I’ve been reading Backpacker Magazine since 1992. Just heard this week that they will discontinue the print version. What a bummer. … [Read more...]
Episode 97: Above The Ashes (P2)
December 18, 2022 By Leave a Comment
In Episode 97, we continue our conversation with Kevin Conley about his book "Above The Ashes" which is a powerful memoir of his cross-country bike journey with dog Rocky. In part two of this podcast, Kevin talks about his trip, writing his book, fundraising for the Wildland Firefighters Foundation- and the incredible support that he received from family, friends, fellow firefighters, and many, many strangers on his ride. This journey helped Kevin overcome one of the darkest moments of his … [Read more...]
Episode 96: Above The Ashes (P1)
October 28, 2022 By Leave a Comment
In Episode 96, Kevin Conley is back on the show after a six year hiatus to tells us about his last few years as a wildland firefighter, his subsequent battle with mental illness, and his 3500 mile ride across the country to beat it. This journey helped Kevin overcome one of the darkest moments of his life which he details in his recently published book “Above The Ashes” - a powerful memoir of his journey with dog Rocky. We last spoke with Kevin in 2016 after his thru-hikes on the … [Read more...]
The Jolly Roger
September 12, 2021 By Leave a Comment
Two of my backpacking friends had milestone birthdays in 2021, and we had grand plans to celebrate on distant mountains in the western U.S. But after numerous attempts to synchronize schedules, we settled on a road trip to The Camel's mountain house near Hays, N.C. to celebrate his 60th. Here we are pulling into his driveway after a long drive from Atlanta. The Camel had neighbors over when we arrived. So we had a few beverages with them and enjoyed the sunset from the back … [Read more...]
Episode 84: The Shikoku Pilgrimage
January 16, 2021 By Leave a Comment
In Episode 84, Paul Barach tells us about his 750 mile and 42 day backpacking trip on the Shikoku Pilgrimage in Japan. In the show, Paul shares the history of this religious Buddhist route, talks about hiking in traditional pilgrim clothing, and shares some of the challenges that he faced - including heat, hunger, injuries, and infections. You can check out Paul's book "Fighting Monks & Burning Mountains" for all the details, or listen to this interesting discussion about a little … [Read more...]
