In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Eric Volk, who we attempt to trail name "5-16."

In just six years, Eric went from novice hiker to expert off-trail adventurer, completing his own custom routes across the Sierra, Grand Canyon, North Cascades, and Alaska, including his Brooks Range Traverse and Arctic thru-hike. He is believed to be the first or second person to hike from the Canadian border to the Arctic Ocean entirely on foot.

Today, we're getting an in-depth tutorial on all things off-trail and route-based hiking. Eric gives a detailed overview of how to get started with off-trail adventuring, the biggest differences between hiking on trail and off, recommended "beginner" routes, key gear considerations, the navigational skills required (including the specific tools he uses and recommends), the wide variety of terrain you might encounter, weather considerations, the importance of doing your due diligence, and much more.

Eric also shares some fun stories from his routes, including trekking through the mathematically most remote place in the U.S., incredible wildlife encounters with caribou, grizzlies, musk ox, and mountain lions, and the ethics of publicizing GPX tracks.

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

[divider]

Interview with Eric Volk

• Eric's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:07:20 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, apply to be a Trail Correspondent, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and subscribe to The Trek's Youtube!

00:11:00 - Introducing Eric

00:11:50 - How did you initially get into outdoor adventuring?

00:15:07 - Was it easier to start the Lost Coast trail because someone encouraged you?

00:16:52 - Do you like to level up difficulty in other aspects of life?

00:19:42 - What's your route resume?

00:21:40 - Do off-trail routes spoil you for thru-hiking?

00:22:45 - Where should someone start if they want to start doing off-trail routes?

00:25:15 - What does the class system generally mean?

00:32:10 - What are some navigation skill requirements?

00:45:55 - What are some of the navigation apps you've tried?

00:52:00 - What are some tips for someone starting with CalTopo?

00:56:20 - How should someone transition from a GPX track to the real world?

01:02:00 - Discussion about additional navigation tips

01:04:10 - How would someone construct beta for their route?

01:15:45 - What are the gear differences to consider for going off-trail?

01:25:30 - Discussion about the benefits of ultralight and compactness in gear

01:28:25 - Has your first aid kit changed at all?

01:31:20 - What's the minimum amount of bushwacking that would necessitate pants?

01:37:40 - What's your sun protection strategy?

01:40:12 - How do you handle weather?

01:45:45 - How structured are your days when routefinding?

01:48:50 - How do you confidently know where to find water?

01:53:45 - What other tips do you have for learning about your surroundings?

01:56:00 - What are some of your standout wildlife encounters?

02:08:35 - Tell us about your Black Belt Triple Crown

02:17:00 - Discussion about Eric's Alaska route

02:22:30 - Is there a rating scale for remoteness?

02:24:15 - What are the three most challenging elements of this route?

02:29:00 - How much of this route was Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 fun?

02:30:10 - Tell us about the Super Sierra High Route

02:38:20 - Tell us about following the North Rim of the Grand Canyon

02:40:50 - What are the three most challenging elements of this route?

02:46:35 - Discussion about the ethics of hiking around the Grand Canyon

03:01:00 - Discussion about sharing information about routes publicly

03:03:30 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking?

03:05:35 - What's next for you?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Fewer People Thru-Hiked the AT in 2025. Is the Trail's Popularity on the Decline? By Katie Jackson

Thing of the Week

Triple Crown of soups/chilis

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

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Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

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Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are talking "shorter" thru-hikes. We're joined again by our guy, Michael Grizzly Ivey, to give you an overview of eight standout US thru-hikes that you can hike in four weeks or less. We cover the Long Trail, Teton Crest Trail, Superior HIking Trail, Timberline Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, Foothills Trail, and Uinta Highline, give you the trail overviews, relative difficulty, resupply strategy, the best time to hike, which direction, travel logistics, permit requirements, resupply strategy, standout wildlife, water availability, and our overall 30-second elevator pitch for each trail. Much like my waistline, your bucket list is about to expand.

We wrap the show with tips for getting primo service at any restaurant (from a restaurant general manager), the triple crown of birds, and we prove that we will read just about anything in a 5-star review.

Topo Athletic: Use code "TREKWINTER15" at topoathletic.com.

[divider]

Panel with Michael "Grizzly" Ivey

• Grizzly's Instagram
• Backpacker Radio # 29: Valentine's Day 2.0 with Grizzly + Jenna, Tent Orgies, and How to Hike 30 Miles in a Day
• Backpacker Radio #191 | Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail 2.0: High Snow Year Considerations, Gear Changes by Section, and More

Time stamps & Questions

00:07:30 - Reminders: Apply to be a Trail Correspondent, apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, subscribe to The Trek's Youtube, , and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:13:00 - Introducing Grizzly

00:15:50 - What have you been up to since you were last on the podcast?

00:18:20 - Long Trail

00:29:00 - Ozark Highlands Trail (Learn more from BPR #199 and BPR #197)

00:41:15 - Superior Hiking Trail

00:56:20 - Tahoe Rim Trail (Learn more from BPR #157)

01:11:40 - Foothills Trail (Learn more from BPR #243)

01:24:20 - Uinta Highline Trail

01:36:20 - Timberline Trail

01:44:12 - Teton Crest Trail (Learn more from BPR #265)

02:04:20 - What's your top performance enhancing hack?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: 10 Short Trails You Can Thru-Hike in Winter by Jordan Charbonneau

QOTD: What are some tips to getting the best treatment possible when eating out?

Triple Crown of birds

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystn Bell, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Alan Dixon, better known in the backpacking world as Adventure Alan. Alan is a literal rocket scientist, a lifelong adventure junkie, and a foundational figure in the early days of ultralight backpacking, having co-founded Backpacking Light.

Alan shares some jaw dropping stories from his many routes, including a near-death experience in the Tetons, his philosophy for developing routes—most notably his popular Wind River High Route, the South Sierra High Route, and the Escalante Overland Route. We dig into how he's managed to bring his base weight down to as low as 2.4 lb., the small luxuries he now allows himself, some of his favorite cottage brands, and his overarching gear philosophies. We also talk about why he follows a ketogenic diet and how he maintains it on trail, his adventures with his wife of more than 20 years, and much more.

We wrap the show with the triple crown of gifts for backpackers ($75 or less), a hill that we're willing to die on that everyone else thinks is ridiculous, some new AT stamps that have been out for a long time, and I talk fast.

Gossamer Gear: Check out the Type II collection at gossamergear.com.

[divider]

Interview with Alan Dixon

• Adventure Alan Website

Time stamps & Questions

00:02:00 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, apply to be a Trail Correspondent, subscribe to The Trek's Youtube, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:06:49 - Introducing Alan

00:07:30 - So you're a rocket scientist?

00:10:55 - What did you do for the EPA?

00:17:13 - What are the top sources for toxicity in food?

00:23:00 - Are there any chemicals in the backpacking world you're skeptical of?

00:25:06 - What was your earliest mountaineering experience?

00:26:40 - Discussion about the current state of ultralight

00:29:45 - What ultralight products do you get?

00:31:40 - How did you get to a baseweight under 5 pounds?

00:39:30 - Do you recommend tracking your sleep?

00:44:55 - Why do you follow a keto diet?

00:49:52 - How do you maintain a keto diet on trail?

00;53:30 - Tell us about the early days of ultralight

00:58:50 - Why did you want to spread the gospel of ultralight?

01:03:20 - Discussion about the fiddle-factor

01:09:00 - What's your standard gear list now?

01:10:47 - Do you have practical tips for reducing fiddle time?

01:13:07 - Tell us about your trip in the Wind River Range

01:19:00 - Do you have a luxury item today?

01:20:04 - Tell us about selling your website

01:21:55 - What goes into designing a high route?

01:24:40 - Sell us on the Adventure Alan Wind River High Route

01:28:30 - Do you consider high routes to be more of a physical or intellectual challenge?

01:32:05 - Discussion about anxiety while hiking

01:34:45 - Tell us about adventuring with your wife

01:39:09 - Do you have any general marriage advice?

01:42:10 - How do you maintain your fitness into your 60s?

01:46:40 - Discussion about the definition of success

01:51:55 - What's something novel that you're excited about right now?

01:54:49 - Tell us about the Southern Sierra High Route

01:59:20 - Define "it goes"

02:00:05 - Tell us about the Escalante Overland Route

02:06:04 - Are you fully retired now?

02:07:00 - Discussion about fitness and training

02:09:50 - Tell us about the Southern Patagonia Ice Shelf

02:19:00 - Are you able to enjoy a regular trail?

02:22:10 - Tell us your near death experience in the Tetons

02:35:45 - Are you still making content?

Segments

Trek Propaganda

• Sudden Blizzard on Patagonia's "O" Circuit Leaves Five Hikers Dead by Katie Jackson
• Hiker Impaled on 15-Foot Branch Rescued From Trail in O'ahu by Katie Jackson
• NOBO vs. SOBO on the Appalachian Trail: Which Direction Is Better? By Livvy Weld

QOTD: What's a hill you'll die on that everyone else thinks is ridiculous?

Triple Crown of gifts for backpackers ($75 or less)

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, I'm sitting this one out because it's the fourth edition of Girl's Stuff. Chaunce is joined by former guest Christine Reed and BPR first-timer Maggie Schoemann. The three cover hiking with a partner, where to get a vag wax on trail, birth control, weird body changes, including managing a beard on trail as a woman, eating disorders and how thru-hiking can trigger or resurface disordered eating (trigger warning), and much more. These are Chaunce's notes, so I'm just going to assume they're all accurate.

We wrap the show with Chaunce's take on the new Diddy doc and the triple crown of the worst parts of the holidays.

Gossamer Gear: Check out the Type II collection at gossamergear.com.

[divider]

Panel with Chaunce, Maggie, and Christine

• Maggie's Instagram
• Christine's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:03:50 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, apply to be a Trail Correspondent, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:08:45 - Introducing Maggie and Christine

00:13:26 - What is it like to do your first thru-hike while your partner finishes their Triple Crown?

00:22:30 - Discussion about making friends while thru-hiking in a couple

00:26:00 - What type of reaction did you get on the PCT?

00:32:14 - How was the Long Trail?

00:34:44 - What's it like to hike a trail that sucks with a platonic friend?

00:43:30 - Tell us about your chronic illness

00:48:30 - What specific foods did you mail yourself on the Long Trail?

00:52:35 - Discussion about PCOS

01:01:10 - Discussion about period cycles

01:09:40 - Discussion about nutrition and PCOS

01:20:00 - Discussion about PCOS and weight

01:29:50 - Trigger warning: disordered eating and body image

01:37:00 - Discussion about how thru-hiking intersects with disordered eating

02:18:20 - End trigger warning: discussion about getting waxed on trail

02:30:00 - Who determines what's cool on trail?

02:35:00 - Discussion about the evolution of women on trail

02:45:00 - Discussion about influencers on trail

02:54:00 - Recommend names of female influencers

Segments

Trek Propaganda

• This Simple Backpacking Mistake Almost Cost Me My Whole Hike by Kelly Floro

QOTD: Have you seen the Diddy documentary?

Triple Crown of the worst parts of the holidays

Listener Voicemail

Mail Bag

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Jessica Guo known on trail as Stitches.

This year, Stitches became the first woman on record to connect both the Continental Divide Trail and Great Divide Trail northbound in one calendar year. We talk all about this logistically and physically impressive feat, hiking through the Sierra during a record snow year, how she earned her trail name the hard way, her unconventional relationship with pain, how 10 her day silent meditations better prepare her for thru-hiking and gives us a sample 2 minute meditation, what it was like becoming social media famous this year- going from less than 2K followers to 50K, and much more.

We wrap the show with a call for Trek Vloggers, a breakdown of how hard the Long Trail is as measured by Katie's steps per mile, apparently some people can smell ants, and the triple crown of peanut butter combinations.

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

Gossamer Gear: Check out the Type II collection at gossamergear.com.

Ka'Chava: Get 10% off at kachava.com/backpacker.

[divider]

Interview with Jessica "Stitches" Guo

• Stitches' Instagram
• Stitches' Trek Author Page
• Stitches' Substack

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:00 - Reminders: Apply to VLOG for the Trek, subscribe to our Youtube channel, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:11:47 - Introducing Stitches

00:14:15 - What is your background?

00:20:00 - Scenario: If Zach & Chaunce are fighting, how would you help them work through it?

00:22:25 - How did you get into the outdoors?

00:30:15 - Were you an athlete when you were younger?

00:31:35 - How did you like the Teton Crest Trail?

00:32:40 - Tell us about getting started on the PCT and your injury

00:40:20 - What did it feel like to walk on your injured leg after 8 days?

00:48:35 - What does your meditation practice look like?

00:55:50 - What does a silent meditation retreat look like?

00:58:05 - Are there purists in the meditation world?

01:03:00 - Stitches leads a guided meditation

01:08:20 - Tell us about your second injury on the PCT

01:20:55 - Was the Sierra Type 1 fun for you?

01:21:30 - Tell us your fun story from the Colorado Trail

01:26:20 - Where did the idea come from for the CDT + GDT?

01:32:50 - Why can it be nice to have a detailed itinerary and plan?

01:38:10 - If someone's interested in the GDT, what advice would you give?

01:40:20 - What were the differences between your three itineraries?

01:42:10 - Would a silent retreat be a good way to mentally train for a thru-hike?

01:44:15 - What are some standout moments from the CDT?

01:47:38 - What are you afraid of?

01:51:10 - How did your experience change when you got a ton of followers?

01:55:55 - Tell us more about making videos on trail

01:59:00 - Discussion about evidence of climate change on trail

02:00:05 - Tell us about how you interacted with your ethnicity on trail

02:08:22 - Tell us about your post on women in the outdoors

02:14:20 - Tell us about your friction video

02:16:00 - What were the highlights of the GDT?

02:19:00 - Did you have any practices for when you felt mentally low?

02:22:45 - Tell us about the birds you saw

02:27:15 - What are your Big 5 for gear?

02:34:15 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking?

02:39:30 - Where can people go to keep up with you?

Segments

Trek Propaganda

• How Hard Is the Long Trail, and Is It Worth It? The Stats From My Thru-Hike Reveal the Answers by Katie Jackson
• Rescuers Say a Hiker Died on Mount Whitney Over the Weekend by Anna McKinney Smith

QOTD: Can you smell ants?

Infection Thing of the Week

Triple Crown of peanut butter combos

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we're joined by Lucy Barnard. Lucy, along with her pup Wombat, has walked from the southern tip of Argentina all the way through the Great Divide Trail in Canada, and she'll be picking up the final leg of this monster journey — through northern Canada and into Alaska — later this winter.

We get into what compelled Lucy to take on such an audacious mission, especially given that she had virtually zero long-distance hiking experience beforehand. She shares some truly wild stories from the trail, including being held at gunpoint by cartel members, what it's been like navigating this trek with a dog in tow, the extra hoops that come with that, the overwhelming kindness she's encountered from strangers along the way, and plenty more.

We wrap the show by highlighting a 140-mile in Portugal that belongs on your bucket list, how a thru-hiker staple might be giving us all mercury poisoning, movies we definitely don't recommend, the triple crown of embarrassing foods, and the lazy person's guide to making your own dehydrated meals.

Gossamer Gear: Check out the Type II collection at gossamergear.com.

Ka'Chava: Get 10% off at kachava.com/backpacker.

[divider]

Interview with Lucy Barnard

• Lucy's Instagram
• Lucy's Youtube

Time stamps & Questions

00:3:00 - Reminders: Apply to blog for The Trek, subscribe to our Youtube channel, Apply to VLOG for The Trek and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:07:10 - Introducing Lucy

00:10:00 - High Low Buffalo

00:14:40 - Discussion about nutrition

00:16:34 - How do you resupply Wombat's food?

00:18:45 - How did you get Wombat?

00:23:35 - Is Wombat a good security dog?

00:41:16 - What is your concern about sharing stories about risky times?

00:47:00 - Did you consider quitting the trail after that?

00:50:20 - Discussion about culture shock and language expressions

00:53:03 - What were you doing before this hike?

01:02:00 - What was your hiking and traveling experience prior to this hike?

01:06:20 - Were you nervous when you started the trip?

01:09:05 - What created your desire to do this?

01:14:00 - Discussion about people from other countries interested in hiking in the US

01:19:07 - Discussion about deworming

01:21:30 - What is in Wombat's first aid kit?

01:23:30 - Do you have a standout animal encounter story?

01:30:20 - How much of the trip is a logistical puzzle versus physical challenge?

01:33:50 - How have you managed family and friend relationships during this hike?

01:38:20 - What is celebrity and fame like in Australia?

01:42:30 - Why do you think this journey is going slower than you expected?

01:49:15 - How do you balance accepting good advice with not getting overwhelmed?

01:52:40 - Tell us about your overall route thus far

01:56:00 - Discussion about Lucy's navigation app

01:58:15 - What due diligence do you do ahead of time to make sure you stay safe?

02:02:00 - Lucy's stories about providing trail magic

02:04:50 - Tell us more stories about being integrated with the locals

02:13:25 - Tell us about Wombat getting sick from eating crabs on the desert

02:15:08 - Tell us about the Great Divide Trail

02:20:15 - What was your hardest day on this experience?

02:26:30 - How can listeners support your journey?

02:27:20 - What is the future of the journey going to be like?

02:35:00 - Where can people go to keep up with you?

Segments

Trek Propaganda:

• Apply to be a Vlogger for The Trek
• The Fisherman's Trail: A 140-Mile Luxury Thru-Hike in Europe (Complete 2026 Guide) by Chickpea
• Could This Thru-Hiker Staple Give You Mercury Poisoning? By James Townsend
• Ultralight Quilt Comparison: Enlightened Equipment Revelation vs. Katabatic Alsek vs. UGQ Bandit by JT Simmons

QOTD: What are movies you definitely don't recommend to people?

Triple Crown of embarrassing foods

Listener Voicemail

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we're joined by Gabe Vasquez, known on trail as "Wing It." Gabe is a U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran, long-distance kayaker and cyclist, and the first known Mexican-American to complete the Triple Crown.

Gabe opens up about his time in the Marines and the challenges that followed- PTSD, becoming addicted to prescription meds to manage the PTSD in addition to anxiety and depression, losing friends to suicide after their service, and night terrors. In his efforts to heal, Gabe turned to adventure. He began by paddling the Mississippi with a friend, then took on a PCT thru-hike, followed by eight consecutive years of long-distance backpacking, paddling, and cycling. Gabe shares how that time in nature helped him reclaim his peace, and why he's happier today than he's ever been.

Worth noting- this episode includes graphic descriptions of PTSD and suicide. If these topics are sensitive or triggering for you, please take care while listening.

We wrap the show with news of a pair of fatal bear attacks near the Ozark Highlands Trail, a partially blind grandmother who thru-hiked the PCT- averaging nearly 40 miles a day in the process, the definitive etiquette around holding doors for strangers, and the triple crown of the worst phrases and expressions.

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

Gossamer Gear: Check out the Type II collection at gossamergear.com.

[divider]

Interview with Gabe "Wing It" Vasquez

• Gabe's Instagram
• Tommy Corey's Video with Gabe
• Semper Fi Fundraiser

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:20 - Reminders: Apply to blog for the Trek, subscribe to our Youtube channel, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:12:45 - Introducing Gabe

00:16:10 - What was it like to join the Marines?

00:22:45 - What was your specific job like in the Marines?

00:23:30 - Tell us about your deployments

00:29:20 - What was the vibe like in that sort of environment?

00:33:37 - Did you know you were actively pushing things down at the time?

00:35:06 - What was the comedown like when returning from a deployment?

00:36:40 - At what point did you seek professional help?

00:38:30 - How did the PTSD show up for you?

00:42:35 - How did you know you needed to get off the meds?

00:49:30 - How did you transition from experiencing these symptoms to advocating for others?

00:56:04 - How did you decide to kayak the Mississippi River?

00:59:20 - Did you feel a sense of accomplishment after the kayak trip?

01:09:20 - Did you go into the PCT excited to hike it?

01:13:20 - At what point did being in nature start to click for you?

01:14:45 - Knowing what you know now, would you still have joined the Marines?

01:17:22 - At what point did the nightmares subside or improve?

01:20:00 - Have you met other veterans on trail?

01:22:40 - Do you have a lot of people reaching out to you?

01:25:00 - Is the period between adventures extra tough for you?

01:26:30 - Are you trying to do all Seven Summits?

01:27:55 - Was it weird with the PCT being so white?

01:36:15 - Do you have favorite summit music?

01:37:26 - What are some of your favorite trail angel stories?

01:40:00 - What's a typical MRE meal like?

01:41:30 - What drew you to the bike after the PCT?

01:46:30 - What are the pros and cons of long distance cycling over thru-hiking?

01:50:50 - Fuck Marry Kill: cycling, paddling, and hiking

01:54:10 - What did it feel like to complete the Triple Crown?

01:58:00 - Discussion about LNT

01:59:20 - What other hot takes do you have?

02:05:20 - What other gear do you like?

02:10:16 - Tell us about almost getting arrested in Egypt

02:19:05 - Do you worry that drugs could trigger PTSD?

02:26:00 - What's your favorite trail or trail story?

02:28:35 - Do unrealistic war movies bother you?

02:30:55 - Stay Salty Question: What's one piece of advice you'd like to give?

Segments

Trek Propaganda

• 2 Fatal Bear Attacks in Past 6 Weeks Near Ozark Highlands Trail in Arkansas by JT Simmons
• Partially Blind Grandmother Thru-Hikes PCT in Under 70 Days by Katie Jackson

QOTD: What's the proper distance to hold a door for someone?

Triple Crown of the worst expressions/phrases

Mail Bag

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

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Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we're joined by Kristy and Annette Burns—better known as the Wander Women.

About seven years ago, Kristy and Annette ditched the home with the white picket fence, retired, moved into an RV, and shifted their focus to a life centered on freedom and adventure. Since then, they've taken on the AT, PCT, CDT, Arizona Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, the O Circuit, plus a slew of cycling and packrafting trips. We get into what it takes to keep your body ready for thru-hikes at retirement age, why downsizing has made them so much happier, the community they've found on trail, and a whole lot more.

We wrap the show with what to wear when hiking in the desert, how to dry the inside of your water bladder, and the triple crown of chairs.

Gossamer Gear: Check out the Type II collection at gossamergear.com.

[divider]

Interview with Kristy and Annette Burns

• Wander Women Instagram
• Wander Women Youtube

Time stamps & Questions

00:02:45 - Reminders: Take the Triple Crowner Survey, apply to blog for the Trek, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:05:06 - Introducing the Wander Women

00:07:00 - How did each of you get into the outdoors?

00:09:44 - How did you two meet?

00:12:20 - How did you go from the sweat lodge to thru-hiking?

00:16:50 - Did you have physical fitness top of mind before getting into thru-hiking?

00:19:05 - How far prior to retirement did you plan to hike?

00:22:55 - What specifically would you do differently, financially?

00:26:25 - What was it like downsizing?

00:31:30 - What physical activity do you do in the RV?

00:36:04 - Do you ever get sick of each other?

00:38:55 - How do you handle difficulties in your relationship?

00:41:00 - Did you know there'd be other retired folks on the AT?

00:45:17 - How have you expanded your social networks in retirement?

00:48:35 - What are some of the common questions you get?

00:50:03 - How do you slowly ramp up your mileage when hiking?

00:51:52 - Describe your gear to us

00:57:40 - Was it easy to transition between RVing and thru-hiking?

01:01:15 - Do you feel like time has slowed down since you retired?

01:10:45 - At what point did you reach this mindset?

01:12:40 - Are you particular with your nutrition?

01:16:20 - Standout stories from the AT?

01:19:35 - At what point did you know you were going to Triple Crown?

01:23:35 - Did you know what you were getting into with the CDT?

01:30:11 - How many other CDT hikers did you encounter?

01:34:50 - Tell us about flip flopping the PCT

01:38:46 - What were your spookiest or scariest moments on trail?

01:49:23 - When did you start getting the Youtube fanfare?

01:50:30 - What's the best trail magic you've gotten?

01:53:10 - Tell us about the adventures outside of thru-hiking

01:57:14 - Tell us about your rafting trip in Alaska

02:02:50 - Tell us about your encounter with a grizzly bear

02:10:30 - How did you decide where to camp?

02:13:00 - What were the biggest gear differences for this trip?

02:16:15 - What adventures does the future hold?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: Desert Hiking Clothing: The Backpacker's Guide by Katie Jackson

QOTD: How does one dry out the inside of their water bladder when you're done using it?

Triple Crown of chairs

Mail Bag

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Casey Huffman, known on trail as Vegas.

Vegas has been mentioned a couple of times on this podcast in the past, as "the guy whose chest we signed" in 2023, and more recently, "the guy whose ass we signed". As we learn in today's episode, "signed ass guy" is also a real good hang.

We chat about how Vegas' mental health struggles ultimately lead him to the trail, how the hiking community and culture gave him the space to reinvent himself, and he shares quite possibly the most entertaining trail name origin story we've ever heard- we'll just say that this one is for adults only.

We wrap the show with discussing the merits of a sleeping bag liner, Chaunce is pissed about the cost of fountain soda, we do the triple crown of donuts, and Rachel once again lands a perfectly apropos listener mail bag.

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

Gossamer Gear: Check out the Type II collection at gossamergear.com.

Zpacks: Use code BPR50 for $50 off any tent at zpacks.com.

Ka'Chava: Use code BACKPACKER for 15% off at kachava.com/backpacker.

[divider]

Interview with Casey "Vegas" Huffman

• Vegas's Instagram
• Vegas's Youtube

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:00 - Reminders: Take the Triple Crowner Survey, apply to blog for the Trek, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:07:15 - Introducing Vegas

00:09:30 - How did you get into the outdoors?

00:16:01 - What was inpatient treatment like?

00:19:30 - What was life like after you left inpatient?

00:21:00 - What led to you getting on medication as a child?

00:22:45 - Tell us the story about your tattoos

00:24:25 - Walk us through the first part of the AT

00:28:40 - Tell us your trail name origin story

00:47:00 - Discussion about Vegas' reputation on trail

00:47:45 - How was getting off the trail for you?

00:53:15 - What was it about thru-hiking that let you shift your mind into a better place?

00:58:43 - Did you feel like it was a struggle to get to Katahdin?

01:00:00 - What did you know your future life would look like at the end of the trail?

01:07:30 - Tell us about running into a cult

01:12:45 - What did you do after the AT?

01:18:30 - Tell us about your expedition in Alaska

01:28:06 - Tell us about the Sheltowee Trace

01:32:45 - Tell us about the Ozark Highlands Trail

01:41:20 - At what point did you know you were going to hike the PCT?

01:55:20 - Discussion about hiking in the Sierra

01:58:40 - Vegas's story about hiking on acid

02:10:30 - Tell us about hiking the Long Trail after the PCT

02:17:20 - Vegas's subsequent sex worker stories

02:21:10 - What are your favorite next plans?

02:21:54 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hot take in the world of backpacking?

Segments

Trek Propaganda

• 19 Breathtaking Appalachian Trail Tattoos You Need To See by Anna McKinney Smith
• Do You Need a Sleeping Bag Liner for Backpacking? By Katie Jackson

QOTD: Since when is fountain soda no longer free refills?

Triple Crown of donuts

Mail Bag

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Amy Hunsucker. On trail, Amy is known as "Slider" because she hikes with a trombone- something she's done for the entire triple crown. We of course learn all about this fun quirk, including which animals were most appreciative of her on-trail concerts, which parts of trail provided the best acoustics, the reactions she'd get from other hikers and the broader trail community, and her go-to on-trail trombone jams. Slider also gives us the low down on getting her sawyer certification, her trail maintenance work with the Carolina Mountain Club, hiking South Dakota's Centennial Trail, and life as a hiking guide in North Carolina.

We wrap the show with the pieces of thru-hiking advice we wish we'd never given, Chaunce gives her take of whether she'd rather be alone in the woods with a man or a bear, we do the triple crown of freezer foods, I give a one-minute gear review of my current rain jacket, and a listener lectures us on how we dropped the ball on our interview with Liz Kidder.

Topo Athletic: Use code "TREKWINTER15" at topoathletic.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "LT520" for 20% off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com.

[divider]

Interview with Amy Hunsucker

• Amy's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:50 - QOTD: What's more upsetting, the Bills' loss or losing your ceremony footage?

00:06:40 - Reminders: Take the AT Thru-Hiker Survey, apply to blog for the Trek, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:11:00 - Introducing Amy

00:11:34 - How did you get your trail name?

00:12:12 - How do you find an ultralight trombone?

00:14:40 - Give us the background on playing the trombone

00:18:55 - Did you learn new songs as you hiked?

00:22:40 - Have you ever used your trombone for anything other than music?

00:24:30 - How did you get into backpacking?

00:27:50 - What was starting the AT like?

00:30:54 - Why don't you think your trombone is a luxury item?

00:31:48 - Is there a GOAT of the trombone world?

00:36:10 - Tell us about getting onto the CDT

00:37:30 - What's your hot take on the PCT?

00:42:50 - Why'd you decide to go southbound on the CDT?

00:45:15 - Why'd you decide to flip flop the PCT?

00:52:15 - How did you keep up your mindset during the flip flop?

00:53:55 - What was your best day on trail?

00:56:10 - What was your worst day on trail?

00:57:40 - What was your scariest day on trail?

01:00:02 - What was your stupidest day on trail?

01:02:45 - Tell us about working for Blue Ridge Hiking Company

01:10:40 - What was being in Asheville like during the hurricane?

01:17:12 - Tell us about getting your Sawyer certification

01:20:30 - What's chainsaw 101?

01:23:20 - Tell us about the South Dakota Centennial Trail

01:28:05 - Would this be a good trail to do using PTO?

01:30:54 - Peak Performance Question: What's your top performance-enhancing hack?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: 6 Pieces of Thru-Hiking Advice I Wish I'd Never Given by Katie Jackson

QOTD: Would you rather be alone in the woods with a man or a bear?

Triple Crown of freezer foods

One-Minute Gear Review

Mail Bag

[divider]

Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.

Sign up for the Trek's newsletter

Leave us a voicemail!

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Advertise on Backpacker Radio

Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.

Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.

Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.

Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns

A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, and Spencer Hinson.