About Me

I am a thirty-something musician, soldier, gender bender, backpacker, and avid hobbyist. 

I’m taking a pause in my military career – a French horn player for the U.S. Army Bands – to pursue personal goals and adventures. Through the Army Career Intermission Program, I have been approved for a two-year sabbatical from active duty, or a “mini-retirement” as I call it. 

The two main pillars of my mini-retirement are thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2023 and the Pacific Crest Trail in 2024 (2,200 miles and 2,700 miles respectively). This has been a lifelong dream of mine, but because these long trails require up to six consecutive months to complete, thru-hiking is not normally compatible with a traditional career path. I’m thrilled to have been given the opportunity to accomplish these goals while also retaining my military career. 

I created this blog to document my adventures and explore the value of a mini-retirement. Perhaps it will also inspire others to follow their own dreams, whether it be through a mini-retirement, actual retirement, or simply integrated into their everyday lives. 

I currently live in Virginia Beach with my wife and small dog Shaggy. When not obsessing about thru-hiking, I enjoy kayak fishing, community gardening, and learning other new ways to get the most out of life. 

  – Kirby (she/her)