Jack Cornish is an expert in the history and preservation of England and Wales' extensive network of paths. As the head of paths at the Ramblers, a prominent walking charity, and the author of "The Lost Paths: A History of How We Walk From Here To There," Jack has dedicated his career to exploring and safeguarding the intricate web of ancient routes that connect and define the British landscape. His work focuses on the importance of preserving these paths as a link to our past and a guide for future generations. With a deep passion for walking, Jack has also undertaken the remarkable feat of walking every street in London, uncovering the hidden stories and historical layers of the city. In this podcast episode, he shares his insights and experiences, highlighting the significance of these paths in understanding the country's history and the challenges involved in their preservation.

(00:00) Jack Cornish Introduction

(01:47) Exploring the Path Network in the UK

(07:27) Walking Every Street in London

(25:39) Land Ownership and Public Rights of Way

(46:26) The History of Ancient Paths

(55:50) Challenges in Preserving Ancient Paths

(01:15:46) The Role of Technology in Path Preservation

(1:28:15) Plans For The Rest of the Year

In this episode of the Trailmark Podcast, Simon Brown and I discuss the connections between our actions, our ethics, and our inner peace. We talk about the importance of nature in achieving balance and rebirth, the role of embodiment in enhancing our perception of reality, and the challenges of moving beyond ego-centric thinking. We also explore the profound concepts of non-duality and free will, share our thoughts on the impact of psychedelics on personal growth, and contemplate the idea of rebirth in Buddhism. Our conversation includes practical exercises that highlight the interconnectedness of sensory experiences, and reflections on the themes of balance and interconnectedness found in Dune.

(02:34) Rebirth, Balance and Embodiment

(40:19) Psychedelics, Self-Reflection & Ethical Action

(01:03:17) Free Will & Understanding Non-Duality

(01:19:49) Dune, Nature's Role & Trusting Life

Join Glen Van Peski, founder of Gossamer Gear, as he shares his extensive experience and personal journey into the world of ultralight backpacking. In this weeks episode of the Trailmark Podcast, Glen discusses the delicate balance between comfort and durability in ultralight gear design, and delves into the mindset that drives adventurers to lighten their loads.

(04:11) The Beginnings of Ultralight Backpacking

(22:59) Preserving Quality and Comfort

(39:49) Gaining Perspective

(50:21) Using a Compass: Navigating Faith and Adversity

Dominick Menard shares his unique journey from the competitive mountain biking circuits of Canada to a life on the road, encapsulating his shift from fast-paced races to the exploratory freedom of van life. Through his initiative, Bon Velo, Dominick channels his passion for cycling into adventurous pursuits beyond traditional boundaries. Opting for van life, he not only embraced a simpler way of living but also learned to navigate challenges with resilience. His ambitious bike tour from Victoria to Patagonia was driven by a deep desire to explore, despite facing potential dangers like cartels in Mexico. This journey not only tested his limits but also revealed the unexpected kindness of strangers, enriching his experiences and perspective on life. Listen in as Dominick recounts the details of preparing for such an expedition, the highs and lows along the way, and the lasting impact of his adventures.

(00:00) Introduction

(07:36) Getting Into Mountain Biking and Downhill Racing

(12:29) Transitioning to Van Life

(15:21) Impact of the Pandemic on Mountain Biking

(21:01) Changing Perception of Extreme Sports

(25:05) Promoting Mountain Biking and Bon Velo

(32:45) The Appeal of Van Life and Freedom

(44:28) Embracing Minimalism and Detaching from Possessions

(46:25) Taking Chances and Embracing Obstacles

(01:06:03) The Transformative Experience of an Epic Bike Tour

(01:16:08) Finding Inspiration and Making the Decision

(01:19:33) The Evolution of Bike Setup

(01:37:27) Encounters with Cartels in Mexico

(01:49:07) Taking Precautions for a Safe Trip

(01:53:50) Embracing Change and Taking Chances

(01:56:09) Pride and Accomplishment

(01:59:55) Documenting the Journey

(02:21:27) Continuing to Explore

Krysta Norwick, a physical therapist and avid long-distance hiker, shares her adventures on trails such as the Great Divide, Croatian Long Distance, and the Pacific Crest Trail. She combines her professional expertise with her hiking experiences, offering advice on self-treatment and adapting to challenging hikes. Krysta discusses the differences between solo and partner hiking, the diverse landscapes she encounters, and the challenges of reintegrating into city life post-adventure. She reveals the behind-the-scenes of documenting her hikes, including planning and overcoming the hesitation of filming herself, and talks about essential hiking gear and future hiking and documentary projects. Follow Krysta on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and her website for more on her journeys.

(00:00) Introduction and Background

(03:27) Long Distance Hiking and Physical Therapy

(06:19) Balancing Work and Hiking

(10:16) Learning from Mistakes

(13:34) The Great Divide Trail

(18:23) Hiking Alone and with a Partner

(22:11) Duration and Difficulty of the Trails

(25:31) Technicality and Danger of the Great Divide Trail

(29:13) Landscape and Variety on the Trails

(33:00) Challenges of Heat and Water on the Croatian Trail

(37:24) Planning and Decision-Making on the Trail

(42:08) The Thrill of the Unknown

(49:45) Maintaining Mental Well-being

(01:13:00) The Importance of Supportive People

(01:20:21) Logistics of Planning and Filming

(01:32:13) Hiking Gear and Equipment

(01:39:28) Future Hiking Plans and Documentaries

Eco Trail Builders' founders, Hap and Andrea, discuss their dedication to sustainable trail construction and eco-lodge management in the wilderness. They emphasize environmental stewardship, the integration of eco-friendly practices in their work and personal projects, and the balance of nature with professional life. As pioneers in eco-conscious development, they highlight their collaborative efforts with conservation groups, offer advice to aspiring trail builders, and share their future goals for sustainable adventure.

(00:00) Introduction and Background

(03:00) Importance of Environmental Considerations in Trail Building

(06:18) Different Roles within the Company

(12:29) Incorporating the Landscape into Building and Maintenance

(20:12) Pride in Accomplishments

(26:28) Impact of Weather on Maintenance

(31:40) Team and Volunteers

(33:05) Personal Work as an Artist and Author

(38:48) Spirituality in nature and hosting guests

(44:06) Contributing to the preservation of natural spaces

(51:12) Collaborations with conservation organizations and indigenous communities

(56:00) Entering the field of eco-conscious trail building

(57:29) Importance of experience and learning in the field

(01:03:16) Goals for 2024

In this week's episode, we explore Jeff McMurtrie's journey into mapmaking, focusing on Ontario's Algonquin Park. Jeff shares his early experiences in the park that sparked his passion for creating custom maps, highlighting their tailored features for outdoor enthusiasts compared to standard Google Maps. He explains his map-making process, from data collection to adding intricate details, and covers various parks and regions his maps include. The discussion touches on the evolution of map design, blending personal adventures with meticulous data gathering for accuracy. Jeff offers safety tips for paddling and navigation, emphasizes the significance of Algonquin Park in his work, and describes the tools and inspiration behind his maps. He also discusses community feedback and his ambitions to chart new territories and enhance existing maps with innovative features to inspire outdoor adventurers.

(00:00) Introduction and Discovery of Map Making

(10:46) The Difference Between Custom Maps and Google Maps

(25:47) Evolution of Map Design and Features

(30:12) Personal Adventures and Data Collection

(35:03) Safety Tips and Advice for Paddling and Navigation

(40:15) The Importance of Accuracy in Maps

(45:26) Density of Lakes and Trails in Different Parks

(50:14) Tools and Software Used in Map Creation

(56:00) Creating Intuitive and Readable Maps

(01:05:10) Future Plans for Maps by Jeff

This weeks episode of the Trailmark Podcast covers topics such as representation in the outdoors, the importance of mental health and nature, paddleboarding adventures, camping and van life, exploring historical sites, and emphasizing African-American history. James shares personal experiences and motivations for starting his YouTube channel, as well as his passion for documenting and sharing historical explorations. The conversation highlights the significance of promoting diversity and educating others about underrepresented histories. He also shares insights into his van life journey, including the minimalistic setup of his van and the challenges and benefits of living in a small space. James talks about the DIY projects he has undertaken and the confidence he has gained from tackling difficult van life build challenges. He also discusses his favorite meals to cook in the van and strategies for efficient cooking. James shares his future travel plans, including a desire to visit British Columbia and the Arctic Ocean. Finally, he expresses his long-term goals of building a positive community that inspires people to explore the outdoors and reconnect with nature.

(00:00) Introduction

(01:19) Representation in the Outdoors

(06:29) Transition from Sports to Outdoor Exploration

(10:16) Favorite Outdoor Locations

(12:33) The Ethnic Explorer YouTube Channel

(20:55) Camping and Van Life

(23:16) Exploring Historical Sites

(40:08) Significance of Historical Exploration

(51:35) Van Life and Minimalistic Living

(59:00) DIY Projects and Building Confidence

(01:09:01) Cooking and Nutrition in the Van

(01:15:28) Future Travel Plans and Aspirations

(01:30:31) Long-Term Goals for the Ethnic Explorer Brand

Mad Mark shares his journey and experiences with van life. He explains how living in a van has improved his emotional well-being and provided him with an abundance of time. He discusses the cost comparison between van life and living in a house, highlighting the financial benefits of van life. Mark also delves into the concept of ownership and consumerism, emphasizing the freedom and joy that comes with a minimalist lifestyle. He shares his perspective on the system and the awakening of individuals to its flaws. Additionally, he touches on the connection with nature and the basic survival skills associated with van life. Finally, he addresses the challenges and downsides of van life, debunking common misconceptions. In this conversation, Mad Mark shares his memorable experiences in the van, the inspiration he finds in nature, and his advice for embracing the van life lifestyle. He also discusses the balance between solitude and community, local stories and legends, and his future plans and destinations.

(00:00) Introduction and Background

(01:14) Inspiration for Van Life and Change in Perspective

(06:21) Cost Comparison: Van Life vs. Living in a House

(10:22) Abundance of Time in Van Life

(13:45) Escaping the System and Awakening to the Truth

(20:36) Awakening to the System and People Fighting Back

(26:45) Van Life as a Form of Meditation and Connection with Nature

(31:04) Experience with Backpacking and Basic Survival Skills

(39:52) Maintenance and Repair Costs of Van Life

(45:02) Memorable Times in the Van

(52:37) Balance Between Solitude and Community

(01:04:15) Advice for Embracing Van Life

(01:13:21) Future Plans and Destinations

Jason reflects on navigating the UK's landscapes, tackling the quest for untamed wilderness, and contemplates the whims of weather on adventuring. With tales from the UK to Europe, particularly Scotland, he underscores the criticality of safety and savvy decision-making outdoors. Jason shares insights on responsible wild camping and advocates for the leave no trace philosophy. Storytelling's power to motivate outdoor exploration is a key theme, alongside his ambition to uncover hidden gems in the UK's national parks and inspire positive change in viewers.

(00:00) The Story Behind the YouTube Channel

(07:08) Variety of Outdoor Spaces in the UK

(13:14) Finding Adventure in Different Places

(21:53) Adventure Experiences in Scotland

(28:05) Wild Camping and Stealth Camping

(38:34) Having Structure and Objectives

(42:44) Being Present and Engaging with the Outdoors

(46:30) Balancing Plans and Unexpected Changes

(55:05) Waiting for the Unexpected

(01:03:44) Goals for 2024