Destinations & Things To Do

The End of the Journey for Now: Heat Stroke on Trail

Published

3 hours ago

August 4, 2025

A medical emergency isn’t something anyone wishes to experience on trail. But it’s something that anyone recreating in the backcountry should be prepared to deal with. This isn’t the blog post I was planning to write when I began this adventure. This is a post about recognizing when the trail has asked for more than you can safely give. This is about making the hardest decision a thru hiker can make.

A Zero Day in Daleville

After completing Virginia’s Triple Crown, I decided to take a day off. We were in week 3 of back-to-back heat waves, and I had quite a few town chores I knew I needed to get done. Trail angel Dale had reached out to me a few weeks prior about meeting up in Daleville for some trail magic. He and his girlfriend picked me up for what I thought was just a standard resupply day.

We went to lunch first (priorities). Then we stopped by the local outdoor store where I picked up a package from a friend as well as a new set of trekking poles. One of my poles had bit the dust in that last section, and trekking poles are essential gear for me by this point. Afterwards, we made a Kroger run to fill in the gaps of my resupply – the package from my friend had taken care of most of my needs for the next section of trail.

It was one of those perfectly ordinary trail town days (made extra special by trail angels) that you don’t really think about too much until later when you realize it might have been your last. Dale and Teresa treated me like family, driving me around town with the kind of patience and generosity that makes the trail community so special. When they dropped me off at the hostel that evening with a box of a dozen donuts to “share with the other hikers,” I felt grateful but also ready to get back on trail the next morning.

Hitting the 1/3 Way Marker

Any mile marker on the Appalachian Trail feels good, but especially the ones that proclaim significant progress! Hitting the 1/3 of the way marker that morning felt amazing! I was excited to be back on trail after my zero day, but I was also a bit nervous. The hostel I had been staying at lost power (and water) the evening prior. I was already starting off the day pretty sweaty and dehydrated, but more on that later.

I’m convinced milestones like these are so special because they take the abstract concept of walking to Maine and turn it into something tangible. You can’t help but think, “I’m doing it! I’ve walked over 700 miles to get to this point right here!” It’s proof that this crazy dream of a thru hike is actually in progress. I could feel the weight of all those days and miles behind me, each physical pain and each beautiful sunrise building up to something significant. My daily routine had become second nature and I’d developed a particular level of comfort with life in the woods. Each time leaving town, I was happy to be back home.

I took my obligatory photo, and I did what any other thru hiker who has come to this point has done. I kept walking north. If only I’d known at that moment that sometimes no amount of determination can overcome what your body is trying to tell you.

Something is Wrong

Looking back, things probably began that night at the hostel, though I didn’t recognize the warning signs for what they were. I didn’t drink enough water, the room was incredibly hot, and I was starting out the next day already running on reserves rather than feeling properly rested and hydrated. By the time I made it 7 miles to the first water crossing of the day, something felt fundamentally off. I wan’t just tired or sore, but I was genuinely not feeling like myself. I dunked my arms and legs and face in the water, hoping the refreshing (though definitely not cold) stream would reset whatever was happening to my system.

But instead of feeling better, I found myself plopped down by that stream for about three hours, watching my condition deteriorate rather than improve. Every instinct told me to keep moving because I knew if I needed to bail, my closest exit was forward, not back. When I finally made it to the next stream, I set up camp early, but by then I was throwing up any fluid I tried to consume and feeling dizzy and nauseous in a way that was starting to concern me. I had to stop every 15 minutes just to rest and try to remember what I was supposed to do next. Basic tasks like filming the evening, filtering water, or setting up my tent became monumental challenges that required multiple thoughts.

To be honest, I thought I was going to have to call SAR. I knew there were other thru hikers camped up at the shelter nearby, but I was terrified to move away from a water source when I could barely function. The question of how I was going to muster the energy to get to the road crossing the next morning felt almost impossible to answer, but I knew from my Wilderness First Responder training that self-rescue, if possible, is always the best kind of rescue. I spent most of that night awake, alternating between sweating and shivering, knowing I hadn’t had much food that day and was dangerously low on fluids.

It took me three excruciating hours to break down camp the next morning, a task that usually takes me about an hour at this point on trail. Thankfully, I made it out to the road, and even more thankfully, the Blue Ridge Parkway was open sooner than I’d expected. The second that cooler air from the car’s air con hit me, I started feeling slightly more human, but all my muscles felt like they had 10 lb weights attached to them. That sensation lasted for days, even after I made it to the local clinic and spent several days in a hotel bed. I survived on chicken and dumplings from the Cracker Barrel down the street and tried to come to terms with what had happened. This is not a fun blog post to write, but sometimes the trail teaches you lessons that have nothing to do with perseverance and everything to do with knowing when to listen to your body before it’s too late.

The doctor from the clinic said I had likely experienced borderline heat stroke. He explained my body was still in a very vulnerable state, and I needed to rest and rehydrate for a few days. But ultimately, it could take my organs several weeks to fully recover from this experience. And if I were to have heat exhaustion again soon, it could lead to a more serious medical emergency. I took his words into consideration and talked to several close friends.

I came to the conclusion that it’s ok to press pause on an adventure when it no longer feels safe. I quit my 2025 thru hike attempt. But I’m not quitting the trail. As of now, my plan is to return back to the Glasgow, VA area in the fall when the temps are a bit cooler to hike up towards Harper’s Ferry until I need to come back home for work. My dream of hiking the entire trail hasn’t died; it’s just needed some adjusting.

It’s not ideal. And it’s not what I thought it would be. And in the past 3 weeks since coming off trail, I’ve been dealing with a lot of emotions. I keep seeing posts and receiving messages from my friends on trail who are making progress. I’m so happy for them, but it makes me sad because, put simply, I want to be there too. I’m working hard to reframe my mindset from one of “I failed to accomplish this goal” to “How amazing it is that I got to spend almost 800 wonderful miles on the Appalachian Trail this year!” I’m grateful for the miles I got on trail this year. But I can’t wait to heal up and get back out there!

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Destinations & Things To Do

Brazil Travel Destinations 2025 : Culture, Nature & Authentic Experiences Lead Tourism Revival

Published

2 hours ago

August 4, 2025

Rithe Rose

The sun-drenched beaches of Rio, the thunderous roar of Iguaçu Falls, and the cobblestone charm of Gramado aren’t just postcard backdrops anymore. In 2025, Brazil’s tourism sector is surging back, driven by travelers craving immersive cultural exchanges and untouched natural wonders. Data from Embratur (Brazilian Tourist Board, May 2025) reveals a 34% year-on-year increase in international arrivals, with destinations prioritizing sustainability and local authenticity leading the resurgence.

Brazil’s Tourism Resurgence in 2025

Brazil’s 2025 tourism boom reflects a global shift: travelers now seek meaningful connections over superficial sightseeing. A recent Latin American Travel Association report (April 2025) notes 78% of tourists prioritize “cultural immersion” and “eco-conscious itineraries.” Rio de Janeiro exemplifies this, blending iconic landmarks like Cristo Redentor with new accessibility tech. Augmented reality tours in 15 languages now enrich visits, while safety upgrades have boosted family travel by 40%. Similarly, Foz do Iguaçu’s eco-revamp—including solar-powered boat tours and jaguar conservation trails—has made it South America’s fastest-growing adventure hub.

Top Brazil Travel Destinations for 2025

Rio de Janeiro remains unmissable. Beyond Copacabana, favela-led culinary tours and samba workshops offer raw cultural insights. Foz do Iguaçu leverages its “Three Borders” location for tri-national festivals, while rainforest lodges partner with Indigenous Guaraní communities.

Northeastern gems like Maragogi (Alagoas) and Jericoacoara (Ceará) dominate coastal searches. Travel analytics platform Kayak reports a 200% surge in bookings for Praia do Forte, where sea-turtle sanctuaries and capoeira classes redefine beach holidays.

Inland, Bonito (Mato Grosso do Sul) sets ecotourism gold standards. Government-mandated visitor caps protect its crystalline rivers, and certified guides lead cave-diving expeditions. Meanwhile, Gramado’s European flair peaks during its “Natal Luz” festival, now enhanced with AI-driven light installations and zero-waste initiatives.

Why Authenticity and Sustainability Drive Demand

Young travelers are reshaping Brazil’s tourism DNA:

Eco-accountability: Bonito’s carbon-neutral certification (per Brazil’s Environment Ministry) has increased repeat visits by 60%.
Tech-enabled access: Apps like “Brazil Offline” curate hyperlocal experiences, from Amazonian foraging trails to Salvador’s Afro-Brazilian cooking classes.
Community-led tourism: In Paraty, UNESCO-listed historic tours now feature quilombola (descendants of enslaved Africans) storytellers.

Domestic demand is equally vital. Embratur’s “Viaje pelo Brasil” campaign has spurred a 55% rise in local bookings since 2023, with Northeastern states seeing record occupancy.

Brazil’s travel renaissance proves that destinations thriving in 2025 aren’t just scenic—they’re soulful. From the misty cascades of Iguaçu to Gramado’s alpine charm, Brazil travel destinations now marry spectacle with substance. As sustainability and storytelling become non-negotiables, the nation’s $50B tourism rebound (World Travel & Tourism Council, 2025) sets a global benchmark. Ready to explore beyond the obvious? Book your Brazilian journey through certified eco-operators today—adventure with purpose awaits.

Must Know

What are Brazil’s safest travel destinations in 2025?
Rio de Janeiro, Florianópolis, and Bonito lead safety rankings due to enhanced tourist policing and app-based emergency systems. Embratur’s real-time safety dashboard provides localized alerts.

Which Brazil travel destinations are best for families?
Gramado’s theme parks and Rio’s interactive museum tours top family lists. Praia do Forte offers kid-friendly wildlife programs, including supervised turtle releases.

How expensive is Brazil for tourists in 2025?
The strong dollar makes mid-range travel affordable. Expect $50–$80/day for meals and transport. Bonito requires bundled activity permits ($120/week), but these include guides and conservation fees.

What’s the best time to visit Brazil?
May–September (dry season) suits most regions. Avoid June crowds in Gramado during winter festivals. The Northeast shines year-round.

Are visas required for Brazil in 2025?
Yes, but e-visas for Americans/Australians process in 72 hours. EU citizens enjoy visa-free entry until 2026.

Which destination offers Brazil’s best ecotourism?
Bonito leads with government-enforced sustainability protocols. All operators must adhere to waste-reduction and wildlife protection standards verified by ICMBio (Brazil’s environmental agency).

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Destinations & Things To Do

Ridgelines, Wet Electronics, and Thundering Downpours: PCT Days 90 to 93

Published

2 hours ago

August 4, 2025

Emilio Gizzi

In which our hero strives for lunch, dunks his electronics, and meets a friend.

The post Ridgelines, Wet Electronics, and Thundering Downpours: PCT Days 90 to 93 appeared first on The Trek.

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Destinations & Things To Do

Here I Am In The Future With My Friends…

Published

2 hours ago

August 4, 2025

Eddy "Late Start" Li

I don’t think I had a fantastic first pitch on a tent platform. Mostly because when I woke up, there was a layer of condensation over everything. Ahh! While it didn’t get cold last night, I still don’t like waking up wet. It’s the AT, so I know that it’s an inevitability that even when it’s not raining, I’ll always be wet in some form. But still…

I guess I could’ve cowboy camped last night, but then there’d be bugs. There’s no winning out here.

I spent a bit of time exploring the extremely haunted-feeling Cooper Lodge, and the privy today. I posted on FarOut that it’s swarming with bugs, but that doesn’t do it justice. While doing my business, the bugs mostly left me alone, but it sounded like a jet engine taking off from all the buzzing.

Today’s hiking was all downhill, literally! I had to make it from Killington to Route 4 to meet up with some friends. I put in some podcasts early, and just started plugging away. That’s not to say I felt amazing while doing it though… Even with all of the eating I did last night, it clearly wasn’t enough. My glycogen levels are down, I’m always tired, there’s always something going on. Even with some short breaks, I wasn’t going to make my 10 AM goal. That’s ok though, since my friends were (classically) running late. I actually told them to meet me earlier than I expected to get to the trailhead, since I knew they’d be late. Looks like I was right :P.

One of the saddest/happiest things going on is I’m kind of chasing the shadow of Fission, someone I met in Hot Springs and hiked with for a bit. He’s been slowing down to enjoy the trail, and was actually at the Churchill Scott Shelter last night, which is the next shelter after Killington’s Cooper Lodge. He’ll be ahead of me for a bit again, since I’m taking some time off. Ah… drats.

Something I’m sad about is that the trail no longer follows the ridgeline over Pico Peak into the Inn at Long Trail. That’s because Pico is all private land, and the AT wants to be on protected land. It’d be too expensive to buy up and protect the ski resort, so instead the trail was rerouted… a shame since Pico is also an iconic ski resort for New England as Killington’s sister peak. I’d be tempted to retro-blaze if I didn’t already plan where I’d meet with friends for our short day hike. So down I went!

I hit US Route 4 just as my friends got there, and they gave me some coffee and a breakfast sandwich, both of which I devoured instantly. And I was still hungry… that hiker hunger’s really set in. Once I stop moving, I can finally start stomaching food again. And once that starts… nothing ever feels good enough other than town food. A few of them joined me on a little two mile section, which showed them what the AT is really like. They saw nothing but rocks and roots, and rocks, and roots, and trees. Even the promised “view” on FarOut turned out to be overgrown.

We ran into some SOBO’s, and I started chatting with them, telling my friends to go on ahead and that I’d catch up with them. As a prank, my friends Ethan and Geoff started BOOKING it down trail, to prove that I couldn’t catch up. After about 2 minutes, I caught up to Figgs and Brittany, who told me about the other two. In a minute of jogging, I caught up to both of them, much to their surprise. To quote Ethan “he caught us just like that!” It’s undeniable that my level of leg strength is… dramatically higher than theirs. And they’re all fit.

After taking them up to the Maine Junction, we turned off to go to the Inn At Long Trail for food inside. We ate some food from the Pub, and started the drive to my friend Kelsey’s ski house in Chester, about an hour away. The funny thing about Chester is that the trail kind of centers it, so it’s concentric to Manchester City, Rutland, and Woodstock. Technically I could’ve chosen any of the three cities as the point to which they met me, so it worked out that I’m near Rutland. We first drove over to Echo Lake, by Okemo, but a thunderstorm was rolling in… and I was getting hungry and cold again.

Food at this point is becoming utilitarian. After a few hours from any meal, I’m always hungry. I need the calories, and my body’s accepting them on any day off. My legs are destroying themselves, my upper body has been reduced to nothing. There’s no fat, and barely any muscle for my body to consume to fuel itself, and it knows it. I felt bad, but at the lake, I made it clear that all I wanted to really do was to get back into the house, wash up, and try to fuel up. My head hurt, and I was shivering even though it wasn’t even that cold, but I felt like death. On the way to the ski house, I tried to just catch some shut eye in the back, but my head was throbbing. I even ate some trail food to try to get my body feeling better, but to be honest… any trail food at this point makes me want to vomit. Having a car with only trail mix and chips in it made me feel awful. That complicated eating history’s coming back to bite me.

At the house, there was another shock. Recently, Kelsey’s parents had the hot water system replaced, and so it actually wasn’t hooked up yet… it wasn’t planned to be hooked up til next year. So there wasn’t any hot water! I showered to the best of my ability, but I had to eat up in order to do it and not die from shivering. Took some time in the “hot” (it’s also not heated to very high right now) tub with my friend Figgs, catching up a bit on how the summer went, before retreating inside. There, I watched as my friends were playing with their new obsession, Go, and I worked on getting a big buffer out for the blog. (I got actually a three and a half week buffer here… and somehow that wasn’t enough of a dent. That’s on me for not staying up to date!)

We took a quick grocery run where I ate some Maple Creamee’s at Sugar Bobs, a local maple syrup shop, before retreating back to the house and doing more blogging. For once, I didn’t feel bad about not contributing to meals and stuff. It’s nice to accept hospitality for a bit. We watched some “sports” events, and while the others started a fire outside, I just didn’t want to be anywhere near bugs anymore (and they were everywhere!) Plus, we started the fire around 8:30… and I was already exhausted. So I just excused myself and went to bed. Ah… it’s nice to be in a home bed again. I think I mentioned this way back in Pennsylvania, but there’s something different even between a hostel bed, and a home bed. It’s just… comfier.

(title lyrics from: Finale, Steven Universe the Movie)

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