Time for the annual New Years Sessions where I'll give you a behind-the-scenes look at every episode from 2025 so you can check out ones you may have missed or give them a second listen.


Tired of physically struggling on your hikes? 
Looking for help to improve your your fitness for hiking?

Here are 2 ways I can help you do that:

1.) Work with James 1-on-1 (online)
Apply to work with directy with James 1-on-1 in his Seek To Do More program where he'll help you build the right kind of strength & conditioning for better hiking adventures, along with the nutrition and daily habits needed to support long term transformation. 

Book a call with James to see if it's the right fit for you HERE
www.seektodomore.com
 

2.) Join the next GREAT RANGE ATHLETE Team training program
A 6-week online fitness program to help you imporve your strength and endurance for hiking mountains. Train alongside a likeminded team of fellow hikers who will give you the support, guidance, and accountability you need to succeed.

Over 200 hikers worldwide have joined the Great Range Athlete team program with great sucesss from first time hikers to multi-round Adirondack 46'ers and everywhere inbetween.
Plus, enjoy an Adirondack group hike at the end of the program with your coach and teammates

Join the next team HERE
www.GreatRangeAthlete.com



Follow on Instagram & Facebook:
@46of46podcast
@jamesappleton46

Get my Adirondack hiking books:
1.) The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes: The Complete Guide to Hiking the High Peaks 

2.) Adirondack Campfire Stories: Tales and Folklore from Inside the Blue Line

3.) Pick up my digital eBook "From 1-to-46" instantly HERE

Visit my websites:
www.46OUTDOORS.com
www.46OF46.com

It's time for the annua Christmas Sessions here on The 46 of 46 Podcast.

Every Christmas we put an Adirondack spin on an old Christmas classic. This year we'll hear the story of Van Hoevy the Snowman of Marcy Dam. A friend to everyone in the Adirondack High Peaks

I've also added the other Christmas specials to this episode so you can enjoy the entire series which includes:

- Marlowe the Blue Antlered Moose
- How Crank the Adirondack Hermit Stole Christmas
- The Night Before Christmas in the Adirondack Mountains

Merry Christmas everyone!

Tired of physically struggling on your hikes?
Looking for help to improve your your fitness for hiking?

Here are 2 ways I can help you do that:

1.) Work with James 1-on-1 (online)
Apply to work with directy with James 1-on-1 in his Seek To Do More program where he'll help you build the right kind of strength & conditioning for better hiking adventures, along with the nutrition and daily habits needed to support long term transformation. 

Book a call with James to see if it's the right fit for you HERE
www.seektodomore.com
 

2.) Join the next GREAT RANGE ATHLETE Team training program
A 6-week online fitness program to help you imporve your strength and endurance for hiking mountains. Train alongside a likeminded team of fellow hikers who will give you the support, guidance, and accountability you need to succeed.

Over 200 hikers worldwide have joined the Great Range Athlete team program with great sucesss from first time hikers to multi-round Adirondack 46'ers and everywhere inbetween.
Plus, enjoy an Adirondack group hike at the end of the program with your coach and teammates

Join the next team HERE
www.GreatRangeAthlete.com



Follow on Instagram & Facebook:
@46of46podcast
@jamesappleton46

Get my Adirondack hiking books:
1.) The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes: The Complete Guide to Hiking the High Peaks 

2.) Adirondack Campfire Stories: Tales and Folklore from Inside the Blue Line

3.) Pick up my digital eBook "From 1-to-46" instantly HERE

Visit my websites:
www.46OUTDOORS.com
www.46OF46.com

This is the story of the Great Range Athlete BIG SLIDE Team and our recent team winter ike up Cascade Mountain in 60 mph winds. What a ride it was!



Tired of physically struggling on your hikes?
Looking for help to improve your your fitness for hiking?

Here are 2 ways I can help you do that:

1.) Work with James 1-on-1 (online)
Apply to work with directy with James 1-on-1 in his Seek To Do More program where he'll help you build the right kind of strength & conditioning for better hiking adventures, along with the nutrition and daily habits needed to support long term transformation. 

Book a call with James to see if it's the right fit for you HERE
www.seektodomore.com
 

2.) Join the next GREAT RANGE ATHLETE Team training program
A 6-week online fitness program to help you imporve your strength and endurance for hiking mountains. Train alongside a likeminded team of fellow hikers who will give you the support, guidance, and accountability you need to succeed.

Over 200 hikers worldwide have joined the Great Range Athlete team program with great sucesss from first time hikers to multi-round Adirondack 46'ers and everywhere inbetween.
Plus, enjoy an Adirondack group hike at the end of the program with your coach and teammates

Join the next team HERE
www.GreatRangeAthlete.com



Follow on Instagram & Facebook:
@46of46podcast
@jamesappleton46

Get my Adirondack hiking books:
1.) The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes: The Complete Guide to Hiking the High Peaks 

2.) Adirondack Campfire Stories: Tales and Folklore from Inside the Blue Line

3.) Pick up my digital eBook "From 1-to-46" instantly HERE

Visit my websites:
www.46OUTDOORS.com
www.46OF46.com

In September 2025 I officially completed a second round of the Adirondack 46 High Peaks. In this podcast I'll dive into the fresh perspectives these mountains offer that can only be learned through mutiple visits.



Tired of physically struggling on your hikes?
Looking for help to improve your your fitness for hiking?

Here are 2 ways I can help you do that:

1.) Work with James 1-on-1 (online)
Apply to work with directy with James 1-on-1 in his Seek To Do More program where he'll help you build the right kind of strength & conditioning for better hiking adventures, along with the nutrition and daily habits needed to support long term transformation. 

Book a call with James to see if it's the right fit for you HERE
www.seektodomore.com
 

2.) Join the next GREAT RANGE ATHLETE Team training program
A 6-week online fitness program to help you imporve your strength and endurance for hiking mountains. Train alongside a likeminded team of fellow hikers who will give you the support, guidance, and accountability you need to succeed.

Over 200 hikers worldwide have joined the Great Range Athlete team program with great sucesss from first time hikers to multi-round Adirondack 46'ers and everywhere inbetween.
Plus, enjoy an Adirondack group hike at the end of the program with your coach and teammates

Join the next team HERE
www.GreatRangeAthlete.com



Follow on Instagram & Facebook:
@46of46podcast
@jamesappleton46

Get my Adirondack hiking books:
1.) The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes: The Complete Guide to Hiking the High Peaks 

2.) Adirondack Campfire Stories: Tales and Folklore from Inside the Blue Line

3.) Pick up my digital eBook "From 1-to-46" instantly HERE

Visit my websites:
www.46OUTDOORS.com
www.46OF46.com

The title says it all. Get ready for an inspirational story of a man who just completed the Adirondack Great Range Traverse at 70 years old.

10 Adirondack mountains, 8 High Peaks, 21 miles, 10k+ elevation gain. What a story this one is.


Looking for help to improve your your fitness for hiking?
Here's 2 ways I can help you:

1.) Work with James 1-on-1 (online)
Apply to work with directy with James 1-on-1 in his Seek To Do More program where he'll help you build the right kind of strength & conditioning for better hiking adventures, along with the nutrition and daily habits needed to support long term transformation. 

Book a call with James to see if it's the right fit for you HERE
www.seektodomore.com
 

2.) Join the next GREAT RANGE ATHLETE Team training program
A 6-week online fitness program to help you imporve your strength and endurance for hiking mountains. Train alongside a likeminded team of fellow hikers who will give you the support, guidance, and accountability you need to succeed.

Over 200 hikers worldwide have joined the Great Range Athlete team program with great sucesss from first time hikers to multi-round Adirondack 46'ers and everywhere inbetween.
Plus, enjoy an Adirondack group hike at the end of the program with your coach and teammates

Join the next team HERE
www.GreatRangeAthlete.com



Follow on Instagram & Facebook:
@46of46podcast
@jamesappleton46

Get my Adirondack hiking books:
1.) The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes: The Complete Guide to Hiking the High Peaks 

2.) Adirondack Campfire Stories: Tales and Folklore from Inside the Blue Line

3.) Pick up my digital eBook "From 1-to-46" instantly HERE

Visit my websites:
www.46OUTDOORS.com
www.46OF46.com

In 2010, 22-year-old Wesley Wamsganz left his job in Lake Placid and walked into the Adirondack High Peaks—without gear, food, or a known plan—and he never returned.

And his body has never been found. Another tragic story from the ADK High Peaks and a family left without answers.

If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Wesley Wamsganz, please contact the New York State Police Troop B in Ray Brook at (518) 897-2000.



Follow on Instagram & Facebook:
@46of46podcast
@jamesappleton46


Does your physical fitness ever hold you back from fully enjoying your hiking adventures? 

Here's 2 ways I can help you:

1.) Work with James 1-on-1 (online)
Apply to work with directy with James 1-on-1 in his Seek To Do More program where he'll help you build the right kind of strength & conditioning for better hiking adventures, along with the nutrition and daily habits needed to support long term transformation. 

Book a call with James to see if it's the right fit for you HERE like it was for over 100 other hikers around the world.
www.seektodomore.com
 

2.) Join the next GREAT RANGE ATHLETE Team training program
A 6-week online fitness program to help you imporve your strength and endurance for hiking mountains. Train alongside a likeminded team of fellow hikers who will give you the support, guidance, and accountability you need to succeed.

Over 200 hikers worldwide have joined the Great Range Athlete team program with great sucesss from first time hikers to multi-round Adirondack 46'ers and everywhere inbetween.
Plus, enjoy an Adirondack group hike at the end of the program with your coach and teammates

Join the next team HERE
www.GreatRangeAthlete.com


Get my Adirondack hiking books:
1.) The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes: The Complete Guide to Hiking the High Peaks 

2.) Adirondack Campfire Stories: Tales and Folklore from Inside the Blue Line

3.) Pick up my digital eBook "From 1-to-46" instantly HERE

Visit my websites:
www.46OUTDOORS.com
www.46OF46.com

The October Sessions' 6th Annual Bigfoot in the Blue Line episode features Johnny from Adirondack Bigfoot where we get into all things bigfoot sightings inside the Adirondack Park.

Follow Johnny on Facebook and Youtube @AdirondackBigfoot

Looking for help to improve your your fitness for hiking?
Here's 2 ways I can help you:

1.) Work with James 1-on-1 (online)
Apply to work with directy with James 1-on-1 in his Seek To Do More program where he'll help you build the right kind of strength & conditioning for better hiking adventures, along with the nutrition and daily habits needed to support long term transformation. 

Book a call with James to see if it's the right fit for you HERE
www.seektodomore.com
 

2.) Join the next GREAT RANGE ATHLETE Team training program
A 6-week online fitness program to help you imporve your strength and endurance for hiking mountains. Train alongside a likeminded team of fellow hikers who will give you the support, guidance, and accountability you need to succeed.

Over 200 hikers worldwide have joined the Great Range Athlete team program with great sucesss from first time hikers to multi-round Adirondack 46'ers and everywhere inbetween.
Plus, enjoy an Adirondack group hike at the end of the program with your coach and teammates

Join the next team HERE
www.GreatRangeAthlete.com



Follow on Instagram & Facebook:
@46of46podcast
@jamesappleton46

Get my Adirondack hiking books:
1.) The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes: The Complete Guide to Hiking the High Peaks 

2.) Adirondack Campfire Stories: Tales and Folklore from Inside the Blue Line

3.) Pick up my digital eBook "From 1-to-46" instantly HERE

Visit my websites:
www.46OUTDOORS.com
www.46OF46.com

In 2012, 18-year-old Colin Gillis left a party and walked alone into the Adirondack night—but he was never seen again. 

 In a small town where whispers linger and secrets run deep, his family is still waiting for answers.

How does someone vanish on a highway, in plain sight, with witnesses just minutes before? And why, all these years later, do rumors still suggest that people know more than they’ve said?

Colin’s family deserves closure. His community deserves the truth.

If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Colin Gillis, please contact the New York State Police Troop B in Ray Brook at (518) 897-2000.



Looking for help to improve your your fitness for hiking?
Here's 2 ways I can help you:

1.) Work with James 1-on-1 (online)
Apply to work with directy with James 1-on-1 in his Seek To Do More program where he'll help you build the right kind of strength & conditioning for better hiking adventures, along with the nutrition and daily habits needed to support long term transformation. 

Book a call with James to see if it's the right fit for you HERE
www.seektodomore.com
 

2.) Join the next GREAT RANGE ATHLETE Team training program
A 6-week online fitness program to help you imporve your strength and endurance for hiking mountains. Train alongside a likeminded team of fellow hikers who will give you the support, guidance, and accountability you need to succeed.

Over 200 hikers worldwide have joined the Great Range Athlete team program with great sucesss from first time hikers to multi-round Adirondack 46'ers and everywhere inbetween.
Plus, enjoy an Adirondack group hike at the end of the program with your coach and teammates

Join the next team HERE
www.GreatRangeAthlete.com



Follow on Instagram & Facebook:
@46of46podcast
@jamesappleton46

Get my Adirondack hiking books:
1.) The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes: The Complete Guide to Hiking the High Peaks 

2.) Adirondack Campfire Stories: Tales and Folklore from Inside the Blue Line

3.) Pick up my digital eBook "From 1-to-46" instantly HERE

Visit my websites:
www.46OUTDOORS.com
www.46OF46.com

A routine deer hunt. An Army veteran in the woods. A strange sound in the distance. When the group returned to their cars, Tom Messick was gone—and what happened next has haunted the Adirondacks ever since.

If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Tom Messick Sr, please contact the New York State Police Troop B in Ray Brook at (518) 897-2000.



Follow on Instagram & Facebook:
@46of46podcast
@jamesappleton46


Does your physical fitness ever hold you back from fully enjoying your hiking adventures? 

Here's 2 ways I can help you:

1.) Work with James 1-on-1 (online)
Apply to work with directy with James 1-on-1 in his Seek To Do More program where he'll help you build the right kind of strength & conditioning for better hiking adventures, along with the nutrition and daily habits needed to support long term transformation. 

Book a call with James to see if it's the right fit for you HERE like it was for over 100 other hikers around the world.
www.seektodomore.com
 

2.) Join the next GREAT RANGE ATHLETE Team training program
A 6-week online fitness program to help you imporve your strength and endurance for hiking mountains. Train alongside a likeminded team of fellow hikers who will give you the support, guidance, and accountability you need to succeed.

Over 200 hikers worldwide have joined the Great Range Athlete team program with great sucesss from first time hikers to multi-round Adirondack 46'ers and everywhere inbetween.
Plus, enjoy an Adirondack group hike at the end of the program with your coach and teammates

Join the next team HERE
www.GreatRangeAthlete.com


Get my Adirondack hiking books:
1.) The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes: The Complete Guide to Hiking the High Peaks 

2.) Adirondack Campfire Stories: Tales and Folklore from Inside the Blue Line

3.) Pick up my digital eBook "From 1-to-46" instantly HERE

Visit my websites:
www.46OUTDOORS.com
www.46OF46.com

On April 12, 1976, 19-year-old Steven Paul Thomas sat down at a lean-to on the trail to Mt Marcy, brewed himself a cup of tea, and told his hiking partners he was going out for a short walk. He never came back...

What followed was one of the most puzzling disappearances in Adirondack history. Hundreds of searchers, helicopters, dogs, and years of follow-up would turn up no trace of the young hiker. His family, especially his brother, would spend decades combing the High Peaks, chasing answers the forest never gave up.

Was it exposure, disorientation, or an accident hidden by the terrain? Or was something darker at play that afternoon in the Adirondack High Peaks? 

Join me as we discuss the tragic mystery of Steven Paul Thomas.

Resources & References:

• Adirondack Life — “In Limbo” (article on Thomas’s disappearance)
• NamUs Case MP9488 — Steven Paul Thomas
• Community archives and historical accounts of the 1976 search effort

If you have information about the disappearance of Steven Paul Thomas, please contact New York State Police and reference NamUs case MP9488.


Looking for help to improve your your fitness for hiking, nutrition, discipline, and daily habits?
Apply to work with James 1-on-1 in his Seek To Do More coaching program at www.seektodomore.com
 

Join the next GREAT RANGE ATHLETE Team and get in mountain-hiking shape alongside a likeminded group in just 6 weeks from your local gym or house. 
Join the team at www.greatrangeathlete.com



Follow on Instagram & Facebook:
@46of46podcast
@jamesappleton46

Get my books:
1.) The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes: The Complete Guide to Hiking the High Peaks 

2.) Adirondack Campfire Stories: Tales and Folklore from Inside the Blue Line

Visit my other websites:
www.46OUTDOORS.com
www.46OF46.com