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

Latest Episodes:

Episode #150 - Appalachian Trail (Days 65 to 67) May 04, 2019

Show notes

It has been an epic few days, with the Virginia Triple Crown of Dragon's Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs now behind us.

Once more, new and old friends have shared these extraordinary moments and we're all grateful for the times we've shared together.

If you have any questions for me, please send them to Bruce Matson–who will be interviewing me in the next week or so–at rtkchallenge@gmail.com. Bruce will send the best questioners a copy of his new book Platinum Blazing the Appalachian Trail.

Episode #149 - Appalachian Trail (Days 60 to 64) May 01, 2019

Show notes

A week with a new Tramily. It has been fun to hike with Ugh, Cushy Life, and Trigger for the past few days. I've been upping my miles to keep up with them but they've kept me honest as a hiker.

We're about to hit the Virginia Triple Crown with Dragon's Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs to come. Can't wait.

Episode #148 - Appalachian Trail (Days 56 to 59) Apr 25, 2019

Show notes

Every night in the woods this time. After publishing the last show at Chestnut Knob Shelter I've made it the 55 miles to Woods Hole Hostel.

Characters are becoming family and we're caring about their lives as well as our own. Plenty of opportunities for copious eating and even the chance of a dip in a river.

We're nearly 30% of the way through and I continue to be surprised at my progress. Here's to the next 70%!!!

Episode #147 - Appalachian Trail (Days 52 to 55) Apr 22, 2019

Show notes

I've spent the past four days hiking with my Buddy, Clay Bonnyman Evans. I trimmed back the mileage but have continued to feel better and better as I hiked.

We even met some alpacas.

As you can see from the pictures, the scenery remains glorious and the view from Chestnut Knob Shelter has to be one of the finest so far in the trail.

Episode #146 - Appalachian Trail (Days 47 to 51) Apr 19, 2019

Show notes

Three hard hiking days out of Damascus proved the perfect antidote to two days lying on my bed watching sport on TV. I was lucky enough to address some students studying the Appalachian Trail (yes, it's a thing) while in Damascus. I rested and healed.

When I got on the trail I fell right back into it and hiked more than 50 miles in three days, with the last day an impressive–and my first on this trip–twenty miles.

I'm being joined over the next few days by a buddy who wanted to come hiking. Looking forward to it.

Episode #145 - Appalachian Trail (Days 43 to 46) Apr 13, 2019

Show notes

It's been an exhausting few days and my body is telling me to rest. I'm taking a double zero in Damascus, though I'm still getting in some good mileage days. I've visited a couple of great hostels recently and also had a night back in my tent.

Tennessee has been wonderful but we're now into Virginia for the next month and a half. When I move into West Virginia I'll be nearly halfway there.

Episode #144 - Appalachian Trail (Days 40 to 42) Apr 09, 2019

Show notes

Another diverse few days, with tiredness, bailouts, glorious views, wonderful people, and poignant stories filling my days.

From a sun-filled Carvers Gap I crossed the balds and revealed in both the physicality and the beauty.

Then, a totally unexpected evening that filled my heart with joy with a bunch of new friends thrown in.

A chance meeting with a listener led to another new and solid friendship that enabled me to complete my longest day and learn a tragic story.

Today, a short hike into a wonderful new hostel. Things continue to go my way.

Episode #143 - Appalachian Trail (Days 36 to 39) Apr 06, 2019

Show notes

More miles and experiences under his belt, Steve is planning ahead to ensure that he extracts the best parts of his hike when the weather is cooperating.

He has met up with a listener, spent time with several new people, witnessed the sunset from Beauty Spot, and is coping better and better with big climbs.

He reached Carvers Gap today and is relishing a day of balds tomorrow.

Episode #142 - Appalachian Trail (Days 32 to 35) Apr 01, 2019

Show notes

Another great few days, with weather extremes influencing the hike. Eventually, Steve learned–yet again–the importance of hiking your own hike.

He has put in some fairly long days and found himself to be completely exhausted.

Eventually, a plan was hatched and he is now in a far better frame of mind.

Episode #141 - Appalachian Trail (Days 29 to 31) Mar 28, 2019

Show notes

A short few days and a cloudy Max Patch. Getting the mileage up to 14s and 15s but still feeling tired, either through lack of sleep, lack of food, or both.

Now in beautiful Hot Springs and enjoying the hospitality at Sunnybank Inn, or Elmer's. Life is still good.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

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

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected