Ben Carpenter4 Tips for Getting Off and Back On Trail: Days 46–48“Yes We’re Open Yes We’re Open,” read the weather bitten sign over a long, low building at a wild bend in the road. Brushy Mountain…Sep 11Sep 11
Ben CarpenterGrace in the Grayson Highlands: Days 42–45I’m playing catch up after a week in New York for my sister’s wedding, starting with the Grayson Highlands!Aug 25Aug 25
Ben CarpenterFear and Loathing in Damascus: Days 39–42“We were somewhere around Barstow on the edge of the desert when the drugs began to take hold.” — Hunter S. Thompson, Fear and Loathing in…Aug 18Aug 18
Ben CarpenterinA Cheap TripRunning from the High Ground and 4(ish) faces of Nature: Days 31–38Electricity bounced off the rocky knob 200 yards away to my left and a cannon shot reverberated through my chest. The rhododendrons were…Aug 11Aug 11
Ben CarpenterinA Cheap TripDay 30: Hostels and the Appalachian Trail’s BackstageThe forest was a carnival of bare snags, bird song, sun-warmed pine resin, and moss at Shelton Graves, where two Union soldiers died while…Aug 4Aug 4
Ben CarpenterinA Cheap Trip4 Kinds of Hikers in my First Week on the Appalachian TrailWashed Off the MountainAug 3Aug 3
Ben CarpenterNorth Carolina Welcomes You, Week 3 on the Appalachian TrailUnless it’s windy, there is no sound during midday on top of a bald. No cars, no planes, and even the birds are quiet. The other hikers are…Jul 281Jul 281
Ben CarpenterDoubt and Other Pests in Week 2 on the Appalachian TrailEnter Doubt, Stage LeftJul 21Jul 21
Ben CarpenterinA Cheap TripMy Feelings, Days Out from Starting on the Appalachian TrailI want to write down some thoughts about what I’m feeling with a few days left to go before I leave friends and family behind to attempt a…Jul 7Jul 7
Ben Carpenter6 Questions for My Partner in preparation for my thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2024A topic I haven’t seen much written about (with notable exceptions) is how to talk to your significant other about committing to a…Feb 1Feb 1
