Welcome to my "Hikers Log!" This is the place where I plan to chronicle my 2021 Appalachian Trail thru-hike attempt. For those who don't know, the Appalachian Trail (or AT) is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world, stretching 2193.1 miles and traversing 14 states from Georgia to Maine. I'll start my adventure on March 8th and I hope to complete the journey in about 150 days.

If you found this website, you probably know me, but in case you don't, I'll introduce myself. My legal name is John, but everyone calls me Jack. I graduated college in May 2020 and have spent the last few months applying to graduate programs and conducting research on vision evolution in frogs. When asked, I usually introduce myself as an "early career frog scientist."

Hiking the AT has been a lifelong goal. Over the last four years I've finally saved enough money and accumulated the gear necessary to begin a thru-hike attempt. As I write this, eager to begin my hike, I think it's important to recognize how incredibly privileged I am to have the health, time, and money to pursue this dream.

I should also acknowledge that this is a strange and uncertain time to begin a thru-hike. Currently, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (a nonprofit that helps maintain the trail) is recommending that people postpone thru-hiking until the CDC deems the pandemic "under control." However, they have also published guidelines on COVID-19 precautions for hikers. I respect the AT Conservancy and I deeply appreciate the work they do to maintain the trail. Therefore, while I still plan to begin my thru-hike, I also aim to adhere to the AT Conservancy's guidance on responsible hiking practices to reduce disease spread.

I think that's all for now. The next time I post, I'll be on the trail!