In Episode 83, Samantha Bode joins the show to talk about her 338 mile and 65 day hike along the Los Angeles aqueduct in California. In the show, we talk about this unique and rarely attempted route, some of the challenges that Samantha faced, and how the ranchers, native Americans, and Los Angeles water personnel viewed her hike. Since the 1950's, Southern California has been growing at an explosive rate and this podcast is about L.A.'s ever expanding need for water as much as it … [Read more...]
Episode 49B: Hiking News 2017 (Coleman Ridge)
In Episode 49, the Camel, Pixie, and I review a few of the major U.S. hiking news events of 2017. Some of the topics we discuss include nails on trails, backcountry treasures, girls joining the Boy Scouts, and the hardest partiers on the A.T. And in the spirit of giving you reasons to hike more in the New Year, we offer up the 52 hikes in 52 weeks challenge. We also find inspiration in the youngest person to complete the triple crown (at age 9) and the oldest person to hike the … [Read more...]
Episode 40: Hiking News 2016 (Smokies)
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...]
Episode 39: Hiking News 2016 (Grand Canyon)
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...]
Baxter State Park Needs Federal Funding, And Soon!
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...]
Just got my Georgia A.T. tag in the mail. $10 annually goes to the ATC
Just got my Georgia A.T. tag in the mail. $10 annually goes to the ATC for Appalachian Trail projects in Georgia. These include: trail and facilities maintenance, scenic easements and view preservation, environmental monitoring, increased public information, and education and outreach to Georgia residents. PA, VA, TN, and NC are also participating. If you live in these States and want to support the A.T., follow this link. … [Read more...]
How To Manage The Government Shutdown: A Poor Man’s Old Faithful
The LiveWell network's Motion Show recently filmed in Yellowstone National Park and found a way to entertain the tourists who were disappointed with the Park's forced shutdown due to the ongoing political stalemate in D.C. Very funny.... … [Read more...]
How Mark Sanford Can Settle Up With The Appalachian Trail
By now you've heard that Mark Sanford was re-elected this week to South Carolina's First Congressional District after beating Elizabeth Colbert Busch 54 to 45 percent and winning all five counties in the State in a special election. As you likely recall, then-Governor Sanford disappeared from office for six days in June 2009 to spend time, and arguably the State’s money, visiting a mistress in Argentina. (His office claimed that he was hiking the Appalachian Trail.) But what irks we … [Read more...]
Appalachian Trail 39th Biennial Conference – July 19-26, 2013
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy just announced the date and location of their Biennial conference. You can follow this link for more information: http://www.appalachiantrail.org/who-we-are/news/2013/04/15/appalachian-trail-enthusiasts-meet-at-western-carolina-university-for-39th-biennial-conference Asheville, NC (April 15, 2013) – Registration is now open for the 2013 Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) Biennial conference, scheduled for July 19-26, at Western Carolina … [Read more...]
Tennessee Appalachian Trail Buffer: Rocky Fork Into Public Ownership
The Nashville Business Journal reported last month that there is a new State Park in Tennessee. The 2036 acre park is located near the A.T. in the Northeastern part of the State and provides an additional buffer against development in this area. The transfer of Rocky Fork into public ownership has been a goal of the Appalachian Trail Conference since at least 1983: Tennessee_State_Park_-_AT_ReRoute_Nov_2012.pdf Download this file Gov. Bill Haslam and other Tennessee officials … [Read more...]