The Year In Review
Another year has come to a close! It has us all thinking about everything accomplished this year. It also has us daydreaming about only one more year until the Appalachian Trail for us. February 2027 is getting pretty close. Here is a roundup of our favorite trips, trails, and gear from this past year.
FAVORITE FAMILY ITEM PURCHASED
Definitely our new River Country Products 4 person tent. We even use it in the backyard! It’s light, quick to setup, and really all six of us could fit in it if the need was there. There aren’t too many tents that can be carried into the woods AND hold 6 people. Obsessed.
FAVORITE FAMILY TRIP
We went to the Smokies this summer to backpack and it was incredible. We had bear in our campsite. It was exhilarating and a small preview of our future life on trail.
FAVORITE NEW TRAIL
Our local Friends of the Trails group opened a brand new trail this year. Cascade Trail is under 2 miles and features ALL of the rocks, trees, moss, and water. On the other hand, the Cumberland Trail opened a new section of trail too that has incredible rock work and views.
FAVORITE PURCHASES FOR THE KIDS
Between new puffer jackets, new poles, new pants, new boots…I mean, the kids all got amazing new stuff. The one awesome purchase that we made in my opinion was getting our oldest daughter a new backpacking pack. She went with a Sierra Designs 60L when REI did one of their warehouse sales. It is adjustable and fits her frame pretty well. She was so excited about it, she even asked to make an unboxing video.
FAVORITE PURCHASES FOR US
We both bought new Trekology pillows. It was time. We are not getting younger and the pillows are a gamechanger. Derek also bought new thermos jars for work. Oh and I got a KLYMIT sleeping pad. Again, not getting younger and I will carry whatever I need to be all comfy.
FAVORITE MEMORIES FROM THE KIDS
I asked the oldest kids what their favorite adventures were this year. They both said when they were volunteer trailbuilders for the State Park. They really had the time of their lives cutting roots and carrying rocks. Kyra also mentioned the backpacking trip to the Smokies. I asked the babies too but they mostly hyper focused on all of the meals we tend to have by the fire and now they want me to make dinner.
All in all, we’ve had a great year learning and exploring. Can’t wait for new and exciting experiences in 2026!
