"The trail has always been calling, I just took awhile to answer..."
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Ben Shaw A.K.A FlapjackI'm a kid who's supposed to be an adult and I just want to experience the beautiful things in life. I graduated from The University of Cincinnati with an engineering degree in 2019 and already knew what the next few years would hold. I wanted an adventure, something more exciting than sitting in an office everyday. I've planned for years on how to make this journey happen, issue free with as close to a 100% chance of success as I can get.
The Trail Name: I have a good morning habit of breakfast on the trail and waking my friends up to pancakes on their stomachs, after all, who wants to hike hungry? I also like a nice Tennessee sour mash after a long day of hiking... Come find me for a pancake or some whiskey out there!
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What to Know
Q: Why leave your job and take a risk for this journey?
A: A lot of people get done with college and get lost in what to do next in life. I know I watched a lot of friends try to figure out what the next balance of full time work, personal life and their future dreams were and never find it. I knew years away from graduating that I enjoyed my engineering work but while I'm young, its not my immediate calling. I want to enjoy everyday like its my last and see things that not many others get to experience.
Q: What is your thought on how to pack for the trip?
A: In my mind, resupply packages with your major meals is the cheapest and best if you can buy in bulk, then fill in the calorie blanks on the trail, you need to have a support system in place somewhere for this and plan ahead so its not the easiest. I'm not an ultralight guy, I like my creature comforts on the trail and don't mind the weight. I plan on taking a Gregory Paragon 58 on the trail and anticipate I'll carry around 20lbs as my base weight, all the ULA folks are gonna laugh at me.
Q: What will you do after the trail?
A: That's probably the toughest question I could be asked... Part of me thinks that I'll return to engineering work until the next adventure calls in a few years, part of me wants to go hike the Appalachian Trail if I have any money left and another part of me wants to go be a backpacking and mountain guide somewhere. Only time will tell.
A: A lot of people get done with college and get lost in what to do next in life. I know I watched a lot of friends try to figure out what the next balance of full time work, personal life and their future dreams were and never find it. I knew years away from graduating that I enjoyed my engineering work but while I'm young, its not my immediate calling. I want to enjoy everyday like its my last and see things that not many others get to experience.
Q: What is your thought on how to pack for the trip?
A: In my mind, resupply packages with your major meals is the cheapest and best if you can buy in bulk, then fill in the calorie blanks on the trail, you need to have a support system in place somewhere for this and plan ahead so its not the easiest. I'm not an ultralight guy, I like my creature comforts on the trail and don't mind the weight. I plan on taking a Gregory Paragon 58 on the trail and anticipate I'll carry around 20lbs as my base weight, all the ULA folks are gonna laugh at me.
Q: What will you do after the trail?
A: That's probably the toughest question I could be asked... Part of me thinks that I'll return to engineering work until the next adventure calls in a few years, part of me wants to go hike the Appalachian Trail if I have any money left and another part of me wants to go be a backpacking and mountain guide somewhere. Only time will tell.
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