Cascade Hiker Podcast - Backpacking and Hiking

My parents talk about life on the trail over the years. My grandpa, Al Christensen, is mentioned a lot because he was the person who ignited the outdoor passion in our family.My pop also tells the story of my Uncle, Mark Christensen, on a backpack packing trip in the seventies. We talk about me growing up in Granite Falls and my mom, who worked summers at Camp Silverton up the Mountain Loop Highway in the mid 70's. She also skied Mount Pilchuck regularly and tells some funny stories.Luxe Tents! Try a tarp teepeeand lighten your pack weight.https://luxe-hiking-gear.comWaymark Gear CompanyHeavy duty ultralight backpackshttps://www.waymarkgearco.com

I decided to ask Craig Romano about the 8th Leave no Trace principle I was introduced to in episode 084 with Mark Wetherington.Craig talk about the redundancy of photos used gain more followers on social media.

Stacey Arnold is a hiking photographer from Northern Oregon. We talk about how the camera works and having an eye for taking good pictures. We also talk about finding the pictures than just sunsets and sunrises. She mentioned her macro lens and how often she uses it for those up close pictures of small leaves and flowers.We also chat about the importance of saving photos and how Stacey recommends doing that. Join Stacey for Private photography lessons!https://inclinedtoadventure.com/product/private-photography-classes/ Photography:Www.staceylarnold.comFacebook.com/staceyarnoldphotography Business (will be teaching outdoor photo classes soon) Www.inclinedtoadventure.comFacebook.com/inclinedtoadventure Instagram.com/inclinedtoadventure Waymark Gear CompanyHeavy duty ultralight backpackshttps://www.waymarkgearco.com Luxe Tents! Try a tarp teepeeand lighten your pack weight.https://luxe-hiking-gear.com

Aria Zoner talks about his Youtube Channel where he posts, among other great content, some self made tracks he has written. We talk about the one which stuck out to me, Wilderness. The beat for this track is Rain Man by Sourze; Zoner said that he mainly gets free beats off of the internet for his raps.I ask him about his skateboarding and he tells about how is old DJ gigs. He ties all of this together with his hiking and his lifestyle to bring lyrics coming from who he is and what he believes in. The Whole Food Hiker has a way with words in his music and in regular discussion!Waymark Gear CompanyHeavy duty ultralight backpacks Don't forget to shop our Cascade Hiker Hats and Bumper Stickers!Join Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=5262583Twitter @N_CascadehikingLike our Facebook Page Cascade Hiker PodcastOn Instagram Cascade Hiker PodcastCheck out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town.Shop: REI: https://www.rei.com/?cm_mmc=aff_AL-_-156474-_-195158-_-103473&avad=195158_cfd055bdAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/?&tag=caschike-20&camp=216797&creative=493977&linkCode=ur1&adid=0MGT9CD53WB7FW23K97M&My Trail Company (GoLite): https://mytrailco.com/collections/direct-down?avad=195158_cfd05595&utm_medium=aff&utm_source=156474

Craig Romano comes on the show to talk about his newest guidebook Urban Trails Bellingham. It is one of the first guidebooks in a new series to trails that are close to town. The series is aimed at those of us looking for an accessible nature outing—trails we can get to quickly, via public transportation or a short drive, that offer a quality outdoor experience without the need for special gear or major effort.These are trails perfect for families, first-time trail users, or athletes looking for a quick fix after work. Urban Trails Bellingham focuses on the trails and parks in and around Bellingham, including the Chuckanut Mountains and Skagit Valley.We chat about the trails in Anacortes and Mount Vernon as well as the Chukanuts. If you live in Whatcom or Skagit County then this book will be perfect for the days when you need to find a hike close to home!https://www.amazon.com/Urban-Trails-Bellingham-Chuckanut-Mountains/dp/168051024X/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=cascadehike02-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=6490472025e765e3a288cd749d3f5f22&creativeASIN=168051024XWaymark Gear CompanyHeavy duty ultralight backpackshttps://www.waymarkgearco.comLuxe Tents! Try a tarp teepeeand lighten your pack weight.https://luxe-hiking-gear.com

Jim Liming tagged along with Malcolm Bates today and we had quite a chat abou t the differences between the gear they used back in the 60's to what they use today. I also bring up some other gear and ask them about their feelings on carrying certain items in the back country.Luxe Tents! Try a tarp teepeeand lighten your pack weight.https://luxe-hiking-gear.com

Kelly Kate Warren was on episode 54 where we talked about her upcoming attempt to thru hike the Pacific Crest Trail. She was chosen by the Pacific Crest Trail Association to be a "P3" representative for them, promoting positive trail etiquette.Kelly Kate was injured and had to leave the trail, and her summer dreams, behind her. The miles she completed were great and we discuss some of the positive sides of her hike.Trail maintenance and support of those working in the backcountry is a top priority for Kelly Kate. "Public Lands Management is sort of a passion of mine," She explains when discussing the funding for jobs like the job she holds as backcountry cook for crews maintaining trails."Put your trash in the trash and hide your poop!" This is Kelly Kate's message to hikers in an effort to teach them some basic Leave No Trace ethics.Follow Kelly Kate- https://www.instagram.com/thebackcountrycook/

Adam Sawyer is an outdoor and travel writer, photographer, guide and published author based out of Portland, Oregon. We talk about him writing as the Portland Hiking Examiner for Examiner.com.In addition to online writing for Travel Oregon, Eater, Canoe & Kayak, Red Tricycle, and Tillamook Coast, his work has appeared in Northwest Travel & Life, 1859, Portland Monthly, Columbia River Gorge, Cascade Journal, OnTrak, 1889, and Backpacker Magazines.We talk about the books he has authored.  His Guidebooks include Hiking Waterfalls in Oregon, Best Outdoor Adventures Near Portland,  25 Hikes on Oregon’s Tillamook Coast, and the forthcoming Unique Eats & Eateries: Portland. Adam is also a contributing author to the titles Hiking Waterfalls in Washington and the Best Dog Hikes Oregon.He was the co-host of the KEEN HybridLife Radio Show for its duration and  so of course we talk about that! He is now a Brand Ambassador for both KEEN Footwear and Terminal Gravity Brewing. Adam is also a monthly guest on the local television show, Afternoon Live, as an outdoor and travel expert.When not writing, he is a professional guide, giving culinary, cultural, and outdoors-themed tours for Evergreen Escapes and Eat Adventure Food Tours.Website- https://adamsawyer.comFacebook- https://www.facebook.com/AdamSawyerProfessionalGentlemanOfLeisureWaymark Gear CompanyHeavy duty ultralight backpackshttps://www.waymarkgearco.comLuxe Tents! Try a tarp teepeeand lighten your pack weight.https://luxe-hiking-gear.com

I read off my supporters on Patreon and iTunes reviews. Also tell all the upcoming shows I have already recorded. I slip off my mic at some point....I also talk about my new sponsors and how we hooked up!Luxe Tents! Try a tarp teepeeand lighten your pack weight.https://luxe-hiking-gear.comWaymark Gear CompanyHeavy duty ultralight backpackshttps://www.waymarkgearco.com

Heather grew up outside, building forts and climbing trees. Her family would go camping often, but never included hiking in their outdoor time. Heather started to notice she was getting overweight by the time she had entered Middle School and continued to gain weight into High School. She would run or exercise for a week and then give up. Sports were not something she did, perferring to read or write instead.She found hiking when she was sixteen. Her family rented a cabin and her father announced that they would be going on a hike this vacation trip at the Porcupine Mountains in Michigan. The destination was an overlook of Lake of the Clouds. A five mile trek that ended after the first half mile!It wasn’t until Heather was in college and took a summer job working at the Grand Canyon for one of the hotels near the South Rim. “It’s a long story of why my first real hike was terrible,” she describes. A blood infection, no sleep and her first time being at 7,000 feet elevation were some of the factors leading to this terrible trip as you can imagine.Like many of us, she looked back at the hike as an amazing time despite the reality of the moment. She continued afterward, hiking many of the trails that summer in the South Rim area.“I had heard of the Appalachian Trail first when I was still in High School,” Heather described to me. "I told my parents that I wanted to hike the whole trail after graduating. They said I needed to go to college first.”Heather would squeeze her hikes at the Grand Canyon after work with a willing coworker. They were on one of these hikes in the heat of the day with no water when the discussion started between the two about how she would hike the Appalachian Trail (AT). This really got the ball rolling for her and she continued planning until she graduated from college. She handed her diploma to her parents and jumped on the AT.After hiking that summer, Heather started to run that next two years at college. She lost 50 pounds in that time and started off the AT in decent shape. Heather describes, “I had transitioned from total couch potato to moderately active and reduced some of my excess weight before jumping o the At at Springer Mountain in 2003.”When she started the AT, she didn’t even know that the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) existed. She found out about them on her thru hike and immediately knew she would hike those two trails.Heather worked at Glacier National Park after her first thru hike of the AT. She eventually hiked over 600 miles of the 700 miles of trails in the park.“I’ve gone hiking or to the mountains at whole bunch of different stages in my life and with a whole bunch of different needs and reasons. The beautiful thing about long trails and the mountains is that they are what you need them to be, even if you don’t know what you need them to be.” This quote from Heather came after I asked her do mountains really heal.Anastasia Allison wrote in a question along these lines and so I asked Heather - was there a moment on the trails that allowed you to have more clarity about something off the trail? Heather answered that there have been a lot of those moments, especially when she has tried to set a record for Fastest Known Time (FKT), and they can be distilled into two general concepts. One is acceptance and the other is mindfulness. She learned acceptance through situations like her tent collapsing in the night or dropping her water filter down a hillside. Her three mile an hour pace over months on end help build her mindfulness.Heather Anderson has a Ted X in which she talks about her fairytale and I feel like she is a fairytale herself. Shannon Cunningham wanted to know if Heather has actually fallen asleep standing while going for an FKT. She relates falling asleep hiking as akin to falling asleep driving. Maybe she would hike for three miles and couldn’t remember actually putting those miles in.Heather tries to have a really healthy whole food framework while planning dinners for her hikes. High fat and nutritious meals. Paleo Meals to Go and Backpacker’s Pantry have some good choice meals that she prefers when eating dehydrated food. Snacks tend to be dried fruit, pepperoni, cheeses, whole food bars and chocolate. She loves Trail Butter and has a weakness for chips, gummy worms and Reeses.I asked Anish about the dresses she wears on trail. She started wearing them while working at Glacier National Park. Her first one was a beach cover-up from Wallmart. Heather decided it was the way to go especially because they are so light and cheaper than brand hiking wear. Some of the ones she wears now are from thrift stores, though she now has some tech skirts in her wardrobe. She said, ”wearing cute dresses makes me happy!”Anish looks up to her friend Apple Pie. Though she is only a bit older than Anish, she seems t have hiked trails that she wants to hike and therefore she is able to talk to Apple Pie about them before heading out. She a

Sirena Dufault is on to talk about her upcoming talks at REI's flagship store in Seattle, Washington. The Arizona Trail is an 800 mile trail which starts at the Mexican border and finishes at the Arizona/Utah border.She walks us through the outline of the trail and how she will be displaying her talk. We also brag a bit on her, as she has hiked the Arizona Trail twice and completed countless days of trail maintanence along the trail.Website- https://trailsinspire.comFacebook- https://www.facebook.com/TrailsInspire/Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/trailsinspire/Waymark Gear CompanyHeavy duty ultralight backpackshttps://www.waymarkgearco.com

Lawton "Disco" Grinter is the producer and co-host of popular long distance hiking podcast The Trail Show. We talk about his many thru hikes, including a triple crown and the Pacific Crest Trail twice. His many adventures have fed the pages of his first book - I Hike. He announced that he plans to write a second hiking book about his international hikes he has completed since authoring his first book.We also talk about his movie - The Walkumentary. He talks about the gear he used to record and he also talked about footage he has yet to edit which he may make into another movie.Find Disco-Website- www.lawtongrinter.comTrail Show- thetrailshow.comThe Walkumentary- www.thewalkumentary.comI HIke- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0985241500/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=cascadehike02-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0985241500&linkId=3291d8ae374808b1c678c7cddf2f201d Don't forget to shop our Cascade Hiker Hats and Bumper Stickers!Join Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=5262583Twitter @N_CascadehikingLike our Facebook Page Cascade Hiker PodcastOn Instagram Cascade Hiker PodcastCheck out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town.Shop: REI: https://www.rei.com/?cm_mmc=aff_AL-_-156474-_-195158-_-103473&avad=195158_cfd055bdAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/?&tag=caschike-20&camp=216797&creative=493977&linkCode=ur1&adid=0MGT9CD53WB7FW23K97M&My Trail Company (GoLite): https://mytrailco.com/collections/direct-down?avad=195158_cfd05595&utm_medium=aff&utm_source=156474

Laura Esquivel started Freedom Hikes a year ago to raise money, hoping she could help set people free from sexual slavery. Rescue Freedom is the organization that she funnels her raised money to. Thirty hikers joined her, raising $21,000 in her first year.Of the 30 hikers joining Laura, some didn’t train as much as she would have hoped. They hiked the Enchantment all the way through in one day. It is a 24 mile trail end to end. Laura describes some folks in the group having "found" themselves out in the woods that day, in some cases overcoming depression themselves while raising money for those in a horrible position.I asked Laura why she started Freedom Hikes. “I’ve always known about sexual slavery and human trafficking. I was hiking near Lake Viviane in the Enchantments and came up with the idea right there!”She decided to setup the event into three days of hiking for 2018, adding 18 hikers to her list. This will raise her total number of hikers to 48. It is important to her to keep the numbers down to lessen the impact to the trails and other hikers. She also follows wants to follow the group rules while hiking.Rescue Freedom is located in Kirkland, Washington. They fund safe houses and counseling all over the world. All of the money they raise will see people through the process from removal to reintigration to a more stable living situation. With the 48 hikers this year, the Freedom Hikes goal is $75,000!Laura is a trail runner and marathoner from the Tri Cities area of Washington. She grew up hiking the I-90 corridor and talks about her love of getting people outdoors for the first time. She takes her three boys out hiking whenever they can get out.Go to- freedomhike.wordpress.comDon't forget to shop our Cascade Hiker Hats and Bumper Stickers!Join Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=5262583Twitter @N_CascadehikingLike our Facebook Page Cascade Hiker PodcastOn Instagram Cascade Hiker PodcastCheck out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town.Shop: REI: https://www.rei.com/?cm_mmc=aff_AL-_-156474-_-195158-_-103473&avad=195158_cfd055bdAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/?&tag=caschike-20&camp=216797&creative=493977&linkCode=ur1&adid=0MGT9CD53WB7FW23K97M&My Trail Company (GoLite): https://mytrailco.com/collections/direct-down?avad=195158_cfd05595&utm_medium=aff&utm_source=156474

Anastasia Allison and Stacy Arnold sit down to chat about their experiences and advice for women solo hiking. Both ladies have different levels of experience out in the wilderness and give some good tips to other women hikers. A lot of what we talk about would pertain to anyone out on a solo hike.Anastasia has been on the podcast before. find her podcast-anastasiaallison.libsyn.comStacey Arnold Photography- www.facebook.com/staceyarnoldphotography/?pnref=lhc

Whitney “Allgood” LaRuffa is the current President of ALDHAWest.org, who hosts the Gathering once a year, bringing together many people that love long trails.Allgood was a Boy Scout who found a passion for the Appalachian Trail as soon as he found out about it. For three years in High School he saved money washing dishes to pay for his AT thru hike in 1996, the year after he graduated.In 1997 and 1998 he worked as a Ridge Runner followed by some smaller thru hikes on the West Coast before thru hiking the Continental Divide Trail, 20 years after the AT in 2006.Those 20 years between Allgood's major thru hikes, the trails were so different and the gear got a lot lighter. Hiking all day is easier because his base weight changed from 35 pounds to 12-14 pounds in that time. Information on the trails changed, having written letters 20 years ago to get intel and now it is all online.He has helped launch a hat and beanie line promoting National Scenic Trails and soon National Parks also. Each hat gives a bit back to the organization they feature. Pacific Northwest Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Arizona Trail and John Muir Trail are a few of the long trails available now. National Parks they will be featuring are Mount Rainier, Olympic, Denali, and Arches. Go to- crowntrailsheadwear.comLiving in the Portland area, Allgood loves the Columbia Gorge so we chat about the early season Eagle Creek fire this past summer and the Labor Day Weekend Eagle Creek Fire which was devastating. Started by fireworks, the fire put many hikers in danger and wiped out some amazing swaths of wilderness areas. He talks about the future of the area and how it differs between Wilderness and non wilderness areas.Allgood tells the history of the Chinook Trail, which starts at Silver Star Mountain in the Columbia Gorge. It goes east to Merry Hill where it crosses the Columbia River at Bigs Junction and heads west down river to Angels Rest. The Chinook Trail became a National Recreation Trail in 1994. There has only been 30 of the 300 miles of trail completed on this route.He decided to hike the trail with his hiking buddies Snorkel and Tomato with a map of the area and the Chinook Trail roughly marked by a Sharpe! On the Oregon side of the Gorge, they were able to connect some existing trails. When they reached the eastern side of Oregon, they were passing through farm lands mostly. The Eagle Creek fire put a hold on plans for further mapping and a guidebook.AK9 Adventures is a passion of Allgoods where he helps hikers learn more about hiking with dogs. He has a long history with his dogs on long trails and day hikes. Gear and adventure advice is always good to research when thinking about taking your dog hiking.Don't forget to shop our Cascade Hiker Hats and Bumper Stickers!Join Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=5262583Twitter @N_CascadehikingLike our Facebook Page Cascade Hiker PodcastOn Instagram Cascade Hiker PodcastCheck out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town.Shop: REI: https://www.rei.com/?cm_mmc=aff_AL-_-156474-_-195158-_-103473&avad=195158_cfd055bdAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/?&tag=caschike-20&camp=216797&creative=493977&linkCode=ur1&adid=0MGT9CD53WB7FW23K97M&My Trail Company (GoLite): https://mytrailco.com/collections/direct-down?avad=195158_cfd05595&utm_medium=aff&utm_source=156474

Coming to Washington for the first time, Craig Romano first rode his bike across the country and ended in the state on three different occasions. He finally decided to stay and hike awhile after his final trip."Rattlesnake ledge was a footpath past a locked gate. There were more roads in those days also. We lose access to trails when we lose those roads,” Craig says when asked about his experiences when he first started hiking in Washington.He was always a fan of guidebooks, devouring all of the old Harvey Manning and Ira Spring books covering the regions. When Mountaineers Books announced they wanted to update all of them, Craig was already set up for the role, having worked on the wildflower book with the famed authors.Our hiking climate has changed since the Manning and Spring books were first written. Deforestation was a big issue back then and that has definitely changed. Now there seems to be a clashing of the different recreations that are all growing in size of numbers; like mountain bikes, ORV's and hikers themselves.Craig Romano has authored over 20 titles from the mountain trails to his newer books about urban trails in the areas closer to home.I asked Craig about hiking with dogs. “The three things you shouldn’t talk about in the hiking community are mountain bikes, guns and dogs,” was his initial answer. He followed up with a request to help educate those that are not picking up after their animals and making sure those pets are following a leave no trace awareness. Craig has always been a strong conservationist through many organizations like the Mountaineers, Washington Trails Association and many Land Trusts. It is hard for him to imagine that people will use the trails and yet not give back to support those trails.Tami Asars sent in a question about Craig's past job experience. He said that he has a 2-year forestry degree, he waited tables for years and was a full time teacher for a year along with many other jobs.Craig talks about mapping with Green Trails Maps. He goes out in the field a lot for this, finding small changes on trails here and there. The series maps, like the Eagle Cap Wilderness, sent four people hiking all of the trails looking for these small changes and updates.When asked about the update to the 100 Classic Hikes for Mountaineer Books, they made the decision to keep 50 of the hikes the same and add 50 new hikes, of which were mostly adding hikes from around the state. It seemed to Craig that the first 100 Classic Hikes were mostly right down the Cascade Mountain Range only and he felt there were some great hikes missing from all over the rest of the state.Find Craig- On the trail!!Facebook- www.facebook.com/CraigRomanoGuidebookAuthorWebsite- www.craigromano.com Don't forget to shop our Cascade Hiker Hats and Bumper Stickers!Join Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=5262583Twitter @N_CascadehikingLike our Facebook Page Cascade Hiker PodcastOn Instagram Cascade Hiker PodcastCheck out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town.Shop: REI: https://www.rei.com/?cm_mmc=aff_AL-_-156474-_-195158-_-103473&avad=195158_cfd055bdAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/?&tag=caschike-20&camp=216797&creative=493977&linkCode=ur1&adid=0MGT9CD53WB7FW23K97M&My Trail Company (GoLite): https://mytrailco.com/collections/direct-down?avad=195158_cfd05595&utm_medium=aff&utm_source=156474

Analeise Dowd had a goal to thru hike the Pacific Northwest Trail this past summer. In her first leg of the trail, she injured her knee and was forced to slow down. This opened the opportunities for more pictures! With the injury, Analeise was hiking only about 15 miles a day, which is not a lot of mileage for a typical thru hiker. In episode 60 Dowd's plans to blog from the trail and update her website were one of the things she was looking forward to. With a lack of service along the PNT she ended up not blogging a whole lot, though she has been going back and updating it in post. Thumbelina was a trail name she picked up this summer as a trail name. On top of her knee issues, she also had shoe issues and lost some toenails. We also discuss some of the trail conditions on certain sections. Follow Analeise: Her blog- https://hikesfordad.com Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/adowd83/ Don't forget to shop our Cascade Hiker Hats and Bumper Stickers! Join Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=5262583 Twitter @N_Cascadehiking Like our Facebook Page Cascade Hiker Podcast On Instagram Cascade Hiker Podcast Check out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town. Shop: REI: https://www.rei.com/?cm_mmc=aff_AL-_-156474-_-195158-_-103473&avad=195158_cfd055bd Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/?&tag=caschike-20&camp=216797&creative=493977&linkCode=ur1&adid=0MGT9CD53WB7FW23K97M& My Trail Company (GoLite): https://mytrailco.com/collections/direct-down?avad=195158_cfd05595&utm_medium=aff&utm_source=156474

Lawton "Disco" Grinter and I talk hiking podcasts!Two hiking podcasters talk about hiking podcasts!Disco from The Trail Show and I talk about:N2Backpacking.comThe Pox & Puss Podcast - An Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker ExperienceTrailside RadioThe First 40 Miles PodcastSounds of the TrailKids Cascade Hiker PodcastRoutes PodcastThe Dirtbag DiariesHiker Trash PodcastThe Inspired Adventurepreneur PodcastI also talk about my new tent- Don't forget to shop our Cascade Hiker Hats and Bumper Stickers!Join Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=5262583Twitter @N_CascadehikingLike our Facebook Page Cascade Hiker PodcastOn Instagram Cascade Hiker PodcastCheck out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town.Shop: REI: https://www.rei.com/?cm_mmc=aff_AL-_-156474-_-195158-_-103473&avad=195158_cfd055bdAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/?&tag=caschike-20&camp=216797&creative=493977&linkCode=ur1&adid=0MGT9CD53WB7FW23K97M&My Trail Company (GoLite): https://mytrailco.com/collections/direct-down?avad=195158_cfd05595&utm_medium=aff&utm_source=156474

Clint " Lint" Bunting drops the "C" off of his name when out o the trail or hanging out in the trail communities.We chat about his first thru hike in 2003 which was the Ice Age Trail, a long trail in Wisconsin. With a heavy pack, he fell in love with hiking along this trail.He found the Appalachian Trail next and thru hiked that. This would be the start of his triple-triple crown, meaning he eventually hiked the Appalachian Trail, The Continental Divide Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail three ties each!In 2010, Lint was featured in an NPR video about his ultralight hiking style. It was taken down because the lack of closed captioning which is now required in videos. A random meeting of a fan led to the resurgence of this lost timepiece.Lint talks about his sobriety from alcohol after his experience with some plant based medicines. He explains that the hiking community often celebrates with alcohol, its engrained in a lot of the culture. He felt that the next step in his drinking process might lead to death and has been sober since.Base weight is what you carry on your back that isn't consumable (food and water). Lint is known for extremely lightweight backpacking. He tells the changes in his pack over the years. Starting out on the Ice Age Trail, his base weight was 35 pounds and then the Appalachian Trail he started with 22 pounds.His first thru hike of the Pacific Crest Trail in 2009 he was able to get his base weight down to 9 pounds. Then Lint got serious about cutting grams out and got down to 8 Pounds for his next few thru hikes. In 2012 when he hiked the Continental Divide Trail, his base weight was down to 6 pounds!"This style is not for everyone," Lint says. "It is up to the individual hiker how much they can get away with. Everyone is different and I don't judge other peoples packs unless they ask me."Living life beneath his means is the concept he uses to afford his thru hiking lifestyle. He lives in "a van down by the river". When not on trail, he works odd jobs and doesn't overspend, so he can splurge a bit while on the trail.His van life was easy to transition into, "I don't own a lot of stuff! It's the experience I have that makes me satisfied, so I concentrate less on my possessions." He pees into a jar and sometimes parks in spots that aren't "polished", but it is perfect for him.Lint talks about an estimated 80 percent of hikers that start out to thru hike a long trail don't end up making it all the way. Injuries can be one reason, but sometimes it is a yearning for the comforts of home. He treats thru hiking like a serious sport, changing thru hikes based on weather patterns. The PCTA opens up their permits early, it makes this process tough for a trail like that. To plan ahead 4-5 months, it is hard to judge where there is going to be issues with snow levels.Once while hiking the Continental Divide Trail, Lint made a death video for his friends and family. He found himself in a horrible spot where he couldn't go further and also couldn't go backwards. He describes watching the video in his tent that night and promptly deleted it!Giardia is something that scares hikers into filtering their water, and for good reason! Lint has tested the "waters" so to speak by drinking out of some of the worst water sources at the end of an Appalachian Trail thru hike. He has yet to get sick from not filtering, though he does carry a small container of bleach to treat water if it is exceptionally bad. Lint says, "When people ask me if I think they should filter their water, I tell them its up to them and this is what I do - don't blame me when you crap your pants!"Visit his website- http://www.linthikes.comInstagram- https://www.instagram.com/lint_hikes/Lint on Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm2A0MkU9e_0oVizHxaNZPQWatch Lint on NPR- https://www.opb.org/television/programs/ofg/segment/ultralight-hiking/Don't forget to shop our Cascade Hiker Hats and Bumper Stickers!Join Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=5262583Twitter @N_CascadehikingLike our Facebook Page Cascade Hiker PodcastOn Instagram Cascade Hiker PodcastCheck out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town.Shop: REI: https://www.rei.com/?cm_mmc=aff_AL-_-156474-_-195158-_-103473&avad=195158_cfd055bdAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/?&tag=caschike-20&camp=216797&creative=493977&linkCode=ur1&adid=0MGT9CD53WB7FW23K97M&My Trail Company (GoLite): https://mytrailco.com/collections/direct-down?avad=195158_cfd05595&utm_medium=aff&utm_source=156474

Cameron Eldred is pushed into trail running by the intensity of his daughters. He and his whole family enjoy the Pacific Northwest and being from Canada, they dip down into the states often.He describes their trips in the Enchantments, Lake O'Hara and Assiniboine; Three of this families bucket List hiking adventures. Cameron leaves extremely early on his hikes to gain seclusion from other hikers. He doesn't like to see social media discussions with people talking about going into the Wilderness to get lost because he doesn't like the irresponsibility in the statement.His 13 year old Daughter Isabelle pushed him the most this year, training for a 25k run in Winthrop she did this past summer. Kate is 17 and is responsible for getting Cameron back into running a few years ago when she mentioned that she wanted to run a half marathon with him. Adaline is 19  and still loves to get outdoors with the family.They want to go back to the Lake O'Hara area and explore even more in the future. Mount Storm King has been on the families list, but the travel would be tough from Canada. Also, the Columbia Gorge has always enticed Cameron.Follow Cameron- https://www.instagram.com/cameron.eldred/ Don't forget to shop our Cascade Hiker Hats and Bumper Stickers!Join Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=5262583Twitter @N_CascadehikingLike our Facebook Page Cascade Hiker PodcastOn Instagram Cascade Hiker PodcastCheck out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town.Shop: REI: https://www.rei.com/?cm_mmc=aff_AL-_-156474-_-195158-_-103473&avad=195158_cfd055bdAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/?&tag=caschike-20&camp=216797&creative=493977&linkCode=ur1&adid=0MGT9CD53WB7FW23K97M&My Trail Company (GoLite): https://mytrailco.com/collections/direct-down?avad=195158_cfd05595&utm_medium=aff&utm_source=156474

Kelly Kate Warren comes on to chat about social media bullies in hiking communities. If someone asks about a sleeping bag, why do certain people jump all over them about it being a stupid question?We also talk about the PCTA's role in cleaning up the groups for their trail and some options for new hikers like the ALDHA West Ruck!Check out Kelly Kate on Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/thebackcountrycook/Don't forget to shop our Cascade Hiker Hats and Bumper Stickers!Join Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=5262583Twitter @N_CascadehikingLike our Facebook Page Cascade Hiker PodcastOn Instagram Cascade Hiker PodcastCheck out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town.Shop: REI: https://www.rei.com/?cm_mmc=aff_AL-_-156474-_-195158-_-103473&avad=195158_cfd055bdAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/?&tag=caschike-20&camp=216797&creative=493977&linkCode=ur1&adid=0MGT9CD53WB7FW23K97M&My Trail Company (GoLite): https://mytrailco.com/collections/direct-down?avad=195158_cfd05595&utm_medium=aff&utm_source=156474

Dave Tucker wrote Geology Underfoot: Western Washington a couple years ago and I recently discovered it. The book plays out as a hiking guide to various styles of geological sites that are easily accessible from the Cascades to the Coast. Dave also takes gives the reader plenty of different theories and some history on each chapter or site.I asked about certain spots that were captivating to me, but I first asked Dave what some of his favorite sites are. He jokingly points out quite a few. First he brings up the Seattle walking building tour of rocks from around the world. Johnston Ridge on Mount St Helens and Beacon Rock are some of the other spots he brings up.The first site I wanted to ask Dave about is the Secret of the Mima Mounds just south of Olympia Washington. There are no true answers to the reason for the mounds. The chapter encourages people to explore the Mima Mounds Natural Preserve and ponder over some of the different theories he provides.Cape Disappointment has a history of coastal geological processes. The mouth of the Columbia River here is constantly changing. The sediment is distributed far north of the mouth and the drastic change can be greatly seen when comparing photos taken by the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Dave brings up the fact that geology always wins despite an abundance of human intervention.Dave describes the history of the Tale of Two Forests and the Ape Caves on the south side of Mount St Helens. about 1,500 years ago lava surrounded downed trees, creating tubes suitable for kids to crawl through today along the ADA path at Trail of Two Forests. The trail on top of the Ape Caves, less than a mile away, has a ton of evidence, sitting above the basaltic lava flow tubes.Mount Rainier itself has been well covered in other book, so Dave decided to focus on the receding Nisqually Glacier and Burrows Mountain and the giant mudflow caused by a collapse 5000 years ago and the lava flows predating the mountain itself.Whidbey Island is home to Double Bluff which is a perfect place to view multiple glaciation periods. Mammoth bones have also been found here on this beach walk. This is another reason to visit Double Bluff in Langely, Washington.Dave explains why Hurricane Ridge and the Olympics are a mess for Geologists to try and unwind. Many discussions and debates have been held to try and figure out why marine rocks are scattered so high in the mountains. Go and see for yourself, using the different theories that Dave gives in his book.Highway 20 at Washington Pass and the popular hike Blue Lake there. Dave talks about the granite boulders there that are turning into sand and how rare this is to see. The sand itself is not good for making sand castles though!Mount Baker Highway takes drivers to Heather Meadows and here Dave talks about the Fire and Ice Trail which is one of our favorite family walks in summertime. The interpretive signs talk about "Valley in the Sky" and Geology Underfoot points out that the theory given to hikers there may be out of date. Go out and find the book at your local book store!Go to- https://nwgeology.wordpress.comDon't forget to shop our Cascade Hiker Hats and Bumper Stickers!Join Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=5262583Twitter @N_CascadehikingLike our Facebook Page Cascade Hiker PodcastOn Instagram Cascade Hiker PodcastCheck out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town.Shop: REI: https://www.rei.com/?cm_mmc=aff_AL-_-156474-_-195158-_-103473&avad=195158_cfd055bdAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/?&tag=caschike-20&camp=216797&creative=493977&linkCode=ur1&adid=0MGT9CD53WB7FW23K97M&My Trail Company (GoLite): https://mytrailco.com/collections/direct-down?avad=195158_cfd05595&utm_medium=aff&utm_source=156474

http://www.aldhawest.orgRay Jardine is actually one of the people that spearheaded ALDHA West. Early members would gather at houses, giving each other ideas for ultralight hiking and companionship. They have become the home of the Triple Crown Award (people that have thru hiked the main three long distance trails AT, CDT and the PCT)The past three years ALDHA West has been trying to change the way they are perceived in the hiking community. Long distance hikers are members, but there are also section hikers, trail angels, and people that just love hiking. There are two events that ALDHA West holds each year, with the biggest of the two being the Gathering. It is a weekend of connecting and learning. Movies and meeting new folks is Friday night. Saturday is the big day. Presentations by some top notch speakers, fun hiker games, the Martin Kapendick award ceremony and finally the triple crown award ceremony. The gear raffle is huge! Buys some tickets and cross your fingers. There $3,000 to $5,000 dollars in gear raffled off from sponsors. The other event they hold is a winter ruck, held in multiple locations. This is a great place to go and learn about the technical side of backpacking. Pack shake downs and discussions on things like river crossings. The rucks will be: Inland NW RuckCoeur d'Alene, IDMarch 3, 2018Cascade RuckCascade Locks, ORFebruary 24, 2018NorCal RuckTBDColorado Rockies RuckGolden, COMarch 17, 2018Don't forget to shop our Cascade Hiker Hats and Bumper Stickers!Join Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=5262583Twitter @N_CascadehikingLike our Facebook Page Cascade Hiker PodcastOn Instagram Cascade Hiker PodcastCheck out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town.Shop: REI: https://www.rei.com/?cm_mmc=aff_AL-_-156474-_-195158-_-103473&avad=195158_cfd055bdAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/?&tag=caschike-20&camp=216797&creative=493977&linkCode=ur1&adid=0MGT9CD53WB7FW23K97M&My Trail Company (GoLite): https://mytrailco.com/collections/direct-down?avad=195158_cfd05595&utm_medium=aff&utm_source=156474

Order Wild Love Story by sending Bob Jepperson an email from his contact page- https://www.bobjepperson.com/contactBob Jepperson is a newly published author from Anacortes, Washington. He talks about the trail system within the town out there and his personal relationship with it.He carries a 22 inch plastic parabolic dish sound recorder on some of his hikes through the woods. Bob describes it as a sort of headlight in reverse. His book, and the accompanied sounds, capture this analytic description well.Bob Jepperson reads a piece from his book titled "Ritual at Dusk". This is a special part of the book for my kids and I because Bob had described this ritual to us in person and we heard it on the trail with him. We play a couple recordings of the ritual here.I read a short piece-"I return to a trail I have not visited in months to see how she is doingShe is a favorite - a twisted sister for sureWho hides surprises behind her boney knees and elbows"He has named some of the animals he watches. He is discouraged a bit by the sound clips online that might depict an owl's five hoots. He appreciates all wildlife and knows that not one sounds the same.Nest Over Water is another part of the book where I read an inspirational part- "Years later only the rot resistant Western Red Cedars still stand as lifeless, bleached skeletons stills rooted in the water that drowned them."The full story describes his cover photo of three flickers peering out of a hole in one of these cedars, looking for their mother to bring them food.Bob reads another story from the book titled Spring Time Sprinkle. This is a different style of writing and the photos which go with it, are perfect.The context this book offers is key. Bob tells the perfect circle of sounds, pictures and storytelling people get with Wild Love Story. A person can appreciate the pictures more with accompanied sounds or the sounds gives a perspective to a story he tells in his writing.One of his pictures and stories is about an owl Bob followed, capturing the owl with a dragonfly in its beak. He describes watching it figure out how to consume the dragonfly. It transfers it from beak to claw for quite some time before taking it all in one swallow.We also listen to some sounds of the Red Legged Frogs. One is a mating call of male and female and the other is what Bob describes as a mating ball.Bob has explored the trails and waterways in what he describes as a perfect combination of species and plant life. You to can explore a wild place in your own community. Bob says to visit it often and soon you will learn the habits of the surrounding life.Learn more- https://www.bobjepperson.comJoin Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=5262583Twitter @N_CascadehikingLike our Facebook Page Cascade Hiker PodcastOn Instagram Cascade Hiker PodcastCheck out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town.Shop: REI: https://www.rei.com/?cm_mmc=aff_AL-_-156474-_-195158-_-103473&avad=195158_cfd055bdAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/?&tag=caschike-20&camp=216797&creative=493977&linkCode=ur1&adid=0MGT9CD53WB7FW23K97M&My Trail Company (GoLite): https://mytrailco.com/collections/direct-down?avad=195158_cfd05595&utm_medium=aff&utm_source=156474

Clint "Lint" Bunting is my guest in this bonus episode. We talk about why his writings about carrying a trowel gained popularity in hiking forums worldwide. In his first thru hikes, he did not carry a trowel and decided to add the 10 ounces to his pack in order to dig a proper cat-hole for going number two on the trail."This guy shaves off the handles to his toothbrush, but he still thinks its important to pack a trowel. Maybe this is important." Clint hopes this is what new thru hiking backpackers will say after they hear that he carries a trowel with his ultra lightweight system.Pacific Crest Trail Association article- https://www.pcta.org/2017/thru-hiker-lint-ultralight-trowel-49043/Follow him on Instagram @Lint_Hikes, Youtube @true_to_the_thru, or visit his website http://www.linthikes.comDon't forget to shop our Cascade Hiker Hats and Bumper Stickers!Join Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=5262583Twitter @N_CascadehikingLike our Facebook Page Cascade Hiker PodcastOn Instagram Cascade Hiker PodcastCheck out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town.Shop: REI: https://www.rei.com/?cm_mmc=aff_AL-_-156474-_-195158-_-103473&avad=195158_cfd055bdAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/?&tag=caschike-20&camp=216797&creative=493977&linkCode=ur1&adid=0MGT9CD53WB7FW23K97M&My Trail Company (GoLite): https://mytrailco.com/collections/direct-down?avad=195158_cfd05595&utm_medium=aff&utm_source=156474

Sherry "Night Rider" Winslow is back on to chat about her thru hike of the Pacific Northwest Trail. She talks about taking a train to the trail start in Glacier National Park and then we go over some of her resupply spots. In episode 61, Sherry talked about her Pacific Crest Trail thru hike and in episode 65 we went over the West Coast Trail. I asked her some questions from my Cascade Hiker Facebook Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/cascadehikerpodcast/) where James Chapman asked her "What is like being so badass?" Jeff Kish, who went over the Pacific Northwest Trail on episode 40, also asks Sherry a few questions, including what would you want to see changed about the trail? The Pacific Northwest Trail travels through Skagit and Island County, crossing I-5 and Highway 20. I made sure to ask Night Rider wether or not it was weird hiking this section since she lives close by. We also talk a bit about her Wonderland Trail hike just two weeks after her thru hike was finished. It snowed a lot on Mount Rainier during her hike. Follow Night Rider: Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/sher_nanigaans/ Don't forget to shop our Cascade Hiker Hats and Bumper Stickers! Join Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=5262583 Twitter @N_Cascadehiking Like our Facebook Page Cascade Hiker Podcast On Instagram Cascade Hiker Podcast Check out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town. Shop: REI: https://www.rei.com/?cm_mmc=aff_AL-_-156474-_-195158-_-103473&avad=195158_cfd055bd Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/?&tag=caschike-20&camp=216797&creative=493977&linkCode=ur1&adid=0MGT9CD53WB7FW23K97M& My Trail Company (GoLite): https://mytrailco.com/collections/direct-down?avad=195158_cfd05595&utm_medium=aff&utm_source=156474

The PNT.org is excited about their Thunderbird Campaign, which will help out the trail in 2018. Jeff Kish tells us that a $10 donation will fund the hanging of one Thunderbird trail marker. Bigger donations obviously allow more work on the trail and you can also get a personal marker hung in your honor for the right donation amount.To join the campaign, go to- https://www.classy.org/campaign/thunderbird-campaign/c154601 Use code HATS through 11-27-17 to get $5 off of a Cascade Hiker hat!Go to- http://northcascadehiker.com/cascade-hiker-hats/Join the Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/cascadehikerpodcast/Join me to help support the show- https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=5262583

How much are social media posts causing overuse to easy access spots? Mark Wetherington is passionate about a proposed idea about an 8th Leave No Trace (LNT). Currently there are seven rules posted on LNT.org - The Seven Principles Plan Ahead and Prepare Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces Dispose of Waste Properly Leave What You Find Minimize Campfire Impacts Respect Wildlife Be Considerate of Other Visitors Some ideas are on https://8thlnt.wordpress.com - “Be mindful when posting on social media and consider the potential impacts that rapidly increased use can have on wild places” “Use discretion when posting on social media and consider the potential impacts of creating a ‘buzz’ about specific destinations” And some links- “On Instagram’s Impact on Wilderness, and True Adventure Photographers” https://www.adventure-journal.com/2017/03/instagrams-impact-wilderness-true-adventure-photographers/ “Is Social Media Ruining Lake Tahoe’s Wilderness?” http://www.sierrasun.com/news/is-social-media-ruining-lake-tahoes-wilderness/ “Protecting Wilderness in the Social Media Age” https://www.adventure-journal.com/2017/07/protecting-wilderness-social-media-age/ “Is Instagram Ruining the Great Outdoors?” https://www.outsideonline.com/2160416/instagram-ruining-great-outdoors “A Local Gem in Danger” https://lnt.org/blog/local-gem-danger “Guffey Gorge is Instagram Famous” https://lnt.org/blog/guffey-gorge-instagram-famous “Loved to Death: How Instagram Is Destroying Our Natural Wonders” https://www.theringer.com/2016/11/3/16042448/instagram-geotagging-ruining-parks-f65b529d5e28 “A Tranquil Swimming Hole Is Overwhelmed by Its Own Internet Fame” https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/20/nyregion/blue-hole-swimming-catskills.html “Does Social Media Impact the Trails We Love?” http://www.wta.org/news/signpost/social-media-and-the-great-outdoors “Is Social Media Spoiling Colorado’s Hanging Lake?” http://www.kunc.org/post/social-media-spoiling-colorados-hanging-lake “How social media hurts and helps the great outdoors” https://www.marketplace.org/2017/05/29/business/how-social-media-hurts-and-helps-great-outdoors “Too much love for the Columbia River Gorge” http://www.columbian.com/projects/2017/07/23/loving-the-gorge-to-death/ “Viral Trails: The Weird Popularity of the Devil’s Bathtub” https://highlonesometrails.wordpress.com/2016/06/09/viral-trails-the-weird-popularity-of-the-devils-bathtub/ Don't forget to shop our Cascade Hiker Hats and Bumper Stickers! Join Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=5262583 Twitter @N_Cascadehiking Like our Facebook Page Cascade Hiker Podcast On Instagram Cascade Hiker Podcast Check out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town. Shop: REI: https://www.rei.com/?cm_mmc=aff_AL-_-156474-_-195158-_-103473&avad=195158_cfd055bd Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/?&tag=caschike-20&camp=216797&creative=493977&linkCode=ur1&adid=0MGT9CD53WB7FW23K97M& My Trail Company (GoLite): https://mytrailco.com/collections/direct-down?avad=195158_cfd05595&utm_medium=aff&utm_source=156474

Anastasia Allison joins me to chat about her show The Inspired Adventurepreneur Podcast and her other backpacking business. Inspired is really the key word to Anastasia's talks on her show. Her emotions are all in and it radiates throughout her episodes. It will only take a listener one episode to get catch onto her inspiration train. Adventurepreneur is a word that Anastasia combined from Adventure and Entrepreneur to describe what she is doing. Her Facebook hiking group is called Toward the Mountaintop Inch by Inch. She tells the story about how that name came to be and she also sells a sticker with this on it. We also talk a bit about her Music in the Mountains which we discussed more thoroughly on Bonus Show 002 Listen HERE. Follow Anastasia: Website- http://anastasiaallison.com Don't forget to shop our Cascade Hiker Hats and Bumper Stickers! Join Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=5262583 Twitter @N_Cascadehiking Like our Facebook Page Cascade Hiker Podcast On Instagram Cascade Hiker Podcast Check out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town. Shop: REI: https://www.rei.com/?cm_mmc=aff_AL-_-156474-_-195158-_-103473&avad=195158_cfd055bd Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/?&tag=caschike-20&camp=216797&creative=493977&linkCode=ur1&adid=0MGT9CD53WB7FW23K97M& My Trail Company (GoLite): https://mytrailco.com/collections/direct-down?avad=195158_cfd05595&utm_medium=aff&utm_source=156474

This is a repost from episode 17! Larry Colagiovanni, the chair of Seattle Mountain Rescue, came on the podcast to answer some questions about Seattle Mountain Rescue out of King County, WA. I asked him questions about their history, their procedures and some of the past missions they have been a part of. Don't forget to shop our Cascade Hiker Hats and Bumper Stickers! Join Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=5262583 Twitter @N_Cascadehiking Like our Facebook Page Cascade Hiker Podcast On Instagram Cascade Hiker Podcast Check out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town. Shop: REI: https://www.rei.com/?cm_mmc=aff_AL-_-156474-_-195158-_-103473&avad=195158_cfd055bd Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/?&tag=caschike-20&camp=216797&creative=493977&linkCode=ur1&adid=0MGT9CD53WB7FW23K97M& My Trail Company (GoLite): https://mytrailco.com/collections/direct-down?avad=195158_cfd05595&utm_medium=aff&utm_source=156474

A few months ago, Mark Wetherington wrote an article on http://www.trailgroove.com about hiking podcasts. It featured the Cascade Hiker Podcast and one of my favorite podcasts The Trail Show. I had the opportunity to chat briefly with Mark and thank him in person! The article: http://www.trailgroove.com/issue34.html?autoflip=103 Don't forget to shop our Cascade Hiker Hats and Bumper Stickers! Join Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=5262583 Twitter @N_Cascadehiking Like our Facebook Page Cascade Hiker Podcast On Instagram Cascade Hiker Podcast Check out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town. Shop: REI: https://www.rei.com/?cm_mmc=aff_AL-_-156474-_-195158-_-103473&avad=195158_cfd055bd Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/?&tag=caschike-20&camp=216797&creative=493977&linkCode=ur1&adid=0MGT9CD53WB7FW23K97M& My Trail Company (GoLite): https://mytrailco.com/collections/direct-down?avad=195158_cfd05595&utm_medium=aff&utm_source=156474

Dion Pagonis and Andrea Rego come on the podcast to chat about Christian "Buddy Backpacker" Thomas. Earlier this Fall Dion and Christian received their Triple Crown awards at the ALDHA West gathering in Colorado. Christian is now 9 years old, though he was much younger, 5 years old, when he completed his thru hike of the Appalachian Trail. Dion, Christian's Step Father, hiked every mile of the three major trails with him. The family hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2012, Pacific Crest Trail in 2013, Colorado Trail in 2014 and they split the Continental Divide Trail into two summers 2016 and 2017. Follow Buddy Backpacker- https://www.facebook.com/BuddyBackpacker/ https://www.instagram.com/buddybackpacker/ https://buddybackpacker.com Don't forget to shop our Cascade Hiker Hats and Bumper Stickers! Join Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=5262583 Twitter @N_Cascadehiking Like our Facebook Page Cascade Hiker Podcast On Instagram Cascade Hiker Podcast Check out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town. Shop: REI: https://www.rei.com/?cm_mmc=aff_AL-_-156474-_-195158-_-103473&avad=195158_cfd055bd Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/?&tag=caschike-20&camp=216797&creative=493977&linkCode=ur1&adid=0MGT9CD53WB7FW23K97M& My Trail Company (GoLite): https://mytrailco.com/collections/direct-down?avad=195158_cfd05595&utm_medium=aff&utm_source=156474

Fearless Sarah just finished the Appalachian Trail and has also complete the Pacific Crest Trail, Colorado Trail and the Annapurna Circuit in the Central Himalayas of Nepal. She now has her hiking eyes set on the Arizona Trail. Growing up in Hawaii, Sarah had corrective scoliosis surgery at age 15. She has a titanium rod in her back to correct her spine. She was struck by a car just six years ago while commuting on her bicycle and was able to walk away essentially unhurt because of her titanium rod. Sarah decided that her injury would not define her. She took up multiple sports or activities, without fearing them, after the accident on her bike. Eventually she took her no fear attitude to the Pacific Crest Trail and is now inspiring other hikers! When I asked Fearless Sarah if she has had any fears on the trail she said, "My mind will play tricks on me, but I keep telling myself that though it may be cold or uncomfortable, I need to keep going!" Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fearlesssarah/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fearlesssarahd/ Don't forget to shop our Cascade Hiker Hats and Bumper Stickers! Join Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=5262583 Twitter @N_Cascadehiking Like our Facebook Page Cascade Hiker Podcast On Instagram Cascade Hiker Podcast Check out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town. Shop: REI: https://www.rei.com/?cm_mmc=aff_AL-_-156474-_-195158-_-103473&avad=195158_cfd055bd Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/?&tag=caschike-20&camp=216797&creative=493977&linkCode=ur1&adid=0MGT9CD53WB7FW23K97M& My Trail Company (GoLite): https://mytrailco.com/collections/direct-down?avad=195158_cfd05595&utm_medium=aff&utm_source=156474

Randy Farrell is the owner of Green Gables, a hiker stop in Robe up the Mountain Loop Highway, with his wife Edith. In this bonus episode we chat about their mission to clean up the trailheads on the South Mountain Loop Highway. On Saturday, October 28th Randy and Edith set up a volunteer day! They are working with the Darrington Ranger District to hopefully continue this event and turn it into a more consistent clean up effort. Stop by and say hello to the Farrell's on your next hike up the Mountain Loop Highway and don't forget to purchase your fluids and snacks there. Link to clean up event: http://www.makeadifferenceday.com/dashboard/project/adopt-a-trail-head Don't forget to shop our Cascade Hiker Hats and Bumper Stickers! Join Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! Click HERE Twitter @N_Cascadehiking Like our Facebook Page Cascade Hiker Podcast On Instagram Cascade Hiker Podcast Check out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town. Shop: REI: https://www.rei.com/?cm_mmc=aff_AL-_-156474-_-195158-_-103473&avad=195158_cfd055bd Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/?&tag=caschike-20&camp=216797&creative=493977&linkCode=ur1&adid=0MGT9CD53WB7FW23K97M& My Trail Company (GoLite): https://mytrailco.com/collections/direct-down?avad=195158_cfd05595&utm_medium=aff&utm_source=156474

Anastasia Allison and Rose Freeman found each other in a round about way through an Instagram book giveaway. Rose plays classical piano and Anastasia plays classical violin so naturally they thought of the idea to hike their instruments to the top of local mountains and play together. I used a piece of their recording in the episode, giving listeners an idea of the what the scene of a melodic mountaintop sounds like. "It is combining the two things I love; Music and Mountains," Anastasia tells me in this interview. I think that she is- Toward the mountaintop string by string. Anastasia was nice enough to come on the podcast and tell both of their stories and she also has a podcast of her own called The Inspired Adventurepreneur Podcast. I have recently binged on all of her episodes to date and highly recommend it! Here is the link to their appearance on King 5 News: http://www.king5.com/.../hiking-musicians-take.../477737312 Her Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/towardthemountaintopinchbyinch/ Don't forget to shop our Cascade Hiker Hats and Bumper Stickers! Join Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! Click HERE @N_CascadeHiking Like our Facebook Page CLICK HERE On Instagram Cascade Hiker Podcast Check out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town. Shop: REI Amazon My Trail Company (GoLite)

This celebrity guest is co-host of the popular Trail Show, a podcast with the tag line "Less Gear, More Beer". The Princess of Darkness (POD) is a triple crown long distance hiker, who has teamed up with a group of other long distance hikers to encourage listeners to get on the trail! We chat about her list of long distance hikes the Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. The list doesn't stop there! She has also completed the Colorado Trail, Sierra High Route and many others including the Te Araroa in New Zealand. She documented some of her triple crown on her website trailjournals.com/darkness, I recommend going there for the pictures alone. We talk a bit about Women on the trail where she recommends her recordings with fellow female hikers on the Trail Show Bonus Shows: The Red Tent Shows 1 and 2 found here- store.cdbaby.com/artist/thetrailshow Find POD on social media- Twitter: https://twitter.com/FeliciaDarkness Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetrailshow/ Website: http://thetrailshow.com Don't forget to shop our Cascade Hiker Hats and Bumper Stickers! Join Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! Click HERE @N_CascadeHiking Like our Facebook Page CLICK HERE On Instagram Cascade Hiker Podcast Check out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town. Shop: REI Amazon My Trail Company (GoLite)

A Walk for Sunshine is a book by Jeff Alt all about his Appalachian Trail hike in 1998. He decided this would be a walk to help raise money for Sunshine Community, a disabled home that his brother lives at. His brother, Aaron, suffers from Cerebral Palsy and has lived at Sunshine for many years. This year was the 20th anniversary of the run, walk and roll fundraiser inspired by Jeff's hike. To date the event has raised more than $500,000! We discuss the "ups and downs" of his 2,160 mile trek and stories of bears, bugs, blisters and skunks. His recount of fellow hikers is fun to follow along with. His hiker name, Wrong Foot, follows him through the entire journey. I also ask Jeff about other books he has authored including: Four Boots One Journey about hiking the John Muir with his wife after her brother passed away Get Your Kids Hiking a self explanatory book written after his son was born. The Adventures of Bubba Jones a series for kids about our National Parks. Don't forget to shop our Cascade Hiker Hats and Bumper Stickers! Join Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! Click HERE @N_CascadeHiking Like our Facebook Page CLICK HERE On Instagram Cascade Hiker Podcast Check out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town. Shop: REI Amazon My Trail Company (GoLite)

Andrea and Jerry Dinsmore have been Trail Angels for north and southbound Pacific Crest Trail thru hikers at the Stevens Pass portion of the trail. They started while living in the Skykomish area and have since moved a bit down river to the town of Bering. Known as PCT Mom, Andrea has been a key online help with trail closures and snow reports. She loves the hikers and they love her! Jerry and I sit down to talk about the past, present and future of Hiker Haven. He tells me that their daughter and grandson will be helping out in years to come. Jerry and I talk mostly because Andrea has been very sick this summer. She is in bed most of the time. ALDHA West (http://www.aldhawest.org), who also gives out the well known Triple Crown Award, voted the Dinsmores as Trail Angels of the year this year. The audio I recorded of the presentation, though a bit "busy", is heart felt. Don't forget to shop our Cascade Hiker Hats and Bumper Stickers! Join Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! Click HERE @N_CascadeHiking Like our Facebook Page CLICK HERE On Instagram Cascade Hiker Podcast Check out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town. Shop: REI Amazon My Trail Company (GoLite)

Join the new Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/1639347902756382/ That is where Bryan Miller asked me a question that sparked this episode. Where should I buy cheap gear? I pulled answers from some past guest of this podcast to get a well rounded answer for you and for Bryan. I suggest going to MyTrail or REI Those are my affiliate links. Check out to see if they have Discontinued items and those are always a cheap route! Nick Lenn from episode 37 mentions the Columbia Outlet Store where you can buy cheap Mountain Hardware jackets and shoes at a great price. Kate Hoch aka Drop N Roll from episode 37 suggest the $300 backpacking setup from PMags it is called the Frugal Backpacker. Lisa Holmes from episode 34 lives in the Portland area and love the store there called Next Adventure. Used hiking and backpacking gear for those that live in the area. Bryan Schaeffer from Best of the Northwest and episode 24 suggests a few spots like TJMaxx, Sierra Trading Post and Goodwill. I think Goodwill will have some good stuff, though it is hard to tell when the gear would be put out into the store. Jessi Lorech from episode 5 mentions another great article that is on WTA called Dirt Cheap Gear. Shannon Cunningham from episodes 1 and 35 says Play It Again Sports which is a used sporting goods store and Offer Up. Offer Up would be a lot like Goodwill without having to go onto the store! Please check out patreon.com/cascadehikerpodcast Don't forget to shop our Cascade Hiker Hats and Bumper Stickers! Join Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! Click HERE @N_CascadeHiking Like our Facebook Page CLICK HERE On Instagram Cascade Hiker Podcast Check out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town. Shop: REI Amazon My Trail Company (GoLite)

Tenley Lozano hikes with her service dog, Elu. They have section hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in Southern California and the Goat Rocks in Washington. I asked her about taking her hiking partner into National Parks where dogs are not allowed.Elu helps Teneley with her Post Traumatic Stress. I asked her if she ever gets people questioning her about her service dog because she appears to look ok. I asked this because I truly already knew the answer, I just wanted her to explain that not everyone with an issue has a certain "look".We also talked about gear for Elu on the trail, what has worked for Tenley and what has not. How do they sleep in the backcountry and what does Elu eat?Find Tenley at: tenleylozano.comhttps://www.instagram.com/tenleylozano/Don't forget to shop our Cascade Hiker Hats and Bumper Stickers!Join Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! Click HERE@N_CascadeHikingLike our Facebook Page CLICK HEREOn Instagram Cascade Hiker PodcastCheck out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town.Shop: REIAmazonMy Trail Company (GoLite)

The Whimsical Woman is sort of an alter-ego for Jennifer Mabus. She wanted to express her lifestyle in an atmosphere that she controls, so she started a blog. People in her life tend to want her to settle down and start a family. Jennifer wants to explore and travel.She was a cheerleader at her college in Nevada and is now living and working in Seattle. Seattle seems to be the perfect place for her to go and run into the mountains every weekend in the summer.We talk about a few of her recent blog posts and her plans to hike the Pacific Crest Trail in the summer of 2018.InstagramFacebookthewhimsicalwoman.comDon't forget to shop our Cascade Hiker Hats and Bumper Stickers!Join Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! Click HERE@N_CascadeHikingLike our Facebook Page CLICK HEREOn Instagram Cascade Hiker PodcastCheck out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town.Shop: REIAmazonMy Trail Company (GoLite)

While most people think of painting in a studio or classroom, Mark Boyle loves to paint at the scene he is painting and in the moment to catch all of the exact colors. He explains that pictures never seem to show the true colors of what he sees in person.Mark sometimes finds a backcountry spot he can drive to and paint a river or forest. Sometimes he packs in a smaller easel to capture a deep scene miles from his car.The fish don't sit still for him, but he described to me a tedious process he endured when trying to match the color of Sockeye Salmon. He took his paints up to an Alaskan river and waded out, standing in one spot mixing colors for hours. He finally found the perfect mix!His series of paintings with a bunch of clam diggers along the Pacific Ocean are stunning and after talking with Mark about these, I can now imagine him standing out there amongst these diggers painting away.When he paints subjects fishing or the fish themselves, he is actually looking at them and painting them in the moment. Mark talks in our interview about having his friends stand in the same spot by a backcountry campfire for way too long.The easels that Mark uses are found at: allaprimapochade.comPlease check out his work at: markboyle.comDon't forget to shop our Cascade Hiker Hats and Bumper Stickers!Join Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! Click HERE@N_CascadeHikingLike our Facebook Page CLICK HEREOn Instagram Cascade Hiker PodcastCheck out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town.Shop: REIAmazonMy Trail Company (GoLite)

I took a trip down to Cascade Locks, Oregon this past weekend and hung out at PCT Days with the ALDHA West folks. I met some new friends and hung out with some old friends. I also ran into 3 or more listeners down there! This short podcast was also a way for me to let you dedicated listeners know that I will be taking a 3-4 week hiatus during a family move and the Labor Day weekend. Stay tuned for the next episode after the break! Don't forget to shop our Cascade Hiker Hats and Bumper Stickers! Join Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! Click HERE @N_CascadeHiking Like our Facebook Page CLICK HERE On Instagram Cascade Hiker Podcast Check out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town. Shop: REI Amazon My Trail Company (GoLite)

Youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSqtP_gDgOE We were in total darkness, feeling our way through the center of Boulder Cave, when I decided to investigate the source of the screaming we could hear. These weren’t the sounds of terror, however, but the distinctive sound of children who were having a blast. They weren’t in our cave though, so of course we needed to investigate! It started when I grabbed my wife, Rhonda, and our two girls for a random adventure. We decided on Yakima Valley as the destination. Rhonda researched spots to stay and ran across the Elk Ridge Campground. I liked the idea of camping and she loved the idea that the campground offered cabins. Without doing too much research (or planning) beforehand, we loaded up our mini van and headed over Chinook Pass on Highway 410. Rhonda reminded me of her hiking rule, which states that all family hikes must be on a wheelchair-accessible trail. None of the four of us require a wheelchair, but she Rhonda flat out doesn't like to hike and assumes that ADA trails will likely be flat. This rule has become a law of sorts for our adventures and I have found some great spots. Boulder Cave was recommended by Tim Hoefer, the proprietor of Elk Ridge Campground. I pulled him aside and asked if it was wheelchair accessible. He glanced at my kids and wife and then nodded saying something about getting a stroller up there if we needed to. So, he had said yes(!) and confirmed with a nod! (That rule turned law is not written down anywhere and I find gray areas when in a pinch.) The hike itself was very easy, but the heat made the haul up a short hill (300 feet gained) somewhat of a drag. Rhonda was complaining and asking where all the wheelchair hikers were. I reminded her that there were some handicapped spaces back at the parking lot and that softened her up a bit. We reached the entrance to Boulder Cave in a short time and this is when we heard kids screaming and laughing just up and off the trail from here. I asked Rhonda if she wouldn't mind hanging out while me and the girls went to check it out. "Of course we could," she said with a relaxed exhale, sitting on a rock next to the sign reading Stay on Trail. (Note: This was for safety inside the cave, where we went was ok.) We scrambled some rocks and couldn't believe what we discovered hidden beyond the main trail. A waterfall flowed into a crystal clear pool inside a smaller cave. It was straight of a movie or fantasy fiction. The girls got in and I snapped some pictures, but we would have to come back another day to explore this place some more. If I stood just right, Rhonda came into view and she was playing on her phone. We needed to head back before she lost all patience. We hopped the same rocks back and after telling Rhonda all about it, I sensed a little spark of adventure. She might not ever admit it, but she wants to see this small bit of paradise someday. Now for the main cave. There are signs about bats and all four of us wiped our feet clean as directed. The trail itself is very easy to follow and gets just dark enough in the middle to get a sense of total darkness. We shut our flashlights off, just our phone flashlights were plenty bright. This made the girls a bit nervous, not that they’d admit it. The far side of Boulder Cave had a series of stairs and decking platforms. The views were stunning! The same creek that fell into that other cave and created the most picturesque pool that I have ever seen, also carved out a beautiful little canyon here. We climbed back out and then back down to the car. My wife muttered something about never going in a cave again. I took note of this new rule and have already thought of a few workarounds. I had promised the family hot food and beer. Well, the kids wanted hot food and I wanted a beer. Just down the 410 before hitting the actual town of Naches, we passed Bron Yr Aur Brewering Company. This place was perfect for all of us! Their pizza is the best we found in the Yakima Valley and their beer was top notch as well. Our family will stop for a slice anytime we pass through from now on. Join Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! Click HERE @N_CascadeHiking Like our Facebook Page CLICK HERE On Instagram Cascade Hiker Podcast Check out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town. Shop: REI Amazon My Trail Company (GoLite)

Author Deborah Wall comes on to talk about her new book, Base Camp Las Vegas. Millions of people visit Las Vegas every year and some of those people use the airport as a "base camp". This guidebook gives those that rent cars, places to visit in the surrounding areas.This book turns the cheap flights for partying couples into family adventures. Why waist all of your steps on the Las Vegas Strip when there are hikes just 20 minutes out of town?Find Deborah Wall on her website: basecampguides.comFacebook Page: facebook.com/basecamphikesHer articles at the Review Journal: reviewjournal.comDon't forget to shop our Cascade Hiker Hats and Bumper Stickers!Join Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! Click HERE@N_CascadeHikingLike our Facebook Page CLICK HEREOn Instagram Cascade Hiker PodcastCheck out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town.Shop: REIAmazonMy Trail Company (GoLite)

The Trail Blazers, a volunteer group for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), were formed in 1933 and in that time they would attach a five gallon milk can to a Trapper Nelson backpack. They were stocking the lakes with thousands of fish without taking into consideration the overall sustainability of the food for that many fish and overpopulation concerns. It didn’t take the WDFW long to figure out their oversight, cutting back on the number of fish stocked all the way into the 1970’s. Even today the lakes are constantly adjusted as more knowledge is gained. Before 1933 there were few lakes being stocked. If they were stocked, then it was usually by miners or small local groups of fisherman. The high lakes of the Cascade Mountains did not have fish until they were first stocked in recent years. Way back to the Ice Age, these small lakes were left with no access for fish to migrate. Some bigger valley bottom lakes however were connected and therefore had some native fish and they still have native fish today.Brian Curtis joined the Trail Blazers in 1987 when he took his love for hiking and fishing to the WDFW volunteer organization. He recalls his Dad taking him to various high lakes to fish back in the 1960’s.When Brian is stocking lakes today, he often sees people fishing. They are usually curious and he loves to show them what he does.In 1963, after the Leopold Report, Our National Parks started to revert back to a more natural state. Things like a golf course on Mount Rainier were taken out. This included the non-native fish in lakes. Chemicals, gill nets and electricity have been used to eradicate them.North Cascades National Park was different because it was created after the Leopold Report. WDFL was able to raise a voice at the meetings, swaying politicians to see the benefit of the fish and ultimately a bill was passed by President Obama just a few years ago to allow the lakes to be stocked. Brian has packed in as few as twenty fish to a high lake and has been a part of a group, carrying 5,000 fish. The amount of fish vary based on the size of the lake or the productivity of the lake. Productivity would be things like food for fish and how many people are reaching the lake to fish it.All fish are picked up at one of three main fish hatcheries at North Bend, Arlington or Mossy Rock. Accidents do happen, Brian mentions that sometimes the fish don’t make it for various reasons. One example he gives is if they are sitting in the sun too long.The fish being stocked can not breed and the goal is to keep them from doing so. Fish left to their own mating can over populate a lake which can change the other living organisms of this unique habitat and not allow the fish to grow healthily.The season for stocking high lakes with fish is very similar to our hiking season. Brian talks about needing to break ice off of some lakes in early and even late season. Different breeds of fish are better to stock in early season, Golden Trout however do better when stocked closer to September or October.If a hiker wants to become a Trail Blazer, the first step is attending meetings regularly. Being active in the club by joining other volunteers on a stocking trip and learning the skills. Go to watrailblazers.org to find out all the information on meetings and some great archive photos also.Limit your catch, don’t catch your limit is a motto that the Trail Blazers hope all high lake fishers keep in mind when they recreate. It is fun to catch fish and important to keep a few in the lake for the next person.

Some hikers get an non threatening injury or have pain/soreness, they might joke about using their Vitamin “I”. Are we self prescribing too much Advil?Ibuprofen and asprin slows down the bodies natural response to healing and affects long term recovery. If someone sprains their ankle and takes Ibuprofen so they can hike the next day, it won’t heal the injury and could lead to a worse injury later. I would suggest bringing some whiskey, Marajuana or CBD instead for the pain and discomfort.Fresh water in the mountains and people still add flavor to it. What are your thoughts?Sweeteners alter your bodies natural response to insulin. This could cause a drop in blood sugar leaving a hiker with very low energy and could be a bad situation. New research is showing a correlation with artificial sweeteners and Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimer's. The connection between our brain and our gut cannot be fooled be artificial sweeteners.Mentioned The Dorrito Effect by Mark Matzger and Hack Your Taste buds.What do you think about energy drinks on the trail?I am a fan of caffeine. Stick to coffee or tea if you can. More of a natural source is best. Use some caffeine to push yourself every once in a while, but you shouldn’t always depend on it. (Episode 17) Another good way to fuel your body are healthy fats like Ghee Butter or Coconut oil. Try not to over do the fats, if you aren’t climbing mountains!Should we be scared of ticks on the trail?Prevention is key, so try to use DEET and Permethrin. Be aware of the migrating pain that comes with Lymes Disease so you know wether or not you have any issues. Garlic has also been known to thwart ticks. Ticks can also affect people differently based on our immune systems so eating correctly and getting enough sleep can help in the long run. This could be the same for Giardia and how it affects each of us.What about mold? Should hikers be concerned about mold in our gear?We can test for this now in patients. Some of the signs are foggy memory or forgetting things like where you left your keys or peoples names. It is important to note that only 25 percent of our population are genetically susceptible to mold toxins.What are your thoughts about moving your body more naturally and stretching to lessen chances of injury?Katy Bowman and Anot Benal are supporters of movement and alternative methods like foam rollers, trigger point therapy or dry needling. Backpackers that have heavier packs need to do something to help out their spine.

Tim Hoefer is my guest today. He and his wife Julie own and operate Elk Ridge Campground along the 410 Highway in Yakima Valley. My family recently took a trip to the area and found his campground online. After staying two nights, I decided that Tim would be a great guest, with his knowledge and platform in the area. We talk about his facility, as well as the area around. We used Elk Ridge Campground as a landing pad for hiking and brewery hopping. We visited all the breweries in Yakima Valley and ate at some amazing spots. Our daughters loved the bakery items at nearby Sticky Fingers Bakery and Cafe. My favorite spot that we stopped was the beer and pizza at Bron Yr Aur Brewering Company. My wife enjoyed the downtown atmosphere where we did a short brew hike between Berchman's Brewing Company, Hop Nation Brewing Company and the Beer Shoppe! Don't forget to shop our Cascade Hiker Hats and Bumper Stickers! Join Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! Click HERE @N_CascadeHiking Like our Facebook Page CLICK HERE On Instagram Cascade Hiker Podcast Check out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town. Shop: REI Amazon My Trail Company (GoLite)

Join Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! Click HEREHeather and Josh Legler from the First 40 Miles Podcast are my guests in this episode. They released their first episode back on December 16th, 2014. Their latest episode 139, features me!Heather, and her sidekick Josh, explain the history of their podcast and hiking experience. The First 40 Miles is geared toward new hikers and the intro on every show says-"If you’re new to hiking and backpacking then this podcast is for you.  We’ll talk about the essentials, how to lighten your load and how to make the most of your time on the trail. Welcome to The First 40 Miles!"We talk about clothing they create through Zazzle.Also their three published books- Trail Fuel: 40 Quick and Easy Recipes for Wilderness Backpacking40 Backpacking Hacks Volume 140 Backpacking Hacks Volume 2Join Me at Patreon to get exclusive content! Click HERE@N_CascadeHikingLike our Facebook Page CLICK HEREOn Instagram Cascade Hiker PodcastCheck out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town.Shop: REIAmazonMy Trail Company (GoLite)