Long-distance hiking trail in the US
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Strider comes back on Hike to discuss completing his 2024 thru hike on the International Appalachian Trail (IAT). He started on the Pinhoti Trail and went all the way up to the tip of Newfoundland, though his hike was not always linear. We learn more about that in this interview, including how this hike led to his completion of the C2C (Coast to Coast) trail. We chat about some of the logistics of hiking across the Northern border including: border crossings, hitching a ride, camp sites, hiking during hunting season and resupplies. Connect with Strider:stridernct@gmail.comFacebook - StriderC2CListen to our previous episode about the North Country Trail (2020)Support the showConnect with Hike:Instagram: @thehikepodcast @shenandoahexplorerFacebook: @thehikepodcastEmail: hikepodcast@gmail.com
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In this episode, Hailey explores a hidden Wisconsin destination you must add to your vacation bucket list. Mellen is home to a community filled with rich history, one-of-a-kind sights at Copper Falls State Park, and many places to get out and explore the Northwoods such as through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Get ready to start your adventure with us and learn about Mellen now!Read the blog here: https://discoverwisconsin.com/have-you-visited-mellen-explore-with-us/Mellen: https://www.mellenwi.com/; Mellen Area Historical Museum: https://www.travelashlandcounty.com/historical-information/; Legion Memorial Library: https://www.legionmemoriallibrary.org/; North Country Trail: https://northcountrytrail.org/trail/wisconsin/che/; Copper Falls State Park: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/copperfalls; Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/cnnf; Morgan Falls & St. Peter's Dome Trail: https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/regions/eastern/StPetersDome/index.shtml; Penokee Mountain Ski Trail: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cnnf/recarea/?recid=27757; The Bobber: https://discoverwisconsin.com/blog/The Cabin Podcast: https://the-cabin.simplecast.com. Follow on social @thecabinpodShop Discover Wisconsin: shop.discoverwisconsin.com. Follow on social @shopdiscoverwisconsinDiscover Wisconsin: https://discoverwisconsin.com/. Follow on social @discoverwisconsinDiscover Mediaworks: https://discovermediaworks.com/. Follow on social @discovermediaworksEnbridge: https://www.enbridge.com/. Follow on social @enbridge
The first 100 pages of How to Hike the North Country Trail: not quite a Guide explain why the North Country Trail is unique among National Scenic Trails and why its political history causes the checkerboard of allowed uses found along its length. One cannot just camp anywhere along the trail. This requires much more planning for a long hike than some hikers expect. The rest of the book is the first-ever attempt to list all the legal places to camp or find lodging along the 4800 miles of the NCT. As the title says, it's "not quite a guide." This trail is still too long and too fluid to publish the level of detail that a true guide would contain. However, the book in conjunction with the free interactive map at northcountrytrail.org, is a great aid in creating a plan for a long hike. Listen in for a chance to win a signed copy of How to Hike the North Country Trail. Sponsored by Moravian Sons Distillery and Doc Chavent Copyright (c)2024. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.
We spent the weekend exploring more of the North Country Trail, chasing waterfalls, and being blown away by the fall colors!Click here to get the One the Road Google Map (OVER 1,000 PINS!!)IG: @thatwisconsincoupleFB: @thatwisconsincoupleLeave us your feedback or recommendations here!
Send us a textWoody Ellis comes on the show to discuss his long walk to help raise awareness and funds for mental health issues. Woody kicked off his walk by crossing the iconic span of the Mackinaw Bridge this Labor Day. His route will be mostly dictated by those he will meet and by supporters who host him along the way. In this episode we chat about the goals and how he plans to achieve them, his gear (including a walking trailer!) and inspiration. Follow Woody on his walk: https://www.woodywalks.comhttps://www.instagram.com/woodywalksproject/https://www.facebook.com/theonlywoodywoodhttps://www.youtube.com/@woodywalkshttps://www.tiktok.com/@woodywalksprojectSupport the showConnect with Hike:Instagram: @thehikepodcast @shenandoahexplorerFacebook: @thehikepodcastEmail: hikepodcast@gmail.com
Strange social media posts raise alerts for the friends and family of a solo hiker on the North Country Trail... Patreon: patreon.com/thewarningwoods/ Merch: https://thewarningwoods.myshopify.com/ Written and narrated by Miles Tritle Subscribe for more creepy horror stories released every Thursday at 12:00PM CST! NOTE: The Warning Woods contains stories which include horror elements of all varieties. These may include, but is not limited to, graphic violence, murder, suicide, drug use, human and/or animal death, and other topics some viewers may find upsetting. Keep this in mind when choosing to listen. Social: www.instagram.com/thewarningwoods www.thewarningwoods.com www.milestritle.com Copyright 2024 Miles Tritle The Warning Woods podcast contains original works of fiction. Some of the locations within the stories may be real, but the characters and events are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to real individuals, groups, organizations, or events, unless otherwise specified, is entirely coincidental. Any names or titles belonging to real individuals, groups, or organization are not used intentionally unless otherwise specified. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sheldon's back! OG co-host of the Dirty Chain rejoins the podcast to talk North Country Trail, Lord of the Springs, reminisce about the 26er Autumn Mixer, and rant a little about current cycling gear trends.
This week we dive right into the Hardrock 100 recap. Men's and Women's course records both fell. Then we go over race results from Waugoshance Trail 50K, San Lorenzo River Trail 50K, Siskiyou Out Back, Mount Hood Races which had a women's 50 mile course record and she won the race outright, Beaverhead Endurance Runs, Queen City Trail Scramble 50k, Tale of Two Trails, and an FKT on the PA segment of the North Country Trail. Big news in the ultrarunning media sphere, Jamil Coury's Steep Life Media company has acquired UltraRunning Magazine. We close the show trying to make sense of these celebrity run clubs which seem to be popping up. Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ultrarunning_news_network/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555338668719 X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/ultrarunnews Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ultrarunning_news_network Email: ultrarunning.news.network@gmail.com
The North Country Trail which will stretch 4,800 miles across eight states from North Dakota to Vermont and will traverse the superior national forest along the border route trail, through the wilderness on the Kekekabic Trail and a new section that will bring hikers directly to Ely. We're joined by Matt Davis, Regional Trail Coordinator for the North Country Trail Association, Eric Campbell, President of the Kekekabic Trail Club, and Carl Skustad, Kawishiwi Ranger District Recreation/Wilderness and Trails Manager on the superior national forest.Steve Robertson returns to talk spring bird migration, identification and banding on the forest.Episode Links:https://northcountrytrail.org/volunteer/ways-to-volunteer/https://www.borderroutetrail.org/volunteer-opportunitieswww.kek.orgwww.nct.org
With soggy skies above and soggy snow below, my recent hike on the North Country Trail was not inspiring a love for spring. But with my head bent to watch my footing, I noticed a sprinkling of debris coated the surface of the softening snow. Suddenly one of the little specks vanished. Crouching down for a better look, I discovered that most of the sprinkles were tiny, leaping springtails known as snow fleas. I dug out my macro camera.
Join us for an exhilarating journey into the world of long-distance hiking with Arlette Laan, affectionately known as "Apple Pie." In this episode, Arlette shares her awe-inspiring tale of becoming the first woman to hike all 11 National Scenic Trails in the USA, covering over 35,000 miles on foot. From her childhood adventures in Holland to navigating the rugged terrains of America's most iconic trails, Arlette's story is one of perseverance, passion, and the sheer joy of exploration. Tune in as she delves into the essence of long-distance hiking, the challenges she faced along the way, and the profound lessons she learned from her epic adventures. Whether you're an avid hiker or simply someone who loves a good adventure story, this episode is sure to leave you inspired and itching to hit the trails! *** Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women. By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement. Thank you for your invaluable support! *** Show notes Who is Arlette? Being born in Holland Living in Boston, USA Getting the trail name ‘Apple Pie' Growing up in Holland and having a typical childhood Moving over to California after college Visiting Switzerland and getting into backpacking The hiking culture in the Netherlands Starting with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in America in 2003 Learning more about the long distance trails What she loves about long distance hiking Being empowered after reaching her goals How hiking has changed over the years The social aspect of hiking Not being an ultra light fast packer What a typical day hiking looks like Having dinner at 5pm and then carrying on hiking Finishing up the 11 National Scenic Trails Not giving her body the rest she needed Pushing harder while hiking Dealing with the heat and humidity and struggling to hit the 25 miles per day needed Advice for recovery and why taking time off is a good thing Eating well while hiking Cooking v cold soaking Food chat! Wearing dresses while hiking Hiking through all seasons Tips for winter hiking Feet and shoes for hiking Road walking with a pack Hiking with poles Fitting hiking into her life and working as a hiking guide Hiking all of the 11 National Scenic Trails in the States Putting a plan in place in 2018 Speaking with ‘Buck 30' (Brian Tanzman) Planning and preparation for the final few hikes Dealing with aggressive barking dogs North Country Trail (4,600 miles) Advice for when it gets tough on a hike Making her goals smaller Keeping track of expenses while on trail Paying for breakfast as it's a better deal than dinner Advice for hiking the Te Araroa (TA), New Zealand Skipping the road walks in New Zealand Hiking in Nepal Hiking in Europe Preferring to hike in the wilderness Going back to hike the Arizona trail Wanting to thru-hikes the trails that she section hiked Wanting to ‘redlining' the White Mountains guide book (1,440.4 miles ) How to connect with Arlette on social media #ApplePieHikes Selling sock dolls (only sold/shipped to the US) Redline Guiding Final words of advice Social Media Website: www.arlettelaan.com Instagram: @arlette_laan
We're happy to welcome Tom Grotewohl of Protect the Porkies, who are organizing against the development of the Copperwood Mine in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Important and time-sensitive calls to action: 1. Visit https://protecttheporkies.com/ to learn more and to sign the petition opposing Copperwood Mine. 2. Sign up contribute a public comment to the Michigan Strategic Fund's public comment session on March 26th at 10am (in-person in Lansing or virtually). You can get all the info about attending, pre-registering a virtual comment, or submitting a comment of opposition via email at https://www.michiganbusiness.org/about-medc/michigan-strategic-fund/public-comment/ 3. Protect the Porkies are also hosting a virtual town hall this Saturday, March 23 at 11am where you can get more campaign updates. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcpcOCrqTMjHdf5LigSt0aKNbDCB1p-S5l-? This proposed metallic sulfide mine would be the closest to Lake Superior in history as well as bordering the North Country Trail and Porcupine Mountain State Park - which is not only the largest State Park in Michigan, it is the largest designated Wilderness Area in mainland Michigan with 40,000+ acres of designated Wilderness including 35,000 acres of old growth forest which is the largest tract of mixed coniferous-deciduous old growth remaining in the Midwest. It was recently ranked as "most beautiful State Park in the country." The Michigan Strategic Fund is currently considering a $50M grant to the proposed Copperwood metallic sulfide mine - this move would be an incredibly irresponsible use of taxdoller money and most likely open the door to additional investment and funding that would help the foreign energy company get the necessary resources to start development. Tom goes in-depth in the episode to how we got here, what's at stake and all of the current calls to action that we're encouraging folks to take. Please join us in taking action and spreading the word to your friends! /// EPISODE 44 / Tom Grotewohl interviewed by Seth Bernard / Produced, edited and mixed by Dan Rickabus and Chris Good / Narrators - Alex Smith, Ben Darcie, Dan Rickabus, Jenny Jones, Angela Gallegos, Rachel Marco-Havens / Graphic by Chris Good, Photos courtesy of Tom Grotewohl / Theme Music - Mike Savina, Seth Bernard & Dan Rickabus / Featured Music - “Homestretch” by Ecotone; “Authors (instrumental demo)" by Dan Rickabus; and “La Nana de la Loba” by Maple Moon
I took advantage of the beautiful weather last weekend and went for a hike on a portion of the North Country Trail. I met up with a hiking group and the hike leader, Mark Roberts, V.P. of the Peter Wolfe Chapter of the NCT. While out there I interviewed Mark about the North Country Trail, new unit designation under the National Park Service, need for volunteers and what type of volunteer work needs to be done. We talk about the Peter Wolfe Chapter of the trail (which is the part of the trail I hike most), this crazy winter and good places to hike in the Western U.P. right now during our unseasonably warm and dry El Nino winter. This winter was a popular topic on the trail that day and we all agree we're going to get a huge snowstorm yet before May!(Artwork Photo Credit: Keith Meyers) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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A single footstep becomes two. A single mile becomes thousands. A single trail becomes many. A single goal becomes a life. A life becomes a home. Welcome back to the Off Trail Podcast after our hiatus, here is the reason why! Well... that and also we neglected our duties off being a podcast host, but let us focus on the positives and not the negatives here. Strap in for a wild episode, the first of its kind. A pure hour of Constantine rambles, blessed be the souls willing to undertake this journey. We chat trails being a life changing experience but the true power on taking the lessons off the trails. We talk from the heart and let the brain catch up to the words. We chat everything about the book Life in Pursuit. A project 2 years in the making, and one could even say 7 years from that very first step on the Appalachian Trail. We chat finding time in life to pursue your passions, the constant year of travel in 2022, and when the brain gets involved things becoming lost. We discuss the difficulties of compressing life into 288 pages and how we tend to speak "well" with a heavy emphasis on the quotations. We chat the desire to share this story and the reasons behind writing a book and get lost in tangents. We then go into what we call "the in-between" the very foundation of our book. Each trail has its own chapter but does not jump directly into the next one, instead showing the building blocks of life and choice to continue pursuing adventure along the trails. We chat failure daily, prevalence of popularity of the trail systems in the recent years, and the immense circles of life both physically on trail and metaphorically along the way. We then begin the reading of the book. Starting with the dedication, the preface, and then a few snippets of chapters. Stories told in a scraggily voice (completely on par with our announcements being at the worst timing) and stories that give a glimpse into a life in pursuit. We chat "I Am A Barbie Girl", old timer gospel, and the endless definition of the word nothingness. We ramble, get lost, and one could hope remain found. The Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, the Pacific Northwest Trail, the Ice Age Trail, the Arizona Trail, the Florida Trail, the Natchez Trace Trail, the Potomac Heritage Trail, the New England Trail, and the behemoth of them all the North Country Trail make up the National Scenic Trails. Life in Pursuit becomes less about the physical activity of hiking and becomes a look into a life of obsession. The trials and obstacles of a life lived for the pursuit of the next trail. Stories, moments, and challenges of each hike are told through the lens of a perception that changes into a reality. The trail has an end point, the mind does not. When the trail ends the person continues to change. A trail is the physical manifestation of a journey. This book is the emotional manifestation of the endless journey of life, the endless journey of a life in pursuit. To everyone that continues to make this life special, thank you! Pre-Order the Book Today: https://www.elevenskys.com/product-page/life-in-pursuit-hiking-the-11-national-scenic-trails
The North Country trail is a scenic hiking trail of 3200+ miles that spans eight US States from North Dakota to Vermont, and the largest section of the trail goes through Michigan. In this episode I interview Dave Cornell from the Chief Noonday Chapter of the North Country Trail Association, which is reponsible for the trail section in Barry, Kalamazoo and Calhoun Counties. We discuss the history of the trail and the people who maintain it. #NorthCountryTrail For more information on or to support the Chief Noonday Chapter of the North Country Trail, visit: https://northcountrytrail.org/trail/michigan/cnd/ For more information in general about the North Country Trail and its history: https://northcountrytrail.org/about-us/history/ The North Country Trail Association can be written to at: North Country Trail Association 229 E Main St. Lowell, MI 49331 For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com Subscribe to the channel!
Today we hit the road up to the UP! Tune in as we chat about our weekend in the Upper Peninsula—staying in a yurt, chasing waterfalls, and hiking on the North Country Trail. Looking for a scenic trip to Lake Superior or the perfect day trip from northern Wisconsin? Ironwood is for you!CLICK HERE FOR AN EPISODE RECAP AND ALL THE LINKS!IG: @thatwisconsincoupleFB: @thatwisconsincoupleLeave us your feedback here!
For this episode of The All-Around Adventure Podcast, I'm joined by thru-hiker, Brix. Brix is a fellow Michigander who has always found enjoyment out in nature. She got her start as a hiker with some trails in her local area. Though eventually she found herself wanting to go further and she began seeking out longer distance trails in Michigan, as well as other places around the country. Her and I have also traced some of each other's steps along Michigan's section of the North Country Trail. In places like Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, the Porcupine Mountains, and the Mouth of the Two-Hearted River. Though now she is taking on a new challenge! For as of the release of this episode, Brix is currently hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada! In this episode, Brix tells us about some of her hiking experiences. She shares some of the highlights that she remembers, as well as some of the misadventures that she faced along the way. She also goes over how she prepared herself to get ready to step off on the Pacific Crest Trail. Including the gear that she acquired for it, saving money and budgeting, and becoming mentally and physically ready. Furthermore, Brix shares some of the life lessons that she learned from hiking the different trails that she's been on. Such as experiencing growth by getting out of your comfort zone! To watch the video of our conversation, head over to the All-Around Adventure YouTube channel! Connect with Brix! Instagram YouTube Thank you for listening! To hear more great episodes like this one, click here! Also, don't forget to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a good rating and review! You can also listen to the podcast on Spotify, Stitcher, and iHeartRadio. And don't forget to follow All-Around Adventure on these social media platforms: Instagram Facebook Twitter YouTube And until next time; be safe, happy travels, and always move forward!
Brad is a video production consultant living in Middleton, WI with his wife, two daughters, and too many dogs. He is a 10X Ironman finisher, an accomplished ultra runner across all distances and recently set the FKT on the 215 mile Wisconsin section of the North Country Trail. To contact Brad:bradbirkel@gmail.com Wisconsin Public Radio Show - Ultrarunner sets record in Wisconsin segment North Country Trailhttps://www.wpr.org/shows/ultr...https://www.wpr.org/ultrarunne...
For this episode of The All-Around Adventure Podcast, I'm joined by Paige Du Bois, General Manager and Event Coordinator for Queen City Running Company in Marquette, Michigan. I first met Paige a little over a year ago while I was in the midst of Operation: Wolverine Walk. My 1,200-mile thru-hike across the entire state of Michigan. I faced footwear issues along the North Country Trail that led me to stop at her store. And she was there to provide me with the smoothest footwear-buying experience that I've ever had! She and I had stayed in touch since then. I would learn that she has traveled to many different cities to compete in, as well as pace for, various marathons. Or as I like to tell her... racin' and pacin'! She's also completed an ultra-marathon in some of the pristine wilderness of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. And soon she'll be running alongside the best long-distance runners in the world when she heads to the Boston Marathon! In this episode, Paige tells us about how she became a runner, as well as how running has benefited both her physical and mental health. She also shares some of her stories from her travels to race and pace. Furthermore, we discuss the importance of setting goals and focusing on them as you put in the work to achieve them! To watch the video of our conversation, head over to the All-Around Adventure YouTube channel! Connect with Paige! www.shopqcrc.com QCRC Instagram QCRC Facebook Paige's Instagram Thank you for listening! To hear more great episodes like this one, click here! Also, don't forget to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a good rating and review! You can also listen to the podcast on Spotify, Stitcher, and iHeartRadio. And don't forget to follow All-Around Adventure on these social media platforms: Instagram Facebook Twitter YouTube And until next time; be safe, happy travels, and always move forward!
Some people call it a rental kitchen, some people call it a professional studio” Today we sit back down with co-hosts Constantine and Magpie to talk all things North Country Trail. We began the show with what you all demand, an energy drink review! We chat airing it like a fine wine, spaghetti growing on trees, and baby birding previously chewed Hi-Chew candy. After a quick gross out portion, we dive deep into the North Country Trail. We find out that only NCT anniversaries count, that with a distance of 4833~ miles and growing you could walk across the country and half way back in the same length, and all friendly things about the state of Ohio. We break down the NCT by each state, starting with Vermont. Quickly jumping into New York, and then rolling into Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the beauty of North Dakota. We chat Ohio dogs and pepper spray, loving enough to avoid pain, and tracking miles. We chat fluctuation of miles, growing trail, and trail chapters. We chat sticking to the official route for the FKT and how exponentially hard it made this hike. We chat Finger Lakes, fighting winter, and long food carries. We chat weird days, anything and any animal chunky bringing unbridled joy, and horror film hotel lobby's in Michigan. We chat the Manistee Forest and the sigh of relief to free camp again. We shout out Munch and SOS and cutting the NCT in half. We chat Mackinaw Bridge logistics, hey dare ho dare doughnuts, and doldrums. We dive deep into what we called the “Duluth Doldrums” and unpack a story never told before. The feelings behind facing a growing trail already 3,400~ miles in and facing an “impossible” time frame to finish. We chat breaking points mentally and physically and finding energy when there wasn't any left to give. We chat being at the lowest we have ever been before on any hike. We chat the Superior Hiking Trail, Boundary Waters, and the Chippewa National Forest freezing rain rollercoaster. We chat all things beautiful in North Dakota, sheriff puppies, meteor showers, and licking a roast beef sandwich. We chat feelings, emotions, and giving oneself time to think and process what an amazing journey of mental and physical tests that is the North Country Trail. Favorite Quotes: “I purchased it with my own money… so yea… I'm sponsored… I just sponsored the company.” “Ask me what I had for breakfast nothing. Ask me to repaint a Chunky Pug… Picasso!” “What if and how” To learn more about who we are click below: Website: www.ElevenSkys.com
The North Country Trail runs through the heart of the Great Lakes region and covers 4,800 miles. Less than 20 people have ever hiked the entire NCT, but that's not stopping a man from Minnesota from trying.
Hike talks trail with two former guests and one long time listener in three back to back interviews. In the special episode we cover hiking tips, getting the next generation involved in trail maintenance, and many trails (North Country, Black Mountain Crest, Linville Gorge, Art Loeb, Colorado 14ers, Mt. Whitney, Cumberland Plateau and even the Smokies).If you enjoy listening to hiker chat, this is a perfect episode. A special thank you to Misty, Zach and Tim for helping me celebrate 4 years of the podcast. Each hiker shares a little bit of their own unique journey which will inspire you. Connect with Misty:Instagram: @dantedirtstashConnect with Zach:Instagram: @zach_kussFacebook: zach.kussConnect with Tim: Instagram: @1115timSupport the showConnect with Hike:Instagram: @thehikepodcastTwitter: @thehikepodcastFacebook: @thehikepodcastEmail: hikepodcast@gmail.com
For this episode of The All-Around Adventure Podcast, I'm joined by Buck Hough, owner and builder of Bin-Walkin. During my thru-hike across Michigan for Operation: Wolverine Walk. I had many people graciously offer me aid along the way. I had people give me rides, welcome me into their homes, cook me meals, bring me supplies, and much more. These people we're Trail Angels of the North Country Trail. And Buck was one of those Trail Angels that I met when I made it further south in Michigan's lower peninsula. Before I arrived, he had told me that he had just finished building a shelter on his property out of an old grain bin that he had salvaged. And that I would get to stay in it! This shelter became known as Bin-Walkin. As a hiker himself, Buck understands how nice a warm and comfy dwelling can be after hiking many miles on Michigan's trails. And he sought a way to create such a safe haven for his fellow hikers. This led him to build Bin-Walkin, a shelter with electricity, a wood stove, a sink, a legitimate outhouse, and much more! Now he and his wife Jenny have hosted many hikers that have made their way through along the North Country Trail. And each hiker leaves behind their stories and other memorabilia to help and inspire more hikers that come through. In this episode, Buck tells us some of his own hiking stories and shares what it's been like to build Bin-Walkin and host his fellow hikers. To watch the video of our conversation, head over to the All-Around Adventure YouTube channel! Connect with Buck! Facebook Thank you for listening! To hear more great episodes like this one, click here! Also, don't forget to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a good rating and review! You can also listen to the podcast on Spotify, Stitcher, and iHeartRadio. Also, be sure to join our FREE closed Facebook group, Travel Titans, and interact with other travelers like you! And don't forget to follow All-Around Adventure on these social media platforms: Instagram Facebook Twitter YouTube And until next time; be safe, happy travels, and always move forward!
Alicia Underlee Nelson with PrairieStyleFile.com and Midwest Road Trip Adventures shares the region's best fall foliage and festivals If you want to hike:Urban Woods and Prairies- Most people have no idea these even exist. And they're free.- 21 urban nature parks in Fargo-Moorhead alone- Developed by Audubon Dakota in conjunction with local park districts- See them here (a good link for sharing online)https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/1727e8812f314ca195c7fc350725c733- I detailed some of my favorites on Prairie Style Filehttps://www.prairiestylefile.com/post/nature-in-the-city-north-dakota-nature-parks-go-wildBuffalo River State Parkhttps://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00124#maps- About 25-50% of the leaves have changed according to the Minnesota Department ofNatural Resources (Sign up for their newsletter to get fall foliage updates)Turtle River State Parkhttps://www.parkrec.nd.gov/turtle-river-state-park- They have a Fall Luminary Walk this Saturday from 7-9 (bonfires and refreshments too)- You can check out a pass from the West Fargo or Fargo Public Libraries and it's freeMaplewood State Parkhttps://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00229#homepage- 25 miles of hiking trails and 20 miles of horseback riding trails- Includes a section of the North Country Trail that runs from North Dakota to Vermont(The longest in the U.S.)For a fall foliage driveSheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway- Begins north of Valley City and winds 63 miles south to Lisbon- Fort Ransom State Park (includes North Country Trail Route here too)- Sheyenne National Forest.- 2.2 mile out and back trail (4.4 miles total) in the forest leads to the state's onlyregistered waterfall.Pembina Gorgehttps://www.prairiestylefile.com/post/fall-colors-in-the-pembina-gorge-and-tetrault-woods-state-forest- North Dakota's largest uninterrupted stretch of woodlands- Rendezvous Region Scenic Byway- 30 miles of mixed-use trails for mountain bikers, horseback riders and OHV (off highwayvehicle Turtle Mountain Scenic Bywayhttps://www.ndtourism.com/articles/turtle-mountain-scenic-byway- Starts in Rolla to St. John to near Bottineau- International Peace Garden- Turtle Mountain State Forest - 10 miles of ATV terrain, 18 miles of multi-use trails- Lake Metigoshe State Park - forests and lakes, great hiking trails- Mystical Horizons - hilltop sundial called the prairie StonehengeIf you just want to hang out at a fall festivalRed River Market (Fargo)- Saturdays from 10-2 until the end of OctoberNelsons Pumpkin Patch (Emerado)https://nelsonspumpkinpatch.com/- Open daily until October 29Lost In The Valley Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch (West Fargo)https://www.redrivervalleyfair.com/- Open Friday-Sunday until October 30.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to the 9th episode of the Nature is my Jam Podcast! I have been spending a lot of time hiking sections of the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT) that are near my house. This episode finds us next to an unnamed lake that sits between Guernsey Lake and the Sand Lakes area in Grand Traverse County, Michigan. This is a very cool section of trail because it intersects with the Sand Lakes Quiet Area Pathway and the Kalkaska to Traverse City Trail (K to TC Trail), which combines several trails to create a route between the two towns. The K to TC Trail is also part of the annual Iceman Cometh Mountain Bike Race. I headed out towards the Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground to scope out the campsites and geographic features of the area. I will spend a few nights at this campground soon, but as I was looking at the map on Gaia, I saw a small unnamed lake that had a steep ridge on one side and was on the NCT. This type of terrain always interests me because I can use the ridge to minimize external noise pollution and it also means wildlife will probably use the trail to make their way to the lake. Nightfall was approaching, so I found a place to park that was only 1.5 miles away from the lake. The trail is extremely well-marked and the strategic placement of markers where multiple trail systems intersected is a welcome touch. As I approached the lake, I noticed a stand of phragmites (an invasive species) in the middle of the small lake being circled by thousands of European Starlings (also an invasive species but ubiquitous in Michigan). As I watched the birds circling and roosting in the invasive reeds, I wondered if I could capture them as they departed in the morning. Imagining a loud whooshing sound as thousands of birds awoke and took off to start their day, I placed my recorder next to the lake in some tall grass and pointed the microphone in their direction. Overnight recording using a drop rig is one of my favorite ways to record natural soundscapes. I can place the recorder and leave for several hours or days, which minimizes my presence and minimizes the disruption to local wildlife. I believe I get a truer representation of the natural patterns and cycles of the wildlife than I would if I was sitting next to the recorder the entire time. Of course, this is usually not a viable option on popular trails or congested areas. I am quite pleased with this recording. As I had hoped, the Starlings were active and put on quite a display several times throughout the night. As you will hear on this episode, something approached the reeds and spooked them multiple times. You will also hear what I believe to be a Raccoon approaching the microphone. It sniffs the mic and also starts purring. Yes, purring. I could be wrong, but of all the animals that I know to purr (Bobcats, Black Bear, Domestic Cats, etc), the splashing of the water and the plop of little feet makes me think it is a Raccoon. Let me know your thoughts! Support the show
For this episode of The All-Around Adventure Podcast, I'm joined by Magpie & Constantine, thru-hikers and the owners of Eleven Skys. I first met these two while I was in the midst of my thru-hike across Michigan for Operation: Wolverine Walk. We had crossed paths deep in the woods in the Upper Peninsula. They told me that they were attempting to hike the entire length of the North Country Trail. A total distance of about 4,800 miles! But what I didn't know, was that they were attempting to complete it in record time. A feat that they ultimately achieved! And even now after their 4,800 mile journey on the North Country Trail. They're still finding other amazing trails around the US to hike and explore. In this episode, Magpie and Constantine tell us more about their journey as hikers. They tell about their early hiking memories, including how they met on the trail. We also share some of the highlights and challenges that we've experienced while on the North Country Trail. As well as some of the takeaways and life lessons that our time on the trail has taught us! To watch the video of our conversation, head over to the All-Around Adventure YouTube channel! Connect with Magpie & Constantine www.elevenskys.com Instagram Thank you for listening! To hear more great episodes like this one, click here! Also, don't forget to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a good review! You can also listen to the podcast on Spotify, Stitcher, and iHeartRadio! And don't forget to follow All-Around Adventure on these social media platforms: Instagram Facebook Twitter YouTube And until next time; be safe, happy travels, and always move forward!
An interview with Matt Davis North Country Trail Regional Coordinator for Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota and Itasca State Park Trail Maintainer Home - North Country Trail Association North Shore All-American Scenic Drive | Explore Minnesota Superior Hiking Trail | MN's Premier Hiking and Running Trail Welcome to Falls Village / Town of Canaan, CT! (canaanfallsvillage.org) On the Trail: A History of American Hiking: Chamberlin, Silas: 9780300219111: Amazon.com: Books Tangled Roots (uw.edu) Featured Music by Scott Holmes Scott Holmes “Driven to Success” Attribution Non Commercial 4.0 International http://scottholmesmusic.com Join the Trail Maintainers Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/372892616593849/
The North Country Scenic Trail is a 4,600 mile foot path that stretches from North Dakota to Vermont. The NCT follows a scenic route through the prairies, forests, and lake-country of northern Minnesota, including an urban route through the heart of Grand Rapids along the Mississippi River. To give some updates about the trail in and around Grand Rapids, Matt Davis, NCT Regional Trail Coordinator for North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, and Art Norton, NCT Arrowhead Chapter volunteer, joined KAXE/KBXE for a conversation. Click the player above to hear the full interview.
Email-mipathways.com North country trail site- northcountrytrail.org 100 mile challenge Instagram- michigan_pathways Facebook Michigan Hikers --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jbailey/message
Annie Nelson discusses how her experience on The North Country Trail changed her life. She talks about her alcoholism, how her view on her physical form has changed, and some of the many lessons she has learned. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/natureofwellbeing/support
We have the privilege of speaking with the one and only, Luke Jordan or Strider! Today we sit down to chat with Strider. We unpack many of the feelings and thoughts that went into his 2013 North Country Trail Thru-Hike. Not only was he one of the first people to accomplish such a feat, but more amazingly it was his very first long distance hike. No acclimation for him tackling a 2,000 mile, 2,650 mile, or 3,000 mile trail. No Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, or Continental Divide Trail would act as his introduction into the backpacking world. Instead tackling the massive 4,800+ mile North Country Trail would be his first! We chat about how he was able to wrap his head around such a massive endeavor. The support from friends and family that helped fuel his fire. The internal drive to continue ahead even through hoards of mosquitoes. The one and only time he thought of "quitting" and how a chat with a fellow hiker, a warm meal, and an internal resolve to continue to live his dream propelled him forward. We chat about the Great Plains Trail. 2022 will be it's 10 year anniversary. We unpack what it was like to help navigate and route a long trail. We compare and contrast it to other trails, which as you know at this point is never easy! We talk about trail magic on a "lesser known" trail. We chat about the beauty of Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota and how the great plains are anything but plain. We chat about his current career with the National Park Service and how he works hand in hand with NCTA, the very trail that was his first thru-hike. We chat about the emotions of missing trail while still so actively involved in the everyday of trail. We chat about community and the three sides of volunteer, hiker, and employee and how the heart of everyone is the same, is Strider. We wrap up the show learning about 423 National Park Sites, and ask Strider the burning question of, with all his routing skills learned over the years when is he going to create a thru-hike connecting all of them? Truly a wonderful chat with Strider, thank you for sharing part of your story with all of us! FAVORTIE QUOTES: "As long as all my positive and mediocre experiences outweigh the bad ones, I think that is a good solid life." "I am going to do whatever I can to make this happen" "When you reach the end point, what is your purpose?" To learn more about the Strider and get involved check out the link below: Facebook: StriderNCT Book: Through and Back Again Email: StriderNCT@gmail.com To learn more about who we are click the link below: Website: https://www.elevenskys.com/ Don't forget to leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts if you are enjoying the show! All weirdness not only welcome but appreciated!
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Ryan Bunting, known on trail as Constantine. Constantine may already be a familiar name, as he was recently featured on a Trek Propaganda segment about becoming the youngest person to hike all 11 National Scenic Trails at the age of 27 years. He put a bow on the achievement by setting the Fastest Known Time on the North Country Trail alongside his girlfriend, Magpie. Seeing that this is a Valentine's Day episode, we go deep into the origin story of Constantine and Magpie's relationship, we get a rundown on which were his favorite and least favorite National Scenic Trails and why, and a hilariously awkward poop story. We wrap the show with an almost announcement of the winner of the Backpacker Radio Sponsorship winner, the triple crown of national scenic trails, and the odd ways in which Chaunce and I are attempting to stay fit. Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code “littledonkeygirl” for 15% off at Gossamergear.com. Good To-Go: Use code “BPR25” HERE to save 25% on your next order. [divider] Interview with Ryan “Constantine” Bunting Time stamps & Questions 00:07:33 - QOTD: Are you training for hiking season yet? 00:19:08 - Reminders: The BPR Sponsorship recipient has been chosen & internship opportunity reminder 00:24:10 - Welcome Constantine! 00:24:52 - Do you know how many miles you've accrued? 00:25:20 - When did you get started hiking? 00:26:00 - What are the National Scenic Trails? 00:27:28 - When did you fall in love with the long trails? 00:28:37 - Did you hike them in the traditional order? 00:28:45 - Did you know you wanted to do all 11? 00:30:25 - Did you know you could become the youngest to complete them all? 00:31:18 - How many people have completed them all? 00:33:20 - Tell us about the Potomac Trail 00:35:45 - Fuck, Marry, Kill: PCT, AT, or CDT 00:36:00 - What 3 scenic trails would you get rid of? 00:37:33 - What's the rest of the chronology? 00:39:37 - How many miles was that in 2021? 00:41:44 - What's your take on the Florida Trail? 00:42:50 - How many alligators did you see? 00:44:08 - What made you swear off the state of Alabama in 2019? 00:45:28 - Any other details on the Potamac hike? 00:46:45 - Did you end up doing 35s on these trails? 00:47:40 - What food issues did you have on trail? 00:47:46 - What did you change with your food strategy? 00:51:05 - Given you experience, how did the transition to the NCT go? 00:52:07 - Did you hike the trail westbound? 00:52:23 - When did you start the NCT? 00:53:17 - Does snow deter you? 00:55:52 - Did you have a satellite communicator with you during the hypothermia scare? 00:56:40 - Do you recall what you were wearing? 00:56:56 - Walk us through the hypothermic experience 01:00:08 - The Magpie love story 01:12:55 - Can you compare your relationship on trail vs. off trail? 01:14:47 - What were the highlights of the NCT? 01:17:39 - Have you been able to pinpoint the timeframe between hiking and getting the bug to hike again? 01:18:36 - What do you enjoy about the non-stop hiking? 01:20:30 - Do you go out of your way to talk to locals? 01:21:44 - How are you able to fund these hikes? 01:22:50 - What's your company? ElevenSkys 01:23:45 - How do you go about starting an apparel company? 01:26:26 - What's your go-to pair of shorts? 01:26:38 - Tell us your 2022 hiking plans 01:29:30 - The Donut Story 01:31:48 - Constantine's Poop Story 01:33:58 - Find Constantine here: ElevenSkys, Instagram SEGMENTS Trek Propaganda: Hearing Gunfire on the AT Near Hawk Mountain? Don't Worry, That's Normal Trevor Spikes Program to Ship Discounted Microspikes to PCT Hikers in Memory of Trevor Laher Triple Crown of National Scenic Trails Mail Bag 5 Star Reviews [divider] Check out our sound guy @Paulybooyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Jason Lawrence, Christopher Marshburn, Sawyer Products, Brad and Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Patrick Cianciolo, and Matt Soukup. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Liz Seger, Cynthia Voth, Emily Brown, Dcnerdlet, Jeff LaFranier, Peter Ellenberg, Jacob Northrup, Peter Leven.
We have the privilege of speaking with the three members of the North Country Trail Association! Kate Lemon - Marketing and Communications Coordinator Valerie Bader - Director of Trail Operations Matthew Davis - Regional Trail Coordinator (North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin) Today we have a very special episode for all of you as we sit down and chat with three of the members that help create, maintain and grow the North Country Trail which is America's longest National Scenic Trail. We cover a broad range of topics such as funding for the NCT, the Chapters of the NCT which manage and maintain their local trails, the volunteers that make this trail possible, and what each of these people do on a day to day basis. We learn that every day is different but the message and theme remains the same, growth of community, growth of accessibility, and spreading their love and passion of a wonderful trail. Valerie said it best, when she said "the other duties of our job description is where we spend 90% of our time." We learn about these other duties and the people that make a thru-hike, a section hike, a day hike, a few miles hike, possible on the North Country Trail. We chat about land management, community relationships, and community involvement which all are an integral piece of the puzzle that creates a National Scenic Trail. We chat about the Hike 100 Challenge, a wonderful initiative by the NCTA to increase the accessibility for anyone and everyone who whishes to experience the trail in their own unique way. We chat about the new Events Calendar, that will now make it easier to find, plan, and participate in all things North Country Trail. Simply, we learn a lot about the workings behind the the physical trail itself, and learn about the wonderful people that makes it their everyday goal to continue to create and spread the love of what it means to be a part of the North Country Trail. FAVORTIE QUOTES: Kate: "The North Country Trail is for everyone" Valerie: "Very little barrier to entry... you need a pair of shoes and the initiative to get yourself out there!" Matthew: "For me the NCT is a community...that we are all working together to build a legacy" Thank you Kate, Val, and Matt for sharing with all of us a piece of what it takes to make such a wonderful trail possible! Get out there, get involved, become a part of the community! To learn more about the North Country Trail and get involved check out the link below: Website: Northcountrytrail.org To learn more about who we are click the link below: Website: https://www.elevenskys.com/ Don't forget to leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts if you are enjoying the show! All weirdness not only welcome but appreciated!
Talking new music and music news of January 2022 plus- Richie Ramones book I Know Better Now- Writing music when its too cold for anything else- Hiking the North Country Trail- The return of Bandcamp Fridays- Finding out you were at the same Bad Religion show as your friend before you knew each other- The dilemma of which date of the Jawbreaker Dear You Anniversary to buy tickets for- Why you need to calm the hell down about When We Were Young Fest & moreCheck out the Power Chord Hour radio show every Friday night at 10 est on 107.9 WRFA in Jamestown, NY, stream the station online at wrfalp.com/streaming/ or listen on the WRFA mobile appemail me for FREE Power Chord Hour stickers - powerchordhour@gmail.comFacebook - www.facebook.com/powerchordhourInstagram - www.instagram.com/powerchordhour/Twitter - www.twitter.com/powerchordhour/Youtube - www.youtube.com/channel/UC6jTfzjB3-mzmWM-51c8LggSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/user/kzavhk5ghelpnthfby9o41gnr?si=4WvOdgAmSsKoswf_HTh_MgSUPPORT THE ARTISTS HEARD ON THIS EPISODE Reminders - Carousel - https://reminderstheband.bandcamp.comOne Hidden Frame - You Are Free To Go Gametime -In The Face Of It
We have the privilege of speaking with the one and only, Dosu Kinuta! An episode diving into the feelings of living a life on trail. Multiple times throughout our chat we went back to unpacking the mentality on what it means to live a life for trail, on trail, and what it means when this is not just a temporary moment, but an entire way of living. Dosu began hiking back in 2014 and hasn't stopped since. Accumulating many miles and many memories along the way, he is now setting himself up to complete all 11 National Scenic Trails in the hiking season of 2022. An aggressive itinerary to be sure with the Natchez Trace, Potomac Heritage Trail, New England Trail, Ice Age Trail, and North Country Trail. Yet, one that he looks forward to with much optimism and excitement. When you can find fuel in the "everyday" you will always have energy. When its not a specific trail you are after, but instead just living your life, the way ahead remains clear. Reaching this "goal" for him is just the natural progression of hiking. Stay tuned as we talk about what his "goal" is for this life that he lives, and the time that he spends living life on trail and off. It was a wonderful answer to hear and unpack. FAVORITE QUOTES: "Age 33 I started the AT, and found my first home" "It is a privilege to do what we do and not be scared of it" To learn more about Dosu Kinuta check out the link below: Instagram: @thedosukinuta To learn more about who we are click the link below: ElevenSkys
Josh Guerrero is a Marine Corps Veteran, archeologist, podcaster, and adventurer. In his day to day life, Josh travels the world unearthing remnants from the past and has dedicated much of his time to training others to do the same. The last time I had Josh on the Warrior Soul Podcast, he was prepping for a trek through South America to raise money for American Veterans Archeological Recovery (AVAR), an organization that provides training for Veterans in Archeology. When the Covid 19 pandemic took the world in its grasp, Josh could no longer head to South America. Like a good Marine, he pivoted, and decided to hike across the state of Michigan along the North Country Trail. Josh started the trek in late summer, and completed his journey in the second week of December. Assisted by "Trail Angels,"who provided him with food, supplies, and sometimes shelter, Josh averaged 15 miles a day during his trek. Along the way, Josh raised money for AVAR through his GoFundMe at https://www.gofundme.com/f/wolverinewalk. He has left the GoFundMe open to continue to raise funds for this outstanding organization. I caught up with Josh just a few days after he'd finished his trek. His powerful mindset and desire to help others through his passion for archeology and adventure is truly amazing, and I'm proud to have him as a Marine brother. You can follow Josh on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/allaroundadventure
Blissful Hiker learns on the North Country Trail in Northern Wisconsin, that the very act of moving one foot in front of the other is automatically optimistic.In this episode:On a visit to old friends, Blissful takes a long walk in the Chequamegon National Forest on the longest national scenic trail in the United States, the NCT at 4,700 miles. It's easy walking, but long in deep and dark forest, almost like being indoors. In the Porcupine Wilderness, she passes lakes and crosses a beaver dam covered with thorns, then crosses into the Hardwood Scientific Area looking for a promised view. But it's only a massive tower with no access – and no view.It's more forest with colorful mushrooms and frogs, and finally a view at Juniper Rock. This is followed by ruins from a Swedish settlement from the late 1800s.It's not the greatest hike in heat, humidity and bugs, but far better than sitting around at home. MUSIC: Introduccion y allegro by Carlos Guastavino as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, pianoSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/blissfulhiker)
Sam and Mark spent four days and three nights camping and backpacking Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This series was recorded while hiking Pictured Rocks. This is part four of four. Listen in to part of the 42-mile hike on the North Country Trail. Recorded August 7, 2021 See pictures from this adventure and others on Sam's Instagram @samfrancart
Sam and Mark spent four days and three nights camping and backpacking Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This series was recorded in three different parts (please excuse the volume change between recording segments) while hiking Pictured Rocks. This is part three of four. Listen in to part of the 42-mile hike on the North Country Trail. Recorded August 6, 2021 See pictures from this adventure and others on Sam's Instagram @samfrancart
Sam and Mark spent four days and three nights camping and backpacking Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This series was recorded while hiking Pictured Rocks. This is part two of four. Listen in to part of the 42-mile hike on the North Country Trail. Recorded August 5, 2021 See pictures from this adventure and others on Sam's Instagram @samfrancart
Sam and Mark spent four days and three nights camping and backpacking Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This series was recorded while hiking Pictured Rocks. This is part one of four. Listen in to part of the 42-mile hike on the North Country Trail. Recorded August 4, 2021 See pictures from this adventure and others on Sam's Instagram @samfrancart
Andy breaks down his 100 mile trek and the lessons he learned from it.The Allegheny 100 is an annual challenge through the Allegheny Forest in PA on the North Country Trail.Due to Covid the trail association was not running shuttles so the turned all participants around at the 50 mile mark.Andy kept going.He talks about getting turned around 5 different times. The no water panic Story.Brad's advice: -"Keep drinking, keep eating, keep moving!" -"The body can go further than the mind." Are your thoughts keeping you stuck?Mindset changes everything...literally the difference between giving up and running for the finish line.Gisele makes some fantastic connections from my actual journey to her journey as an business owner and managing a major transition from a two-business to a one business owner.Remember that it's not enough to just picture your success, you have to imagine what it will feel like to win and hold that feeling. Gisele: "Feel all the feels!!"We love you all! Please continue to give us feedback on what you are liking.To learn more about what Andy does and more of his content go to:AndyKerrCoaching.com Facebook: @andykerrcoachingPurchase Andy's Book A Story and A PointTo find more awesome content from Gisele visit:Honest.CEOFacebook: @HonestCEOvlogInstagram: @HonestCEOvlog
Facebook-MICHIGAN pathways Email mipathways@yahoo.com North Country Trail -northcountrytrail.org --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jbailey/message
On top of new music/music news of the month, topics on this one cover Bob Mould's new boxset, seeing your guitar on the wall at Vintage Vinyl, hiking 100 miles, Hardcore shows in the park, regional gas stations with bomb ass food and much more. Hear some new music from Assertion, The Boatsmen and Greg Antista and the Lonely Streets. Check out the Power Chord Hour radio show every Friday night at 10 est on 107.9 WRFA in Jamestown, NY, stream the station online at wrfalp.com/streaming/ or listen on the WRFA mobile app email me for FREE Power Chord Hour stickers - powerchordhour@gmail.com Facebook - www.facebook.com/powerchordhour Instagram - www.instagram.com/powerchordhour/ Twitter - www.twitter.com/powerchordhour/ Youtube - www.youtube.com/channel/UC6jTfzjB3-mzmWM-51c8Lgg Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/user/kzavhk5ghelpnthfby9o41gnr?si=4WvOdgAmSsKoswf_HTh_MgNEW MUSICThe Boatsmen - Versus The Boatsmen https://theboatsmen.bandcamp.com/album/versus-the-boatsmen-2Assertion - Intermissionhttps://assertion.bandcamp.com/album/intermissionGreg Antista and the Lonely Streets - Down on Commonwealth (Single)https://gregantistaandthelonelystreets.bandcamp.com/track/down-on-commonwealth-new-single
Kelly and Carol venture out on a portion of the North Country Trail in Becker County in search of signs of spring. The snow is gone (for now) and there are signs that the woods and vernal ponds are beginning to awaken under the decomposing leaves left over from the fall.
The Blissful Hiker learns that not knowing what comes next in our lives can be difficult to handle and nearly intolerable. The power is in choosing between accepting limited circumstances with grace.In this episode: Blissful learns her arthritis has progressed the point where she'll need to have both hips replaced, but that doesn't stop her from hiking one more short thru-hike at peak autumn colors.The Kekekabic is part of the North Country Trail and is the most remote and rugged trails in Minnesota running through boreal forest and the Boundary Waters. She takes two big falls, not hurting herself, but realizing her body is breaking down and gets "kekked" (lost) accidentally walking down two portages instead of on the main trail. Rain comes and goes the entire way, but crossing the incredible architecture of beaver dams, and witnessing a stunning moonrise make up for it.MUSIC: Introduccion y allegro by Carlos Guastavino as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, pianoavailable on iTunesSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/blissfulhiker)
Wisconsin has thousands of miles of trails that can be used for everything from hiking to snowmobiling – and lots in between. State trails are an easy way to start exploring Wisconsin's outdoors. We're also fortunate enough to have two of 11 National Scenic Trails wind their way through our state -- all of the Ice Age Trail and about 200 miles of the North Country Trail. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail spends nearly 1,200 miles winding its way through Wisconsin's many lakes, river valleys, hills, and even state parks. In 2013, author Melanie Radzicki McManus decided to take on the Ice Age National Scenic trail to set a trail running record. And once wasn't enough for her – she hiked and ran the trail in both directions. She also chronicled her journey in “Thousand Miler: Adventures Hiking the Ice Age Trail.” Beyond her adventures in Wisconsin, she has traveled the world hiking and writing. On this episode of Wild Wisconsin – Off the Record, Melanie shares her experience hiking in Wisconsin and beyond, plus gives her best tips for getting started. Also weighing in is Brigit Brown, the DNR's section chief for recreation management, who shares more on Wisconsin state trails. Listen in to learn more about Wisconsin's thousands of miles of trails and the many ways you can use them. Learn more about Melanie Radzicki McManus at: https://thethousandmiler.com/ Learn more about Wisconsin's state trails and find your nearest one at https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/findapark.htmlFind your next adventure at https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/outdoorrecreation/adventure.html--------------------------------------TRANSCRIPTAnnouncer: [00:00:00] Welcome to Wisconsin DNR's Wild Wisconsin -- Off The Record podcast, information straight from the source.Katie Grant: [00:00:13] Welcome back to another episode of Wild Wisconsin -- Off The Record. I'm your host, DNR's digital media coordinator, Katie Grant. These are unprecedented times as we embrace our new normal. We at the DNR hope you find this podcast to be a little escape from all things COVID-19. On this episode of Wild Wisconsin, I talk with award-winning journalist, author and hiking enthusiast, Melanie Radzicki-McManus. Available now, the Wisconsin native's first book, the Thousand-Miler, is a memoir about her record-setting trail run of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Melanie has traveled the world hiking and trail running. She joins us to talk about her journey.As you know, several things are postponed with COVID-19 including this podcast. We've recorded this episode before the COVID-19 pandemic when Melanie was about to start her next long-through hike. You'll hear a bit more about that in this episode, but... which... We wanted you to know that she is back home and safe now.As a friendly reminder under Governor Ever' Safer At Home Order for those looking to explore the outdoors, we encourage you to stay in your local community and social distance to help slow the spread of COVID-19. For now, listen into my conversation with Melanie Radzicki-McManus, the Thousand-Miler.Melanie Radzicki-McManus: [00:01:32] My name is Melanie Radzicki-McManus, and I am a freelance writer. Um, travel is one of my specialties, and I write a lot about hiking in particular, uh, or active travel. But hiking is my super niche spot. Katie Grant: [00:01:47] Yeah. So we brought you on here today to talk about one of the experiences you've had here in Wisconsin.So back in 2013 and in 2015, you actually ran the Ice Age Trail. Why did you decide that this was something you wanted to do in the first place and why the Ice Age Trail specifically? Melanie Radzicki-McManus: [00:02:07] Well, it's kind of a longish answer and it stretches back to, uh, I guess you could say 2009 when I first learned about the Camino.Um, and in, um, in Spain. It's a ancient pilgrimage trail and a lot of people were hiking it. So I went over to Spain and I was just captivated by this long-distance trail and following these yellow blazes through the Spanish countryside. And so I started going back many times, writing many articles. I had an app guidebook on the Camino.And then in 2012, a running, friend of mine named Jason Dorgan told me about something called the Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin. And he said, it's a lot like this Camino you love so much, Melanie. So I researched it that night and I was flabbergasted because here I was a travel writer for, I don't even know at that time, 20 some years.I had never heard of the Ice Age Trail. When I learned that it was a long-distance hiking trail, twice the length of the Camino, almost 1,200 miles in my own backyard. One of just 11 prestigious national scenic trails. I knew I had to, um, explore it. And I didn't have too much time to take off of work to explore it.So I thought, well, I want to hike the whole thing and run it. Um, or I want to explore the whole trail. I don't have that much time, but I'm good at running, so I could actually run the trail like my friend Jason did, who had set what's called a fast-packing record on the trail in 2007. And I thought, oh, he's the only one that's ever tried to do it.And he's a guy. So I could say, I could set the record for women and just to have a bunch of fun in the process, write a bunch of stories, learn about the trail, et cetera. So that's what got me started the first time in 2013 and then I just got so hooked. Um, I was obsessed in a healthy way with the trail and being outside for such a long period of time. And so I decided I wanted to write a book about it, and then that meant I needed to hike it again, or that's what I told my husband.Katie Grant: [00:04:03] Once wasn't enough. Melanie Radzicki-McManus: [00:04:04] Right. So it's like I had to do it again opposite direction for the book. So I did it twice. Katie Grant: [00:04:09] So you wrote a book. Tell us a little bit about ... About the experience of writing the book and I guess what it's called so we can find it. Melanie Radzicki-McManus: [00:04:15] It's called Thousand-Miler: Adventures Hiking the Ice Age Trail, and it's this story. It's a story of the Ice Age Trail. It gives the history, it talks about my experience on the trail, and that's kind of the thread that holds the book together.And as I encountered different hikers along the trail, I weave their stories into the book as well. I also have a chapter devoted to Jason and his, um, fast-packing attempt, and another chapter devoted to the first person to through-hike the trail who did it back in I think like 1979 when I was probably in a disco.Katie Grant: [00:04:47] Wow. What were your favorite segments of the Ice Age Trail? Melanie Radzicki-McManus: [00:04:53] I'm glad you said favorite segments with an s. Cause I'm a person who never has one favorite. There are so many wonderful segments in this trail. Um, I like the Chippewa... Chippewa Moraine segment a lot. It's in the northwest portion of the state because it's just kind of a perfect, you know, not too hilly, but not flat.The trails are all perfectly groomed. You pass these beautiful lakes. I love, um. The, uh, Point Beach section, which is around, uh, two rivers and I had never been to Point Beach State Park, even though it's close to where I grew up in Sheboygan, but that's a beautiful pine forest. Cushy. I liked that, and two miles are right on Lake Michigan, which having grown up in Sheboygan, I just really love Lake Michigan.So that's unique. Um, I love the Lodi and Lodi Marsh segments that are near us here in Madison. There, there's just so many and they're all different, which is um, another thing that's wonderful about the Ice Age Trail. Slinger... Goes right through Slinger and passes this awesome shop selling the best ice cream.Katie Grant: [00:05:54] I hope that you made a pit up for some ice cream. Melanie Radzicki-McManus: [00:05:56] I did. Katie Grant: [00:05:56] Good. Good. Um, yeah, it's, it's interesting that on one stretch of trail through one state there's so much varied terrain and landscape and things to see and things to do and everything like that. Since your experience on the Ice Age Trail, you've explored some other famous trails throughout the world.You mentioned the Camino in Spain. Tell us a bit about some of your other adventures, maybe what was your favorite. Melanie Radzicki-McManus: [00:06:23] Uh, don't say that word favorite again. Katie Grant: [00:06:25] Favorites. Melanie Radzicki-McManus: [00:06:26] Yes. Um, I did a hike in Iceland called the Laugavegur Trail and one in New Zealand, um, the Tongariro Crossing. And both of those are rated, um, as some of the best hikes in the world.And what I loved about those two destinations is the scenery was so, um, different. I mean, it looked otherworldly, like someone just made it up for it a movie set or something. So those I really liked, but honestly, and every trail goes through just beautiful terrain. It's all different weather. I hiked the Arizona Trail last year, you know, that's all desert climate.Very different from what we have here that has beauty in its own way. Um, to the New England Trail. I hiked, that's another national scenic trail. Um, very much in some ways like Wisconsin, but very different because a lot of mountains in rocky outcrops, but everything is just beautiful. The being outdoors is wonderful.There's so much beauty in the world.Katie Grant: [00:07:26] Right. Right. Now, how many have you actually hiked and how many have you run? Is Ice Age the only one that you've done more running on than hiking? Melanie Radzicki-McManus: [00:07:35] Yes, definitely. I mean, the Ice AgeTtrail, again, I was trying to have fun with it the first time, um, by running it and saying, I could be, I have the through-hike, fastpacking record for women, but also, again, as I had said to just so I wouldn't have to take so much time away from work.And then I did it again in, in 2015 because I had a really compressed timeframe by the time the book deal came through and I had some other obligations, but you know, now I'm getting kind of too old for that, so I'm just doing the hiking on these other trails. But I am, I have set a goal of trying to hike all 11 national scenic trails before I die.Katie Grant: [00:08:12] How far are you on that list? Melanie Radzicki-McManus: [00:08:14] I'm going to start number five next week.Katie Grant: [00:08:17] All right.Melanie Radzicki-McManus: [00:08:18] Yeah. And I'm in, I've got a sixth that I'm in the process of section hiking. So there's two ways you can hike these trails. You do. You can do a through hike, which means you do it all at once, or a section hike where you do it in sections over time.Katie Grant: [00:08:30] So where are you going to explore next? Melanie Radzicki-McManus: [00:08:34] Next week? Katie Grant: [00:08:34] Yeah.Melanie Radzicki-McManus: [00:08:35] It's a, it's a very unusual trail called the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. Um, most of the other national scenic trails are a typical kind of point-to-point trail, but this one, um, is built by the National Park Service as a braided network of trails.So they're trying to showcase the best scenery and history of the Potomac River. So they've taken a lot of existing trails. For example, there's one called the Mount Vernon Trail that goes from Washington D.C. out to Mount Vernon. That's its own Mount Vernon Trail, but it's also part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.So logistically it's a little difficult to hike because there's a lot of back and forth and, um, some of the trails aren't as well marked as some of the others, and they don't have exact mileage... Mileage counts. So it's been, it'll be a little bit of a guessing game as to how long I'm out there. Katie Grant: [00:09:24] What's the estimate on mileage for that?Melanie Radzicki-McManus: [00:09:26] I've seen everything from, they mostly say 7 to 900 but I've seen one that said as much as 1,100 so it'll be a fun adventure. It sure will. Katie Grant: [00:09:36] What's the craziest experience you've had on the trails? Melanie Radzicki-McManus: [00:09:41] I'm going to tell you two, one didn't quite happen to me. If... It was when I was on the Ice Age Trail in 2015 and I had a friend crewing me, which is he would drop me off at the start of the day and then meet me several times during the day to offer food and snacks and water and things like that.And when I met him at one of the trail crossings, he said, 'Oh my gosh, there were just two nude hikers out here.' And I said, 'what?' And apparently two men have been section hiking the Ice Age Trail, always in the nude. Katie Grant: [00:10:10] All right. Melanie Radzicki-McManus: [00:10:11] So, yeah, call that crazy. I don't understand. I was very scratched up all over that day on my arms and legs, and I can't imagine it finding it enjoyable to be naked.But so then that's crazy. But luckily I didn't see, did not see them. But another kind of weird encounter I had, this is on the Superior Hiking Trail up in Minnesota, was, um, I saw a groundhog in the middle of the path and I thought, 'Oh, cute groundhog and didn't run away,' which I thought was amazing. So I took my camera out and I took a bunch of pictures and then as I went to walk it puffed its fur out and it started snapping these big long brown teeth at me and I'm like, 'Oh my gosh, this is crazy.' I tried everything for like 20 minutes to get this thing to move. I tried kind of jabbing my trekking pole at it, screaming, blowing my whistle, hiding for a while, coming back out, and it just was right in the middle of that path and would... Did not want me to pass. I actually called my husband cause I was kind of on the sort of on the top of a mountain and say, can you Google how to get past and groundhog? And he's like, OK. And the answer was just walk around it. And I said, I can't just walk around it. I'm afraid it's going to bite me.And then I started thinking maybe it was a rabbit, because you know every other wildlife just runs away from you. So I remember thank goodness, I had some mace that my husband had given me just in case, and so I didn't even know how to work it, was afraid I would spray myself, but luckily I sprayed it, and it hit it and it ran away right away and then I ran by.But that was kind of scary. And then when I think back, it's like, it was a little groundhog, but it had those big teeth. Katie Grant: [00:11:46] Yeah, I'm sure at the time they looked way scarier than they actually were. Melanie Radzicki-McManus: [00:11:51] I know. Katie Grant: [00:11:53] Beyond the Ice Age Trail here in Wisconsin, do you have any other favorite trails in the state for running, hiking, exploring?Melanie Radzicki-McManus: [00:12:04] You know, a lot of, in retrospect, looking now that I know what the Ice Age Trail is, a lot of the trails that I've hiked on and enjoyed happened to be part of the Ice Age Trail. Um, but that being said, like Indian Lake for example, I go to a lot mostly because it's close, but I do like it a lot. And there's a section of that that's the Ice Age Trail, but many other segments of that that are not, I like the trails at Devil's Lake a lot.How can you not like that? I like Lapham Peak. Um, quite a bit. And having grown up in Sheboygan, I did a lot of hiking in the Northern Kettle Moraine. So those are wonderful trails. So yeah, I would say those are some of my favorites for sure. Katie Grant: [00:12:45] Yeah, there's lots to explore here. Melanie Radzicki-McManus: [00:12:48] Definitely. Katie Grant: [00:12:49] For sure. So let's talk a little bit about getting ready for these long hikes. Uh, do you do any sort of cross-training or anything in preparation and what else is involved in getting ready for one. Melanie Radzicki-McManus: [00:13:02] Um, I don't usually train for a big hike per se, but that's only because I'm a very active person. I like being outside and I like working out. So, um, I'm normally doing some kind of workout six days a week.And that includes not just say running or elliptical, but also exercise, like pushups and things like that. So I have a good base, which I'm fortunate. Um, but then when, if you're getting ready for any adventure, whether it's hiking for several weeks or just for a day or two, you have to pay attention to the terrain.Make sure you have appropriate clothing. Always have, um, water, snacks, a phone or something for emergencies. Whistles, a little bit of first aid, um, supplies on you, that type of thing. And it's always good no matter where you're, how safe a trail is or how urban it is, just to let somebody know where you're going to be.Um, I know a lot of women in particular are nervous about hiking by themselves. I get that question a lot, and I am not, um, I'm not afraid at all of being out there alone. But that being said, you always have to take simple precautions. Katie Grant: [00:14:13] Yeah. Yeah, it's smart to stay safe. Um, and the, the, the part about letting someone know where you are, I feel like that goes for anyone going out into Wisconsin's outdoors ever.Melanie Radzicki-McManus: [00:14:25] Right. Katie Grant: [00:14:25] You know, whether, whether you're hiking, hunting, fishing, whatever it may be, just let someone know where you are. So if something does happen, they can find you. Melanie Radzicki-McManus: [00:14:32] Exactly. Katie Grant: [00:14:33] When you are out on the trail, what are some of your favorite go-to snacks to stay fueled? Other than ice cream? Melanie Radzicki-McManus: [00:14:40] I have eaten a lot of ice cream on the Ice Age Trail, so if anyone wants to ever know where the best spots are, they can call me.You know, it's interesting. I started out doing all like energy bar things, mostly because I was going to be running and I thought my stomach can't handle anything more. But what I've learned over time is not that energy bars aren't real food, but real food tastes real good. So I started doing more packing, regular sandwiches and I still have some energy bars and things like that, but, um, you know, dried fruit is good.Nuts are good. Um. Some candy's good. Especially if you're going all day, you do need some calories, so it's nice to have a big candy bar that I don't normally let myself eat. Katie Grant: [00:15:23] Yeah, yeah. Do you prefer to listen to any music or podcasts or anything or just be out there in nature and enjoy the sounds?Melanie Radzicki-McManus: [00:15:32] Mostly I like to be out in nature and enjoy the sounds. I love the sounds of the wind of when going through the different tree branches and all the different noises. Uh, branches can make, you wouldn't believe it. Everything from like a, um, an old door, big wooden door creaking open in a haunted house or something to some that sound like a, you know, a boat rubbing against a doc or something. That being said, especially if I'm on a long-distance hike where I'm maybe hiking for 8 or 10 hours a day, um, toward the end when I start getting tired, I need music or podcast or something to kind of distract me. So that's when I switch to that. Katie Grant: [00:16:10] Okay. Keep you going.Melanie Radzicki-McManus: [00:16:11] Right. Katie Grant: [00:16:13] So in some of your recaps of hiking, running the Ice Age Trail, you mentioned that you did it kind of in September cause you don't like the heat and then of course it ended up being a super hot September anyway. Um, do you get out on the trails in the winter? Melanie Radzicki-McManus: [00:16:27] I do. Um, yes. I like to snowshoe. That's actually my trail name now, Snowshoe. Um, and there's great snowshoeing on a lot of the trails all over the state. Um, and that's a great activity. I'm trying to get more people into it because so many people say, 'Oh, it's winter. You know, snow, it's cold.' But unless you're talking, you know, zero or below zero, it's, you generate heat when you're out there snowshoeing.And it's...it's so beautiful when you get into some of the woods where they're just, you know, the snow is so deep and it's so quiet and just so beautiful out there. And, uh, cross country skiing is nice too. And then sometimes when we don't have that much snow, we'll just hike on the trails in our boots.Katie Grant: [00:17:12] Right. Melanie Radzicki-McManus: [00:17:12] And just, it helps to have, uh, if you're doing that, some kind of traction device, like yak tracks or, um, ice cleats or something cause it can get icy. Katie Grant: [00:17:22] Right. Yeah. Do you have any tips for other cold-weather gear that you love or have to have? Melanie Radzicki-McManus: [00:17:27] I'm a big fan of trekking poles year-round. Um, they're useful for so many ways, not just balance or taking weight off your knees.You can see, um, if how deep water is in the summer and the winter, you can see, um, if the ice is thick, you know how, how, how solid the ice is. Um, in the summer, they keep your arms parallel to the ground, which means you don't get really swollen fingers. Um. So I love that. It's like a little, my little secret tip, I just discovered that by using them, but they come in handy for, well, didn't help with the groundhog but for other wildlife.You know, if you need to kind of draw yourself up large or just look scary, you know, trekking poles can help for that. And um, hydration. I'm just gonna mention too, cause we talking about year-round, but a lot of people think if it's winter, you don't need water, you don't need as much water and you definitely need water and sometimes you can, you need more water and it's, and you need to remember to drink your water cause I'm bad about that too. I'll take all this water in the winter and then sometimes it's like, ah, I'm not thinking to drink it, but it's really important to do that, to stay hydrated.Katie Grant: [00:18:33] For sure. For sure. What advice would you give to someone who's interested in maybe running the Ice Age Trail for the first time or doing a long through-hike kind of a thing? Any, any tips for beginners?Melanie Radzicki-McManus: [00:18:47] Well, if you're going to do something like running, um, make sure you have a big, uh, base, a deep base for running.Um, I had been running for decades before I started that and did long runs on the weekends and things like that. Um, and for, if you want to do, thinking of a long through hike and you're, um, maybe not having hiked that much. Just make sure you start getting out on the trails and getting yourself used to it and building up slowly.You can also start, a lot of people start these long hikes and just start out and build their way, as they're hiking. So for example, maybe your first day you hike five miles, maybe your first week you hike five miles a day or eight miles a day, and then you next week you bump up to 12 or whatever.It's always good to start, um, slowly and do some research so you know what you're going to get into. Um, I what I didn't know when I started the Ice Age Trail, despite nine months of research, I didn't realize that that trail and many of our others, um, are maintained by volunteers. And what that means is, um, people like you and I go out in their free time and they trim back the trail amongst other things or put fresh markings, but it's all people can't be out there.Keeping the trail in perfect condition every minute of every day. All I had in my head was, it's a national scenic trail and there's only 11, and I was picturing some like Disney-esque type of path where, you know, every, there'd be no weeds or rocks or roots, and it would be just perfectly mowed. And when I got up there, there were some sections that were pretty overgrown because volunteers just hadn't gotten there yet.And so you have to be prepared for that. Um, if you're going to, most trails have some kind of organization or place where you can find out information where you can call locally and just say, what's the trail like? So if you don't want to be in a situation of waiting through knee-high brush or something.Um, just call and say, what's this? This is where I want to hike. What's it like right now? And someone will be able to tell you, or if you like the adventure... Katie Grant: [00:20:52] Go for it anyway.Melanie Radzicki-McManus: [00:20:53] To be surprised by what you'll encounter. Katie Grant: [00:20:55] Yeah. Yeah. Anything else that you want us to know about your, your adventures, your experience, things that people should know before they get into this.Melanie Radzicki-McManus: [00:21:05] Two things. First of all, get out on the Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin and start exploring. You'll be blown away by the beauty. I thought I had seen so much of this state just from whether it's driving the car or times when I've hiked or ...Or biked or ran through different parks. But the trail takes you to so many places you just wouldn't normally stop and you will not believe how beautiful it is.And then also I would say, please people get outside and move. There's so many studies that show being out in nature is healthy for you. And, and uh, especially they, there's a link between walking and being in nature. And I'm here to tell you it's absolutely true. I cannot believe how therapeutic it was to be out there day after day in nature.All the stress and anxiety levels go way down. And um, it's just wonderful. So whether you can spare an hour a day, three days, just do it. You'll love it. Katie Grant: [00:22:05] Are you feeling inspired to find your next adventure here in Wisconsin? Curious about how many trails we have or maybe wondering all the ways that can be used? To answer those questions and more we talked with DNR Section Chief for Recreation Management and the Bureau of Parks and Recreation. Brigit Brown: [00:22:21] My name is Brigit Brown, and I am a Section Chief for Recreation Management in the Bureau of Parks and Recreation in the division of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. Uh, prior to that, I was the state trails coordinator for about 15 years.Katie Grant: [00:22:36] We brought you in to talk about our trails today cause we have a lot of them and they're pretty awesome. Um, and it turns out that it's not just a simple question of how many we have. Why don't you tell us a little bit about what it is that we have here in Wisconsin for trails. Brigit Brown: [00:22:49] Yeah. Well, we have a really rich history of trails here in Wisconsin.Um, everything from the first rail to trail conversion in the Elroy Sparta State Trail, uh, to, uh, the Ice Age Trail and the North Country Trail to national scenic trails. Um, the Ice Age Trail, uh, is one of the only nationals scenic trails that is contained entirely in one state. Uh, and the Ice Age Trail also has the distinction of being Wisconsin's only state scenic trail, a special designation that it has in state law.Katie Grant: [00:23:25] What does scenic trail mean for it? Brigit Brown: [00:23:27] Oh, that's a good question. Well, it sounds really nice. So that's one thing, but essentially, uh, it, it's a designation that was given, uh, at a federal level. Uh, so it is a national scenic trail. There are also national historic trails. Um, to me, I think, uh, although a lot of the national historic trails are things like a Natchez Trace, um, you know, Trail of Tears, uh, those kinds of trails that have a really rich, um, cultural history. Uh, the Ice Age Trail is really special because, uh, it really commemorates geology and the ice age formations that are, uh, so abundant here in Wisconsin. So it's, it's scenic, in that you know, you get to see a lot of the beauty of Wisconsin and a lot of our geologic, uh, ice age history.Um, but also just Wisconsin's beauty. Katie Grant: [00:24:20] What can you do on state trails on Wisconsin? Brigit Brown: [00:24:24] Oh, wow. That's a great question. So we have all kinds of opportunities on state trails in Wisconsin. Everything from walking and snowshoeing and skiing to, um, more, uh motorized pursuits and, uh, opportunities like off-highway motorcycling, which is a fairly new program here in Wisconsin.Snowmobiling, ATV-ing, UTV-ing. UTVs are kind of the, um, souped-up golf cart looking type devices, uh, that are treated very similar to alternative vehicles or ATVs here in Wisconsin. We also have a lot of equestrian trails, um, we have a lot of diversity in the kinds of pursuits that people enjoy here in Wisconsin on trails.So even among bicycling, there are a lot of different kinds of trails. So what we've done here at DNR is divided those into some different categories. So people have a better idea of the kind of experience they can expect and maybe even the kind of equipment they might want to have with them. Uh, so we have bicycle touring trails, which are, you know, sort of the easier trails, like our pave trails.A lot of our limestone surface trails on former railroad beds, uh, they generally appropriate for all levels of, uh, cycling ability and, and bikes with pretty skinny tires. Then we have off-road bicycle trails, and those are a little bit more intermediate level trails, often in the woods. And they have a variety of surfacing from just native soil to, to woodchips.Um, they're, you know, maybe more appropriate for folks, a little bit more experienced and who are looking for a little bit more of an adventure in the woods. Uh, they're appropriate for, you know, hybrid type bikes. Or mountain bikes as well. Then we also have constructed mountain bike trails. These are trails that are really purpose-built for bicycling.Um, in a challenging way they're, they're a more narrow width, usually about 18 to 24 inches in width, and, uh, they're, they're built to pretty specific standards for mountain biking. That's not to say though that other uses don't really enjoy them. We have, um, a lot of other folks, um, whether they be pedestrians, uh, hikers, runners, walkers, uh, who enjoy that kind of trail as well.Snowshoers, we find also really, uh, often enjoy those more narrow kind of intimate trails, um, that, uh, our constructed mountain bike trails offer. Katie Grant: [00:26:59] Yeah. So some of these are kind of multi-use, you know, you can bike them, you can run 'em, you can hike them. Some of them are more specialized where, you know, maybe you can only snowmobile on them or, um, only cross-country ski on them at different times of year.Brigit Brown: [00:27:16] Yeah, that's a really good point. All of our trails are open to people walking and those basic pedestrian uses, um, with the exception of our groomed cross-country ski trails. We don't want people walking on those. And so we have what's called administrative code that says, essentially, when one of our trails is groomed, uh, don't hike on it, don't allow your dog on it. Um, because we want to preserve that really specific experience of those tracks for the cross-country skiers. Um, but yeah, we have a whole variety of trails that are open to a lot of different uses. And I think a good way maybe to think about it is that trails will have, uh, multiple uses that are allowed uses.So you can do bicycling, you can do ATV-ing, you can walk on a trail. However, they may not be a kind of the, the experience that's catered to on that trail. So a lot of times, um, you know, we, we have a motorized trail that is open to a whole variety of uses. Um, but in large part, it is designed and maintained for usually that motorized use.So you can definitely walk on it. You can definitely bicycle on it, but it may not be a bicyclist or a walker's most desired experience. So, um, we encourage folks to kind of think about what their desired experience is. And we do our best to provide information and provide facts about all of our different trails so that folks can really find an experience that is gonna meet their needs and really meet what they're looking for.Katie Grant: [00:29:03] Yeah, for sure. So before we got started here, you kind of had mentioned that one of the things you like to do as long-distance hike and we have some resources on our website specifically about that. What is your favorite long-distance hike in Wisconsin? Brigit Brown: [00:29:17] Oh, that's a great question. You know, I have to say the Kettle Moraine is always a classic.Um, we're fortunate to have, uh, some great backpacking experiences here in Wisconsin. Of course, we have our two national scenic trails with the North Country Trail and the Ice Age Trail. And what we've done is we've provided online, if you, if you look up, uh, on our website and type in backpacking, we have some kind of sample experiences for folks.And, you know, they can say, 'Hey, I, I'm new to this backpacking thing. Maybe I just want to try one night.' Well, we have some, uh, areas where we suggest, 'Hey, you can park here, you can hike out on this trail, camp here, and then hike back the next day.' Um, maybe you want to try a few more days. And we have some, some sampling... Sample itineraries for that as well.Katie Grant: [00:30:09] What do you need to be able to use Wisconsin state trails? Do you need to buy any sort of a pass or admission stickers or anything like that? Brigit Brown: [00:30:17] Yeah, so we do require vehicle admission stickers at a lot of our properties. So once you get into the property, if it does require that vehicle admission sticker, then we also have some trails that require a state trail pass.So what that is is just a, it's a piece of paper that allows you for the calendar year to access our state trails. Uh, if you're doing so by bicycle or horse or cross country ski, um, and that isn't across the board. It's for certain uses on certain trails, and we do explain exactly where it's required and for what uses on our website if you just type in keyword "trail pass." Katie Grant: [00:31:02] Is there any trail etiquette that users should be aware of? Brigit Brown: [00:31:05] Yeah, that's a great question. And thank you for asking. Um, this is one of the things that I, I really wish more people knew about. Um, so basic trail etiquette, uh, and, and sometimes it gets confusing because if you're, if you're walking or bicycling on a road, uh, it's really different.But if you're on a trail in general, you want to stay to the right of the trail pass people on their left. Let people know that you're passing. Now we have a lot of folks who are at different speeds and different skill levels, and it's really frankly just the polite thing to do to say, 'Hey, on your left,' and to let someone know that you're going to be passing them.They won't always hear you. We do have a lot of folks that like using the trails with, uh, with headphones on or earbuds in, but, um, at least doing your best to alert others, to let them know that you're passing. You know, I think always looking before you want to change your position on a trail, whether you're going to be passing someone else or you want to avoid something, um, you know, a lot of it really just focuses on, um, kind of the golden rule of treating others how you'd like to be treated, you know, being polite and, and when in doubt, uh, I think yielding to other users is a good rule of thumb as well. Katie Grant: [00:32:28] Anything else you want us to know about Wisconsin state trails? Brigit Brown: [00:32:32] It can be considered that Wisconsin's trails are the windows to the DNR. In that trails can be a really great way for folks who don't necessarily have a lot of outdoor experience to have sort of a low consequences or, uh, uh, an easier introduction to, to being outside and to experiencing DNR lands. You know, we have, we have trails, especially some of our state trails, our rail-trails in urban areas.And you know, just getting on one of those trails and seeing where it takes you, it's, it's a great experience and a great way to get introduced to some areas and places and some of the beauty of Wisconsin that you might not otherwise see. Katie Grant: [00:33:14] It's an easy way to just get out there and go for a little ways and then turn around and come back, you don't have to commit to a lot of it. Brigit Brown: [00:33:21] Absolutely. Katie Grant: [00:33:22] Learn more about how you can explore Wisconsin's outdoors by visiting dnr.wi.gov and searching for keyword, "find your adventure." Be sure to subscribe to Wild Wisconsin -- Off The Record wherever you get your podcasts. Leave us a review or tell us who you'd like to hear from next time.Thanks for listening.
Show #42 – Doulafari! On this month's show, special guest Rick “MacGyver” Howell panels with us in studio, Mags goes looking for agates, Luke “Strider” Jordan talks highs and lows of the North Country Trail in our “Long is the new Short” segment, POD professes her love of kids, MacG sells Mags on compressions, D-Low […] The post The Trail Show #42: The NCT first appeared on The Trail Show.
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