Hey there, my name is Ralston, and in 2022 I set out on an adventure that, for better or worse (depending on the day), would change the course of my life. From April 25 to October 3, I hiked the entire 2,200 mile-long Appalachian Trail. I met countless strangers that would become lifelong friends, saw more snakes than I ever want to see again, stood at some of the world’s most amazing vistas, and made memories that I will never forget. It truly was more than I ever expected it would be.
If that wasn’t enough, eight months after ascending Katahdin to finish the AT, I began my journey from Canada to Mexico along the Pacific Crest Trail. While yet a similar experience, the people, places, and experience still had new things to teach me about myself and the world. I hiked with more international hikers, saw sights that took my breath away, and dealt with challenges I had never faced on my previous hike. It was just as magical in its own unique way as the Appalachian Trail.
Oddly enough, I went into these experiences thinking it was going to be about the mountains, but instead, the trails have taught me much more.
With more than 4,500 miles behind me, I feel compelled not only to tell these stories, but to keep collecting new ones. I have climbed mountains in the Andes including parts of the W in Torres del Paine, summited a handful of 14ers in Colorado, and most recently, stood atop Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, one of the world’s seven summits. The miles and summits matter, but they aren’t what I remember most. Every expedition has brought me closer to the world around me—and to myself. Each story is filled with people who made me a better person, got me through a tough time, or just simply made for good company. With every interaction and every step along the way, I have gained more confidence in who I am and where I am capable of going.
I hope those who read my stories don’t walk away reading about another great deed, but instead walk away with a sense of curiosity about what’s possible for them too. I know firsthand that I would have never made it all those miles or up all those mountains without those around me. They helped me dig deep and find the strength to keep going. So with that, I invite you to come with me on another journey and see where it takes us. It’s going to be hard, but we’re going to have a good time. Let’s go.
More about me:
I grew up in a small town in northeast Georgia called Blairsville. Like most people, I went to college in the big city of Nashville, Tennessee after I graduated, got my degree, and thought life would unfold just like everyone said it would. Not too many years later, I found myself feeling directionless and disappointed. Life hadn’t been at all like how I thought it was going to be now that I was an “adult.” Life wasn’t bad, but it didn’t feel right either. That’s when I decided to take action and hike the trail. Life has been a series of highs and lows both professionally and personally, but with every mile hiked and every helping hand accepted, I’ve been able to weather the storms and walk away confident that I can handle whatever life throws my way. And there’s still more growth to come.
One might think this page is merely a reflection of a life lived and reflected which is true, but it is also a page dedicated to pursuit of a life still ahead of me. I’ve learned that beautiful places make wonderful settings, but it’s the people you meet there who make the story worth telling. I will be sharing stories of great people and great places that I hope inspire you to get out there and see what a wonderful world it is for yourself.
This website is where I’ll be sharing stories from trails, mountain towns, coffee shops, and really wherever the wind takes me. Some posts will take you across the world. Others might simply introduce you to a quiet corner of North Georgia. Wherever we go, my hope is the same: that you’ll leave a little more curious than when you arrived, and that you just might lean into learning more about the people you meet. You never know how they’ll help you along the way.
Like Mary Oliver asked, “What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” I intend to live it, and I hope you’ll come with me.
Thanks for reading!
Wandering with Ralston 