Episode 94: Ticks!!!

In Episode 94, Brian Anderson (aka "The Tick Terminator") joins the show to educate us on your biggest danger in the backcountry - TICKS!!!  In the podcast, we discuss the tick lifecycle, when and where they are most likely to find you, how to prevent ticks, and what to do if one embeds in your skin. This discussion hit home for me personally since I was infected by and recovered from Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.  After two days in the hospital, a home healthcare nurse came to my … [Read more...]

Episode 69: A Dozen Ways To Die

In Episode 69, Cardiac and Drone Boy are back after a nearly two year hiatus to discuss a "Dozen Ways To Die In the Backcountry" - an article that first appeared in Backpacker Magazine in 2008 and was recently published online. The topic tonight is timely since we record Halloween eve and take a "stab" at the Top 12 reasons hikers and backpackers get killed in the wilderness.  We also discuss what was left off the list (and merits inclusion) plus offer up some lessons to assure you are … [Read more...]

Episode 62B: Backpacker Feud

In Episode 62, we discuss a dozen ways to die in the backcountry - based on an article published in Backpacker magazine and recently updated on their online website. In the show, Beer Run and Therm Rider join me for a "Backpacker Feud" (patterned after the TV game show) to name the top ten killers in the backcountry. Not to make light of the top dangers in the wilderness ... but they are worth knowing and you'll most certainly be surprised by what is NOT on the list. This podcast was … [Read more...]

Appalachian Trail Virus Runs Rampant In North Carolina

There is a virus running rampant in shelters on the Appalachian Trail in western North Carolina. Not the best place to come down with a stomach bug!!! No Business Knob ShelterPress release from the U.S. Forest Service. Spokesman Stevin Westcott said he is unsure how long it will be before the virus subsides. HOT SPRINGS — Hikers may want to avoid sections of the Appalachian Trail near Hot Springs, N.C., especially the stretch running north to the Tennessee border. A number of … [Read more...]