"Jester" Section Hiker

Jester and Kenzie discuss their personal faith journeys, overcoming life’s challenges, and how they incorporate their love for the outdoors into their spiritual lives. Kenzie shares her story of transforming from an atheist to a believer and the impact of her podcast. They also delve into Kenzie's adventure on the John Muir Trail, the dynamic of overlanding with her husband, and the lessons learned from extended travel in the outdoors. Both women reflect on their experiences and how the trail has deepened their relationship with God.

Connect With Kenzie Smith:

Podcast: https://myvalleyhisvictory.com/podcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MyValleyHisVictory 

Website: https://myvalleyhisvictory.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myvalleyhisvictory/ 

Connect With Jester:

Email: [email protected]

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jestersectionhiker/

Jester Wallis Productions: https://www.youtube.com/@JesterWallisProductions 

Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

Tune in as I chat with Marsha Waybright LIVE from the front porch at the Laurel River Club Bed & Breakfast!

Laurel River Club Bed & Breakfast: 

Website: https://lrcbnb.com/ 

Connect With Jester:

Email: [email protected]

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jestersectionhiker/

Jester Wallis Productions: https://www.youtube.com/@JesterWallisProductions 

Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

Join us in this exciting episode of the "Jester" Section Hiker Podcast as we welcome Marsha Waybright, Manager of the Laurel River Club Bed & Breakfast in Jenningston, West Virginia. Discover the rich history of this 250-acre farm property and the wide array of hands-on experiences offered, from falconry to farm-to-table dining. Learn about the upcoming 'How Would You Survive?' weekend event on November 9th and 10th, featuring workshops on survival skills, a film premiere, and guided hikes on the Allegheny Trail. Don't miss out on this chance to connect with nature, gain essential outdoor skills, and enjoy a weekend away from the hustle and bustle.

Laurel River Club Bed & Breakfast: 

Website: https://lrcbnb.com/ 

Connect With Jester:

Email: [email protected]

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jestersectionhiker/

Jester Wallis Productions: https://www.youtube.com/@JesterWallisProductions 

Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

Heidi Nisbett shares what is was like being in Hot Springs, NC when Hurricane Helene hit the area. We will also be sharing ways you can make a direct impact to those affected by Hurricane Helene. Feed The Hunger is an amazing organization that I will be giving more information on at the beginning of the show! Thank You For Joining Us!

Feed The Hunger: https://www.feedthehunger.org/donate/

Check Here For More Meal Packing Dates: https://www.feedthehunger.org/hurricane-relief-packathon/

Blue Ridge Hiking Company: https://blueridgehikingco.com/

Go Fund Me Page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-blue-ridge-hiking-co-guides-after-hurricane-helene

Operation Air Drop: https://www.operation-airdrop.com/hurricane-helene  

Western North Carolina Relief: https://www.instagram.com/p/DAheLdcpDtS/?igsh=MTgwdHFwcWtldmptZg%3D%3D

Beloved Asheville: https://belovedasheville.com/

Friends of Hot Springs Library: https://www.friendsofhotspringslibrary.org/

Connect With Heidi Nisbett:

Website: https://www.sketchingsummits.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sketchingsummits/

Trail Talk Charlotte: https://www.instagram.com/trailtalkclt/ 

Connect With Jester:

Email: [email protected]

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jestersectionhiker/

Jester Wallis Productions: https://www.youtube.com/@JesterWallisProductions 

Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

Join my co-host Austin and I as we chat with River King Pete. Pete will be sharing with us a way we can help those in need from the devastation that has happened in Western North Carolina and more from Hurricane Helene.

10/1/24: Update From Pete: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QqC679NV2U

Check Here For Current Packathon Dates: https://www.feedthehunger.org/hurricane-relief-packathon/  

Donate Here: https://www.feedthehunger.org/donate/ 

Connect With Pete Beck:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RiverKingsKayak 

Email: [email protected]

Connect With Austin:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SideTrailAdventures 

Email: [email protected] 

Connect With Jester:

Email: [email protected]

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jestersectionhiker/

Jester Wallis Productions: https://www.youtube.com/@JesterWallisProductions 

Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

Join Jester on a beautiful morning at the Black Mountain Campground before she heads off toward Banner Elk, North Carolina to hike Flat Top Mountain at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park. In this episode, Jester explores breathtaking trails, delves into history from Peter Barr's book, Hiking North Carolina's Lookout Towers, and shares encounters with fellow hikers along the way. Experience the journey of reaching the Flat Top Tower, marvel at the panoramic views, and follow Jester's steps toward completing a 16-year hiking challenge. Don't miss Jester's tips on trail landmarks, the burial sites of Moses and Bertha Cone, and upcoming hiking plans!

Resources For Hiking To Flat Top Mountain: 

Hiking North Carolina's Lookout Towers: https://blairpub.com/shop/p/exploring-north-carolinas-lookout-towers  

Moses H. Cone Memorial Park: https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/moses-h-cone-memorial-park-mp-294.htm 

Additional Resources Mentioned: 

NC High Peaks Association: https://nchighpeaks.org/ 

Appalachian High Route: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082060750253 

Carolina Mountain Club: https://carolinamountainclub.org/ 

Black Mountain Campground: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/273780 

Go Fund Me For Peter Barr: https://www.gofundme.com/f/peter-barrs-recovery-from-brain-surgery 

Podcast Episode With Peter Barr: https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/jester-section-hiker/episode-70-peter-j-barr-whippersnap/ 

Connect With Jester:

Email: [email protected]

Jester's Gear: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5wx7IWX7G0 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jestersectionhiker/

Allegheny Trail (Trailer): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpggXI74Qec 

SAFE AND FOUND: https://safe-and-found.com

Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

In this episode of the "Jester" Section Hiker Podcast, host Julie "Jester" Gayheart takes listeners along for a hike to the Green Knob Lookout Tower from Black Mountain Campground in Western North Carolina. Julie describes the scenic setting of her campsite before embarking on the strenuous 3.3-mile ascent, emphasizing the breathtaking views of the Black Mountains and Mt. Mitchell. She provides historical details from Peter Barr's book, Hiking North Carolina's Lookout Towers, and shares personal hiking tips. Julie concludes with future hiking plans including the Black Mountain Crest Trail and the Appalachian High Route.

Resources For Hiking To Green Knob Lookout Tower: 

Hiking North Carolina's Lookout Towers: https://blairpub.com/shop/p/exploring-north-carolinas-lookout-towers  

NC High Peaks Association: https://nchighpeaks.org/ 

Appalachian High Route: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082060750253 

Carolina Mountain Club: https://carolinamountainclub.org/ 

Black Mountain Campground: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/273780 

All Trails App: https://www.alltrails.com/ 

Go Fund Me For Peter Barr: https://www.gofundme.com/f/peter-barrs-recovery-from-brain-surgery 

Podcast Episode With Peter Barr: https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/jester-section-hiker/episode-70-peter-j-barr-whippersnap/ 

Connect With Jester:

Email: [email protected]

Jester's Gear: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5wx7IWX7G0 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jestersectionhiker/

Allegheny Trail (Trailer): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpggXI74Qec 

SAFE AND FOUND: https://safe-and-found.com

Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

On Saturday August 10, 2024, your host Julie "Jester" Gayheart embarked on an exhilarating hike to Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi. Recording from the Black Mountain Campground in Western North Carolina. Julie shared fascinating historical insights from Peter Barr's book, Hiking North Carolina's Lookout Towers. She details the challenge and beauty of climbing 3,684 feet over 6 miles, making regular check-ins along the strenuous trail. Experience her journey through rhododendron tunnels, rocky switchbacks, and rich Appalachian landscapes, culminating at Dr. Elisha Mitchell's summit gravesite. This episode is dedicated to Peter Barr, a significant figure in North Carolina hiking, who recently underwent brain surgery. Strap in for a heartfelt and inspiring adventure on Mount Mitchell. 

Resources For Hiking Mt. Mitchell: 

Hiking North Carolina Lookout Towers: https://blairpub.com/shop/p/exploring-north-carolinas-lookout-towers  

NC High Peaks Association: https://nchighpeaks.org/ 

Carolina Mountain Club: https://carolinamountainclub.org/ 

Black Mountain Campground: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/273780 

Far Out App: https://faroutguides.com/ 

Go Fund Me For Peter Barr: https://www.gofundme.com/f/peter-barrs-recovery-from-brain-surgery 

Podcast Episode With Peter Barr: https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/jester-section-hiker/episode-70-peter-j-barr-whippersnap/ 

Mt. Mitchell Podcast From 9/19/2020: https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/jester-section-hiker/episode-41-jester-hikes-to-mt-mitchell/ 

Connect With Jester:

Email: [email protected]

Jester's Gear: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5wx7IWX7G0 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jestersectionhiker/

Allegheny Trail (Trailer): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpggXI74Qec 

SAFE AND FOUND: https://safe-and-found.com

Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

In this episode of the "Jester" Section Hiker podcast, host Julie "Jester" Gayheart shares her latest adventures, including a hike in Pennsylvania with Mary and Mike, a relaxing family visit in Ohio, and a southbound trek on the Appalachian Trail through the Shenandoah National Park. While hiking, Julie delves into the history of the park with stories from the book 'Shenandoah Secrets,' revealing fascinating tales about landmarks like Mary's Rock, Big Meadows, and Rockfish Gap. The episode concludes with Julie crossing the southern boundary of the park and reflecting on the Great American Outdoors Act. 

Resources Used In This Episode: 

Shenandoah Secrets

The Story Of The Parks Hidden Past

Written by: Carolyn and Jack Reeder

Published by: Potomac Appalachian Trail Club

PATC Website: https://www.patc.net/ 

Shenandoah NPS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shenandoahnps/ 

Far Out: https://faroutguides.com/ 

Stayed At The Following SNP Campgrounds:

https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm 

Matthews Arm - 7/26/24 - 7/28/24

Big Meadows - 7/29/24 - 7/31/24

Loft Mountain - 8/1/24 - 8/4/24

Jester's AT Southbound Itinerary Thru Shenandoah: 

7/26/24 - SNP SOBO (Far Out): 

US 522 (1225)

Compton Gap (1230.6)

5.6 Miles

7/27/24 - SNP SOBO (Far Out):

Compton Gap (1230.6)

Elkwallow Wayside (1244.1)

13.5 Miles

7/28/24 - SNP SOBO (Far Out):

Elkwallow Wayside (1244.1)

Meadow Spring Trailhead (1255.2)

11.7 Miles

7/29/24 - SNP SOBO (Far Out):

Meadow Spring Trailhead (1255.2)

Rock Spring Cabin Parking (1267.4)

12.8 Miles

7/30/24 - SNP SOBO (Far Out):

Rock Spring Cabin Parking (1267.4)

Bearfence Mountain Hut (1278.3)

11 Miles

7/31/24 - SNP SOBO (Far Out):

Bearfence Mountain Hut (1278.3)

Hightop Parking Area (1288.6)

10.3 Miles

8/1/24 - SNP SOBO (Far Out):

Hightop Parking Area (1288.6)

Ivy Creek Overlook (1300.5)

11.9 Miles

8/2/24 - SNP SOBO (Far Out):

Ivy Creek Overlook (1300.5)

Blackrock Trailhead (1311.1)

10.8 Miles

8/3/24 - SNP SOBO (Far Out):

Blackrock Trailhead (1311.1)

Sawmill Run Overlook (1322.2)

11.3

8/4/24 - SNP SOBO (Far Out):

Sawmill Run Overlook (1322.2)

Rockfish Gap (1332.9)

10.5 Miles

Connect With Jester:

Email: [email protected]

Jester's Gear: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5wx7IWX7G0 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jestersectionhiker/

Allegheny Trail (Trailer): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpggXI74Qec 

SAFE AND FOUND: https://safe-and-found.com

Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"

Join Julie "Jester" Gayheart for an early morning section hike on the Appalachian Trail from PA 309 to Bake Oven Knob, alongside hikers Mike and Mary. Jester recounts her injury that prevented her from completing this section in 2020 and shares stories of perseverance, camaraderie, and the beauty of nature. This episode highlights the challenges and rewards of hiking, the importance of community, and future hiking goals.

7/21/24 - Hiking Mileage (Far Out): 

PA 309 (1246.9)

Bake Oven Knob Parking (1251.8)

4.9 Miles

Watch The Allegheny Trail (Trailer): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpggXI74Qec 

Watch SAFE AND FOUND: https://safe-and-found.com

Connect With Jester:

Email: [email protected]

Jester's Gear: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5wx7IWX7G0 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jestersectionhiker/

Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"