Melissa's first backpacking trip holds some important lessons on the value of maps, preparation, and earplugs! And it reminds us all that the very best stories come from some of the less-pleasant hikes!

Melissa Zimmerman is an architectural consultant who stumbled into hiking three years ago. (Literally. She really needs to watch for those troublesome tree roots!) Since then, she has widened her experience to include backpacking, car camping, and international trekking.

Pinhoti Trail - http://www.pinhotitrailalliance.org/

Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at [email protected]

You can find the Trail Dames at: Our website: www.traildames.com

The Summit: www.traildamessummit.com

The Trail Dames Foundation: www.tdcharitablefoundation.org

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Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/

Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/

Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters "Dance Upon This Earth" https://www.theburnssisters.com