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

Latest Episodes:

Episode #399 - Beth Bakke Stenehjem & Frank Levine (Dos Caminos) Nov 09, 2023

Show notes

Today, to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the completion of my Camino Francés hike in 2018, I've invited two friends to the show to share their Caminos this year. Beth Bakke Stenjhem went for her second Camino Francés earlier this year with some friends. It wasn't entirely plain sailing, with some nasty injuries along the way.

Also today, Frank Levine and his family took on the Portuguese Camino, from Lisbon to Santiago. His story has solidified my plans for the same hike next year, though Dana and I intend to start from Porto for a two-week hike. Frank has kindly shared an email address if you have any Camino questions for him. It is hikinglevine@gmail.com

We also hear about Joanne Flagg's ending at Springer Mountain, when she called me from the plaque within minutes of her completed thru-hike. She's our third full thru-hike this year, though Steve Nota also completed his hike from last year.

Then, Jessica Lang-Wright is continuing her own battle against the elements in an attempt to complete her thru-hike by mid- to late-December.

If you'd like to find out more about "Then The Hail Came," check out George's website at https://georgesteffanos.webador.com/. You can also find George's book on Amazon at this link. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QFG4ZR6.

I often ask listeners for ideas on who to interview, and I'm sure several of you say, "I could do that. I've got an awesome story to tell." You're the person we need to hear from. If you'd like to be interviewed on the podcast, just register as a guest on the link below, and I'll be in touch. https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/mighty-blue-on-the-appalachian-trail-the-ultimate-mid-life-c/guests/intake/

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.

If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.

You can also support our shows by visiting our online "Merch" store. Check it out at https://hrntradingpost.com/, or click on the store button on our network website at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com.

If you'd like to take advantage of my book offer (all three of my printed hiking books–with a personal message and signed by me–for $31, including postage to the United States) send a check payable to Mighty Blue Publishing at the address just above.

Episode #398 - Kyle O'Grady (Narnar) Nov 02, 2023

Show notes

Our guest this week is the host of the popular YouTube channel, Kyle Hates Hiking. Kyle O'Grady did his AT thru-hike in 2018, then started his channel a year later. He's funny, irreverent, and wryly observant. I even tried out something new in our interview. I hope you like it.

You can follow Kyle on several platforms. Of course, there's his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@KyleHatesHiking, but you can also follow him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kylehateshiking/ and hear his podcast, Trail Tales - Thru Hiking and Backpacking on Apple at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trail-tales-thru-hiking-backpacking-and-peak-bagging/id1441376382 and on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/show/5LsMWoNa5qPw1jQvqhwE5B?si=ba6c5e7d3fc84611

While everything on his YouTube channel is hiking and backpacking related, Kyle has branched out into mysteries on the trail. These are well-researched and very entertaining.

Joanne is nearing the end of her thru-hike. In fact, she plans to summit Springer the day THIS episode is released, and I hope to be able to interview her from Springer Mountain for next week's show.

Jessica is still moving on, but we were unable to connect this week. We'll hear from her next week.

If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.

Episode #397 - Aron Goss (OG) Oct 26, 2023

Show notes

Aron Goss did his thru-hike this year. It was about as perfect as a hike could be, with his family supporting him every step of the way, and climbing Katahdin with him at the end. On the way, he engaged with his fellow hikers, gaining an appreciation of the community and enjoying his interactions with younger hikers he met.

You can follow his progress on his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Zm4PKcsysvdb2l-nWWIrA and on his Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/agoss23and3/

At the end of his trip, much like his all or nothing approach to his hike, Aron got a tattoo. Check it out below. Now THAT'S what I call an AT tattoo.

Joanne is now under 200 miles to go, while Jessica stayed with Betty and Bruce McEnaney this week. Betty was also in the MB Class of 23 this year. Here they are together. That always warms my heart.

If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.

Episode #396 - Ed Riggs (Phys Ed) Oct 19, 2023

Show notes

We have Ed Riggs on the show today. Ed hiked the AT in 2013 and had to face some severe health issues on the way. In fact, he had to leave the trail and come back the following year to get it completed.

He also faced the dilemma many of us encounter while we're out there; keeping the family comfortable with what we're doing, without scaring the living daylights out of them!

Ed is inspirational and worth checking out on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOicX70mHbdQbG5pGqqkepw

Unfortunately, due to a complete shambles on my part, I lost this week's recording with Joanne Flagg, but we do hear from Jessica Lang-Wright, who is heading south after her triumph on Katahdin last week.

If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.

Episode #395 - Chris Casado (Commissioner) Oct 12, 2023

Show notes

We have a returning guest this week. Chris Casado was the guy who was able to help me overcome the difficulties I was having with altitude out West, by getting me, in a guided hike, to the top of Mt Whitney. It remains one of my proudest moments.

I wanted to catch up with Chris to get his perspective of our hike and the many others he's involved with. He's an interesting character who gives a lot of himself in the service of others.

You can find out more about TSX and the other hikes at their website, at https://tsxchallenge.com/

Also, you can follow them on Facebook at https://m.facebook.com/tsxchallenge and on Instagram at https://instagram.com/tsx.challenge

With just two members of our Mighty BLue Class of 2023 still out there, we hear from Jessica at the summit of Mt Katahdin and Joanne from Erwin, TN. Check out Jessica's summit picture below.

If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.

Episode #394 - Drexel Swanson (Prepper) Oct 05, 2023

Show notes

Drexel Swanson, or Prepper, is our guest today. Drexel was a member of the Class of 23, and his story is an epic tale of resilience and a refusal to take no for an answer. What happened to him was, at times, truly stressful–even life endangering–yet he pushed on through with a grim determination.

I've seen pictures of the damage to his foot that he talks about in the show and, trust me with this, it isn't something you really want to see over your breakfast. But Drexel has a YouTube channel where–I must warn you here, his injury is on full display. Not for the squeamish!

You can find the YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@drexelhikes52 , but don't say I didn't warn you!!

Joanne and Jessica call in on their respective journeys this week, with Joanne into her last three states heading south, while Jessica pushes towards Katahdin.

If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.

Episode #393 - Laura Howe (Moonpants) Sep 28, 2023

Show notes

We have a newly minted Appalachian Trail thru-hiker as our main guest on the show today. Laura Howe, or Moonpants, took on the trail with gusto. Near the end, she had a terrifying river crossing that eventually necessitated an SOS call. She made it, but had an up-close look at how things can go quickly wrong.

Her can-do attitude shines through our conversation and, despite her untimely premature exit, she was able to get back on and finish the hike.

You can follow Laura through Instagram at https://instagram.com/moonpants.hikes

Both Jessica and Joanne continue heading in opposite directions, with Jessica approaching Monson and the 100 Mile Wilderness while Joanne is about to meet some ponies in the Grayson Highlands.

We also introduce you to our latest podcast on the channel, The Platinum Blazing Podcast, with Bruce (RTK) Matson as the host. This show is scheduled to hit next Wednesday, October 4, though Apple may have something to say about that! Rest assured, I'll be posting on our HikingRadioNetwork Facebook page to let you know it's up and running. After that, it'll be released every Wednesday morning.

If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.

Episode #392 - Lee Lovelace (Hooker Tush) Sep 21, 2023

Show notes

Lee Lovelace and I met at Trail Days this year in the author's tent. My books are about my AT thru-hike, while Lee's book, Sawyer's Run, is a novel about the AT. We both share an abiding passion for the trail and I wanted Lee to come on the show to tell his story of resilience.

Much of his novel is based upon real events, while plenty is made up; you decide what to believe!! Most importantly, when we spoke, he was healthy again.

you can check out a few links form Lee, including his author website at http://www.leelovelace.com , his Amazon Author page at http://www.amazon.com/stores/Lee-Lovelace/author/B08W6Z1YVS , as well as a blog post of his first attempt at a two week hike on the AT at https://www.justasmallcog.com/2017/10/14/not-the-hiking-story-i-thought-i-would-be-telling/ , and another post (with video) of his successful hike on the Virginia Triple Crown at https://www.justasmallcog.com/2021/06/22/virginia-triple-crown/

Mary, having been kicking her heels in Bangor for about five days, had her Katahdin Summit Day this past Friday. As you can see, and will hear, she had a blast.

We also caught up with Jessica and Joanne, experiencing their hikes in very different ways.

If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.

Episode #391 - Suzanne Roberts Sep 14, 2023

Show notes

Suzanne Roberts is our guest today. She shares a thoughtful, female perspective on long-distance hiking, using her 1993 JMT hike as a backdrop. The concept of a different experience from men to women had never occurred to me, but I was intrigued to hear her story.

She is releasing an Anniversary edition of her book about her JMT hike, and you can find it in the links she sent me below.

Almost Somewhere https://www.amazon.com/Almost-Somewhere-Twenty-Eight-Trail-Outdoor-ebook/dp/B0BYHDJQZB?ref_=ast_author_dp

Animal Bodies https://www.amazon.com/Animal-Bodies-Death-Desire-Difficulties/dp/1496231023/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&&qid=&&sr=

Bad Tourist

https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Tourist-Misadventures-Love-Travel/dp/B09MR51ZCJ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3BW358QN3V3IT&keywords=amazon+bad+tourist&qid=1694646839&s=books&sprefix=amazon+bad+tourist%2Cstripbooks%2C115&sr=1-1

My Writing Prompts substack newsletter I mentioned.

52 Writing Prompts | Suzanne Roberts | Substack

My website: Home

We have our first Appalachian Trail thru-hiker in our class of 23. Mark Carpenter made it to Katahdin on Tuesday. We hear from him prior to AND after his summit. Great achievement, Mark.

Additionally, Joanne Flagg measures her progress south, as Mary Marks prepares to emulate Mark in a few days.

If you'd like to find out more about "Then The Hail Came," check out George's website at Then The Hail Came George Steffanos . You can also find George's book on Amazon at this link. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QFG4ZR6.

If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.

You can also support our shows by visiting our online "Merch" store. Check it out at HRN Trading Post , or click on the store button on our network website at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com.

Episode #390 - Earl Porter (A.Ham) Sep 07, 2023

Show notes

In our last episode before the 9/11 Anniversary, Earl "Chico" Porter shares his inspirational story, and mission, to help veterans contemplating suicide. Part of this was to take on a winter SOBO hike of the Appalachian Trail, starting on the 20th Anniversary in 2021. You'll hear how Earl fared, as well as his deeper message, which will resonate with most of us.

Earl has supplied me with several links, including his Blog:

https://blogs.loc.gov/folklife/2023/06/one-way-to-mitigate-the-risk-of-post-traumatic-stress/

He was also on the Hazardground Podcast and others at:

Hazardground Podcast Ep. 292 - Earl Porter (U.S. Army / Something Outta Nothing) - Youtube

Veteran Trash Talk - Trash Talk Hour Episode 93

A Conversation With Greg C. Washington and Lou Koon

Finally, a couple of articles about Earl and his mission:

Law student parlays difficult beginnings into success in Army and academics (emory.edu)

Alumnus shines light on veteran suicide (ung.edu)

Our Class of 2023 is coming to a conclusion for two of our members, with Mary Marks and Mark Carpenter just days away from Katahdin, while Jessica Lang-Wright and Joanne Flagg continue their quest into the Autumn.

We were also lucky to hear from Doctor Lynne this week, who answered one of Mary Marks's questions on Trench Foot. If you'd like to read more about it and, indeed, other items Lynne has covered in the past, click on this link to gain access to everything.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1CJ5llgK7FUnbKnbtbWlsP6v_4dNentVa?usp=sharing

As a by the by, Lynne refers to Forest Gump and Lieutenant Dan on this very subject. Here's the clip.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eobm6s5ASVE

If you'd like to find out more about "Then The Hail Came," check out George's website at https://georgesteffanos.webador.com/ . You can also find George's book on Amazon at this link. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QFG4ZR6.

If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.

You can also support our shows by visiting our online "Merch" store. Check it out at https://hrntradingpost.com/ , or click on the store button on our network website at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com.

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