An Ending Worthy of an Epic Journey

Friends and family, wine and cheese, single digit temperatures, a soaking wet finish, and a raucous 80's dance party - it was an epic ending to our hike.

Saturday, December 08 “De aquí y de alla” Rocío

I spent 15 weeks in Mexico— 6 weeks volunteering in Puebla, 7 weeks backpacking through Oaxaca, Chiapas, Mexico City and Guanajuato and 2 weeks visiting my hometown in Michoacán. The more I learned about Mexico’s rich culture and diversity, the more I fell in love with this country. Simultaneously, I was learning about my own … Continue reading Saturday, December 08 “De aquí y de alla” Rocío →

Monday, November 03 “Tangancícuaro” (Rocío)

After traveling through Mexico for 13 weeks, I made it to my hometown! Tangancícuaro will always be my first "home," and I was so excited to reunite with my family and friends, eat my favorite foods and walk along familiar streets. I've been amazed by Mexico in the last few months, and it was fitting … Continue reading Monday, November 03 “Tangancícuaro” (Rocío) →

A Reflection Before the Final 100 Miles

I am 100 miles from Springer Mountain. The end isn't near...it's here. I remember seeing the 2000 mile markers in Maine for Nobos (there were 3 of them) and promising myself that I wouldn't even think about it for myself. It was so far off! And yet, here I am... (The result of my third … Continue reading A Reflection Before the Final 100 Miles →

Tuesday, November 20 “San Miguel de Allende” Rocío

I spent the last few days in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato-- one of the most picturesque cities I've ever visited. The cobblestone roads, colorful buildings and bright gardens make you fall in love! Plus, it has an astonishing parish in the town center! My favorite part about San Miguel de Allende, however, was seeing … Continue reading Tuesday, November 20 “San Miguel de Allende” Rocío →

My Fear of Hypothermia and the Rain

Cold rain scares me more than anything else on the trail. We've had more than our share in the last week. Staying dry in heavy rain...it's not possible! My first day of heavy rain in Maine, I just got soaked. It worked great at first. Look at that happy face! Then, things started to chafe. … Continue reading My Fear of Hypothermia and the Rain →

Sunday, November 18 “Mexico City” Rocío

I haven’t written in a long time, and I feel like 1,000 exciting events have happened since I was sitting at the coffee shop in Puebla getting ready for Mexico City! I was in Mexico City from Wednesday, November 07 to Saturday, November 17. I reconnected with old friends, made new friends and spent time … Continue reading Sunday, November 18 “Mexico City” Rocío →

A Banana, a Pickle, and a Hotdog Walk into the Grayson Highlands…

We refused to succumb to the Virginia Blues on our thru-hike, so we kept it real on Halloween - Sobo-style!

Tuesday, November 06 “Pit stop in Puebla” Rocío

I left Chiapas on Saturday night after spending two weeks exploring one of my favorite cities (San Cristóbal de las Casas), sleeping in one of my favorite hostels (La Isla) and hanging out with some of my favorite fellow backpackers (Victoria, Tom, Alissa, Vera, Katja and Steph). Originally, my plan was to head straight to … Continue reading Tuesday, November 06 “Pit stop in Puebla” Rocío →

Central Virginia: Embracing the Cold

The cold temperatures have been a swift kick in the butt after a summer of near-perfect weather. These are my strategies for adapting.