“Birch” is Tod Jones. Born in 1961 in southern California, he moved to the east coast in 1993 in order to study for his Ph.D. at the University of Maryland, College Park. Afterwards, for twenty years, he taught English composition and literature at UMCP. He currently teaches College Writing at American University in Washington, D.C. “Birch’s Reviews of Appalachian Trail Memoirs” was featured in the Winter 2019 issue of AT Journeys, the quarterly journal of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
“Maple” is Karen, a 60+ year-old woman with the hiking ambition of a 30+ year-old. She grew up in Minnesota, where her family went camping and boating almost every summer weekend. Professionally, she works in higher education administration at American University. In her free time she plays the flute and paints with watercolors.
Maple and Birth began hiking in 2014, starting out at nearby state parks. We have since made several backpacking trips to the Grand Canyon and Grand Teton National Parks. However, our obsession is to hike the complete Appalachian Trail. This blog tells the story of our adventures.
In Virginia, 2017
Weekend Jots on Weekend Jaunts 
Crackin sent me the Webb site of you blog. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about you hiking adventures. I’m glad we met you two and enjoyed talking trail with you and Birch. I was sitting at home early last Mon. morning listening to the wing howl and worried about your safety hiking off of Cove Mt. Good luck and safe hiking to you two as you continue your lashes. As I told you before please never hesitate to call on me if you need a lift or a helping hand while you’re anywhere near my area. Hope to run into you again. Richard (Roub) Massie