Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate Mid-Life Crisis

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 stories to tell and even tries out a new name for Trail Magic. Let me know what you think; it may catch on! If you'd like to catch up with the Minnesota Hikings, check out their various social media sites below. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mnhikings Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MNHikings YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdpLKNHTlR-G9D1KqNT_fag/playlists Also, if you'd like to know what it's like to be a real life unicorn, check out Jamey's personal sites. Blog: https://www.uniproshow.com/apps/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheUnicyclingUnicorn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheUnicyclingUnicorn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_unicycling_unicorn Katie is easing her way back into fitness by doing short days on her way through Shenandoah National Park. The great news is that she's currently feeling no pain. Let's hope it continues. In Larry Luxenburg's book, Walking the Appalachian Trail, Larry and his guests have reached Baxter State Park and Katahdin. If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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 free copy of his short AT primer as an ebook from that site. Katie is back on the trail. This time, she is carefully reinserting herself onto the trail, starting in Shenandoah and hoping that her leg continues to heal. If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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 an English faculty member at the college. Semester-A-Trail: https://www.ehc.edu/outdoor-program/semester-atrail/ Ryan's email: [email protected] Don't forget. If you're coming along to Trail Days this weekend, drop in and see Steve at the author's section to say hi! You can check out his books at steveadamsauthor.com Also this week, Steve is still looking for members of Mighty Blue's Tramily to help raise money for Parenting Matters, a wonderful parenting education agency here on Florida's Gulf Coast. Check that out at https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Bradenton/10000Stepsfor10000Families I hope to welcome some of you to my team. If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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 [email protected] Ryan referred to a coverage app. You can check that out here. http://www.twostepsbeyond.com/apps/ I also mentioned my new author website. Check it out at https://steveadamsauthor.com/ If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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 Phone: (706) 389-9668 Email: [email protected] Katie, or Phoenix, has been having a tough few weeks and has come to a decision that changes her AT plans. That said, as always, she looks on the bright side. If you'd like to support the Virtual Walk, 10,000 Steps for 10,000 Families, click on the link below to walk virtually with Steve, in Mighty Blue's Tramily. Thanks for all the support. https://runsignup.com/RaceGroups/109424 If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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 the woman she initially presented. Her story is another of those that fall under the category of "beware of what you wish for." In Sarah's case, the transformation was totally positive. You can follow Sarah's YouTube channel and blog by clicking on the links below. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_pOpiIJZEbb6b8EKDHj6bA https://www.themountaineer.com/search/?l=25&sort=relevance&f=html&t=article%2Cvideo%2Cyoutube%2Ccollection&app=editorial&nsa=eedition&q=georgia+to+maine+with+sarah+jane Katie has had another tough week, with a nagging ankle injury teaching her a significant lesson. Nevertheless, she soldiers on and heads out again this Thursday. I spoke today about my new Author page. You can find it at https://steveadamsauthor.com/ With a bit of luck, it should be live on Thursday morning!! Check out the intended covers of my next hiking books below. NOTE!! These are NOT written yet. These were designed by a previous podcast guest, Jessie Crawford. You can see more of her great design work at https://jessiecrawford.com/ Larry Luxenburg's Walking the Appalachian Trail distills trail wisdom that is still relevant 30 years after it was written. We're coming to the end of this book. I hope you've enjoyed getting this glimpse into our hiking forefathers. If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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 Trail and the Benton MacKaye Trail connecting to the AT at Springer. When Nimblewill reaches Katahdin this season, he will be the oldest person to complete the AT at 83 years old. Check out his website and blog here: https://nimblewillnomad.com/ Perry's Photography Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perrywintersphotography/ Check out Perry's prints here: https://perrywinters.smugmug.com/ Ryan's email: [email protected] Steve caught up with Katie once more as she nears the 300-mile mark. A rest in Hot Springs will be just what she needs. Steve also shared details about his virtual walk to support Parenting Matters. If you'd like to join Mighty Blue's Tramily, just click here. https://runsignup.com/RaceGroups/109424 If you'd just like to walk yourself or start your own team, click here. https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Bradenton/10000Stepsfor10000Families You can check out Parenting Matters at https://parentingmattersfl.org/ The new Parenting Matters Podcast is here. https://parentingmattersfl.org/podcast/ Please share the podcast if you know any parents or families who may benefit. If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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 be found on his website. Zach also shares what he has learned from embracing the ultralight style and focusing on big mile days. Check out Zach's information-packed website here: https://relishhikes.com/ Zach's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8roAF3r-fi5PxLQaW3ZwWA/featured Also in this week's show, Steve shared news of a Virtual Walk on behalf of Parenting Matters, in Bradenton. You can sign up to be a member of Mighty Blue's Tramily at https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Bradenton/10000Stepsfor10000Families Additionally, Steve mentioned a podcast you may wish to share with families you know. You can find that at https://parentingmattersfl.org/podcast/ and anywhere else you listen to podcasts. If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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 Trail thru-hike by reflecting and growing every step of the way. Check out Nova's Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/kassdeey/ As Ryan said in the show, he welcomes emails with comments about the podcast and other ideas you may have for him. He's at [email protected]. Katie Westling is in NOC, with the weather and her second Covid vaccination slowing her down a little. But she's in good spirits and will be doing that long climb out of the NOC, while many of you are listening to this. Best of luck with that one, Katie! If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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-hike, as well as his other adventures, check out his YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8CaiumFMxCXZ6fgIEVvJHg As Zach mentioned in our conversation, he is a passionate advocate for Hike For Mental Health, and his fundraiser for the CDT supports that charity. You can check that out here. https://www.hikeformentalhealth.org/hikers/just-awesome-hikes-the-cdt/ Katie's truncated start of the Appalachian Trail is about to be truncated once more, as she heads back home for her second Covid shot. We caught up after she'd experienced some of the trail's notorious Georgia weather. Larry Luxenburg's Walking the Appalachian Trail introduces us to a variety of animals on the AT, in particular, Ziggy, the hiking cat! If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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 thought these days, as he works to realize his ambition. He's been shot at and had about 20 interactions with Law Enforcement while blazing this trail, so the difficulty of the mission should not be underestimated. If you'd like to learn more about the trail and about Rue, you can follow him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ruemckenrick/ and on the trail's website, at https://americanperimetertrailproject.weebly.com/ Katie Westling is learning a few harsh realities on the trail, though she was expecting them! Her honeymoon period is over and the real work of a thru-hike is now in front of her. Remember, you can follow her on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChEDoHA8w7RgCgs8MxuiIxA/videos With Summer coming, I'm taking a break from the main part of the podcast (apart from a monthly show plus my weekly interviews with Katie) and Ryan Hopkins will be taking my place as the presenter. Here, Ryan chats about his plans for the show and demonstrates how he is a ready-made temporary replacement for me. Don't forget, I'll be back in October full time. In the interim, you can reach out to Ryan at [email protected] or, of course, I'll always be happy to hear from any of you at [email protected] Larry Luxenburg's "Walking the Appalachian Trail" discusses some of the traditions and silliness of the trail from 25 years ago. If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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 Switzerland, so we spoke about his logistical challenges of getting onto the trail, as well as the enjoyment that he derived from literally every day that he spent on the trail. You can follow more of Ray's experiences through his Instagram account at https://www.instagram.com/rkroebl/. Also this week, ATC's Brendan Mysliwiec, who is the Director of Federal Policy and Legislation and runs advocacy and federal government relations for ATC. He shares some fascinating insights into the sort of work with which the ATC is involved, dealing with an incoming administration. Then, Katie Westling got on the phone to me and shared those first few days of being on the trail. As you'll hear, Katie had a somewhat more comfortable time than most!! If you'd like to see more of Katie's hike, remember to visit her YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChEDoHA8w7RgCgs8MxuiIxA Finally, in Walking The Appalachian Trail, by Larry Luxenburg, we're introduced to the cult of Garveyism!! Fascinating. If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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 grit allowed her to finish the trail and add to her hiking resume. You can learn more about Chaunce from her website, http://julianachauncey.com/. You can also follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/juliana_chauncey/ and her YouTube channel is at https://www.youtube.com/user/julianachauncey You can find Chaunce's book on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Hiking-Home-Long-Distance-Family-Friends/dp/0578635143?fbclid=IwAR10B9Mz53tFfuyhi5LGCe1tCPwc-ibmZfGZDW_ZnOtUNEsMH3XmmgPerrU Katie Westling is starting her countdown to next week's Appalachian Trail start, so she and I discuss those last-minute arrangements–and nerves. After Andrew Downs came on the show a couple of weeks back, Maury Johnson wanted to talk about the ATC in the context of the deal that they had made with Mountain Valley Pipeline. Of course, I was only too pleased to share my platform with him, and he aired his own views of what he sees as an unsatisfactory situation. Finally, Larry Luxenburg's Walking the Appalachian Trail talks about hiking as an older hiker, as well as with a disability or even severe injury. If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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 summited with Cushy Life, Turd Ferguson, and Shark Tooth, along with Runaway Jim. As she'll tell you, they laughed relentlessly. Knowing these people, I can well understand it. If you'd like to read Mooney's blog, here it is: https://www.hiketotheheart.com or follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/hiketotheheart/ Sandi Marra speaks on behalf of the ATC with regard to their JEDI initiative. If you'd like to learn more about this, go to https://appalachiantrail.org/our-work/about-us/jedi/ We're back on with Katie Westling as she counts down to her start date in less than two weeks. This week, Katie surprises me by how similar our gear is. Katie's YouTube channel is at https://youtube.com/channel/UChEDoHA8w7RgCgs8MxuiIxA while she is also raising awareness of Resources For Resilience. You can check them out at: https://resourcesforresilience.com/ Finally, Larry Luxenburg's Walking The Appalachian Trail continues this week's theme of strong women on the trail. If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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 to get it to you all, I haven't figured out yet. But watch this space for news in the future. Joseph's determination and self-belief carried him forward, sharing his hike with both his daughter and wife at various times, and meeting a guy with whom he hiked over 1,000 miles. We're introducing our new Class of 2021 hiker this week. She is Katie Westley, or Phoenix Rising. This week, we learn about why she's heading out on the trail in March. New week, I'll be learning more from Katie regarding her gear. Katie is supporting Resources For Resilience on her hike and talks about them briefly on the show. If you'd like to learn more, visit them here. https://resourcesforresilience.com/ Additionally, you can follow Katie's YouTube channel here. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChEDoHA8w7RgCgs8MxuiIxA In our ATC segment today, Julie Judkins tells us "How to be an Ally." If you'd like to put more of this into practice, or understand further, visit https://appalachiantrail.org/event/2021-hiker-guidance-how-to-be-an-ally/ Finally today, Larry Luxenburg is talking about Trail Magic in his book, Walking the Appalachian Trail. If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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 did it. He's still a quiet guy, thoughtful in his deliberations. In fact, I had to cut out quite a few pauses in our chat to keep the flow going. Yet that determination is still there and–after all–he is still an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker. You can follow Dan and his girlfriend's new YouTube page, where he shares a few things he learned from the trail. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwarHBfDGl7-nr-OIfkfLcw The ATC have recently come under heavy criticism for a contract they signed last year with Mountain Valley Pipeline, a company which is exactly what it sounds like! Much of the criticism seems to have been reflexive, and I wanted to know what the rationale behind this seeming sell-out was. ATC provided me with Andrew Downs, a thru-hiker himself, who is passionate about both the trail and the attendant environmental issues. You may or may not agree with this rationale, but I hope you give him the opportunity to make his case and read further on the subject through all or any of the following articles. https://energynews.us/2020/10/05/southeast/less-than-ideal-bedfellows-mountain-valley-pipeline-payout-prompts-criticism/ https://roanoke.com/news/local/conservation-groups-purchase-land-to-preserve-views-from-mcafee-knob/article_3f9c56b4-4483-11eb-bd80-0f4943ce97ba.html https://roanoke.com/news/local/mountain-valley-pledges-up-to-19-5-million-to-conserve-land-along-appalachian-trail/article_3bc114c2-d07c-5947-8886-0ff3d106e17f.html Please feel free to offer your own opinion on this. I may bring you on the air or read out your concerns and will certainly bring Andrew back on to answer those concerns. Finally today, Larry Luxenburg's "Walking the Appalachian Trail" discusses some of the more spiritual aspects of the trail. Whether you're religious or not, the trail affects you in a spiritual way. If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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 conversation, Carol also mentioned Craig's PCT Planner. It is in her resource directory, but I thought I'd add the link as she referred to it. https://pctplanner.com/ You can also connect with Caroll and Thru-r at: THRU-r Instagram: www.instagram.com/thru_r/ THRU-r Facebook: www.facebook.com/thrurcommunity/ Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carollcoyne/ Kathryn Herndon-Powell returns on behalf of the ATC to help hikers with some social distancing suggestions when out on a trail. If you're still planning on a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail this year, make sure you check out https://atcamp.org/. This is a valuable resource that allows you to move your start date forward or backward to miss some high-capacity days. You can also register your own hike, thus helping other hikers who wish to do the same. Finally, in my reading of his book, Walking The Appalachian Trail, Larry Luxenburg is probably preaching to the choir when he reminds us that "it's all about your attitude." If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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 from his 90s thru-hike, as well as two from recent days on the trail. He also referred to an organization that he led trail crew for. This is the Student Conservation Association (SCA). They run a large number of programs for different ages including the Summer trail crews for teenage volunteers, Americorp programs and others. The SCA may be of interest to listeners who would like a way to work within the trail community or who have teenage children. Their website can be found at https://www.thesca.org/ Our ATC segment is entitled "Stay in the Know" this week, with Communication Director, Jordan Bowman. While we started with that subject, I eventually moved it on to the other interesting topic I mentioned earlier. Finally, today, Larry Luxenberg's Walking the Appalachian Trail warns us of the multitude of things that COULD go wrong on a thru-hike. Be warned!! If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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 make, and she closed down for the season. If you'd like to learn more about Tina and the hostel, you can visit her website, at http://www.quarterwayinn.com/, where you can also check out her necklaces. Additionally, you can find her on social media at www.facebook.com/quarterwayinn and www.instagram.com/quarterwayinn. In her story, she refers to her Americorps adventures, so you can read more on that at https://www.americorps.gov/nccc, while you can find out more about volunteering with a trail crew at https://appalachiantrail.org/get-involved/volunteer/trail-crews/ Tina also makes and sells Appalachian Trail necklaces and agreed to give one away to a lucky listener. As you'll see below, I wear mine–which I received as a gift at Christmas. All you have to do is tell me, "Which of the 31 AT Maintaining Clubs maintains the trail surrounding the Quarter Way Inn?" When you have the answer, just email me at [email protected] and you'll go into the draw in a couple of weeks. In our ATC segment today, under the Know Before You Go mini-series, Chloe De Camara asks "Why Does Leave No Trace matter?" Once you hear Chloe, you may be interested in finding about the story behind the principles, so go to lnt.org. Finally today, Larry Luxenburg's "Walking The Appalachian Trail is all about the middle miles, with a few words from our #1 thru-hiker, Earl Schaffer. If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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 their respective and joint hikes, as well as their adventures together since the AT. You can connect and find out more about them at their Challenge & Beauty website, https://challengeandbeauty.com/, find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/challengeandbeauty, on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/challenge_and_beauty/. Their first book, Trail Running Utah, is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Trail-Running-Utah-Challenge-Beauty/dp/1661352820/ref=sr_1_1 Their second set of books, Trail Running Tasmania and Day Hikes Tasmania, are available in the US via special order on their website: https://challengeandbeauty.com/order-now/ Their illustrated book about their AT experience, Filthy and Free, is in the works and will be available later this year. I'll let you know when that comes out. This week on the Know Before You Go ATC part of the show, Laurie Potteiger suggests that we "Explore Locally." She tells us about alternative trails to explore, some of which are listed here. www.appalachiantrail.org/explore/plan-and-prepare/hiker-resource-library/alternate-trails/ A link to the Alternate Trails page, as well as ATC's Day-hiking and Overnight Hiking checklists updated for hiking during COVID-19, and many other useful pages, can be found in the Hiker Resource Library at www.appalachiantrail.org/hiker-resources. Don't forget, if you are going to get on the AT, make sure you register at www.ATCamp.org. In our book reading of Larry Luxenburg's Walking the Appalachian Trail, Larry talks about everybody's favorite subject; food and the exquisite possibility of eating guiltlessly. If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUjqg7BI_TE-D_O45GapBzw/videos and follow him on Facebook here. https://www.facebook.com/Old-Man-and-the-PCT-2020-105383960868532 Kathryn Herndon-Powell shares her experience in our ATC segment as the first part of a mini-series, Know Before You Go: How To Plan for Hiking in 2021. Somebody found our microphone on the hikingradionetwork.com website!! Julia Doherty–a fellow Brit–tells us that she's found the perfect solution for people who like to journal on the trail and don't want to bring a heavy book. Check them out at https://www.thrunotes.co.uk/ Finally today, Larry Luxenburg's Walking the Appalachian Trail covers something of a rarity; hikers who repeat their AT thru-hike. Who on earth would ever do that?? If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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 from them throughout his initial and further hikes. You can follow Steve within that community at https://www.facebook.com/steve.yale.395 Jordan Bowman, Director of Communications for the ATC is our second guest this week. Jordan is a fellow member, with me, from the AT Class of 2014, and his responsibility has been to fashion and develop the message coming out from the ATC on behalf of the trail. It hasn't been an easy year. If you're planning a hike on the Appalachian Trail next year, check out their Hiker Preparation series of videos on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFH_6GYIHxE&list=PLUtubPrCAycOb-j-OsqTW5yQQxjQKfQja I revealed the competition winner today for our map giveaway. Christopher Marshburn is the lucky recipient. Here's a link to the Facebook Live draw that I did on Wednesday. https://fb.watch/2IIhBNsrNq/ Finally, Larry Luxenburg's Walking the Appalachian Trail digs into the motivations of people's hikes and we learn that virtually nobody does it like anybody else! If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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 see more of Bear's pics on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/trevor__hendry/ There is no middle section of the show this week, but our ATC segment continues next week. In Larry Luxenburg's "Walking the Appalachian Trail" we meet a new character and you'll hear that many of the concerns of today's hiker are reflected in these stories of 30 and 40 years ago. If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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 Hiker Yearbook, you can find out at his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/thehikeryearbook and at his website, which is https://hikeryearbook.com/ The last time I saw Kathryn Herndon-Powell, she was at our Woods Hole Weekend, educating everybody about Leave No Trace. This week, on our ATC segment, her topic is Trail Communities. So listen in and find out how why trailside towns are so important. Finally today, in Larry Luxenburg's Walking the Appalachian Trail, we get another take on a trail legend; Grandma Gatewood. If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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 listener to our show, Don Robinson, recently bought and gifted one of Larry's meticulously detailed maps to Steve. Larry then picked up the ball and offered to personalize a map for Steve. It is nothing less than spectacular. Check out the video further below. If you'd like to learn more about Larry's wonderful maps, visit his website at https://www.redeftmapping.com/ or find him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/Red_Eft_Mapping/ Steve and Larry discuss how these maps came about and–very generously–Don Robinson and Larry are donating the original map to one of our listeners. Larry himself poses the question on our show, so don't forget to enter this competition. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zs2XvoTHrkw Alyssa Reck was somewhat thrown in at the deep end with a few minutes' notice for this week's ATC segment but handled herself admirably. Alyssa's subject was "Why Connections Matter: From Engagement to Responsible Recreation." If you'd like to learn more about the issues discussed, Alyssa has provided the following links. Hiker Resource Library https://appalachiantrail.org/hiker-resources, This is a collection of resources for hikers to stay safe, healthy, and responsible on the Appalachian Trail. Register on A.T. Camp https://atcamp.org/ Recreate Responsibly Coalition https://www.recreateresponsibly.org/ Folks can also always find ATC us on Social Media. Lastly, Gene Espy figures in this week's reading of Larry Luxenburg's "Walking the Appalachian Trail." If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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 leaders for tomorrow. I'm afraid it's time for us old fat white guys to step aside!! You can reach out to Stephanie through her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000442855977 Stephen Eren, Trail Facilities Manager with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, shares his views on Life on a Trail Crew. As he said that he would in our conversation, Stephen has provided us with plenty of links to explore the possibilities of working on the trail. Get involved with SWEAT, Rocky Top, or Konnarock Trail Crews: https://appalachiantrail.org/get-involved/volunteer/trail-crews/ SWEAT https://appalachiantrail.org/get-involved/volunteer/trail-crews/smokies-wilderness-elite-a-t-crew-sweat/ Rocky Top https://appalachiantrail.org/get-involved/volunteer/trail-crews/rocky-top-trail-crew/ Konnarock https://appalachiantrail.org/get-involved/volunteer/trail-crews/konnarock-trail-crew/ Learn more about Trail Maintenance, Visitor Use Management, Leave No Trace, and Wilderness https://wildernessskillsinstitute.org/2020-wsi/ I was–at last–able to connect for a debrief with Mr President, or Bill Tickner, after the conclusion of the AT section of his now-completed Triple Crown, which saw him cross the "finish" line at Damascus. Finally today, Larry Luxenburg's Walking the Appalachian Trail looks back at the origins of the trail, and the people who made it happen. If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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-turned-author, Ben Crawford, shares why, despite exposing his family to YouTube scrutiny, there is more to tell. Like Matthew's book, you can find Ben's on Amazon by clicking on the book cover. Remember, you can get your own signed copy of Ben's book by answering the question I asked in the podcast. Send your answer to [email protected]. I also mention the magnificent, personalized map of my 2019 hike. You can see my video below and more of Larry Knight's work at redeftmapping.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zs2XvoTHrkw Finally, continuing both the book and map theme, Larry Luxenburg's Walking the Appalachian Trail talks of another giant map. Once again, find Larry's book at Amazon. (Sorry about the small pic!!) If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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/, while he is also available at https://alantcarpenter.com/. Alan's book about a healthy lifestyle is at https://www.amazon.com/Choose-Better-Live-Healthy-Choices/dp/1734254408/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=choose+better%2C+live+better&qid=1605221852&s=books&sr=1-1 Julie Judkins and I talk about Education and Outreach at the ATC. Julie has shared a document that highlights their JEDI approach!! You can read it here. https://appalachiantrail.org/our-work/about-us/jedi/ I was so struck by the beautiful new medal from Hiker Medals recently and wanted to share it with you all AND get Wim Schalken on the show to tell us about it. He even includes a new discount code!! Go to https://www.hikermedals.com/product-page/2020-medal-free-engraving Larry Luxenberg's "Walking The Appalachian Trail" makes its debut on the show this week. It was written in the 90s and has contemporary stories from the era that offer some interesting counter narratives with some of today's hiking journals. Should be fascinating. If you can't wait for me to read it all, you can buy it from Amazon, here. https://www.amazon.com/Walking-Appalachian-Trail-Larry-Luxenberg/dp/0811730956 If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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 and inspire others. You can follow Julia on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/juliasheehan/ and her YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/jls935/featured Laura Belleville from the ATC takes on the subject of managing and protecting the AT in times of crisis. As you'll hear, Covid is just one of many issues that qualifies as a crisis. If you'd like to learn about the work that Laura refers to, check out the incident form at https://appalachiantrail.org/explore/plan-and-prepare/report-an-incident/ Learn more about Landscape Conservation and Climate Resiliency at https://appalachiantrail.org/our-work/conservation/landscape/ and https://appalachiantrail.org/register-blog/a-t-volunteers-are-saving-the-world/ Bill Tickner's phone eventually gave up the ghost, so we were unable to record a final catch up, but I will speak with him in next week's show. Finally today, Fozzie's hiking companions–and Fozzie–conclude Balancing on Blue by telling us all about their post-trail direction and the lessons they learned. Remember, you can get a full audio version of Balancing on Blue from Amazon. If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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 you'll find a donate button to make your gift. https://www.parkinson.org/ The ATC's Marian Orlousky surprised me by the breadth of work the ATC undertakes regarding science. As always, you should go to https://appalachiantrail.org/ if you'd like to learn more, though Marian did warn me that some of the links on the program-specific pages aren't working. She did say that the website is in the process of being updated. Mr President is under 100 miles from Damascus. As you'll hear, he is throwing himself into the whole experience in these closing miles; his Halloween costume should give you an idea that it's not all about the miles. Fozzie's Balancing on Blue is nearly over, and this week, the boys reach Katahdin. The full audio version of Balancing on Blue can be found on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes. If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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 journey hadn't unfolded as I'd expected it would. Yet it is well worth listening to. If you'd like to find out more about the Purple People, click on some links below. https://www.ilovethemailboxes.com https://www.instagram.com/themailboxes/ https://www.youtube.com/user/themailboxesmusic Extra Links: https://www.facebook.com/themailboxes https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ZgpagevHW6qjOL6lQs7jb https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/the-mailboxes/591571580 Morgan Sommerville was next up for the ATC, with his insights into how the organization is trying to combat overuse on the trail. If you'd like to find out more, click on some links below. Morgan referred to the A.T. Comprehensive Plan, which is the essential A.T. management guidance: https://www.nps.gov/appa/learn/management/upload/CompPlan_web.pdf If you fancy a really deep dive into visitor use management, you should check here: https://visitorusemanagement.nps.gov/ And, ATCamp is where people and groups planning to camp on the A.T. can see if their proposed overnight site has room for them, and where thru-hikers can register the start date of their hike. ATCamp has charts that instantly update with each new registration, that show how many people are planning to camp at a given overnight site, or start a thru-hike on a given day in GA, Baxter, and for flip-flops, thus allowing them to spread out: https://atcamp.org/ Mr President is into the last two weeks of his hike. Unfortunately, I screwed up the audio this week by cutting off the first four or five minutes of our talk. Sorry Bill. Finally, Keith Foskett heads to the end with a virus tracking hikers down. Keith wanted you all to know that the full audiobook of Balancing on Blue is available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes. If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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 the Program Director for Volunteer Relations and in this week's "Discovering the ATC segment," she shares with us the myriad ways that you can volunteer to help YOUR trail. "Volunteering on the A.T.: From Recreation to Stewardship" is the title they gave me, so I dove in to find out more. If you'd like to help out, go to https://appalachiantrail.org/get-involved/volunteer/, and Leanna or one of her colleagues will point you in the right direction. Bill Tickner continues to weave his way south, enjoying every minute as he closes in on his Triple Crown. And Fozzie, in Balancing on Blue, discovers the boundaries he's unable to cross when a member of his tramily requires a somewhat closer inspection than Fozzie is prepared to give. If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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 overnighting and the various considerations you have to take into account. The following morning, we returned to Weary Feet, then drove to Woods Hole, where everybody joined up and spent Friday till Sunday lunchtime as our own little tramily. Pretty much everybody spoke, and, as you'll hear, the weekend was a great success. Special thanks go to Neville and Bruce for coming up with the idea and implementation and Tina for joining us from the Quarterway Inn. Tina showed off her AT necklace (Below). If you'd like to buy one or see more about them, check out her website shop at https://quarterwayinn.square.site/ You can also find out more about her hostel for a future stay (currently closed) at https://www.quarterwayinn.com/ If you'd like to find out more about Woods Hole, go to http://woodsholehostel.com/ and to learn more about Weary Feet, go to https://wearyfeethostel.com/ I've got Bill Tickner (Mr President) again as he pushes into his last state, Virginia. Also this week, Andrew Downs, Senior Regional Director for ATC in Virginia, kicks off our new segment of conversations with the ATC. This week, the subject is "Thru-Hiking to ATC Staff: How Has My Perspective Changed after my Thru-Hike?" Because of the length of this show, we're not including the latest episode of Fozzie's Balancing on Blue. That will be next week. If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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 full of the wisdom of age and the experience of a trail shared. Bill Tickner catches up with Steve after two weeks and is into his final state; Virginia. He reflects on the many places he's seen in this past couple of weeks. With Damascus as his goal to complete his Triple Crown, we only have Bill for a few more weeks. In his book, Balancing on Blue, Fozzie passes through the New York Zoo that is part of the trail, with thoughts of freeing a caged fox that he sees there. If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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 that the two of them appeared on the Drew Barrymore TV show the day after they spoke with me. Hopefully, I didn't ruin them for Drew!! Find out for yourself by clicking here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtN5vjn2wCU&app=desktop I highly recommend Briana's blog at https://naturespirit.me/AT/ and you can connect with her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/brianamsully/ No Bill Tickner this week as we were unable to connect in time before I went away for a few days. Bill will be back next week. Keith Foskett's Balancing on Blue delves into the nether regions this week. Don't say I didn't warn you!! If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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 him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/bill.tickner or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mrpresidenthikes/ In the show, I referred to a hiker I met in 2014, No Pain. He has been missing for nearly a year, so I thought I'd share the poster below in the hope that somebody may recognize him and even know where he is. Please call the numbers on the poster if you know where he can be found. Instead of Bill in the middle part of this week's show, I caught up with Bounce, who is settling, for the time being, in Rangely. Finally today, Fozzie is nearer to Katahdin than he is to Springer, always a magical and awe-inspiring moment. If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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 links to share with listeners is illuminating. If you want to find out more about the Conservancy, go to https://appalachiantrail.org/. If you want to help, either through volunteering with or joining the organization, go to https://appalachiantrail.org/get-involved/volunteer/ or https://donate.appalachiantrail.org/default.aspx?tsid=7709. Mr President is fast discovering the joys of Pennsylvania, delighted that he invested in a fresh pair of shoes before he hit the state. He met up with two old friends and even met a listener. Fozzie's Balancing on Blue reaches the magnificent Virginia Triple Crown of Dragon's Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs. He also bumps into a stranger in need and steps up to help. This week, I got a wonderful surprise in the shape of a beautiful map from a listener, Don Robinson. Listen to how this all developed in the show, but check out https://www.redeftmapping.com/. You won't be disappointed!! If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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 pandemic. Eventually, when things eased up a little, he was back online and still heading north. You can learn more about Ryan's story on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/walkingtalkingpod on his website at http://www.ryanschlosser.com/ and at "Walking and Talking: An Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike" wherever you find your podcasts. Bill Tickner is loving his southbound hike, and he is now through both Connecticut and New York, having savored the delis AND a drive-in movie. Fozzie is preparing to drive back to Trail Days. First, though, he recalls the story of the Wapiti Shelter. If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com Any support is gratefully received.

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 photo and you should watch his video to give you an idea of his '93 PCT thru-hike. https://youtu.be/_iRufREILgM John Zaccone comes onto the show to talk to us about his popular–and rather addictive–app called Walk The Distance. Listen to John as he tells you how to get the app AND help the ATC. Mr President, Bill Tickner, introduces us to yet more serendipity and history of the trail. Follow up on this story by clicking this link to learn more about Ned Anderson and the beautiful Brae Burn Farm. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nestell_Kipp_Anderson Finally, Fozzie meets some ponies. No prizes for guessing where!! If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. The donate button is on the Mighty Blue podcast page at https://mightyblueontheat.com/the-podcast/ Any support is gratefully received.

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 feeling the heat, while his cabin in California is going through much the same thing. Bill's pragmatic approach to that tense situation says a lot of good things about him. Fozzie has reached the Smokies, always a highlight in the thru-hiking adventure. Special thanks to Ever Green Adventure Foods for their wonderful support for the past three weeks. They have a great product and a wonderful business ethic that is all about protecting and giving back to the various long-distance hiking trails. Thanks, Toast and Jammz. If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. The donate button is on the Mighty Blue podcast page at https://mightyblueontheat.com/the-podcast/ Any support is gratefully received.

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 Massachusetts border, staying in Bennington, VT. He shares an insight into some fellow SOBOs that had never occurred to me. Fozzie is approaching the Smokies. As anybody who has ever done the AT, the Smokies have their own way of greeting you! Thanks to this week's sponsor, Ever Green Adventure Foods. Find out more about them at https://evergreenadventurefoods.com/ If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. Click here to donate to the show. Any support is gratefully received.

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 changed a bit over the years!! Order Journeys North https://www.amazon.com/Journeys-North-Pacific-Crest-Trail/dp/1680513214 Visit Scout's Website https://barneyscoutmann.com/ Follow Scout on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/journeys.north/ https://www.facebook.com/barneyscoutmann/ Also this week, Bill Tickner, or Mr. President, joins the show to talk about his SOBO hike that originally started back in 2019. You can follow Bill's blog at https://www.wildernesseffect.com/ and find him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mrpresidenthikes/ And in Balancing on Blue, Fozzie hits Amicalola Falls and the start of his own thru-hike. An immediate problem is establishing his nationality! Get Fozzie's book at Amazon by clicking here The sponsor for this week's show is Ever Green Adventure Foods. Check them out at https://evergreenadventurefoods.com/ Thanks guys; it means a lot. If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. The donate button can be found on the Hiking Radio Network site at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/mighty-blue-on-the-appalachian-trail-the-ultimate-mid-life-crisis/donate/ Any support is gratefully received.

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 up with Amber on the trail at her YouTube vlog https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=redeemed+wanderer Bounce has found some peace once more, and he shares with Steve what the hike is doing for him. Our new book, Balancing on Blue, by Keith Foskett, picks up with Keith flying over the Atlantic, then reflecting upon how he got to the AT. If you'd like to check out this and Keith's other books, just go to his Amazon author page at https://www.amazon.com/Keith-Foskett/e/B00A535AQ6?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1596666090&sr=8-1 Thanks to our sponsor for the past few weeks, Triple Crown Coffee. Not only do they make a great Cup of Joe, they give back to the trail with every sale. I hope that you want to support them as you choose what you drink on the trail. Check them out at https://triplecrowncoffee.com/ If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. The donate button is on the Mighty Blue podcast page at https://mightyblueontheat.com/the-podcast/ Any support is gratefully received.

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/1kjIZWdJkpKWDkf02J7nUkYK8y9SUyih3OHB0JBcRfD0/edit If you'd like to hear more from Lily, her blog is at https://alengthyinterlude.wordpress.com/ and she is on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tuliplaglitter/ Bounce is now moving extremely fast, having said that he intended to slow down. Find out why. Despite the length of the show, I didn't want to miss bringing Erin Mackenzie's amazing encounter to you. Believe me, it is a tale that will make you appreciate that we share the trails with wild animals. Finally today, Keith Foskett's "Balancing on Blue" is our new book, about Keith's own AT journey. This week, he introduces his cast of characters. If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. The donate button is on the Mighty Blue podcast page at https://mightyblueontheat.com/the-podcast/ Any support is gratefully received.

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 about Brian and Keep Virginia Cozy with the links below. His website: http://keepvirginiacozy.org/ On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/keepvirginiacozy On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepvirginiacozy/ On MeetUp: http://www.meetup.com/keepvirginiacozy Bounce has had a tough few days. After our chat, I found out a little more. This is the picture he posted on his Facebook page. Grandma Gatewood has reached the end of the road and we hear of her final days. I don't know about you, but I will miss her! Thanks go to Triple Crown Coffee for supporting the show. We hope that you try out their great coffee on your next hike. Find them at https://triplecrowncoffee.com/ If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. The donate button is on the Mighty Blue podcast page at https://mightyblueontheat.com/the-podcast/ Any support is gratefully received.

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, after a shaky start, found that she loved thru-hiking. The AT fired her passion, and she is currently hiking the Colorado Trail, with the PCT in her sights soon. Bounce Da Hiker had been out of contact for a week, and it was only on Wednesday morning that I could get hold of him. He's right on the New Hampshire border, so let the fun and games begin!! Grandma Gatewood has amazed us along the way and, now in her 70s, she continues her wanderlust with a THIRD Appalachian Trail hike. We gratefully welcome to the show Triple Crown Coffee, our sponsor for the next four weeks. Find out more about them at https://triplecrowncoffee.com/ If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. The donate button is on the Mighty Blue podcast page at https://mightyblueontheat.com/the-podcast/ Your support is gratefully received.

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 company with a mission to give back to the three trails that make up the Triple Crown. Indeed, each roast is named after one of the trails. If you want to learn more about Chris and his coffee, go to https://triplecrowncoffee.com/ With Kate now home, we're following Bounce Da Hiker. This week, Bounce has been putting in some very long days and had to take a double zero when his body told him he needed a rest. Grandma Gatewood's fame, which had been growing while she was on the trail, gets even greater, as she appears alongside Groucho Marx on TV. If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. The donate button is on the Mighty Blue podcast page at https://mightyblueontheat.com/the-podcast/ Any support is gratefully received.

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 to each book, his blog, some info on his hikes and a contact page. You can also find him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Keith-Foskett-Fozzie-270894196286427/ On Twitter at https://twitter.com/KeithFoskett and on his Amazon Author page at https://www.amazon.co.uk/Keith-Foskett/e/B00A535AQ6?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_5&qid=1592228832&sr=8-5 Phoenix has been struggling with her ankle recently and, when she texted me on Thursday, I was expecting the worst, though she was in great spirits. Find out what happened. There are a few additional parts to the show this week, including an initiative by Bruce "RTK" Matson, so we hopped on the phone and were joined by Neville Harris of Woods Hole Hostel. Check out the Woods Hole website to learn more about Bruce's initiative. http://woodsholehostel.com/ And, for reasons that will become obvious, we get to meet Sean Campbell, or Bounce Da Hiker. Check out Bounce's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_bYx8ZiGBNPrJfu9eqY57A/videos Finally, Grandma Gatewood does the unthinkable–and goes again!! What a woman!! If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. The donate button is on the Mighty Blue podcast page at https://mightyblueontheat.com/the-podcast/ Any support is gratefully received. Music for the "A Woman of a Certain Age" segment is by permission of Kate's friend, John Jensen. You can see and hear it in full on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlP7g7qivo4 Thanks, John.

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 part of this dream, JC raised money for a charity close to his heart, Paws of War. You can learn more about them at their website, https://pawsofwar.org/contact-florida-chapter on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PawsofwarFlorida/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/pawsofwarflorida/ Kate, or "Phoenix," has had a tough few days and is pushing on in the heat of Connecticut after a zero in Kent, CT. She's having to pull on all her reserves of grit and determination as she continues to recover from her ankle injury and the tough terrain. Grandma Gatewood, after summiting Katahdin, had to deal with an inordinate amount of celebrity in the immediate aftermath. As she is going through this, a new plan is forming in her mind..... In this week's show I also referred to the excellent discussion that Anna Huthmaker had on her latest podcast with El Miller and the issue of hiking while black. It is a thoughtful, insightful look at something I'd never truly considered. You can find it on https://traildamespodcast.libsyn.com/episode-57-el-miller-bear-spray I also mentioned my own fundraiser for hikeforH2o, a charity that helps fund the construction and maintenance of wells in Africa, giving villages access to clean water for the first time. I'm currently 30 miles into my 45 miles-in-a-week challenge. You can still sponsor my effort at https://runsignup.com/MightyBlue If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. The donate button is on the Mighty Blue podcast page at https://mightyblueontheat.com/the-podcast/ Any support is gratefully received. Music for the "A Woman of a Certain Age" segment is by permission of Kate's friend, John Jensen. You can see and hear it in full on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlP7g7qivo4 Thanks, John.

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 them. They have an inspiring message and vision for a time that needs businesses like theirs. If you'd like to learn more about Toast and Jammz (and, of course, Jelly Belly), check out https://evergreenadventurefoods.com/ and follow them on social media at https://www.instagram.com/evergreen_adventurefoods/ and https://www.facebook.com/evergreenadventurefoods Phoenix, our Woman of a Certain Age, is dying to get out of New York. Her ankle still bothers her, but she's soldiering on. Late this evening (Wednesday, Jun 17) I heard from her as she passed 400 miles. Cori Strathmeyer wanted to share news of a charity that is helping three African countries to get clean water. Hikers can help in this effort, either by signing up to walk yourself or sponsoring me as I take on a challenge. I highly commend this cause to you. Go to https://www.hikeforh2o.org/ to sign up. Grandma Gatewood summits Katahdin and the writer, Ben Montgomery, wanted to follow in her footsteps. Listen as he follows in the path of this trail-blazing woman. If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. The donate button is on the Mighty Blue podcast page at https://mightyblueontheat.com/the-podcast/ Any support is gratefully received. Music for the "A Woman of a Certain Age" segment is by permission of Kate's friend, John Jensen. You can see and hear it in full on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlP7g7qivo4 Thanks, John.