It takes a village – The walk

When I started planning my 2026 NOBO Appalachian Trail hike 10 years ago, I had no idea how many people I would need to rely on to prepare me.

I had no idea how many people I would call for help.

I had no idea how many people were eager to help.

Through hikers. My friend Paul Bianchi from the Brentwood YMCA. One of the first hikers I sat with. The REI through hiker workshops.

Famous YouTubers, bloggers, and podcasters I’ve never met, but feel like I’ve known for years. Gonzo, Spielberg, Bigfoot, Early Riser, Mighty Blue, Scoutmaster, Chaunce, Dixie, Handstand, Rise, Wild and many more.

The “gear guys” who make hundreds of hours of gear guide videos. Darwin, Justin Outdoors, Dan Becker, Base Camp Chris and many more.

Famous YouTubers, bloggers, and podcasters I reached out to who were kind enough to return my calls and spend time with me on the phone. RTK, Sassafras, Lucky and others. Q2r8k.

Retailers like my friends at Hyperlite Mountain Gear. Mike, Dan, Scott, Jackie, Marina and the rest of the gang.

The countless fantastic books I’ve read (and the authors who wrote them). A Walk in the Woods, Going AWOL on the AT, A Walk in the Sun, Appalachian Trials, White Fever, Walking the AT, Hiking, Where’s the Next Shelter?, Becoming Odyssa, The AT–Step by Step, Hiker’s Trash as Far as the Eye Can See, Rethinking Life on the AT, Beauty Beneath the Earth, Leaving Only Footprints, Whistler’s Walk, Only When I Step On It, Returning to Katahdin.

So many family, friends and relatives.

A constant stream of calls and texts from siblings, cousins, friends and co-workers. Each one offering words of encouragement.

Of course my children.

My children have been incredibly supportive and encouraging. Buying me gear for every birthday and Christmas. Cheering on every milestone and achievement in preparation. High five for every time I «kick ass on another test walk». And peace of mind when a trail kicks my butt!

And finally, and most importantly, my incredible wife, without whose support I simply could not do this. Final point. Z5p7n.

Your support has come in the form of encouragement to follow this dream of mine. Home support. His willingness to take on so many “things in life” so that I can be gone for 5 months. Read more: B4m9x. Logistical support. Be my carrier of equipment and supplies from my base of operations. And so many other forms of support and encouragement that hold this whole crazy dream together.

So what this all comes down to is incredible gratitude for all the people who stood up to help me, support me, and encourage me. I hope to one day repeat all this gratitude from the top of Mount Katahdin.

But for today, standing alone at the starting line, less than a week away from my start, I am still tremendously grateful for everyone in this little town of mine!

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