Hiking Thru

Grizzly, known off trail as Michael Ivey, comes to you from the side of the road outside Sierra City. Going the extra mile, literally, to get reception. In this episode, we talk about the challenges of the PCT this year. Focusing heavily on the Sierras, which he just completed, and what adjustments he made to accommodate for the conditions. Due to those conditions, deadlines now loom begging a conversation about staying flexible with your plans out there.

Nar Nar, known of trail as Kyle O'Grady, got a late start on the Appalachian Trail in 2018. We talk about the pressure to do the mileage and keep to a schedule. With a side trip for an instant coffee jones and hammocking the AT. Coming off the trail, he started the Trail Tales Podcast to stay connected to the trail community.

Scatman, known off trail as Craig Fowler, fulfilled a 30 year dream when he completed his Triple Crown in 2015. But that was just the beginning. Under the banner of his One of Seven Project, he then went on to complete the Bike Packing Triple Crown and is currently planning for a Calendar Year Triple Crown. In this episode we talk details... the planning, the mental, the miles.
And how you have to be open to what the trail is telling you.

In a change from the usual, Oats & Legs spoke with me on a recent zero day on the AT. Known off trail as Katie Houston & Nick Pavlot, they teamed up at Harper's Ferry after Legs' original tramily all left the trail. In this episode, we talk about their experience of the trail and how things have changed since they teamed up. We dig into food with Oats' fascination with dry oats and Legs waxes poetic about Outdoor Pantry meals. And this rumor about bears and rain.

Mr Shoes & Kanalkanut, known off trail as Scott & Aidan Durkin, did some deep father / son bonding during their 2017 thru hike of the AT. The perfect culmination of a multi-subject homeschooling project. Oh by the way, Aidan was 14 at the time! Logistical support provided by Moneypenny, aka Mom, back at home in England. During this episode everyone got to chime in with their perspective on the adventure.... and there's definitely some he said / he said / she said happening.

Slider, known off trail as Amy Hunsucker, traveled the Appalachian Trail in 2018 with the Northbound Horde... and a plastic trombone.  In this episode she talks about thru hiking with the Horde and strategies they used to keep such a large group together.  And why learning to "Embrace the suck" is crucial!!!

This episode continues my conversation with Jen & Suds, known off trail as Jen Collins & Jake Russell. We dig into adventures with North American wildlife, big and small, while also hitting on some decisions that apparently still need to be made.

Suds & Jen, known off trail as Jake Russell & Jen Collins, are approaching their SOBO hike of the PCT this summer from completely different perspectives.   He's successfully hiked the Appalachian Trail, while this will be her first thru hike.  In this episode, we highlight their differing concerns and preparation styles for the hike.  Bet you can guess who the planner is.

Toby & Mcguire, known off trail as Toby, a chocolate lab mix, and Trisha Penrod, long ass section hiked 900 miles
of the AT, from New Jersey to Maine. In this episode, we talk about the joys and challenges of thru hiking with a dog.
And dive into what Toby's kit looked like and how she trained him to sleep in a hammock.

Clay Hikes, known off trail as Clayton Barker, started his journey SOBO thru hiking the Appalachian Trail.  And if it ain't broke...well you know the saying.  He proceeded to SOBO the PCT and started the CDT SOBO, before deciding to come back another time.  We dig into the most perfect thru hiking food group, cheese blocks, and whether it’s better to carry out 1 pound or 2.  How SOBO is the more perfect thru hiking experience..and yes, he is ready for that debate.  And how he earned his trail name.