Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear…

Hi everyone, I’m Brock (trail name TBD) and this year I will be attempting a NOBO hike on the Appalachian Trail. It still feels surreal to say (write?) it out loud. But as my March start date approaches, I remember the safety warning on the vehicle’s side mirrors that says: «Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear». Just like my walk…

about me

Proudly hailing from the Upper Midwest, I have worked the last 12 years designing/implementing packaging for a food company in Minnesota. I really enjoy my job, especially the people I work with, but unfortunately I had to quit in order to pursue my goal of hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT). Deciding to quit and walk away was probably the hardest decision I’ve ever made, but ultimately using the regret minimization framework helped me provide perspective and make my decision. Outside of work, I am an avid traveler and have visited 32 different countries on all 5 continents. While I’m a relatively novice backpacker, during those trips I had the opportunity to pseudo-backpack in Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the Inca Trail in Peru, and parts of the Trans-Bhutan Trail in Bhutan. While these experiences obviously differ quite a bit from hiking the AT (as they were all compatible), it provides me with a foundation to build my hike from. Outside of those experiences, most of my hiking experience comes in the form of day hikes in state/national parks and day/short section hikes of the Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin (one of the country’s 11 National Scenic Trails).

First and only AT experience

However, the most applicable backpacking experience I had was late last summer with my good friend Becca, who took me to White’s in NH. When we were planning the trip, she asked me what kind of hiking trip I wanted to take (she’s familiar with the Whites’ hiking) and I responded simply, «Destroy me.» So, she took me on a 2.5 day hike through the Pemi Loop, which for those of you who aren’t familiar is a ~30 mile hike through the White Mountains and about 10 miles of it is on the AT. Which seemed perfect to me: I could catch up with an old friend, get some extra mountain hiking experience, and best of all, get a little experience of the AT! That weekend turned out to be a great experience with near-perfect weather, great views, and numerous exciting firsts (first time on the AT, first night in a shelter, first time smelling a hiker…). Although perhaps a little tempered by the Machiavellian trail/hiking route design of New England. However, I came away from that weekend pretty sore and, dare I say, a little inspired.

Why the Appalachian Trail?

Finally, the last thing I will share about myself is that I enjoy learning new things, especially those related to history and geography. That’s one of the main reasons I chose the Appalachian Trail for my hike. I’m looking forward to hiking along the East Coast and immersing myself in the local geographic and cultural differences along the trail. From the Balds and the legendary hospitality of the South, the history and accessibility of the Mid-Atlantic, to the scenic views and remote wilderness of New England, I look forward to it all. The other major factor contributing to choosing the AT is the social aspect of the trail. I am captivated by the unique trail culture of the AT; the traditions (4-state challenge or half-gallon challenge?), the shelters, and meeting numerous fellow hikers. Hopefully not all at once, in the same shelter, in the pouring rain.

Follow me as I (hopefully) become a competent hiker and writer!

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any products or services you purchase using links in articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price they would otherwise pay, and their purchase helps support The Trek’s ongoing goal of bringing you quality backpacking information and advice. Thank you for your support!

For more information, visit the About page of this site iusj6.