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Jeff and Lisa Devine

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Howdy, and welcome to our Hobbit Hole on The Trek, also known as our trail blog home. I am Jeff "Inspector Gadget" Devine and I will be traversing the Appalachian Trail SOBO with my beloved bride of 32 years, Lisa. I am a retired Michigan State Trooper who traded in his badge and gun for paper and pencil to teach at our local high school. I am best at teaching my students life lessons. For 20+ years Lisa raised and homeschooled our 5, now grown, children. Lisa has also spent the last decade working in the public education system as a school social worker. Our adventure begins in June and you will be able to follow our journey right here. We plan to be real and raw, sharing not just the mountain highs, but the valley lows, and whatever else springs up along the way. This is a work in progress with planning and preparation a plenty, but we cannot wait to summit Mount Katahdin on Day 1. Stay tuned, The Devines shall return for Operation Appalachian Trail 2026 (OAT2026).

Howdy, and welcome to our Hobbit Hole on The Trek, also known as our trail blog home. I am Jeff "Inspector Gadget" Devine and I will be traversing the Appalachian Trail SOBO with my beloved bride of 32 years, Lisa. I am a retired Michigan State Trooper who traded in his badge and gun for paper and pencil to teach at our local high school. I am best at teaching my students life lessons. For 20+ years Lisa raised and homeschooled our 5, now grown, children. Lisa has also spent the last decade working in the public education system as a school social worker. Our adventure begins in June and you will be able to follow our journey right here. We plan to be real and raw, sharing not just the mountain highs, but the valley lows, and whatever else springs up along the way. This is a work in progress with planning and preparation a plenty, but we cannot wait to summit Mount Katahdin on Day 1. Stay tuned, The Devines shall return for Operation Appalachian Trail 2026 (OAT2026).

Stories by the Author

Couple sitting on floor behind laid out backpacks and organized camping and hiking gear.

The Trek: Going Gaga Over Gear

Your life in a backpack? Yes, it’s possible.

Jeff and Lisa Devine

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June 2, 2026

Couple sitting on floor behind laid out backpacks and organized camping and hiking gear.

The Trek: Going Gaga Over Gear

Your life in a backpack? Yes, it’s possible.

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