Thenaturalmedic Adventures

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Ever wonder how it is to live a life of constant adventure while lending a helping hand to the world? Come, join me on this incredible journey where I unfold the many layers of my life as a travel paramedic. Celebrating our 75th episode, I want to express my sincere gratitude for walking this path with me since we started this journey back in April 2021. From the heart of Wyoming, an outdoor lover's paradise, I am thrilled to bring you the exciting tales of my work at a wind construction site and the exhilarating adventures I've been embarking on.

As we step into the sixth season of this podcast, the excitement is palpable. Today, I share with you the fascinating aspects of my job and my plans which include a project in the Black Hills, South Dakota, and my upcoming adventures in the spectacular landscapes of Medicine Bow National Forest. I've always dreamt of trying out snowshoeing, and now, I am on the brink of experiencing it in South Dakota. From picturesque locales across the United States to the thrill of new experiences, I am bringing you an array of engaging content on this podcast. So, stay tuned! Let's embark on this adventure, one episode at a time.

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Ever dreamed of tracing the lines that divide states? Get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey to the highest point in Nebraska, where Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska all intersect. It's a seemingly unassuming location, but the panorama point offers an awe-inspiring view that stretches across three states. Prepare to be transported 5,424 feet above sea level, amidst a landscape adorned with wind turbines - a sight that holds a special familiarity for me, as I'm currently working on a wind turbine project in Wyoming.

Fasten your adventure seat belts as we delve into the rich history etched into this peak. You'll hear tales of Art Hendrickson and Claude Alden, the trailblazers who discovered this peak in October 1951. You'll also learn about Hiram Scott, an early Nebraska territory explorer whose memory is honored right here. But not everything is tied to the past - the landscape is adorned with wind turbines, bringing a touch of modernity to our journey. It may not seem impressive at first glance, but Nebraska has a magic and history that's waiting to be discovered. So, come along, and let's uncover the hidden gems of America's high points together.

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Ever wondered what it feels like to traverse the stunning landscapes of Wyoming to the top of Laramie Peak? Imagine embarking on an 11-mile round trip hike, passing through high plains, prairies, and the occasional wildlife encounter. This episode chronicles my journey from the city of Laramie to the summit of Laramie Peak and back. The thrill of the climb, the anticipation of reaching the top, and finally, the breathtaking view from the peak - it's all here. As we pause at the top to marvel at the Scott's Bluff National Monument in the distance, you'll be captivated by the natural splendor of the Wyoming landscape.

But the adventure doesn't end there. The descent from the peak is just as challenging and exhilarating, as fatigue and soreness start to set in. It's a test of endurance and determination, but the reward - the joy of exploring the great outdoors - is immeasurable. As we rewind our way to Laramie, we reflect on the journey and look forward to the next. Whether you're an avid hiker or love a good adventure story, this episode will inspire you to embrace the thrill of the outdoors. Join me, Craig Natural Medic, as we venture into the heart of Wyoming's wilderness. See you on the trail!

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Ever wondered how echoes of military history, the subtle whispers of nature, and the intriguing geology of Wyoming's Medicine Bow National Forest blend together? Join me, Craig the Natural Medic, as we embark on a peaceful hike through Crow Creek loop trail, unraveling the secrets of this mesmerizing landscape along the way! This episode is a true sensory delight. From the rustling melody of aspen leaves to the cool refreshment of mountain water, we take a deep dive into the tranquil ambiance of nature.

Strap on your virtual hiking boots as we trek through this 3.2-mile trail, discovering remnants of a bygone military base, engaging with local wildlife, and curiously studying native plant life. As we navigate through this network of trails that sprawl across the national forest, you'll learn about the region's geology and the charming landscape. Our adventure concludes with a post-hike analysis of my hiking stats, giving you a glimpse of the trail's length and difficulty. Recharge your hearts and minds with this dose of natural serenity, and learn to appreciate the calming influence of nature that this podcast promises.

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Ever considered hiking as a break from the hustle and bustle, but fretting over the sweat and strain? What if you could stroll through breathtaking landscapes without breaking a sweat? Join me, Craig thenaturalmedic, on an easy trek through the serene Flatirons Vista trail in Boulder, Colorado, where we relish the majestic Flatiron Range, expansive prairies, and the refreshing Ponderosa Pine Woodlands. Under the warm Colorado sun, we enjoy the tranquility and wonder of nature, with occasional breaks to recharge with some stroffwaffles and water.

Transitioning from grassland prairies to woodland, the picturesque mountains of the Flatiron Range provide a serene backdrop, making this leisure hike a feast for the eyes. Despite the trail being fairly flat and not particularly challenging, it offers a fantastic opportunity to revel in nature's beauty. Back at the trailhead, we explore other accessible trails, hinting at numerous future adventures. This delightful 3.2-mile journey, completed in about an hour and a half, uplifts your spirit and inspires you to embrace more such outdoor activities. Tune in to share this hiking adventure with me and remember, the journey is just as important as the destination.

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Ever been bitten by the hiking bug? I, Craig, certainly have, and I'll be your trailblazer through the breathtaking Medicine Bow National Forest in Wyoming. This captivating journey takes us from the historic Ames Monument to the top of Reynolds Hill, guiding you through sweeping valleys, across a quaint creek, and into the heart of rugged metamorphic boulders. The serenity of nature is interspersed with the thrills of discovering a lost glove, facing the dangers of a hornet's nest, and even a surprising encounter with a waterfall.

Pack your backpacks as we hit the road again, swapping the rolling hills of East Texas for the high altitudes of Wyoming's pristine wilderness. I'll be sharing anecdotes, and personal experiences and even serenading you with a few songs along the way. Buckle up for a wild ride as we navigate rocky terrains, encounter grasshoppers and camp amidst towering trees. Here at Natural Medic Adventures, we're not just about exploring landscapes, but also unearthing life's valuable lessons. So, come along, join the camaraderie, and experience the joy of making music with friends in the wilderness. Let's hit the trail together!

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Experience the beauty of Wyoming through my eyes. As I wander the trails of Curt Gowdy State Park, I invite you along on a journey that's both physical and sensory. From the tranquil sound of the babbling creek, and the lush greenery that surrounds each step, to my discovery of the Hidden Falls, I unfold the majesty of this natural paradise in a detailed narrative that'll leave you with an itch to explore the great outdoors.

In the second part of this episode, we take a detour to the serene environment of Hidden Falls. I pause here to soak in the atmosphere, allowing you to imagine the coolness of the water and the tranquility that envelopes this spot. After a brief rest, we embark on the second half of the journey, wrapping up a five-mile hike in just under three hours. For all nature enthusiasts out there, or anyone seeking a mental getaway, this episode is a must-listen. Let's meet up on the next trail, shall we? Don't forget to follow, like, and subscribe for more adventurous hikes.

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Video Version: https://youtu.be/0ZgWmD8vWGA

Ready to take on your next backpacking adventure with ease and agility? We promise to equip you with the best tips and hacks in this episode. We kick things off with an honest discussion on the importance of choosing the right backpack, ensuring a perfect fit, and creating that all-important essentials list. We'll also touch on the importance of fabric selections for varying conditions, the flexibility of convertible pants, and the ultimate protection offered by sun hoodies and Merrells mid-length hiker socks. For those colder evenings, you'll appreciate our insights on the Mountain Hardware Down Puffy Jacket.

Moving on, we delve into our highly recommended gear and equipment for your camping needs. We introduce some game-changers like Toak's long-handled titanium spoon, Sea to Summit's Xcup, a fuel canister, the Platypus quick draw water filter, and the River Country Trekker 2.2 trekking pole tent. Sharing our personal experiences, we'll let you in on some clever ways to cut down unnecessary backpack weight without compromising on essentials. With our tips and tricks, you're going to be able to up your camping game, making your backpacking experience much more enjoyable and far less burdensome. Buckle up for a journey into the world of lightweight and fast backpacking.

A playlist of helpful videos! 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKOiuwbqyZG8Csgg1geXG_gFXOSVnByOv

Video/Podcast edited using descript find out more here: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=Sqa-bw

Video optimized using tools from Tube Buddy. Find out more here: https://www.tubebuddy.com/thenaturalmedic

Products discussed above: 

BRS Outdoor BRS-3000T Ultra-Light Titanium Alloy Miniature Portable Picnic Camping Gas Cooking Stove Portable Ultralight Burner Only 25 Gram
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Stanley Adventure Camp Cook Set - 24oz Kettle with 2 Cups - Stainless Steel
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River Country Products Trekker Tent 2.2, Two-Person Trekking Pole Backpacking Tent
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Cnoc Outdoors VECTO 2L Water Container, 28mm Thread, Orange
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FROGG TOGGS Men's Ultra-Lite2 Waterproof Breathable Rain Jacket
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Amazon Essentials Men's Lightweight Water-Resistant Packable Puffer Jacket
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Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filter, Fast Flow, 0.1 Micron EZ Clean Membrane for Endurance Sports, Camping and Backpacking, One Size, 8018006
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HydraPak Seeker - Collapsible Water Storage - BPA & PVC Free Camping Hydration Reservoir Bag
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Sawyer Products MINI Water Filtration System
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Featherstone Moondance 25 850 Fill Power Down Top Quilt Mummy Sleeping Bag Alternative for Ultralight Backpacking Camping and Thru-Hiking
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REDCAMP Closed Cell Foam Camping Sleeping Pad, 22" Wide Lightweight Folding Camping Pad for Hiking Backpacking, 72"x22"x0.75", Blue/Grey
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Klymit Insulated Static V Sleeping Pad, Lightweight, 2.5 Inches Thick, Sleep Comfort for Backpacking, Cold Weather Camping and Hiking, Inflatable Camping Mattress
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Platypus Quickdraw Water Filter
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Copyright FourGreen LLC, 2019-2023.

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Video: https://youtu.be/5gKKMvE7reA

Ever wondered if Vikings could have made their way up the Mississippi River into Oklahoma? Join me on this week's Natural Medic Adventures as I explore the mysterious Heavner Rune Stone Park, where fascinating Viking runestones have been discovered. I'll take you on a tour of the park, including a visit to the seasonal waterfall and the intriguing runestone itself, protected in a glass enclosure. 

Listen in as I discuss the captivating history of these Viking artifacts, and insights from Gloria Stuart Farley, who studied the runestones for over 40 years. You'll also hear about the translation of the runes by Dr. Richard Nielsen from the University of Denmark, and the recent conversion of the park from a state park to a city park, complete with overnight camping options through Hipcamp. Don't miss this unique and enthralling episode as we uncover the mysteries of Heavner Rune Stone Park!

https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/oklahoma-heavener-runestone-park-1-1xmh1rzx?adults=1&children=0

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Video Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obVcpY5GqL4

Ready for a prehistoric adventure? Join me, your host Craig, as we explore the fascinating world of the Waco Mammoth National Monument in central Texas. Unearth the incredible mammoth fossils discovered in 1978 and get an exclusive look at the life-size replica of a mammoth, as well as other captivating prehistoric creatures that lived alongside these gentle giants, such as the Western camel and the saber-toothed cat.

Not only will we reveal the ongoing research and excavation at this unique site, but we'll also guide you through the tools and techniques used by researchers to uncover these ancient treasures. From giant tortoises to juvenile mammoth skeletons, there's so much to discover in this amazing place. Feeling adventurous? We'll even venture onto the mile-long hiking trails that surround the monument. Grab your hiking gear and join us on this exhilarating journey through the prehistoric world of mammoths and other mesmerizing creatures!

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