BirdShooter's Backpacking Blog & Podcast Series
In Episode 40, The Camel and I continue the discussion on hiking news from 2016 in a show recorded right before our annual Klondike hike on the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Forewarning, we talk felonies, guns, and politics - subjects that get The Camel particularly fired up. So listen in, and we'll brace ourselves for the feedback! 'Cause we talk arson, kidnapping, self-defense, and about the political leadership of our country. And if that … [Read more...]
In Episode 39, Therm Rider and I do a live winter show from the Yavapai Lodge at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. After a day hiking on the Arizona and Rim Trails, we kick back a cold one and discuss some of the major hiking news events of 2016. In the show, Therm Rider and I recap and debate some of the U.S. news events that were heavily publicized in the outdoor community last year - including epic fails with drones, lost lives from selfies, and wildlife issues and encounters. … [Read more...]
In Episode 27, You think you're tough? Well Niki Rellon just might have you beat! Niki's sports pursuits include professional kickboxing, ski instructing, cross-country cycling, thru-hiking, and currently a six month journey on the Appalachian Trail. Did I mention that she is doing it on one leg? Well now you know. In the podcast, Niki talks about her first ventures in to the outdoors, her hike of the Pacific Crest Trail, and the event that changed her life - a … [Read more...]
REI opened their 5th store in the Atlanta metro area today in Alpharetta, GA and clearly their marketing folks have figured it out.  There were over 800 people waiting in line at 10am when the doors opened. Yeah .... people love free stuff, and REI delivered.  The first 200 in the door received a water bottle with a $25-100 gift card inside.  I opted to head back to work rather than line up as shopper #804.  How in the world did so many people get off work mid-morning … [Read more...]
Walk In The Woods premiered at the Sundance Film Festival this week to mixed reviews.  Here's a sampling... The Guardian "Plenty of silly little incidents ensue along the way, with lots of jokes about advancing years. Most of these episodes are far too low-stakes to carry a movie and the bigger picture, about two men past their prime trying to figure out what to do in their dotage, is handled far too simply to have real impact. The result is something that is just fine. It’s … [Read more...]
There are four times the number of Appalachian Trail thru-hikers hiking and camping in Baxter State Park than there were 20 years ago - when I did my hike.  According to Jensen Bissell, Director of Baxter State Park, this is straining resources. "From the perspective of Baxter Park, we are concerned that the use of Baxter Park is nearing or has surpassed an acceptable limit for the facilities and effort available from the Park to accomodate A.T. hikers" A letter to ATC Executive … [Read more...]
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