Painted Blazes: Hiking the Appalachian Trail with Loner

A chance meeting led to Jeff’s discovery of the Appalachian Trail. Who would have ever guessed that during his journey, “Loner” as he’s known in hiker circles, would be bitten by a dog (and a lobster), happen upon a plane crash, chat with a wanted fugitive, come face to face with a black bear, see a ghost, be in a car accident, run completely out of money (twice), spend the night under a jail, lose 80 pounds, and find the girl of his dreams. All to have the time of his life, feel the kindness of others, and ultimately learn, he’s not a loner after all.

Documenting his trip on YouTube for friends and family, thousands more also followed along, vicariously. This story captures the excitement, sometimes sadness, and danger of a thru-hike with many added details, funny characters, and dozens of incidents never revealed before.

More than just a memoir, aspiring thru-hikers will find “Hiker Tips” on ultralight backpacking (Loner’s pack weight was just 13 pounds), hammock camping, living on a budget, etc. Readers will also gain rare insight into a subculture with its own ethics, trail names, hostel system, language, and folklore. Happy hiking! And don’t forget…
Find some adventure - in your adventure!

• Sole Searching on the Appalachian Trail
• The Badger: A Day to Day Account of Backpacking the Appalachian Trail
• Appalachian Fail: What I Learned from My Failed Thru-Hike
• Sheltered: An Appalachian Trail Story
• Balancing on Blue: A Thru-Hiking Adventure on the Appalachian Trail
• Nobo
• Whistler's Walk: The Appalachian Trail in 142 Days
• Bludog: Journey on the Appalachian Trail
• Brother Blood on The Appalachian Trail: Thru & Through: A Thru-Hiking Journey
• Walking to Maine: A Scoutmaster's Journey on the Appalachian Trail