Episode 64: Trail Days 2019

May 31, 2019 By Leave a Comment

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...]

Filed Under: Appalachian Trail, Long Distance Backpacking, Podcasts, Thru-Hiker

Episode 63: Black Sunshine

April 15, 2019 By Leave a Comment

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...]

Filed Under: Appalachian Trail, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Backpacking, Long Distance Backpacking, Podcasts, Thru-Hiker

Episode 62B: Backpacker Feud

March 27, 2019 By Leave a Comment

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...]

Filed Under: Backpacking, Backpacking Articles, Backpacking Discussions, Hiking Safety, Humor, Mishaps, Podcasts

Episode 61: The Hayduke

February 28, 2019 By Leave a Comment

In Episode 61, Alex "Money $hot" Maier returns to the show to talk with us about his recent film and adventure on the 812 mile Hayduke Trail which starts in Arches National Park and finishes in Zion National Park - traversing the slot canyons, desert washes, and mountain ranges that make the deserts lands of Southern Utah and North Arizona some of the most scenic landscapes in North America. In the podcast, Alex tells us about the remote wilderness and true solitude that awaits you on the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Backpacking Trails, Desert Backpacking, Long Distance Backpacking, Podcasts, The Hayduke Trail, Thru-Hiker, Trail Talk

Episode 60: Troubadour

January 26, 2019 By Leave a Comment

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...]

Filed Under: Appalachian Trail, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Long Distance Backpacking, Podcasts

Episode 59: The Man Who Hiked It All

December 15, 2018 By Leave a Comment

In Episode 59, I speak with Bart Smith (aka Infinite Dust) who was recently featured in Backpacker Magazine as "The Man Who Hiked It All".  Since 1992, Bart has hiked nearly 35,000 miles on 30 of America's National Scenic and Historic Trails - completing the last of the Trails by October 2nd, 2018 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the National Trails Act. In the show, Bart tells us about his backcountry photography, the coffee table book he completed with Earl Shaffer on the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Appalachian Trail, Backpacking Trails, Benton MacKaye Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Cross-Country Adventures, Long Distance Backpacking, Long Distance Hiking, Pacific Crest Trail, Pacific Northwest Trail, Photo Journals, Podcasts, The Long Trail, Thru-Hiker, Trail Talk

Episode 58: Havasu Falls

November 10, 2018 By Leave a Comment

In Episode 58, Michael and Tim tell us about their recent hike to Havasu Falls in Northern Arizona.  You’ve likely seen the iconic photos of the Falls - the turquoise water set against the desert canyon walls, the idyllic swimming holes surrounded by sunbathing backpackers, this oasis in the middle of a barren Grand Canyon.  And you've probably thought about hiking here ... but these guys have actually done it.  And they backpacked to the Falls at the ages of 10 and 12! So if … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Backpacking With Kids, Camping With Kids, Grand Canyon National Park, Hiking With Kids, Podcasts, Water Hikes, Waterfalls, With Kids

Episode 57: Rim-To-Rim-To-Rim

October 30, 2018 By 2 Comments

In Episode 57, Rand tells us about his recent Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim hike through the Grand Canyon in Arizona. This spring he hiked the 42 mile route in 12 hours starting at the South Rim at sunrise, tagging the North Rim by noon, and returning to his starting point near The Yavapai Lodge by sunset - logging more than 20K feet of elevation change while on the trail. In the podcast, Rand tells us about the backcountry experience - with suggestions on how and when to hike the route and intel on what … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Grand Canyon National Park, Long Distance Hiking, Podcasts

Episode 56: Camino de Santiago

September 29, 2018 By Leave a Comment

In Episode 56, 3 Dub (aka the World Wide Wanderer) returns to the show to tell us about his spring hike on the 477 mile Camino de Santiago through the countries of France and Spain.  You might recall that Phillip spent 7 months hiking northbound or "NOBO" on the Appalachian Trail last summer and that we spoke in Episode #51 only a few days before his departure to Europe to hike the Camino. In the podcast, 3 Dub updates us on his travels and shares some tips and tricks for thru-hiking the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Backpacking in Europe, Backpacking Trails, Camino de Santiago, Hiking in Europe, International Hikes, Long Distance Backpacking, Long Distance Hiking, Podcasts

Episode 55: Tour Du Mont Blanc

August 4, 2018 By Leave a Comment

In Episode 55, Kaylee (aka "Smiles") tells us about her recent thru-hike on the Tour du Mont Blanc which is one of the most popular long-distance walks in Europe.  It circles the Mont Blanc massif, covering a distance of roughly 170 kilometres (110 mi) and passes through parts of Switzerland, Italy and France. In the show, Kaylee tells us about the TMB hut system, "wild" camping, the critters, the ladder climbs, and the Sound Of Music scenery that awaits you on this trail.  There's … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Backpacking in Europe, International Hikes, Long Distance Backpacking, Podcasts, Tour du Mont Blanc Tagged With:
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