Stories From The Trail

Some freestyle holiday rambling.  Get the audio version of Where's the Next Shelter? for free when you join Audible!      

In this episode we address the very difficult question: How might your hike impact the spread of COVID-19 in the trail community?  Our qualified expert this week is Dr Kathryn Michels, (aka "Mr Peanut), a CDT SOBO thru hiker who also  holds a PhD in Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer biology from the University of Virginia.  In addition to covering this very important topic, we get some good trail talk too.  Dr Michel's Reddit Post The Appalachian Trail Reddit Page Dr-Peanut's CDT Blog Reptar Get more episodes AND support the show! Why aren't you watching Reptar Hikes!? Email the show. No, seriously. Email the show. Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram   Get the audio version of Where's the Next Shelter? for free when you join Audible!      

We're back! As promised:  Round Animals Thumbelina  Reptar Get more episodes AND support the show! Why aren't you watching Reptar Hikes!? Email the show. No, seriously. Email the show. Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram   Get the audio version of Where's the Next Shelter? for free when you join Audible!    

An episode about nothing.  (Re-uploaded with fixed audio!)  Links in this episode:  Hike for Mental Health RadFlix    

Easily our most requested guest. Listen in on this reunion between Green Giant and Lemmy. We do our best to tell his story without spiraling into inside jokes... much.  Lemmy's life before the AT How he learned of the trail What his first few days were like How did it feel to be stalked by fans? What's Lemmy been up to since the trail? And more Listeners who support the show have already heard the next THREE episodes while you and I sit here like a couple of hikers waiting for a cool shirt to mysteriously appear in the Hiker Box. This raw audio includes TWO episodes that no one else will ever hear. Ever. Get more episodes AND support the show! Why aren't you watching Reptar Hikes!? Email the show. No, seriously. Email the show. Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram JOIN our LIVE INTERNET AUDIENCE on Discord Get the audio version of Where's the Next Shelter? for free when you join Audible!  

Ryan Bedell has been to over 40 countries and lived in 4. He has a passion for learning about people and places different from what he’s used to, and he loves to hear the stories of others. Travel for a Loop was born out of a desire to let people tell their stories of movement, intercultural exchange, and genuine human connection. You can hear the first half of our conversation (and my story!) on spotify, apple, stitcher,etc... And you should!  Go get it!  Pocket Casts Spotify Apple Travel for a Loop on Facebook Listeners who support the show have already heard the next THREE episodes while you and I sit here like a couple of office workers staring at the clock waiting to go on a hike. This raw audio includes TWO episodes that no one else will ever hear. Ever. Get more episodes AND support the show! Why aren't you watching Reptar Hikes!? Email the show. No, seriously. Email the show. Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram JOIN our LIVE INTERNET AUDIENCE on Discord Get the audio version of Where's the Next Shelter? for free when you join Audible!  

Each month in addition to their regularly scheduled duties, Ridgerunners also get treated to some well deserved R&R. This July, Jim Fetig of ATC Headquarters invited me to join him and four NoVA Ridge Runners at the PATC's rustic cabin retreat, the Blackburn AT Center, near Harper's Ferry. From Jim's Blog: Blackburn Trail Center, Round Hill, VA, July 18, 2019 — Once a month in June and July we bring our Appalachian Trail ridgerunners to Blackburn for a little R&R and a short business meeting.  Outside guests from the Conservancy, NPS and our trail club are often invited.  In August they travel to the Scott Farm training center outside Carlisle, PA where they rejoin their mid-Atlantic peers for an official seasonal debrief and a personal comparing of notes. Our MO is pretty standard.  We show up Thursday afternoon for some social time, prepare a meal and have some beer.  Friday morning we do cook-your-own pancakes with a 9 o’clock hard start for our meeting which varies between 90 minutes and three hours. Lunch is leftovers if there are any. Ridgerunners are usually fairly stoic people.  They are selected for their maturity, judgment, commitment and intelligence. But what are they really like when they let their hair down and no one else is looking? Listeners who support the show have already heard the next THREE episodes while you and I sit here like a couple of wood thrushes waiting for the cicadas to stop. This raw audio includes TWO episodes that no one else will ever hear. Ever. Get more episodes AND support the show! Why aren't you watching Reptar Hikes!? Email the show. No, seriously. Email the show. Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram JOIN our LIVE INTERNET AUDIENCE on Discord Get the audio version of Where's the Next Shelter? for free when you join Audible! Get more great Podcasts by The Trek.

File this one under "Inspirational"! Sarah Williams is not only a veteran outdoor adventurer and world traveler, she has spent the past few years curating HUNDREDS of hours of conversation with other inspiring women from around the world on her amazing podcast, Tough Girl Challenges.  The Tough Girl Podcast won the Women's Sports Trust #BeAGameChanger National Award for Media Initiative of the Year 2018.       In this episode we discuss: * Does Sarah have a trail name and where did it come from? * Sports, she was active in lacrosse, hockey and rounders * Duke of Edinborough award * After college, sara took on a high pressure job in the financial field, kep crazy hours, stopped doing sports. * She was getting ten minutes of fresh air a day * at the age of 32 she first asked herself "what should I do with my life" * She traveled for 18 months, mostly in South America * Machu Picchu, Bolivian Salt Flats, cycled Death Road, Climbed in Chile, Kilimanjaro * This inspired the birth of "Tough Girl Challenges" * Why backpacking is better than sitting on a beach somewhere * What it's like succeeding in primarily male-dominated environments and how that influenced her * Female specific safety tips you wouldn't have thought of * The power of podcasting and the challenges of starting one * Sarah describes getting through a hard time: the https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marathon_des_Sables - six Marathons in six days, in desert, carrying all your stuff - 52 miles in one day, getting into that headspace that thru hikers recognize, living from one step to the next, and how gratitude helps combined with Training * The power of gratitude * Being able to look back on a "worst day" is valuable, so go make 'em. :) * How to get out of the cycle of beating ones self up for "failure" or difficulty * AT in 100 days * How to "take the first step" and then build and keep momentum * Her guests are female adventurers of all ages, all levels of education, all kinds of jobs and backgrounds * Chrissie Wellington, 4 time Ironman Champion * Cheryl Strayed for Episode 100 * Roz Savage, first woman to row solo across 3 oceans * What it's like to not succeed, and why that's okay * How she went from being someone no one's ever heard of to sending heart emojis back and forth with Cheryl Strayed * What advice does Sarah have for women who are about to get started in outdoor adventuring?   Check out the Tough Girl Challenges Podcast Tough Girl Challenges on YouTube Sarah Williams on Patreon   Listeners who support the show have already heard the next THREE episodes while you and I sit here like a couple of bankers waiting for our two weeks of holiday. This includes ONE episode that no one else will ever hear. Ever. Get more episodes AND support the show! Why aren't you watching Reptar Hikes!? Email the show. No, seriously. Email the show. Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram JOIN our LIVE INTERNET AUDIENCE on Discord Get the audio version of Where's the Next Shelter? for free when you join Audible! Get more great Podcasts by The Trek.

Chris "Muddy Moose" German is a hiker, trail angel, river guide, ice climber, shuttle driver, photographer, and all around super-cool guy. In hopefully the first of many visits, Muddy Moose tells us stories of adventure and shares much advice, both inspirational and practical.  Listeners who support the show have already heard the next THREE episodes while you and I sit here like a couple of stuffed animals waiting for the claw to pull us out of this infernal plastic box. This includes ONE episode that no one else will ever hear. Ever. Get more episodes AND support the show! Why aren't you watching Reptar Hikes!? Email the show. No, seriously. Email the show. Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram JOIN our LIVE INTERNET AUDIENCE on Discord Get the audio version of Where's the Next Shelter? for free when you join Audible! Get more great Podcasts by The Trek.

Steve Adams, trail name Mighty Blue is on the Appalachian Trail, again. Best known for his hiking memoirs "Creaking Geezer Hidden Flagon" and "Three Weddings and a Sabbatical", he also produces the popular hiking podcast "The Ultimate Midlife Crisis".  Steve is currently producing his show from the trail and he took time from his busy schedule to call us from a listeners house in Pennsylvania. In this incredibly busy hour, we talk about: What it's like hiking the AT a second time Seeing the same views from different perspectives Max Patch Why you shouldn't let facebook color your view of the hiking community Beer and wine What makes an integral hike? Standing Bear Farm Podcasting Writing in American English The John Muir Trail Elevation Sickness Camino de Santiago Poop And so much more!     Listeners who support the show have already heard the next FOUR episodes while you and I sit here like a couple of bottles of wind that Mighty Blue hasn't uncorked yet. This includes ONE episode that no one else will ever hear.  Get more episodes AND support the show! Why aren't you watching Reptar Hikes!? Email the show. No, seriously. Email the show. Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram JOIN our LIVE INTERNET AUDIENCE on Discord Get the audio version of Where's the Next Shelter? for free when you join Audible! Get more great Podcasts by The Trek.

Calendar Year Triple Crowner, and current Arizona Trail speed record holder, Jeff Garmire did not give himself the trail name Legend. It was bestowed upon him before he even finished a single long distance hike back in 2011. In the years and miles since, he's definitely grown into it.  This show was recorded on May 1st, just a few days after Legend destroyed the FKT for the Arizona Trail.  Legend on Instagram Blog Post: Reflections on the AZT FKT Listeners who support the show have already heard the next FOUR episodes while you and I sit here like a couple of horses who haven't learned to talk yet.  Get more episodes AND support the show! Why aren't you watching Reptar Hikes!? Email the show. No, seriously. Email the show. Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram JOIN our LIVE INTERNET AUDIENCE on Discord Get the audio version of Where's the Next Shelter? for free when you join Audible! Get more Podcasts by The Trek.

Bill Bryson's "A Walk in the Woods" is the book and/or movie that introduced so many of us to the Appalachian Trail that it seems almost silly for us to have taken this long to shake it down.  Come hang with the gang and we spill this thing onto the floor, pick through the parts and decide what's too heavy, and what's too light.  Listeners who support the show have already heard the next FOUR episodes while you and I sit here like a couple of actors from the 80s who still haven't been cast in a hiking movie yet.  Get more episodes AND support the show! Fozzie's Top Ten Favorite Werner Herzog Films Why aren't you watching Reptar Hikes!? Email the show. No, seriously. Email the show. Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram JOIN our LIVE INTERNET AUDIENCE on Discord Get the audio version of Where's the Next Shelter? for free when you join Audible! Get more Podcasts by The Trek.  BONUS!!! Becky's Thought Provoking Questions about this film:  Email us your thoughts. "Hiking is not walking" A simple question is what's the difference? Is it hiking only when you have a stick or a backpack? "You are not doing this alone" Did anyone's significant other lay down any ground rules before agreeing a long distance hike was a good idea? What adjustments did you have to make because of loved ones' issues? "You ARE too old" How much does health/age play into a thru hikes? Did you all have physicals before leaving home? "Can you tell if people are going to make it all the way to Maine when you drop them off?" As you met others on the trail could you tell, as hikers yourselves, who would not make it? "You never know what lies ahead." What thing made this true for each of you? "Can't be uphill all the way to Maine!" Is the AT uphill mostly? Or any of the other long distance trails? Mary Ellen criticized their tents and the other guy asked about Bryson's pack. What would you say is the most talked about piece of gear among hikers? I can read our local newspaper in five minutes and be satisfied. But when I was at PV's for so long I found myself buying papers because I missed them. When you got to town what did you "have" to have as far as reading material? Maybe nothing. Did you ever strike out to walk for something in town like Bryson tried to walk to KMart and found it impossible? Maybe forgetting you weren't on the trail? Who do you identify with from the movie? Bryson? Katz? Mary Ellen? the two young helpful guys? The annoying nerd in the bunkhouse? Katz had his whiskey bottle, Bryson had his walking stick, Lemmy had his memory sticks. What do you feel you "have" to carry on hikes?

June Gear Contest Still Open  Go back and check out Episode 41 (Virtual Campfire with Guthook) for details on how to win! Rachael DeLano (Trail Name: Rabbit) describes herself as "a hiker, guide, rabbit lover, and yoga teacher." She recently completed her Triple Crown and joined us for a Wednesday night hangout this May. We talked about her reasons for starting the AT, big adventures out west and her journey hiking Hadrian's Wall, an ancient defensive fortification in the Roman province of Britannia. Oh, and poop. Rabbit on Instagram RabbitHikes  Listeners who support the show have already heard the next FOUR episodes while you and I sit here like a couple of highschool kids who haven't been issued lockers yet.  Get more episodes AND support the show! Survival Tarp at Etowah Gear Reptar Hikes! Email the show Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram JOIN US and listen LIVE on Discord Get the audio version of Where's the Next Shelter? for free when you join Audible! Stories From the Trail is presented by The Trek.

June Gear Giveaway Contest announced in this episode! We're moving this one to the front of the queue so you can get in on the contest while there's still time. You have till the end of June to enter, listen for details! In this episode, Guthook joins us and we talk about chiggers and get caught up on Trail Days. Reptar tells us more about his upcoming PCT hike, and we give away not one, but TWO prizes to our listeners. One of which could be you!   Listeners who support the show have already heard the next THREE episodes while you and I sit here like a couple of Storm Troopers who haven't been issued blasters yet.  Get more episodes AND support the show! Survival Tarp at Etowah Gear Guthook Guides Reptar Hikes! Email the show Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram JOIN US on Discord Get the audio version of Where's the Next Shelter? for free when you join Audible! Stories From the Trail is presented by The Trek.

  Reptar, Voldemort, Daniel, and Green Giant tell stories based on your questions: Hiking in crappy weather, meetups with randos, the coronation of Captain Underpants and more!  Listeners who support the show have already heard the next FOUR episodes while you and I sit here like a couple of Price is Right contestants who forgot to pick up name tags at the door.  Get more episodes AND support the show! Reptar Hikes! Email the show Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram JOIN US on Discord Get the audio version of Where's the Next Shelter? for free when you join Audible!  

Allyson "Clarity" Hester was a motorcycle racing grade school teacher before she broke her back. Now she's an Appalachian Trail Thru Hiker who inspires others, and continues to teach through her work as an ATC Ridge Runner, blogger, and is just an all around amazing person. Enjoy. Appalachian Trail Clarity    Listeners who support the show have already heard the next FOUR episodes while you and I sit here like a couple of hungry hikers waiting to eat bacon from a pig that's still squealin'.  Get more episodes AND support the show! Reptar Hikes! Fozzie's House of Oompah Loompah Music Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram Stories From the Trail on Discord Get the audio version of Where's the Next Shelter? for free when you join Audible!  

  Heaps is a 28 year old Kiwi who's traveled the world, mostly on foot. Hear her stories about the PCT, Anapurna Circuit, the book she's working on and more. Also, a surprise visit from last week's guest, Twerk!  WARNING: We get pretty gross in this one. Heaps on Instagram Wilderbound Twerk's Hiker Trash Vogue Etowah Gear Listeners who support the show have already heard the next three episodes while you and I sit here like a couple of schmucks waiting to see a movie that hasn't even been cast yet.  Get more episodes AND support the show! Reptar Hikes! Fozzie's House of Strudel Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram Stories From the Trail on Discord Get the audio version of Where's the Next Shelter? for free when you join Audible!  

Hiker Trash Vogue Tommy Corey is Twerk, creator of "Hiker Trash Vogue", a book which is much more than a collection of your average hikers captured in elegant poses. It's a stunning visual work that amplifies confidence and shines a light on inner beauty, even in the dirtiest of places.  Hiker Trash Vogue Follow Twerk on Instagram TommyCorey.com Listeners who support the show have already heard the next three episodes while you and I sit here like a couple of schmucks waiting for a bus that hasn't even been built yet.  Join our community AND support the show! Reptar Hikes! Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram Stories From the Trail on Discord Get the audio version of Where's the Next Shelter? for free when you join Audible!  

Our guest Tyler Lau, aka "Hiking Prodigy" is the first person of color to hike all three long distance trails in the US in a single calendar year. That's 7,800 miles, and he did it with time to spare.  Follow The Prodigy on Instagram Raising awareness for more diversity in the outdoors, video Listeners who support the show have already heard the next three episodes while you and I sit here like a couple bozos waiting for a train that ain't comin'.  Join our community AND support the show! Reptar Hikes! Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram Stories From the Trail on Discord Get the audio version of Where's the Next Shelter? for free when you join Audible!  

Cory is changing his life by hiking the PCT while attempting to lose 200 pounds. As he puts it, this is his "Second Chance" at life. Now a youtube sensation, we were lucky enough to get a call from Second Chance from atop a windy pass in a blizzard, just over a hundred miles into his PCT journey.  Join Reptar and Green Giant for a motiviating, inspirational and hilarious time wit Second Chance Hiker. Follow Second Chance Hiker on Youtube Support Second Chance on Patreon Thanks for listening! Join our community AND support the show! Reptar Hikes! Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram Stories From the Trail on Discord Get the audio version of Where's the Next Shelter? for free when you join Audible!    

Leave No Trace mean a whole lot more than simply not putting your trash in the campfire.  In this episode, we get the whole crew together (it's been a while!) to talk about this very important topic. Green Giant, Voldemort, Reptar and Fozzie also discuss the PCT, ATKO, The Yellow Deli, gear giveaways and eventually, Leave no trace, which happens to be Megan's favorite topic! Leave No Trace Etowah Gear ALDHA Hellbender Salamander Thanks for listening! Join our community AND support the show! Reptar Hikes! Fozzie's world of fancy teacups and such Appalachian Trials Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram Stories From the Trail on Discord Get the audio version of Where's the Next Shelter? for free when you join Audible!  

Amy Hunsucker, aka "Slider" carried a Trombone from Springer to Katahdin. Join Reptar and Daniel as we hang out with her and hear stories from her great adventure on the Appalachian Trail! Slider on Instagram Slider's blog Thanks for listening! Join our community AND support the show! Reptar Hikes! Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram Stories From the Trail on Discord Get the audio version of Where's the Next Shelter? for free when you join Audible.com!

Joining Green Giant and Voldemort this week: Reptar, Fozzie, and Crazy Larry for a relaxed Hiker Hangout in which we accomplish the following:  Great Hiking and Climbing Flims Listener Question: Cheap Solutions to Expensive Gear Problems Overcoming the Desire to Quit During a Thru Hike New Segment: Listeners on the Trail! Thanks for listening! Join our community AND support the show! Reptar Hikes! Fozzie's world of fancy teacups and such Appalachian Trials Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram Stories From the Trail on Discord Get the audio version of Where's the Next Shelter? for free when you join Audible.com!

Finishing up our audio coverage from ATKO 2019.  Hiker Q&A Panel - This year's theme: "Challenging how you think about the Trail" Hosted by Gary Sizer (Where's the Next Shelter? and Stories From the Trail) with guests: Miss Janet - Trail Angel Extraordinaire "Turnaround" - 2018 AT Flip Flopper and friend of the show "Chuck Norris" - The beard behind Laughing Heart Hostel New Hiker Rachel - youtuber "Hiking with Arrow" We'll be back next week with Hiker Hangouts, Long Distance Prep School, your stories, and more! Full ATKO2019 Schedule here Happy Camper Radio Miss Janet's HikerTV Rachel's Hiking With Arrow Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram Stories From the Trail on Discord Join our community AND support the show!

From ATKO 2019, “Dehydrate it Yourself, Backpacking Food” presented by Judy (Heartfire) Gross of Lightheart Gear.  Dehydrating Backpacking Food Facebook Group Lightheart Gear Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram Stories From the Trail on Discord Join our community AND support the show!  

Welcome to Appalachian Trail Kickoff 2019! The event just started, and we kick things off with the welcome speech by Odie, of Hiker Yearbook fame. He practiced this one in front of his cactus, and the cactus said it was good. Enjoy!

Joining Green Giant and Voldemort this week: Reptar, Fozzie, and Crazy Larry in a big meaty discussion about tradition. In this episode people confess their sins, jump off of bridges, eat too much and nearly shit their britches. Voldemort's method of post-pee hand washing with spit water is the stuff of legend, listener questions and more! The Trek's Trail Traditions Join our community AND support the show! Reptar Hikes! Fozzie's world of fancy teacups and such Where's the Next Shelter? Appalachian Trials Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram Stories From the Trail on Discord

Recorded January 16th, the 4th in our series "Long Distance Prep School". This week we barely scrape the surface of the infinitely deep topic: Gear. Featuring tips and tricks by Mark Calcagni (Laughing Totem) and Judy Heartfire Gross of LightHeart Gear. TheTrek 2018 Gear of the Year Lightheart Gear Join our community AND support the show! Where's the Next Shelter? Appalachian Trials Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram Stories From the Trail on Discord

Thank you REI Asheville for allowing us to record our class! From REI's website:  In 2014, Gary Sizer hiked over 2000 miles from Georgia to Maine, on a life changing journey called the Appalachian Trail. Enjoy an evening of delight as Gary shares his planning tips and tricks, plus stories, photos, and laughs drawn from his experiences living amidst nature. Gary hails from Asheville, leads workshops on respecting the wilderness, tells stories for NPR's "The Moth" and his book, "Where's the Next Shelter?" is a best seller in Travel and Adventure. Topics include: - Gear, food and logistics - The transformation long distance hikers undergo, both inside and out. - Inspiration and kindness at the most unexpected times. - Strange hiker habits and traditions, old and new - Funny stories - Q&A

Continuing our series of Long Distance Prep School with our talk about Physical Preparation. In this episode, Green Giant is not physically prepared, so Daniel takes the lead, fielding questions from you, the listener. Join us as we chat with Reptar and Keith "Fozzie" Foskett about getting fit enough to tackle the trail! Join our community AND support the show! Keith Foskett books Reptar Hikes Where's the Next Shelter? Appalachian Trials Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram Stories From the Trail on Discord Call the show at 828-365-8041

Most notable for calling attention to the absence of color on the Appalachian Trail, Daniel White (aka "The Blackalachian") followed up by cycling the Underground Railroad Trail in 2018.     Topics discussed: Why the AT? The Underground Railroad Trail Getting hit by a truck Attacked by dogs Food Fishing on the AT Links  Join our community AND support the show! Blackalachian on Youtube Blackalachian on Instagram Blackalachian on Facebook Where's the Next Shelter? Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram Stories From the Trail on Discord Call the show at 828-365-8041 

Second show in our new series "Long Distance Prep School" - Planning a long hike in 2019? (or ever?) Start here! Each week we'll record and release another class led by a hand selected panel of experts. Up this week, Keith "Fozzie" Foskett and Scott "Squatch" Harriott talking with us about Things to consider when making your plan: Work Every Detail? Or Fly by the seat of my pants?  Health Insurance What did you put on hold to hike? Visa/Passport issues What books or movies helped prepare or inspire you? Links and Guests Join our community AND support the show! Jennifer Pharr Davis on Health Insurance for Hikers Keith Foskett books Squatch Films Where's the Next Shelter? Appalachian Trials Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram Call the show at 828-365-8041 

First show in our new series "Long Distance Prep School" - Planning a long hike in 2019? (or ever?) Start here! Each week we'll record and release another class led by a hand selected panel of experts. Up this week, Reptar and Miss Janet talking with us about Things new hikers might be afraid of: Guns - Do you need one? Ticks - How to prevent, and what if you get bit? Bears and snakes The weather The Hiker Community takes care of each other Hike Ending Injuries Links and Guests Join our community AND support the show! Reptar Hikes Mark Calcagni Art and Photography Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram Call the show at 828-365-8041         

Guthook's AMA (Ask Me Anything) How did Guthook get his trail name? What about the Hayduke Trail? NOLS.edu "The Secret to Good Trail Mix" Guthook's 7th best poop story The Bristol Stool Chart Also... Announcing: Long Distance Prep School Join our community AND support the show! Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram

"Roughing It": Green Giant and Gamera get snowed in and use their camping skills to "survive".  Announcing: Weekly Long Distance Hiking Prep Classes, live via Discord. Are you attempting a thru in 2019? 2020? Ever? Even if you're in the "It's still a dream phase", tune in and join us live every Wednesday, starting December 26th. Experts will help you plan your hike. Follow our instagram for the FREE INVITE. Daniel's Questions: "Hey, does this look infected?"   Join our community AND support the show! Warren's Lobster House Mt Cabot, NH Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram  

Congratulations to 2018 Appalachian Trail Thru Hiker (Flip Flop Style) Turnaround! We always say that we want the show to feel like you're eavesdropping on friends at the pub. Lately our table has grown longer, in the form of our chatroom. This episode was recorded while live streaming on Halloween night, although it's not very spooky.  Chris (aka Turnaround) has been updating us since March as he hiked the AT. He began in Georgia, and near the halfway point (Harpers Ferry, WV) he jumped up to Katahdin. That's the last we heard from him.  Join us as we catch up and hear about the northern half of the trail.  Join our community AND support the show! Germans Pronouncing Massachusetts  Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram

Damien Tougas (Trail name: Toe Salad) is a hiker, shoe blogger, entrepreneur, and most notably a Family Man. In 2014 he and the whole family hiked the entire Appalachian Trail, challenging enough for one person, a truly impressive feat for a family of five.  In this episode we get in-depth about minimalist footwear, learn the logistics of hiking while homeschooling, and reveal just how little Green Giant really knows about computers. Plus, find out whether Voldemort has a salmon in the oven.  Join our community AND support the show! Toe Salad Outsideways Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram Youtube Follow Green Giant Join our community AND support the show!

In 2016 O'Ree Crittenden set out to hike the Georgia section of the AT. This would be enough of a challenge for any of us, but O'Ree attempted this without the use of his arms or legs.  O'Ree (aka "O Dog") became paralyzed after a serious spinal cord injury 15 years prior, but instead of giving up, he became even more active. His perseverance and indomitable spirit have driven him to pursue outdoor activities with even more vigor than before, and now he serves as a "peer supporter" for others with similar injuries.  Hear O'Ree's story, and prepare to throw away any excuses you've ever had for not attempting a goal. In this episode we talk about food, gear, and as always a little bit of poop, with a lot of inspiration.  Join our community AND support the show! O Dog Rollin' O Ree on the AT Outsideways Leave no Trace Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram Youtube Follow Green Giant Join our community AND support the show!

In our first ever live streaming episode, the listeners call in with questions, comments and of course, stories. Eventually we wind up on the topic of animal encounters, so you'll get to hear about birds, bear, deer, trash pandas, pikas and marmots (oh my!)  Surprise appearances by former guests and friends of the show, Mark Calcagni, Daniel Pitts, plus plenty of new voices too.  Find the show on Facebook, Instagram or pretty much anywhere you follow stuff online, and we'd love to have you join in on the next one. This was so much fun, we're definitely doing it again!  Join our community AND support the show! Laughing Totem Photo Rapt Journal Outsideways Leave no Trace Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram Youtube Follow Green Giant Join our community AND support the show!

Matthew "Odie" Norman is best known on the AT as the bus-dwelling shaggy faced creator of the Hiker Yearbook, an old-school hard back annual publication packed with history, photos and highlights from each year's "graduating class." Odie connects hikers, and we connected with him in this latest episode.  Learn about the bus, the trail, and Odie's mission, including his plans (now underway!) to hit the PCT next.  Audio from The 2018 Trail Days video was shared with us from the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. Links to things we talk about on this episode: Join our community AND support the show! Hiker Yearbook Grandma Gatewood The AT Museum

Back in episode 9 we met Chris, who was beginning his Appalachian Trail Thru Hike the following day. This is Chris's first long trail, and he's having the time of his life! He's encountered every type of weather, met incredible people and has experienced (and given) trail magic. And now he has a trail name. Having hiked roughly a thousand miles, Chris (aka "Turnaround") called the show from Harper's Ferry to give us an update on how he's doing. Join Voldemort and Green Giant for updates from the trail, hostel recommendations, nutrition, water talk, and of course bear stories. Links to things we talk about on this episode: Join our community AND support the show! Backpacks by Deuter Grafton Loop Waysides Bear Trap at Brink Road Shelter  

Griffin Howard attempts all 48 of New Hampshire's four-thousand foot peaks in a single hike. We spoke with Griffin as he was preparing and again after his return. Join Voldemort and Green Giant for all the questions and answers you could imagine for a project like this. What do you bring, which way do you go, and can you teach your emotional support goat to hold the leash for your hiking chicken.  Join our community AND support the show! Jackson Kayaks Andrew Drummond Direttissima Q&A OR Molecule Bivy SPOT How to walk your chicken on a leash Ultrasil 2oz Day Pack Band aid flavored coffee Owl's Head

Voldemort and Green Giant team up with The Hiking Viking (Jabba) and Zach Davis (Badger) from Backpacker Radio in this joint episode, recorded at Trail Days.   

Janet Hensley, aka "Miss Janet" is a well known role model among the long distance hiking community, particularly the AT. She is notorious for providing unconditional, tough love not only for hikers, but toward the trail itself. The Appalachian Trail and the culture which surrounds it would not be the same without her, and we were lucky to catch up with Mis Janet at ATKO earlier this spring.   

In this episode we take Daniel on his first overnight backpacking trip! It's his first time spending a night in the woods, filtering water, setting up a tent, and even pooping in a hole. Sounds fun, right?  It was even more fun than we expected, and the bar was pretty high. Not only did we have a great time on the trip, we enjoyed looking back on our favorite parts with co hosts Green Giant and Voldemort.  Come along and let take you close to the trail as you can possibly get using only your ears.  Hidden Falls Schnozzel Bag in Action The Deuce of Spades Leave No Trace Foothills Trail

If you were starting the Appalachian Trail tomorrow, what questions would you have?  New AT hiker Chris Clevenger called the show the day before hitting the approach trail. He's been preparing, practicing and pacing for at least a year, and now his time is finally here.  Voldemort is on assignment (i.e. "between internet providers") so she'll be with us for the next one. Meanwhile, join Chris and Green Giant as we discuss trail angels, trail names, first aid, creek crossings and whether or not someone who had their hip replaced last year has a chance at making it. (Spoiler alert: They totally do.) 

Bob "Sir Packsalot" Gabrielson is the proprietor of Top of Georgia Hiking Center at mile 69 (North) on the Appalachian Trail. Each year Packsalot shares his knowledge and experience at the AT Kickoff in the form of a motivational/educational talk called "The Ten Golden Suggestion for Hiking the Appalachian Trail". Sir Packsalot and Green Giant found some time after the show to hang out in a quiet room and just talk trail for a while. 

Keith Foskett (aka "Fozzie") is a long distance hiker, best selling author and maple syrup connoisseur.  Zach Davis joins Gary and Megan to talk with Keith about hiking in Scotland, writing, self publishing, dogs, depression, and candy. Keith's new book "High and Low" is available now.   Port Clinton Fire Company That Weirdo Announcer Voice Accent The Fawlty Towers Mouse Learn more about Keith Foskett

The Appalachian Trail Kickoff is an annual event which has been held at Amicalola Falls State Park for nearly two decades. The site is home to the world famous falls, the start of the much maligned approach trail, and a rambling lodge with spectacular views.  Each year hundreds of eager newbies and grizzled veterans gather here to swap stories and soak up wisdom. For many it is a kind of family reunion, for others, a wake up call. The kickoff lasts three days, so there's plenty to hear. Enough for a few episodes, for sure. In this installment, Green Giant and Voldemort share their stories while bringing you with them to the festivities. Daniel makes a surprise visit, and the crew meets with Tom Kennedy of Hike For Mental Health, Ron Burger of ALDHA, "Sir Packs a Lot", Miss Janet, Odie, and many more.  Links and things: Spruce Gum Spruce Tips Tea Spaceship Ski Lodge Amicalola Falls Hike For Mental Health ALDHA The AT Reddit Page

In preparation for his first overnight hike, Daniel calls into the show from REI. If you've ever wanted to virtually help a new hiker select their gear, now's your chance. Or maybe you are that new hiker. Even better! We help pick out some equipment and explain a few of the mysteries behind those choices. What's a "lumens"? How many fill count do I need? What's a baffle? And where's my underwear?  Climb into Daniel's pocket, put Green Giant in your ears and sip some free coffee with us while we do our best to not get thrown out for causing a scene.   

What questions would you have if you were about to go on your first ever overnight backpacking trip in the woods? Join Green Giant and Voldemort in the studio with Daniel Pitts, mailman, juggler, balloon animal maker. Daniel has done lots of interesting things, but he still hasn't slept in a tent. He'll ask us what to expect and we'll help him (and you!) plan that first overnight hike.  This special episode is the first in a series. Over the next few weeks we'll go on location to get geared up, and then take that gear out and put it (and Daniel) to the test!