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I got my private pilot’s certificate in 1995. I always wanted to fly and approached the process as challenging and adventurous. I learned on a grass strip west of Gainesville, FL, in small single-engine Cessna 150 and 152 aircraft. I progressed to larger planes, complex aircraft (landing gear, prop pitch), and the Gainesville airport. I

This list has all the gear I usually do not carry but need for unique conditions, such as bear-resistant food storage, terrible expected weather, a larger pack for carrying more gear, a larger tent, and more days between resupply stops.   Description Weight (oz)   FOOD STORAGE     BearVault BV500 rigid container 41  

There are so many lessons learned and impacts from this hike that I know I missed some. Hopefully, these are the most important ones. They are in no particular order. I strive to be accepting, open, listen, and learn. Everyone can improve on these, especially me! Chronicle My Hike As I reviewed my photos and

“If you don’t know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else.” Yogi Berra Every backpacking trip has worn on me more mentally than physically. Before going to Arizona, I did some soul-searching to understand why I wanted to do the AZT and the end game for success or failure. I used these

AZT trail towns are usually close to the trail, spaced between 50-60 miles apart, so resupply is generally straightforward. I sent the first few resupply boxes before I left and dropped off a package at Roosevelt Marina. My initial strategy worked fine. However, for the resupply boxes that I needed to send, I asked my

Water along most of the AZT is sparse. A good strategy is never to pass up a water source. Most water sources are “tanks” intermixed with some springs and some water caches from trail angels. The trail angels on the AZT provide water, rides, shelter, and even sometimes trail magic, showers, laundry, and food; they