Adventure Chapters in My Great Story

First blister to final blaze: My walk on the Sheltowee Trace

  • Section 1.5 – Make up from January

    Section 2 really did a number on my mental state—out on the trail and in all the things I feel and “think.” I came home Sunday feeling worn out, lonely, incapable, self-doubting, and full of redirection. I never wanted to completely stop the Sheltowee Trace hike, just approach it differently. Well, welcome to a little… Continue reading

  • Post Section 2 Hike – I made it!

    Saturday morning my alarm went off and I didn’t hear it. That is me sleeping soundly, deeply, and with a calm mind, apparently also deaf. I had a back-up alarm set for 10 minutes later and luckily Amy heard that one. The volume was down and somehow on a lullaby tune?! That was only putting… Continue reading

  • Section 2

    Well folks, month two of the Sheltowee Trace Hiker Challenge is on deck, and we’re tackling miles ~25.5 to 51.2—but headed northbound for a section. This northbound path helps accommodate the number of hikers. So instead of leaving out of Morehead and heading on south we flip flop for parking logistics. I have been on… Continue reading

  • Gear Talk: Day Hiker to Backpacker

    I’ll admit it — I’m a gear nerd. If it’s has toggles, power, or a clever way to make life a smidge more “George Jetson,” I’m in. Doesn’t matter if it’s for hiking, cooking, or cleaning the house — I geek out on gadgets. That said, graduating from day hiker to backpacker was a rude… Continue reading

  • Trail Begins

    Saturday morning, 3:32 a.m. I shot up from the guest bed faster than I could shut “Best Day of My Life” off blaring as my alarm tone — my wife, Amy, was in the other room battling a bug. This was it. The big day I’d been anxiously counting down to: the start of my… Continue reading

  • Post Section 0.5 – Short Update

    Yesterday felt perfect. The weather, my energy, the trail — everything lined up. I was fueled up with electrolytes, snacks, sweet potato chips, and a sub for lunch. Dinner came courtesy of the Cave Run Chapter of the STA — hearty chili and a slice of cornbread that warmed me after a great day outside.… Continue reading

  • Section 1

    Section 1 begins at the northern terminus trailhead off KY‑377 just north of Morehead, at the northern boundary of Daniel Boone National Forest in Rowan County. The trail then runs south roughly 25 miles to Morehead, where the Sheltowee Trace follows roads and sidewalks right through town, to the endpoint. The end of Section 1… Continue reading

  • Welcome!

    This blog will follow my very personal attempt to hike the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail section by section through 2026, one imperfect step at a time. It is about choosing to be uncomfortable on purpose, learning backpacking skills, and creating space away from everyday noise to hear myself. Why the Sheltowee Trace The Sheltowee… Continue reading