Carrie and Molly set off for Colchuck Lake with their group, navigating the elevation while offering grapes to all they meet. They notice something many day hikers need. Upon arriving at the lake, Molly learns why she doesn’t prefer to hike with two packs. The group rushes to find a suitable camp site as large rain drops fall.

Molly and Carrie agree they’ll join a friend backpacking the enchantments if she wins a permit—but when their friend ACTUALLY wins they must kick it into gear to experience their earliest season backpacking trip ever.

Carrie and Molly invite you to join this throwback episode, bringing you stories from their fifth day in Wyomong’s Wind River Range! You’ll hear a ballad which Carrie deems an instant classic, inspiring your very own theme song for the Winds. Revel in the incredible granite peaks for a phenomenal alpineglow while camping at Shadow Lake. Then—of course—the rain is back! Bringing lightning, thunder, and hail!

Molly and Carrie depart Sherman crater and begin ascending the Roman Wall. They discuss the conditions they experienced on the wall that day. The sisters reflect on the fun people they met while climbing. After the girls tag the summit, they begin the descent — remember, the summit is only the half way point! Molly doesn’t know which way is up. Carrie adjusts the route based on snow conditions. The sisters step off the glacier and experience the best rest break. As they return to the trailhead, Molly experiences a struggle. Carrie and Molly provide final reflections on their Mount Baker climb.

Carrie and Molly gear up for an early start on the mountain. They reveal the specific formula they use for their pace to assess their start time. They cover their preferred breakfast for an alpine start and what they would have done differently to set themselves up for a more successful start to their climb. They enjoy a full moon as they communicate and cross crevasses. They discuss the joys of being passed by 10 men and realize that setting the track was actually more draining than they had realized. They reach the Sherman Crater and revel in the beauty of Mount Baker as they prepare to undertake the last obstacle to the summit of Mount Baker—the Roman Wall.

Carrie and Molly invite you to pivot with them as they switch mountaineering plans and set their sights on Mount Baker! The sisters discuss their route of choice, preparation, and some things that made them feel nervous about climbing this classic PNW volcano. Cruise up the railroad grade trail and hear about the approach to this stunning peak.

Molly and Carrie welcome you to join them on this replay episode from their John Muir Trail series. The sisters talk about their first resupply spot, Red’s Meadow. They also discuss how they stay positive and what can be done to lift others up. Stay tuned to the end for their take on the most modern of cat hole digging practices?

If you enjoyed this episode, search “John Muir Trail” for our full series on one of our most formative hikes!

Join Carrie and Molly on this replay from their Tahoe Rim Trail series! During their third day on the Tahoe Rim Trail, the sisters experience beautiful views, springs, water caches, a zipper malfunction, and an arachnoid encounter! Join along for stories, laughs, and some very important considerations for your next backpacking trip!

Enjoyed this episode? Check out our “Tahoe Rim Trail” series to listen to all nine episodes!

Carrie and Molly rope up, continuing their ascent of Ruth Mountain. They travel its slopes up to the summit, taking in views of Shuksan and Nooksack Cirque. At the top, Molly struggles to simply enjoy the moment as she frets about the obstacles they must overcome on the return trip. Carrie and Molly descend the peak and are reminded of a childhood anecdote. Molly and Carrie debrief the trip, discussing opportunities for improvement which apply not only to mountain ventures, but also to life.

Carrie and Molly welcome you to join them as they return to Ruth Mountain to attempt a car to car climb. The sisters discuss considerations for a one-day summit attempt versus a multi day trip. Molly highlights one typical Hannegan Pass snow feature they didn’t encounter in early July. The girls begin a snowy ascent, and Molly’s concerns about the return trip begin to increase. A post hole surprise occurs. Tune in next week for the conclusion of Ruth Mountain car to car!