In this episode Jon describes what happened to him in 2021, gives an overview of the trips he was able to take, and some of the ways life got in the way of his broader hiking.  

He also talks about some of the new gear additions he had, including a Sea To Summit sleeping bag liner, a new Hammock Gear Wunderluxe set up, and he talks briefly about how Merrell hiking shoes failed him, although he doesn't go into how much he loves his Altra Timp2s.  

Finally, after reviewing those who listen to this podcast, he gives a shoutout to those listeners in countries like the Baltic States, Belarus, Hong Kong and other countries who are on the periphery of Russia and China in these times of challenges -- where those two countries are seeking to restore spheres of power over these smaller countries and hinder national autonomy and undermine the rule of law.  

Some links based on the discussion (note: we do not get sponsored by any of these companies and don't make any money off of you clicking these links.  We just like this stuff!)

Sea to Summit Reactor Extreme Sleeping Bag Liner

Hammock Gear hammock kits

Grilla Grills

Altra Shoes

Merrell Trail Running Shoes

Patagonia Provisions

Washington Nationals dumped their team

Are you depressed? 

The Roller Coaster is a hard bit of trail y'all!

Cranberry Wilderness in WV

Happy hiking everyone! 

In the which we determine whether it is better to proceed quick in order to eat what is considered a good meal and whether rolling one's ankle should keep our hiker from pursuing his quest.  

In the which our intrepid hiker relearns the wonders of ibuprofen, enjoys a coke and wanders up and down the hills to bird's nest #3.  He meets some retirees who explain to him that the hiking he thinks is somewhat challenging is nothing compared to southern VA... The weather was also beautiful and the forest glorious to behold.  

In this protein of our adventure, our backpacker leaves the bear infested area of Compton Gap and hikes his way up and over several areas of Shenandoah National Park to Matthew Arms campground.  We also learn that his dinner of dehydrated yams was gross and what to do for shock.  

In the which our erstwhile explorer begins a multi-way trip through the Shenandoah National Park as he heads southbound on the Appalachian Trail and has adventures along the way.  Plus, he may have come across a bear at night, which was not an experience he had hoped for along the way.  

Please subscribe, leave comments on the podcast, and join us on Instagram @section_hiking_the_AT and Twitter @EskelsenJon

SNP backcountry park regulations

Wherein our intrepid adventurers take a 15 mile overnight jaunt from the middle of now where to a beautiful state park and then tell you about it.  

An article on the types of animals you may find along the AT is here! 

Today we discuss the southern most section in Pennsylvania as we leave this fair state for Maryland.  It's a great long hike, that is heavily wooded.  

Also, we answer a question about how to get started backpacking! Give it a listen.  

Andrew Skurka's Peanut Noodle recipe 

The 10 essentials from the American Hiking Society

After a hiatus, the erstwhile host of this podcast begins again, like the newest version of Batman or Spiderman or Pride and Prejudice (if that's your jam).  The podcast is going to be focused on presenting useful information for the listener about the trail itself and not be a prep for someone like me whose figuring out how to hike it... gonna be the best. time. ever!

In this episode, our intrepid host comments on a recent Supreme Court case involving the Appalachian Trail and whether the Forest Service (rather than the National Parks Service) is allowed to issue permits for a natural gas pipeline that crosses the trail.  

Also, in the absence of Major League Baseball, our host looks back at how awful color commentary is for major league sporting events!  

For those who want to read and listen to the actual Supreme Court case: Cowpasture et al v U.S. Forest Service, you can read/listen to your hearts content here, here, and here.  

Take care!

In the which our host ends the first season of this podcast.  He concedes temporary defeat by COVID-19 and works towards preparing himself for future hikes after the pandemic passes.  In the meantime there's lots to prepare for future endeavors -- this should be fun!