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Prepare for an epic conversation with adventure, history, and quirky insights! In this episode of the Exploring Washington State Podcast, host Scott Cowan reunites with guest Tami Asars to discuss the second edition of her book, Hiking the Wonderland Trail. But this isn't just any trail story—it's a deep dive into one of Washington's most beloved trails, spanning 93 miles around the iconic Mount Rainier. So, what's new with the Wonderland Trail? Is it the same grueling trek it's always been, or have hikers discovered new ways to conquer it? With over a dozen hikes, Tami reveals the triumphs and challenges of trekking this legendary trail. From "fastest known time" attempts to leisurely 14-day adventures with toddlers in tow, the Wonderland is as diverse as the people who hike it. Ever wonder how many times you can climb 22,000 feet of elevation without losing your mind? Tami has the answer and some sage advice: hike your own hike. But don't be fooled by those short daily mileage plans—every step on the Wonderland Trail demands stamina and respect, as the constant ascents and descents push even seasoned hikers to their limits. Want to know the history behind this backcountry gem? Tami dives into the fascinating origins of the trail, which began as a ranger patrol route in 1915 to combat poachers and wildfires. At one point, there were plans to build a road around Mount Rainier's glaciers! Thankfully, those grand ideas evolved into the trail we know today—a wild escape consistently ranked among the top 10 hikes in the U.S. And here's a twist: Tami's connection to the Wonderland Trail runs deep—not just as a hiker, but on a personal level, with family memories tied to the park. Her husband even proposed to her there, and she shares a mystical tale of a bear sighting that coincided with her nephew's birth. It's clear this trail isn't just dirt and switchbacks—it's woven into her life story. If you're considering hiking the Wonderland Trail, Tami's book might be your new best friend. With insights on permits (hello, tricky lottery system!), tips for pacing, and ways to avoid common trail pitfalls, she makes planning accessible and even fun. The second edition also offers extras like "stay-a-day" options and wildlife hotspots marked with a fun bear paw icon—perfect for spotting marmots and mountain goats along the way. Curious about life on the trail? Tami spills the beans on trail culture, from the joys of finding a trail family to the quirks of backcountry etiquette. Ever wondered how hikers communicate without cell service? Spoiler: they rely on apps like FarOut (formerly known as GutHook), which work offline and keep adventurers on track with GPS, comments, and waypoints. And if you think Tami's adventures end with the Wonderland Trail, think again. She's also a triple crowner, having completed the Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, and the Appalachian Trail. Each journey brought revelations, but will she hike the PCT again? Please tune in to discover her surprising thoughts on future trails and whether the Pacific Northwest Trail might be next on her list. As the conversation winds down, Tami shares some of her favorite local spots in North Bend—like Huckstauder Coffee and Rio Bravo for lunch—and hints at exciting new projects, including an upcoming book on trail culture. Will we see Tami's Snoqualmie Region guide hit shelves next year? Only time will tell. With wit, humor, and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice debate (yes, it gets real), this episode captures the heart of what makes the Wonderland Trail—and hiking—so magical. Ready to disconnect, embrace the wilderness, and maybe even spot a bear or two? This episode will leave you itching to lace up your boots and hit the trail. And who knows? You might find yourself planning a trek sooner than you think.
You may remember our podcasts with Tami Asars, and her dramatic tales live from the Appalachian Trail as she completed the Triple Crown of backpacking. Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and The Appalachian Trail. Just looking up the mileage on those will give you blisters. Tami never rests. She has a new book out, "Fall Color Hikes: Washington". We delve deeper into the rewards of becoming one with nature on the trails. And also snakes, bears, and other wild animals. My cohost for this podcast is filmmaker author, lifelong friend and hiking buddy Steve Stockman. You'll like his dry sense of humor and his book and video course “How To Shoot Video That Doesn't Suck”. These pop up podcasts are a bright spot for me these days, as some of you know I'm getting some chemo treatments to keep the big C at bay. It's all good, we all know someone going through it… So if I seem a little fatigued and leaning back in my chair, or miss a week, that's why. Kudos to Michael McMorrow productions and our beloved David Lee for the stellar work adding graphics and postproduction to make these latest interviews shine. Enjoy. And thank you for watching and listening. Bob https://www.amazon.com/Fall-Color-Hikes-Tami-Asars/dp/1680513052 Listening to the audio on Podcast Service? See the Video at: - BobRivers.com: https://bobrivers.com/the-bob-rivers-show-20231014 or…- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBv5ma6Cv1U- YouTube Channel: https://YouTube.com/@BobRiversShow --> ( Please 'Like' and 'Subscribe' for Livestream notifications ???? ) We are distributed on demand on all major podcast services, livestream on YouTube @BobRiversShow. If you want to make sure you catch every show, sign up at bobrivers.com to get notified!
Tami Asars takes us on a journey through her career as an outdoor author, starting with a memorable encounter where she witnessed someone enjoying her book on the Wonderland Trail. From there, she discusses how this encounter inspired her to write a guidebook on fall hikes in Washington, recognizing the demand for such a resource. Tami also imparts her wisdom on finding alternative ways to enjoy the fall colors, such as scenic drives for non-hikers. Throughout the episode, Tami emphasizes the importance of reader feedback and engagement, sharing how it has influenced her revisions and updates for future editions of her books. She also reveals her love for connecting with her readers, hearing their stories, and witnessing the impact her work has had on their lives. But it's not just about hiking and writing for Tami. She shares her passion for good food and community engagement, highlighting a restaurant that embodies both. Tami also delves into her personal journey, from finding solace in the outdoors during college, to making a career shift towards her life's goal of becoming an author. Join us as Tami takes us on an adventure-filled episode, sharing her love for hiking, her experiences on the trails, and the beauty of fall colors in Washington. So grab your hiking boots, a cup of coffee, and get ready to explore the wonders of Washington State with Tami Asars on "Exploring Washington State"! Let's dive in! Connect With Us
Triple-Crown Hiker, Tami Asars, joins us as our special guest to share media, highlights and experiences while hiking the Continental Divide Trail…(Great photos.. we see we need to work on our video-streaming ops)… We remind all again that we'll soon stop streaming to Facebook and stream exclusively to YouTube. (No hard feelings, Mark, but we ain't feeling the love). Zip, as are much of the public, is infatuated with the Murdaugh trial. Could the interest in the story be due to the potential for a Netflix series? 'Dude- where's my car?' Spike's got thoughts on some Ford patents, innovations and features we'll probably see in cars/trucks in the very near-future. Bob's syrup-making friend was scrolling through short videos on his phone and showed a video of an alligator crawling through a wrought iron fence. Was cocaine-gator legit? Though initially deciding not to see Bruce Springsteen in concert per the high ticket prices and the less-than impressive tv performances seen of late, Spike & co decided to go after all. He talks about the concert, Springsteen's strong vocals, perfect backup harmonies, and his return to lead guitar playing…. The show includes seven encores, with the band leaving and returning for six of them. Bruce did a solo seventh/final encore. Spike says it's the best Springsteen show he has ever seen. Confused about Medicare? Other than the few younger folks who'll stop play at this segment, does anyone fully grasp all the programs, provisions.. parts xyz? A certain Canadian is confused about USA's Medicare. (Wait, what?) Listening to the audio on Podcast Service? See the Video at: - BobRivers.com - https://bobrivers.com/bob-and-zip-show-20230307 or - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbN4AvlYzT0 --> ( Please 'Like' and 'Subscribe'
Tami Asars has finished the triple crown of long distance hiking, having just completed the Appalachian Trail (2,194.3 miles). She's also hiked The Pacific Crest Trail (2,650 miles), and the Continental Divide Trail (3,100 miles). Spike compares her to Forrest Gump, which believe it or not, is high praise from him! We review the number one lesson to be learned in the outdoors (spoiler alert: Delayed Gratification).. What is your Lizard Brain, and why do Political Ads only appeal to your primitive emotions? Bob recommends a brilliant book written by noted UW neurobiologist John Medina: Brain Rules for Work: the science of thinking smarter in the office and at home. Only buy this if you want to make your Lizard Brain nervous. Why Bob has always preferred Jay Leno over other late night TV hosts. (We wish him a speedy recovery). Zip, Bob and Spike all loved someone the media loved to hate this week. What everyone got wrong about Dave Chappelle's SNL monologue. Bob has decided to embrace “both-sides-ism”, which is saying "both sides lie" when one side lies prolifically and shamelessly and the other side tells smaller lies. It's a crazy idea of course. Saying all lies need to be pointed out. It is clearly why Bob has no friends. We talk about "Nuance", and why many people lack the ability to detect it. Zip defines it perfectly, and this sends Spike into a comedic frenzy. We close with a song dedicated to Tami Asars.
Why do some people get their panties in a bunch over drag performers? Spike wants to untwist them for you. Tami Asars has completed about 1,800 miles of the 2,200 mile Appalachian trail, and is she getting tired? Ed gets stranded at an airport. Does his version of events sound plausible? We're taking an informal poll. Some people don't respond well to text. Not mentioning any names, Zip. Algorithms and Data collection are sometimes wonderful, but remember they are a business model… Is Bob paranoid or are they really out to get you (to buy shit)? We close with a Twisted Tune written largely by Spike, and a song about a puppy that made Bob happy during difficult times.
Tami Asars told me if I ever wanted to do a live event, she could get all of the guidebook authors together for an interview. The books are dubbed "Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail" followed by a state or section. All four are featured at http://www.pctguides.comTami and Eli Boschetto had been on prior episodes to talk about their books; Washington and Oregon. Philip Kramer and Shawnte Salabert were on for the first time!We laughed at funny stories each told and talked about why people need these books.As a sidenote to the episode, we raised $300 in donations for the PCTA.org with ticket sales and giveaways like a brand new waymarkgearco.com backpack.Photo by Stacey Arnold at https://www.staceylarnold.comThe intro song was preformed live by Jack Mattingly and the Whiskey Fever with special guest Anastasia Allison on violin.
Jack Mattingly and Dennis Dorgan played a fun show before my live event. The last song they played was Tall Grass, the song they let me use for my podcast intro/outro. Anastasia Allison joins them with her violin!We raised $300 for the PCTA and had over 80 people crammed into Whitewall Brewery. What an amazing night.The interview which followed this song will be out soon! Tami Asars, Eli Boschetto, Philip Kramer and Shante Salabert were my guests and they did not disappoint either.Check out Whiskey Fever: https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfever The song used in the intro is 'Tall Grass' from their album Gonna Wake Up This Whole Town.
Tami Asars is a writer focused on outdoor recreation and a nature photographer, living in the Cascade foothills of Washington state with her husband, Vilnis and her rough collie, Scout. She is the author of Hiking the Wonderland Trail, Day Hiking Mount Adams and Goat Rocks, Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail: Washington, and the upcoming Day Hiking Mount Rainier, all published by Mountaineers Books. Tami also is a contributor and columnist for Washington Trails Magazine, as well as a host of other outdoor publications and online hiking resources. Connect with her at TamiAsars.com Philip Kramer is an outdoor photographer and writer based in Washington state. He holds an AFA in photography from Everett Community College, and assisted under legendary travel and nature photographer Art Wolfe before creating his own business. His photography has been published internationally and is represented by Getty Images. Philip is the author and photographer of Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail: Northern California, published by Mountaineers Books. He thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in 2013, walking 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada. Connect with him at PhilipKramer.com
Go to www.northcascadehiker.com/live-events/may21-18 to purchase tickets! May 21st opening at 6PMGuests include:Tami Asars- www.tamiasars.comEli Borschetto- www.pctoregon.comPhilip Kramer- www.philipkramer.comShawnte' Salabert- www.shawntesalabert.comJack Mattingly of the Whiskey Fever (my intro song)- https://www.reverbnation.com/whiskeyfeverStick around after the taping to purchase books, have them signed by the authors, and pick their brains about hiking the PCT.Books will be sold at the event for $20 with cash only... Thats cheaper than Amazon!!!Buying a ticket will enter you in for a gear raffle that will be held after the podcast. Items will be: Waymark Gear Company Backpack, Cascade Hiker Hats and hats from Crown Trails Headwear.Also, ALL proceeds from this event will be donated to the Pacific Crest Trail Association.
Tami Asars joins us today to talk about the wonderful trails and places to visit in the Pacific Northwest including Mt. Raineer National Park and the Wonderland Trail. Tami has written four books on hiking and backpacking the Pacific Northwest to date and has created a Wonder Trail app. Listen in to get enthused about taking a trip to this part of the United States! Get more info about Tami: www.TamiAsars.com Tami's Books on Amazon: Hiking the Wonderland Trail Dayhiking Mt Raineer - 80 hikes Look for events on the site Day Hiking Mount Adams and Goat Rocks Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail: Washington https://www.amazon.com/Tami-Asars/e/B00DVOFX8Q/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1528500539&sr=8-1 Don't forget to check out her Wonderland Trail Smartphone app as well! Stop by www.kindsnacks.com/sports to save 50% off of your first order plus free shipping with the KIND Snack Pack! Join us on Patreon for only $5 a month to get your all access pass to the inspiration that will have you thinking about how you too can live a life outside the box: https://www.patreon.com/AdventureSportsPodcast