Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate Mid-Life Crisis
Steve Adams
An overweight, 61-year-old retiree, with zero hiking experience, decided to hike the entire 2,185.3 mile length of the Appalachian Trail in 2014. What could possibly go wrong? As his brother, Mike, commented, "It's a bit like taking up boxing and fighting Mike Tyson in your first bout." Join Steve and his guests as they discuss all aspects of the trail, from gear to Lyme Disease, then back to trail magic and injury.
Episode #472 - David Alan Lane (Squarepeg)
We meet David Alan Lane, aka Squarepeg, today. David has been sharing his trail experience extensively over the past few years on Facebook. He helps with all sorts of advice, including gear and what to eat out on trail. It’s a cherished resource for hikers. Now, David has put together another Facebook page that is ambitious in its scope. He has formed Slackpack the Appalachian Trail with Squarepeg, and will shortly be heading north on a big slackpack that will have members drop in and drop out
Episode #471 - Tina Tempest (Chunky)
We have Tina Tempest on the show today. Tina, or Chunky, completed a SOBO thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2009. The trail had such an impact upon her life, that she and her husband, Brett, ultimately opened the Quarter Way Inn, a hostel near Marion, Virginia. Tina’s breakfast at the hostel is the stuff of legend! But it is one of her side businesses that we’re talking about today, as Tina is the owner of Bead By Bead Adventures, producing necklaces for many of the long distance trails, in
Episode #470 - Nick Thatcher (Hotfoot)
Our main guest today is Nick Thatcher, who I found when he posted an epic Katahdin summit picture on Facebook. I hoped there would be more to his story than a December summit, so I reached out to him. He shared a story of determination and drive, culminating in that epic picture on the top of Katahdin. Nick made some intelligent choices for his hike that should inspire others in their own quest to fulfill an Appalachian Trail thru-hike. His calm demeanor will impress you. You can follow him on
Episode #469 - Dr Lydia Kuhn (Tetris)
Dr Lydia Kuhn joins us this week to talk about both her Appalachian Trail thru-hike in 2020, and her CDT thru-hike last year, proving herself to be a “true badass.” She reminds us of the need to live your life on your terms, and not to be constrained by how others might want you to live your life. Lydia also shares some information on wilderness medicine that we should all pay attention to. Check out the link below to learn more. Home We hear again from Chris Casado of TSX Challenge, who give
Episode #468 - David Kibiloski (Texas)
David Kibiloski is our guest today. What starts as a story about his Appalachian Trail thru-hike, tracks his evolution into an AT hostel owner, then a 501(c)(3) with AT Kids, followed by Stumble Inn 2.0. It is a fascinating journey. You can follow David on his website, at The Stumble Inn and AT KIDS - A Perfect Partnership. We also started what I hope to be a bidding war for Smercomics, a political satire book that David owns (unopened), but he is willing to offer to the highest bidder from ou
Episode #467 - Al Marriott (Lookout) Triple Crowner
Today, we welcome back a friend of the show, a fellow Brit, Al Marriott. Al has already been on for his AT and PCT adventures, but last year he went and completed the CDT to complete his Triple Crown. He is always good value, with some wry observations about these trails and stories to share along the way. Here, you can check out his last day on the CDT. https://youtu.be/UbVsTHWtg5I Al has a thriving YouTube community with his channel, Adventure Together TV at Adventure Together , as
Episode #466 - Collyn Nielsen (Doc) Hiker Trash Radio
We have a fellow hiking podcaster on the show today. Collyn Nielsen, known as Doc to his listeners, is the host of Hiker Trash Radio. The show was originally the John Freakin' Muir Podcast, but Doc extended its remit by re-branding to reach a wider audience, speaking to climbers, kayakers and others who spend their time in the outdoors. You can find his podcast on all the platforms, as well as at his website, hikertrashradio.com. Doc even turned the tables on me by interviewing me in a section
Episode #465 - Wyly O'Brien (Calamity Jane)
Wyly O’Brien, or Calamity Jane, is our guest today. Wyly attempted her thru-hike in 2007, researched the trail and her gear to give herself the best chance ot completing the hike, and began with a self-confidence that was ultimately shattered when she quit the trail after more than 1600 miles. Wyly shares her story of what happened and what she learned along the way. More than a decade later, Wyly found her journal and decided to write about her “failure,” offering tips on what she could have
Episode #464 - Beth Bakke Stenehjem and Dave Santi (Mighty Blue Class of 2025)
Today, we meet the two members of the Mighty Blue Class of 2025, with Beth Bakke Stenehjem and Dave Santi under the spotlight. Beth is my friend, having hiked twice with her, enjoying her sunny smile and encouraging manner. She’s heading out there at the end of March, with her stepson, Andrew. The two of them will make a terrific couple as they plough their way north. I’m looking forward to hearing their journey. Equally, Dave Santi is set up to succeed. Dave is from the West Coast, coming east
Episode #463 - Daniel Shaw (Team Whimsy)
Daniel Shaw, of Team Whimsy, give us his view of some of the Hurricane Helene clean up and recovery, meeting people where they are, on their worst day ever, when they need someone to show up and help. It is a fascinating model for a 501c3 that can have countrywide effect, with a sign up to help within your own community and beyond. I hope that listening to Daniel will inspire you to click on the volunteer page and add your name to his list. You can find his website here https://www.teamwhimsy.or
Episode #462 - Jessica and Largo Sueiro (Sunshine and Captain)
We’ve got a couple of free spirits on the show today, who happen to be mother and son. Jessica and Largo Sueiro, went on a big adventure this year; taking on the Appalachian Trail. As a family, they have lived unconventional lives, yet this half-year of mother and son bonding must have been precious to them both, combining their hiking, Largo’s school work, and his Dungeons & Dragons business along the way. Both are great conversationalists, so sit back and enjoy their story. If you’d like to
Episode #461 - John Turner (Raven)
John Turner is an avid listener to our HRN podcasts and is a board member of the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club–and a trail ambassador. John completed a five-year section hike in 2022, and is here to share his story with us. We have a wide-ranging chat; not only about his hike, but his work with GATC, and his new book, Killing the Buddha on the Appalachian Trail. John’s story is of a man who came late to our wonderful trail, and a man giving back to the trail he fell in love with. That’s quite
Episode #460 - Dave Fleischman (J.I.F.)
This week, we welcome back Dave Fleischman, a trail maintainer and a newly minted Triple Crowner. Dave already had the PCT and the AT under his belt, after hikes back in the 90s. Suddenly, the opportunity arose to do the CDT, so he headed back out. On this Thanksgiving Day, it is worth being grateful for so many things, yet Dave personifies the selfless nature of trail maintainers, so let’s thank him for that. In our conversation, Dave refers to the Triple Crown ALDHA ceremony out west. Check
Episode #459 - Katie Westling (Phoenix)
We’ve got a bit of a change of pace this week, with previous AT thru-hiker, Katie Westling, sharing her past year of adventures, with hikes in France, Ireland, and England. Katie started with the Tour du Mont Blanc last year, then headed over to Ireland for the Dingle Way this year, followed by Hadrian’s Wall Path soon after. Katie shares her hike with us, as well as a couple of links to organizations that helped her on her way. They are: Self-Guided Hiking & Biking Vacations | Macs Adventure
Episode #458 - Frank Mularcik (Snowman)
Frank Mularcik, who recently completed a 100-day SOBO thru-hike, is our guest today. Frank reached out to me a few weeks before he finished, then followed up once he reached Springer Mountain. You’ll be impressed by Frank’s can-do attitude, bringing a practicality to his hike that stood him in good stead. He discovered on the trail–as we all do–that faith in humanity that we may have thought was lost. Frank documented his hike by vlogging every night on trail, producing an impressive record th
Episode #457 - George Eshleman (Keeper)
It’s a slightly shorter show than usual this week, but it is about as powerful as any of my interviews have ever been. Our guest is George Eshleman, or Keeper, who hiked the Appalachian Trail with 363 nametags of military personnel who have committed suicide. George chose to do this in honor of his own friend and hiking partner, who had committed suicide. However, George had a secret of his own that he shared with nobody as he hit the trail. What happened next was sufficiently impactful to hav
Episode #456 - Hunter and John Rud (Hunter & JR)
Another former guest returns to the show today, this time with his hiking partner, and Dad. Hunter and John Rud completed the CDT this year. For Hunter, it was the second leg of his own Triple Crown, but for John, it was his completed Triple Crown. They share their awesome experience. There is a lot of wisdom, both in hiking and in life, from these two, as they reminisce on what must have been an epic journey for this father and son to share. You can see more of their adventures on Instagram a
Episode #455 - Don Robinson - 900 Miler Award
We’re going to talk about the Great Smoky Mountains today, with Don Robinson sharing his love of the park, and his recent induction into the 900 Miler Club, having hiked all the trails in the Smokies. It’s a pretty exclusive club, with fewer than a thousand members, yet the logistics required to get this done would fry my brain! Don has provided me with links to the two books he suggests, should you wish to follow in his footsteps. Day Hiker's Guide to All the Trails in The Smoky Mountains and
Episode #454 - Rob & Gavin Duncan (Waffle and Hawkeye)
We have a couple of returning guests today. Rob and Gavin Duncan attempted a thru-hike in 2019 and were forced off the trail due to injury. It was a bitter blow for a couple of guys who’d put in over 1300 miles. Gavin is now an 18-year-old, and both father and son wanted a do-over, starting again from Georgia. I’ve observed several father-son relationships on trail and would have loved to have had one of those myself, for the emotion of getting to Katahdin with your son (or your daughter, wife,
Episode #453 - Paula Martin (Windeagle)
We have a very different show this week, with Paula Martin, or Windeagle, sharing her dramatic survival from a bad accident that may well have killed her. Several years later, Paula had recovered and decided that an Appalachian Trail thru-hike was something she could achieve. She ultimately summited Katahdin two years later, but her story is one of grit and resilience. She also shares a story about how a bear got a little bit close and personal with her tent. See the picture below. After Paul
Episode #452 - John Pearson (Magellan)
We have another recent Appalachian Trail successful thru-hiker as our guest today. For many, the AT is a years-long dream, but for John Pearson, or Magellan, he had no idea he’d be hiking the trail until Christmas last year. Through a bit of trial and error, allied to a fierce determination, John made it to Katahdin in less than five and a half months. You can see more of John’s hike on Facebook, at https://www.facebook.com/AJohnPearson/. In our Mighty Blue Class of 2025, Michael Gaasch has d
Episode #451 - Kim Shoop (Gator)
We have a really accomplished young woman on the podcast today, with Kim Shoop, or Gator, sharing her story about section hiking the entire Triple Crown in just eight years. She has a very self-deprecating way about her, yet she is clearly a determined person to be able to achieve multiple long hikes, having to start again and again to fulfill her dream. Fully in love with backpacking, Kim also decided that the Palmetto Trail needed a bit more information than was publicly available, so she pu
Episode #450 - Larry Ripari (Bird)
Larry Ripari, fresh from his recent completion of not only an Appalachian Trail thru-hike, but also the hiking Triple Crown, shares his story with us this week. Larry became Bird on trail, a persona he was happy to assume, yet one he is now leaving behind. He is full of insights on all three trails, sharing his knowledge and even his budget as he successfully negotiated them all. You can check out Larry on social media on Instagram at Instagram (@ohreallylar) and on YouTube at Hiker Larry Our
Episode #449 - Mighty Blue Class of 2024
We’re catching up with all five members of our Mighty Blue Class of 2014 this week, so each of them will update us on where they are and their coming plans. There are no real notes this week for the class, just their latest pictures of them all having a blast!! Anita (Moxie) Bobby (Sloggy) David (Professor Milkshake) Sondra (Lemonade) Michael (No Rush the Elder) Also today, we meet Bill and Donna Milsten, owners of The Green Dragon Hostel in Hiawasee. You can reach out to them on their web
Episode #448 - Sarah Zettler (Cricket)
Sarah Zettler is our guest today. Sarah is a teacher, and has had to fit her six-year section hike of the Appalachian Trail into her summer vacation as a teacher. She even incorporates the trail into her school lesson plans to further engage her students. She felt called to do this hike and, once it was in her heart, she worked out a plan to get it done. A dramatic fall on one of the river crossings in the north led to a rescue by the Emergency Rescue team from Androscoggin. These selfless peo
Episode #447 - Georgetta Frederick (Trail Mama)
Georgetta Frederick finished her Appalachian Trail thru-hike just a few weeks ago, at the beginning of August. You can hear that she still has the joy of the trail in her voice as she shares her journey with us all. You can follow Georgetta on social media, on Facebook at Trail Mama Hikes | Johnstown PA, and on YouTube at Trail Mama Hikes. We also talk about her guided tours in the Laurel Highlands, in PA. If you’d be interested in joining one of those tours, check out her website for more inf
Episode #446 - Dr Daniel Warren on Lyme Disease
Dr Daniel Warren is our guest this week, with a subject very close to the heart of a hiker; Lyme Disease. I try my best to pick his brain and learn a little bit more about this pernicious disease, which is on the rise throughout the country. He sent me several papers to inform my questions, so I believe that you’ll gain a lot from our conversation. If you have any questions about this conversation, email me at steve@hikingradionetwork.com and I’ll forward your question to Daniel. If you’d like
Episode #445 - Nick Kindred (Sgt Pepper)
We have a NASA guy on the show today. Nick Kindred worked on the Artemis Program, and when he was able to retire, he set his sights on completing his Appalachian Trail adventure of a number of years by finishing the rest of it in a 1200 mile LASH from Harpers Ferry to Katahdin. Nick’s thoughtful observations, and his conversations with his wife about the extended separation on trail, should give pause to those who haven’t considered the impact of lengthy separations on their own adventures. He
Episode #444 - Heidi Nisbett (Sketch)
Today, we’re looking at the Allegheny Trail, with Heidi Nisbett talking about her contribution to the trail’s 50th anniversary. Heidi is an accomplished artist who captures the trail in all its glory, sharing her hiking (and drawing) journey with us. I saw several of Heidi’s drawings some months ago, and was struck by how evocative they were. When she wrote to me about the project she was doing with the Allegheny Trail, it seemed the perfect time to have her on the show. If you want to find out
Episode #443 - Glenn Van Peski (G Squared)
Our guest today is Glen Van Peski, a man who made a significant contribution to the ultralight backpacking movement when he founded Gossamer Gear. It takes an engineer to work out the problems of heavy gear, and Glen’s engineering skills and natural curiosity made backpacking easier for all of us. He’s written a book about the many life lessons he has learned from a life outdoors, mixing moments from his life in with these lessons, making the book extremely accessible for hikers of all ages. Y
Episode #442 - Linda McAbee (Castaway)
We have another packed show today, with an interview that is quite unlike any I have ever done before. Linda McAbee wrote to me and told me her own harrowing story that, fortunately, worked out in the end, though it could have taken a far worse turn. Despite that outcome, her story is a salutary lesson in the dangers of being in the woods with no means of navigation. I’m sure she’ll be fully prepped on her upcoming hike on the Buckeye Trail. At the same time, Linda’s ordeal proved her persever
Episode #441 - Florence Bradley (Fireflo)
We have a retired firefighter on the show today. Florence Bradley had been wanting to hike the Appalachian Trail for some time, waiting until retirement to get to it. But it drew on all her resources as she got injured several times, even breaking a foot along the way. She returned earlier this year, in an attempt to finish her last 300 miles in time to be able to record a 12-month AT hike. You can see more of Florence on Facebook at Florence Bradley and on Instagram at Instagram (@ffireflo).
Episode #440 - Martin Pazzani
Today, we welcome Martin Pazzani to the podcast. Martin is a true outdoorsman, having hiked and climbed in all seven continents. He’s parlayed that experience with his involvement in the fitness business, and an intellectual curiosity about the scientific benefits of simply getting outside and walking uphill. Those of us who have hiked extensively can identify with Martin’s conclusions, yet he presents it in such an accessible way that I’m sure you’ll enjoy being informed and entertained in equ
Episode #439 - Casey Huffman (Vegas)
I’m back from the UK and am eager to bring more great guests for you. First, though, I want to thank all of you who reached out to me while I was away. Your concern for my welfare was more than touching. I’m forever grateful to my listeners. Today, our main guest is Casey Huffman, AKA Vegas. Casey hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2023, and he shares his story with an infectious enthusiasm which, he’ll concede, may not have been there when he set out on his adventure. A solo hiker, and somewhat in
Episode #426 - South West Coast Path (Days 15-17)
I’m into my third week on the trail and still spending most nights indoors. The first two weeks were always going to be that way, with John, then Richard and Wendy as part of my hike, yet the weather has intervened in this third week. Hopefully, the weather is about to turn and I’ll be able to camp outside a bit more. I’m using my hike in the UK on the South West Coast Path to help raise money for my absolute favorite charity, Parenting Matters, on whose board I’ve been privileged to serve for
Episode #425 - South West Coast Path (Days 11-14)
I’m using my hike in the UK on the South West Coast Path to help raise money for my absolute favorite charity, Parenting Matters, on whose board I’ve been privileged to serve for over a decade. You can learn more about the hike and the organization–and donate–by visiting https://parentingmattersfl.org/eventer/hike-with-steve-empowering-parents-one-step-at-a-time/edate/2024-04-15/. And, maybe, you’ll get a personal picture of me thanking you with your name etched in the sand during my hike. I hop
Episode #424 - South West Coast Path (Days 8-10)
The last three days have tested me yet again, though I’m pretty much on schedule. A schoolboy error on my part led to a very low energy day, though meeting dear friends at the end of the day more than made up for it. I’m using my hike in the UK on the South West Coast Path to help raise money for my absolute favorite charity, Parenting Matters, on whose board I’ve been privileged to serve for over a decade. You can learn more about the hike and the organization–and donate–by visiting https://p
Episode #423 - South West Coast Path (Days 4-7)
The first week has been unexpected, exciting, and even a little scary. I’m now 80 miles into the hike and just starting to feel that I’m finding my way. John has returned home, as originally planned, and the tenor of the hike has shifted as I’m on my own. I’ve been overwhelmed by the beauty of this hike, I’ve been surprised by the difficulty, and I start week two excited by the prospect of the time I’ll be spending with dear friends later in the week. I’m using my hike in the UK on the South W
Episode #422 - South West Coast Path (Days 1-3)
The first three days of my South West Coast Path hike are in the books. Unfortunately, my notes weren’t in the books! I somehow lost them, so this first podcast is a little thin on detail, though full of my heart. I hope you enjoy it. I’m using my hike in the UK on the South West Coast Path to help raise money for my absolute favorite charity, Parenting Matters, on whose board I’ve been privileged to serve for over a decade. You can learn more about the hike and the organization–and donate–by
Episode #421 - Briana DeSanctis
Today’s guest has recently completed a truly epic journey. Briana DeSanctis set out to hike the American Discovery Trail in January 2022. 6,800 miles later, having taken in all the seasons–twice–Briana finished her personal odyssey in February this year, becoming the first solo woman to do so. Having thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail almost a decade ago, Briana considered that it wasn’t enough for her, so she set her sights on this epic hike and worked to accumulate the funds she needed. On the
Episode #420 - Clay Bonnyman Evans (Pony on the Cape Wrath Trail)
We have an old friend on the show today. Clay Bonnyman Evans completed his AT thru-hike back in 2015, yet his latest hike is the intriguing Cape Wrath Trail. Clay shares his experience in his own inimitable style, even adding an unscheduled walk after the hike from Edinburgh to Glasgow. Because, well, why not? Clay is a contributor to the Trek, and you can follow his blog here https://thetrek.co/the-cape-wrath-trail-the-wild-wonderful-230-mile-at-of-the-uk/ He has added further links to illust
Episode #419 - Sarah Denison Williams
A few weeks ago, I met today’s guest, Sarah Denison Williams, at the Appalachian Trail Club of Florida, and was so impressed by her presentation that I invited her on to the show. But it turned out that Sarah had so much more to share than the confines of her presentation that we expanded our recording to cover it all. Sarah shares the work done by the Conservation Foundation here in South West Florida, but also speaks to the local and national implications of that work and other trusts around
Episode #418 - George Steffanos
We have an old friend back on the show today, though it’s the first time I’ve met him! He is George Steffanos, writer of the hugely entertaining blog, now book, Then the Hail Came. I read the book over about 18 months and was constantly gripped by both his recall and his descriptions of the trail. Also, it was 40 years ago that George headed out on the AT, and he shares plans for a future hike in 2025. You can buy the book at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QFG4ZR6, while you can learn
Episode #417 - Bern Leibensperger (Yardsale)
Bern Leibensperger discovered the Appalachian Trail when her daughter expressed an interest in section hiking the trail several years ago. Since then, the two of them have racked up over 1,000 miles and, in an attempt to integrate further into our community, Bern and her husband Glen opened a hostel for hikers in PA. We discuss what it is that hikers need and Bern shares her own insights from her hiking. She’s also a fierce proponent of the Hike for Mental Health organization, helping out whene
Episode #416 - Audrey Payne (Glowstick)
We have another successful AT thru-hiker on the show today. Yet Audrey Payne seemed very unlikely to get the chance to hike the trail a few years earlier. How she recovered, and ultimately succeeded, is a story that she tells here in a conversation with Steve. Now, six years later, Audrey has continued to hike and has just released her book about her hike in 2018. You can find it on Amazon here. https://www.amazon.com/Where-Rhododendrons-Bloom-Thru-Hiking-Appalachian/dp/B0CT5XD95X/ref=sr_1_1?cr
Episode #415 - Al Marriott (Lookout)
We have two returning guests today. First up, Al Marriott, fresh from his AT thru-hike in 2022, followed up with the PCT last year. Al shares his varied life of adventure in a great conversation with Steve. He also tells us a story of how serendipitous the trail can be, with a chance meeting with people he shared an AT shelter with the previous year. Al’s YouTube channel–Adventure Together–continues to show his adventures. You can catch it here. https://www.youtube.com/c/AdventureTogether1?sub
Episode #414 - Jessie Gehner (Twisted Sister)
Jessie Gehner, MD, is a thru-hiker from 2008 who then went to medical school. She currently works as an ER physician at Roanoke hospital, and is a member of the faculty of the Wilderness Medical Society, spearheading the Wilderness Medicine Fellowship at her hospital. She has continued her hiking life and, in her work capacity, also hikes to Everest Base Camp each year with a group of medical professionals. Jessie has provided links for both the base camp group, https://www.blueridgeadventurem
Episode #413 - Daniel Clark (Lucky Colleague)
We meet another Brit on the show today. Daniel Clark is a listener to the podcast, and he filled in the form to register as a guest on our website, adding rich detail about his 2023 thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. We explore some of his stories. Daniel has a terrific website that chronicles some of his other hikes. You can find it at All Walks | Ourwalks He is also on social media at Instagram and YouTube at Instagram (@walking__north) and Englishman Just Walking In our casual series of o
Episode #412 - Roxanne Lashley (Foxy)
Roxanne Lashley took on the AT last year and took her time. She had planned to go straight north to south, yet reaching Harpers Ferry past the Independence Day holiday, she knew she needed to flip north, then head back south. Roxanne finished back at Harpers Ferry and shares her story with us. In our conversation, Roxanne mentioned a couple of MeetUps, so, if you’re a lone who’d like to hike with others, check out these MeetUps Blue Hills Hiking & Biking Club | Meetup Outdoor Afro Boston | M
Episode #411 - Molly Beth Gaynier (Breaky)
Our two guests today have something in common; they’ve both thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail, yet their stories have taken entirely different turns. Our main guest is Molly Gaynier, who thru-hiked the trail in 2022, relishing the experience, even dragging it out with her extended breaks to take in the whole thing. But it was after the trail that she went through something none of us would wish on our worst enemy. The grace and grit that she reveals in our conversation should alert you to the im
Episode #410 - D. J. Mullet (Dos Entradas)
DJ Mullet, or Dos Entradas, had been a hiker for several years, with the Appalachian Trail firmly in his sights. Yet a Type One Diabetes diagnosis seemed to have put paid to that dream. However, undaunted, DJ worked out not only how to manage the illness in his day-to-day life, he was able to manage it successfully on the AT in 2023. He shares his story eagerly, so that others will be inspired to do what it takes to get out into the woods to fulfill their own dreams. You can follow DJ on YouTu
Episode #409 - Alyssa Whoaa (Rainbow Brite)
The uniquely named Alyssa Whoaa is our main guest today. She came to me as a member of the TSX team and she is widely experienced in a variety of different adventures that have taken in many countries and even led her to the South Pole, with the North Pole her next great adventure. Alyssa has shared several links that may be of interest to listeners having heard her on the podcast. As she says, they are links to “interesting things.” Jobs in the US antarctic program (USAP): The USAP Portal: Sc
Episode #408 - Olive McGloin and Darrell Johnson (Raindance and The Chimp)
Olive McGloin and Darrell Johnson don’t seem content with straightforward thru-hikes, they tend to go for the YOYO. That is: they turn around and head back the way they’ve come to complete double thrus in a season. Olive has YOYO’d the Triple Crown, with Darrell almost complete in that endeavor. Their remarkable story has, I’m afraid, been beset by some technical difficulties on my part, but their story is so fascinating that I wanted to tell it. You can follow along with their adventures thro
Episode #407 - Jason Tompkins (Out & About)
Jason Tompkins is a returning guest to the show this week. He was on last year, discussing a new route / trail that he came up with and named “The Carolinian.” This week, an AT thru-hike was just part of his 2023 adventure. He took on the Eastern Continental Trail, stretching from Key West in the south to Newfoundland; an epic, if ever there was one. Jason didn’t share any social links, but check out his YouTube channel at Out & About. It’s awesome. We also caught up once more with Mary Marks
Episode #406 - Sarah Beatrice (Too Long)
Sarah Beatrice, a fellow member of the Appalachian Trail Class of 2014, is my guest today. Sarah started after me and finished before me, so we may well have met as she cruised past me! We’ll talk about her hike then, of course, but it is her after-hike life that especially interested me, with loads more travel and even a trip to Everest Base Camp. You can follow Sarah on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/sbeatrice13?mibextid=ZbWKwL on Instagram at Instagram (@traveler_sarahb) and on YouTu
Episode #405 - Clark L Ward (Wild Coyote)
Clark L Ward is our guest this week. Clark is a Native American and, while his hike was important to him, it was the story he was sharing with hikers along the way that made his hike so meaningful for him. Clark carried an orange flag that he got people to pose with at every opportunity along the way. Naturally, it accompanied him to Katahdin. His cause was Every Child Matters and all parents will feel empathy for the children involved. Clark sent me several links–below–that will amplify the me
Episode #404 - Mary Wilson (Shades)
Mary Wilson is our guest this week and, when you know that her trail name is Shades, the blind hiker, you’ll understand what an extraordinary endeavor she took on attempting a thru-hike in 2023. Mary is overwhelmingly positive and looks to the reasons why she can do a thru-hike as opposed to the reasons why, perhaps, she shouldn’t. Family circumstances took her off the trail after more than 600 miles, yet she has pledged to return in 2024 to get the job done. She’s a remarkable woman. You can
Episode #403 - Lynne Savino (Caboose)
We’ve got our favorite doctor on the show today. Lynne Savino shares with us her recent backpacking medical adventure that she was a part of, taking in the Virginia Triple Crown with a group of fellow doctors. Lynne’s excitement at merely standing on MacAfee Knob–with virtually zero view–provides us with a touching reminder of how important these special moments are. You can check out the Summer Adventure Camp she refers to in our conversation at https://www.wilderness-adventure.com/ , which s
Episode #402 - Dan Klaiber (Rockhopper)
Dan Klaiber is our guest this week and, while he had been planning a PCT thru-hike, Covid threw a wrench in the works and he had to look elsewhere. What he came up with was an epic journey through Britain, linking many established, and several not-so-well established trails to produce his very own long-distance trail. He’s a great planner, so the logistic geeks among you will enjoy reading the document he sent me, as well as his LighterPack link at https://lighterpack.com/r/lel2lg You can chec
Episode #401 - Emily Johnson (Cobweb Rose)
Another newly minted thru-hiker from the Class of 23 joins us this week. Emily Johnson turned to backpacking when she met a guy who would become her hiking mentor. She found escape in the woods from her stressful job as a young nurse during Covid. Emily pushed through the horrendous variety of weather that thru-hikers encountered this year, making it to Katahdin in exactly six months. You can follow Emily at her various social media channels. On Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/6821
Episode #400 - Chris Marshburn (Roll Tide)
For our 400th show today, I have Chris Marshburn, or Roll Tide, as my guest. Chris is a phenomenal steward for the trail, having been a Caretaker in New England and, this year, the sole Ridgerunner on the Appalachian Trail in the Smokies. His generosity of spirit, along with his curious nature, shines through in our conversation; indeed, it was during our recording that I decided he’d be the perfect guest to celebrate this episode milestone. You can see Chris’s awesome photos on Instagram at h
Episode #399 - Beth Bakke Stenehjem & Frank Levine (Dos Caminos)
Today, to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the completion of my Camino Francés hike in 2018, I’ve invited two friends to the show to share their Caminos this year. Beth Bakke Stenjhem went for her second Camino Francés earlier this year with some friends. It wasn’t entirely plain sailing, with some nasty injuries along the way. Also today, Frank Levine and his family took on the Portuguese Camino, from Lisbon to Santiago. His story has solidified my plans for the same hike next year, though D
Episode #398 - Kyle O'Grady (Narnar)
Our guest this week is the host of the popular YouTube channel, Kyle Hates Hiking. Kyle O’Grady did his AT thru-hike in 2018, then started his channel a year later. He’s funny, irreverent, and wryly observant. I even tried out something new in our interview. I hope you like it. You can follow Kyle on several platforms. Of course, there’s his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@KyleHatesHiking, but you can also follow him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kylehateshiking/ and hea
Episode #397 - Aron Goss (OG)
Aron Goss did his thru-hike this year. It was about as perfect as a hike could be, with his family supporting him every step of the way, and climbing Katahdin with him at the end. On the way, he engaged with his fellow hikers, gaining an appreciation of the community and enjoying his interactions with younger hikers he met. You can follow his progress on his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Zm4PKcsysvdb2l-nWWIrA and on his Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/agoss23
Episode #396 - Ed Riggs (Phys Ed)
We have Ed Riggs on the show today. Ed hiked the AT in 2013 and had to face some severe health issues on the way. In fact, he had to leave the trail and come back the following year to get it completed. He also faced the dilemma many of us encounter while we’re out there; keeping the family comfortable with what we’re doing, without scaring the living daylights out of them! Ed is inspirational and worth checking out on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOicX70mHbdQbG5pGqqkepw Unfor
Episode #395 - Chris Casado (Commissioner)
We have a returning guest this week. Chris Casado was the guy who was able to help me overcome the difficulties I was having with altitude out West, by getting me, in a guided hike, to the top of Mt Whitney. It remains one of my proudest moments. I wanted to catch up with Chris to get his perspective of our hike and the many others he’s involved with. He’s an interesting character who gives a lot of himself in the service of others. You can find out more about TSX and the other hikes at their
Episode #394 - Drexel Swanson (Prepper)
Drexel Swanson, or Prepper, is our guest today. Drexel was a member of the Class of 23, and his story is an epic tale of resilience and a refusal to take no for an answer. What happened to him was, at times, truly stressful–even life endangering–yet he pushed on through with a grim determination. I’ve seen pictures of the damage to his foot that he talks about in the show and, trust me with this, it isn’t something you really want to see over your breakfast. But Drexel has a YouTube channel whe
Episode #393 - Laura Howe (Moonpants)
We have a newly minted Appalachian Trail thru-hiker as our main guest on the show today. Laura Howe, or Moonpants, took on the trail with gusto. Near the end, she had a terrifying river crossing that eventually necessitated an SOS call. She made it, but had an up-close look at how things can go quickly wrong. Her can-do attitude shines through our conversation and, despite her untimely premature exit, she was able to get back on and finish the hike. You can follow Laura through Instagram at ht
Episode #392 - Lee Lovelace (Hooker Tush)
Lee Lovelace and I met at Trail Days this year in the author’s tent. My books are about my AT thru-hike, while Lee’s book, Sawyer’s Run, is a novel about the AT. We both share an abiding passion for the trail and I wanted Lee to come on the show to tell his story of resilience. Much of his novel is based upon real events, while plenty is made up; you decide what to believe!! Most importantly, when we spoke, he was healthy again. you can check out a few links form Lee, including his author webs
Episode #391 - Suzanne Roberts
Suzanne Roberts is our guest today. She shares a thoughtful, female perspective on long-distance hiking, using her 1993 JMT hike as a backdrop. The concept of a different experience from men to women had never occurred to me, but I was intrigued to hear her story. She is releasing an Anniversary edition of her book about her JMT hike, and you can find it in the links she sent me below. Almost Somewhere https://www.amazon.com/Almost-Somewhere-Twenty-Eight-Trail-Outdoor-ebook/dp/B0BYHDJQZB?ref_
Episode #390 - Earl Porter (A.Ham)
In our last episode before the 9/11 Anniversary, Earl “Chico” Porter shares his inspirational story, and mission, to help veterans contemplating suicide. Part of this was to take on a winter SOBO hike of the Appalachian Trail, starting on the 20th Anniversary in 2021. You’ll hear how Earl fared, as well as his deeper message, which will resonate with most of us. Earl has supplied me with several links, including his Blog: https://blogs.loc.gov/folklife/2023/06/one-way-to-mitigate-the-risk-of-p
Episode #389 - Stephen Cole (Sweat Bucket)
Steve Cole joins us on the show today. He was a guest on the podcast about two years ago, telling us about his first big hike; Le Tour du Mont Blanc. Since then, he’s hardly stopped hiking. Today, we talk about his Appalachian Trail thru-hike in 2021, as well as some of his other adventures. Steve shared his Facebook details, where he posted most of his thru-hike pictures. You can find it at https://www.facebook.com/stephen.cole.3388 And for those of you who consistently fail to score the JMT
Episode #388 - Greg Johnson (Midwatch) and Betsy Hutchins
This week, we hear from one of the leaders of the Summit Project and the mother from a Gold Star Family about what the project means to them. This remarkable effort honors the fallen from Maine in an outdoor setting that is truly inspirational. If you’d like to learn more about the project, and maybe even sign up for one of their events, check out the links below. https://thesummitproject.org https://thesummitproject.org/heroes-hundred-welcome/ https://thesummitproject.org/tsp-at-anp/ https://t
Episode #387 - Kathie Brennan
Kathie Brennan is our guest today. She is President of the Ozark Trail Association, putting in hours of trail maintenance not only on her beloved trail, but also on the Appalachian Trail. She provides us with a sharp insight into trail work, with modern practices and even talks about leaf blowing for instant gratification! Find out more about the Ozark Trail at their website http://ozarktrail.com There’s also a useful trip planner at https://www.ozarktrail.com/planner/ Two of our Class of 23
Episode #386 - Steve Vilsack (Wye Knot)
Steve Vilsack joins us on the show today. He refuses to see limitations that would prevent many others from even attempting the Appalachian Trail. He is legally blind, he fell too many times to count, and he got to the end by sheer strength of character. His story is an affirmation of the human spirit that will inspire many of us to not look at what we can’t do, rather what we can do. You can follow Steve on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092445351138 and https://www.f
Episode #385 - Adrienne Washney (Mother Hen)
One of our listeners introduced me to Adrienne Washney, who thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2022. She incorporated her shakedown hikes into the thru-hike, by taking the first few weeks in weekend hikes and gradually adjusting or refining her set up. When she was ready to go it alone, she’d sorted out the kinks. Adrienne had quite the adventure, even leaving the trail with about 80 miles to go to Katahdin to attend her son’s wedding; she even had a momentary pause over that! Always thoughtf
Episode #384 - Kristy Burns and Annette Dumbell (The Wander Women)
Some of the most recognizable hikers from the Class of 2019, The Wander Women, join us today. At least, two of them do. Kristy Burns and Annette Dumbell are two women in search of adventure, using their retirement time to travel, hike, bike, and canoe. They share their stories with Steve as they reminisce their adventurous life. These are two women who are clear-eyed and intentional about choosing how to spend their time. You can join in their adventures by following them on social media. On F
Episode #383 - Dan Nobles (Wandering Monk)
Our guest today, Dan Nobles, was a Colonel in the Army, working out of the Pentagon, when he quit and went to Seminary School. I think I’ve rarely heard of such a drastic change of scenery. Vowing never to hike again after he left the military, his brother coaxed him back into it and he found the solace on the trail that he needed. Dan has some fascinating takes on many topics in this interview and, as the Wandering Monk, he has an informative YouTube channel that visits lesser-known trails. Y
Episode #382 - Nancy East
On today’s show, we have Nancy East, a retired veterinarian who is also an avid and accomplished hiker. Nancy is the perfect person to talk about dogs on the trail from a vet’s perspective. As somebody who know’s literally zero on the subject, I turned to my good buddy, ChaptGPT, to help me out with my questions that seemed to cover the subject pretty well. You can find more about Nancy’s rich hiking life and hiking achievements by visiting her website at https://www.hopeandfeathertravels.com/
Episode #381 - Kevin Kinne
Today, we hear from a man who really loves the AT. Kevin Kinne and I have been communicating since 2017, and he maintains part of the AT near Great Barrington. He also provides trail magic for hikers, forming firm friendships along the way. One such meeting resulted in a thru-hike of the JMT with the Suttons and their son, Harvey. You can follow along with their journey at Kevin’s YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTX1tw8B4M1VYKsfJnEH8GA If you’re inspired to volunteer for the
Episode #380 - Samantha Sharkey (Lemon Drop)
We’re back to our usual format this week, with our main guest, three catch up interviews with our Mighty Blue Class of 2023 and the next chapter of George Steffanos’s “Then the Hail Came.” I met Samantha Sharkey at Trail Days this year and invited her to come on the show. She shares a deeply personal story and truly had a life-altering hike. That is an often hyperbolic statement, though not in Samantha’s case. You can see more of Samantha’s hike on her Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sa
Episode #379 - Jillian Hitt (Buckets)
This is an unusual show for us. Our guest, Jillian Hitt, who attempted a thru-hike in 2018, isn’t on the show, though three important people in her life are on to share her story. Centrally, we hear from Jillian’s mother throughout the show, with contributions from her best friend Jessica Berringer and one of her hiking partners, Thomas Steiner, or Scatter. This is all intended to celebrate Jillian’s life and the legacy and imprint on the lives of people she knew. As you can see from the pictu
Episode #378 - The Mighty Blue Class of '23 Update
This week is all about the members of the Mighty Blue Class of 2023. We’ve never had the opportunity to track them down all at the same time, so I thought this week, in the middle of June, would be as good a time as any to take stock. We hear the latest disappointments, as well as the wonderful moments that they have all experienced. In editing this, I was made more aware than ever of the fickle nature of the Appalachian Trail and its ability to still surprise me. If you'd like to find out more
Episode #377 - Spencer McKay (Warpzilla)
Our guest today, Spencer McKay, completed his thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2007. The poignant reason he went on the trail at that time is told in his conversation with Steve this week. As an Eagle Scout, he always believed he’d hike the trail at some time during his life, but events of the previous winter pushed his timeline up considerably. You can see more of Spencer on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/warpzilla and if you’d like to read his book, Walk With You, you can find i
Episode #376 - Mark Beno (Papa Dump)
Mark and David Beno, a father and son hiking team, took on the Appalachian Trail in 2022. Mark shares their story in this week’s show. The two of them chose to flip flop, choosing an unusual plan by leaving from Damascus headed north in March, then flipping back to Damascus after summiting Katahdin and heading south. This was more than a bucket list item for Mark, and he appreciated the community he found himself in. You can follow Mark and David’s hike on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/
Episode #375 - Al Marriott (Lookout)
We have a shorter show than usual today, as I’m away hiking. There is still a great interview and the next segment of the book “Then the Hail Came.” Al Marriott is an adventurous guy, traveling worldwide to satisfy an urge to wander, recording his journeys via his YouTube account. His mind fell to the Appalachian Trail, and he set out to do it last year. Al is a natural storyteller and shares some poignant moments out there, particularly with his tramily, though an unpleasant encounter with a
Episode #374 - Kelly Jaworski (Birdie)
Kelly Jaworski hiked the AT in 2021 with a former guest of the show, Stuart (Puppy Love) Phelps. I reached out to her when I saw her epic summit photo on Facebook. She returned my invitation to the show a year later!! She had an excellent excuse, though; she was having a baby. Kelly came on the show and demonstrated that, even though we walk the same path, even when we hike with the same person, our perspective informs our story, and those perspectives are often so different. She doesn’t use s
Episode #373 - Jana Giles & David Nelson (Ducky & Gravy)
We have a young couple as our guests this week; Jana Giles and David Nelson, otherwise known as Ducky and Gravy. They have known each other for some time but, in planning to go on an Appalachian Trail thru-hike, they started dating just before they headed out on the trail. Despite putting their relationship on the line, they clearly worked it out, finishing just five months after starting South bound from Katahdin. Jana wrote a blog for the Trek, so you can check that out at http://thetrek.co/
Episode #372 - Patch Leonard (Cold Brew)
We have Patch Leonard as our guest today. Patch is the son of Emily Leonard–a previous guest on the show–and he tells us of his own Appalachian Trail thru-hike last year. He has grown up in Maine and New Hampshire, so hiking was more or less in his blood, yet the idea to hike the trail came after his mother blazed her way to Maine. You can follow Patch’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@ColdbrewPatch, but first, savor this sight at the top of an empty Katahdin early in the morning o
Episode #371 - Zach Cross
Zach Cross is starting his NOBO thru-hike from Springer on May 1. That he is even attempting this hike is something of a miracle. Three years ago, as Covid hit us, Zach weighed about 400lbs. His journey since then, aided by hiking and nature, has brought him to contemplating an epic undertaking. The simple act of committing to a daily hike up and down a mountain in Georgia speaks of his determination to not only feel better about himself, but also to inspire others, and that initially small act
Episode #370 - Jim LePage (Grey Ghost)
Jim LePage is a man who spends a lot of time outdoors. He hiked the AT in 2018, having thought about it for years. The proverbial window of opportunity eventually opened, and he climbed straight through it. Jim talks about the importance of spousal support and was lucky enough to have his family either hiking with him or resupplying him. Overcoming doubts as to his ability to finish, Jim managed it to the end and returned home with his accomplishment secure. He owns a camp with a spectacular v
Episode #369 - Bob Delaney (Jon's Dad)
We leave the AT behind today for a trip to Sweden and the Kungsleden, a trail that I’d never heard of before. Bob Delaney, or Jon’s Dad, has a history with Sweden and returned there to hike this lesser known trail. He was so enamored by the trail that he’s started a YouTube channel, a blog, and written a book about it. You can reach out to Bob directly at JonsDadHikes@gmail.com. He’ll be happy to hear from you and will try to help you if you consider hiking this Swedish trail. You can also fin
Episode #368 - Kenneth Pararo (Moron)
Kenneth Pararo is our guest today. He reached out to me, sending me a link to his podcast, and I entirely misjudged him. When I eventually spoke with Kenneth, he was articulate, thoughtful, and a lot of fun. He’s an AT thru-hiker, though when he went for a second time, he took a rather different route. Why and how he did so is explained in our chat. Once you get past his intro to the podcast, you’ll hear more of his somewhat quirky personality come through. You can find the podcast here: https
Episode #367 - Rachel Hadley-Leonard
Rachel Hadley-Leonard is our guest today. I heard about Rachel walking the South West Coast Path in England from one of our previous guests and wanted to know more about her hike. She instantly pushed this trail up near the top of my bucket list for a possible future walk with my brother, Mike. Rachel is a podcaster with two shows. One is specifically about her own journey, while the other is the official podcast of the Path itself. You can check them out here. https://open.spotify.com/show/0yz
Episode #366 - Matt Hengst (Masochist)
Matthew Hengst, or Masochist, is today’s guest. He is one of those guys who has managed to parlay his passion for hiking into pretty much a full-time gig. He’s got an extensive outdoor resumé, but it is his 2021 thru-hike of the Eastern Continental Trail that we focus on today. On the trail, Matthew edited videos before getting out of camp, and his whole attitude is one of calm enjoyment in solitude. You can follow him on his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/FirstChurchofTheMasoch
Episode #365 - Mike (Blaze Dog) and Marla Hansen (Shows Up)
Our guests today are a husband and wife couple who worked out their own way to share the Appalachian Trail experience, even though only one of them walked the full 2200 miles. Mike and Marla Hansen used their RV to assist Mike’s hike, working out a routine that would be attractive to many, I’m sure. Marla did a lot of the resupply, as well as hiking into some of the iconic spots on the trail and supported Mike’s dream throughout. Their method is a way of sharing the journey that certainly worke
Episode #364 - Mel Vogel
We have a true one-of-a-kind story today. Mel Vogel set out to hike the Trans Canada Trail in June 2017. Even when part of the trail was closed for recreational use during Covid, Mel remained on or near the trail in the Yukon, eventually completing it in November 2022. During her hike, Mel touched the Atlantic, Pacific, and even the Arctic Ocean, finding kindness and friends along the way, as well as her new friend, Malo, a lost dog. Mel and Steve share a personal conversation that touches ner
Episode #363 - Charlie Janssen (Kansas Express)
When Charlie Janssen was just ten miles into his Appalachian Trail thru-hike in 2012, he wondered what it would be like to complete a Calendar Year Triple Crown. He found out in 2022, and shares his story with us. Charlie’s thoughts eventually solidified and the planning began. His pragmatic approach and never-give-up attitude are clear in our conversation, yet this is still an epic adventure and one that so few people have managed to complete. Charlie is only the thirteenth to complete it. He
Episode #362 - Leah Harman (Twig)
Leah Harman, or Twig, is our guest today. She is a self-confessed nomad, concentrating in the past few years on backpacking her way through many trails, both in the US and abroad. Despite the solitary nature of many of her hikes, Leah enjoys the trail community and Trail Angels in particular. You can check out Leah’s many hikes in her excellent blog at https://twigadventures.com/ Mary Marks becomes the final member of our Mighty Blue Class of 2023, and we speak from Franklin, NC, where she is
Episode #361 - Casey Beeman (Freedom Pouch)
I found this week’s guest by reading an article he’d written about Post-Trail Depression. I know some people scoff at this concept, but it is real, and Casey Beeman articulates it beautifully. He did his thru-hike, along with his wife, Kylie, last year. They enjoyed the freedom to have a big adventure, but coming down to earth at the end turned out to be problematic, especially for Casey. I asked him to read the article during our conversation, which he duly did, and I think it adds power to t
Episode #360 - Emet Baker (Quickbeam)
Emet Baker, or Quickbeam is our guest today. He was able to complete his first year college finals before heading out on trail last year, with a mission to accomplish and complete the trail before he needed to return to camp. Emet was suggested to me by a previous guest, who wrote such kind words about him, that I wondered if they were hyperbole. They weren't. He's an impressive young man with, I'm sure, a great future, both in hiking and pretty much whatever he turns his hand to. You'll be imp
Episode #359 - Toby Busch (Stovetop)
Our guest this week is Toby Busch, a young man who lives out of his Ford Connect and records his life adventures on YouTube. Last year, he fulfilled a long-held dream and moved out of his van and onto the Appalachian Trail. Along the way, he found his mix of solitude and community, and he reached Katahdin as a joyful thru-hiker. He's now back in his Connect and often moving about the country finding "70 degree weather!" Toby recorded several of these adventures too, so you can follow along wit
Episode #358 - Amanda Wylie (Two Braids)
Amanda Wylie is an independent, strong young woman from Queens, NY. She hiked the Appalachian Trail last year and, despite loving the impact it had upon her, she had to address a few issues on her journey that were unexpected, and often unwanted. Despite that, she wants her experience to inspire women to take on the trail and embrace the experience. You can follow Amanda on Instagram at http://Www.instagram.com/realamandawylie, while her clothing brand can be seen at http://Www.instagram.com/ny
Episode #357 - John Jordan (Morning Glory)
Today, we hear from one of the unsung heroes of our hiking world. He's not a thru-hiker–though his son did one–but he's a member of the Board of ALDHA, the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association. Where the ATC concerns itself with the well-being of the trail itself, ALDHA focuses on hikers. John joined the board quite recently and is coordinating the ALDHA Care project, bringing a new enthusiasm to the role as he works out the best way to assist hiker hostels and, by association, hikers.
Episode #356 - Julia Widmar (Stretcher)
We have one of our younger newly minted thru-hikers today. Julia Widmar was only 20 when she hit the trail last year, though she had learned so much in the previous five years as she looked forward to this journey of a lifetime. Julia is an EMT nurse who was thoroughly prepared at Amicolola to take on the trail and, despite a three-week break in the middle, she pushed on to complete it in just over four months of trail time. While she didn't blog or vlog herself, Julia wanted to share the blog
Episode #355 - Nick Gagnon (Chezwick)
Nick Gagnon is an elite level hiker. He completed the Great Western Loop in 2022 in under 200 days, a remarkable achievement in that the loop is just shy of 7,000 miles. Virtually by definition, Nick spent a lot of time by himself, and he shares with us his coping mechanisms for such a solo endeavor. He was so disciplined in his approach, sharing why this is so necessary for this particular trail. You can find out more about Nick by visiting his website at https://chezwicktreks.com/. He has a
Episode #354 - Billy Arthur (Backwards)
Our guest today, Billy Arthur, or Backwards, met and fell in love with another hiker on the AT this year. Billy had wanted to get on the trail since his scouting days, yet he left it until his late 20s and found more than he'd bargained for! Backwards and Pigpen bonded throughout their hike and stayed together once they reached Katahdin. I'd always wondered about these on-trail romances, and Billy shares how they got together, as well as how they're coping with after-trail life. That he'd cond
Episode #353 - Jason Tompkins (Out and About)
Jason Tompkins is our guest today, with his stories about a new long-distance trail; The Carolinian. It's new because he named it, then hiked it this year. Yet that isn't all of Jason's story. He's worked out his life for the foreseeable future to spend pretty much all his time out on a trail! We agreed that he should come back on next year when (not if!!) he completes the East Coast Trail, from Key West up to Newfoundland, when he'll be taking in the Appalachian Trail along the way. You can f
Episode #352 - Brittany Rosendahl (Hot Hands)
We're sticking with the Class of 2022 hikers once more, with Brittany Rosendahl–one of my Facebook friends–sharing the story of her hike and what brought her to the trail. She's lived a demanding life as a nurse and recalls some really tough times during the Covid Pandemic. Sharing some more intimate details, she opens up about relationships and attitudes that she found to be so reassuring on the AT. You can check out more about Brittany on her YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channe
Episode #351 - Samuel Crisp (Shaker)
This week, our guest, Samuel Crisp, is another of the Class of 2022 thru-hikers. His mature approach to the trail, his understanding and treatment of his injuries, and his intentional reflections, make for a fascinating conversation. Sam was lucky enough to summit Katahdin with his mother; indeed, he summoned up that image to keep him motivated on the trail when the going got tough. To see more of Sam, you can watch his hike through his vlog at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZuwzNRxP0Q&t=3s
Episode #350 - Frank Dutman (Heineken)
Today, we have a visitor from the Netherlands. Frank Dutman first heard about the trail in some unrelated research back in the late 90s. Since then, he's immersed himself in further research, and this year he achieved his dream of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. We hear a European perspective, even a European sensibility, in his approach to the trail and the preparations he made towards achieving his goal. Along the way, he tended to hike mainly alone, allowing himself the luxury of self-ref
Episode #14 - Skunkape & Pheonix ( Talk about HangCon)
This is a special HangCon episode where Pheonix and I go over all of the details about the event. We get asked a lot of the same questions from people that will be joining us for the first time at HangCon so we just wanted to go into detail on what everyone needs to know and what to expect when they arive and for the weekend. Connect with HangCon Email : floridahangcon@gmail.com Website : www.hangcon.com Event registration : https://hangcon.com/event-registration Facebook : https://www.facebook.
Episode #349 - Lauren Adamczak (Airbag)
Today's guest, Lauren Adamczak, described herself as "the quiet 30-year-old that never spoke up in groups, often looked down at the ground in public, and wouldn’t dare leave the house in mismatched clothes." Four days into the trail, she accepted–with glee–the trail name, Airbag. When I read a post she made on Facebook, I knew I wanted her on the show. Lauren didn't make it to the brown sign on Katahdin, but she had an adventure that energized and enhanced her life, taking on "Airbag" with such
Episode #348 - Stuart Phelps (Puppy Love)
Stuart Phelps, or Puppy Love, is our guest this week. Stuart had set himself a goal to thru-hike the trail when he turned 50, yet, as often happens, the window opened a little earlier and he set out in 2021, turning 48 on the trail. His story is a mixture of fun, mutual respect, love, and illness, and makes for a fascinating conversation. Wait until you hear how his first date with his girlfriend went!! You can follow Stuart's blog at https://stuhikes.com/blog/, and on Instagram at https://www
Episode #347 - Syd Sayward (Bug)
Today's show features a recently successful thru-hiker, and the first of our Mighty Blue Class of 2023. Syd Sayward has wanted to complete the AT since, as a 15-year-old, her athletics coach took her and some school friends up Mt. Washington. The experience stayed with Syd, and she started preparing for what she knew would be an AT attempt at some future date. That turned out to be 2022, and Syd shares her story. Syd kept a blog while she was out on the trail. You can check it out here. https:
Episode #346 - Mike Current (Energizer)
Today's guest was a guest on the show at the beginning of 2021, sharing his stories about his PCT thru-hike. He never expected to go again–even though his wife always knew that he would–but there's something about the Appalachian Trail that was drawing him in. He didn't know what it was, but he discovered his "why?" on the trail. Mike, as an ex-military man, is an extremely detailed planner. He shares much of his planning and actual hikes at his YouTube channel, Old Man and the AT, at https://w
Episode #345 - Tonya Lonsbury (Monarch)
Today's guest recently completed her AT thru-hike and, joyous as she is, she and Steve get into a conversation that celebrates the joy, but also delves into some of the more difficult, but ultimately triumphant, aspects of her journey and life. Tonya shares her faith with us and the important role it played in her ability to get to the end of her hike. You can follow more of Tonya's journey(S) on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/c/travelingwithtonya on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/tr
Episode #344 - Kristi McLeod Fondren (HQtie)
Dr Kristi McLeod Fondren joins us today to bring an academic's view on hiking. Kristi hiked the PCT over the last couple of years and has combined that love of the outdoors with her work as a Professor at Marshall University. She has some great insights that she shares with us, as well as her deeply personal story. You can find out more about Kristi from her two journals from 2021 and 2022. They are at http://www.trailjournals.com/HQtieandTurkeyB for the 2021 hike and at http://www.trailjournal
Episode #343 - Andy Hood
Today's guest, Andy Hood, isn't a hiker. He's a runner, but the story of his recent journey parallels that of many long-distance hikers. It is his backstory that attracted my attention, as well as offering me a chance to introduce you all to a different hiking trail; in England, no less!! Andy talks movingly about wanting to do something to empathize with his mother's plight and, in going so, he finds out much about himself and others. He also tells us about an often overlooked part of self-car
Episode #342 - Hunter Rud (Hunter)
We have another recent thru-hiker today. He is Hunter Rud and, when you hear his story, the Appalachian Trail wasn't on his radar until very recently. But, like many others before him, he became more absorbed by the prospect of hiking it the more he researched. It wasn't all sunshine and roses for Hunter when he was out there this year, yet the support and encouragement he received from his entire family–including the latest weather forecasts from his uncle–got him to his Katahdin moment. You'l
Episode #341 - Julieann Hartley (Squirt)
Julieann Hartley is today's guest. She hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2015 and transformed her life. She articulates this so beautifully in our conversation, and you may be a little confused about why we laugh so much while discussing difficult topics. Yet her positivity is what pulled her through both the hike and her subsequent life. Check her out at Instagram and TikTok, and even on Spotify at the links below. https://www.instagram.com/missjulieannmusic/ https://www.tiktok.com/@missjulieann
Episode #340 - TSX Challenge (Part 2)
This week, we have the second and concluding part of my recent 75 mile TSX Challenge hike in California, taking in Mt Whitney as its main highlight. As many of you know, I've often spoken of my inability to hike at altitude. In this hike, I discovered that it was more about my attitude than the altitude. We covered the first three days of the hike last week. Today, we've got contributions from other hikers, as well as my own experience of those last five days. It was epic!! You can learn more
Episode #339 - TSX Challenge (Part 1)
As many of you know, I recently fulfilled a long-held ambition to climb Mt Whitney. While I was out on this group-led hike, I could reflect upon what it is to hike in such a wilderness and, on my return, I was eager to share it with you all. I rarely start editing until the day before my podcast is due to be published, but I've been thinking about this one for the past three days and trying to marshal my thoughts as best I can. What you'll hear are my honest reflections of the hike as well as
Episode #338 - Clay Bonnyman-Evans (Pony)
Our guest today is Clay Bonnyman-Evans, a friend of the show and a previous guest from our early days. Clay came onto the show in 2017 to talk about his 2016 Appalachian Trail thru-hike. Since then, he has racked up a bunch more miles and trails, so we caught up before I headed to hike in California. As always, Clay is witty, thoughtful, and open as we chat about his hiking. He is also an excellent writer, so you can check out his latest book "Adrift on the Pacific Crest Trail: A Thru-Hiking St
Episode #337 - Ryan Leighton (Ken Burns)
Ryan Leighton is our guest this week and, though not a thru-hiker, he has probably impacted more people with regard to long-distance hiking than many of our guests on the show. He produced a documentary movie–Walking Home–that followed the hike of a father and son duo, along with two other characters who intermittently entered the story. But Ryan has always been a thrill seeker, and he shares his fascinating story of climbing Katahdin in the winter, a negotiating Knife's Edge with a reluctant f
Episode #336 - Kelly Thomas (Spotter)
I found Kelly Thomas, or Spotter through my rather unhealthy habit of cyber stalking the Appalachian Trail Facebook pages. She had just summited, and her proud Dad recorded that fact. I reached out to him and eventually spoke with Kelly. For me, her demographic, of a mid-30s female, was under-represented on the trail in past years, but I've noticed it growing in recent years. I wanted to talk with her about that. You can follow Kelly on her YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/UnboundC
Episode #335 - Ted Lovett (Bulldog)
Just a week before I head out to hike in California, and we have another "vintage" hiker to hear from today. Ted Lovett, or Bulldog, wanted to hike the AT and finish on his birthday. Being a precise, mission-driven military man, that's exactly what Ted did. He shares his story with us. He met people he wouldn't normally come across when he was out on the trail and delighted learning from all of them. He didn't always enjoy the hike, but he took something positive from it every day. At Katahdi
Episode #334 - Kevin Newsome (Reckless Abandon)
This week's guest, Kevin Newsome, completed his thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail a year ago. I'd briefly met him at Trail Days while he was on his hike (we had a picture taken together) and I saw him for the second time a few weeks ago, presenting to a local charitable group near my home. I loved his presentation style and got him to come on the show. He's a professional photographer so, as you'd expect, his Instagram and YouTube channels are worth checking out. You can find them here. YouTub
Episode #333 - Monica Aguilar (Moss)
Our guest today is Monica Aguilar. Monica has been putting in the miles for the past four years, having thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2018, then completing half of the PCT last year before she was forced to get off trail because of the fires. In between, she managed to fit in a bikepacking trip on the Great Divide Trail. But Monica's passion for adventure triggered another, more creative side of her. She started to draw and paint in her journal to record the sights she was seeing. When sh
Episode #332 - Nathan Echols
Nathan Echols recently completed a sub-70 day, supported, thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail. How he was able to even set foot on trail is an extraordinary story. Just two years ago, he suffered a cardiac arrest in his sleep. It was only the rapid response of his wife that saved his life. Yet Nathan had long wanted to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail and he resolved to get it done. He resumed his training AFTER open heart surgery and, since then, has racked up over 7800 training miles. With the
Episode #331 - Arlette Laan (Apple Pie)
The remarkable Arlette Laan is this week's guest. Arlette recently completed the eleventh and final leg of her quest to hike all the National Scenic Trails, becoming the first woman to do so. She's not a super-honed athlete, she's a down-to-earth woman who knows her strengths and limitations, and hikes accordingly. When she's not hiking these long-distance trails, Arlette leads hikes in New Hampshire and has shared with us the epic photo below. If you'd like to connect with Arlette, you can ch
Episode #330 - Amber and Josh Niven (Dandelion and Still Don't)
Amber and Joshua Niven were next to me in the Author's Tent at Trail Days, and I asked them to come on the show when I heard their great stories of having separately hiked the AT before meeting one another at Trail Days. They have experienced the trail differently, so their book is a product and amalgamation of those experiences. It is a true coffee-table book that you can pick up and open anywhere; there'll always be something of interest to read, or to see. If you'd like to learn more about
Episode #329 - Emily Leonard (Black Bear)
I met Emily Leonard and her husband Bruce at the Author's Tent at Trail Days in Damascus early this year. Not only does Emily write about her AT hikes, but she also has terrific stories to share about them. Like me, she has completed two Appalachian Trail thru-hikes and has now written about the first one. She also produced a children's book that will introduce a whole new generation to the trail. Additionally, Emily was featured quite prominently in the AT documentary, Walking Home. You can ch
Episode #328 - Kayla and Ken Bold (Nugs and Kenbo)
Father and daughter hiking partners, Kayla and Ken Bold, came to the Appalachian Trail with Ken originally intending to hike just a section in support of his daughter. As often happens, those plans changed, and they headed north together as a team. Each learned something about the other, with their familial bond strengthened along the way. You can follow Nugs on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kayla.bold/ Our two catch-ups this week are with Trumpet and his dog FrankE, as well as with
Episode #327 - Jeff Hayes (Speedo)
This week, we have a first for the podcast. Initially, our principal guest, Jeff Hays, lays out his views on why the Southern Terminus of the Appalachian Trail should move to Alabama. As Jeff says, "Why not Alabama?" Then, Jeff and Nathan Wright debate the issue as they see it. They keep it respectful and agree far more than they disagree. At the end, I weigh in with my opinion. I hope you all learn something from this discussion. You can learn more about the issues at stake by visiting Jeff's
Episode #326 - Ian and Eve Alderman (Our Spectrum Adventures)
Today, we have Ian Alderman on the show. Ian and his daughter, Eve, are hiking the entire length of Britain. While it isn't a super long hike, it is still over a thousand miles and there is very little in the way of a defined path. The West Highland Way WAS a path that made it a little easier for them and that's where I found them. What's remarkable about these two, though, is that both Ian and his daughter are autistic. Ian and his wife Sarah have determined that they don't intend for Eve to b
Episode #325 - Dennis Pack (Bookworm)
Dennis Pack is nearer my generation of hikers, and this week he shares the story of his 2021 flip flop. He's a great believer in serendipity and enjoyed the way in which things just "happen" out there on the trail. He has a well-grounded, gentle wisdom, some of which he learned on the trail, though much of it he clearly accumulated over his 60 years. His cousin had been diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia and, not knowing much about this, he learned what he could and shared it on the trail. If yo
Episode #324 - Natisha Webb (Calypso)
Natisha Webb wrote to me recently about my West Highland Way trip, telling me she'd already booked to go on the same hike next year. We corresponded, and it turns out that she also thru-hiked the AT in 2021, having been "Covided" off in 2020. Naturally, I wanted her to tell her story, and she agreed to come on the show. As you'll hear, she is a pragmatic woman, making sensible decisions when decisions are required. If you'd like to learn more about Natisha and her hiking, and van, life, check
Episode #323 - Nathan and Kimm Wright (Switchback and Crewhiker)
Today, we have Nathan and Kimm Wright, from the Pinhoti Outdoor Center. I met them both at Trail Days this past weekend, and we got into a discussion on the benefits–or otherwise–of relocating the Southern Terminus of the Appalachian Trail to Alabama, using the Pinhoti Trail to effect that change. This is a controversial subject that Nathan and Kimm are well-versed in. Indeed, Nimblewill Nomad, who was with the two of them at Trail Days, got particularly het up over the subject. We'll let you d
Episode #322 - Chris Veasey (Idaho Bones)
Our guest today is from the AT Class of 2017. His name is Chris Veasey, and we share an open chat about his experiences on the trail. He flip-flopped, heading north from Harpers Ferry to Katahdin, then south to Springer. His northern section was spent with a tramily, while he was largely solo in the south. We discuss the differences between both sections. Chris has written a book about his adventures and has put up a Kickstarter for those who would like to support his efforts to publish his boo
Episode #321 - Brian Anderson (The Tick Terminator)
This week, we have the aptly named Tick Terminator, otherwise known as Brian Anderson. Brian has had a fascination with ticks–and how to terminate them–for over ten years. He has advised companies on how to deal with their outdoor employees, suggesting best practice to keep them from contracting Lyme and other diseases. Today, he's offering advice to hikers and backpackers. He does this in a fun, informative way, and I think we hit all the important points. If you'd like to learn more, Brian's
Episode #320 - Mighty Blue on the West Highland Way
This week's show is all about my recent "saunter" on the West Highland Way in Scotland. As many of you know, I'd never hiked before I moved to the US, and I certainly didn't know about this little gem in Scotland. I'd originally intended to couple a quicker hike on the WHW with a similarly fast walk on Hadrian's Wall Path. However, as you'll hear, fate intervened, and I had one of my most satisfying hikes. I've also added a lot more pictures this week (corresponding with the day they were taken)
Episode #319 - Mighty Blue Class of 2022
Today, we catch up with ALL (available) members of the Mighty Blue Class of 2022. Having been away for more than five weeks, I've missed their starts–in many cases–and the suspension of their hikes–in a few cases. One thing that is apparent from these conversations is that nobody's experience is like any other hiker's experience. The conversations speak for themselves and, going forward, I want you all to know who we're following out there. Each of the interviews is time stamped to allow you to
Episode #318 - Traci Galyon (Reroute)
Our guest this week is Traci Galyon, or Reroute. Traci's evolution from irregular hiker to thru-hiker is interesting, in that it was her husband Don who was originally intending to hit the AT. Instead, Traci absorbed the information, found herself drawn in by the adventure, and eventually went alone on the trail. She plans to hike the PCT this year, WITH her husband Don, so we'll look out for that story later in the year. You can connect with Traci through Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/
Episode #317 - Ken and Allie Dravis (The Praise Team)
Today's guests were known as the Praise Team on the trail, with the purpose of "spreading cheer" on the trail. As committed Christians, Ken and Allie Dravis saw their hike as an opportunity to encourage and learn about their fellow travelers, offering support and encouragement as they went along. Ken wrote a book following their hike, and that is to be released shortly. When I get back from the UK, I'll let you all have the link. Also today, Trumpet, or Dan Whitesides and his awesome dog, Fr
Episode #316 - Ken Good (PTL)
Ken Good is today's guest. Ken took the name PTL (or Praise the Lord) on the Appalachian Trail. If you followed Ken's YouTube channel–Bestill on the Trail–you'll know exactly why!! Ken is such a positive person, carrying and expressing his faith all the way to Katahdin, meeting people along the way who were happy to pray with him. You can check out Bestill on the Trail at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU6UNNbl5GM2KoTeOU-nhAQ. Our Mighty Blue Class of 2022 members this week are Kera, Ryan,
Episode #315 - J. Robert Harris (JR)
We have a wonderful story on the show today. J Robert Harris grew up in New York during the 1960s. His folks realized that the New York streets were no place for a young black man. JR was sent to the Catskills to join the Boy Scouts. The lessons he learned, and the things he saw gave him a new purpose in life to pursue knowledge and peace in the outdoors. Following a caribou migration, or turning up at an Inuit settlement, JR's natural curiosity has led him to many of the paths less travelled a
Episode #314 - Bonita Curtner (Mother Goose)
I was introduced to Bonita Curtner, otherwise known as Mother Goose, by a listener. Bonita is something of an overachiever when it comes to racking up hiking miles. She is closing in on 50,000 miles. She also says the last 2,000 have been the toughest! We had a few tech difficulties getting recorded, but the story was worth the effort. Bonita didn't share any links or social media, but she shared her knowledge and wisdom, both of which are far more important. We also caught up with Chuck on hi
Episode #313 - Hope Westall (Everest)
Hope Westall is today's guest. Hope is the owner of Alt Route Meals, yet it is her hiking and her traveling that made me want to interview her on the show. But the meals are now a part of Hope's life, with a desire to mix her adventures with nutritionous, plant-based food that allows her to hike stronger and healthier. She has done the AT and PCT, several trails in Australia and New Zealand, as well as a summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Her hunger for these adventures pushed her into developing her
Episode #312 - Shepard Smith (Soundscape)
Shep Smith, or Soundscape, had a particular mission when he was on the Appalachian Trail. As a former oceanographer, Shep chose to map the sounds of the trail. He shares a few insights today, along with stories from his hike. If this fascinating subject gets you as much as it did me, you can check out the interactive map that Shep refers to in our conversation. It is at https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/8839ac254aa2473a9f2d2947d48ce799 Also today, I caught up with Chuck Hays, now in the Sm
Episode #311 - Lee Brackman (General Lee)
I have a wonderful reunion this week, with Lee Brackman, General Lee, from my Class of 2019. Lee and I ran into each other in Virginia and hiked around each other for a few days. Despite that brief time, we felt like firm friends, our nearly 50 year age difference notwithstanding. It was great to catch up. Lee is a pretty remarkable young man, having packed an awful lot of stuff into his 24 years, including both his long hikes, mission work in a Cholera Hospital, and Cancer Research at Vanderbi
Episode #310 - Kelly Hays (9 Lives)
This week, another intrepid young woman shares her story with us. Kelly Hays, who has developed quite a following on YouTube, hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2021, yet hers was no ordinary hike. Emergency surgery for most people would take them off the trail for more than just a few weeks, yet Kelly was so desperate to get back with her trail family that she returned just three weeks after the surgery. Hear how she coped with this setback and how she experienced the trail in all its glory. Prev
Episode #309 - Grant Breidenbach (Detour)
Grant Breidenbach is our guest this week. Grant hiked the John Muir Trail in 2021, his longest backpacking trip to date. But, as you'll hear, his preparation and knowledge base is impressive from many perspectives. He is a consummate planner who considers the many factors that go into completing a long-distance hike. He also has some insights into the weather patterns in the Sierras that culminated in a huge storm on his second day. His telling of that story is riveting. Finally, Grant makes t
Episode #308 - Will Henry (Teaberry)
This week, we have four guests on the show, with Will Henry leading the way. Will tells us about his 1994 Appalachian Trail thru-hike. He also talks about meeting Bill Irwin, the blind hiker who hiked a few years before Will with his dog, Orient. Bill not only befriended Will, but he also changed the course of Will's life and career path. It's truly amazing when you consider the reach of the Appalachian Trail and the people who walk along it. You can check out the work that Will does with guide
Episode #307 - Annmarie Noonan (Vista Seeker)
My guest today is Annmarie Noonan. Annmarie wrote to me recently to tell me about her passion for hiking the Appalachian Trail. Indeed, it was the words from her journal and her story of her own four-year section hike of the trail that convinced me she'd be an excellent guest. When we spoke, the enthusiasm was infectious and I think you'll enjoy our conversation. Also this week, one of the last members of our Class of 2022. I intended to get Dave Burge in December but, as these things go, I k
Episode #306 - Steve Barbour (Trail Dust)
Steve Barbour is the Executive Director of the Sheltowee Trace Association, and our guest this week. Steve hiked the Appalachian Trail in the mid-2000s, and has nearly completed a second section thru-hike with just New Hampshire and Maine to go. But it is his work with the STA that especially interested me. We had an informative and fun conversation about this 340 plus-mile trail, as well as an explanation of an innovative way to promote the trail and introduce the novice hiker to it. If you'd
Episode #305 - Garrett Tandy (Jive Turkey)
Garrett Tandy is this week's guest, a 2021 flip flopper who finished at Delaware Water Gap in October 2021. He has fresh memories that he shares in a wide-ranging conversation. Garrett is in his late 30s, which is a rarer demographic on the trail, and he did what he needed to do to hike the AT, making necessary changes and arrangements to fulfill his dream. You can find out more about Garrett on his Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/jive_turkey_hikes/, where he has some pretty cool p
Episode #304 - Michael Dunford (Honeybun)
My guests normally get on the show through listener suggestions, but this week, I found Michael Dunford on Facebook. He received a remarkable letter from a grateful father, and it was Mike's reaction to that letter that made me want to reach out to him and invite him on the show. Our initial conversation, which I always try to do prior to recording, was illuminating in so many ways. Mike's path hasn't always been smooth, and he shares a visceral tale of dark days before he found what
Episode #303 - Sarah Robison (Serendipity)
Our guest today is Sarah Robison. As you'll hear, she is very reflective about the hike and how it came about, articulating clearly some of her thought processes along the way. Sarah has changed her life to suit the "new" person who came back from the trail. She is a Nurse Anesthetist, specializing in neurosurgery, and resigned from this position to hike the trail. The adventure had such an impact upon her that she has modified her lifestyle to accommodate less stress and allow more freedom in
Episode #302 - Kyle Stranagan (Huck Finn)
We have another of the newly minted Class of 2021 thru-hikers today. Kyle Stranagan, or Huck Finn, was just as inexperienced as I was when he started his own AT thru-hike last year. Yet, a combination of grit, luck, and determination saw him at the top of the brown sign at Katahdin just a couple of months ago. Kyle is clearly still processing what happened to him and he shares what he's discovered so far. You can see Kyle's hike unfold on his YouTube channel, as he is now uploading his videos
Episode #301 - Reta Walton (Fire Goddess)
A few weeks ago, one of our recent guests, Shannon Shaver, connected me to today's guest, Reta Walton. Reta has wanted to hike the Appalachian Trail since she was 13, but, as often happens, life got in the way. This year, now retired, Reta took on her dream. She is an avid hiker, and the AT was everything she'd hoped it would be, even though she caught hypothermia on the way! Her passion and emotions come through vividly in this conversation, and I'm sure you'll find her inspiring. You can con
Episode #300 - Life Lessons From the Trail
This week is our 300th episode, and we're doing something a little different, including minimal show notes!! Every guest we've had in the past has shared their impressions, their stories, and the lessons they've learned. For this special show, I've put together nine short conversations with people who've been on the show or who I've hiked with. I was asking for just one lesson they've picked up from the trail. Their different takes were illuminating. The conversations are with Tee Bird and Light
Episode #299 - Shannon Finn (Joy)
Shannon Finn became Joy this year. I followed her on Facebook and appreciated her visceral writing, where she rarely held back if she had something to say, which was often! We've often remarked at the life-changing nature of a long-distance hike, and Joy has experienced this change in compelling ways. Not only did she lose weight through her hiking, she also found out who she was meant to be. Her story is inspiring. You can follow Joy on Facebook and Instagram at https://www.facebook.com/shann
Episode #298 - Gail Muller (Hot Mess Express)
This week's guest, Gail Muller, is another of those unlikely adventurers, whose story is a breathless tale of triumph against a debilitating illness and chronic pain. Gail reveled in the "normal" cuts, scrapes, bumps, and bruises of the Appalachian Trail, precisely because they weren't the chronic pain she'd been experiencing for 15 years. Returning home and basically housebound because of Covid, Gail wrote an inspiring tale about her journey to and on the trail. It is a love letter to the hea
Episode #297 - Tom Sherry (Stellar)
Tom Sherry has been on a bit of a tear regarding long-distance hiking over the past few years. His hiking bio is growing quickly, and I took the opportunity to catch up with him after he breezed through the Appalachian Trail this year in 99 days. He even had time to attempt a revival of a meme within his family. The "Phoon" is a pose he used in all the best places!! Tom has some great advice to share with others, particularly with those planning their 2022 thru-hikes. He talks about gear, savi
Episode #296 - Lisa P Parker (Tex)
This week's guest is another of those intrepid female hikers who follow their passion and find out what the world has in store for them. Lisa Parker has had a varied career, from teaching to the New York fashion scene before finally finding her own passion. She had started the Appalachian Trail in 2020 but got off the trail after more than 300 miles because of the Covid outbreak. She wanted the "full experience" and went back to Amicolola Falls to start from the beginning in 2021. If you'd lik
Episode #295 - Rebecca Brackbill (Savage)
When I went out to hike the AT in 2014, I met a breed of woman I'd hardly known existed. These were strong-willed, fiercely independent young women, many of who were vastly more impressive than a lot of the men I met out there. It has been a theme of the trail for this past decade. Women are hitting the AT, and other trails, with little or no backpacking experience and proving to be more than equal to the task. Rebecca Brackbill turned out to be one of those women this year. She turned up in 20
Episode #294 - Sarah J. Ellison (Sheepdog)
We have another section hiker on the show this week. I recently saw Sarah Ellison's awesome summit picture at the top of Katahdin, joyously capturing the end of a 16-year odyssey that started when, as a cop, she spoke to a young man camped behind a store in Roan Mountain. The whole concept of being a "thru-hiker" was alien to Sarah, yet the thought of hiking this trail never left her, and she made progress year after year. Along the way, she was able to cope with the grief of losing her mother
Episode #293 - Emanuel & Karen Bravo (Ema el Astronauta & Hungry Marmot)
Our shows come together each week with a kind of serendipitous whimsey. This week's guests, Emanuel and Karen Bravo, wrote to me to share how they had prepared for the Sierras and eventual climbing of Mt Whitney. Emanuel wanted to encourage me to go again and told me exactly how he did it and suggested I could be successful if I adopted his approach. I was intrigued, and invited both Emanuel and Karen on the show to share their story. As you'll hear, they are an adventurous couple, with Emanue
Episode #292 - Lord Thomas Bouissaguet (Lord Tom)
You're going to love the story that today's guest is going to tell you. Lord Thomas Bouissaguet is part of a group of French visionaries whose ambition is to bring to reality nothing less than a French Appalachian Trail, now named Hexatrek. I first heard of this on Dixie's Facebook page and reached out to Lord Tom, who had his own, somewhat tenuous link to the Appalachian Trail. He'd tried to get here from Belgium in 2020, but was thwarted by Covid. Luckily, for Hexatrek, he went elsewhere and,
Episode #291 - Shannon Shaver (Feather Blue)
I recently saw a bunch of hikers finish under a banner headline of "Warrior Expeditions," and I was drawn to a black and white summit picture of today's guest, Shannon Shaver. Shannon's hiking really started after she saw Martin Sheen in The Way, that terrific little movie that tells about a pilgrimage on the Camino De Santiago, in Spain. That lead to her own pilgrimage and an early attempt on the Appalachian Trail that was ended by Covid in 2020. But Shannon is nothing if not tenacious, starti
Episode #290 - Deb Taylor and Danny Mooney (Sundial and FIIK)
We have a husband and wife section-hiking team on the show today. Deb Taylor and Danny Mooney have done Iron Man races, Triathlons, and Marathons for years, yet Covid cemented and grew a new love–backpacking on the Appalachian Trail. Deb and Danny share their insights and reflect upon the correlations they have found between hiking the trail and those other disciplines. You should also check out their AT journeys at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8hBpjbcE1Gil9GwPEb8s1Q/videos where, amongst
Episode #289 - Chris Casado (The Commissioner)
Chris Casado was lucky enough to be taken on a hiking trip in the Sierras at the age of 14 by a teacher who became a good friend. Fast forward 25 or so years, and Chris and his teacher are offering the same trip–and other trips–to people of all different hiking abilities. Even Chris's children have shared the adventure. Given my love/hate relationship with the John Muir Trail (I love it, it hates me), talking with Chris opened my eyes to a possibility that I may still get to Mt Whitney one day.
Episode #288 - Christian Foster (Bear)
We rarely feature A.T. Southbounders on the show, but this week's guest is halfway through his SOBO hike of the Appalachian Trail. Christian Foster, or Bear, is an insightful young man, gaining much from his hike. We discuss not only the journey but also the impact of the trail upon his general well-being. Christian also introduces the perfect articulation of what it is we need on a long-distance hike. I'd never heard the words "cognitive flexibility" in conjunction with one another before, but
Episode #287 - Person Irresponsible (P.I.)
For the Mighty Blue show, it's a bit of a first today. Our guest is Person Irresponsible, or PI, and she is as unlikely a hiker as you've ever met. Yet, with grit and determination–and the fact that she had nowhere else to go–PI managed to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail in Covid Year. It was lonely; she was inexperienced, and she shares how she used a program designed for something else to navigate her hike. It's a fascinating story. If you'd like to follow more of PI's adventure, and if yo
Episode #286 - Eric Patterson (Wild)
In the show this week, we have one of those guys who has wanted to do the Appalachian Trail for pretty much his entire life. That kinship with the trail and the forest began when he got lost on a scout trip at the age of ten. Eric Patterson harbored the feeling of peace and comfort throughout his life and finally got to achieve his dream in 2020. He tells his story and the impact it has had on him. You can follow Eric on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/c/WILDONTHETRAIL/videos and on Insta
Episode #285 - Daniel Winsor (Beta)
Today's guest, Daniel Winsor, will make you wonder for his sanity, then marvel at his tenacity. He decided that a hike through the Sierras in snow would be a challenge not to be missed, so set himself up for precisely that–in a heavy snow year. Daniel shares his somewhat shaky preparations with us, then chronicles his journey, making it through about 400 miles of snowy trail. He wrote a book–named "Crunch"–about his experience and you can check it out at https://amzn.to/2V4l2E3 You can also fo
Episode #284 - Josh, Cassie & Harvey Sutton (Hot Hands, Straps, and Little Man)
Another stellar story for you all this week. Josh and Cassie Sutton started a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail back in the middle of January 2021. Apart from the early start, that wouldn't have been especially noteworthy–other than that they hiked with their four-year-old son, Harvey, or Little Man! What happened over the next seven months is a story of determination, patience, games, and a little bit of arm-twisting to get permission for Harvey to climb Katahdin–which he did last Monday, Aug
Episode #283 - Jesse Cody (The Boston Mule)
Jesse Cody had never hiked until he read Bill Bryson's book, "A Walk in the Woods." Something within the book spoke to him, and he saw a thru-hike as a way forward from some of his mental health issues. The result was a revelation, and Jesse devoted his days to helping others with some of the same issues. We spoke last week with Randi Silverman of the Youth Mental Health Project and Jesse is supporting that charity by raising money on the PCT. Jesse's website, https://hikethegoodhike.com/, brin
Episode #282 - Randi Silverman (Founder of the Youth Mental Health Project)
This week's guest is Randi Silverman, the founder of the youth Mental Health Project. I think I can do no better than to replicate the notes that Randi sent me when I asked her about the information and Jesse Cody's hike. The Youth Mental Health Project The Youth Mental Health Project is a nonprofit 501(C)(3) organization that seeks to educate, empower, and support families and communities to better understand and care for the mental health of our youth. We believe that: • Mental health lies o
Episode #281 - Richie Holbrook (Walks With Donor)
About ten years ago, you would never have guessed that Richie Holbrook would be taking on the Appalachian Trail. He was in a wheelchair, on oxygen, and with a hopeless pair of lungs. A transplant turned out to be his life-saver. This year, he was able to get on the trail and begin his journey to Katahdin. His remarkable story is a testimony to not only grit and determination, but also the unwitting gesture of an anonymous person who chose to be an organ donor. Richie's journey is a legacy for t
Episode #280 - Vince and Monica Strawbridge (Strawbridge Treks)
Today is the first of four shorter shows, with just one main interview and a few words of commentary from me. With a bit of luck, I'll be out on the John Muir Trail as you're listening to me and my guests. Our guests today are Vince and Monica Strawbridge who, along with their four children and a friend, have recently completed the Appalachian Trail. For the Strawbridges, it was the culmination of their family Triple Crown. This remarkable feat was achieved over a few years as the family respo
Episode #279 - Gretchen Pardon (Braids)
We return to the world of YouTube this week, with another interview of a woman who successfully thru-hiked the trail and recorded her experiences along the way. Gretchen Pardon shared her joys, and her sorrows. So, when we spoke, I always knew we'd get to talk about her depression and anxiety. Her sunny disposition masks an inner strength and occasional anxiety that she faces. It was important to Gretchen that she was able to share this part of herself. If you'd like to connect with Braids or s
Episode #278 - Jessica Mills (Dixie) and MarDe Brooks
This week, let's welcome a newly minted thru-hiking couple to the show. Jessica Mills (Dixie) and her partner, MarDe Brooks, recently completed the Florida Trail, wading through swamps, bugs, gators and hot weather along the way. Jessica has been on the show before, but I was particularly interested in the dynamic between the two of them as they faced the test of a thru-hike. With the hike now in their rearview mirror, Jessica decided to repay MarDe's gesture of hiking with her by joining him
Episode #277 - Michael Sisemore (Sy)
This week, our guest is Michael Sisemore, better known as Sy. As many people do, Michael hiked the Appalachian Trail when he was at a real crossroads in his life. He had no idea what he'd be doing after the trail but allowed himself the luxury of being open to all possibilities. The transformation that came his way was seismic, with the effects reverberating down the years nearly a quarter of a century later. Michael found a life that worked for him, and has now written a book that talks of tho
Episode #276 - Steve Nota (Dingo)
This week on the show, we go back to the 'normal" format, with me, Mighty Blue, at the microphone. Ryan is passing back the show having successfully steered it for the past three months. I am eternally grateful for the effort Ryan put into the show and hope to have him back behind the mic from time to time. Today's guest is Steve Nota, a Bostonian relocated to Australia. Steve shares his story about hiking as a youngster, then moving to Australia and hiking "tracks" out there. He will attempt t
Episode #275 - Lisa Speas (Conundrum)
Lisa Speas or "Conundrum" has been long-distance backpacking for many years traversing a variety of trails, the longest of which being the Appalachian Trail. Her AT journey was anything but typical and even included flatlining in the emergency room. Lisa and Ryan discuss her journey on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath, and the Great Allegheny Passage. She also shares her experience and advice for women hikers over 50 and how her backpacking style has evolved over
Episode #274 - Kera Passante and Bill Welch (Sunny and Always)
We've got a couple of overachievers on the show today. Kera and Bill decided that an Appalachian Trail thru-hike wasn't sufficient to scratch their adventure itch, so they went straight from their 2200-mile walk to a 5000-mile bike trip, crossing the country from Bar Harbor to San Diego–taking a fairly circuitous route, it must be said! The two of them had such a blast on the trail–and this was in 2020, Covid Year–that they regarded their journey as not a case of stepping away from their previo
Episode #273 - M.J. Eberhart (Nimblewill Nomad)
On a beautiful day in the Grayson Highlands, Ryan hikes and sits down with Nimblewill Nomad for a follow-up interview from the last time they spoke on the trail. Nimblewill is over 900 total miles in since leaving Flagg Mountain, Alabama, earlier this year. He is attempting to set a record by thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail at 83 years old. His hike this season has drawn the attention of many in the trail community and all are rooting for his success. Hike on Nimblewill! https://nimblewillno
Episode #272 - Jamey Mossengren (Big Red)
While you listen to this, our guest today, Jamey Mossengren, is out on the Pacific Crest Trail with his buddies, The Minnesota Hikings. Jamey and I talk about his 2019 thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail and his remarkable mode of transport on the Colorado Trail, amongst others. Despite our laughs, I was struck how Jamey and his mates were enjoying the trail and taking their time. This is probably why a bunch of younger guys didn't catch and pass this older guy in 2019! He has some wonderful st
Episode #271 - Steve Adams (Mighty Blue) at Trail Days
It was Trail Days in Damascus this past weekend, and Ryan took to opportunity to chat with Steve about the event itself, his books, and his upcoming plans for the JMT. With Steve on his mini-sabbatical, Ryan is choosing the topics he wants to cover on the show and decided that putting a bit of a spotlight on Steve's books would open them to a new audience. If you'd like to see more about the books and to buy them, you can check them out at https://steveadamsauthor.com/ Remember, you can get a
Episode #270 - Jim Harrison
Jim Harrison serves as the Director of Outdoor Programs at Emory and Henry College, where he created and oversees the Semester-A-Trail program. The only one of its kind in the country, this program allows students to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail while enrolled in courses tailored to their experience. Jim was shaped by his 1997 southbound AT thru-hike and now mentors students as they pursue their own long-distance backpacking dreams. He resides in Damascus, Virginia with his family and is also
Episode #269 - Will Campbell (Guano Man) on Trail Electronics
Will Campbell "Guano Man" joins the show this week as the first "subject matter expert" to discuss electronics and technology on the trail. With his electrical engineering background, we discuss batteries, cell phone systems, and chargers, all while considering the unique needs and challenges of the trail. Guthook Articles: https://atlasguides.com/blog/tech-on-trail-archive/ Questions for Ryan or Will? Email ryanh620@gmail.com Ryan referred to a coverage app. You can check that out here. http:
Episode #268 - Lisa and Gordon Simmons (The Hostel Around the Bend)
Lisa and Gordon Simmons are the proud owners of Hostel Around the Bend in Hiawassee, Georgia. The hostel is just half a mile from Dick's Creek Gap (AT Mile 69.2) and this is their first season fully open. We discuss the experience of running a hostel, how the year has gone for them, and even share some advice for hikers. If you'd like to stay at Hostel Around the Bend or get in touch with them, their information is below: https://www.hostelaroundthebend.com/ 7675 Hwy 76 E Hiawassee, GA 30546 P
Episode #267 - Sarah Jane Hatfield (Pringles)
For my show this month, I've returned to the Class of 2019 and a woman I met quite early on. Sarah Jane Hatfield was an outwardly confident hiker, with a YouTube channel and blog for a local newspaper, chronicling her way north. However, that wasn't at all how she felt in those early days. Her fascinating story is punctuated with a birth (her daughter's, not hers), a traumatic injury, a romance, and ultimate satisfaction on top of Katahdin. Sarah emerges from her experience even stronger than t
Episode #266 - NC Trail Interviews (Nimblewill Nomad and more!!!)
The show this week features interviews from four hikers who Ryan was able to meet with at Rock Gap in North Carolina, mile 105.8 on the Appalachian Trail. All four interviews offer different perspectives, and each has a unique story to share about their hike. This is Gandalf. By complete luck, he crossed paths with Nimblewill Nomad, and got to chat with a real legend in the long-distance hiking world. Nimblewill started his AT hike in Flagg Moutain, Alabama and has already completed the Pinhoti
Episode #265 - Zach Hoopes (Relish)
Originally from Virginia, Zach Hoops has gone all-in with long-distance and ultralight backpacking. After discovering his love for hiking and honing his craft on sections of the AT, he went on to complete the Pacific Crest Trail Southbound in just over one hundred days. In addition to this major accomplishment, he has traversed several other lesser-known trails spanning from Arkansas to the Sierra High Route. He has compiled all of his own research into some very useful trail guides that can b
Episode #264 - Cass Bridges (Nova)
Cass Bridges hails from North Georgia and spent a few seasons working at the historic Mountain Crossings before taking on a thru-hike attempt of her own in 2020. Her journey included two months of isolation since she had a start date of February 1st (!) combined with a more brutal than usual winter. However, the second half of her hike included a hugely impactful trail family that made the experience even more memorable. Nova is wise beyond her years and made the most out of her Appalachian Tr
Episode #263 - Zach Nagy (Just Awesome)
Zach Nagy was introduced to hiking and car camping as a kid but a life in the rock business–working with Joan Jett–took him down another path until he met a woman from CT who reintroduced him to trails and revived those earlier memories. His hike of the PCT was transformative, with the community on that trail an unexpected highlight and delight. Now clean, he shares the dark days and the camping nights of his life with a fresh enthusiasm. If you'd like to follow Zach on his upcoming CDT thru-h
Episode #262 - Rue Mckenrick
Self-described "Complete Nature Boy," Rue McKenrick is today's guest. He takes us on a journey around the American Perimeter Trail. It was Rue's vision that spawned the idea and he is the one who is driving it forward. He is soon to return to the trail after an absence of six months. When he left it for a break–in October 2020–he had been out on the trail for over a year. Rue's hiking resume is extensive, including the Triple Crown and the John Muir Trail. But it is the APT that occupies his th
Episode #261 - Ray Kroebl (Sparky)
I hadn't noticed how many of my fellow members of the Class of 2019 I'd had on the show until I spoke with Ray Kroebl, or Sparky. Ray is Swiss and, while we never met on the trail, we did hike just a few days apart. He started four days before me and ended five days before I did. And it was feeling such a kindred spirit with Ray that made me aware of how many of my fellow hikers on that trip were similarly kindred spirits. When you share time in such a visceral society, we bond. Ray is from Swi
Episode #260 - Juliana Chauncey (Chaunce)
It's one of our longest ever shows today, with three guests and my book reading. First up, Juliana Chauncey, a fellow member of the Class of 2019, and a fellow podcaster (with Zach Davis on Backpacker Radio), shares her hiking journeys on both the Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Trail. While originally from the Eat Coast, Chaunce knew virtually nothing about the AT before she started; she only found out about MacAfee Knob when she came to it!! However, a combination of stubbornness and
Episode #259 - Brittany Briley (Mooney)
Brittany Briley's smile lit up the trail in 2019, and we first met at Woods Hole Hostel. A nurse by training, she felt that the time was right to take a break in her early 30s and hiked the Appalachian Trail as joyously as anybody I met out there. We didn't hike together much but, as is the way of the trail, we often saw one another. Brittany shared part of the trail with the sadly missed Pony Keg and his dog Blue. Eventually, Brittany teamed up with previous guests on this show and she summit
Episode #258 - Joseph Barnett (Subway Gramps)
Joseph Barnett had quite the adventure hiking the Appalachian Trail during the latter half of 2019 and the first half of 2020. He faced a bunch of problems, took days off regularly to explore the towns around the trail with his wife, developed a hernia along the way, yet emerged at Springer Mountain battered but victorious. Along the way, Joseph documented and photographed people, plants, and animals, eventually producing a 500-page book he'd like to share with everybody. Quite how we're going
Episode #257 - Dan Gosmeyer (Shoeless)
We have another of my Class of 2019 brothers on the show today. I met Dan Gosmeyer pretty early on the trail and recall his quiet determination but, with a tiny hiking budget, I had doubts he'd get to the end. But the trail does something to a person. It reveals character that you may not have even known was there. Sure enough, sometime last year I received a friend request on Facebook from Dan and confirmed immediately. I checked out his page and was delighted to see that I'd been wrong; he di
Episode #256 - Caroll Coyne (Cheer)
Today's guest is another whose thru-hike was the Pacific Crest Trail, yet Caroll Coyne has lessons–and solutions–that are universal to all long-distance trails. In her early 30s, she quit a well-paying job that wasn't fulfilling her and found that fulfillment out on the trail, with the community that she craved. Returning home, her trajectory altered and her project to reconnect with the hiking community was born. You can learn more about Caroll and Thru-R at https://www.thru-r.com/. In our con
Episode #255 - Erik Russell (Lars)
We have a couple of interesting topics on the show this week. Our first guest, Erik Russell, wrote to me to convey a notable if somewhat jarring, incident that he witnessed while hiking the AT in the 1997. Erik took a lot from both the hike and the incident, and he tells us how those two things contributed to help shape the man he is today. Erik is one of the few guests I've had on the show who had to search high and low for pictures of him hiking! Eventually, he found the only two that he has
Episode #254 - Tina Tempest (Chunky)
It's lovely to interview somebody you've met and spent time with before. So I was delighted when Tina Tempest agreed to come on the show and share what happened during her 2009 SOBO hike of the Appalachian Trail with her friend. She has always had a desire to travel and fills in her background with one or two of those stories as well. Tina went on to buy a property and start what became one of my favorite hostels on the trail; The Quarterway Inn. Obviously, Covid gave her a hard decision to mak
Episode #253 - Reid Marshall and Marina Santiago (Wombat and Brown-Eyed Girl)
This week, we feature a couple who met on the trail in 2019 and have been a couple ever since. Reid Marshall and Marina Santiago are, however, locationally challenged, as Reid is in Australia and Marina is in Denver. I was fortunate enough to have met Reid on my thru-hike and was impressed with his calm and thoughtful demeanor. When we met, near the VT / NH border, Reid was on his own and didn't meet Marina until many miles later. Such is the serendipity of the trail. They share the story of t
Episode #252 - Mike Current (Energizer)
We normally focus on the Appalachian Trail, but this week, we're moving across the country to share the hike of Mike Current on the Pacific Crest Trail. Mike's YouTube channel provides a thoughtful and entertaining take on hiking. He and Steve chat about the hike and his intense preparations prior to the hike. Mike is particularly keen to make sure that the 2020 hikers' stories are told, believing that 2020 will become a lost year. If you'd like to follow Mike, you can see him on Youtube at ht
Episode #251 - Steve Yale (Walmart 2021)
We're back to our three-segment show this week, with Steve Yale, or Walmart 2021, as our principal guest. Steve got his name when he first hiked the AT in pretty much all-Walmart gear. He has since worked out better options, but his love of the trail shines through in both our conversation and his devotion to a life of thru-hiking the AT. In contrast to the negative responses that some people experience on Facebook, Steve has been embraced by the Facebook community, gaining support and strength
Episode #250 - Trevor Hendry (Bear)
It's a shorter show today, though I think the content is as compelling as ever. This week's guest is Trevor Hendry, or Bear. Trevor's 2020 thru-hike presented him (and his fellow hikers) with unusual problems that he had to encounter and deal with. However, as I've found with some of this class of 2020, his experience–while not the same as previous hiking years–was equally rich as any other. He even found himself slowing deliberately towards the end as he was relishing his adventure. You can
Episode #249 - Matthew Norman (Odie)
We've got an old friend on the show today. Matthew "Odie" Norman is one of those good people of the trail. He lives it, he breathes it, and he shares it, with his Hiker Yearbook that reconnects hikers after the trail. Odie reached out to me recently and wanted to give me a recap of how he sees the hiking season of 2020. As you'd imagine, he has plenty to say that makes sense and wears his heart on his sleeve throughout our conversation. If you'd like to learn a little more about Odie and the H
Episode #248 - Larry Knight (McGyver)
This week, Larry Knight shares his Appalachian Trail thru-hike story. It was never really a bucket list item for Larry but, as often happened, a confluence of events culminated in Larry finding himself at Springer Mountain, heading north. Injury curtailed the first attempt, but Larry returned to finish the job the following year. When Larry was finished, he wanted a memento of the trip and started thinking about a map that would be personal to him and his hike. This has developed, and a listene
Episode #247 - Stephanie Logan Hall (Puffin)
Another really full show this week, with four segments. First up, there is a recently minted thru-hiker, Stephanie Logan Hall, who completed her SOBO hike on November 19. I was particularly keen to hear from her and her early impressions–which will doubtless change with time–of the trail and her adventure. Those of you who regularly listen to the show will know how impressed I am by these young women who take on the trail. It is clear to me that the world is in safer hands as they become our le
Episode #246 - Matthew Emerson (Prada G)
We have a story today of a young man who walked away from a life of extreme poverty to find himself (literally) on the Appalachian Trail. Matthew Emerson's story is now a book, and his visceral experiences set the scene for his journey and a new life at the end. Matthew's insights gleaned from his hike resonated with me, and we share a frank discussion for this Thanksgiving Day. You can find Matthew's book on Amazon. Click the picture of the cover and you'll be taken there. Another hiker-tu
Episode #245 - Alan Carpenter
Another full show today, with Alan Carpenter taking up long-distance hiking in his 60s and still going today, well into his 70s. Alan's story is a testimony to his persistence, while his joy at the people and sights of the various trails he has done shines through. He does get a little banged up from time to time. In our conversation, you'll hear about how he got his legs into the state you see below. Ouch!! You can learn more about Alan and his hiking at https://longdistanceadventures.com/, w
Episode #244 - Julia Sheehan (Rocket)
It's a slightly shorter show this week, with Laura Sheehan, or Rocket, as our principal guest. Julia was a member of my last AT class; the Class of 2019. We never met on the trail, but I was made aware of the popularity of her YouTube videos. She is a very self-aware hiker, acknowledging the changes she saw in herself, having sold everything to uproot her life and hit the AT in 2019. Like many hikers, she learned to live with less and now uses her YouTube channel to record further adventures an
Episode #243 - Dan Schoenthal (Tremor)
This week's guest, Dan Schoenthal, is an unlikely thru-hiker. He suffers from Parkinson's Disease and, as you'll learn, he has pushed through this impediment, getting an impressive start on the 2200-mile journey. I spoke with Dan a few weeks ago, and he mentioned a fund-raising effort he was making in conjunction with his hike. That particular fundraiser has now ended, but if you know somebody stricken by the condition and would like to help, here is a link to the Parkinson's Foundation, where
Episode #242 - Jillian and Logan Ivey (The Purple People)
Anybody who shared the trail with me last year must have heard of the Purple People. They seemed to be ubiquitous, turning up night after night at hostels, shelters, and homes to play their own music to lighten everybody's lives. The fact that they wore and carried everything in a vibrant lilac color didn't exactly allow them to blend into the crowd. These are two people with a distinct sound, a memorable appearance, and a giving nature. When I was able to interview them for the show, their jo
Episode #241 - Rob Landry (Fly by Night)
I first met Rob Landry (virtually) when he reached out partway through his 2020 thru-hike attempt. He was thinking about writing the book of hiking during a pandemic and wanted a little publishing advice. So it delighted me to hear from him when he finished his 2020 hike and I invited him on the show. The finish, however, wasn't what I expected, and nor will you. If you'd like to see more of Rob's hike, check out his Instagram account at https://instagram.com/flybynighthike Leanna Joyner is t
Episode #240 - Woods Hole Hostel Retreat
We've got a bit of a departure from our normal set up today. Instead of a particular hiker, I've got a disparate collection of characters who attended our inaugural Woods Hole Retreat a couple of weekends ago. I've tried to recapture the event by chatting with nearly all the participants and hope that you'll enjoy this one-off change. We covered a four-day weekend, starting with a short hike into Dismal Falls from the Weary Feet Hostel. At the Falls, we camped overnight and shared some tips on
Episode #239 - Pat Stith (Lucky)
We have another of our vintage hikers on the show today. Pat Stith didn't get started with his hiking until he was in his early 60s, yet he's certainly made up for lost time in the interim. Now 78, Pat goes through his various adventures with Steve, including his Appalachian Trail thru-hike in 2015 when he was into his 70s. Pat loves the people he meets even more than the hiking and mentions friendships that have survived the trail with far younger hikers. His blog, at http://patstith.com/ is
Episode #238 - Briana and Cambyr Sullivan (Chickweed and Kaleidoscope)
Another couple of 2020 Appalachian Trail thru-hikers this week, with Briana and Cambyr Sullivan, a mother and daughter duo who recently completed the trail. Significantly, Cambyr turned 14 on the trail and, as you'll hear, she has a remarkably mature view of the magic of the trail. One of the many wonderful things about their story is that their relationship shifted during the hike, with shared responsibilities and goals altering their familial dynamic. Their story is inspirational, so much so
Episode #237 - Bill Tickner (Mr President)
Bill Tickner, or Mr. President, is a hiker we've been following for some weeks now. When he wanted to respond to the points made by Sandi Marra from the ATC in last week's show, I realized that it was too good an opportunity to miss, so I turned our expected ten-minute catch up into a full interview about both the 2020 hiker's push back to the ATC and more of his hiking and life journey. You can find more about Bill's hiking stories at his blog, https://www.wildernesseffect.com Connect with hi
Episode #236 - Sandi Marra (President and CEO of the ATC)
This week, we have Sandi Marra on the show. Sandi is the President and CEO of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and has had to make some tough decisions during the 2020 hiking season. With a longtime love of hiking and volunteerism, Sandi combined both to give most of her life to the Appalachian Trail and its hikers. I wanted to bring her on to the show to find out the thought processes behind the 2020 closures, and she responded with thoughtful and decisive answers. Typically, her choice of li
Episode #235 - Ryan Schlosser (YearBook)
I was first contacted by today's guest, Ryan Schlosser, when he was preparing for his 2020 thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail earlier this year. Ryan's mother is a friend of my friend and hiking partner, Pat Coate, or Tee Bird. Ryan's hike was a school project (imagine that!!) and he needed to record his progress. Pat thought I might be able to help him and a new podcaster was born. I listened to his early progress, then stopped getting updates. He went radio silent in response to the growing p
Episode #234 - Dave Fleischman (J.I.F.)
We've got a guy this week who has spent his life hiking and giving back to both the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails. Dave Fleischman has spent time over the past 25 years maintaining both trails (mainly the PCT) and has a great insight into the logistics behind some of these extraordinary projects. He also arranged his work life to facilitate his passion and shares a story about the importance of watching your health on any trail. I'm sure you'll recognize where he is on our epic main pho
Episode #233 - Sally Brooks (Not Yet)
Today we have a comedian, a writer, and a podcaster, but, as you'll learn, she is also an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker. Sally Brooks has a compelling story that appealed to me the moment we started talking. She is funny, wry, and observant, all qualities that she probably needs for her day (or night) job of being a professional comedian AND as a podcaster. You can check out the podcasting and Sally's comedy at http://dumblovepodcast.com http://sallybrookscomedy.com Mr. President is in CT and
Episode #232 - Craig Fowler (Scatman)
This week we have a serious overachiever on the show. Craig "Scatman" Fowler finished the Triple Crown of hiking and looked around to find something else. In particular, he wanted to do something that nobody on earth had ever managed to complete. Once he had become the "One of Seven," his focus shifted to help people celebrate their own uniqueness. If you'd like to learn more about Craig and his One of Seven Project, go to http://www.oneofsevenproject.com/ Mr President is just short of the Ma
Episode #231 - Barney Mann (Scout)
Another terrific show today, with Barney "Scout" Mann sharing his story as a lifelong hiker, a Triple Crowner, and the Ultimate Trail Angel of the Pacific Crest Trail. He started his journey as a young lad in the High Sierra (picture below) and started his Triple Crown on the PCT–with his wife–on their 30th Wedding Anniversary. Barney has written a book about that hike, weaving in the stories from not only he and his wife but also of other characters they hiked with. As you can see below, he's
Episode #230 - Amber Heuisler (Wheezy)
Amber Heuisler, or Wheezy, came to my attention recently on Facebook. Her proud boast of walking 200 miles on the AT may not seem to be so much of a cause for celebration but, as she explains, in my view it is an achievement on a par with my thru-hike last year. She is an inspiring young woman who has fought back in life and found that being on the trail is exactly where she wants to be. I hope others are as inspired as I was when I caught up with her in Damascus a few weeks ago. You can keep
Episode #229 - Lily Gelfars
This is a long show!! First off, we have Lily Gelfars, a listener who wanted to express her opinion regarding hiking in 2020. She brings some personal experience to her views, having decided to abandon her own 2020 hike on the Camino de Santiago. With a background that includes a SOBO hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2017, she shares her story. She also gave me permission to share her letter/email to me; I'm sure you'll see why I wanted her on the show. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kjIZ
Episode #228 - Brian Bell (Brother Bear)
Brian Bell has shaped his life to enable him to spend as much time as he can in the outdoors. He looked for a local trail club to see if he could help, then volunteered more and more until he took responsibility as a trail overseer in Shenandoah National Park. Continuing to give back to his local community, he has started a volunteer organization called Keep Virginia Cozy, putting together teams to spend some time in the outdoors and picking up litter that they find. You can find out more ab
Episode #227 - Molly Rhoads (Shark Tooth)
I met Molly Rhoads in 2019 when she was hiking with my buddy, Nate Stockton. The two of them were a well-suited odd couple. Nate has retired from the military and is in his 40s, while Molly looks like a 20-year-old. They acted like siblings and enhanced my hike whenever I ran into them, which was often. Molly had a run-in with some small wildlife, though she never lost her sense of humor about that and, as far as I could see, about anything else. She had previously done the Long Trail and, aft
Episode #226 - Chris Pirrello (Cookie Monster)
We've got a really well-traveled guest on the show today. Chris Pirrello has led a somewhat nomadic lifestyle, with a fourteen-month trip around the world at the start of the 21st Century, followed by years of hiking most of the long trails of America, including the Triple Crown. He even took a job in Antarctica to chalk up his sixth continent. He is a self-confessed foodie and loves excellent coffee, so it seems almost inevitable that he has ended up as the owner of Triple Crown Coffee, a comp
Episode #225 - Keith Foskett (Fozzie)
We've got quite the show today, coming in at over 90 minutes. There's something for everybody, with Keith Foskett, one of the best writers on hiking, sharing his stories and hikes with wit and introspection. We'll be having his Balancing on Blue as our next book on the podcast, so it was great hearing about how he developed as both a hiker and writer. If you want to learn more about Keith or buy some of his books, you can go to his website, https://www.keithfoskett.com/ where you'll find links
Episode #224 - JC Van Etten (Catmando)
This week, we have JC Van Etten, or Catmando. Not only did JC recently win our six-book giveaway, but he was also part of the very tight "tramily" that Togs and Lucky referred to a few weeks ago. I wanted to hear JC's side of the story and, as I'd anticipated, he brought his own slant to the journey that they all shared. JC retired early from work and hopes to fill his retirement with further adventures, though the Appalachian Trail was the fulfillment of a dream many years in the making. As p
Episode #223 - Eric and Jessica Matos (Toast and Jammz)
I think that this is the longest show we've ever had!! Our main guests are Eric and Jessica Matos, or Toast and Jammz. They were introduced to me by Jester, from the Jester Section Hiker podcast and they have a strong hiking resume. We talk about both their hiking and their passion for leave no trace and sustainable use of wilderness places. Toast shares a few stories about their first hike together as a couple and how, when they were on the John Muir Trail, an idea for their business came to t
Episode #222 - Marissa Neel (The Executioner)
It's an all-woman show today, with Marissa Neel, the Executioner, as our main guest. She has a very funny, brutally honest YouTube channel, and is exactly the same person in our conversation. Marissa shares plenty of witty insights and a stoic determination to get to the end. The story of her last night camping on the AT is a visceral example of what it can be like out there. I could relate on so many levels. Her YouTube channel is not to be missed, so click here. https://www.youtube.com/user/
Episode #221 - Carolyn Walker and Gordon Yhap (Lucky 59 and Pepperpot)
Carolyn Walker and Gordon Yhap are now thru-hikers. When you hear their story, you may well wonder "How did they do it?" This conversation should shake up any pre-conceived ideas you may have about what it takes to hike the trail successfully. Gordon and Carolyn are an inspiration. Carolyn kept an online journal while on the trail, so if you'd like to follow along with their hike, click here. http://mytripjournal.com/carolynwalker . She also did a guest post in the Trek once she finished http
Episode #220 - Luke Jordan (Strider)
We're not so focused on the AT this week, with Luke "Strider" Jordan taking on some of the wilder American trails. His first thru-hike was the 4600 mile North Country Trail, and he became the Earl Schaffer of the Great Plains Trail when he completed the very first thru-hike of that new trail. On the way, he learned what worked and what didn't. He shares some fascinating insights in his conversation with Steve You can connect with Strider and find out more about these trails at the following lin
Episode #219 - Natalie Wood and Grady Thompson (Togs and Lucky)
This week's guests met as members of the Class of 2019–my year, even though we never met–and they have been together pretty much ever since. Natalie and Grady both left a little earlier than I did and had a terrific tramily. It was Catmando, one of their tramily and a listener to the show, who pointed me in their direction. Natalie and Grady's story brings out the diversity of opportunity on the trail and each reflects upon how lucky they were not only to meet one another but that they chose 2
Episode #218 - Bobby O'Donnell (Handyman)
We've got another terrific show today, with Bobby O'Donnell, a listener, providing our main conversation. Bobby and I discuss a pivotal moment in his life that led him to marathons on seven continents and, in 2018, the Appalachian Trail. His story has moments of sadness, disaster, and triumph, all of which he drew on during his hike. A paramedic, Bobby has been working during this crisis, and his personal experiences have shaped his response to adversity. You can connect with Bobby on Instagra
Episode #217 - Sarah Jones Decker (Harvest)
This week, we have a book theme in the show, with a giveaway of six signed books. The principal guest is Sarah Jones Decker, or Harvest, who thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2008, but that wasn't the primary reason that we have Sarah as a guest. She has photographed and written about all the AT shelters in a beautiful book that evokes all the memories we share at those often rundown places. You can connect with Sarah and buy a signed copy of her book at https://www.sarahjonesdecker.com/ Sar
Episode #216 - Steve Ortiz (Survivor)
This week, our guest is a listener who is also a LASHer, a long-ass section hiker. His name is Steve Ortiz or Survivor. His trail name gives away that the mere fact that he is hiking the Appalachian Trail in sections is a blessing in itself. A cancer diagnosis has not slowed down this self-confessed adventurer and, while he regrets that he has to stay off the trail during the current crisis, he is itching to get back out there to complete his goal. If you'd like to keep up with Steve, take a l
Episode #215 - Paul Curtin (Magnum)
With the trails now quieter than they've probably ever been at this time of year, it seems appropriate somehow that we should have a trail maintainer AND thru-hiker as our main guest this week. Paul Curtin hiked the AT in 2015 with his son, Kyle, and now gives back to the trail through his work with the Carolina Mountain Club. Paul and Steve talk about Paul's hike and the very important lessons that he learned for his post-hike life. You can read more about the hike on his blog at this link - h
Episode #214 - James Brinkman (Snickers)
Today we meet James Brinkman or Snickers. James, like me, was a member of the Class of 2019. Indeed, we met and had dinner in Erwin TN on our respective hikes. James' journey to the trail was somewhat tortuous, with a nasty accident as a young man and an addiction to pain killers messing up much of his early life. James is an inspiring example to all who believe that they can't hike the Appalachian or any other long-distance trail. He faced his issues, moved past them, and got out into nature.
Episode #213 - Melissa Goodwin (Click)
Our main guest today is Melissa “Click!” Goodwin, a licensed outdoor guide and photographer. She is the founder of Girl Gotta Hike, which connects women with nature, confidence, and camaraderie, both online and on-trail through blog posts, podcast interviews, and guided hiking and backpacking trips in and around New York City. She and her dad, Michael “LongTime” Goodwin, thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail together in 2011. This is her story. Melissa can be found at: Girl Gotta Hike Website www.g
Episode #212 - Paul Collins (Skunkape)
Plenty to get your teeth into today. Our main guest is Paul "Skunkape" Collins, a man who took on the Appalachian Trail in 2012 and has missed it every day since. He also plans to get back on the trail in 2022, his 10-year trailiversary. He took over 2,000 photos (carrying a DSLR camera) and shared them with friends and, most particularly with his mother. Prior to her death, he celebrated the trail with her in a really touching way. You can see some of Paul's pics on Facebook at https://www.f
Episode #211 - Cari Pattison (Sprout)
We have another pastor on the show today. Cari Pattison is a member of the Class of 2019 (as am I) and she tells the story of her hike as it unfolded last year. She had planned a return to the trail this year but, with the Corona Virus now threatening to overrun most of us, she has had to accept that this year won't be possible for her. Cari's calm presence on the show may well reassure others as they contemplate their own broken plans. If you'd like to follow Cari on Instagram, you can find he
Episode #210 - Aaron and BG Turner PLUS Heather "Brave" Sloan
This is a special show that takes in the Corona Virus and its implications for hikers, as well as a father and son pair of pastors preparing to hike the Appalachian Trail. First, we have Aaron and BG Turner, two men ready for the adventure of their life, yet torn with doubt over the advisability of the hike. This situation is changing so quickly that I thought it was important to not only hear from Aaron and BG, but it was also important to get an expert on the show to help us in our deliberati
Episode #209 - Paul Stutzman (Apostle)
This week, now that we've finished reading his book Hiking Through, Paul Stutzman shares with us his hiking and personal journeys. We've learned about his AT trip and I wanted to know what happened after he stepped off the trail. Like his books, Paul is funny, perceptive, and occasionally serious. If you'd like to learn more about Paul or buy some of his books, you can visit his website at http://paulstutzman.com/ We also chat again with Kate Stillwell, our Woman of a Certain Age. Kate is usin
Episode #208 - Chloë de Camara (Vulture)
We first met Chloë de Camara a few weeks ago on the show, informing us about the critical Leave No Trace principles and, in a follow-up conversation, it was clear that Chloë had her own Appalachian Trail story about her trek in 2015. She was very intentional about how she came to the trail, writing a thesis about Appalachian Trail thru-hiking as a spiritual experience and volunteering for the ATC. As you'll hear, meeting the inspirational Jennifer Pharr Davis was a great motivator for her own j
Episode #207 - Aaron Owens Mayhew (Sling)
Aaron Owens Mayhew, MS, RDN, CD is a registered dietitian, ultralight long-distance backpacker, and backpacking food cookbook author. Aaron has worked in the field of nutrition for nineteen years and has been a backpacker for nearly as long. After having a mid-life crisis in 2016, Aaron began long-distance backpacking on her 40th birthday by hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. She has since launched her business, Backcountry Foodie™, a recipe and meal-planning service for backpackers. The service p
Episode #206 - Brant Bazner (Brant and Garvey)
Our guest today, Brant Bazner, lives in the iconic trail town of Damascus. He moved there to be near the trail and has now been hiking on the AT for several years, mainly with his dog, Garvey. Steve and Brant have a wide-ranging conversation about hiking on the trail with a dog, along with a discussion on gear and a few of Brant's stories about his years of hiking on the AT. You can catch up with Brant at Garvey on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYX2u59E9uxUD92oFVKdZeg We also ha
Episode #205 - Derick Lugo (Mr Fabulous)
It's a fabulous show this week, not least because we have Mr. Fabulous, or Derick Lugo, as the main guest. Derick hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2012 and has earned himself a reputation as a speaker about the trail, as well as a growing recognition as a writer. His new book, The Unlikely Thru-Hiker, is now available at his website and on Amazon. You can connect with Derick in a variety of ways. Website: https://www.dericklugo.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/derick.lugo Instagram: https:
Episode #204 - Rory Anderson (Bigfoot)
A packed show this week, with about 90 minutes of goodness!! Rory Anderson, or Bigfoot, is this week's main guest. Rory is an accomplished hiker, having completed the Appalachian Trail in 2016. He has done several other trails and recently broke the Fastest Known Time (FKT) for the Superior Hiking Trail. As Rory stresses, he's not superhuman; he's just a very determined guy with a plan. He and Steve talk about ultra-lite backpacking and the never-ending quest to shave off a few extra pounds from
Episode #203 - Neville Harris of Woods Hole Hostel
We're almost at the end of my series on hostels, so Neville Harris, the owner of my favorite hostel on the trail, Woods Hole, was a great person to chat with. The interview took me in an entirely unexpected direction, but it revealed Neville to be a true AT character, flaws and all. You can learn more about the hostel by visiting http://woodsholehostel.com/ Neville's photos by Lisa VonLuehrte. Find Lisa on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/livonphotography/ We also spoke with Matthew "
Episode #202 - Silvia Cassano (Momma Sil)
This interview with Silvia Cassano was recorded nearly a year ago, but I've only just recovered it. Silvia is a "Trail Angel" referred to by a previous guest, yet she has so much more to offer than that. Her knowledge of all things trail shines through here, with her many positions within the AT community contributing, particularly to the trail in her own community. Image courtesy of Jeff Yardis. Silvia admits to being opinionated, so her views on the trail are pretty much unvarnished and welco
Episode #201 - Craig Mains (Hawk)
Another great show today, with a guy who is clearly in love with hiking and particularly the Appalachian Trail. Craig "Hawk" Mains has been this way before but, with his THIRD thru-hike, he was going for something really special. Listen to how it all unfolded, with not only his epic hike but also several personal events that deeply affected him. Craig has a YouTube channel that you can visit to learn more about his adventures, past, present, and future. Go to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC
Episode #200 - Sara Spittel (Cushy Life)
I've met many extraordinary women on the trail but few who have left as deep an impression as Sara Spittel, or Cushy Life. Cushy was the Queen Bee of our little tramily in 2019, with both Trigger and me in supporting roles. Cushy displays an empathetic nature, showing concern for everybody she met on the trail–often to Trigger's and my mock annoyance!! She is ever curious and willing to strike up a conversation with pretty much every hiker she meets. But we weren't going to finish with Cushy.
Episode #199 - Kimberly Brookshire (Legs)
While we normally focus on Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, Kimberly Brookshire's story was too good to miss. She had spent the early part of her career in fashion and wanted to experience something completely out of her comfort zone. Eschewing the Appalachian and other long-distance trails, Kimberly went for the lesser-known Mountains To Sea Trail. This proved to be the perfect segue between her previous life and a new one that she discovered. But Kimberly's story didn't end when she reached the
Episode #198 - Willow Bolton (Angel)
With all the problems that one may encounter on the Appalachian Trail, Willow Bolton decided that highlighting her disability (something that she refers to as a blessing) would be a good way to bring some attention to it. In the interview with Steve she mentions, almost in passing, another major issue and, despite her stoicism, Steve was moved by her determination. If you'd like to learn more about Willow's "blessing," you can go to https://www.hydroassoc.org/. If you'd like to help out with a
Episode #197 - Dave Braunlich (Seventy)
Dave Braunlich gave himself a tough task when he considered hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2019. He needed to fit in the trail AND keep his job. For this reason, his daily mileage had to be more than 30 miles every single day. Listen to Dave as he shares his remarkable story with Steve. You can also follow Dave's journey with his YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvDFp_OzbOSq1reZpChIEg?view_as=subscriber and his Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/davidbraunlich/ St
Episode #196 - Andrew Haverstick (Gandalf)
When Andrew Haverstick reached out to me recently telling me that he had a story to share, I called and listened to his story. Our subsequent conversation turned into one of the most poignant interviews on the show so far. In 2018, when he thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail, he did so with an unfolding situation back home that was doubtless causing him stress. That said, Andrew's calmness in our conversation and his actions on the trail were all based around that unfolding situation. Listen to St
Episode #195 - Colleen and Julianne Davis (Peaches and Woodstock)
I met Peaches and Woodstock in Maine when I was heading north earlier this year. They are listeners to the show and Julianne introduced herself, asking me to say hi to her Mom, Colleen, who was on her way down the mountain. I recall thinking at the time that it would be great to interview a mother and daughter on the trail and I was consequently delighted when the two of them reached out to me recently. They have spent a long time on the trail and are now almost at the end. It was great catchin
Episode #194 - Jessie Crawford (Supergirl)
When Jessie Crawford had a drink with Stylez, a friend of mine from the Class of 2014, they discussed post-trail life and "how weird the transition is." When she got into contact I knew that she had a story to share, so we hit the record button and chatted away. Quite apart from her "weird transition," Jessie proved herself to be another of the empowered, strong young women who now take on these hikes and she had a fine story to tell, including one of the best explanations of what trail magic r
Episode #193 - Rob and Gavin Duncan (Waffle and Hawkeye)
I first heard of Rob and Gavin on the trail when Rob's wife, Beth, wrote to me in May to tell me about their journey. The family had been listening to the podcast for some time as they prepared for the AT. Now that they were on the trail, Beth wanted to update me on their progress. I knew that Gavin was struggling a bit, so I reached back out and tried to give some encouragement, telling that I'd like to hear their story when they were done with the AT. I'm really glad that we were able to get
Episode #192 - Jess Jordan (Yalla)
When we met Yalla on our thru-hike earlier this year, Trigger and I were immediately drawn to her as a person but it was her name that stuck with us for the rest of our journey. Yalla tells us about her flip flop, starting at Harpers Ferry on the way to Katahdin then southbound from Harpers to Springer. She recounts two different hikes, which is the way she segmented them in her mind. As luck would have it, she ran into a friend of mine in Georgia and when my friend mentioned Mighty Blue, they
Episode #191 - Darrell and Alicia Brimberry (Next Step and Which Way)
When Darrell and Alicia set out to hike the AT in 2018 they assumed that they would hike the whole way together. It didn't work out that way and, as a result, they have different perspectives of the same hike. When injury strikes, it is important to know beforehand what the plan would be for a couple on the trail. Darrell and Alicia had already decided what they would do, and one carried on without the other until they finally summited together at Katahdin. The Brimberrys kept a journal that y
Episode #190 - Sahada Buckley and Luke Runels (Cloud and Leaf)
We've had a variety of guests on the show over the past three years but I'm pretty confident that no guest (or guests) has ever been as laid back about their journey as Sahada Buckley and Luke Runels. They were out in the woods to get away from life's distractions, playing music, singing, and avoiding much of the modern paraphernalia of everyday life. Often going radio silent, Sahada and Luke experienced the trail in a way I've never heard before. They took more than a week in Washington DC and
Episode #189 - Julie Obear and Barry King (Boston and Cubby)
Boston and Cubby have been long-distance hiking for nearly 15 years, having started with the Appalachian Trail in 2005. During that time they have completed the Triple Crown, climbed Mt Kilimanjaro, done the American Discovery Trail and the Long Trail. They even found time to hike across the state of Rhode Island! They have simplified both their hiking style and their lives, finding peace and their desired solitude along America's trails. You can find out more about Julie and Barry's journeys
Episode #188 - Dianne Seger (Lady Di)
Lady Di was part of one of my earlier "tramilies." We spent quite a bit of time together around Fontana Dam and the Smokies but were separated after that. She was yet another example of a fiercely independent, strong woman who brought a lot to the trail this year. Starting her hike less than a week after her retirement, she was slow but steady throughout her journey. I particularly remember her cooking "real" food every night, unlike my own pathetic efforts. Now that she has finished the trail
Episode #187 - Jason Elwood (Bamboo)
I met Jason and his friends in 2014. They were on the trail helping other hikers while achieving their own hiking goals at the same time. I don't believe that I quite understood how much their journey was geared towards supporting others until we spoke on the show. Since then, Jason has completed both the Pacific Crest Trail and, very recently, the Continental Divide Trail, to complete hiking's Triple Crown. All these hikes have been motivated by the same theme of helping others while sharing h
Episode #186 - Tammy and Curt Fackler (Lolli and Pop)
With an empty nest, sufficient money, and plenty of time on their hands, Curt and Tammy Fackler decided to drastically downsize. They sold their home and gave away most of their belongings before hitting the road in their truck with their new home attached. Their adventures were always leading them to the Appalachian Trail and, six months after their travels started, they set off from Georgia. Tammy wasn't an experienced hiker but she wanted to support Curtis in his dream, so went along for the
Episode #185 - Mike Colburn (Bassman)
Mike Colburn started his years-long section thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail during the last century. While he never intended to complete the trail in sections, it wasn't until the earlier years of this century that he realized that it was in his sights. With so little now to do, Steve and Mike discussed his long, long journey to this moment. Along the way, Steve and Mike have run into one another on the trail, sometimes fortuitously, sometimes by design. The two of them have shared a friends
Episode #184 - Olivia Miller Bakke (Mama Lion)
When you finish the Appalachian Trail, your mind is in a bit of a whirl. You can't fully articulate your thoughts and, really, those thoughts mature over time. I wanted to capture the thoughts of a hiker within 24 hours of his or her finish, so when I saw Olivia Miller Bakke's summit photo on Facebook, I reached out to her. This is that conversation. I also caught up with Lea Ann Hogan, another of our mighty Blue Class of 2019 and her reasons for stopping her hike after 500 miles. As you'll hea
Episode #183 - Bob Curran (Trigger)
When I met Bob Curran in the Grayson Highlands, I could never have imagined that he and I would end up at the top of Mt Katahdin together, some 1700 miles later. We came together by accident and stayed together more by circumstance than by design. That said, each of us acknowledges the positive impact that we both had on each other's hike. As two 66-year-olds we fitted perfectly with one another when it came to hiking style and speed. We weren't the fastest but we were also not the slowest. Our
Episode #182 - Appalachian Trail (Debrief)
Now that I've returned to Florida and had a week off from the podcast, I felt ready to answer a few questions from listeners. There turned out to be so many of them that I had a good friend–and star podcaster–Glenn Hebert doing the honors. Glenn has a way of eliciting nuggets from people and he certainly kept me on my toes the whole time. While I didn't expect to be able to articulate precisely how I was feeling after another 2000+ mile hike, I tried to be as honest as possible in this debrie
Episode #181 - Appalachian Trail (Day 179)
I wanted to share my last day on the trail with you all. The sound is often distorted through wind and even our paces. That said, I hope you gather from the show my enthusiasm and delight at getting this job done. Don’t forget, we’ll be back to normal service next week, with another guest telling their story, as well as a new book that I’ll be reading for you.
Episode #180 - Appalachian Trail (Days 175 to 178)
With the worst mountains in the 100 Mile Wilderness begins us, Trigger and I had to put in some long days to meet our goal of summiting Katahdin by Friday. The rocks and roots, abetted by some very dubious weather, tried to throw us off our game plan but we persevered. Make sure you listen to the last episode in this series as we try to scale Katahdin. Watch out for that episode in the next 24 hours.
Episode #179 - Appalachian Trail (Days 172 to 174)
Given how lucky we’ve been with the weather so far, I suppose it was only inevitable that the 100 Mile Wilderness gave us four straight days of rain. Rocks and roots are tricky at the driest of times; after rain they can be lethal. Despite this, we have a plan and are currently following it perfectly. Next time you’ll see how it held up through the entire Wilderness.
Episode #178 - Appalachian Trail (Days 168 to 171)
We’ve covered a lot of ground to get here and are now in Monson, ready to hit the 100 Mile Wilderness. The path here hasn’t always been straight (or even northbound), yet we’ve covered every mile and have longed for these final days. There is something almost surreal about what we’re about to do, as climbing Katahdin wasn’t really at the forefront of our minds six months ago. But we’re here and ready for it. Hopefully, that will inspire others to follow us down this whimsical path.
Episode #177 - Appalachian Trail (Days 164 to 167)
Slackpacking the tougher mountains has been a feature of these past four days. With the Saddlebacks, the Crocker’s, then the stunningly beautiful Bigelows, we’ve been treated to (mostly) great weather. Now, past 2000 miles, we’re refining our options for the end of our journey. Hard to believe, really.
Episode #176 - Appalachian Trail (Days 161 to 163)
It’s been a while (again). We’re making progress but the miles are taking their toll and I’m often too tired at the end of the day to record. That said, the miles continue to melt away and we’re closing in on 2000 miles. The Baldpates are the hiking highlight of this episode and we get to meet Yukon and his geodesic sphere.
Episode #175 - Appalachian Trail (Days 158 to 160)
My first, faltering days back from illness led me to Mahoosuc Notch on Day 3. To be frank, I think that I should have stayed another day or two with Gary and Cathy as I clearly wasn’t ready to get back to it. That said, Maine has continued to wow us and is very much not a disappointment after the wonders of New Hampshire. There is an interview with Michael Thorp and his dog, Fecteau. If his story moves you and you’d like to help out with a donation, go to www.pawws.org
Episode #174 - Appalachian Trail (Days 153 to 157)
In a marked contrast to yesterday’s show, this one is a little bit of a doom and gloom episode, with those earlier doubts all coming back to haunt me as I come down with an infection. The trail is an extended lesson in life that will test you throughout. I may be near the end but I’m as susceptible to self-doubt as much as anybody. Seeking sunshine in my cloudy mood, I discover true trail angels and the meaning of real trail magic. If nothing else, that discovery has made the past few days worth
Episode #173 - Appalachian Trail (Days 149 to 152)
With four days of glorious weather forecast, we couldn’t wait to get stuck into Franconia Ridge and the Presidential Range, highlighted by summiting Mt Washington. We were entertained in a log cabin, driven down, then back up Mt Washington, and experienced the area exactly how I think it should be experienced. This episode has me at my peak on this trip. Join me again tomorrow as I tell you about my unexpected, yet rapid, decline.
Episode #172 - Appalachian Trail (Days 146 to 148)
With Cushy back in the fold, we’re finding more ways to do this hike. Having done Moosilauke, we had to fill in our ten-mile gap AFTER the British Open. We worked it out. Then, most surprising to me, Kinsman blew me away. What a blast. We also had the chance to meet the Wander Women and a terrific young man who played guitar for us.
Episode #171 - Appalachian Trail (Days 143 to 145)
We’re in New Hampshire and starting to put together our highlight reel. We’ve also run into an old friend and teamed up again. The trail has already lived up to expectations, something that I was concerned wouldn’t happen for me the second time around. One more thing. I’ve added to my falls collection!
Episode #170 - Appalachian Trail (Days 137 to 142)
Trigger and I have been separated and are now reunited. I definitely hike better with him! Vermont has been great training for our upcoming adventures in the Whites and beyond. In this episode, we also chat with a SOBO hiker, a “hidden” hostel owner, and discuss giardia with a young woman who plaited the SOBOer’s hair. Only on the Appalachian Trail!
Episode #169 - Appalachian Trail (Days 131 to 136)
Vermont has provided us with mud, mozzies, and views from the top of mountains. We’ve been hiking for 20 straight days and I took the decision to take a zero, splitting with Trigger for about four days. We’ll get back together on Sunday. Vermont has warmed us up for the adventures in New Hampshire and Maine, so I’m sure I’ll one day be grateful for these extra climbs!!
Episode #168 - Appalachian Trail (Days 127 to 130)
We’ve had visitors this week. One had a shirt for me while Trigger’s boys drove 16 hours to hike seven miles with us. The heat in New England has been stifling and certainly took a toll on us. However, the further north we go, the cooler the temperatures should be. No more immediate visitors so we have an opportunity to put in more good miles in the coming days.
Episode #167 - Appalachian Trail (Days 123 to 126)
Still pushing on and now into Massachusetts and past 1550 miles. We’re managing our reduced mileage and taking several breaks during the day is helping us conserve our energy. I’ve now lost about 35 lbs while Trigger has dropped over 40 lbs.
Episode #166 - Appalachian Trail (Days 120 to 122)
With two-thirds of the trail under our feet, the humidity and heat has cranked up to shorten our days. We still aim to finish in the last week of August, but we can see a tougher profile ahead. These past few days have been impacted by, particularly, the humidity and we’ve come to terms that those 20-milers are a thing of the past. That said, we’ve been blessed by friends, new and old.
Episode #165 - Appalachian Trail (Days 115 to 119)
I had a brief day of doubt this week as my body appeared to rebel about the miles I was doing. I soon got over it but even wondered if Lyme Disease was a possibility. I also got the great chance to meet face to face with our very own Dr Lynne, as well as her husband, Bob, and a listener, Eric Gross Jr. Rain slowed us a little last week but the weather is looking good for the coming days.
Episode #164 - Appalachian Trail (Days 112 to 114)
We’ve been incredibly lucky with our management of rain so far but, as with all things, this, too, shall end. The rain is upon us and making the New York rocks slicker and far more dangerous. We have a quandary, in that there are blue-blazes to avoid the rocks but we want to stick with the white blazes as long as we possibly can. This purist streak may well be tested soon.
Episode #163 - Appalachian Trail (Days 109 to 111)
Old friends reunited and new friends met. The trail continues to provide us with serendipitous moments that are the real Trail Magic. Sharing the trail with Trigger, Dodger Dog, Cushy, and a new friend, Barb, has been a delight. I’m fulfilling my desire to watch the last round of each of the Major Golf Championships and zeroing for that purpose today. We’ll be back at it tomorrow. Here we come New York.
Episode #162 - Appalachian Trail (Days 106 to 108)
Pennsylvania has claimed another couple of victims; Trigger and I are VERY glad that it is over. Our feet and shoes have suffered from the sharpness of the rocks and, now that we have entered New Jersey, we were hoping that the rocks were going to improve. Our verdict so far; better but still rocky.
Episode #161 - Appalachian Trail (Days 103 to 105)
Rocks, rocks, and more rocks have made our days tougher but, somewhat perversely, longer and further. We’re taking a zero right now but have racked up an average of almost 20 miles a day for over a week. Two more days and we’ll be out of Pennsylvania and into New Jersey, state #8.
Episode #160 - Appalachian Trail (Days 101 to 102)
Just two days today, with a 35-mile hike into the precipitous descent into Port Clinton. Trigger and I are still together and, as you can see, he has reached for his bug net to keep the flies and mozzies at bay and away from his face. We meet a French Canadian hiker who is taking a novel journey back home and respond to an email from a listener who is concerned at the vitriol on Facebook. As you’d imagine, I have an opinion.
Episode #159 - Appalachian Trail (Days 97 to 100)
We’ve had a productive few days, including the longest day I’ve ever done on the AT. Trigger and I are currently a 2-person “tramily” as Cushy and Dodger Dog are a day ahead. We’ve supported one another and kept each other honest as hikers. The miles are melting away and I’m speculating that I’ll finish earlier than I’d previously imagined.
Episode #158 - Appalachian Trail (Days 94 to 96)
With the tramily now down to two of us, Trigger and I have made steady progress in Pennsylvania. The Mason Dixon Line, the halfway point, and the 1100 mile marker were all passed in quick succession. We’re hoping that Cushy will catch us in the next day or so and that Dodger Dog may slow down so that we can hike with her again. This week, without any interviews, I’ve added some impressions of how some of my gear is working out.
Episode #157 - Appalachian Trail (Days 91 to 93)
The past three days have taken us through Maryland to the edge of Pennsylvania. It didn’t turn out to be the easy state I’d remembered. We were honored to have the company of Laurie Potteiger from ATC as our hiking companion for part of the first day and she was a charming and informative guide to all things AT. Another member of the class of 2019 passed me and I was reminded once more that it isn’t the big animals that you need to watch out for.
Episode #156 - Appalachian Trail (Days 87 to 90)
We’ve made it to Harpers Ferry, the traditional halfway point. I’m tired, sore, and feel accomplished. The tramily is starting to break up, a natural progression as members come and go. With a bit of luck, we’ll reform in a week or so. The good thing about the trail is that these things are fluid, with plenty of opportunities to meet new and old friends as time goes by. Looking forward to the second half.
Episode #155 - Appalachian Trail (Days 84 to 86)
We’ve finished with Shenandoah National Park. It turned out to be a great place that we all thoroughly enjoyed. With Ugh leaving for Trail Days, our little group has been augmented by the lovely Dodger Dog. Her youth and vitality have lifted our spirits. Listeners have continued to reach out and help us while old family friends prove that, as they always do, there is nothing like the love of family.
Episode #154 - Appalachian Trail (Days 78 to 83)
It has been a wonderful six days with the Shenandoah National Park as the backdrop. I’ve been gobsmacked (wonderful English expression) by the kindness of others, with probably the surprise of my life coming on the first morning out of Rockfish Gap. Further “Magic” later in the week confirmed my feeling of being loved.
Episode #153 - Appalachian Trail (Days 74 to 77)
Four days of SOBO and NOBO hiking, with RTK joining us for a couple of very wet, quite testing days. We learn about the attacks and the trail has become a sadder place. How we recover from this desperately sad incident will say a lot about the character of the Class of 2019.
Episode #152 - Appalachian Trail (RTK interviews Mighty Blue)
Bruce Matson (RTK) asks Mighty Blue listeners’ questions, with subjects ranging from interesting characters, food, a comparison between his two AT hikes to lessons learned.
Episode #151 - Appalachian Trail (Days 68 to 73)
The forest is greening up rapidly. Our team is still together but issues are arising. Not between the four of us but in our own physical frailties that this hike examines. I’ve switched out several items from my winter gear and dropped about eight pounds in weight from my pack. The difference is startling. Next week we hit the Shenandoahs. Can’t wait.
Episode #150 - Appalachian Trail (Days 65 to 67)
It has been an epic few days, with the Virginia Triple Crown of Dragon’s Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs now behind us. Once more, new and old friends have shared these extraordinary moments and we’re all grateful for the times we’ve shared together. If you have any questions for me, please send them to Bruce Matson–who will be interviewing me in the next week or so–at rtkchallenge@gmail.com. Bruce will send the best questioners a copy of his new book Platinum Blazing the Appalachian Trail
Episode #149 - Appalachian Trail (Days 60 to 64)
A week with a new Tramily. It has been fun to hike with Ugh, Cushy Life, and Trigger for the past few days. I’ve been upping my miles to keep up with them but they’ve kept me honest as a hiker. We’re about to hit the Virginia Triple Crown with Dragon’s Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs to come. Can’t wait.
Episode #148 - Appalachian Trail (Days 56 to 59)
Every night in the woods this time. After publishing the last show at Chestnut Knob Shelter I’ve made it the 55 miles to Woods Hole Hostel. Characters are becoming family and we’re caring about their lives as well as our own. Plenty of opportunities for copious eating and even the chance of a dip in a river. We’re nearly 30% of the way through and I continue to be surprised at my progress. Here’s to the next 70%!!!
Episode #147 - Appalachian Trail (Days 52 to 55)
I’ve spent the past four days hiking with my Buddy, Clay Bonnyman Evans. I trimmed back the mileage but have continued to feel better and better as I hiked. We even met some alpacas. As you can see from the pictures, the scenery remains glorious and the view from Chestnut Knob Shelter has to be one of the finest so far in the trail.
Episode #146 - Appalachian Trail (Days 47 to 51)
Three hard hiking days out of Damascus proved the perfect antidote to two days lying on my bed watching sport on TV. I was lucky enough to address some students studying the Appalachian Trail (yes, it’s a thing) while in Damascus. I rested and healed. When I got on the trail I fell right back into it and hiked more than 50 miles in three days, with the last day an impressive–and my first on this trip–twenty miles. I’m being joined over the next few days by a buddy who wanted to come hiking. Look
Episode #145 - Appalachian Trail (Days 43 to 46)
It’s been an exhausting few days and my body is telling me to rest. I’m taking a double zero in Damascus, though I’m still getting in some good mileage days. I’ve visited a couple of great hostels recently and also had a night back in my tent. Tennessee has been wonderful but we’re now into Virginia for the next month and a half. When I move into West Virginia I’ll be nearly halfway there.
Episode #144 - Appalachian Trail (Days 40 to 42)
Another diverse few days, with tiredness, bailouts, glorious views, wonderful people, and poignant stories filling my days. From a sun-filled Carvers Gap I crossed the balds and revealed in both the physicality and the beauty. Then, a totally unexpected evening that filled my heart with joy with a bunch of new friends thrown in. A chance meeting with a listener led to another new and solid friendship that enabled me to complete my longest day and learn a tragic story. Today, a short hike into a
Episode #143 - Appalachian Trail (Days 36 to 39)
More miles and experiences under his belt, Steve is planning ahead to ensure that he extracts the best parts of his hike when the weather is cooperating. He has met up with a listener, spent time with several new people, witnessed the sunset from Beauty Spot, and is coping better and better with big climbs. He reached Carvers Gap today and is relishing a day of balds tomorrow.
Episode #142 - Appalachian Trail (Days 32 to 35)
Another great few days, with weather extremes influencing the hike. Eventually, Steve learned–yet again–the importance of hiking your own hike. He has put in some fairly long days and found himself to be completely exhausted. Eventually, a plan was hatched and he is now in a far better frame of mind.
Episode #141 - Appalachian Trail (Days 29 to 31)
A short few days and a cloudy Max Patch. Getting the mileage up to 14s and 15s but still feeling tired, either through lack of sleep, lack of food, or both. Now in beautiful Hot Springs and enjoying the hospitality at Sunnybank Inn, or Elmer’s. Life is still good.
Episode #140 - Appalachian Trail (Days 24 to 28)
This is the Smokies Part II episode. With five days the cover the mileage may seem unimpressive. However, within those five days, there are two “nearos” and a “zero.” This has been a pretty brutal few days with snow, bone-jarring cold, warmth, slush, and a seemingly endless climb down out of these iconic mountains. In retrospect, I think that, while I’m glad they are over, the Smokies will stay in my mind long after the snow has melted and I’m pushing my way through Virginia.
Episode #139 - Appalachian Trail (Days 20 to 23)
It’s Smokies Week on the show and plenty of uphills on the way to Clingmans Dome. I became part of, and lost, my first tramily, and loved my time with them. I also met the very sweet Little Foot (follow her YouTube channel “Hike with Little Foot”) and the enormously positive Posi (@MattBurnsFat on Facebook and Instagram). I even hiked with Ryan Hopkins and his buddy Chris. Ryan is the man putting this show out every week. It was great to meet up with both of them. Now, I’m alone again and gettin
Episode #138 - Appalachian Trail (Days Seventeen to Nineteen)
Another few days with varying fortunes. The week started disastrously with the loss of a vital piece of equipment. The views continued to make the heart fly and the Smoky Mountain got closer and closer. Along the way, the humanity of hikers was on full display, especially one night in a very full shelter (Picture thanks to Ashley “Boomer” Enders). These are the evenings to relish and the ones that will stick in my mind long after the hike is over. Now, after my longest day, I’m set to tackle the
Episode #137 - Appalachian Trail (Days Fourteen to Sixteen)
Another three-day stint between stops in town took Steve from Franklin to Nantahala Outdoor Center. Before he even left Franklin, however, he started with one of the finest breakfasts that he has ever had. Listen to what he had. Another view, this time with Rowemer in the foreground, was taken from about 5,000 feet elevation. The rain has stayed away and an opportunity to catch a perfect sunrise came just north of Cold Spring Shelter. While the picture doesn’t do justice to the moment, you can s
Episode #136 - Appalachian Trail (Days Ten to Thirteen)
The trail has been testing this past four days. Steve left Dick’s Creek Gap last Thursday morning and has now reached Franklin NC after three nights in the woods. 48 hours of rain and not enough food has been testing but he has managed to push through. He is already learning how different his two journeys are going to be, with new challenges making him manage his clothing a little differently to last time. He has met a few families along the trail and two of them share their stories this week.
Episode #135 - Appalachian Trail (Days Seven to Nine)
It has been an emotional three days for Steve as he faced up to his first real adversity. He knew it would happen, he was even expecting it, yet his emotional reaction took even Steve by surprise. It just reinforced his belief that the Trail impacts us all in different and often unexpected ways. He has now reached Dick’s Creek Gap, at Mile 69.2, and has zeroed to reassess his pack and to restore his slightly bruised ego. He’ll be back at it tomorrow (Thursday).
Episode #134 - Appalachian Trail (Days Four to Six)
Now six days in, Steve is getting into something of a rhythm. His toes are hurting a little, though nothing too serious. He is constantly on the lookout for individual stories but only includes one today because he lost touch with his next intended “victims” in the bad weather today. With frigid weather in the forecast, he will be planning the next few days to carefully consider his options.
Episode #133 - Appalachian Trail (Days One to Three)
Steve is on his way and trying to adjust to his new lifestyle. So far, he has kept to the schedule he gave himself and finished day three in Suches. It has brought back memories from his first thru-hike, with a bunch of new characters already emerging. He is listening to other people’s stories and is starting to bring them to the show. There is also a magical moment when a young woman plays the violin at the top of a mountain as the mist and cloud swirl around her. Don’t forget to follow along t
Episode #132 - Megan Dolman (Giggles) and Mark Bychowski (Pepperjack)
When Megan (from the UK) and Mark (an American) started their respective hikes on March 5, 2018, neither could have imagined how their lives were about to change. They met that first day–Megan was the very first person who Mark met on the trail–and started hiking together the following morning. Their meeting and the unfolding of their hike reflects the serendipity of the Appalachian Trail and they summited together five months later. When they had finished, Mark put together this short video of
Episode #131 - Suzanne Dixon (Irish Fire)
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is THE critical component in a healthy trail for hikers, both now and for the future. Suzanne Dixon is the President and CEO of the ATC and in this week's show, she tells us about the exciting new initiative that the ATC has recently launched. Mighty Blue on the Appalachian Trail is lucky to have the first media interview about this initiative, called The Wild East. The poster below will give you some of the flavor of the Wild East and there is a new website s
Episode #130 - Paul Maguire (Irish Paul)
As soon as I started speaking with Paul Maguire I knew we'd get on well. He has that cheeky Irish lilt to his voice with a smile just under the surface, ready to make an appearance at a moment's notice. Paul retired and was looking for something to do when the AT caught his attention. Unlike some, though, he didn't go straight to the trail. He hiked in Ireland for a while before spreading his wings and touring Europe with a kayak, his bike, and his backpack. He even took a major detour up Mount
Episode #129 - Lea Ann Hogan and Lotta Anvret
Another two members of the Mighty Blue Class of 2019 this week. Lea Ann Hogan and Lotta Anvret have given to others all their lives. They are a nurse and a special needs teacher respectively and feel the time is right to do something for themselves. Lea Ann (on the right below) has a calm determination to succeed and Lotta (on the left below) is flying in from Sweden in the hope that she can finish within her six-month visa. She is hoping that she meets a friendly Homeland Security agent at the
Episode #128 - Tyler Lau (The Prodigy)
The awesome Tyler Lau is a man on a mission. Not only has he completed a Calendar Year Triple Crown, but he is also working for more diversity on the trails of America. An Asian American, he volunteers to support his various social projects and truly walks the walk. He started a Go Fund Me page to sponsor the various causes. You can find that at www.gofundme.com/8000milesto8000smiles. He hasn't had the chance to fully absorb the scale of his walking achievement and is slowly adjusting to life b
Episode #127 - Randy Forest (PT)
When Randy Forrest reached out to me so that he could tell his own story of hiking the Appalachian Trail as a member of the Class of 2018, I knew straight away that I'd found a man changed by the experience. Like many people, Randy came to the trail via YouTube, comments made in passing, and the end of his career. The challenge appealed to him, so he planned accordingly. We all rely upon good fortune to get us to the end and most of us fear a hike-ending injury. A fractured ankle would normall
Episode #126 - Dawanna Blue (Sally Forth)
Dawanna Blue is a self-confessed high-maintenance hiker. She is a member of the Class of 2018 and her hike was five years in the making. Having arrived at the trail, she soon discovered that she preferred a hotel or a hostel to her tent or a shelter. Despite this aversion to one of the main parts of a thru-hike, Dawanna shaped her walk to make it the best experience for her. She embraced slackpacking and found all the other elements of the hike to be a joy, with new friends to be found througho
Episode #125 - Dan Harris (Scars)
Dan Harris spent many years in the CIA, little suspecting that he'd one day use those problem-solving skills to take on a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. He has battled cancer and stood at Springer Mountain with just one lung. Undeterred, he pushed forward with a never-say-die attitude that was tested when he sustained a knee injury in the Smokeys. Dan adapted his hiking gait to accommodate both his knee and his lack of lung capacity, pushing on and accumulating friends and experiences alon
Episode #124 - Greg Behrens (GBolt)
One of our sister shows on the Hiking Radio Network, Returning to Katahdin, featured Bruce Matson's successful attempt to fulfill his 44-year dream of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. Greg Behrens accompanied Bruce for much of the last two states in this journey. Each man had a significant impact on the success of the other man's hike. Greg felt called to the trail and discovered much, not only about himself but also the trail. He formed new friendships, strengthened an already strong faith,
Episode #123 - Jessie Greger (Pipes)
Choosing what to eat on the trail normally ends in Snickers, ramen noodles, or pasta and rice sides. While these certainly give you instant energy, the long- and even some of the short-term effects aren't exactly optimal. What if you had a healthy alternative that gave you more and longer-lasting energy, weighed less, and gave you a sense of well-being, rather than a bunch of highs and lows? Jessie Greger believes that she has found that alternative. Jessie was living on a ketogenic diet and fou
Episode #122 - Michael Duncan (Crispy)
Michael Duncan completed his thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2017. Since the time he touched the brown sign on the top of Katahdin, the sadness of that moment has never left him. By that, he means that he knew his journey was over and he has yearned for that feeling again. He has always been comfortable in the outdoors, with the AT a target for several years. He prepared assiduously, watching YouTube videos of Dixie and Darwin to work out the logistics of thru-hiking, then finding a buddy
Episode #121 - Dave Paumen (CBiscuit)
I interviewed Dave Paumen at 5:30 in the morning as he was about to enter the 100 Mile Wilderness. I was struck by his calm intelligence and his story. A Vietnam Veteran, he had demonstrated a cold-eyed determination in his life and brought that personality trait to the trail. He had been injured in his first attempt in 2017 but returned to complete his hike this year. Dave's solid common sense shines through in both the interview and his journals of the two, linked hikes. Read the journals at
Episode #120 - Nate Stockton (Turd Ferguson)
As I'll be hiking the AT myself in 2019, I won't be able to follow one hiker as closely as I did with Jessa in 2017 and Bruce this year in the Returning to Katahdin podcast. So, in an effort to still follow some of these adventurers, I'm starting a new series of five interviews with members of this incoming class. The segment will normally support the main interview, but this we have a full interview with Nate Ferguson as the first member of the Class of 2019. Nate and I are fellow, members of
Episode #119 - Darwin
Darwin is a relatively new thru-hiker, having hit and completed the Appalachian Trail in 2015. Yet his YouTube channel is hugely popular, with over 135,000 subscribers at the time of writing. His articulate, information-laden content is of great help to hikers old and new. Darwin and his wife, Snuggles, sold most of their belongings in 2014 and radically altered their lifestyle, preferring to travel constantly as they had adventures. While the two of them shared the Appalachian Trail thru-hike,
Episode #118 - Stephanie Lorenze (Sunshine)
For many people, hiking the Appalachian Trail is the culmination of a lifelong dream. There may be issues that they don't want to face, they may be grieving the loss of somebody. For many, the trail is spiritual in nature. For Stephanie Lorenze, eating unlimited pizza was her initial motivation. Despite this unlikely catalyst, Stephanie grew to love the trail and everything on it. She faced doubters at the outset, yet she pushed on, confidence growing in her own abilities to complete the journe
Episode #117 - Camino De Santiago (Days Thirty-one to Thirty-three)
With just two days and about 32 miles left, Steve and Emma just had to contend with the torrential rain to get to Santiago. While the journey proved to be a spiritual experience for many, the Pilgrim mass at the end was spectacular in its gravity and grave in its spectacle. The incense burner heightened those thoughts as it seemed to crash through the long aisles. After 32 days and nearly 500 miles, our two adventurers made it to their ultimate destination, cold, wet, but very happy w
Episode #116 - Camino De Santiago (Days Twenty-eight to Thirty)
It’s been a tough few days since Steve found out that he’d miscalculated the miles per day required to finish by this Friday. Emma and Steve have stepped up their mileage to make up for the mistake. The two travelers have been responding to the kilometer markers by shouting down the reducing distance to Santiago. One of the lasting memories of this trip will be the convivial meetings between pilgrims, with beers and coffees shared over conversation. Steve and Emma enthusiastically em
Episode #115 - Camino De Santiago (Days Twenty-four to Twenty-seven)
With almost 400 miles to their credit, Emma and Steve can hardly believe the luck they’ve had with the weather. Even where it has snowed there still seems to be a pristine path for them both. Steve’s favorite day was last Friday, when the two of them went through Ponferrada. The castle that greeted them in the early morning sun was a surprise and a treat. As the day went on, the two of them knew that they were on the verge of a 20-mile day. That prospect is made much easier when you’
Episode #114 - Camino De Santiago (Days Twenty-one to Twenty-three)
With Steve and Emma now firmly choosing to hike and stay at hotels as opposed to auberges, the hunt for bargains is on. Luckily, Steve is ready for the task! The weather has been threatening for several days but our hikers seem to be leading blessed lives and avoiding the worst of the weather. After several cold and potentially wet days, the weather looks set for the next five days. People continue to brighten every day with a shared camaraderie that often finds friends in every bar.
Episode #113 - Camino De Santiago (Days Seventeen to Twenty)
The injuries continue but the Meseta is nearly done. Now, with less than 200 miles to go, there is snow on the horizon. We’ve had beautiful sunrises, spooky moon settings, and even a Cider Guy. Steve received a picture tonight of the settling snow several miles ahead, so he and Emma, even though they’ve reached León, still need to tread carefully in the coming days. The Meseta has been a dour place to traverse, so it was an excellent diversion to meet and be instructed on how
Episode #112 - Camino De Santiago (Days Fourteen to Sixteen)
With about 50 miles for the past three days, Steve and Emma have been making their way through the Meseta, finding gems like the town of Hontanas and its gloriously lit church. Their middle was all about the beauty of Castrojeriz and the way it dominates its surroundings. The weather is also starting to turn, with frigid temps in the mornings and fears of snow in the near future. If you’d like to communicate with Steve, please email him at Steve@mightyblueontheat.com.
Episode #111 - Camino De Santiago (Days Ten to Thirteen)
With a need to up their mileage, Steve has set a target of 15.45 miles a day to get to Santiago. They take regular breaks for coffee and beer on the way and recently saw this charming mobile bar. The weather hasn’t been great for the past few days, though they have by and large avoided any substantial rainfall. This reduces their opportunities for longer views, though a clearing cloud revealed this on Saturday. While often hiking alongside one another, Emma’s pace often takes her ahe
Episode #110 - Camino De Santiago (Days Seven to Nine)
This week, Emma gets stuck in an elevator, a red squirrel gets way too close for comfort and Steve continues his transformation into Old Father Time. All the while, Steve and Emma continue to get into the rhythm of their hike. They ache a little bit more and they whinge and moan a little bit more but, underneath it all, they are improving with every day and planning an even faster hike. Emma now wants to be at Santiago by November 10, so Steve has set a tougher schedule to see if they
Episode #109 - Camino De Santiago (Days Two to Six)
Our two intrepid adventurers have been on the trail for six days and have fallen a day behind schedule. They have sustained injuries, aches, and pains but continue westward towards Santiago. They have met fellow travelers, shared meals with others, and spent time together over a few beers, red wine, and brandy. They even met up with their very own ghost. This trail isn’t the walk in the park that some people seem to believe. The miles still need to be hiked, and the climbs and descent
Episode #108 - Camino De Santiago (Days One and Two)
This is something of an experimental podcast. We're trying out several ways of doing this so the sound won't be perfect but it should be listenable. Steve is on his way and finding it far tougher than he had ever imagined. Things can only get better!
Episode #107 - Deanna McGregor (Mary Poppins)
This is a kind of crossover episode that keeps many of the "usual" parts of the Mighty Blue show but incorporates and transitions us over to the Camino show. Deanna McGregor hiked the Camino in 2017 as a truly spiritual experience and returned this year with her sons, 12-year-old Daniel and 16-year-old Jonathan. We speak twice with Deanna; once prior to her setting out, when she tells us about her evolution as a hiker and her experiences on the Camino last year. Once she had returned from this
Episode #106 - Tenny Ostrem and Claire Wernstedt-Lynch (Aspen and Eleven)
For Claire and Tenny, hiking the CDT had been an ambition but they soon decided that they needed to do something else. Between the two of them, they hatched a plan to walk the entire length of the Southern Border of the US, stretching from San Diego in the west to Brownsville and the Gulf of Mexico in Texas to the east. Here's Claire. With no defined trail, the two of them set out to make their way and learn about the issues on both sides. It was an eye-opening experience for both women. Here
Episode #105 - Cindy Ross
As a writer, Cindy Ross must be feeling fulfilled. She has published seven books about hiking and educating in the outdoors. However, it is as a hiker that she established her bona fides to write these books. She has completed the Triple Crown and realized the value of educating her children while on these trails. Memorably, Cindy and her husband, Todd Gladfelter, spent five summers completing the Continental Divide Trail with their two children–on llamas. Cindy's bio says "Cindy and her husban
Episode #104 - Ben, Kami, Dove, Seven, Eden, Memory, Filia, and Ranier Crawford
The story of the Crawfords has been one of the most prominent Appalachian Trail stories of the year. Their seemingly quixotic adventure didn't seem in the least bit strange to them. After all, they had been hiking as a family for some years so the AT appeared to be a natural extension to that as they tried to capture one last hike together before the children started to leave home. As YouTube viewers, this adventure divided us, with some critics castigating Ben and Kami, while others embraced t
Episode #103 - Jennifer Pharr Davis (Odyssa)
Jennifer Pharr Davis is a woman on a mission. She wants to get people into the outdoors and, not only does she want to do it, she actually gets it done. Her Blue Ridge Hiking Company provides guided trips into the woods and over mountains, bringing many people who would never have considered going onto a trail before they came to her. She has hiked over 14,000 miles of long-distance trails all over the world, including what was then the Fastest Known Time on the Appalachian Trail of 46 days, 11
Episode #102 - Will Ransom (Bear Spray or Ever Changing)
I met Will Ransom at Trail Day in 2017 and was impressed by the bond that he shared with his dog, Rhetta. I'd hoped to interview him for the show but lost his details, only to find them recently when I moved home. Will was a fascinating guy to talk with as he had strong views on how to care for your dog when on a trail. He had told me at Trail Days that he intended to summit Katahdin with Rhetta, but experience, other people, and his good nature prevailed. So, Will had to flip up to Katahdin wh
Episode #101 - Pat Coate (Tee Bird)
For the second week, I'm reminiscing with the two people I was closest to on the trail. Last week, Ken Hall closed out the first 100, so the NEXT 100 shows start off with Pat Coate, or Tee Bird. I met Pat earlier than Ken. I was nursing an injury after about 1200 miles and ran into her and her fellow hikers. We started chatting and all felt the need for a beer, so we hitched a lift in a fruitless search for one. We just found ice cream but I found a friend. Pat was then often hiking near me and
Episode #100 - Ken Hall (Lighterknot)
For our 100th episode and, indeed, for our 101st, I have two friends with whom I finished the trail. Next week, it will be Pat Coate, or Tee Bird. This week, Ken Hall, or Lighterknot, joins us to tell us how the Class of 2014 affected him. We have a wide-ranging and definitely nostalgic chat about the time we spent together. In the interview, our laughter was incessant and proved how easily we picked up with one another again. Ken was supported on his 2014 journey by his wife, Deb, who was ther
Episode #99 - Stephanie White (Ultra Runner)
Stephanie White is new to hiking, yet she is already an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker. Her main discipline is the seemingly crazy sport of ultra running and, with three 200-mile races to compete in this year, she looked around for something to prepare her for the races. Choosing the Appalachian Trail as a five-month warm up may seem excessive to some, but Stephanie discovered far more than her endurance once she'd immersed herself in the trail culture. If you'd like to read Stephanie's blog, yo
Episode #98 - Tom Kennedy (Doinit)
Tom Kennedy hasn't been a hiker all his life; indeed, he came to it relatively recently. He has found a way to foster his love of hiking and hikers by raising money for those suffering from mental health issues. When he discovered the various trails of America he took on the Florida Trail, completing the whole thing other than 20 miles south of Miami. As he says, he spent WAAAY too much time slogging through water. Eventually discovering that he could live happier but financially poorer, Tom
Episode #97 - Cathryn Pugh (Sunshine)
Hiking the Appalachian Trail is a daunting undertaking for people with no medical issues. For those who rely upon their medication, the AT can be logistically challenging. Cathryn Pugh didn't let that get in the way once she decided to do a thru-hike in 2017. Her sunny disposition and can-do attitude are inspiring–even to the extent of convincing somebody else to tackle the trail next year. We'll be speaking with that person as well. Cathryn learned a life-affirming lesson on the trail–she can d
Episode #96 - Kim Shaffer (Echo)
There are many reasons to want to hike the Appalachian Trail. Few have the history of the trail literally in their blood in the way that Kim Shaffer does. The family have all been hikers and Kim harboured the desire for a thru-hike years ago. The fact that her Great Uncle was the first EVER thru-hiker of the AT, added to that desire. She started her Flip-Flop (or OBO) at Penn Mar Park to avoid the dreadful flooding around Harpers Ferry and is now in Massachusetts. Along the way, she has learned
Episode #95 - Anna and Branden Jones (Sweet Tea and Moose)
Anna Jones wrote to me a few months back to thank me for the various shows and our guests. Anna and Branden were planning a flip-flop, starting in May, so I asked her if they would like to be interviewed for the show once they had 500 miles under their feet. They are now in Vermont, getting ready for the AT's biggest and, in my opinion, best challenges–New Hampshire and Maine. Our interview was a delight, with stories and perceptions–including encounters with a few of our previous guests–mixed
Episode #94 - Mike Piatt (Grinder)
Mike Piatt is a LASH, which is an acronym that Mike will explain in the show. He is shortly to complete his third full thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, done in 500-1000 mile sections over the years. He is a very sociable guy, relishing his encounters with a wide variety of hikers and tells many stories of his adventures over the years. He doesn't look like he intends to slow down anytime soon. You can email Mike at piatt512@centurylink.net if you'd like to ask him any questions about his hi
Episode #93 - George Andrews (Tin Man)
George Andrews has a deep love of hikers and hiking so, when he retired, he wanted to involve himself in the community. He had always been keen to keep the weight of his pack and everything in it as low as possible, so this led him to start a company in that field, AntiGravityGear. He refers to himself as a "tinkerer," teaching himself to sew and make gear for hikers since 2003. He has spent time on the John Muir Trail, The Camino in Spain and, of course, the Appalachian Trail. An AT thru-hike
Episode #92 - Joel "Buddy" Wier III (Nami)
Buddy Wier is something of a late bloomer. He became interested in hiking after his retirement, accumulating gear though not immediately getting out to hike. He had always been a traveler and soon combined his love of travel with the various opportunities that arose to hike. Having traveled extensively and hiking when and where he could, Buddy was inspired to hike the AT when he heard the inspirational Jennifer Pharr Davis speak about her FKT record. So, over the next couple of years, Buddy to
Episode #91 - Linnea Van Manen (Shiver)
Linnea Van Manen struggled with Lyme Disease as a young girl and felt the effects through her teens. Lyme manifested itself by intense bouts of bursitis in her knees, so much so that a year before heading out to the Appalachian Trail for a solo thru-hike, Linnea was confined to a wheelchair for some of the time. She was a flip-flopper (or OBOer) and spread her hike over an eleven month period with seven months of hiking, much of it utterly alone. Despite all manner of incidents and occasional p
Episode #90 - Kayla McCarthy (Popeye)
Kayla McCarthy, her father, and her mother set out to hike the Appalachian Trail in 2014. Only Kayla and her mother reached Katahdin as her father injured himself and had to leave the trail. As Kayla told her story I was struck by how much the dynamic of their hike had to change, with Kayla stepping up into a partnership with her mother, as opposed to being the daughter of a couple. The trail throws interesting conundrums at you as you hike and any observer of Kayla and Molly could see the partn
Episode #89 - Tom Healy (Toasted Toad)
This week's guest, Tom Healy, is somebody who I hiked around for a while in 2014. He seemed so comfortable out in the woods that I assumed that he had been a lifetime hiker. It turns out that, like me, this was his first long-distance hike. Since he completed the Appalachian Trail, Tom has spent more and more of his life hiking longer trails and regards it as his lifestyle. As we spoke in this interview I found a few more similarities in our journey, but it was in the post-hike worlds that hiki
Episode #88 - Eli Best
This week, Eli Best tells me about the journey she took on the Camino De Santiago back in 2004. She had suffered a heart attack and organ failure several years before and the Camino was her way of testing herself in a life that had almost been written off. She shared the journey with an old friend of Steve's. Colin Bowles had moved to Australia as a teenager and found fame as an author while there, writing under the name of Colin Falconer. Their journey together was transformative in many ways,
Episode #87 - Spencer Leebolt and Blaike Bateman (Pit Boss and Play By Play)
Spencer Leebolt and Blaike Bateman have almost reached the halfway mark on the Appalachian Trail. Spencer is Blaike's stepfather and, although he had originally intended to hike the trail on his own, he took the opportunity to introduce Blaike to the trail for the adventure of his (early) lifetime. Blaike is just 14 years old. Steve found them to be very much a team, with each having the other's back. They have been videoing their journey, so you can keep up with them on YouTube at Batebolt Pr
Episode #86 - Devan Horn (Shawty)
For a hiking show, Devan Horn wouldn't normally belong. Yet this extraordinary woman, a long-distance runner and rider, chose to hike the Colorado Trail while her party of five other women did it on horseback. She was able to draw distinctions and comparisons between the two modes of transport and provides great insights. She also took part in two Mongol Derbys, with a third coming this year. Click on the link to see more details and wild video of this amazing race. When our conversation turne
Episode #85 - Art Donovan (CraftE)
A member of the Class of 2018, Art Donovan is fulfilling a dream that his mother had 50 years ago. With retirement came the desire to cross the AT off his bucket list, honoring both his mother and assisting her plight by raising funds for Alzheimer's Disease. He's even found the time to leave the trail to become an American Citizen. Art has had quite the adventure so far, sharing time with one of his daughters on the trail and saving the last 30 miles of the Smokey Mountains for his other daugh
Episode #84 - James Smyle (Mayhem)
This weekend, April 28 and 29, the Flip Flop Festival will be held in the adjoining towns of Harpers Ferry and Bolivar, partly to celebrate the beginning of the outdoor season in Harpers Ferry but, more significantly, it is actively promoting flip-flop hikes as a viable, responsible approach to hiking the Appalachian Trail. James Smyle earned the name of Mayhem when he did his first thru-hike, back in the 90s, but the more laid back Mayhem went again in 2016, this time as a flip-flopper. He tel
Episode #83 - Mike Carbonneau (Strummystick)
Mike Carbonneau loves to play music on the trail. He is a section hiker who fell in love with hiking in his 50s. Since then, he has been taking on large sections as he makes his way towards a completion of the Appalachian Trail. He has combined this love of hiking with a love of music, organizing several trips to the trail with a group of like-minded young musicians. Mike usually uses a strumstick to entertain folks and three of his recordings are scattered throughout today's show. If you'd like
Episode #82 - Daniel White (The Blackalachian)
Daniel White is something of a rarity on the Appalachian Trail. Black people are unrepresented on hiking trails and Daniel provides us with, perhaps, some of the unhappy reasons for that underrepresentation. He hiked in 2017 and found the trail to be an unexpected source of love and light. Daniel and Steve discuss what it feels like for a young black man to "go into the woods" and Daniel has a few stories to share that would be unlikely to be part of a white man's experience. As with most hiker
Episode #81 - Ben Montgomery
With so many future histories being made right now on the Appalachian Trail, Ben Montgomery brings us the story behind the story of Grandma Gatewood. Ben is a former Pulitzer Prize finalist and transitioned from journalist to writer when he discovered the tale of Grandma Gatewood. That she happened to be a distant relative didn't hurt his case. Ben and Steve discuss her life and hike in their conversation, as well as the human connection that Ben made with this indomitable woman. Ben has follow
Episode #80 - Ben Barbante (Juan Durer)
Juan Durer has certainly earned his trail name. Once he had decided that living for now was far better than waiting for retirement, he has been a man on a mission. He hikes then moves on to the next hike. When Steve caught up with him, he was just two miles into another long-distance hike. He is rational, indeed intentional, with the life he is leading and his laugh comes easily and is contagious. Since he finished the AT in 2016, he has hiked in Japan, Australia, Africa, and done "a couple" of
Episode #79 - Maria Wishart (Wheezy Pee)
For Maria Wishart, hiking the Appalachian Trail became part of her life and, when she could no longer drive the distances required to get her AT "fix," her solution was to move to a more convenient spot on the trail. Maria and her husband had shared most of those hiking miles but after the move, her husband was constrained by work, so Maria started hiking on her own. But Maria's story is much more than another hiker doing the trail in sections. She got into hiking when she set foot on the trail
Episode #78 - Curt Ebert (Disciple)
Curt Ebert was the pastor in his local church when the call came to hike the Appalachian Trail. The remarkable circumstances surrounding that call are introduced in this conversation with Steve. Curt had little hiking experience and, though they were a family who enjoyed the open air and had gone on day hikes on the Appalachian Trail, his decision was, for many reasons, somewhat unusual. Curt's wife was able to join him for the first 50 miles of the trail, then shared the 100 Mile Wilderness wit
Episode #77 - Bill King (Field Trip)
Bill King has had his mind on an Appalachian Trail thru-hike since he listened to a presentation from another thru-hiker. He is a retired school teacher and has found the inspiration to start his flip flop hike in April 2018. Despite a diagnosis of neuropathy in his feet, Bill has simply battled through the pain, taken the appropriate medication and kept moving forward. Bill has an abiding love of nature and expects to be smelling the roses on his way up the trail. He also anticipates the occas
Episode #76 - Laurie Potteiger (Mountain Laurel)
Laurie Potteiger came to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to help them out prior to her attempted thru-hike in the 1980s. When her hike was over, Laurie returned to the ATC and found her passion–twice. She not only started a career there, she also found her husband! Laurie's quiet intelligence shines through in this conversation, with her extensive knowledge of the trail and its protocols informing her answers. While bear canisters are often required out west, Laurie is eager to see them more o
Episode #75 - Anna Huthmaker (Mud Butt)
Anna Huthmaker was one of my more surprising guests. Her story is inspirational on many levels, not least that she took to hiking when substantially overweight or, as she preferred to term it, "curvy." Her self-discovery on this journey enabled her to see herself in a different light and she felt compelled to share her experiences with others who may have been similarly reticent. Forming Trail Dames was a wonderful by-product of her own journey, and she has seen her organization for women hiker
Episode #74 - Jack Jones (Quadzilla)
Jack Jones flip-flopped the Appalachian Trail in 2016, sharing part of his time with two previous guests, Kelly Anderson and Edwin Thullen. He found the physicality of the trail to be relatively easy and, with his military training, he carried a very heavy pack. Here he is in Virginia, with the spectacular view from Dragon's Tooth behind him. His journey to the trail came via adoption from China at age eight, and Jack speaks of the dislocation that caused him, yet the trail brought home to him
Episode #73 - Ryan Linn (Guthook)
Ryan Linn has hiked both the Appalachian Trail (in 2007) and the Pacific Crest Trail (in 2010). He gained a true appreciation of the outdoors after college, combining his love of hiking with various jobs in and around the hiking business. It was while he was on the Pacific Crest Trail that he met his eventual business partner, Paul. They were both unsatisfied with the dearth of good, accessible maps for the long trails, and both saw the potential for smartphones within the hiking community. Sta
Episode #72 - Paul Magnanti (Paul Mags)
Paul Mags is a man who simply loves being outdoors. He has hiked many trails, completing the Triple Crown of the AT, the PCT, and the CDT, in 2006. He is often alone on these trips, loving the solitude. He manages his life to fit in with his hiking, referring to hiking as his passion. He is a keenly aware of the history of both the various trails and the environment through which they pass. Paul's life isn't for everybody. Indeed, it is hard to imagine that many people would prioritize the outd
Episode #71 - Matt Philippi (Jersey)
Matt Philippi is not currently looking to do a thru-hike of the AT. For Matt, biting off sections is a satisfying way to de-stress from his job. He contacted me to talk about the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal Towpath. It is quite some towpath, running from Washington DC to Cumberland MD and measuring over 184 miles. I had previously intended speaking with Matt but I dropped the ball on that, so it was good to hear from him again. This time, we combined his C&O hike with his experiences hiking th
Episode #70 - Jack Masters (Vagabond Jack)
Jack Masters is a member of the Class of 2018. While he's been interested in the possibility of hiking the appalachian Trail, a year ago it didn't seem likely. But life changes, and Jack has had a tumultuous year. Despite this, he has taken control of and redirected his life and, in a couple of short weeks, Vagabond Jack will be testing himself once more. He even decided to travel and hitched his wagon to hit the road. I met Jack as a listener to my show. We emailed back and forth and he eventu
Episode #69 - JD and Amanda Anttonen (Yak and Walks With Fire)
I met JD Anttonen on the Appalachian Trail in 2014 and, as one often did, we shared the odd meal in a shelter and ran into one another from time to time. He was out of the military and had just suffered a traumatic life event, so his journey up the east coast of America was not without internal strife. Yet, as he made his way north, he succumbed to the beauty of the trail, the kindness of people, and the realization that he didn't have to do it all alone. Yet, when he returned home, he became af
Episode #68 - Damien and Renee Tougas (The Von Trapp Family)
Damien and Renee Tougas have always made sure that their children were able to experience the outdoors. So it seemed a fairly natural fit to take the entire family on the Appalachian Trail in 2014. To help fund their adventure they produced a high-quality video series that followed their journey. For each member of the family, it was harder than they had expected. Despite their hardships–compounded when Renee had to leave the trail for much of the last 500 miles–they eventually forced thei
Episode #67 - Nate and Sharon Harrington (The Hiking Vikings)
We first met Nate and Sharon at Trail Days in Damascus earlier in 2017. I was initially fascinated by the signs of Katahdin that Nate was selling, but he had such a compelling story to tell so I went back to him and Sharon to do a full interview. Life (or young Hank) got in the way between then and now, so it wasn't until recently that we were able to complete the interview. Neither of the children was awake as we talked, though Asher Thomas (AT) decided that he had something to say after our ch
Episode #66 - Zach Davis (Badger)
Zach Davis didn't hike a long-distance trail until 2011, yet he was intuitively aware of the need to prepare himself mentally for the hike. Establishing his "why" allowed him to be ready for the problems that he would inevitably encounter on the trail. The fact that he contracted West Nile Disease and carried it until the end of the trail is further testimony to his desire to fulfill his goal. When Zach returned from the AT, he wrote his best-selling book, Appalachian Trials to assist other hik
Episode #65 - Julie Gayheart (Jester)
Julie Gayheart is a very active section hiker, having completed a 12-year thru-hike in 2017, while within 800 miles of a second thru-hike spread over a number of years. Steve and Julie find plenty to discuss and laugh about in their conversation, She has a passion for the AT that shines through, feeling that it is on the AT that she is the best version of herself. Julie had plenty of problems at Mt Moosilauke in consecutive years, so much so that she regards that glorious mountain as her own K
Episode #64 - Jim Kern
Meet Jim Kern, a veteran of the hiking world, yet on a mission to CLOSE THE GAPS on America's trails. He has hiked all over the world, yet his passion is here at home in Florida, with the Florida Trail. Jim started the Florida Trail in 1966, when a lot of us were in short pants back at school, while many of us weren't even born yet. Watch this short YouTube video to get a feel of what the trail is about. The picture above is of Jim overlooking the Appalachian Trail in 1967. In our conversa
Episode #63 - Kyle Rohrig (The Mayor)
Kyle Rohrig was one of the first people I wanted to interview on my podcast, so it is somehow fitting that it has taken me more than 60 episodes to finally get the chance to speak with him. For me, it was worth the wait. He comes across as a modest, quiet guy with hiking now firmly in his blood. He made an attempt on the Continental Divide Trail this summer to complete his Triple Crown. The weather played a part in aborting that hike, yet he has now set himself up the opportunity to complete t
Episode #62 - Jessica Mills (Dixie)
Jessica Mills has become something of a YouTube sensation, with her Appalachian Trail videos securing a base of support during her 2015 thru-hike. However, that support has grown exponentially this year, as she took on, and beat, the Pacific Crest Trail, battling the snow in the Sierras, then smoke from fires the rest of the way. Her breezy delivery, thoughtful commentary, great pictures (including some taken from a drone, and sheer bravado in the face of difficult conditions, have made h
Episode #61 - Judy Mikesell
A thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail isn’t everybody’s idea of the best way to spend time in the woods. Judy Mikesell became interested in the trail through her son’s thru-hike several years ago. She knew that she didn’t want to thru-hike but she certainly wanted to visit the various parts of the trail. Her novel approach has enabled her to build her own version of hiking the AT without ever needing to go without a shower or needing to use a privy. To try to get as full an AT experience
Episode #60 - Stacey Bucklin (Stylez)
I'm back with my class of 2014 again. This week, we have another of those powerful, independent women, Stacey Bucklin, or Stylez. Stacey had wanted to do the trail for quite some time and, when the time was right, she walked away from a job and went on her adventure. She rightly notes in our interview that interrupting your career path isn't necessarily a bad thing. Stacey is truly passionate about the trail and hiking and the outdoors in general. She even shares her current home with fou
Episode #59 - Silas Schroeder (Pepper)
The Appalachian Trail is a test for hikers at any stage in life and many people hike their own hikes vicariously through their family members. One of our listeners, Rick Schroeder, sent me an email to thank me for our podcast. While doing so, he mentioned that his son, Silas, had just completed a thru-hike if the trail in September. I was immediately interested in talking with Silas, as his Dad shared some of the changes in Silas that had taken place during his recent adventure. I was not disa
Episode #58 - Jeffrey Gray (Loner)
From the Class of 2012, this week's guest is Jeffrey "Loner" Gray. Jeffrey gave himself the name Loner, yet he soon discovered the extraordinary friendships that we all find on the Appalachian Trail. He originally came to the trail through the simple act of walking to waterfalls. With more waterfalls to visit, the walks became longer and longer, leading him ultimately to his thru-hike in 2012. He was an early pioneer of YouTube videos to record his adventures, having had a channel previou
Episode #57 - Derrick, Bekah, and Ellie Quirin (Sherpa, Kanga, and Roo)
You probably read about the couple who decided to attempt a thru-hike this summer with their 12-month old daughter, Ellie. I was skeptical myself when I read what they were attempting to do. Having found it tough enough to take care of myself on the trail, the thought of carrying an infant for nearly 2200 miles filled me with dread. Yet Derrick and Bekah Quirin were experienced hikers and really prepared for the trip. Ellie was clearly just along for the ride, but they had an adventure that wi
Episode #56 - Jay Parker (Beans)
I met Beans in my first couple of days on the trail. We shared a particularly funny evening in a bar in North Carolina and I found him to be a very funny, free-spirited kind of guy. He joined quite a large group of hikers who stayed together for several hundred miles. I would often turn up at a shelter in those early weeks to find them all having a lot of fun as a trail family. As these things do, the family split up over time and I ran into Beans once more, somewhere in Virginia. I last saw h
Episode #55 - Greg and Jen Seymour (Sunsets and Chica)
Having lived for several years in Costa Rica, Greg and Jen Seymour were searching for an adventure. They chose a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2017 and prepared meticulously so that they would arrive at Springer Mountain in good shape for their journey. Recording their daily progress through YouTube, they grew their audience with their charming–and often hilarious–interactions as they made their way up the trail. By the time they got to Katahdin, they had lost nearly 100lbs in weight bet
Episode #54 - The Catch-Up Show (Tough Girl, BC, and Kickstarter)
We've followed several hikers this year, with Jessa covered pretty much the whole of the way. For this week's show, I decided to find out what had happened to some of the hikers we spoke to in earlier episodes. I wanted to know whether or not they finished and how things may have changed since we spoke with them previously. These three–Sarah Williams, Byron Church, and Kyle Bock–all had vastly different paths to Katahdin, yet all three were happy to share the rest of their story with me. Sarah
Episode #53 - Jeff Alt (Wrong Foot)
When Jeff Alt set out to fulfil a long-held dream and hike the Appalachian Trail in 1998, he could have had no idea that his walk would eventually become the catalyst for a wonderful fund-raising effort that continues to this day. He raises money for Sunshine Homes, a facility that has been home to his brother Aaron for much of his life. Not only did he raise an enormous amount of money for this worthy cause, he became a writer and acclaimed speaker on the back of that singular decision to ste
Episode #52 - Jessa Hackman (Attie)
For our 52nd episode–which commemorates the fact that we've been podcasting for precisely a year–I caught up with Jessa Hackman, otherwise known as Attie. Jessa was first introduced to listeners of the show in Episode #16. She had written to me requesting Grizz's hiking preparations spreadsheet and, as I sent that to her, I wondered if she would be a candidate for a project I'd been considering. I wanted to follow a hiker in their preparations for the hike, then continue to hear from them thro
Episode #51 - Daryl Fleischer (Road Trip)
Daryl Fleischer is aware that his thru-hike, hopefully with his lovely wife, is several years in his future. He has work and family responsibilities, like many of us. Yet his joy at being a weekend or occasional day hiker shines through in our conversation. He is a self-confessed trail addict and is prepared to work for his hiking fixes, including sleeping in his car overnight to get a good spot on McAfee Knob the next morning. If you'd like to follow our weekend warrior, you can connec
Episode #50 - Mike Skelton (Bearded Skelton)
Mike Skelton is another listener who wrote into the show and immediately intrigued me. I'd asked for a few examples of the transformative nature of hiking and Mike provided me some thoughtful notes and personal examples. He is a hiker who has spent a lot of time on both the Appalachian Trail and other trails of America. He gave me some useful advice on how to avoid altitude sickness but, as you now know, my body refused to cooperate when I got above about 9,500 feet. Mike is selfless in
Episode #49 - Lynne Savino (Caboose)
Lynne Savino wrote to me and gave me some funny examples of the differences between a section hiker and a thru-hiker. I have a lot of respect for section hikers and the way in which they have to rediscover their hiking legs EVERY time they go out into the woods. I love to hear these different perspectives so I invited Lynne onto the show. She told us about how she was introduced to camping as a child by her father through adventures in a GMC Motorhome. The picture below is of Lynne and her broth
Episode #48 - Edwin Thullen (Bear)
When Edwin Thullen decided to hike the Appalachian Trail he had several challenges to overcome. His sheer size made gear acquisition a formidable process, but he gathered what he could and headed for Georgia. The previous winter had been spent living out of his car, so he was expecting Georgia to be warm. It wasn't. Watch the astonishing physical and mental transformation that Bear undergoes as he learns how to do a thru-hike on the fly. Follow Bear's journey as he constantly readjusts hi
Episode #47 - Bethany Varner (Snap)
Bethany Varner completed her hike on July 1 this year. She had zero overnight backpacking experience, yet she adapted so well to the challenge that she was even able to squeeze in a cruise with her boyfriend while on the trail. On the way, she rediscovered her faith in humanity, sharing her journey on YouTube with an ever-growing following. She also blogged regularly, at The Trek. You can see some of her photos from the trail on her Instagram account, and if you happen to tweet from time t
Episode #46 - Robby and Meredith King (Doc and Tunes)
When Robby King and his daughter, Meredith decided to hike the Appalachian Trail, his wife Nancy decided that she could support them far better by driving an RV to various road crossings and providing them sustenance and a bed for the night. While Robby and Meredith covered the standard 2,200-mile length of the Appalachian Trail, Nancy chalked up over 10,000 miles of driving to back up their effort. Their story eloquently demonstrates the importance of familial love and support as hikers take on
Episode #45 - Tim McGann (Tadhg)
This week's guest is another from the Class of 2014; Tim McGann, or Tadhg. He shares his story with us and provides the perfect example of how the trail always provides. Indeed, on his first date with Erica, now his wife, she enthusiastically embraced the idea of his hike and supported him along the way, ultimately summiting Katahdin with Tim at the conclusion of his journey. Tim can be found on Facebook and would love to hear from any old friends he may have met along the way. I
Episode #44 - Jan Leitschuh (Liteshoe)
Jan Leitschuh, at the time more comfortable on a horse than hiking through the woods, found herself contemplating a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail following the death of her mother in 2001. To prepare, Jan hiked over 500 miles, including the entire length of the Long Trail. In 2003, she was ready to go. She had already done a trail journal from the Long Trail so it seemed natural to keep that idea alive on the AT. Her journal was all the more remarkable because this was nearly 15 years ago
Episode #43 - Chrissy Funk (C-Funk)
Chrissy is a woman who came to the trail in search of herself. She had endured a difficult personal life and fallen out of love with the person she had become. While the trail can't provide every answer, it can certainly soothe, perhaps even heal, one's soul. She posted several visceral videos on her Facebook page and seemed to be conducting a thorough self-assessment. The trail had several surprises for her, with the latest surprise coming on the day that I posted this episode. Listen to my com
Episode #42 - David DeGregorio (Digger)
Digger was one of the guys I met during my 2014 journey and, as often happened, this short acquaintance proved to assist me in my own hike. Once he'd completed the AT, Digger went on to many other adventures, including the PCT, the Camino and a kind of freestyle journey through France, England and, ultimately Ireland. Digger is currently plotting a beautiful trail through Italy with his 10-year-old daughter, Rosie. He was also involved in a little bit of controversy over his somewhat exuber
Episode #41 - Craig McPherson (Spielberg)
I was introduced to Craig McPherson by a listener. He sent me a link to Craig's final video, one that served to represent a summary of his hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2016. It was arresting, to say the least. I've since sent this video to several friends who have been similarly moved and I can say with some authority that this is exactly how the trail feels. Interviewing Craig was just as riveting, for me. He was able to articulate several of the emotions that hit you during a thru-hike. I'
Episode #40 - Kelly Anderson (Sleeping Beauty)
Kelly Anderson is a former professional tennis player from South Africa. She came to the US to attend Georgia Tech in their tennis program before taking up coaching positions, first at USF and then as Head Coach at Stetson. She even has her own Wikipedia entry! A chance meeting with a number of AT thru-hikers intrigued her and planted within her a desire to take on the Appalachian Trail someday. Deciding that she needed to do it sooner rather than later, she divested herself of many of her pos
Episode #39 - Trail Days (Part Two)
This week, I've got another diverse array of guests from Trail Days in Damascus a few weeks ago. While I guess a parade of hikers could have been interviewed, I preferred to go with others associated with the Appalachian Trail, so I've managed to get another interesting mix together. Dan Bedore is hiking a kind of alternative AT, keeping the pioneering spirit of the trail alive by spending large amounts of time totally by himself. He said that he preferred it that way. When I checked his websi
Episode #38 - Kyle Bock (Kickstarter)
Kyle Bock has had some dark days, not least because he lived in Alaska for over fifteen years with no running water and, for the past few years, with no electricity. Kyle has taken on the challenge of an AT thru-hike with an almost professional approach, yet enjoyed his journey as he contemplates what the trail means to him. He is expressing himself with his beautiful photographs, altering them to reflect how he felt at the time. The only contact information that he shared was his Instagram
Episode #37 - Trail Days (Part One)
A trip to Trail Days wasn't on my itinerary when I hiked the AT in 2014, so my visit this year had a dual purpose. I was going there to both see what I'd missed and to interview others who were attending. I was trying to capture some of the spirit of both Damascus at party time and the Appalachian Trail. This episode will focus on Trail Days and forms the first of two such episodes. I'm still following Attie, as she makes her way north. She has hit a few walls on the way but is upbeat pretty muc
Episode #36 - Sarah Williams (Tough Girl Challenges)
Sarah Williams is a true force of nature. Her goal is to inspire women and girls to think beyond the boundaries of their previously limited lives, and she has earned her recognition as a true leader in her community. To challenge herself further, she is attempting a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail from June 2017 and hoping to complete that challenge in 100 days. Her defiant self-belief and powerful determination lead her to challenge others to test themselves. Sarah quit her well-paid City o
Episode #35 - Byron Church (BC)
Byron Church has had his sights set on the Appalachian Trail since he read Bill Bryson's book in High School, nearly two decades ago. Section by section, he has completed more than 2,000 miles of the trail and will be finishing this year. As all section hikers do, Byron has had to earn his hiking legs every year. He reached out to me to tell his story as he is soon to set out for his final leg later this year. You can follow Byron on his blog, earthandasphalt.com and contact him at earthanda
Episode #34 - John Vonhof (The Foot Guy)
John Vonhof should be everybody's best friend. For years, he has been tending the feet of the people who most abuse them—hikers and runners. His experience as an ultra-runner led him to a life-long interest in the treatment of feet, and he understands what we do wrong and how we can correct it. I, along with many of my fellow hikers, completely ignored my feet on the trail. They hurt, my toenails dropped off one by one, and I lost feeling in my toes for about four or five months after I finishe
Episode #33 - Ron Tipton (Turkey Foot)
This week, I'm interviewing Ron Tipton, a man who has spent his entire adult life in conservation and the environment. He hiked the trail in 1978, yet it isn't his hike that we're going to discuss in any detail. When Ron completed his thru-hike, he had already determined that this was a life and a career that he wanted to pursue. He has spent more than 40 years of his career as an advocate for public land preservation and national park protection. He became the President and CEO of the Appalachi
Episode #32 - John and Melody Bock (Bypass and Songbird)
In early November 2013, John Bock had a triple bypass following a completely unexpected heart attack. He and his wife, Melody, had planned to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail from March 2014—which is what they did. They flip-flopped and completed their adventure at Harpers Ferry in November 2014, just over a year after the news that would have postponed, or even abandoned the dreams of less determined people. Their remarkable story, along with the radical lifestyle that they have since ad
Episode #31 - Steve Adams (Mighty Blue)
As this is my show, I thought I'd get myself interviewed and, in the absence of any questions from my listeners, I went ahead and asked Diane, my lovely wife, to interview me. She asked me a few things I hadn't really thought too much about and, listening back as I edited the show, I realized how much I'd changed in the past few years. The thought say, ten years ago, that somebody would one day interview me about hiking was as likely as somebody asking Kim Kardashian the nuances of nuclear fis
Episode #30 - Jean Sobus (Sicilian Gypsy)
When Jean Sobus decided that she was going to hike the Appalachian Trail, she didn't let a little thing like plantar fasciitis stand in her way. In much the same way, stage 3 breast cancer wasn't going to deter her from the Pacific Crest Trail. Jean's solution to obstacles and negativity is to go for a very long walk. Her adventures included a 60-mile walk through the night, fueled by espresso milkshake, and an encounter with what she believed to be a mountain lion. She suffered spine fracture
Episode #29 - Trevor Thomas (Zero/Zero)
Trevor Thomas was an adrenaline junkie in his mid-thirties when he started to lose his sight. Six months later, he was completely blind. After a spell of understandable bitterness, Trevor refused to allow his new circumstances to define him. Approaching the logistical issues with a precise attention to detail, he set out on a new journey. This has led him to hike nearly 20,000 miles in the past ten years. His story is inspiring, as is his mission to empower blind and visually impaired young adul
Episode #28 - Matthew Norman (Odie)
The Hiker Yearbook is fast becoming a must-have item for thru-hikers of recent years. Matthew Odie Norman is providing a great service to hikers as he not only provides trail magic but also puts together his own version of magic with this glorious keepsake from that magical time in the woods. He is reaching out to his community to allow them to reconnect after the trail, answering his own question after reaching the summit of Katahdin, "What's the second book?" The Hiker Yearbook is the second
Episode #27 - Diane Gonzalez-Adams
Did you ever wonder what it is like for those we leave behind? Listen to my wife Diane talking about the impact that my hike had on her life. She is forthright and brutally honest in our.conversation, telling me a couple of things we'd never really discussed before. I even left in something that I'd originally intended to leave out when she hit me with another revelation. When I was editing this interview, I was struck by the passion that she eventually had for MY adventure. Her understanding
Episode #26 - Erin McKenzie (Camaro and Chevy)
Erin McKenzie loves her dogs. She hiked nearly half of the Appalachian Trail with her favorite, Chevy, before having to leave the trail through injury. Chevy was such a star that Erin was totally aware, yet totally happy, to be a sideshow in the Camaro and Chevy team. She then took on the Colorado Trail with three of her dogs, for reasons that will become apparent in her story. Her resilience and the strength that she found on both trails are inspirational. These pictures of Chevy and
Episode #25 - Janet Hensley (Miss Janet)
You get very few opportunities in life to spend time in the company of a living legend, so it was gratifying to learn that Janet Hensley, or Miss Janet, was the real deal. I was lucky enough to have a wide-ranging conversation recently with Miss Janet about all things Appalachian Trail. She proved to be incisive, engaging, and generous with her time and opinions. She is truly the hiker's best friend, putting herself out to help anybody who requests her assistance. When we touched upon
Episode #24 - Jason McElroy (Cavey)
Jason is an experienced hiker with a purpose. This year, 2017, will be his fourth attempt at an Appalachian Trail thru-hike. His calm demeanor and desire for simplicity in his life made for an interesting conversation as he prepared to hit the trail in the next few days (March 2017). I'll be following his progress and wish him well as he moves toward Katahdin. You can follow Jason's progress yourself at his blog, Cavey's Adventures. He can also be found on Facebook and Youtube. Just click on
Episode #23 - Charlotte Taney (Two-Pack)
Charlotte Taney was transformed by the Appalachian Trail. Initially nervous, she blossomed into a steely-eyed hiking machine. That, at least, was how she was described in one blog. She tells about her journey and the changes she recognized in herself. Charlotte would love to hear from fellow hikers or anybody who'd like to tap into her experiences. She can be emailed at char_runstrack@yahoo.com, while you can read her blog about the Appalachian Trail on Blogspot. The link will take you to p
Episode #22 - Rad Watkins (The Bear Whisperer)
First things first, it was me who named Rad Watkins The Bear Whisperer. He didn't have a trail name, but he certainly had a story. Rad is a landscape ecologist and motivational speaker. It seemed a good time for somebody to allay the fears of many as they start to gather in Georgia and find their way north. Bears need to be treated warily though not with fear. Brad has tracked Grizzlies and studied them in the wild, so his knowledge of bears is extensive. He has also incorporated animals into hi
Episode #21 - Kate Schmidlin (Tigger)
One of the fearless women I met in the Class of 2014, Kate Schmidlin, or Tigger, embodied the spirit of the trail. I never saw her pissed off at anybody, she was constantly laughing and never complaining. We didn't see each other after Damascus, but she left a big impression on me. She talks with an endearing openness about some of the rigors of being a woman of child-bearing age on the trail. It is, of course, a subject on which I had no opinion, yet one that affects nearly half of all hikers
Episode #20 - Brandon Jacob (The Dude)
Brandon Jacob, AKA The Dude, became something of a social magnet on the Appalachian Trail in 2016 with his Dudefests. Straight out of the corporate world and seemingly out of place in the slightly less genteel life of the trail, he embraced it, and its characters, with relish. There were two Dudefests; one at Trent's Grocery in Virginia, with Dudefest #2 attracting quite the crowd at the Inn At Long Trail, in Vermont. I've circled the Dude in the bottom left-hand corner of the picture. I chatte
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Episode #19 - Steven Cullen (Scotty)
Steven Cullen was a section hiker who I met on my first day on the trail. We clicked straight away and he continued to follow my, and other, blogs once he finished his week-long section hike. I thought it might be helpful to include a section hiker in the podcast and, though I met many, he was my first thought. In our interview, we talk about the differences between section and thru-hikers, with Steve making some perceptive, and funny, observations. He is one of the group of hikers who may one d
Episode #18 - Patrick Bredlau (RW)
Patrick Bredlau had a truly life-changing experience on the trail. His candor at his spiritual epiphany was touching, while his encounter with a man hiding from his past seemed to provide a counter-point. Following his hike, he has given talks about the trail and exhibited pictures from his journey. Some of these photographs are on show at the Illinois State Museum. The museum also sells his book and 50% of the royalties from those sales are donated to the museum. Other ways to get the book in
Episode #17 - James Claiborne (Buchanan)
James Claiborne was a fellow member of the Class of 2014. I only met him a few times, though once, memorably, at the Curly Maple Shelter, just outside Erwin, TN. He was with the self-styled team of No Parents, No Bedtime, with Hawkeye, True Story, Science Tooth, and James, or Buchanan, himself. Their joy at being on the trail was infectious, with the team sticking together, in one iteration or another, for about 1,900 miles. They took time off the trail together, they camped together and, for a
Episode #16 - Jessa Hackman
In this first episode of 2017, I'm introducing Jessa Hackman, our very own member of the Class of 2017 thru-hikers. She is from Madison, Wisconsin, is 25 years-of-age and has just qualified as a lawyer. The picture below is of Jessa at her graduation with her grandfather, the man Jessa credits with her decision to go to law school in the first place. Jessa contacted me to get a copy of Grizz's logistics spreadsheet from Episode #6 and I reached out to her in the hope that she would share her pre
Episode #15 - Clay Bonnyman Evans (Pony)
Clay Bonnyman Evans, 55, is a writer who moved to the beaches of South Carolina in 2015 after spending his previous life in the mountain west and California. His three published books—a memoir about his years working as a cowboy, a children's holiday picture book, and the story of an iconic hardware store in Boulder, Colo.—are out of print, but you can find them on the Amazon Marketplace by searching his name. He blogs at claybonnymanevans.com, including the ongoing tale of his thru-hike, The Tr
Episode #14 - Jessica Mills (Dixie)
The prolific Dixie has 15,000 subscribers to her YouTube channel following her 2015 thru-hike. Her engaging manner has drawn people in and that shines through in this episode. She is also a successful author, publishing her book, Take a Thru-Hike: Dixie's How-To Guide for Hiking the Appalachian Trail (picture below). She shares a few of her stories in this episode, as well as talking about her videos, which she posts on a weekly basis. For anybody considering hiking the AT in 2017, watch Dixie
Episode #13 - John O'Shea (Lumberjack)
John was a lot of fun to interview. He's also clearly a joyous hiker, despite hiking in 2003, one of the five wettest years on record. He gives back to the trail with his annual trail magic on Labor Day in Maine. Additionally, he heads a bunch of guys known as the "Fat Guys Back in The Woods." Wouldn't you want to be in that little group? If you do, or even if you'd like to chat with him about it or even join his trail magic spectacular, you can email him directly at john.skeezix@gmail.com. Don'
Episode #12 - Kaiha Bertollini (Wild Card Ninja)
In 2016, Kaiha Bertollini, the Wild Card Ninja, laid claim to the unsupported hike record on the Appalachian Trail. This, despite no previous experience as an elite athlete or even any indication that she might be able to take such an endurance test on. The response in the hiking world was almost uniformly negative and very hostile. Kaiha agreed to tell me her story and, whether you believe her or not, it is gripping and worthy of an audience. The interview is not explicit, but her story on her
Episode #11 - Gabe Burkhardt (Hermes or Sketch)
Gabe Burkhardt has hiked on the Appalachian Trail three times: 2014, 2015, and 2016. He completed his thru-hike in 2016 but has covered more than 4,000 miles on the trail. When I hiked with Gabe, in 2014, he was known as Hermes, and his calm intensity left quite an impression upon those around him. Coming back to the trail with the intention of an entire thru-hike in 2016, he charted his course with a truly visceral blog, named Almost Unsalvageable. He has a bunch of his artwork on the site and
Episode #10 - Gary Sizer (Green Giant)
Gary Sizer is a former US Marine who hiked the AT in 2014. We never met on the trail, but we are now Facebook friends. Gary wrote a book about his experiences and while that is going really well, his current claim to fame is an amazing picture posted on Reddit that shows the devastating effects that the AT can have on a hiker's body. Gary is a good sport for allowing this to be shown here, though, as it has been seen more than 3,000,000 times, it might be regarded as a trifle late to keep it
Episode #9 - Francisco Miller (Karate Kid)
Francisco Miller was one of the funniest guys I met on the trail. Consistently cheerful, we met him in New Hampshire and hiked with or around him for several hundred miles. His story continued after the Appalachian Trail, culminating in a thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail in 2016, having chalked up the Pacific Crest Trail in 2015. He is articulate on the subject of hiking and will happily respond to any questions that hikers may have. He can be contacted directly at francisco.miller@gmai
Episode #8 - Stacey Kozel (Ironwill)
This is an extra special episode. Stacey Kozel was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 19 years and has fought a battle against it ever since. Not wishing to be defined by her disability, Stacey embraced the challenge of a complete thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. She was fitted with sophisticated braces, controlled by microprocessors, that allowed her to achieve the unthinkable. Stacey is a powerful advocate for the battle against lupus and is happy to speak with anybody who wants to know abo
Episode #7 - Steve Walker (Big Bird)
Steve Walker set out to hike the A.T. earlier this year with the intention of reaching Maine by October. On the way, he shared his stories and his thoughts regarding the trail, in a regular series of videos uploaded to YouTube. He attracted over 1500 subscribers, and his gentle, measured delivery was compelling. For me, Steve's finest moment was his unexpected bear encounter. Here is the link https://youtu.be/ig_79TOKJjI It cracked me up. The bear comes onto the scene at about three minutes. Enj
Episode #6 - Stephen Martelli (Grizz)
One of the most recognizable figures I met on the trail, Grizz gave me some really helpful advice in those early miles. He bore an uncanny resemblance to Santa Claus, pulling out the great man's hat on several occasions to keep us amused. He is full of knowledge about the trail and will happily respond if you'd like to email him. He can be reached at sjmartelli2186@gmail.com. He is a great resource. I was entirely unable to figure out how to attach his spreadsheet (mentioned in the podcast), so
Episode #5 - Maud Dillingham and Cesar Becerra
Maud and Cesar hiked their "thorough hike" in 2001, spending more than a year on the trail. They were determined to squeeze every last experience from the Appalachian Trail, covering the nearly 2,200 miles across all four seasons. Their dog, Trudy, joined them and turned out to be the star of their movie. I particularly liked the way in which Cesar "helped" Trudy cross a river! For trail historians, the movie contains the added bonus of an interview with trail legend, Earl Shaffer. If you'd lik
Episode #4 - Sam Weber (Muffin Man)
Sam is an all-round good guy who would be happy to speak with anybody he met on the trail or anybody who just wants another perspective about life on the trail. His joyous approach to camping and hiking will inspire anybody who thinks they can't do the Appalachian Trail. Email him at weber.samuelj@gmail.com. Also, don't forget to take advantage of my free ebook, Hiking The Appalachian Trail Is Easy: Especially If You've Never Hiked Before. Pick it up at my author website www.steveadams.info Last
Episode #3 - Brooks Smith (Wing It)
Brooks' excellent blog can be found at www.bounceinthewoods.wordpress.com. Don't forget to rate the show on iTunes and email me on steve@mightyblueontheat.com if you have anything you'd like to say or suggestions for future shows. Like the A.T. itself, this can be a collaborative process.
Episode #2 - Max Mishkin (Bearbag)
To learn more about Max, whether about his photography or his work for ATC, you can email him at mishkinphotography@gmail.com. If you want to see some of his awesome black and white photos, go to www.mishkinphoto.com. Max also mentioned a Facebook group for further advice. Click on this link Appalachian Trail Expert Advice Remember to go to my author website, www.steveadams.info and download my FREE ebook, Hiking The Appalachian Trail Is Easy: Especially If You've Never Hiked Before. See you ne
Pilot Episode #1: Mighty Blue on The Appalachian Trail
A short introduction to the podcast and a few upcoming guest interviews. Listeners will get an early feel of the show as Steve sets the format for the Georgia-to-Maine hike. At the end of each episode, including this one, will be the latest chapter from Steve's book, My Appalachian Trial I: Three Weddings and a Sabbatical.