Reading the blog, you've heard us refer to a lot of different names, be it given or trail. So below, I have prepared for you a list of names, faces, and brief descriptions of some of the more common names mentioned before or are to come in future blogs. Please enjoy and I hope that putting names with faces will only help to better your reading experience. Oh, and please do not be offended if you are a thru-hiker reading this; the order that you were listed was randomized and based off whose useable photo I found first.
AYCE - also known as Andrew in the real world. Formerly from, with future plans to return to, Massachusetts. Prior to the AT, he worked as an electrical engineer. He loves all food, particularly diners and all you can eat buffetts, with the exception of Alfredo.
Long Spoon - aka Tom is from Colorado. He worked as a geological engineer prior to the AT and is well known on the trail as one of the Colorado Bros. For fun, he enjoys playing the harmonica and mandolin, loves spinach with every dinner, and is a charismatic, yet calming, storybook reader.
Lazer Death Kill - aka Jack is also from Colorado. He is the other Colorado Bro and studied geological engineering as well. LDK has a soft spot for puppies and enjoys kayaking and rock climbing when not getting rad while walking the AT. He also likes playing the banjo, listening to podcasts, and writing his manifesto.
Witch Doctor - aka Jarryd is from Florida. He graduated with a degree in microbiology and will begin a studious life in pursuit of becoming a physician this fall. He has climbed Mt Kilimanjaro, pedaled with Bike and Build, and loves to wear brightly colored clothing.
Passover - aka EJ is from North Carolina. She has a psychology and women's studies degree with future plans for grad school. She is a "vegetable enthusiast", a hater of all things peanut butter, and a lover of all things coffee. In her spare time she enjoys shopping at thrift stores and local farmers' markets.
Ember - aka Alex is also from North Carolina. Prior to the AT, he studied geography at UNC and was a former 2012 Ridge Runner in Connecticut and Massachusetts. In his spare time, he enjoys working on cars.
Rooster - aka Andrew is from Rhode Island. He enjoys working at a Boy Scout camp and formerly played saxophone in the military. He loves pizza, smoothies, and all things food. Currently, the rooster hikes.
Chickadee - aka Lauren is from "all over". She recently cut her dreadlocks in preperation for the trail. Off the AT, she is a yoga instructor and vegetarian. She enjoys working overseas volunteering at orphanages.
Blue Moon - aka Terry is from New York. He is married with two kids and is recently retired. He enjoys shooting and directing short movies along the trail, documenting memories. Like many thru-hikers, he likes to take full advantage of every food opportunity available.
Nomad - aka Patrick is from Texas. He worked in the corporate world as a mechanical engineer. When not shuttling and feeding hikers along the AT, he enjoys wake boarding and mentoring high school students through his local church.
Camero (and Chevy) - aka Erin is from Canada. She loves dogs/all animals probably more than humans and definitely more than bugs. Her future pursuits entail preventing and fighting animal cruelty and hopes to run her own animal safe haven someday.
Tail Lights - aka Skylar is from West Virginia. He is the youngest member of our hiking group. He will be attending college in the fall with an interest in dance/performing arts.
Manchild - aka Kyle is from Virginia. He is planning to attend grad-school in the fall. He is known for having the best one liners and for consistently having summer sausage in his trail diet.
Guiseppe - aka Gary is from Massachusetts. This man loves his ice cream and will go out of his way to find a good vendor. He is also a facial hair enthusiast as evidenced by his frequently admired mustache.
Dirty Mike - aka Michael is from Georgia. He is attending Georgia Tech and is studying mechanical engineering. On hot, and sometimes not so hot days, he likes to sport his super short shorts while enjoying a nice Yoohoo.
Coups - aka Matt is also from Georgia and attending Georgia Tech. He is studying civil engineering with plans to return this fall. One of his favorite food venues is Chick-Fil-A, which he is still able to frequent on trail thanks to various family support. On a side note, Dirty Mike and Matt have been friends long before their current AT experience.
Larry Boy - aka Kevin is from Michigan. He has a philosophy and Spanish major. Fun fact: he carries 8 pairs of socks at all times while hiking.
Hope you enjoyed!
Cassandra
