#36 The Detour I Never Planned
Our long-awaited Shenandoah hike was canceled at the last minute, but an unexpected detour through Pennsylvania reminded me that purpose isn't tied to a plan.
#35 Going Downhill
Most people think "going downhill" is a bad thing. During our final day on the Appalachian Trail, I was reminded that sometimes going downhill means you're making progress, moving forward, and heading exactly where you need to go. Along…
#34 Every Step Matters
What does navigating a rocky Appalachian Trail have in common with playing for a gold medal on the other side of the world? During a challenging hike through Pennsylvania, I found myself thinking about my son competing in Beijing…
#33 The People You Meet Between Here and There
An 11-mile day on the Appalachian Trail reminded me that life's greatest gifts often aren't the destinations we reach, but the people we meet along the way, from two hikers we nicknamed "the Bills guys" to a lovable trail…
#32 Trail Magic and Human Nature
After a difficult week that left me questioning human nature, a simple cooler of trail magic along the Appalachian Trail reminded me that kindness still exists. Sometimes the most meaningful thing you find on the trail isn't a view,…