In this conversation, Gabrielle shares her experiences and challenges faced during her first solo hiking trip in Big Bend Ranch State park - quite different from its civilized sister, Big Bend National Park.

From the very get-go this trip took an unexpected turn thanks to an outdated map handed out by a ranger on a previous visit. Her meticulously planned backpacking loop hike was declared non-existent by another ranger, a revelation that sent her into a minor tailspin. Apparently, a previous hiker's navigational oopsie led to a trail closure, leaving Gabrielle's carefully crafted loop in the dust. Cue the internal "what the actual…" and a few not-so-quiet expletives.

In this episode, Jon and Gabrielle discuss the importance of preparation, navigation, and the mental aspects of hiking alone. Gabrielle owns up to the realities of hiking with anxiety and how taking on Texas’ wildest, most remote State Park made her feel.

Cathy Frye’s story - https://bigbend.arkansasonline.com/

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