About the Author

 About Me

My name is Sarah, trail name Cookie. I am planning to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail northbound in 2023, and this blog documents those adventures.

I have always been drawn to the outdoors and loved hiking and camping. Why thru-hike the AT? Because it's there. Because nature recharges my soul. Because my first backpacking trip was on the AT, and I was immediately hooked. Because I can do hard things.

Instagram: @rotesarah

Support My Hike

For those who have asked how they can help or stay connected while I'm on trail, thank you! Your encouragement and support is plenty, but if you wanted more ideas:

Mental

Make a playlist                           $0
Sometimes it's nice to listen to your own thoughts, sometimes a distraction is welcome. Podcasts, too.

Picture is worth 1000 words       $0
Send a photo or a meme. Dogs are always appreciated and all these trees look the same.

Something in your voice            $0
Record a voice memo of what's going on in your life.

Story time                                $0
Tell me something interesting that happened recently.

Financial

Little treat                              $5
Peanut butter M&Ms, Pringles, a little indulgent something.

Scurvy busters                        $5
Fresh fruit for once!

Laundromat                            $5
Hiker stink is real.

Indulgent meal                      $20
Real food in an actual restaurant, for once.

A roof over my head              $50
A night at a hostel with shower and Wi-Fi. Heaven.

Something fun                      ???
There are so many opportunities along the trail and with new trail friends. I don't know how this will be used, but I hope it's memorable.

Venmo: @SarahRote

Popular posts from this blog

Monson to Mount Katahdin

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I did it! Day 159 I opted into Shaw's breakfast special for the bottomless blueberry pancakes. I often struggle with breakfast on trail. Waking up hungry and wanting to eat is easy; digging into my snacks less than 2 hours later because I don't stay full for long, is the problem. A cautionary sign - only enter the 100 mile wilderness if fully prepared  Today I set off into the Hundred Mile Wilderness (not an actual designated wilderness area). This stretch of trail does not cross any public roads or come near any towns/places to resupply for 100 miles. However, that doesn't mean it's as isolated as it seems. There are gravel access roads that serve private landowners, logging companies, assorted state parks, and recreational users for the many navigable ponds in the area. There is cell service more often here than in other parts of trail, and day hikers can access the AT in several locations. It's still Maine, so even if NOBO thru hikers describe the tra
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Rangeley to Monson

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Penultimate musings Day 151 My parents and I went out for breakfast before dropping me back at the trailhead. I had barely hiked an hour when I happened upon trail magic! This couple hiked in from the closest access road and were doing a full cookout at the shelter. Since I passed on the moose burgers, I had a tomato and cheese sandwich and relived my Girl Scout days roasting fantastic golden marshmallows. The patience pays off - not a fan of burnt marshmallows myself I saw ANOTHER moose on trail, this time a flash of movement as the startled moose ran further away into the underbrush. This occurred within 100 yards of the appropriately named Moose and Deer Creek, which made the perfect lunch spot. There used to be an Instagram hashtag called "outside pizza" where people would tag photos eating pizza in scenic outdoor places. I would recommend anyone to try carrying leftover pizza on their next adventure. Gallon bags of leftover pizza are the move The big feature today was hi
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Amicaclola to Neels Gap

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Day 1 There might have been some tears as I turned and started walking away. Surprisingly, I didn't have butterflies in my stomach, but it is still emotional to be finally starting a big change and something that you've been anticipating. The waterfall right at the beginning was very cool and was definitely the hardest, heart pounding part of the Approach Trail. I've been hiking in New Hampshire for several years, so in my opinion this trail segment wasn't as challenging as rumored. Or maybe I had fresh legs and emotional drive. Into the mist  I was very pleased that my all-in pack weight scooted in under 30 lbs. My dad was surprised at the Leave No Trace briefing about how much they talked about poop. I'm staying at shelter sites to start, as building community is one of my goals. People are very talkative and have many different backgrounds, more stories to come I'm sure. Obligatory terminus photo  Day 2 On a chilly overcast
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