The 2180

For Evans Prater, the dream of an Appalachian Trail thru-hike began at his mom's house during college, when he watched a National Geographic documentary about the people who set out on America's most famous trail. Along the way, he learned about the simplicity of sunsets, feeling whole, and was inspired to start his business, Mount Inspiration Apparel Company.

For Anna Huthmaker, hiking the Appalachian Trail presented it's own unique set of challenges. Aside from the grueling miles she battled her own body insecurities, but hiking the Appalachian Trail became her opportunity to establish a legacy for women who have never considered themselves the "hiker type."

As a United States Marine, Gary Sizer fell in love with backpacking and being outdoors. So in 2014, when the direction of his employer shifted drastically and he saw the writing on the wall, he did what so many aspire to do: he quit, started planning a thru-hike, and in 2014, took off from Georgia for Mt. Katahdin, Maine. His hike became a story of experiencing the little things, enjoying the stillness of the outdoors and ultimately learning that life doesn't always adhere to a pre-determined script.

In Appalachian Trail circles, Janet Hensley is about as well known as they come. For years, she's been driving the highways and backroads between Maine and Georgia as one of the trail's most ardent supporters-a den mother to the hiking community. She's a vital part of the Appalachian Trail ecosystem which relies on the goodness of others in between towns and trailheads to get hikers what they need and when they need it. In Episode 12, Miss Janet talks about her love of the trail, love of hikers and how she began the unique life she's carved out as one of the most well-known 'angels' on America's most famous trail.

Jerry Travers always talked about hiking the Appalachian Trail, and when his daughter Bennett graduated from college, an opportunity presented itself for them to do it together. This is the story of Buzz, Tandem, and the bond they formed that very few-including other members of their family-can understand.

David Rutter had the idea of hiking the Appalachian Trail for a while, but when he decided to take Copper the family dog, it made it an entirely different adventure. There were challenges and obstacles, but David's four-legged companion proved to be an able hiker, a great trailblazer and as dogs tend to do, his best friend.

SHOW NOTES

"Northbounders" - By Karen Lord Rutter

10:32 - Mountain Harbour Hostel

22:50 - Blast & Copper atop Springer Mountain

Erik Jarvi made a pledge with his brother Evan, that when the opportunity showed itself, the two of them would take on a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. In 2017 that window of opportunity opened and he and his brother set out on a hike that would wind up having a lasting impact on their relationship and understanding of each other. Now Erik is hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, and you can follow his journey on Instagram at @ejarv1.

Prior to 2011, Adama-Malkia McGrapth had never even heard of the Appalachian Trail. That all changed though, after joining an outdoors meetup group. Seven years later, she's completed two different thru-hikes of the Appalachian Trail and lives a life defined by her love of the outdoors.

For years, Andrew Baranak had a map of the Appalachian Trail on his wall, which became the motivation for him to tackle a thru-hike. In 2015, he set out from Springer Mountain, Georgia and walked to Mt. Katahdin, Maine. During his hike, he learned to see the beauty in people when they strip away pretense and learn to be themselves.