Some of her not so favorite areas were eastern Pennsylvania, where sharp rocks made footing treacherous. Southern Maine was also very rugged. Hiking the trail was was a paradox for Winters. While it is true she took the steps alone, she says she could have never done it without the support of her husband and family. Trail angels might set up a tarp and offer hot soup or leave coolers with beverages and sandwiches along the trail.
Some offer hikers a ride into nearby towns.
Winters and her husband have become trail angels. To get north on the AT, one must go east, south and west. Winters said there is a restlessness now that is stilled only by the outdoors. She and her husband are keeping a list of other hikes like the Lakes District in England and the Ulster in Ireland.