Section Hiking the Appalachian Trail

In this episode our fearless host recounts the various sections he and his colleagues have hiked between Duncannan, PA through the Leigh River Water Gap... which he realizes, had he taken a few more minutes to review the map is 37 miles away from the Delaware River Water Gap and the border with New Jersey... Sigh. Gaia GPS Links to our hikes: Duncannan to Clarks Ferry Shelter Clarks Ferry Shelter to PA 325 PA 325 To Streamside Camp Streamside Camp to PA 645 PA 645 to Campsite Campsite to Port Clinton Port Clinton to Windsor Furnace Windsor Furnace to PA 309/Lookout Hostel PA 309 to Leigh River Water Gap

The episode in which our protagonist hikes south from Harpers Ferry, WVA to Lindon, VA. Its a beautiful hike, except, in his hubris he makes several mistakes... what are they? Listen and find out! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sectionhiker/message

In this adventure our congested narrator describes his time on the trail in Maryland on the Appalacian Trail. He has some words about people who can't control their dogs and some other stories of people just trying to go on a hike. Maryland is a great place to hike, whether its a start or a section. Section Hiking the Appalachian Trails is sponsored by Hudson Pines: your gateway to the Adirondacks! Reserve your site at https://www.camphudsonpines.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sectionhiker/message

Honestly it had been so long since I had hiked through the southern part of the Shendandoah National Park that I couldn't recall all that needed to be recalled. So I grabbed my friend Alex and hiked it again. We did it in 3 days, rather than 4. But there were some lessons learned... which you'll hear. Of course, you will also hear me stammer as I try to explain, but don't, why Coke products are better than Pepsi. Perhaps if Coke were to sponsor this I could do a better job but they don't. I know both are bad for you but to be truthful, I have made an arbitrary choice and go with Coke. I actually think it is because it isn't as sweet as Pepsi. But I digress. Hope you will check out our new sponsor, Camp Hudson Pines at www.camphudsonpines.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sectionhiker/message

So what happened to Stephen? Was he injured? Was he able to continue? Did the rest of us stick on the trail? What happens? We are about to find out! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sectionhiker/message

Do you feel ripped off by endless sequels? So do I, but it didn't stop our intrepid hikers from leaving the episode on a cliff hanger! What cliffhanger is possible you ask on a hiking trip from point A to point B? You will have to listen to find out. We talk about falls, poop, owls, poison ivy, the gamut. Everything you never knew you needed in a podcast episode about the AT in Georgia. Also, here are the names of the shuttle guys and gals and their contact information if you want to find a ride... we needed to get off trail and these folks all answered the call early in the morning. Listen to find out more. Gracie "RU" Class of 16 - 813-294-6994 Ron Brown - 706-669-0919 Shuttle Charlie - 706-897-2338 Shuttle Brett - 404-569-8776 Shuttle Jeff Moon - 706-994-2307 These guys are the best. FINAL NOTE: I chose not to edit this episode. Probably going to sound sort of wonky. Apologies for this, except to say, its getting late, I got to get to work in the morning but wanted to get this out. We'll talk again soon! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sectionhiker/message

Jon talks about being ready to tackle the GA portion of the Appalachian Trail. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sectionhiker/message

In this latest update of our intrepid section hiker we talk about his planning efforts for his trip to GA in May, his recent shake down/section hike in PA, and an effort to keep his feet from falling apart so he can keep hiking! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sectionhiker/message

Catching up on previous trips, Jon explains what happens when he leaves the confines of Big Meadows state park and heads south to Swift Gap. Along the way there's some beautiful terrain, albeit not all that difficult. Along the way we learn about the 53 cemeteries in the park and we talk about the history of the Lewis Mountain Campground. For more information about the formation of the Lewis Mountain Campground, you can look at the following sites: Shenandoah for idea to reality Previous Secretaries of the Department of Interior Segregation and Desegregation at Shenandoah National Park Memo to Secretary of Interior Stating that facilities in the Park need to be equal among the races --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sectionhiker/message

In this episode Jon describes what happened to him in 2021, gives an overview of the trips he was able to take, and some of the ways life got in the way of his broader hiking. He also talks about some of the new gear additions he had, including a Sea To Summit sleeping bag liner, a new Hammock Gear Wunderluxe set up, and he talks briefly about how Merrell hiking shoes failed him, although he doesn't go into how much he loves his Altra Timp2s. Finally, after reviewing those who listen to this podcast, he gives a shoutout to those listeners in countries like the Baltic States, Belarus, Hong Kong and other countries who are on the periphery of Russia and China in these times of challenges -- where those two countries are seeking to restore spheres of power over these smaller countries and hinder national autonomy and undermine the rule of law. Some links based on the discussion (note: we do not get sponsored by any of these companies and don't make any money off of you clicking these links. We just like this stuff!) Sea to Summit Reactor Extreme Sleeping Bag Liner Hammock Gear hammock kits Grilla Grills Altra Shoes Merrell Trail Running Shoes Patagonia Provisions Washington Nationals dumped their team Are you depressed? The Roller Coaster is a hard bit of trail y'all! Cranberry Wilderness in WV Happy hiking everyone! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sectionhiker/message

In the which we determine whether it is better to proceed quick in order to eat what is considered a good meal and whether rolling one's ankle should keep our hiker from pursuing his quest. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sectionhiker/message

In the which our intrepid hiker relearns the wonders of ibuprofen, enjoys a coke and wanders up and down the hills to bird's nest #3. He meets some retirees who explain to him that the hiking he thinks is somewhat challenging is nothing compared to southern VA... The weather was also beautiful and the forest glorious to behold. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sectionhiker/message

In this protein of our adventure, our backpacker leaves the bear infested area of Compton Gap and hikes his way up and over several areas of Shenandoah National Park to Matthew Arms campground. We also learn that his dinner of dehydrated yams was gross and what to do for shock. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sectionhiker/message

In the which our erstwhile explorer begins a multi-way trip through the Shenandoah National Park as he heads southbound on the Appalachian Trail and has adventures along the way. Plus, he may have come across a bear at night, which was not an experience he had hoped for along the way. Please subscribe, leave comments on the podcast, and join us on Instagram @section_hiking_the_AT and Twitter @EskelsenJon SNP backcountry park regulations --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sectionhiker/message

Wherein our intrepid adventurers take a 15 mile overnight jaunt from the middle of now where to a beautiful state park and then tell you about it. An article on the types of animals you may find along the AT is here! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sectionhiker/message

Today we discuss the southern most section in Pennsylvania as we leave this fair state for Maryland. It's a great long hike, that is heavily wooded. Also, we answer a question about how to get started backpacking! Give it a listen. Andrew Skurka's Peanut Noodle recipe The 10 essentials from the American Hiking Society --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sectionhiker/message

After a hiatus, the erstwhile host of this podcast begins again, like the newest version of Batman or Spiderman or Pride and Prejudice (if that's your jam). The podcast is going to be focused on presenting useful information for the listener about the trail itself and not be a prep for someone like me whose figuring out how to hike it... gonna be the best. time. ever! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sectionhiker/message

In this episode, our intrepid host comments on a recent Supreme Court case involving the Appalachian Trail and whether the Forest Service (rather than the National Parks Service) is allowed to issue permits for a natural gas pipeline that crosses the trail. Also, in the absence of Major League Baseball, our host looks back at how awful color commentary is for major league sporting events! For those who want to read and listen to the actual Supreme Court case: Cowpasture et al v U.S. Forest Service, you can read/listen to your hearts content here, here, and here. Take care! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In the which our host ends the first season of this podcast. He concedes temporary defeat by COVID-19 and works towards preparing himself for future hikes after the pandemic passes. In the meantime there's lots to prepare for future endeavors -- this should be fun! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In the which your intrepid host and his friend Alex brave the elements and a disease they don't believe they have caught to hike a 14 mile portion of the Appalachian Trail. There was literally no one out there... except for a couple of dummies that were us. In today's episode we discuss the hike, review lessons learned, and discuss what the future holds regarding first section hike. Today's podcast is sponsored by the Committee to Restore America's National Parks, an advocacy group for everyday people to try and get Congress to provide adequate resources to maintain our national park system. Currently there's a $12Billion maintenance backlog and it affects the ability of people like you and me from being able to use these wonderful resources. Go and check them out at https://www.restoreamericasnationalparks.org. Backpacker Radio episode 65 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In the which our intrepid host discusses the concerns raised by different groups about backpacking in the time of COVID-19. In all seriousness, this is a big deal and we ought to treat it as such. Does this mean that we shouldn't do any backpacking? That's another question all together. Next weekend the plan is to go hiking up on the AT in southern PA again. So we'll see if it works out. To help us sort out these issues we bring on the host's wife, who is the family all-time judge. Our host presents his case, she asks questions and makes a ruling with appropriate provisio.... https://ourworldindata.org ATC's webpage on thru-hiking in a time of COVID-19 Closed National Parks and other places in the backcountry Ethics of Thru-hiking from Outdoor Magazine --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In the which our intrepid host hikes along the Appalachian Trail up in Pennsylvania with his good friend and even better sport, Alex Bates, testing out his various plans and ideas. Not all of them (the plans and ideas that is) make it through to the end. Plus, we use some transitions in this episode as our erstwhile sophistication related to podcasting marginally increases! Really grateful Alex was able to join me on this hike, and even more grateful for his wife Amy who let him come out in play. Let's hope the Coronavirus doesn't actually get us so we can do it again soon! Today's podcast is sponsored by the Committee to Restore America's National Parks, an advocacy group for everyday people to try and get Congress to provide adequate resources to maintain our national park system. Currently there's a $12Billion maintenance backlog and it affects the ability of people like you and me from being able to use these wonderful resources. Go and check them out at https://www.restoreamericasnationalparks.org. A link for mini tissues. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I came down with a cold this weekend and am in no place to record a full podcast episode. So what we're going to do is send you to our instagram account: Section_hiking_the_AT. This week, I'll take pictures of the gear I'm planning to take, its weight and the alternatives to have a visual display of what I had planned to discuss. So check us out on Instagram and we'll catch up next week! Today's podcast is sponsored by the Committee to Restore America's National Parks, an advocacy group for everyday people to try and get Congress to provide adequate resources to maintain our national park system. Currently there's a $12Billion maintenance backlog and it affects the ability of people like you and me from being able to use these wonderful resources. Go and check them out at https://www.restoreamericasnationalparks.org. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sectionhiker/message

I came down with a cold this weekend and am in no place to record a full podcast episode. So what we're going to do is send you to our instagram account: Section_hiking_the_AT. This week, I'll take pictures of the gear I'm planning to take, its weight and the alternatives to have a visual display of what I had planned to discuss. So check us out on Instagram and we'll catch up next week! Today's podcast is sponsored by the Committee to Restore America's National Parks, an advocacy group for everyday people to try and get Congress to provide adequate resources to maintain our national park system. Currently there's a $12Billion maintenance backlog and it affects the ability of people like you and me from being able to use these wonderful resources. Go and check them out at https://www.restoreamericasnationalparks.org.

In the which our intrepid hiker discusses a variety of topics to include some meals that he plans to take with him on the trail, what he ended up putting into his first aid kit, how he thinks about keeping his throat from getting parched, and what he does to keep from paying full retail when shopping for backpacking gear, Today's podcast is sponsored by the Committee to Restore America's National Parks, an advocacy group for everyday people to try and get Congress to provide adequate resources to maintain our national park system. Currently there's a $12Billion maintenance backlog and it affects the ability of people like you and me from being able to use these wonderful resources. Go and check them out at https://www.restoreamericasnationalparks.org. Andrew Skurka Peanut Noodle Dinner Andrew Skurka Rice and Beans Dinner Sawyer mini water filter Katadyn micropur tablets REI.com Patagonia sale page Backcountry.com Sierra.com eBay.com ExpertVoice.com theclymb.com drop.com https://backpackinglight.com/buy-less-do-more-good-enough-gear/ (subscription probably required) --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In the which our would be section hiker works through answers for the following three questions: how much food should one bring on a hike? What are the characteristics of food one should bring? What kind of ways do we have to prepare food, once we have brought it with us? Look forward to feedback and comments on the episode -- thanks for listening Links: National Park Service Instagram Post on preparation to go hiking Guthook guide app AWOL guide Backpacking Lite article on figuring out how much food to carry (sub required) Thru hiking nutrition by Ryan Grayson Backpacking Lite article on cooking systems (sub required) MSR Whisperlight Jetboil minimo MSR Pocketrocket 2 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In the which our host refreshes himself on the skills associated with navigation in the woods as he prepares for his initial section hike of the Appalachian Trail. Lots to remember but really hopes he won't get lost and... as his daughter is won't to remind him -- potentially perish. Links: Earl Shafffer, the First Thru-Hiker of the AT, Embodied the Trail’s Soul https://www.adventure-journal.com/2020/01/earl-shaffer-the-first-thru-hiker-of-the-at-embodied-that-trails-soul/ How to download free trail maps on Garmin GPS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HMkuttRuhQ Longer term review of the Garmin inreach explorer plus https://andrewskurka.com/long-term-review-garmin-inreach-explorer-plus/ Spot X vs. the Garmin inreach explorer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRgUQf9hnC0 Hikerguy.com review of the Garmin inreach mini https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMU8xVeHARo PACT maps http://www.Pact.net Creating and navigating to a waypoint using a handheld GPS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcR9tLcFDCc Gaiagps.com https://www.gaiagps.com/ Gaia tutorial – planning a hike https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHNLKiN9-Yk Caltopo.com https://caltopo.com/ Caltopo.com tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2188-p_uFMY How to use your smartphone as the best backcountry GPS: https://www.adventurealan.com/iphone-gps-map-backpacking/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In the which we discuss the keys to having respect for the trail reviewing leave no trace principles and see whether Aretha Franklin's song has anything to do with it.... which it doesn't, really. But it is a nice metaphor, sort of, well, not really, for what leave no trace principles are all about -- especially as the AT and other long trails become more and more popular. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In the which our intrepid traveller begins to figure out what first aid items are needed for a 10-day backpacking trip. In an ideal world, I would have done additional editing on this episode. Apologies now. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In the which we enter into the highly contentious world of personal hygiene when backpacking. Turns out this matter is something many have strong opinions about. Some of those opinions have merit while others do not... How to poop in the woods by Andrew Skurka Purell Examples of soap/wash suds at REI Dr. Bronners soap The Deuce Joshua Tree Foot Balm Badger Foot Balm Minimizing effect of macerated feet --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Outlining all the skills, but what's funny is that if you google search backpacking skills, you always end up with a list of gear to bring on a hike with you... Here are some of the skills we hope to address in coming episodes: Wilderness focused First aid: Common issues in the backcountry, the goals for treating them and what to carry. Personal hygiene – how to stay clean. Specific foot care – related issues. Making sure feet don’t get neglected and other self-care on the trail. Navigation – different forms of navigation – digital to paper. Meal planning, identifying how much to food to carry and options for cooking. How to approach food storage and keep it away from critters large and small. Fire. Water. Getting and treating it. The 10 essentials Baseball cheating scandal as illustrated by mean girls CDC Lyme disease page Permethrin spray for clothing Tick removal tweezers Poison oak serum. I usually just wipe down using rubbing alcohol. Shenandoah Nat Park's Bear Safety Page --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this episode we discuss the 3 different types of fun! type 1, type 2, and type 3... and then how physical and mental preparation for the hike assists in achieving that fun. Physical preparation links: Backpacking Light Podcast Notes for Episode 14: https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-014-training-for-backpacking/ Summit Strength: https://www.summitstrength.com.au trailsidefitness.com: https://trailsidefitness.com Article on preparing for the a hike: https://trailsidefitness.com/2018/10/30/training-tips-for-a-thru-hike/ Mental preparation: Before/during the hike: https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-blog/6-steps-pregame-mental-preparation/ https://www.forbes.com/sites/amymorin/2014/08/14/how-to-mentally-prepare-yourself-to-give-the-performance-of-your-life/#3f3e1ff8240c http://www.sportpsychologytoday.com/youth-sports-psychology/five-components-of-mental-preparation/ After the hike: https://davecornthwaite.com/blog/postexpeditiondepression https://www.lonelyplanet.com/blog/2018/06/07/wonderings-how-to-beat-the-post-trip-blues https://www.heartmybackpack.com/confessions/post-travel-depression/ https://www.calmajor.com/blog/2019/5/16/the-post-adventure-blues-post-expedition-depress Adventure Sport Podcast on post hiking depression: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adventure-sports-podcast/id972403908?i=1000460525619 Adventure Sport Podcast on hiking through very difficult circumstances: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adventure-sports-podcast/id972403908?i=1000458090415 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

What is the plan? Well, here it goes. The idea is to leave Harpers Ferry the morning of April 24th, hiking to Waynesboro, VA at the bottom of the Shenandoah National Park by May 3rd. There are 34 established camp sites and if I'm able to put my preparation into practice I will be able to make my mark and stay at some of them while camping in dispersed backpacking camping locations on other days. we are sponsored today by the Committee to Restore America's National Parks. An advocacy group dedicated to eliminating the $12B maintenance backlog of our Nations National Parks. Check them out at http://www.restoreamericasnationalparks.org. Check out The Trek's 2019 AT hiker survey -- https://thetrek.co/appalachian-trail/2019-hiker-survey-general-information/?ref=slider We also talked about some of the ways to make sure you are able to find a good campsite. Andrew Skurka, backcountry hiker extraordinaire, has definite opinions about this topic. Find them at: https://andrewskurka.com/five-star-campsites-part-1-introduction/ (part 1 of a 4 part series) Thanks very much and we'll see you next time! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this episode, I discuss my history with hiking and backpacking, discuss my philosophy surrounding section hiking, and get into some of the things that we will discuss in later episodes. There are some mistakes here but we'll get better as we move forward on future episodes! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Hey, I'm a guy who can't get away for 6 months to a year to do a thru hike on a long trail. But I do have time to take a week here or there to do a section hike. So I'm going to section hike the Appalachian Trail. Let's talk about what it takes to plan a great hike, then go out and hit the trail. We are sponsored by the Committee to Restore America's National Parks, a advocacy group aimed at fixing the $11.9Billion backlog under our National Park System. Learn more and donate at http://www.restoreamericasnationalparks.org.