This week, we’re chatting with Ashley Leedberg, otherwise known as Tall Ashley, who’s a paddling and rec guide, yogi, mistress of the SUP, snowmaker, and all around badass - but none of those reasons were what got me to start internet stalking her for real.

I set out on a mission to meet her when I happened to read an Instagram caption she’d written in February of 2020 that was like a gut punch. You'll have to listen in to hear all of her actual words, but this line pretty much sums it up: "Never let your comfort zone become home to complacency."

BAM! She doesn’t realize it, but that post was one of a million little things that came to me at around the same time, that led to me starting this podcast and dreaming of a Guides Gone Wild community. Talking to her (finally) for the pod got me thinking again about the stuff that really matters.

But please don’t think this one is all seriousness - Ashley is a hoot, super fun and creative and up for anything. She was a blast to talk to, I know you’ll love her too.

Do we get a little salty? Yeah, we do, but you would too if you were talking about being wet and cold all the time, with no bathroom access, and only a Kia Soul to sleep in at the end of a long day...

So there you have it, more than a few teasers here - listen in and get the full fantasticness!

Make sure you follow Ashley’s kickass Instagram, @TallAshley, and if you want to become the proud owner of some super cool wood art home decor, keep an eye on her @WithTheGrain207.

More fun links from our conversation:

• The Heath in Saco, ME
• Portland Paddle
• Wandering Root Farm (the home of Hannah, “the bad-ass farmer from the Waterford area”)
• Sunday River
• Midcoast Kayak (Damariscotta, ME)
• St. Croix River
• Kinko gloves
• Sno-Seal
• Birch Bog Farm - check out Tracyn Thayer’s earlier GGW episode!
• What is a WWOOFer?
• Steep and Cheap

We've got lots of fun and adventure in the works over at GuidesGoneWild.com, make sure you come over and subscribe so you'll be the first to hear about it!

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