By hikers, for hikers
Willow & Bluebs
Willow hiked Nobo with the Class of ’22
Bluebs and Willow’s paths didn’t cross until after they’d each made their own Appalachian Trail journeys.
They met in 2024 with the help of the trail and a broken phone.
Bluebs hiked Sobo, Class of ’21 & Nobo, Class of ‘24
Bluebs was stuck waiting on a new phone at The Station at 19E while attempting a Nobo. Willow was sectioning from Carver’s Gap to Damascus.
She blew into the hostel after her first day out. He watched from the sofa as her pack spilled out across the room.
Flustered, she started to plug the wrong end of the cable into her charging block, so he offered to help -- and, with a slight smile, mentioned that there were some relaxing essential oil products in the bathroom on the right.
Wanting to return the kindness, Willow asked if she could help Bluebs with his phone troubles, and she left her number -- just in case.
One text turned into a few more, and before long, what started as a simple crossing of paths became a partnership.
Fast forward, and the Trail brought the couple a chance to own the hostel that was Willow’s first stay in March 2022 and Bluebs’s last stay in December 2021.
Both thru-hiked to work through things — to find clarity, to grieve, to heal, and to grow. They know the trail can be a place of emotional processing. They also know a safe space and an encouraging word can mean everything.
