Could your outdoor adventure turn into a survival situation? In this eye-opening conversation with wilderness expert Tim MacWelch of Advanced Survival Training, we dive into the essential skills and knowledge that could mean the difference between life and death when venturing into Virginia's beautiful but sometimes unforgiving wilderness.

Tim shares critical insights about why even experienced hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can find themselves in trouble, including unexpected weather changes, injuries, becoming lost, or accidents that can escalate quickly. 

The conversation takes a practical turn as Tim addresses listener questions about survival priorities that help you focus on what matters most in an emergency.

Whether you're a casual day hiker or seasoned adventurer, this conversation delivers practical wisdom that makes the outdoors safer for everyone. Let’s Go! 

This is Part 2 of a two-part episode. 

Follow VAOA Podcast:

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Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia 

Advertisers:

Virginia State Parks Spring Interpretive Programs

Keep Going First Aid - Promo Code: VAOAPODCAST

Mentioned in this Episode:

Connect with Tim MacWelch: Website I Instagram 

Advanced Survival Training Promo Code: VAOA15

Episode 34. Foraging for Wild Edible Plants

Episode 62. Virginia’s Venomous and Nonvenomous Snakes: Hiking Safety, Myths, and Appreciation with Caroline Seitz, Virginia Herpetological Society

Morakniv

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]

Could your outdoor adventure turn into a survival situation? In this eye-opening conversation with wilderness expert Tim MacWelch of Advanced Survival Training, we dive into the essential skills and knowledge that could mean the difference between life and death when venturing into Virginia's beautiful but sometimes unforgiving wilderness.

Tim shares critical insights about why even experienced hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can find themselves in trouble, including unexpected weather changes, injuries, becoming lost, or accidents that can escalate quickly. 

The conversation takes a practical turn as Tim addresses listener questions about survival priorities that help you focus on what matters most in an emergency.

Whether you're a casual day hiker or seasoned adventurer, this conversation delivers practical wisdom that makes the outdoors safer for everyone. Let’s Go! 

Join us next week for part 2 when Tim answers more of your questions about wilderness survival skills, such as how to find shelter and make a fire, and snake bite care. You won’t want to miss an exciting giveaway Tim is offering my listeners. 

Follow VAOA Podcast:

Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up
Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia 

Advertisers:

Virginia State Parks Spring Interpretive Programs

Keep Going First Aid - Promo Code: VAOAPODCAST

Mentioned in this Episode:

Connect with Tim MacWelch: Website I Instagram 

Advanced Survival Training Promo Code: VAOA15

Episode 34. Foraging for Wild Edible Plants

Episode 62. Virginia’s Venomous and Nonvenomous Snakes: Hiking Safety, Myths, and Appreciation with Caroline Seitz, Virginia Herpetological Society

Morakniv

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]

Episode 70 marks a milestone for Virginia Outdoor Adventures podcast, celebrating nearly five years of epic adventures across the Commonwealth. Looking back, I reflect on the incredible diversity of Virginia's outdoor offerings – from whale watching and caving to kayaking and secluded island camping. These adventures have consistently showcased experiences many listeners didn't realize existed right in their own backyards.

I highlight essential spring adventures across Virginia, from waterfall hikes in Shenandoah National Park to elk viewing in Appalachia. The warming season brings excellent opportunities for paddling, wildlife viewing, boating, backpacking, and dark sky programs.

As I reflect on 70 episodes of discovery, the podcast community continues to grow, bringing outdoor enthusiasts together through shared experiences and inspirational stories. Across Virginia, listeners are discovering new adventures, planning getaways, and connecting with our state’s natural beauty through each episode. Join me as we continue this journey of adventure across Virginia's remarkable outdoor spaces. Let’s Go!

Follow VAOA Podcast:

Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up
Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia 

Mentioned in this Episode:

Charlottesville Grotto
Friendly City Inn B&B, Harrisonburg

Spring Adventure Episodes:
Ep 64. Virginia’s Adventure Towns: Onancock
Ep 58. Virginia’s Adventure Towns: Urbanna
Ep 62. Virginia’s Venomous and Nonvenomous Snakes
Ep 54. Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases
Ep 59. Wandering Waters Paddle Quest
Ep 56. Let’s Go Adventures
Ep 9. Bird is the Word
Ep 43. Virginia’s Lost Appalachian Trail
Ep 45. Waterfalls of Shenandoah National Park
Ep 55. Appalachia’s Greatest Conservation Story: Elk Restoration in Southwest Virginia

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]

Episode 70 marks a milestone for Virginia Outdoor Adventures podcast, celebrating nearly five years of epic adventures across the Commonwealth. Looking back, I reflect on the incredible diversity of Virginia's outdoor offerings – from whale watching and caving to kayaking and secluded island camping. These adventures have consistently showcased experiences many listeners didn't realize existed right in their own backyards.

I highlight essential spring adventures across Virginia, from waterfall hikes in Shenandoah National Park to elk viewing in Appalachia. The warming season brings excellent opportunities for paddling, wildlife viewing, boating, backpacking, and dark sky programs.

As I reflect on 70 episodes of discovery, the podcast community continues to grow, bringing outdoor enthusiasts together through shared experiences and inspirational stories. Across Virginia, listeners are discovering new adventures, planning getaways, and connecting with our state’s natural beauty through each episode. Join me as we continue this journey of adventure across Virginia's remarkable outdoor spaces. Let’s Go!

Follow VAOA Podcast:

Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up
Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

Mentioned in this Episode:

Charlottesville Grotto
Friendly City Inn B&B, Harrisonburg

Spring Adventure Episodes:
Ep 64. Virginia’s Adventure Towns: Onancock
Ep 58. Virginia’s Adventure Towns: Urbanna
Ep 62. Virginia’s Venomous and Nonvenomous Snakes
Ep 54. Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases
Ep 59. Wandering Waters Paddle Quest
Ep 56. Let’s Go Adventures
Ep 9. Bird is the Word
Ep 43. Virginia’s Lost Appalachian Trail
Ep 45. Waterfalls of Shenandoah National Park
Ep 55. Appalachia’s Greatest Conservation Story: Elk Restoration in Southwest Virginia

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]

This week I’m sharing a conversation I had with my friend, Steve Adams, or known by his trail name, Mighty Blue. Steve is an AT thru hiker and host of the popular podcast, Mighty Blue on the Appalachian Trail, The Ultimate Midlife Crisis.
I find Steve’s podcast inspirational for hikers and non-hikers alike. Steve interviews thru hikers while they are on the trail. The result is a raw and unfiltered conversation with people who are in the process of undertaking over 2,100 miles from Georgia to Maine.

In this convo, Steve shares his favorite memories and highlights from his thru hikes in Virginia. 

As podcasters with similar audiences, Steve and I did an episode swap, so when you’re done listening to this episode, be sure to hope over to Steve’s podcast to listen to my guest appearance on his show, where I share an outrageous story about getting stranded on an island in the Chesapeake Bay when our boat was washed out by the tide.

I hope you enjoy this one-on-one with Steve Adams, of Mighty Blue on the Appalachian Trial.

Follow VAOA Podcast:

Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up
Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

Mentioned in this Episode:

Listen Now: Mighty Blue on the Appalachian Trail

Jessica's guest appearance on Mighty Blue

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]

Immerse yourself in nature’s healing embrace with the transformative power of forest bathing. 

Ana Ka’ahanui, co-founder of Capital Nature, uncovers the secrets behind this mindfulness practice rooted in Japanese culture. 

More than just a walk among the trees, Ana shares how forest bathing can lower blood pressure, enhance creativity, and offer a sanctuary for mental and physical well-being in our fast-paced world. 

We dive into the principles, benefits, and practices of forest bathing, emphasizing its ability to help individuals reconnect to nature in everyday settings and the joy it brings through mindful sensory experiences. Let’s Go!

This is Part 2 of a two-part episode.

Follow VAOA Podcast:

Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up
Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

Advertisers:

Visit Grayson County

Mentioned in this Episode:

Connect with Ana Kaahanui: Website I Instagram (Personal) Instagram (Capital Nature) I Facebook (Personal) Facebook (Capital Nature) I Email: [email protected]

Ana’s upcoming Forest Bathing Walks in the DMV

Association of Nature & Forest Therapy Guides & Programs (ANFT)

ANFT Certified Guides

Forest Bathing Finder

Some of Ana’s favorite books on forest bathing, nature and trees

The Nature Fix (book)

Night Magic (book)

iNaturalist (app)

Seek by iNaturalist (app)

City Nature Challenge (global)

City Nature Challenge (local)

Virginia Master Naturalists

NOVA Park’s Roving Naturalist

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]

Immerse yourself in nature’s healing embrace with the transformative power of forest bathing. 

Ana Ka’ahanui, co-founder of Capital Nature, uncovers the secrets behind this mindfulness practice rooted in Japanese culture. 

More than just a walk among the trees, Ana shares how forest bathing can lower blood pressure, enhance creativity, and offer a sanctuary for mental and physical well-being in our fast-paced world. 

We dive into the principles, benefits, and practices of forest bathing, emphasizing its ability to help individuals reconnect to nature in everyday settings and the joy it brings through mindful sensory experiences. Let’s Go!

Join us next week when Ana shares her most memorable and transformative forest bathing experiences, additional ways to connect with nature, and resources for taking your mindfulness practice to the next level. 

Follow VAOA Podcast:

Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up
Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

Advertisers:

Visit Grayson County

Mentioned in this Episode:

Connect with Ana Kaahanui: Website I Instagram (Personal) Instagram (Capital Nature) I Facebook (Personal) Facebook (Capital Nature) I Email: [email protected]

Ana’s upcoming Forest Bathing Walks in the DMV

Association of Nature & Forest Therapy Guides & Programs (ANFT)

ANFT Certified Guides

Forest Bathing Finder

Some of Ana’s favorite books on forest bathing, nature and trees

The Nature Fix (book)

Night Magic (book)

iNaturalist (app)

Seek by iNaturalist (app)

City Nature Challenge (global)

City Nature Challenge (local)

Virginia Master Naturalists

NOVA Park’s Roving Naturalist

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]

Start planning your next epic winter adventure like whale watching in Virginia Beach, stargazing in one of Virginia’s Dark Sky Parks, wild caving in Virginia’s Karst Region, Ice Climbing in the Blue Ridge, or winter wildlife watching in person or on a wildlife webcam. Also, in Part 2 of this solo episode, I share where you can find me live and in person this month, and how to get my new Listener Resource Guide with the top podcast episodes, a Virginia Outdoor Bucket List, and exclusive outdoor gear discounts for my listeners.

In case you missed Part 1, be sure to tune in to hear a recap of Parks Advocacy Day when I was touched to meet so many of you who came out to support our state parks. I also answered your Fan Mail and shared my recent adventures. Let’s Go!

Follow VAOA Podcast:

Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up
Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

Advertisers:

Visit Grayson County

Veritas Winery Farmhouse Retreat

Mentioned in this Episode:

Winter Adventure Episodes
Ep 40. Whale Watching in Virginia Beach
Ep 42. A Glimpse Into the Wonderful World of Virginia’s Wildlife
Ep 41. Stargazing in Virginia’s Dark Sky Parks
Ep 39. Ice Climbing in Virginia’s Blue Ridge
Ep 36. Caverns and Caving in Virginia’s Karst Region
Ep 25. Good Fire
Ep 9. Bird is the Word

Nova Parks Naturalist programs
Winter Waterfowl Count
Artist Precious Burger @treehouseartva
VAAEC conference

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]

Jessica answers podcast fan mail, shares discounts for outdoor gear, and recaps Parks Advocacy Day in Richmond.

Follow VAOA Podcast:

Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up
Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

Advertisers:

Visit Grayson County

Veritas Winery Farmhouse Retreat

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]

It’s that time of year when we set intentions for the future. Will your resolutions be outdoorsy?

Alejandra Villanueva of the hiking community, Girls Who Hike Virginia, shares the story of her ambitious pursuit to hike Old Rag Mountain 36 times before the end of 2024.

Her remarkable journey beautifully intertwined her love of hiking with the transformative power of nature.

Alejandra’s adventures on Old Rag are a testament of resilience and profound self-discovery.

She offers insights into staying motivated amid unexpected challenges and harnessing the power of a hiking community in keeping her accountable.

As we look ahead to the new year, we discuss how to set meaningful outdoor goals for a year of adventure. Let’s Go!

Follow VAOA Podcast:

Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up
Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

Advertisers:

Visit Grayson County

Veritas Winery Farmhouse Retreat

Mentioned in this Episode:

Girls Who Hike Virginia: Website I Facebook Group

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]