Jester and recurring co-host Austin Wallis team up for the first time to interview a guest on the podcast. Jester and Austin welcome Dan Durston, the creator of the X-Mid line of tents, DD40 Backpack, and owner of Durston Gear to the show.

Dan is an avid backpacker having completed the PCT, a Yo-Yo of the Great Divide Trail, held the FKT on the 90 km Stein Traverse, and is the 5x fastest finisher in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Open.

Dan shares with us while out hiking he has "a lot of time to think" and he loves "geaking" out on gear and thus the X-Mid line of tents and the DD40 backpack were born. His unique way of using the four principles of design for the creation of his gear has led him to great success, and a community of "gearheads" that love him and his gear. Tune in to hear more from Dan!

Thanks for listening and Happy Section Hiking!

Video Version Of Interview (Produced by Side Trail Adventures): https://youtu.be/pOiAAfYwpCI

Connect with Dan Durston: Website: https://durstongear.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUuCrzSQ45VLi2UTB8iGZtA

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/durstongear

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/durston.gearheads

Podcast Episodes with Austin Wallis: https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/jester-section-hiker/guests/austin-wallis/

Connect with Austin Wallis: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClx1T8H95n2cli-uHkeSwIw

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SideTrailAdventures

Connect with Julie "Jester" Gayheart: Email: [email protected]

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

Website: https://solo.to/jestersectionhiker

Music for the Podcast provided by: The Okee Dokee Brothers - "Through The Woods" http://www.okeedokee.org/

Jacqueline Holzman, aka RVA Hiker Girl, joins Jester this week to chat about her love for the outdoors that began as she grew up on her childhood farm. Over the years RVA followed a traditional path of going to college, getting married, having children, but as she says "something was always missing." Tune in as RVA shares with us how she regained her love for being outdoors, hiking, camping, and specifically section-hiking on the Appalachian Trail.

Jacqueline Holzman aka RVA Hiker Girl refers to herself as a visual storyteller and video creator on YouTube. She likes to share her adventures by keeping it real and showing what it's really like out there on the trail and in the great outdoors.

Thanks for listening and Happy Section Hiking!

Connect with RVA Hiker Girl: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RVAHikerGirl

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RVAHikerGirl

Connect with Julie "Jester" Gayheart: Email: [email protected]

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

Website: https://solo.to/jestersectionhiker

Music for the Podcast provided by: The Okee Dokee Brothers - "Through The Woods" http://www.okeedokee.org/

Jester is happy to have back on the podcast ATC Visitor Center Supervisor, Charissa Hipp. Charissa starts off the episode with some updates from the ATC, and some information about the Flip Flop Festival that is planned for April 23, 2022.

In the heart of the episode, Jester and Charissa do their best to answer two frequently asked listener questions, "How do you plan for your section hikes?" and "What do you do in between section hikes?" As you will hear, those two questions are not easy to answer!

Charissa Hipp is the Visitor Center Supervisor for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in Harpers Ferry, WV. If you are ever in Harpers Ferry, please stop by and see Charissa! She would love to chat with you!

Thanks for listening and Happy Section Hiking!

Flip Flop Festival (April 23, 2022): http://www.flipflopfestival.org/

PATC Workshop: https://www.patc.net/PATC/Home/PATC/Home.aspx

Church of the Wild: How Nature Invites Us Into The Sacred, Victoria Loorz: https://www.victorialoorz.com/book

Podcast Episodes with Charissa Hipp: https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/jester-section-hiker/guests/chariss-hipp/

Connect with Charissa Hipp: Email: [email protected]

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

Website: http://thenatureprescription.com/

Connect with Julie "Jester" Gayheart: Email: [email protected]

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

Website: https://solo.to/jestersectionhiker

Music for the Podcast provided by: The Okee Dokee Brothers - "Through The Woods" http://www.okeedokee.org/

Brad Felton, also known as "Crow," joins Jester this week to chat all things "As The Crow Flies Hiking." Brad begins with telling us why he started calling himself Crow and how the term "As The Crow Flies Hiking" became the name for his YouTube Channel.

Crow also shares the details on why his first section hike on the Appalachian Trail became the catalyst for his current hiking endeavors and starting his YouTube Channel. We also learn some tips on how Crow has started to take better care of himself as a hiker over the age of 50.

Thanks for listening and Happy Section Hiking!

Connect with Brad Felton (Crow): YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.felton.31

TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPd2ojYow/

Connect with Julie "Jester" Gayheart: Email: [email protected]

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

Website: https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/jester-section-hiker/

"Jester" Reference Tools, Gear Lists, Hiking Resume and more: https://solo.to/jestersectionhiker

Music for the Podcast provided by: The Okee Dokee Brothers - "Through The Woods" http://www.okeedokee.org/

Mills Kelly, host of The Green Tunnel podcast, joins Jester to chat about his journey on the Appalachian Trail that began as a kid in 1971. Mills refers to himself as a lifetime AT Section Hiker and enjoys learning and sharing the history of the AT.

You will hear in their conversation Mills referring to various historical landmarks along the trail and responds to one of Jester's questions with an answer that came from Myron Avery back in 1937.

Mills Kelly is also a historian and College Professor at George Mason University. Mills has taught classes regarding the history of the Appalachian Trail and now produces The Green Tunnel Podcast along with his team at the Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media at George Mason University.

Thanks for listening and Happy Section Hiking!

Connect with Mills Kelly: The Green Tunnel Podcast: https://greentunnel.rrchnm.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tkelly7029/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072559565053

Connect with Julie "Jester" Gayheart: Email: [email protected]

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

Website: https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/jester-section-hiker/

"Jester" Reference Tools, Gear Lists, Hiking Resume and more: https://solo.to/jestersectionhiker

Music for the Podcast provided by: The Okee Dokee Brothers - "Through The Woods" http://www.okeedokee.org/

Dr. Aaron is back on the podcast with Jester to answer listener questions regarding hiking with your dog. The listeners sent in some great questions and Dr. Aaron shared with us some best practices for each one. He shares with us a few breeds that would not make good hiking companions, why preventative care is key in a dog's life, what to carry in case your dog needs first aid, food and snack suggestions, what happens if your dog gets giardia, ticks, and more!

Dr. Aaron earned his DVM from the Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine, he's a Graduate of The Ohio State University, a Buckeye Trail Section Hiker, a Podcaster, Father, Husband, and advocate for Not One More Vet.

Thanks for listening and Happy Section Hiking!

Not One More Vet: https://nomv.org/

Basic Calorie Counter: https://vet.osu.edu/vmc/companion/our-services/nutrition-support-service/basic-calorie-calculator

Connect with Aaron Pospisil: Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1565252944

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CritterChroniclesPod

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PospisilPhotography

Connect with Julie "Jester" Gayheart: Email: [email protected]

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

Website: https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/jester-section-hiker/

"Jester" Reference Tools, Gear Lists, Hiking Resume and more: https://solo.to/jestersectionhiker

Music for the Podcast provided by: The Okee Dokee Brothers - "Through The Woods" http://www.okeedokee.org/

Happy New Year everybody! Jester and guest co-host Austin pick up where they left off from on last week's episode by continuing to share their 10 Essential Gear items utilizing the list from The Mountaineers. This week you will hear what they carry for making a fire, emergency shelter, extra food, water, and clothes. And Jester shares a tip she learned on how to keep the mice away if you stay in shelters!

Thanks for listening and Happy Section Hiking!

The Mountaineers: https://www.mountaineers.org/blog/what-are-the-ten-essentials

The Mountaineers Official 10 Essentials List: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ETfWCshglQ0nFNgQFbJvWNocjIHr-8bg/view?usp=sharing

Jester 10 Essentials Gear List: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19ta-E9NKHANXppgfpx85R-8mjMAZ1wiMO73PxThDbz4/edit?usp=sharing

Austin 10 Essentials Gear List: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15kUWHMagCqfjjbdQUsG_MLonTEn_thVtYyR6-PcpPgI/edit?usp=sharing

Hiker Safety Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikersafety/

Hiker Safety Website: https://solo.to/hikersafety

HangCon: https://hangcon.com/

Connect with Austin Wallis: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClx1T8H95n2cli-uHkeSwIw

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SideTrailAdventures

Connect with Julie "Jester" Gayheart: Email: [email protected]

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

Website: https://solo.to/jestersectionhiker

Music for the Podcast provided by: The Okee Dokee Brothers - "Through The Woods" http://www.okeedokee.org/

December always seems to be the month that Jester begins to take a look at the calendar and starts to plot and plan her section hiking adventures for the next year. It's also a time when she starts to take a look at her gear, which includes the 10 essential items for each hike. As we all get ready for our upcoming adventures in 2022 Jester brings back guest co-host Austin Wallis to share their specific 10 Essential Gear items.

Jester and Austin discuss the first 5 gear items from The Mountaineers 10 Essentials list which covers Navigation, Headlamp, Sun Protection, First Aid Kit, and Knife. Next week, they'll be back to close out the list with the final 5 items.

Thanks for listening and Happy Section Hiking!

The Mountaineers: https://www.mountaineers.org/blog/what-are-the-ten-essentials

Jester 10 Essentials Gear List: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19ta-E9NKHANXppgfpx85R-8mjMAZ1wiMO73PxThDbz4/edit?usp=sharing

Austin 10 Essentials Gear List: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15kUWHMagCqfjjbdQUsG_MLonTEn_thVtYyR6-PcpPgI/edit?usp=sharing

Hiker Safety Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikersafety/

Hiker Safety Website: https://solo.to/hikersafety

Connect with Austin Wallis: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClx1T8H95n2cli-uHkeSwIw

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SideTrailAdventures

Connect with Julie "Jester" Gayheart: Email: [email protected]

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

Website: https://solo.to/jestersectionhiker

Music for the Podcast provided by: The Okee Dokee Brothers - "Through The Woods" http://www.okeedokee.org/

Guest co-host Charissa Hipp is back this week with Jester as they continue their talks centered on the healing power of nature. Charissa starts off with some updates from the ATC visitors center, shares with us about ATC Affinity Groups, shares about the Wild East Women's group, and rounds out the episode with some powerful words from one of her favorite authors.

Charissa Hipp is the Visitor Center Supervisor for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in Harpers Ferry, WV. If you are ever in Harpers Ferry, please stop by and see Charissa! She would love to chat with you!

Thanks for listening and Happy Section Hiking!

Appalachian Trail Conservancy: https://appalachiantrail.org/

ATC Affinity Groups: https://appalachiantrail.org/register-blog/communities-of-action-affinity-groups/

Potomac Appalachian Trail Club: https://www.patc.net/PATC/Home/PATC/Home.aspx

Umbrella Project: https://umbrellaprojecthike.org/

Healing Trees a Pocket Guide to Forest Bathing by Ben Page: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Trees-Pocket-Forest-Bathing/dp/1647224187

Connect with Charissa Hipp: Email: [email protected]

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

Website: http://thenatureprescription.com/

Connect with Julie "Jester" Gayheart: Email: [email protected]

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

Website: https://solo.to/jestersectionhiker

Music for the Podcast provided by: The Okee Dokee Brothers - "Through The Woods" http://www.okeedokee.org/

Jester has a great talk with ALDHA Board Member and H.A.S.T.E. Coordinator, Penny Vann. Penny shares with us how she got her unique trail name "Reverse", why she hikes backwards going downhill, and the benefits of why a long-distance hiker should join ALDHA. In addition to the benefits of joining ALDHA, Penny shares the importance of ALDHA's H.A.S.T.E. program, which stands for Hiker Awareness, Safety, and Trail Education.

The Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association defines itself as an off-trail family of hikers, dreamers, and friends of the trail, working to preserve, protect, and promote the long-distance hiking experience.

Thanks for listening and Happy Section Hiking!

JOIN ALDHA: https://aldha.org/

Hiker Safety Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikersafety/

Hiker Safety Website: https://solo.to/hikersafety

Outdoor Evolution Article: https://theoutdoorevolution.com/explore-by-foot/hiker-safet-prepare-practice-promote

TSX Challenge (Mt. Whitney): https://tsxchallenge.com/trek-dates/trans-sierra-xtreme-challenge/

Podcast w/Mighty Blue: https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/mighty-blue-on-the-appalachian-trail-the-ultimate-mid-life-c/episode-297-tom-sherry-stellar/

HangCon: https://hangcon.com/

Connect with Penny Vann: Email: [email protected]

H.A.S.T.E: https://aldha.org/haste

Connect with Julie "Jester" Gayheart: Email: [email protected]

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

Website: https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/jester-section-hiker/

"Jester" Reference Tools, Gear Lists, Hiking Resume and more: https://solo.to/jestersectionhiker

Music for the Podcast provided by: The Okee Dokee Brothers - "Through The Woods" http://www.okeedokee.org/