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

Latest Episodes:

Episode #270 - Jim Harrison May 13, 2021

Show notes

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: ryanh620@gmail.com

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.

Episode #269 - Will Campbell (Guano Man) on Trail Electronics May 06, 2021

Show notes

Will Campbell "Guano Man" joins the show this week as the first "subject matter expert" to discuss electronics and technology on the trail. With his electrical engineering background, we discuss batteries, cell phone systems, and chargers, all while considering the unique needs and challenges of the trail.

Guthook Articles: https://atlasguides.com/blog/tech-on-trail-archive/

Questions for Ryan or Will? Email ryanh620@gmail.com

Ryan referred to a coverage app. You can check that out here. http://www.twostepsbeyond.com/apps/

I also mentioned my new author website. Check it out at https://steveadamsauthor.com/

Any support is gratefully received.

Episode #268 - Lisa and Gordon Simmons (The Hostel Around the Bend) Apr 29, 2021

Show notes

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: stay@hostelaroundthebend.com

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

Any support is gratefully received.

Episode #267 - Sarah Jane Hatfield (Pringles) Apr 22, 2021

Show notes

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.

Any support is gratefully received.

Episode #266 - NC Trail Interviews (Nimblewill Nomad and more!!!) Apr 15, 2021

Show notes

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: ryanh620@gmail.com

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.

Any support is gratefully received.

Episode #265 - Zach Hoopes (Relish) Apr 08, 2021

Show notes

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.

Any support is gratefully received.

Episode #264 - Cass Bridges (Nova) Apr 01, 2021

Show notes

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 ryanh620@gmail.com.

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!

Any support is gratefully received.

Episode #263 - Zach Nagy (Just Awesome) Mar 25, 2021

Show notes

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!

Any support is gratefully received.

Episode #262 - Rue Mckenrick Mar 18, 2021

Show notes

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 ryanh620@gmail.com or, of course, I'll always be happy to hear from any of you at steve@hikingradionetwork.com

Larry Luxenburg's "Walking the Appalachian Trail" discusses some of the traditions and silliness of the trail from 25 years ago.

Any support is gratefully received.

Episode #261 - Ray Kroebl (Sparky) Mar 11, 2021

Show notes

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.

Any support is gratefully received.

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