In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Rue McKenrick.  Rue is an accomplished long-distance hiker and the Executive Director of the American Perimeter Trail Conference, an ambitious project to create a 14,000 mile loop that circumnavigates the continental U.S.  We learn all about Rue's scouting of this trail- as he's hiked 12,000 miles of the route in search of the best course already, his inspiration for this project, the challenges he anticipates in completing this, the role partnering with other trail organizations will play, and more.

We wrap the show with Chaunce's very stupid thing of the week, additional details of our attendance at Trail Days, and the hikers we would most like to eliminate from the trail.

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Interview with Rue McKenrick

• Rue McKenrick Instagram
• American Perimeter Trail website

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:15 - QOTD: If you could eliminate hikers from the trail, who would they be? 

00:12:36 - Reminders: We’re going to Trail Days! Come visit us on Saturday (you might see Elise there too)! Guest Recommendation form, bonus points if you’re local. 

00:15:35 - Introducing Rue McKenrick 

00:16:15 - Tell us about growing up near the AT 

00:17:28 - When did you realize you wanted to make backpacking a focus in your life? 

00:19:16 - How have hikers changed over the years? 

00:29:35 - What hikes have you completed? 

00:34:36 - What attributed to the lack of enthusiasm? And what brought you back? 

00:37:50 - What were your roles with the non-profit organizations and how did it lead to creating your own trail?

00:40:52 - Any insider stories you have from working with AMC or ATC? 

00:48:51 - Give us the fast facts on the American Perimeter Trail 

01:01:00 - Could you go through the flow of the American Perimeter Trail map? 

01:14:30 - What is the undertaking of this project? 

01:24:14 - How do you legally secure corridors for the American Perimeter Trail? 

01:30:00 - Have you encountered anyone that has interest in thru-hiking the trail? 

01:33:03 - Wrap up 

 

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda 

• Outdoor Exercise Might Be Better for Your Brain Than Hitting the Gym by Rachel Shoemaker

Stupid Thing of the Week

Mail Bag 

5 Star Review

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