When The Hiking Gets Hard The Hard Get Hiking, Ricochet’s CYTC Part II
Ricochet has covered 380 miles in 27 days. The snow and high wind make it virtually unbearable for him to break during the day. Unfortunately, he suffered frostbite that has forced him to take time off trail to heal. You can watch his latest YouTube post here: Appalachian Trail Day 23 Of The Calendar Triple Crown 2025 - YouTube.
What have the weather conditions been like?
The weather has been harsh, with snow and high winds making progress difficult. I sit down for five minutes to eat lunch and I’m shivering by the time I’m walking again. It makes sense that I’ve only seen one other thru hiker out here.
What were the worst sections?
The most challenging part of the trail was just before Iron Mountain Gap. The blowdowns were worse than the Continental Divide Trail 2021 Colorado blowdowns. This time, it wasn’t just about climbing over trunks—the root balls and branches created walls that blocked your path, making the trail feel more like a maze than a simple obstacle course.
Huge Kudos to the trail crews.
What shoes are you wearing?
I hike in the HOKA Speedgoat 5s. I have been hiking in the Speedgoats for the past three years due to their comfort and durability. Before I found HOKAs I hiked in Salomon Ultra3s.
What’s your nutrition like?
For nutrition, I rely on BPN products, including multivitamins, joint supplements, and reds and greens. I aim to consume 4,000 to 5,000 calories a day to keep my energy levels up, focusing on a balance of protein, carbs, and fats to fuel my hikes and keep myself warm in this cold weather. In my food bag you can typically find fruit snacks, granola bars, jerky, honey buns, candy and Peak Refuel Backpacking Meals.
What do you think about when you’re hiking?
I’m all over the place, thinking about the future and the past mostly. I’m really focusing on myself right now. Hiking the AT, because of the green tunnel, makes it feel like an introspective experience.
What happened to your foot?
While hiking through waist-deep snow in the Smokies, snow got into my shoes. My feet went numb from the cold, and the ice inside my shoes caused blisters that developed into ulcers. It became so painful I cut holes in the sides of my shoes, but I had to eventually stop hiking. A trail angel named Sheepdog gave me a ride to the doctors where they put me on antibiotics due to infection. I then went back to Virginia to stay with family while my feet heal.
How is taking time off trail to heal like?
Time off trail ticks by slowing with each long, grueling, sedentary day. Being injured isn’t something you plan for, and after pushing myself to do 20 miles a day, it’s mentally defeating to be forced to stop. Right now the wounds on my feet crack and open up when I walk.
Any shout outs?
I want to send a huge thanks to Sheepdog for helping me with rides and getting me to the doctors. Thank you to my mom for picking me upAlso, I want to shout out to the trail maintainers, y’all rock!
I will return to trail soon! - Ricochet