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The Thru-Hiking Podcast episodes
- 243. Birds Of The Pacific Crest Trail, Thru-Hiking Gear Favorites, Norovirus, Burn Scars & Trail Magic With Kiley "Bluebird" Voss
In this episode of The Thru-Hiking Podcast, Cheer talks with Kylie “Bluebird,” a seasonal park ranger, birder, and 2025 Pacific Crest Trail section hiker.
Bluebird hiked northbound on the PCT with her husband, “TripAdvisor,” starting at Campo and making it to around Burney Falls. She shares the highs, lows, and unexpected moments from her hike—from an incredible stretch through the Sierra to norovirus, rattlesnakes, injuries, burn scars, and unforgettable trail magic.
As a self-described bird nerd, Bluebird also kept a daily species list and identified 120 birds along the Pacific Crest Trail. She shares how birding became part of her hike, how she earned her trail name, and some of the species and moments that stood out most.
We also talk about favorite PCT gear, gluten-free backpacking food, resupply strategies, budgeting for a long-distance hike, journaling, injury lessons, and town food. Plus, Bluebird shares adventure book recommendations and how her PCT photography inspired her handmade earrings.
Whether you're planning a Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike or section hike, looking for backpacking gear and food ideas, or just love hearing real stories from long trails, this episode is packed with practical tips and memorable PCT moments.
Episode Timestamps:
00:00 Welcome to the Podcast
00:40 Meet Kylie “Bluebird”
04:00 Rapid Fire Trail Moments
05:10 This or That Gear Picks
08:12 How Bluebird Got Named
10:07 Why She Chose the PCT
13:07 Favorite Gear Breakdown
15:07 Best, Worst & Scariest Memories
20:22 Town Food Highlights
21:42 Gluten-Free Trail Meals
23:32 Outdoor Herbivore Meals
24:34 Maah Daah Hey Prep
26:08 Budgeting for Thru-Hikes
28:43 Trail Angel Hitch Miracle
32:38 Lessons From Injury
36:05 Journaling Advice
37:27 Birding on the PCT
41:17 Adventure Book Picks
44:08 PCT Earrings & Wrap-UpFollow along with "Bluebird":
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/topo.wanders/
Website: https://www.topophotos.com/
Connect With The Host "Cheer":
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CheerOnTheTrail
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carollcoyne/
Connect With THRU-r:
Subscribe To The THRU-r Newsletter!
Join The Trail Family
THRU-r Website
THRU-r Youtube
THRU-r Instagram
THRU-r TikTok
THRU-r Facebook
THRU-r Threads
Did you love this episode? If so, please help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
Episode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
51 min - 242. LIVE Podcast From PCT Days With Broadway, Shadow, Prodigal Son, Late Bloom Hiker, Sparkles, & Ravenclaw
In this episode we are coming at you LIVE from Pacific Crest Trail Days ("PCT Days") in Cascade Locks, Oregon! PCT Days is an annual thru-hiker gathering right on the border of Oregon and Washington - and right next to the iconic Bridge of the Gods. Here, Cheer talks with current and prior PCT hikers and asks them pointed questions about how their hike is going, or how it went if they hiked in prior years.
In part 2 of this LIVE podcast, we talk to Broadway, Shadow, Prodigal Son, and Late Bloom Hiker. Broadway is a first time thru-hiker crushing it (and crying along the way - slay). Shadow, Prodigal Son, and Late Bloom Hiker are all alumni PCT hikers reflecting on their time on trail. We also have two special guests sharing their answers to our questions: Sparkles who is on the Continental Divide Trail and Ravenclaw who is hiking in Europe this year!
In this episode, each guest answers:
1. What's a moment from your hike that you'll always remember?
2. What was harder than you expected?
3. What was easier or better than you expected?
4. How has the trail changed you?
A big thank you to Oboz Footwear for giving us a home at PCT
Days this year. Enter the Instagram giveaway here!
Follow along with "Broadway":
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelinstagrant/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@atravelersmiles
The Trek: https://thetrek.co/author/michael-grant/
Follow along with "Shadow":
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tacodingoo/
Follow along with "Prodigal Son":
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InspiredByCreation-v4y
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacob.vallandingham.2025
Follow along with "Late Bloom Hiker":
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latebloomhiker/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LateBloomHiker
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LateBloomHiker
Follow along with "Sparkles":
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericka.explores/
Summit Scholarship Program: give.gofundme.com/sparklescdt
Follow along with "Ravenclaw":
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annika.hikes.the.world/
Connect With THRU-r:
Subscribe To The THRU-r Newsletter!
Join The Trail Family
THRU-r Website
THRU-r Youtube
THRU-r Instagram
THRU-r TikTok
THRU-r Facebook
THRU-r Threads
Connect With "Cheer":
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CheerOnTheTrail
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carollcoyne/
Did you love this episode? If so, please help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
Episode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
48 min - 241. LIVE Podcast From PCT Days With Sparkle, MacGyver, Def Pos, & Pitch Perfect
Today we are coming at you LIVE from Pacific Crest Trail Days ("PCT Days") in Cascade Locks, Oregon! PCT Days is an annual thru-hiker gathering right on the border of Oregon and Washington - and right next to the iconic Bridge of the Gods. Here, Cheer talks with current and prior PCT hikers and asks them pointed questions about how their hike is going, or how it went if they hiked in prior years.
In part 1 of this LIVE podcast, we talk to Sparkle, MacGyver, Def Pos, and Pitch Perfect. Sparkle is attempting to break records, MacGyver is an alumni PCT hiker, Def Pos had a tumultuous but spiritual section hike, and Pitch Perfect contrasts the Continental Divide Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail.
In this episode, Cheer asks each guest:
1. What's a moment from your hike that you'll always remember?
2. What was harder than you expected?
3. What was easier or better than you expected?
4. How has the trail changed you?
A big thank you to Oboz Footwear for giving us a home at PCT
Days this year!
Follow along with "Sparkle":
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparklesummits/
Follow along with "MacGyver":
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riggerx/
Polar Steps
Follow along with "Def Pos":
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defpos/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@defpos
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donahue.holland
Follow along with "Pitch Perfect":
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nic0le_bent0n/
Connect With THRU-r:
Subscribe To The THRU-r Newsletter!
Join The Trail Family
THRU-r Website
THRU-r Youtube
THRU-r Instagram
THRU-r TikTok
THRU-r Facebook
THRU-r Threads
Connect With "Cheer":
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CheerOnTheTrail
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carollcoyne/
Did you love this episode? If so, please help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
Episode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
35 min - 240. Rattlesnake Bites, Sierra Mishaps, & Following A Dream On The Pacific Crest Trail With Stevie "Blue Dream" Teran
Today we welcome back Pacific Crest Trail thru-hiker Stevie Teran or "Blue Dream" as he's known on trail. Stevie has been part of the THRU-r community for years and since 2021 - he's told us about his dream of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail! 2025 hit...and the rest is history. Here, we deep dive into his experiences on trail - which were full of wonderful moments, less-than-perfect moments, and surprises along the way. Sneaky epic trail magic included!
Stevie was part of our Trail Team over at THRU-r and documented his epic shakedown hikes for the Pacific Crest Trail - the Corfu Trail and Walkers Haute Route - for the podcast. Episode lists are below if you'd like to go back and listen in!
Watch this interview on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/4hAR25iNxRY?si=HdT3c-uqEWrlTxNF
In this episode, Stevie goes into:
1. The highs and lows of thru-hiking (rattlesnakes & glissades- gone-wrong anyone?)
2. His love for Northern California...& why
3. The secret weapon in his food kit & more!
Follow along with Stevie:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/withinabluedream/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stevie.tea
Past Episode List
Walker's Haute Route + Corfu Trail Q&A: Episode #185
Walker's Haute Route Correspondence:
Day 1 & 2: Episode #169
Day 3 & 4: Episode #172
Day 5 & 6: Episode #174
Day 7 & 8: Episode #177
Day 9 & 10: Episode #179
Corfu Trail Correspondence:
Intro: Episode #147
Day 1: Episode #149
Day 2: Episode #152
Day 3: Episode #154
Day 4: Episode #157
Day 5: Episode #162
Day 6: Episode #164
Connect With THRU-r:
Subscribe To The THRU-r Newsletter!
Join The Trail Family
THRU-r Website
THRU-r Youtube
THRU-r Instagram
THRU-r TikTok
THRU-r Facebook
THRU-r Threads
Connect With "Cheer":
Cheer's YouTube
Cheer's Instagram
Did you love this episode? If so, please help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
Episode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
59 min - 239. Trail Angel Stories From The Appalachian Trail With Mike "Pinnacle" DiCello
In this episode we welcome Appalachian Trail trail angel Mike "Pinnacle" DiCello who goes into life as a trail angel, his personal stories from hiker interactions, how he got into trail angeling, and more! Trail angels are an integral part of the thru-hiking community, and we were honored to have Mike on as a guest to spotlight the important and selfless work they do.
In this episode, Mike goes into:
1. His favorite & worst moments from trail angeling
2. "Speed friendships" and the trifecta of how to have a great day on trail
3. Tips for hikers and trail angels alike - & more!
Follow along with Mike:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mick32/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mike.dicello
Applicable Links:
Schar Snack Cakes
Laura's Trail Angel Q&A (Episode 99)
Ghost's Trail Angel Q&A (Episode 109)
Did you love this episode? If so, please help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
Connect With Us:
Join The Trail Family
THRU-r Website
THRU-r Instagram
THRU-r TikTok
THRU-r Facebook
THRU-r Youtube
THRU-r Threads
Cheer's YouTube
Cheer's Instagram
Episode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
42 min - 238. Adventures On The Hexatrek, Hadrian's Wall Path, & West Highland Way With Gaby "Baby Steps" Roy
Today we welcome thru-hiker Gaby or "Baby Steps" who talks about her treks along the Hadrian's Wall Path in England, the West Highland Way in Scotland, and the Hexatrek in France. Gaby was part of the THRU-r Trail Team in 2025 when she hiked these trails, and it was so fun to follow along with her!
In this episode, Baby Steps goes into:
1. Her favorite, worst, & scariest moments (including a deathly allergy!)
2. Three days of the most epic trail magic
3. How to use a pee funnel & more!
Follow along with Baby Steps:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaby_hike/
Did you love this episode? If so, please help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
Connect With Us:
Join The Trail Family
THRU-r Website
THRU-r Instagram
THRU-r TikTok
THRU-r Facebook
THRU-r Youtube
THRU-r Threads
Cheer's YouTube
Cheer's Instagram
Episode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
40 min - 237. Hiking The Kungsleden In Sweden With Nikita "Rowing Boy" Grachev
In this episode we talk all about the Kungsleden or "Kings Trail" in Sweden with Nikita or "Rowing Boy" as he's known on trail. Nikita is a thru-hiker and emerging film maker. He also won the THRU-r hikership (aka "hiker scholarship") in 2025 when he hiked the trail.
In this episode, Nikita goes into:
1. What it's like to hike the Kungsleden and the culture of the trail
2. His best advice and tips for hiking long distances
3. The specifics of film making while thru-hiking & more!
Watch his films & follow along:
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@morkani
1st Kungsleden Episode
2nd Kungsleden Episode
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morkani.trail/
Did you love this episode? If so, please help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
Connect With Us:
Join The Trail Family
THRU-r Website
THRU-r Instagram
THRU-r TikTok
THRU-r Facebook
THRU-r Youtube
THRU-r Threads
Cheer's YouTube
Cheer's Instagram
Episode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
48 min - 236. The Roadless Rule & Saving Public Lands With Nicole Brown Of Outdoor Alliance
As thru-hikers, we hike through public lands frequently. In this episode, Nicole Brown of Outdoor Alliance comes on to talk about the Roadless Rule - and how the initiative to roll it back will inhibit our access to these parts of public land. She also goes into how we can come together during the comment period to save these precious places along the Pacific Crest Trail and other long trails across America.
In this episode, Nicole goes into:
1. Basics on the Roadless Rule & why it's so important for access to public lands
2. What can happen if the Roadless Rule is rolled back
3. How to take action & more!
Take Action & Follow Along:
About the Roadless Rule
Roadless Area Maps
PCTA Article
Take Action!
Did you love this episode? If so, please help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
Connect With Us:
Join The Trail Family
THRU-r Website
THRU-r Instagram
THRU-r TikTok
THRU-r Facebook
THRU-r Youtube
THRU-r Threads
Cheer's YouTube
Cheer's Instagram
Episode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
30 min - 235. International Travel & Hiking The Camino, The Hexatrek & Kilimanjaro With Sandra "MacGyver"
Thru-hiker Sandra D. aka "MacGyver" gives us the rundown of her experience hiking internationally versus hiking in the USA. MacGyver has hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, Hexatrek, Camino, and most recently - up Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. In this episode, we focus on tips and things to keep in mind while traveling and hiking internationally. Listen in for great insight from someone who's done it!
In this episode, MacGyver goes into:
1. Tips on hiking Kilimanjaro and things to keep in mind as you prepare
2. The best resources for researching the Camino
3. Solo hiking versus guided hiking, knowing your limits & so much more!
Connect & follow along with MacGyver:
MacGyver's Instagram
Did you love this episode? If so, please help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
Connect With Us:
Join The Trail Family
THRU-r Website
THRU-r Instagram
THRU-r TikTok
THRU-r Facebook
THRU-r Youtube
THRU-r Threads
Cheer's YouTube
Cheer's Instagram
Episode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
49 min - 234. Daniel "Lucky Colleague" Clark On The Best Thru-Hiking Food, Family Communication Hacks, & Scary Moments On The Appalachian Trail (& Across The Globe)
Appalachian Trail & international trail thru-hiker Daniel "Lucky Colleague" Clark checks in from England and joins us to talk about his experiences all over the world, with a focus on the Appalachian Trail. We go into lessons learned, favorite and least favorite gear, the power of taking a break, best and worst moments, and so much more.
In this episode, you'll learn about:
1. His favorite and convenient food to pack out
2. The best ways to communicate with friends and family at home
3. Surprising realizations, his tips for aspiring thru-hikers - & more!
Connect & follow along with Lucky Colleague:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/walking__north/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@EnglishmanJustWalking
Sign up for the THRU-r mailing list so you don't miss a thing! (No spam, no selling, just thru-hiker things.)
Did you love this episode? If so, please help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
Connect With Us:
Join The Trail Family
THRU-r Website
THRU-r Instagram
THRU-r Facebook
THRU-r Youtube
THRU-r Threads
Cheer's YouTube
Cheer's Instagram
Episode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
43 min
About The Thru-Hiking Podcast
From the publisher's feed
Do you wish you could get expert thru-hiking advice from those who have done it? Or maybe you want to hear stories from trail?
Join Triple Crowner & THRU-r hiking community founder, Carol “Cheer” Coyne, as she deep dives into the world of long-distance hiking with her guests. Here, you'll learn from thru-hikers who recount their adventures in the wilderness. You'll also get the latest tips & tricks to help you up-level your backpacking game & prepare for trail.
New episodes drop every other week – subscribe and walk the trail with us!
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