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

Latest Episodes:

Episode #180 - Appalachian Trail (Days 175 to 178) Aug 23, 2019

Show notes

With the worst mountains in the 100 Mile Wilderness begins us, Trigger and I had to put in some long days to meet our goal of summiting Katahdin by Friday.

The rocks and roots, abetted by some very dubious weather, tried to throw us off our game plan but we persevered.

Make sure you listen to the last episode in this series as we try to scale Katahdin. Watch out for that episode in the next 24 hours.

Episode #179 - Appalachian Trail (Days 172 to 174) Aug 22, 2019

Show notes

Given how lucky we've been with the weather so far, I suppose it was only inevitable that the 100 Mile Wilderness gave us four straight days of rain.

Rocks and roots are tricky at the driest of times; after rain they can be lethal.

Despite this, we have a plan and are currently following it perfectly. Next time you'll see how it held up through the entire Wilderness.

Episode #178 - Appalachian Trail (Days 168 to 171) Aug 16, 2019

Show notes

We've covered a lot of ground to get here and are now in Monson, ready to hit the 100 Mile Wilderness.

The path here hasn't always been straight (or even northbound), yet we've covered every mile and have longed for these final days. There is something almost surreal about what we're about to do, as climbing Katahdin wasn't really at the forefront of our minds six months ago. But we're here and ready for it.

Hopefully, that will inspire others to follow us down this whimsical path.

Episode #177 - Appalachian Trail (Days 164 to 167) Aug 13, 2019

Show notes

Slackpacking the tougher mountains has been a feature of these past four days.

With the Saddlebacks, the Crocker's, then the stunningly beautiful Bigelows, we've been treated to (mostly) great weather.

Now, past 2000 miles, we're refining our options for the end of our journey. Hard to believe, really.

Episode #176 - Appalachian Trail (Days 161 to 163) Aug 12, 2019

Show notes

It's been a while (again). We're making progress but the miles are taking their toll and I'm often too tired at the end of the day to record.

That said, the miles continue to melt away and we're closing in on 2000 miles.

The Baldpates are the hiking highlight of this episode and we get to meet Yukon and his geodesic sphere.

Episode #175 - Appalachian Trail (Days 158 to 160) Aug 06, 2019

Show notes

My first, faltering days back from illness led me to Mahoosuc Notch on Day 3. To be frank, I think that I should have stayed another day or two with Gary and Cathy as I clearly wasn't ready to get back to it.

That said, Maine has continued to wow us and is very much not a disappointment after the wonders of New Hampshire.

There is an interview with Michael Thorp and his dog, Fecteau. If his story moves you and you'd like to help out with a donation, go to www.pawws.org

Episode #174 - Appalachian Trail (Days 153 to 157) Aug 02, 2019

Show notes

In a marked contrast to yesterday's show, this one is a little bit of a doom and gloom episode, with those earlier doubts all coming back to haunt me as I come down with an infection.

The trail is an extended lesson in life that will test you throughout. I may be near the end but I'm as susceptible to self-doubt as much as anybody.

Seeking sunshine in my cloudy mood, I discover true trail angels and the meaning of real trail magic. If nothing else, that discovery has made the past few days worthwhile.

Episode #173 - Appalachian Trail (Days 149 to 152) Aug 01, 2019

Show notes

With four days of glorious weather forecast, we couldn't wait to get stuck into Franconia Ridge and the Presidential Range, highlighted by summiting Mt Washington.

We were entertained in a log cabin, driven down, then back up Mt Washington, and experienced the area exactly how I think it should be experienced.

This episode has me at my peak on this trip. Join me again tomorrow as I tell you about my unexpected, yet rapid, decline.

Episode #172 - Appalachian Trail (Days 146 to 148) Jul 24, 2019

Show notes

With Cushy back in the fold, we're finding more ways to do this hike. Having done Moosilauke, we had to fill in our ten-mile gap AFTER the British Open. We worked it out.

Then, most surprising to me, Kinsman blew me away. What a blast.

We also had the chance to meet the Wander Women and a terrific young man who played guitar for us.

Episode #171 - Appalachian Trail (Days 143 to 145) Jul 23, 2019

Show notes

We're in New Hampshire and starting to put together our highlight reel. We've also run into an old friend and teamed up again.

The trail has already lived up to expectations, something that I was concerned wouldn't happen for me the second time around.

One more thing. I've added to my falls collection!