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On this episode, I talk with Kyle O’Grady of The Trail Tales Podcast about what it’s like dealing with the “Post Trail Blues.”  We talk a lot about the grand adventure when we’re ON it or look back at it fondly when we’re not, but we rarely talk about what it’s like after it’s all over.  For most of us, we’re left wondering what we’re supposed to do next. We’ve built an identity around this adventure and now that it’s no longer something to look forward to, we tend to slip into a slight depression.

Show Notes and Links

• Introductions
• Getting to know Kyle
• What it’s like getting into podcasting and seeing it grow
• Exploring podcasting topics
• Kyle’s journey into backpacking and Thru Hiking
• What happens mentally after a long trail
• The emotional connection to a grand goal
• The reality of post trail blues
• How to cope with missing the trail
• What it was like getting back out on the trail again
• Kyle’s experience with being in his head
• Advice for future thru-hikers
• Trail Tales Podcast 
• My Episode with Trail Tales 

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• www.byland.co
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I started following Jon’s journey on the PCT before the PCT even happened for him. Once he got on the trail, I enjoyed every moment of his journey via social media.  He crushed miles early on, braved the snow in the Sierra, and ultimately arrived at the Northern Terminus on his own terms.

Show Notes and Links

• Introductions
• Jon’s backpacking backstory
• How the PCT became a reality
• How the beginning of the trail felt
• When reality sets in on the PCT
• Hiking the desert
• Dealing with and addressing “fear-mongering”
• Finding and learning your limits
• Decision-making process
• Addressing the snow in the Sierra
• Why the PCT and backpacking is so important to Jon
• Dealing with emotions on the trail
• Nearing the end of the trail
• What it means to “miss” the trail
• Life after the trail
• Lessons learned from the PCT
• How daily routing dictates gear selection
• Jon’s journey with photography while hiking
• Plans for follow-on trails
• Closing thoughts
• How to follow Jon online
• https://www.instagram.com/jonathonfrankson

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• www.byland.co
• Join the newsletter
• Beginner backpacking course
• Support the show
• [email protected]

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This episode explores the personal backpacking journey of Darwin.  You’re going to hear what his life was like before backpacking and where it’s now headed.  Darwin explains the ups and downs of the trail, what inspires him to keep going, and what it means to be a Creative within the trail community.

If you need a bit of entertainment and some inspiration, this episode is going to do you some good!

Show Notes and Links

• Introductions
• Getting to know Darwin
• How Darwin got into backpacking
• What it was like going BACK to the AT to finish
• Life after the AT
• The Story of Baltimore Jack
• The connection to your first trail
• Looking back at what life might have been without hiking
• What it was like making a big life change
• The story of the AZ Trail
• How Darwin came to do what he does
• Origin of the AZ Trail documentary
• Exploring what happens when you’re on a long trail
• Why Darwin does what he does
• Explaining the AZ Trail Doc
• Final Thoughts
• How to find Darwin online
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC18exdGWh7piVWisrnDXiZg
• https://theoutdoorevolution.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/darwin_onthetrail/

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• www.byland.co
• Join the newsletter
• Beginner backpacking course
• Support the show
• [email protected]

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Greg Napoli from Slik USA joins the podcast to help decode the mystery behind tripods.  He runs me through everything from top to bottom, explains why you may need one, and how to select the right tripod.

If you want to get educated on tripods, this episode is dedicated to you!

15% AUDIENCE DISCOUNT

If you ARE interested in making a purchase, Slik offers a 15% discount on any new full-priced item. Just use code ByLand15 during checkout!

Show Notes and Links

• Introduction to Greg
• How Greg found himself working at a tripod company
• Background on Slik USA
• What it means when a tripod “performs”
• Selecting the type of tripod you need
• Working within limitations
• The importance of tripods today
• Considering brand choice
• When better “quality” is needed
• A rundown description of the Slik tripod I’ve been trying
• Thoughts on learning your craft
• How to choose a ball head or video head
• Thoughts on leg extension type
• Suggested Slik Tripods for backpackers
• How to followup with Slik 
• https://slikusa.com/
• https://slikusa.com/collections/tripod/products/sprint-pro-iii-bh-kit-black
• https://byland.co/gear-reviews/slik-pro-cf-634svh-kit-with-svh-501-video-head-review
• https://www.instagram.com/slikusa/
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBGIuCWv1mqIvnM2uyucL8w
• https://www.facebook.com/slikusa/

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• www.byland.co
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• Support the show
• [email protected]

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For the past 8 years, Marion Mauran has been producing a documentary about Sam Fox’s FKT attempt of the Pacific Crest Trail.  In this episode, Marion and I dive into what the documentary is about, how it came to be, and what she learned from the process.

If you’re a fan of documentary filmmaking paired with the outdoors, this episode will be right up your alley.

Show Notes and Links

• Introductions
• What “Elevation Change” is about
• How Marion got involved in the story
• Preparing and planning for the shoot
• The creative process of a documentary
• How to tell someone’s story
• Interviewing Scott Williamson
• Was Sam prepared for the mental struggle?
• How an 8 year project impacted Marion
• Biggest takeaways from the film
• Why filmmaking as a creative medium
• How to watch the film and learn more
• http://elevationchangedoc.com/
• https://vimeo.com/ondemand/elevationchange/355390794
• https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/elevation-change/id1478858993
• https://www.facebook.com/elevationchangedoc/

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• www.byland.co
• Join the newsletter
• Beginner backpacking course
• Support the show
• [email protected]

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If you’ve ever wondered how a trail that spans 2650 miles across three large states is managed and protected, this is the episode you will want to listen to.

Mark and Megan of the PCTA join me to talk about how the PCTA is working to protect the Pacific Crest Trail.  We discuss the history of the PCTA, what each of their roles is in the organization, how the PCTA works alongside the Federal Government to protect the trail, and finally, a discussion of a recent acquisition of land along the trail corridor that will help keep the trail safe.

This episode showcases the backbone of how these trails we love remain wild and safe for future generations to come.

Show Notes and Links

• Introduction to Mark and Megan
• PCT and PCTA History
• How the PCTA functions and works
• Why the PCT was started
• What it means to be a National Scenic Trail
• PCTA Land acquisition
• Overview of the Land and Water Conservation Fund
• What happens when lands transfer to an org like the PCTA and what that means
• How land easements work
• How the PCTA raises awareness of the trail
• The economic impact of the PCT
• What keeps Mark and Megan coming back time and again to the PCT and the wilderness
• Trail maintenance page: https://www.pcta.org/volunteer/trail-skills-college/
• National Trails System page: https://www.pcta.org/our-work/national-trails-system/
• Advocacy page: https://www.pcta.org/our-work/advocacy/
• History: https://www.pcta.org/about-us/history/
• Trail skills college: https://www.pcta.org/volunteer/trail-skills-college/
• Land Protection: https://www.pcta.org/our-work/land-protection/
• Trinity Divide Land Acquisition
• Stevens Pass Land Acquisition

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• www.byland.co
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• Beginner backpacking course
• Support the show
• [email protected]

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What happens when you realize you love adventure as equally as you love being a parent?  In this episode, Dan Kriesberg joins me to explore the struggle of being present for adventure and being present for family. 

Dan is a family man, has been backpacking his entire life, and offers his thoughts on how to strike a balance between the two.

Show Notes and Links

• Introduction to Dan
• How Dan was introduced to backpacking
• How backpacking has changed over the years
• When and how backpacking changed for Dan 
• Describing why backpacking is so important
• Deep diving Dan’s email
• How to find the balance of suburban life and adventures
• How Dan’s decision to NOT chase a big adventure life has worked out 
• Figuring out life seasons with family and backpacking
• How to transition from family life to adventure life when you get the chance
• Working to enjoy where you’re at
• Dan’s words of wisdom for the rest of us
• How to followup with Dan and read is essays
•  https://dankriesbergcom.squarespace.com/
• Dan’s Essay 

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• www.byland.co
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A goal of mine for 2019 was to bear hunt in an area I’d always wanted to explore.   I got the green light from Jess and headed out this past weekend for a solo backpack hunt, however when I arrived, my excitement wore off and I began to feel heavy.

I was glassing a basin for bears as the sun was going down, but it just wasn’t doing anything for me.  All I could think about was my little girl being tucked in at home and how better of an experience would be if she and my wife were here with me.  Hell, even just a walk in the woods would be more enjoyable than what I was currently doing.

I realized that I just wasn’t feeling it that day and as the sun went down, I packed my things and hiked out in the dark.

This episode explores what happened, why, and what it all means.

Show Notes

• My goals explained
• What actually happened
• Deep diving my thoughts
• Ideas on why I packed it in early
• Deep diving  those ideas
• What it all means
• Final Thoughts

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• www.byland.co
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Jeff Balch is the founder and creator of the mobile navigation app “Basemap.” If you’re familiar with using your phone as a GPS, you know how it works, but are you using it to its full extent?

In this episode, Jeff explains the origin story of Basemap, how it differs from other applications on the market, and how he personally manages his map data.

Show Notes and Links

• Introductions
• What tipped Jeff in the direction of creating Basemap
• GPS accuracy of mobile devices
• Building trust with your navigational device
• Jeff’s life before Basemap
• Learning to build maps
• What Jeff wanted in a navigational app that he wasn’t able to get on the market
• Using the app as a journal/log
• How Jeff uses manages his field data
• Data Jeff records and color coordinates his data
• 3D features
• Features inside Basemap that make it different
• Who Basemap is for
• Transferring data from other applications
• Supported mobile devices
• Pricing Structure
• How to followup with Basemap
• https://www.basemap.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/basemap_huntfish
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUoFYFsMGydUqZklg7w0cBQ
• 10% off Premium Membership

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• www.byland.co
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Daniel Galhardo discovered the Japanese method of fly fishing called “Tenkara” while researching the fishing culture of Japan. After realizing how effective it was not only for fishing but for backpacking and backcountry travel, he decided to Introduce Tenkara to the United States and has been successfully doing so for over ten years.

I wanted to have Daniel on to talk about fly fishing in the backcountry, but I ended up getting so much more than that.  He has a great way of explaining things and is willing to dive into topics that create the foundation of our experiences in the backcountry. You don’t have to be interested in fly fishing to enjoy this episode because there’s so much great thought that Daniel brings to this episode that we could probably have a full-length one just on backcountry philosophy.

For those interested in experiencing the backcountry in a new way, you will enjoy this episode with Daniel of Tenkara USA!

Show Notes and Links

• Introduction to Daniel and Tenkara USA
• How Daniel found the Tenkara method
• What it’s like bringing Tenkara to the US
• The effectiveness of the simple Tenkara design
• What makes traditional fly fishing rods cumbersome for backcountry travel
• How the Tenkara design works
• “Limitations” of the Tenkara (and gear in general)
• How embracing limitations can help us
• How Daniel learned to embrace simplicity
• How to help people find their excuse to get outside
• New backcountry hobbies equal new places to explore
• How to find fish
• What makes Daniel return to streams to fish
• Exploring the question of “why”
• How Daniel decides to keep fish and when to release them
• Advice for choosing a Tenkara USA rod
• How to reach Tenkara USA
• https://www.tenkarausa.com/
• https://www.tenkarausa.com/learn-tenkara/
• https://www.tenkarausa.com/cooking-trout-campfire/
• https://www.tenkarausa.com/shop/product_info.php/products_id/207

Support the show

Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show.

• www.byland.co
• Join the newsletter
• Beginner backpacking course
• Support the show
• [email protected]