Episode 66: Motor City Ramblers

In Episode 66, the Motor City Ramblers tell us about their 1994 thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail. This is the third release in a special series to celebrate the 25th anniversary of our hike, and it was recorded at Trail Days on May 13, 1995 in Damascus, Virginia. In this episode, we flashback 25 years to Damascus to sit by the river and talk about the Motor City Rambler's Appalachian Trail thru-hike. The interview was done in a field, with a small handheld mic and cassette tape recorder. So … [Read more...]

Episode 64: Trail Days 2019

In Episode 64, Gary "Drone Boy" Vaughan returns to the show to discuss our May trip to Appalachian Trail Days in Damascus, Virginia. He recently chauffeured me to the annual event where I joined the Class of 1994 to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of our thru-hike. In the podcast, we talk about what it's like for a first timer at the event, what it’s like for a veteran of the festival (that hasn’t been for 20 years), and review our experiences at Tent City, in town, and on the parade … [Read more...]

BirdShooter’s Takeaways From Trail Days 2019

BirdShooter’s takeaways from Trail Days 20191. Trail Days is 10X the size it was when I last went in 1999 (our 5th year reunion)2. Separating the town from Tent City was a good idea3. Any registered police officer within a 6 county area works Trail Days4. Hiking 40 miles in to Damascus is easier than finding parking at Trail Days5. Trail Days is a business, there were ~60 vendors this year6. Trail Days is a party, somethings never change7. Tent City is a visual, cultural, and culinary … [Read more...]

Episode 63: Black Sunshine

In Episode 63, I speak with Black Sunshine about his 1994 thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail. This is the second release in a flashback series where we speak with 11 prospective thru-hikers about their attempt to complete the A.T. in a single year. It was recorded in Charlotte, N.C. on March 5th, 1995, and is part of a series to honor the 25th anniversary of our '94 thru-hike on the A.T. In the episode, Black Sunshine tells us about his winter start in Georgia, the Virginia blues, and his … [Read more...]

Episode 60: Troubadour

In Episode 60, Troubadour tells us about his 1994 thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail. This is the first release in a special bonus series to celebrate the 25th anniversary of our hike, and it was recorded at Trail Days on May 13, 1995 in Damascus, Virginia. After finishing the A.T. in 1994, Troubadour went on to hike the Pacific Crest Trail in 1999 and the Continental Divide Trails in 2002 - walking nearly 10,000 miles and completing the Triple Crown - which we discuss in detail in Episode … [Read more...]

Relaxing At The Campsite

The firewood has been collected, the tents have been pitched, and we are enjoying some snacks and beverages at our campsite on Rocky Mountain … [Read more...]

More Uphhill Awaits…

 Hiking the Appalachian Trail southbound from Unicoi Gap. It's a long climb ~1100 feet in the first 1.5 miles.  … [Read more...]