my feet and body recover, I can’t help but smile and cry thinking about being back on trail with the Savages, Just the Boys, and The Deli Boys. I have been out on the trail every chance I’ve had since being back. I have told everyone I can that I am a thru hiker. I loved my journey.
Am I different?
Yes, I think I have changed. I feel that my relationship with Laura is a lot stronger now. I learned how much I needed her and loved her while being apart from her.
I learned that I can walk anywhere. There is no where that is not within walking distance to me now.
I am more confident in myself. I know that I can do anything I set my mind to. Nothing is impossible to me. I am stronger mentally and physically.
Dream big, dream even bigger, and swing for the fences. Guac on! I have learned to never stop dreaming. Dream crazy, stupid, and ridiculous. Have dreams and go after them. Chase them down and fulfill those big dreams.
Thank you.
I want to thank my wife, Laura. I wouldn’t have made it without her. She may not have walked the miles but she was there every step of the way. She let me go, she supported me along the way, she mailed me the food that kept me going. Since my hike, I have been getting all the congratulations. Laura has only been told three times that her journey was just as amazing and received congratulations. She sacrificed a lot so that I could walk. She is a remarkable person for letting me take on the AT.
I want to thank my family for all the love and support along the way. The support from family and friends was empowering and amazing. All the cards, care packages, text messages. Thank you, all of you!
I want to give a big and special thank you to Nicko Nagel. I called you multiple times while I was on trail and every call I was tears. I was broken down and didn’t want to continue when I called. No matter what you were doing or what meeting you were in, you dropped everything to talk to me. Nicko, thank you for listening to me. Thank you for telling me exactly what I needed to hear at those moments. You kept me going and for that I love you and will never forget what you did.
Scrip… Do I even need to say anything? I have been fortunate enough to see you since we have both finished. We walked a long time together brother and it was amazing. Thank you for everything.
Happy Trails,
Guac - GA to ME 2017 - NOBO '17
What I spent 3 months 29 days and 2,200 miles chasing. Dream big and swing for the fences. #ATThruHike2017 #WhiteBlazes
It's been two months since I finished my thru hike, but I back on trail white blazing. This time with the company of @lauraromo30 and Mason. #ATThruHike2017 #WhiteBlazing #optoutside (at Shenandoah National Park)
Summit Day
Katahdin Stream to Baxter Peak - 5.2 miles Total: 2,190.3 miles Today we reached the summit of Katahdin.
I took me 3 months, 29 days to complete my attempt.
My journey of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail is now over. I am a NOBO class of 2017. I am now officially a thru-hiker.
I was the 43rd NOBO to reach Katahdin.
Heading home, Guac
Nearing The End
Millinocket, Maine: Rainbow Lake to Katahdin Springs - 21.1 miles Total: 2,183.9 miles Katahdin or bust, 5 miles to go. This morning we woke up and it was still raining. I looked around and my tent was covered in mud. What a fitting day for my last day hiking on the trail. I had planned ahead and had a set of dry clothes next to me in my tent.We all woke up early and got dressed and ready amid sprinkles of rain. We knew we only had 21 miles today and that would put us at the base of the mountain. We ate, packed, and headed out. I took lead and didn't look back. This was the final stretch. The last mile of my marathon. I would put my head down and hike. I was making great time as the trail was gorgeous today. Just a little muddy but the sun was coming out to dry things.
It wasn't until late in the the morning that Pacer finally caught up. We all had arranged a shuttle to grab us at 3PM today to rest up in town before the big climb. With easy terrain today, we were moving quickly and would make it with plenty of time. Today we got our last and finally view of the mountain Katahdin before the climb. It looks like a monster and I can't wait to get to the summit and touch the sign. The goal is the top. The goal was under 4 months. I will complete both.
Once we made it to the base and were waiting for our ride, we ran into Pete's Dragon and Nope. They had climbed today and had just finished. It was amazing to catch then both again. Especially Pete's Dragon who we hadn't seen in a while. The Deli Boys missed him and it was great to be reunited.
Left to right: Nope, Pacer, Downwind, Guac, Tree Walker, Pete's Dragon Tomorrow we take on the final 5.2 to the summit. We are all excited for this journey to be over and at the same time know we will miss it greatly. Heading north, Guac
Last Night On The Appalachian Trail
Antlers to Rainbow Lake - 25.5 milrd Total: 2,162.8 miles Katahdin or bust, 27 miles to go. This morning we woke up to an amazing sunrise.
Only thing was you had to get past the thousands of mosquitoes outside your tents to get to it. And I mean thousands. They are everywhere. I made sure to get dressed in my tent before breaking down camp and applied plenty of bug repellent. We all headed out ready to take on the trail.
Left to right: Guac, Tree Walker, Downwind, Pacer As we hiked today we were able to get another view of Katahdin. It keeps inching closer and closer. Tomorrow we will be at the base.
After hiking all morning we got one more close up of the mountain standing in our way of completing this trail.
Note the rainbow over the lake! From this viewpoint, the mountain is 16 miles away as the crow flies. But it would take us over 35 trails miles to get to it. Hiking was hard today. It's difficult to hike hard on a long day when you can't enjoy a break. The bugs don't allow for it. Every time we stop they attack. They look for any inch they can get. They bite through socks, shirts, shorts, hats. The only success we seem to have is rain gear.
Toward the end of the day we got rained on. We still had miles to hike so we kept at it. Everything was wet and muddy. All the bug spray we had applied was now gone. Hiking this afternoon sucked - bugs, mud, and just horrible trail. We had to sent up tents quickly trying to keep us and our gear dry.
We all had dinner in our tents. We still enjoyed good laughs and each other's company. Even after a bad day of hiking, hanging with The Boys makes it worth it. It is fitting to have our last night be like this. Raining, wet, mosquito-infested, miserable. It will make the trail muddy tomorrow. Make everything slippery. I came out here for the challenge, to get my butt kicked and the trail has and will deliver up until the very end. I also think it's extremely fitting that tonight in the rain under my tent I am reminded of my first night of this journey. In Georgia under my tent thinking of if I would ever complete my thru-hike attempt. In two days I do. Heading north, Guac
Katahdin
Sidney Tappan to Antlers - 25 miles Total: 2,137.3 miles Katahdin or bust, 52 miles remaining. This morning I was able to place my eyes on the base of Katahdin. It wasn't the best view as it had clouds on top of it but it was still amazing. It was amazing to finally have the final goal in sight. To have the end within eyesight.
It is still a ways away but at this point hiking to it feels close. I know my legs can get me there and quick. It is remarkable what the human body is capable of. It is crazy to think that I can walk that far in three days. My legs will get me to base of that mountain in two days and on the third I summit. Hiking with The Boys was great like always. We make sure to keep each other motivated and spirits up. Hiking with Pacer, Downwind, and Downwind has been a blast.
Pictured: Downwind, Pacer, Tree Walker There isn't a day we aren't laughing or having a great time. Even on the bad days we find things to laugh about and enjoy. Hiking with the crew makes the days fly by and makes hiking easy. But I do miss my hiking pal Scrip. Scrip has been ahead of us and is actually hiking with his dad. Today we caught him. It was good to see him again and give him a hug. Because of the bugs it was a short hello but we will see him again as he will summit one day after us and we will see him in town. We arrived to camp today and were excited to enjoy our s’mores. Pacer had bought them and put them in our food drop. Only bad thing was that the camp was infested with mosquitoes. Bad enough where Pacer and Tree Walker had to hide it out in their tents. We got a fire going and with the temperature drop, the bugs got better. We still enjoyed our trail family dinner and topped them off with s’mores.
What an amazing way to end the day. Great hiking, good company, and one hell of campsite.
Tomorrow we don't let up or slow down. Another 25 and closer to Katahdin. Heading north, Guac
Back To Good, Hard Hiking
Long Pond Stream to Sidney Tappan - 22.6 miles Total: 2,112.3 miles Katahdin or bust, 75 miles to go. Today we woke up early. The crew was Pacer, Downwind, and I. Tree Walker had elected to stay at the hostel and he would be meeting us that evening. We woke up early today as we had plenty of miles to get in and we wanted to beat the rain that was coming in that evening. Yes, our schedules rely heavily on weather and miles. We were out hiking at 6AM. Hiking was great today and with great company it made it even easier. Honestly just a great day of good, hard hiking. During our lunch break Tree Walker finally caught up. He was hiking hard and fast to catch us all morning and he finally did. With the boys back together, we hiked and enjoyed some great views.
We made it to the campsite this evening and made sure we found spots where we could all tent near each other. After setting up, it was trail family dinner time. Right as we all were finishing, it began to rain. We all said a hasty goodnight and ran into our tents. Tomorrow we have the last climb before Katahdin. It will be an easy one and we are already half way up the mountain as we pushed milage today. We will summit White Cap and get out first view of Katahdin tomorrow morning. Katahdin, what I have been chasing for 2,200 miles, and 4 months. I will finally be able to set my eyes on the final goal. Heading north, Guac
Remembering The Journey
Monson, Maine: ME 15 to Long Pond Stream - 15.1 miles
Total: 2,089.7
Katahdin or bust, 100 miles to go. This morning we woke up to pouring rain. I slept with earplugs I had no idea it was raining so hard until Pacer pointed it out to me. Seeing what was outside, I was glad we had spent the night indoors at Shaw's Hostel. We knew we would have short milage today so there was absolutely no rushing things. We woke up right at 7AM for breakfast which included bacon, eggs, home fries, and unlimited blueberry pancakes. The breakfast at Shaw's had been talked about and recommend by many SOBOs as we passed them. It was talked up for a reason. I think it may have been the best breakfast I have had on trail.
Left to right: Guac, Tree Walker After packing and getting ready, we headed for the trailhead. It would be our last section, the 100 mile wilderness. As we entered, there was a sign posted warning of the limited road access, supplies, and help. This section is known at the 100 Mile Wilderness.
We had plenty of supplies and sticking together we knew we would be fine.
This morning was rough for me. It felt as if the trail knew I was closing in and it was going to fight me every last mile. After the rain this morning, roots and rocks were slippery. I had a few falls and one actually took out my trekking pole. After 2,100 miles, my pole broke today. It snapped clean in half. I hurt to see the pole under me broken. We had been through so much. Of all my gear, my pack and poles I feel closest to. They are used every day. They feel like extensions of my body. I was truly upset the trailhad taken my trekking pole. But complaining would do nothing. As I told myself: Why does this have to be so hard, I got up and kept hiking. Maine is different then any other state. It has plenty of water making it muddy and wet but the views that the water sources provide are amazing and unique.
As I hiked today upset about the falls I had taken and the fact that my pole was broken, I couldn't help but reflect on the entire trail. My entire journey, all 2,100 miles. It is still crazy for me to believe that I have walked 2,100 miles. That I started in Georgia.
As I hiked today I remembered starting off in Georgia. The trail reminded me of that same trail I started on day one.
There is plenty more green now but the trail is the same. I couldn't help but smile and laugh at myself today as I saw white blazes on trees. I told myself the exact same thing I told myself on day one: I can't believe I am doing this, I am actually doing this, I am actually thru-hiking. That first blaze I saw in Georgia when I originally told myself that has brought me here into Maine. As I kept hiking the trail transformed again into what reminded me of Pennsylvania with rocks and boulders everywhere.
It felt like the trail was taking me back through my journey. Reminded me of all I have been through to get to this point. It even threw in a few switchbacks to remind me of Virginia. The mud from Vermont. The planks of New Jersey. I know my journey is coming to an end and I will be reflecting a lot in the next few days about what I have gone through. For now I don't mind remembering every mile, every blaze. I remember the people, magic, the trail, and all my amazing experiences. I remember the pain, suffering, and the tears. The good and the bad will make getting to the summit that much more worth it. Will make every one of the 2,200 miles worth it. Heading north, Guac
#ATThruHike2017 #WhiteBlazing (at Mount Katahdin)
#WhiteBlazing #ATThruHike2017 (at Mount Katahdin)
"What we get from this adventure is just sheer joy. And joy is, after all, the end of life. We do not live to eat and make money. We eat and make money to be able to enjoy life. That is what life means and what life is for." - George Mallory (at Mount Katahdin)
Guac - NOBO 2017. #WhiteBlazing #ATThruHike2017 (at Mount Katahdin)
Fording & Last Mail Drop With A Surprise
Monson, Maine: Moxie Bald to ME 15 - 17.9 miles Total: 2,074.6 miles Knowing that it would rain today, the crew was up at 4:30AM to beat the rain. We knew it would start at 7AM and we wanted to get as many miles in as possible before it started. Early on in the day we hit our first of three river crossings that would require fording.
Fording is a river crossing that requires you to get wet. There is no way across the river via bridge, stones or bypass. To get to the other side you need to go thigh deep in water and hike across. For this and the other two fords, I took off my shoes and put on my Crocs. It was time-consuming and required us all to sit and swap shoes with bugs swarming us but the dry shoes were worth it. Hiking was just hiking today. No views. No wildlife and nothing special. With the rain starting to sprinkle and thunderstorms expected later in the day, we hiked hard and fast. The only thing that slowed us down today was the fords. But with flat terrain, we made great time. 18 miles and we were at the hostel by 1PM. We would have plenty of time to enjoy the day, eat, shower, do laundry and pick up mail drops. I went to the post office today to pick up my last and final package. This would be what would fuel me for the 100 miles of wilderness and to the summit. It is crazy to think that I have had 12 of these before this one spanning 2,100 miles. My mail drop today had a few surprises. First, I want to give a huge thank you to Veronica McGroarty. She sent me a care package and it was just what I needed. They recommend 10 days worth of food and supplies for the wilderness so your snacks and support are much appreciated. Thank you again!
The other box had a couple of hand-written notes. Thank you Alexandra Nolan and Maggie Peeke for your kinds words. Thank you both for believing in me and the support.
Thanks to the generous support of Daysi Velsaquez, I was able to enjoy a night in a hostel and dinner in town - I appreciate your support! Trail family dinners have become a staple for me and it wouldn’t be passed up in town.
Left to right: Guac, Ready, Isbah, Tree Walker, Pacer, Downwind Tomorrow we enter the 100 miles of wilderness. The staple of the final stretch. It will be 100 miles of no resupply, no roads, and no help. We should have a few views of the final climb as we approach. I am excited for what emotions will come when seeing Katahdin. This amazing journey is nearing the end and I am excited for what the trail will throw at me and bring. Heading north, Guac