Millie Mugica became an avid hiker upon moving to New Hampshire after college. After a few years of day hiking, she read an article about the Long Trail in VT. “That is crazy!” she thought. “Could I do that?” Never having slept in a tent, for her 30th birthday she set out to try. It was love at first step. Now entering early retirement, Millie has hiked the Long Trail end-to-end eleven times. She has also thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail and climbed NH’s 48 4000’ers in winter.
“Hiking the Long Tail is one of the best things I’ve ever done.” It introduced Millie to the GMC where she became a member and volunteer. She has helped build four shelters and served as a mentor to prospective end-to-enders. She previously served a term on the Board from 2012-2015, as well as on the Fundraising and Trail Management committees. She hopes to continue backpacking in Vermont for the rest of her life. She wants the trail to be there for her, her children, and generations to come. That is why it means a lot for her to again serve on GMC’s Board of Directors.
Millie holds a Master’s degree in education from Antioch New England. She has taught preschool through fourth grade. In the summers, she has monitored mountain bird species for the Vermont Institute of Natural Science. Millie has introduced children from toddlers to teens to hiking and backpacking and initiated student groups of bird counters for the Audubon Society. When the elementary school where she worked decided to build an outdoor classroom, Millie was an integral part of the process.
Recreationally, when not hiking or backpacking, Millie might be running or cross country skiing. Bird watching and reading are other favorite pastimes. She lives in Hollis, New Hampshire with her husband Gig Walsh and their daughter.
