Welcome to another epic installment of The Month of Jeff! In this episode, I’m joined by the one and only Jeff Hester, a trailblazing adventurer who’s done it all—from hiking the John Muir Trail 30 years apart to founding the Six Pack of Peaks Challenge and SoCalHiker.net .

Find Jeff Hester on the internet: https://www.instagram.com/jeffhester/

Jeff shares incredible stories about thru-hiking in the 1980s (hello, mimeographed itineraries and DIY dehydrated meals!) and how his love for the outdoors evolved into building a vibrant hiking community. We dive deep into the magic of the John Muir Trail, the challenges of the Lost Coast Trail, and how Jeff turned his passion for adventure into a movement inspiring thousands of hikers every year.

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takeaways

-Hiking can be a transformative experience that builds confidence.

-Planning and preparation are crucial for successful long hikes.

-Resupply strategies can make or break a hiking trip.

-Community and social connections enhance the hiking experience.

-The evolution of hiking culture reflects broader societal changes.

-Documenting hiking experiences can inspire others to explore the outdoors.

-Physical maps and traditional navigation offer a different adventure than GPS.

-The Lost Coast Trail presents unique challenges and rewards.

-Building a community requires consistency and genuine interaction.

-The joy of hiking lies in the experience, not just the documentation.

Sound Bites

"It's a whole different experience than nowadays."

"I would go back and do that one again."

"You just never know how that's going to end up."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jeff Hester and the John Muir Trail

09:30 Resupply Strategies and Trail Cuisine in 1980

15:39 Life Changes and the Decision to Hike Again

25:12 Growth of the Six Pack of Peaks Challenge

32:55 The 2010 JMT Hike Experience

38:12 Comparing Hiking Experiences: 1980 vs 2010

44:32 The Lost Coast Trail Adventure

53:01 Backpacking Then and Now: A Reflection

keywords: John Muir Trail, SoCal Hiker, hiking community, outdoor adventure, backpacking, trail cuisine, resupply strategies, Lost Coast Trail, Six Pack of Peaks, endurance sports