In this conversation, I interviewed Brandon Wise, who also completed the Calendar Year Triple Crown. We discuss his experience with the Yellow Deli "commune", his motivation for attempting the Calendar Year Triple Crown, and the challenges he faced along the way. We also talk about the social aspect of thru-hiking and the importance of camaraderie on the trail.

Support Brandon Weis' book "This is Gonna Hurt" about the Calendar Year Triple Crown: https://amzn.to/3XQzzRT

And Follow Brandon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturalhorsepower/?hl=en

Overall, the conversation highlights the physical and mental challenges of long-distance hiking and the transformative power of the outdoors.

Takeaways

The Calendar Year Triple Crown is a challenging feat that requires careful planning and determination.

Thru-hiking can be a solitary experience, but the social aspect and camaraderie with other hikers can greatly enhance the journey.

Challenges and obstacles are inevitable on a thru-hike, but overcoming them can lead to personal growth and a sense of accomplishment.

The Yellow Deli cult experience highlighted the importance of being open-minded and adaptable while on the trail.

Writing a book about the thru-hiking experience can be just as challenging as the hike itself. Thru-hiking the Calendar Year Triple Crown involves hiking the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail in a single calendar year.

Challenging weather conditions, such as blizzards and freezing temperatures, can be encountered during long-distance hikes.

Camaraderie among hikers is a significant aspect of the thru-hiking experience, with shared struggles and bonding over shared experiences.

The decision to pursue long-distance hiking instead of other life paths, such as attending law school, can be influenced by the desire for adventure, personal growth, and financial considerations.

Future plans for hikers may include pursuing ultra running and international hiking, such as the Great Divide Trail in Canada or the Four Corners loop in the United States.

Long-distance hiking offers a unique opportunity for personal growth, self-discovery, and a deep connection with nature.

Sound Bites

"You could say the Count of Your Triple Crown saved you a bunch of money."

"Yeah, that was one of the weirder nights of my entire life."

"I mean, we all had a lot of time and not a lot to do. I just put mine to some good use, I guess."

"Humans were strange creatures because, you know, one of my favorite memories of the whole year is something that was pretty awful in the moment and like super miserable but I look back on it now and I can't help but smile every time."

"Yeah, the hardest part's starting. You can always quit. It's not a big deal."

"Yeah, gotta get my first one. Come on. Spent all my money on thru-hiking. It's the real trick. But it's worth it to spend on the experiences for sure."

Chapters

00:00 The Challenges and Triumphs of the Calendar Year Triple Crown

06:42 Navigating the Yellow Deli Cult Experience

13:03 The Dual Challenges of Thru-Hiking and Writing a Book

23:57 Overcoming Obstacles on the Thru-Hiking Journey

26:45 Surviving Freezing Conditions: Tips and Tricks

27:36 The Calendar Year Triple Crown: Challenges and Recommendations

29:01 Thru-Hiking vs. Breaking Up the Trails: Pros and Cons

30:00 Physical Challenges and Long-Term Effects of Thru-Hiking

30:29 Embarking on Additional Backpacking Adventures

32:23 Favorite Trails and Recommendations for Hikers

33:21 Underrated Trails and the Beauty of the Arizona Trail

34:18 Life After Thru-Hiking: Career Choices and Future Plans

38:41 Finding Joy in Challenging Moments: The Magic of Thru-Hiking

41:32 The Power of Shared Struggles and Bonding on the Trail

42:02 Developing Deep Connections and Friendships on the Trail

43:30 The Journey of Writing a Book and Preserving Memories

46:35 Embracing New Adventures and Overcoming Fear of Failure

47:35 The Importance of Starting and Trying New Things

49:32 Exploring Local Trails and Future Hiking Plans

Keywords

Calendar Year Triple Crown, thru-hiking, Yellow Deli cult, challenges, social aspect, camaraderie, hiking, Calendar Year Triple Crown, thru-hiking, Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, weather conditions, wildlife, camaraderie, challenges, decision-making, law school, ultra running, international hiking, outdoors