Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate Mid-Life Crisis

Suzanne Roberts is our guest today. She shares a thoughtful, female perspective on long-distance hiking, using her 1993 JMT hike as a backdrop. The concept of a different experience from men to women had never occurred to me, but I was intrigued to hear her story.

She is releasing an Anniversary edition of her book about her JMT hike, and you can find it in the links she sent me below.

Almost Somewhere https://www.amazon.com/Almost-Somewhere-Twenty-Eight-Trail-Outdoor-ebook/dp/B0BYHDJQZB?ref_=ast_author_dp

Animal Bodies https://www.amazon.com/Animal-Bodies-Death-Desire-Difficulties/dp/1496231023/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&&qid=&&sr=

Bad Tourist

https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Tourist-Misadventures-Love-Travel/dp/B09MR51ZCJ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3BW358QN3V3IT&keywords=amazon+bad+tourist&qid=1694646839&s=books&sprefix=amazon+bad+tourist%2Cstripbooks%2C115&sr=1-1

My Writing Prompts substack newsletter I mentioned.

52 Writing Prompts | Suzanne Roberts | Substack

My website: Home

We have our first Appalachian Trail thru-hiker in our class of 23. Mark Carpenter made it to Katahdin on Tuesday. We hear from him prior to AND after his summit. Great achievement, Mark.

Additionally, Joanne Flagg measures her progress south, as Mary Marks prepares to emulate Mark in a few days.

If you'd like to find out more about "Then The Hail Came," check out George's website at Then The Hail Came George Steffanos . You can also find George's book on Amazon at this link. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QFG4ZR6.

I often ask listeners for ideas on who to interview, and I'm sure several of you say, "I could do that. I've got an awesome story to tell." You're the person we need to hear from. If you'd like to be interviewed on the podcast, just register as a guest on the link below, and I'll be in touch.

Register As A Guest

If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com.

If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.

You can also support our shows by visiting our online "Merch" store. Check it out at HRN Trading Post , or click on the store button on our network website at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com.

If you'd like to take advantage of my book offer (all three of my printed hiking books–with a personal message and signed by me–for $31, including postage to the United States) send a check payable to Mighty Blue Publishing at the address just above.

In our last episode before the 9/11 Anniversary, Earl "Chico" Porter shares his inspirational story, and mission, to help veterans contemplating suicide. Part of this was to take on a winter SOBO hike of the Appalachian Trail, starting on the 20th Anniversary in 2021. You'll hear how Earl fared, as well as his deeper message, which will resonate with most of us.

Earl has supplied me with several links, including his Blog:

https://blogs.loc.gov/folklife/2023/06/one-way-to-mitigate-the-risk-of-post-traumatic-stress/

He was also on the Hazardground Podcast and others at:

Hazardground Podcast Ep. 292 - Earl Porter (U.S. Army / Something Outta Nothing) - Youtube

Veteran Trash Talk - Trash Talk Hour Episode 93

A Conversation With Greg C. Washington and Lou Koon

Finally, a couple of articles about Earl and his mission:

Law student parlays difficult beginnings into success in Army and academics (emory.edu)

Alumnus shines light on veteran suicide (ung.edu)

Our Class of 2023 is coming to a conclusion for two of our members, with Mary Marks and Mark Carpenter just days away from Katahdin, while Jessica Lang-Wright and Joanne Flagg continue their quest into the Autumn.

We were also lucky to hear from Doctor Lynne this week, who answered one of Mary Marks's questions on Trench Foot. If you'd like to read more about it and, indeed, other items Lynne has covered in the past, click on this link to gain access to everything.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1CJ5llgK7FUnbKnbtbWlsP6v_4dNentVa?usp=sharing

As a by the by, Lynne refers to Forest Gump and Lieutenant Dan on this very subject. Here's the clip.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eobm6s5ASVE

If you'd like to find out more about "Then The Hail Came," check out George's website at https://georgesteffanos.webador.com/ . You can also find George's book on Amazon at this link. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QFG4ZR6.

I often ask listeners for ideas on who to interview, and I'm sure several of you say, "I could do that. I've got an awesome story to tell." You're the person we need to hear from. If you'd like to be interviewed on the podcast, just register as a guest on the link below, and I'll be in touch.

Register As A Guest

If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com.

If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.

You can also support our shows by visiting our online "Merch" store. Check it out at https://hrntradingpost.com/ , or click on the store button on our network website at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com.

If you'd like to take advantage of my book offer (all three of my printed hiking books–with a personal message and signed by me–for $31, including postage to the United States) send a check payable to Mighty Blue Publishing at the address just above.

Steve Cole joins us on the show today. He was a guest on the podcast about two years ago, telling us about his first big hike; Le Tour du Mont Blanc. Since then, he's hardly stopped hiking. Today, we talk about his Appalachian Trail thru-hike in 2021, as well as some of his other adventures.

Steve shared his Facebook details, where he posted most of his thru-hike pictures. You can find it at https://www.facebook.com/stephen.cole.3388

And for those of you who consistently fail to score the JMT Golden Ticket, Steve has a workaround that may help you with that. You should also check the shoe he set fire to (below)!!

All four of our remaining Mighty Blue Class of 2023 join me on the show today. You can hear the excitement building in two of them–Mary and Mark–as they are now into Maine and just a few weeks out from Katahdin, while the other two–Jessica and Joanne–are just as determined and working on their flips.

If you'd like to find out more about "Then The Hail Came," check out George's website at https://georgesteffanos.webador.com/ . You can also find George's book on Amazon at this link. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QFG4ZR6.

I often ask listeners for ideas on who to interview, and I'm sure several of you say, "I could do that. I've got an awesome story to tell." You're the person we need to hear from. If you'd like to be interviewed on the podcast, just register as a guest on the link below, and I'll be in touch.

Register As A Guest

If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com.

If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.

You can also support our shows by visiting our online "Merch" store. Check it out at https://hrntradingpost.com/ , or click on the store button on our network website at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com.

If you'd like to take advantage of my book offer (all three of my printed hiking books–with a personal message and signed by me–for $31, including postage to the United States) send a check payable to Mighty Blue Publishing at the address just above.

This week, we hear from one of the leaders of the Summit Project and the mother from a Gold Star Family about what the project means to them. This remarkable effort honors the fallen from Maine in an outdoor setting that is truly inspirational.

If you'd like to learn more about the project, and maybe even sign up for one of their events, check out the links below.

https://thesummitproject.org

https://thesummitproject.org/heroes-hundred-welcome/

https://thesummitproject.org/tsp-at-anp/

https://thesummitproject.org/home/support/

In our discussion, Betsy Hutchins talks about her stepson, Corporal Andrew Hutchins and kindly sent me a picture of both Andrew and his stone. Once you've listened to the story, you'll understand more the impact that this project can, and has, had.

We also hear from three of our four remaining members of the Mighty Blue Class of 2023, with Mark and Mary within a day of each other and now into Maine, while Joanne is in the Shennies heading south.

If you'd like to find out more about "Then The Hail Came," check out George's website at https://georgesteffanos.webador.com/. You can also find George's book on Amazon at this link. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QFG4ZR6.

I often ask listeners for ideas on who to interview, and I'm sure several of you say, "I could do that. I've got an awesome story to tell." You're the person we need to hear from. If you'd like to be interviewed on the podcast, just register as a guest on the link below, and I'll be in touch. https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/mighty-blue-on-the-appalachian-trail-the-ultimate-mid-life-c/guests/intake/

If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com. If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.

You can also support our shows by visiting our online "Merch" store. Check it out at https://hrntradingpost.com/, or click on the store button on our network website at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com.

If you'd like to take advantage of my book offer (all three of my printed hiking books–with a personal message and signed by me–for $31, including postage to the United States) send a check payable to Mighty Blue Publishing at the address just above.

Kathie Brennan is our guest today. She is President of the Ozark Trail Association, putting in hours of trail maintenance not only on her beloved trail, but also on the Appalachian Trail. She provides us with a sharp insight into trail work, with modern practices and even talks about leaf blowing for instant gratification!

Find out more about the Ozark Trail at their website http://ozarktrail.com

There's also a useful trip planner at https://www.ozarktrail.com/planner/

Two of our Class of 23 ladies join us today, with Joanne Flagg, fresh from her group hike in Iceland, now heading back to Harpers Ferry and the Southern Appalachians.

Also, Jessica Lang-Wright has flipped north and recently–like Mary Marks and Mark Carpenter just last week–has climbed Moosilauke. I added Mary's picture last week. Here are Jessica's and Mark's.

If you'd like to find out more about "Then The Hail Came," check out George's website at https://georgesteffanos.webador.com/ . You can also find George's book on Amazon at this link. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QFG4ZR6.

I often ask listeners for ideas on who to interview, and I'm sure several of you say, "I could do that. I've got an awesome story to tell." You're the person we need to hear from. If you'd like to be interviewed on the podcast, just register as a guest on the link below, and I'll be in touch.

Register As A Guest

If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com.

If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.

You can also support our shows by visiting our online "Merch" store. Check it out at https://hrntradingpost.com/ , or click on the store button on our network website at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com.

If you'd like to take advantage of my book offer (all three of my printed hiking books–with a personal message and signed by me–for $31, including postage to the United States) send a check payable to Mighty Blue Publishing at the address just above.

Steve Vilsack joins us on the show today. He refuses to see limitations that would prevent many others from even attempting the Appalachian Trail. He is legally blind, he fell too many times to count, and he got to the end by sheer strength of character.

His story is an affirmation of the human spirit that will inspire many of us to not look at what we can't do, rather what we can do.

You can follow Steve on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092445351138 and https://www.facebook.com/WyeKnotRetreat Check out the home he renovated and the little house he hopes to welcome hikers to.

Mark Carpenter and Mary Marks are just a day or two apart, with Mary having hiked over Moosilauke and Mark about to do so. Here's Mary at the top. Watch out for Mark next week at the same spot.

Justin Mullins (and his parrot) joined us between Mark and Mary today to talk about his local trail, The Allegheny Trail. You can learn more by clicking on any of the links below.

Allegheny Trail website https://www.hikethealleghenytrail.org/

West Virginia Scenic Trails Association website https://www.wvscenictrails.org/

Email address [email protected]

Allegheny Trail | Facebook https://m.facebook.com/groups/295404191141571/

Allegheny Trail Instagram account https://instagram.com/allegheny_trail?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

If you'd like to find out more about "Then The Hail Came," check out George's website at https://georgesteffanos.webador.com/ . You can also find George's book on Amazon at this link. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QFG4ZR6.

I often ask listeners for ideas on who to interview, and I'm sure several of you say, "I could do that. I've got an awesome story to tell." You're the person we need to hear from. If you'd like to be interviewed on the podcast, just register as a guest on the link below, and I'll be in touch.

Register As A Guest

If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com.

If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.

You can also support our shows by visiting our online "Merch" store. Check it out at https://hrntradingpost.com/ , or click on the store button on our network website at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com.

If you'd like to take advantage of my book offer (all three of my printed hiking books–with a personal message and signed by me–for $31, including postage to the United States) send a check payable to Mighty Blue Publishing at the address just above.

One of our listeners introduced me to Adrienne Washney, who thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2022. She incorporated her shakedown hikes into the thru-hike, by taking the first few weeks in weekend hikes and gradually adjusting or refining her set up. When she was ready to go it alone, she'd sorted out the kinks.

Adrienne had quite the adventure, even leaving the trail with about 80 miles to go to Katahdin to attend her son's wedding; she even had a momentary pause over that!

Always thoughtful and often reflective in her answers, Adrienne was a joy to talk with. You can follow her adventures on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/adrienne.washney, and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tryingthehardhike_at2022/

We check in with five of our Class of 2023 members today; Joanne Flagg, Mary Marks, Ron Ward, Jessica Lang-Wright, and Bryan Robbins. Joanne got to Katahdin and met a moose one morning. Check it out.

https://www.facebook.com/joanne.flagg.79/videos/298348022714840/

If you'd like to find out more about "Then The Hail Came," check out George's website at https://georgesteffanos.webador.com/ . You can also find George's book on Amazon at this link. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QFG4ZR6.

I often ask listeners for ideas on who to interview, and I'm sure several of you say, "I could do that. I've got an awesome story to tell." You're the person we need to hear from. If you'd like to be interviewed on the podcast, just register as a guest on the link below, and I'll be in touch.

Register As A Guest

If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com.

If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.

You can also support our shows by visiting our online "Merch" store. Check it out at https://hrntradingpost.com/ , or click on the store button on our network website at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com.

If you'd like to take advantage of my book offer (all three of my printed hiking books–with a personal message and signed by me–for $31, including postage to the United States) send a check payable to Mighty Blue Publishing at the address just above.

Some of the most recognizable hikers from the Class of 2019, The Wander Women, join us today. At least, two of them do. Kristy Burns and Annette Dumbell are two women in search of adventure, using their retirement time to travel, hike, bike, and canoe.

They share their stories with Steve as they reminisce their adventurous life. These are two women who are clear-eyed and intentional about choosing how to spend their time.

You can join in their adventures by following them on social media. On Facebook, they're at https://www.facebook.com/RVsters. They can be found on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/wanderwomen_kristy_annette/, while their YouTube channel is at https://www.youtube.com/@wanderwomenkristyannette5021. I highly recommend you check out their Katahdin Day video.

Our Class of 2023 tell us about their varying fortunes, with Steve Nota having his Katahdin moment, as well as the accompanying emotions. Check it out.

If you'd like to find out more about "Then The Hail Came," check out George's website at https://georgesteffanos.webador.com/ . You can also find George's book on Amazon at this link. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QFG4ZR6.

I often ask listeners for ideas on who to interview, and I'm sure several of you say, "I could do that. I've got an awesome story to tell." You're the person we need to hear from. If you'd like to be interviewed on the podcast, just register as a guest on the link below, and I'll be in touch.

Register As A Guest

If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com.

If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.

You can also support our shows by visiting our online "Merch" store. Check it out at https://hrntradingpost.com/ , or click on the store button on our network website at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com.

If you'd like to take advantage of my book offer (all three of my printed hiking books–with a personal message and signed by me–for $31, including postage to the United States) send a check payable to Mighty Blue Publishing at the address just above.

Our guest today, Dan Nobles, was a Colonel in the Army, working out of the Pentagon, when he quit and went to Seminary School. I think I've rarely heard of such a drastic change of scenery. Vowing never to hike again after he left the military, his brother coaxed him back into it and he found the solace on the trail that he needed.

Dan has some fascinating takes on many topics in this interview and, as the Wandering Monk, he has an informative YouTube channel that visits lesser-known trails.

You can find his channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD5jYEV7mSM2AV5VdQ1gLSQ

We catch up with two of our Mighty BLue Class of 2023 today. Mark Carpenter and Mary Miles are two of our surviving members. This week, Mark shares his stories about the sapping heat and dreadful weather in New England, while Mary reflects upon the loss of her hiking companion.

Our last two interviews today are with John Dupras and Kim Mondonedo.

John is a friend and fellow member from the AT Class of 2019, and he is taking part in an epic Ohio Bike ride, the Ragbrai, raising money on behalf of multiple sclerosis, a devastating disease. John shares his story of a friend with the disease, Fizzy (pictured below). If his story resonates with you, please support this selfless act and donate to the cause at https://mssociety.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&participantID=371285

You can also find out more on the race itself by visiting https://ragbrai.com/

Our last guest today is Kim Mondonedo, who met one of our Class of 23, Joanne Flagg, in difficult circumstances. Kim wanted to share her story, and we're honored to include it today.

If you'd like to find out more about "Then The Hail Came," check out George's website at https://georgesteffanos.webador.com/ . You can also find George's book on Amazon at this link. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QFG4ZR6.

I often ask listeners for ideas on who to interview, and I'm sure several of you say, "I could do that. I've got an awesome story to tell." You're the person we need to hear from. If you'd like to be interviewed on the podcast, just register as a guest on the link below, and I'll be in touch.

Register As A Guest

If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com.

If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.

You can also support our shows by visiting our online "Merch" store. Check it out at https://hrntradingpost.com/ , or click on the store button on our network website at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com.

If you'd like to take advantage of my book offer (all three of my printed hiking books–with a personal message and signed by me–for $31, including postage to the United States) send a check payable to Mighty Blue Publishing at the address just above.

On today's show, we have Nancy East, a retired veterinarian who is also an avid and accomplished hiker. Nancy is the perfect person to talk about dogs on the trail from a vet's perspective.

As somebody who know's literally zero on the subject, I turned to my good buddy, ChaptGPT, to help me out with my questions that seemed to cover the subject pretty well.

You can find more about Nancy's rich hiking life and hiking achievements by visiting her website at https://www.hopeandfeathertravels.com/

We also catch up with two of our still-running Mighty Blue class of 2023 team. Steve Nota and Joanne Flagg have been bang in the middle of the horrendous weather the New England states have been experiencing this week.

I also added a short piece about my son, Rob, pictured below.

If you'd like to find out more about "Then The Hail Came," check out George's website at https://georgesteffanos.webador.com/ . You can also find George's book on Amazon at this link. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QFG4ZR6

I often ask listeners for ideas on who to interview, and I'm sure several of you say, "I could do that. I've got an awesome story to tell." You're the person we need to hear from. If you'd like to be interviewed on the podcast, just register as a guest on the link below, and I'll be in touch. Register as a Guest

If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com

If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us through Zelle, at [email protected], or via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.

If you'd like to take advantage of my book offer (all three of my printed hiking books–with a personal message and signed by me–for $31, including postage to the United States) send a check payable to Mighty Blue Publishing at the address just above.