Hiking Thru: Recent Episodes
Erin Egan
A weekly podcast in which I speak with experienced thru hikers about their stories from the trails and strategies for a successful thru hike.
Socked In, known off trail as Rebecca Sperry, was focused last year on her goal of Red-Lining, or Tracing, all the trails of The Whites within 12 months. And then in August, she received a breast cancer diagnosis and life as she knew it completely changed. In this episode, we talk about those months of diagnosis and early treatment, how hiking prepared her for cancer treatment and how cancer has taught her to stay present with everything in her life, coming home to the trails again and doing what makes you happy.
Prometheus & Not A Minor, known off trail as Andrew & Lora McIvor, arrived at Campo looking like two British tourists and walked into Manning State Park as pure Hiker Trash. The Pacific Crest Trail 2019 was quite a trip...quite THE trip. Missed miles due to circumstance led to a finish personifying the adage "Smiles over miles." In this episode, we relive the five days of trail magic, walking toward home, fathoming the scale of it & finishing those miles.
YardSale, known off trail as Ashley Manning, has been chasing adventure for a long time. Whether its white water raft guiding or hiking the AT, she's ready for it whether you think she should or not. In this episode, we talk about the importance of normalizing all body-types on the trail and how @UnlikelyHikers has helped, how her habit of dumping out her backpack led to her trail name, the early struggle to get on and stay on the trail and the difficulty of finding safety gear and apparel that fits.
Geeky Girl, known off trail as Michele Scott, got put through the wringer in 2019 on the PCT and wrote about the experience in her book "A 100 Mile Journey Plus A Few Extra". As you can probably guess, it didn't go quite according to plan. In this episode, we talk about the things you need to think about when you're 50 hiking the trail, the costs to everyone of the dream, the importance of remembering to be where you are, her changing relationship with the trail...and a few photobombing cats.
Emily On Trail, known off trail as Emily Ford, with her trusty companion Diggins just finished a winter hike on the Ice Age Trail. It started out as a way to get her hike on without leaving her job, but became so much bigger as people began to follow her journey. In this episode, we talk about that crazy, beautiful adventure, advice for any future Ice Age Trail winter hikers, the documentary being done about her hike called "Breaking Trail", and just how loud nature can be.
Space Jam, known off trail as Kevin Grooman, came to thru hiking from the side...a story he totally tells in this episode. He also fell in love just as he began the Triple Crown adventure, which greatly colored his entire journey. And even led him to hike the PCT with his partner, Sea Lion. In this episode, we talk the eternal struggle between earning money and living your best life, pro tips and hiker hacks, the dozen dip challenge, and the Appalachian Pine Mixer.
Money Maker, known off trail as Jonathan Maidment, has raised $250k through Hikes For a Cure for the Alpha-1 Foundation. Along the path to his Triple Crown he lost the trail many times, started way too early and even took a couple unwelcome helicopter rides. But he also grew up on the trail, learned to make hard decisions and trust his gut. In this episode, we dig into adulting trail style, why the PCT might be holding a grudge, showing that a slow guy can hike the AT, and the old adage "do as I say not as I do".
Sochi, known off trail as Megan Harmon, had a dream. To be the first above knee amputee to thru hike the Pacific Crest Trail. And for 600 miles in 2019 she was on target, until the desert heat and her "last nerve" made it impossible...This time! In this episode, we talk about the ways her prosthetic adjusts the nature of the hike, what she will do for pizza, rattlesnakes on trail, and the Uinta 2020 redemption hike.
Tails, known off trail as Daniel Vorster, came from South Africa to hike the PCT last year. Having started in mid-March, he was already on the trail when the lockdown happened. In this episode, we talk about how the experience of thru hiking changed because of the pandemic, from an easier time finding camp sites to the way he chose to share the experience on social media and along the way he regales me with a few trail stories and what was lost, and found during those 6 months and three days.
Tape, known off trail as Joshua Leung, is one half of the 2020 PCT duo from Hong Kong known as Duct Tape. He hit the PCT first in 2019, but ran afoul to a severe case of frostbite. Pledging to return, he came back in 2020 with his girlfriend, Duct ;), to get the job done. In this episode, we talk about wanting to do something totally unforgettable, visas, his severe frostbite adventure and mosquitos in his peanut butter.
Frosty, known off trail as Jess Raechelle, spent 6 years dreaming and planning about hiking the Pacific Crest Trail before she got her 2020 permit. And then, well, 2020 happened but she scrambled and found herself at the southern terminus on March 18th. And it was all going fine until she hit Northern California and "Elliot" pushed her off trail, but that's a story I'll let her tell you. So in this episode, we talk about how the people she hiked with changed her, notes in the sand, hating Lucifer, and of course the Elliot of it all.
Snake Eyes, known off trail as Paul Barach, has hiked a few trails in his day but the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail is where it all started. A 750 mile trail visiting 88 temples, it encircles Shikoku Island in Japan and follows the travels of Kukai, an 8th century Shingon Buddhist monk. In his book “Fighting Monks and Burning Mountains”, Paul tells the story of his 2010 pilgrimage. After reading his book, the Shikoku Trail is definitely on my bucket list!! In this episode, we talk about the struggle to “Be Here Now”, not defining your journey while you’re still on it, the weight of history, and Kit Kat’s.
* Trigger warning: during the conversation, we talk about the suicide of Paul’s friend during his hike. *
Dignity, known off trail as Csaba Winters, took quite the twisted trail on his journey from Mexico to Canada. In 2019, he found himself at the southern terminus of the PCT really only expecting to hike for a short time, cause he had quit every other similar adventure. But one day turned into two turned into a week then a month and even after dislocating his shoulder, he continued North. In this episode, we talk about his "whatever it takes" trail to finish the hike, going through the Sierras alone, the challenges of hiking under a visa time limit, and how he discovered the Pacific Crest Trail in the first place.
Sea Lion, known off trail as Nhandi Singleton, had a serious case of imposter syndrome when she hit the PCT in 2018. Coming from a background with limited hiking, it took hundreds of miles for her to feel like she belonged. In this episode, we unpack that and talk about being a minority on trail, body image and how the trail can mess with your head, becoming a risk-esque taker, and that one rainy day.
Lady Unicorn, known off trail as Christine Reed, in her new book "Alone in Wonderland" explores the longer journey we're all on when we come to thru hiking. In 2014, she started the Appalachian Trail only to be pulled off trail by the death of her mother. Four years later, she hit the Wonderland Trail, hiking back into herself. In this episode, we talk about her new book, about the inner conflict she battled while on the Appalachian Trail, her changing relationship with her body as she has fallen more and more in love with the hiker life, and the reciprocity of accepting help.
Eleven, known off trail as Meredith Johnson, hit the PCT in 2019 chasing her experiences from the Appalachian Trail.
But they are very different trails, so she struggled for much of the hike with whether or not she wanted to be there.
In this episode, we explore the challenge of chasing past experiences, finding a balance between independence and community, her changing relationship to fear, and deli blazing.
Cookie Monster & Morningstar, known off trail as Lian & Andre De Jel, have covered a lot of miles in their 30+ years of hiking. But even with all those miles on their legs, the Pacific Crest Trail tested them. In their new book "Six Months with Three Pair of Undies" they tell the story of that adventure. In this episode, we dig into the book, of course talking about those 3 pair of undies, the yin and yang of hiking as a couple, how heatstroke led them to hike differently in the desert and the importance of hearing aids in rattlesnake country.
Mischief, known off trail as Chris Phillips, in November of 2018 slipped on some ice and fell getting water while hiking the AT. He woke up with severe frostbite. Its been quite the journey to find his way back to the trails that he loves. In this episode, we talk about 2018 and the repercussions from that one moment, finding peace with his new normal, Dragon Tooth Mountain and not letting the dream die.
Kickstand, known off trail as Mike Papadatos, needed something to shake up his life. So of course, he decided to do a thru hike. But not just any thru hike - A Calendar Year Triple Crown. On January 31, 2018 he started at Springer Mountain and the rest as they say is history. In this episode, we talk about those that came before, the planning and logistics, struggles with feeling like a failure, finally finishing a trail...and a few Breaking Bad moments in New Mexico.
Little Skittle, known off trail as Becca Bergstrom, after one overnight camping trip tackled the Pacific Crest Trail in 2019. Launching herself into the thru hiking life and following up with the Oregon Coast Trail and Timberline Trails this year... and a few miles on the Continental Divide Trail before everything came to a halt. In this episode, we talk about hiking with her Ride or Die Chicks (Darth Jader & PCP), working through loss and grief during the Oregon challenge, bear encounters, and a few rookie moves.
Quetzal, known off trail as Zelzin Aketzalli, is the first and only known person from Mexico to complete the Triple Crown. Sneaking in the Hayduke Trail along the way. She treated the hikes like a sport, purposely pushing herself to go as fast as possible. In 2017, the PCT was her first trail and when she arrived at Campo, her English was very limited which made communication very interesting. Fast forward to this year, struggling with her mental health, she returned to the Arizona Trail with a very different purpose in mind. Listening to her mind and body to guide her pace. In this episode, we talk about that transition from "I want to be the first" to hiking the trail to heal, the irony of becoming the universal translator, leaving notes in the Muir shelter, and her next big project.
Jinx, known off trail as Jayson Shaffer, had never backpacked before in his life when he found himself at the southern terminus of the PCT. Three days in he seriously thought about quitting, but knew somehow that the journey would bring him back to himself. In this episode, we talk about what and who he found out on the trail, the crazy things people carry, a very profane PCT Anthem, and the kindness of strangers.
Good Flow, known off trail as Aliza Goldberg, purposely planned not to plan her 2019 thru hike of the PCT, wanting to experience the trail as she found it. In this episode, we talk about how she managed the overwhelming idea of 2650 miles, the struggle to stay on schedule when the weather wouldn't cooperate, exit strategies, her very pit toilet story and why Old Station means so much.
The Family, known off trail as The Crawford Family, hiked the AT together in 2018. They are the largest family to successfully complete the trail, with kids at the time ranging in age from 2 to 17 years old. In this episode, I talk with Ben Crawford, aka Dad, about the families AT thru hike, how they kept everyone moving forward, how the kids kinda became his heroes and the release of his book, 2,000 MILES TOGETHER, documenting their hike.
This episode of Hiking Thru Podcast is a little different and it's because of all of you! Your excitement for the trails, your
sharing of the agony and the ecstasy... your stories are infectious, and have inspired my next guest to focus his
attention on creating a new National Scenic Trail. John, known off trail as John Sprankel, has set his heart on establishing
the Oahu Coastline Trail, which would be a brand new trail that encircles the 227 miles of Oahu's coastline.
He will be doing the exploratory hike the beginning of December and he is documenting this entire process of
learning how to establish a national scenic trail as well as the hike itself.
In this episode, we talk about how the AT inspired him to create this trail, what he hopes his young daughters will take away from this challenge and his excitement over the adventure and father/son bonding to come.
Eagle Eye, known off trail as Katelin Reeser, would shoulda been on the PCT with me this year. Instead, she stayed closer to home…adding the Long Trail to her completion list. It joins the John Muir Trail which she hiked last year with her boyfriend. In this episode, we talk about the differences between the two trails, how our PCT plans went awry, altitude sickness and the things she’s learned for the next one.
Magpie & Constantine, known off trail as Dana Pica & Ryan Bunting, joined me for a two perspective take on their thru hike of the Great Divide Trail this year. They had quite the wet and cold adventure. And in this episode, we talk about hypothermia and the art of layering, getting lost and found, midnight munchies and why you should always listen to Magpie.
Abstract, known off trail as Alina Drufovka, had been dreaming about hiking the AT since she was 13. Finally in 2015, she loaded up her pack and set out, getting half way before injury forced her off. Not to be denied, she went back to the beginning in 2017 and hiked the full trail Launching herself into the thru hiking life. Two hundreds miles on the Israel National Trail and 1800 miles on the PCT brought her to an existential crisis over who she was outside of thru hiking. In this episode, we talk about identity in and out of hiking, fear, letting go of the purist ideology, and the evolution of her art.
Constantine, known off trail as Ryan Bunting, has done quite the trail tour in the last 5 years. From the Big 3 he fell in love then went on a search for more trail time…casting his pack onto the Oregon Coast Trail, Pinhoti Trail, Ice Age Trail, Pacific Northwest Trail, Arizona Trail, Natchez Trace Scenic Trail, Great Divide Trail, Vancouver Island Trail and the Sea to Summit Trail. In this episode, we take the grand tour, touching each of the trails. And we talk about ground truthing, following grizzly tracks and the vegamatic.
Gingersnap, known off trail as Sam Lee, prepped for this conversation by pulling out the old journals from her 2012 AT thru hike. Which brought the memories flooding back. Memories of bear javelin throwing technique and reconnecting to her feminine side by hiking in a dress and the never to be forgotten Lyme Disease. In this episode, she grants us a little window into the trials and tribulations of a thru hike…and the absolute pure joy of it all. Reminding me how the things that terrify us are exactly the things we need to do the most.
Darrah Did It, known off trail as Darrah Blackwater, really did do it. This summer she got herself onto the Colorado Trail, fears and all, with a little help from Hiking Prodigy and the lifesaving application of Leukotape. In this episode we talk about those fears and pushing through them,
balancing your alone time with people time, learning trail culture, and how she might have broken her parents.
The Boss and Pretzel, known off trail as Max Crooks and Jaye Groves, are simultaneously section hiking both the Tahoe Rim Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. With 3 weeks off a year, they carve out 200 – 300 miles at a time on the PCT and use long weekends for the Tahoe Rim. In this episode, we talk the section hiking life and why it’s almost perfect, their experience on the trail from a non-binary and transgender perspective, working through the challenges of altitude sickness and earthquakes.
Scout, known off trail as Scout or Scout & Frodo and sometimes Barney Mann, is known within the thru hiking community for hosting PCT hikers at the southern terminus. But he’s also a Triple Crowner and the PCT is where it all started. In his new book, JOURNEY’S NORTH, he recounts his and Frodo's 2007 thru hike while also lovingly telling the amazing stories of the tramily they walked with for 2650 miles. And for those missing the trail, I asked for an after dinner talk. So get your cup of whatever, settle in and enjoy the stories with Scout.
Sisyphus, known off trail as Will Peterson, hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2019 and was supposed to hit the
Pacific Crest Trail this year… until everything got derailed. Instead he set his sights on an FKT of the New Hampshire
4000 footers. Also known as the Direttissima. It took 2 attempts, but on July 29th he set a new unsupported FKT.
In this episode, we talk about his FKT and the different types of FKT’s, how his hiking partner leaving trail
threw him for a loop on the AT, and why thru hiking is whimsical.
Stark Naked, known off trail as Wallace Washington, had completed 1182.1 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail when they decided to leave trail due to three broken toes. Not yet ready to leave however they finish the hiking season in epic trail magic fashion. In this episode we talk about racism on and off trail and story of those three broken toes, finding their nonbinary trans identity while on trail, the not so much fun of ice cold stream crossings… and why sometimes you just need your Mom.
Poppins, known off trail as Marie-Pier Tremblay, went from thinking she wasn’t the type of person who could thru hike the Pacific Crest Trail to “I can”. She reached into the thru hiking community with her illustrations and found mentors and cheerleaders. And courage to face her fears and do it anyway. In this episode, we talk about the journey before the journey, tramily group decisions, hiking even when you hate it… and the shrimpcicle.
Peanut, known off trail as Melanie Harsha, was introduced to the Appalachian Trail by her mother who has section hiked it for years. So in 2016 she felt ready to take on a full thru hike…and there began the education of Peanut. From hiking with a dog to stress fractures and 20+ pound base weight… it has been an evolution from that first hike to the PCT in 2018 and attempting the Wind River High Route. In this episode we talk about that evolution, what a pre-trail night at Scout and Frodo’s is like, seeing her first rattlesnake outside of a church… and her trail inspired tattoo.
Tranquilo, known off trail as Daniel Nogueira, started his Te Araroa on October 31st of 2019. After a two month covid lockdown, he carried on reaching Bluff on June 14th in the middle of a New Zealand winter. In this episode, we talk about how he hiked zero waste, the miles he dedicated to plant trees, how to zombie walk… and why you shouldn’t and a cleansing rain shower.
Sharkboy & Lavagirl, known off trail as Danny Eyerman & Molly McDonald, are hiking the Appalachian Trail in the time of Covid. Having started the trail pre-corona, they got off for 5 weeks then circled back and continued north. In this episode we visit the four state challenge, the lucky and unlucky weather…can you say tropical storms, drive thru windows and how things never quite go as planned.
This episode is going to be a little different. Today’s guest is Doug Laher. He is sharing this story for his son Trevor “Microsoft” Laher who lost his life while thru hiking the PCT at Apache Peak just outside of Idyllwild on March 27, 2020. Trevor was just 11 days into his hike. Doug’s mission now is to make sure no other family gets that same call through advocacy and encouraging hikers to embrace three key mindsets that might have saved his son’s life.
1 - #EmbraceTheAlternate
2 – Don’t short change your safety at the expense of grams and ounces.
3 – Develop sound risk management strategies before you hit the trail.
Fiddlehead, known off trail as Paige Pasquini, earned her thru hiking cred on the Appalachian Trail, Colorado Trail, and Long Trail before hitting the Pacific Crest Trail in 2019. In this episode, we have fun talking about a jolly man with a beer belly, the Ultimate Girl Gang, how ambling up the AT turned into a go-go, get it done PCT, and the gear she always brings without compromise.
BB, known off trail as Nathan Hankes, came back from Iraq heart set on thru hiking.
Convincing his brother to join him, they SOBO’d the AT in 2009 from which sprang his book “Waking Up On The Appalachian Trail.” In this episode, we talk about how the trail helped him process his experiences in Iraq, the dichotomy of being a slave to the mileage versus taking breaks to be present, and the importance of finding your nutritional sweet spot.
Purple Rain, known off trail as Mandy Bland, began her thru hiking career on the AT. Then moved to the Grand Enchantment Trail and section hikes of the PCT. Along the way she found her passion, in the process creating Purple Rain Adventure Skirts. In this episode we talk about the evolution of her rain skirts and how putting a pocket on it makes life so much better, navigation challenges on the Grand Enchantment Trail and staying a solo hiker.
Layzer GOAT, known off trail as Anthony Earl, has completed the distance of the Appalachian and Colorado Trails. On the AT, he started out with a 55 pound pack which included a different hat for each day of the week. Suffice it to say, things have changed since then and in this episode we talk about the other side of the dilemma with whether to cut your toothbrush or not, thunderstorms in Colorado, peanut butter trail magic, and Purple Rain Skirts.
PCP, known off trail as Chelsea Fisher, knocked out the Appalachian Trail in 2017, the Long Trail in 2018 and the
Pacific Crest Trail in 2019. So in this episode we compare and contrast each of the trails. We then dig into frost nip,
jade necklaces, and the night a bear came to visit… and what the heck PCP stands for.
Tiger, known as Sam Lleva, did two life changing things in 2019. He thru hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and left trail for awhile to get married. In this episode, of course we have to talk about how he convinced his fiancé that being on the trail before and after the wedding was a great idea, the difficulty of visiting home while thru hiking and the Sierra curve balls.
Snazzy, known off trail as Mike Stone, was also part of IB TAT’s late October PCT push to the border last year. So, of course, we have to talk about it. Along the way, we also get to reminisce about being a tent dweller, the Bend beer tour, the kindness of strangers and the Snazzy straw.
Head Trauma, known off trail as Caesar Sangalang, fell into thru hiking quite by accident. In New Zealand on a work visa, he was lured onto the Te Araroa. Okay maybe it was more of a “That sounds cool! Let’s do it!” kinda thing. Either way, in this episode we deep dive into the TA. With a few detours for pontoon party boats, 5 hour road walks and tea bag toilet paper.
Griz, known off trail as Grizel Williams, is a strong, fierce LatinX woman one trail away from completing her Triple Crown. She found in hiking a space to find herself. And in this episode, we talk about hiking with a dog, building a safe place for people to share their stories, creating a bridge between mental health, and hiking and the trekking pole ninja.
Cheer, known off trail as Carol Coyne, has 267 miles left to complete her thru hike of the PCT. Many things factored into her decision to leave trail and in this episode we talk about the “Whys”. How asking yourself the tough questions and being clear about what’s most important to you helps when you are facing the moment your hike could be over.
Arielle, known off trail as Arielle Shipe, was supposed to start the Pacific Crest Trail on April 30th. I spoke with her a few days before she was to have started. The reality of not being on the PCT was sinking in so this episode took a philosophical turn. We discuss the difficulty and challenges of the dream deferred, what the plans are now and sprinkled in a little gear talk for good measure.
Sling, known off trail as Aaron Owens Mayhew, decided to solve her mid-life crisis via the Pacific Crest Trail in 2017. Injury had other ideas and 300 miles in she stepped off the trail. Successful recovery invited her to jump to the Appalachian Trail… however jumping into the middle turned out to be a very bad idea. In this episode, we talk about her challenges on trail, how she applied her nutritionist background to the subject of trail food, van life and the creation of Backcountry Foodie.
Taco Salad, known off trail as Mari Johnson, came halfway around the world to take on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2019. She’s built her brand and youtube channel around travel and travel videos, so documenting her thru hike is a natural extension. In this episode, she talks trail names, overnight oats, a Sierra birthday party and the joys of Washington- the mice, the rain and the snow.
Tip Tap, known off trail as Elina Osborne, arrived at the Mexican Border a year ago almost to the day, faced north and started walking. 137 days later she tagged the Canadian border. She then made this little video… you might have seen it… ”It Is The People” that so perfectly captured the experience, it went a little viral. In this episode, we jump into the making of the video, finding your people, embracing the discomfort and the power of peanut butter.
Socks, known off trail as Sara Kruglinski, started 2018 with a plan to just hike a section of the Pacific Crest Trail during her vacation. Fast forward to feet on trail and everything changed. With both a NOBO and SOBO thru hike now under her belt, in this episode we talk about being clear on the goal of completing vs continuous footsteps, the joys of being a height challenged hiker, trail games to make the miles go by and safety islands.
Chris Smead co-directed a documentary called HIGHLINE, which follows the 10 day hike of five friends on the Highline Trail in the northern Utah mountains. Along with the hike, the film also reflects on each man’s personal journey as well as the history of the trail itself. In this episode, we discuss how the film came to be and the challenges of filming in such a remote location with crazy weather patterns and continuous high altitude. If you need a little solace from the off trail blues, the streaming release was yesterday, April 7th.
Rue, known off trail as Rue McKenrick, set out in July 2019 on the first scout for a new long trail. The American Perimeter Trail. He plans to finish back in Oregon in November 2020. In mid-February, I caught him in east Texas. In this episode we talk about the isolation and loneliness of being the first, the logistics of creating a trail, public land vs private land navigation and what he hopes this trail will become.
Archive, known off trail as Tiffany Chou, did a thru hikers version of social distancing when she SOBO hiked the PCT last year. And the speed and noise and people after trail took some getting used to. In this episode, we talk night hiking in the Sierras, fun with porcupines and rattlesnakes, carrying fears and regrets, and picking up lost miles.
Russell, known off trail as Russell Corfman, hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in 2018 at the age of 58. So I was very, very interested to hear how it went. In this episode, we talk about surviving on bars… all different types of bars, recovery on trail, feeling paralyzed after the trail between wanting the next trail and looking for a job and those beautiful random acts of kindness that go hand in hand with the trail community.
Catwoman, known off trail as Kim Morse, hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2018 with her significant
other, Turtle. In this episode we visit the pain of the mountains, dig into how they exited their city life
for the trail, staying healthy on trail, and the 46ers.
Airborne, known off trail as Jon Schwarze, started his thru hiking career with a yo-yo of the PCT. For 2020 he’s set his sights on the Greatest Western Loop. Yep, you heard that correctly. He’s adding a few extra miles to the Great Western Loop in order to complete 4 out of the 5 trails in the same year. In this episode we talk about severe calorie deficits, being the first through the Sierras, pushing your limits and resilience.
Brazilnut, known off trail as Elaine Bissonho, is starting her Triple Triple in 2020. Add to that the TA, Arizona Trail, Oregon Coast Trail as well as a yo-yo and FKT on the Great Divide Trail…to say she’s got some stories is an extreme understatement. In this episode we talk about resupply problems, umbrellas, the PCT in 66 days and the fear and doubt that kept her off the GDT for 5 years.
Survivor, known off trail as John Floyd, kicked off his thru hiking career in 2019 by selling his possessions to finance hiking the AT. He then jumped almost immediately to the TA. And has now come back to the states to start the PCT in April. He's fully embraced the thru hiking life. In this episode, we talk about building your own quilt, dig into the Te Araroa and discuss stove versus cold soaking.
Gilmore, though you might also have known her as Back Seat Driver, on the AT, is known off trail as Leisel Bailey.
She had completed the AT, JMT and Colorado Trail prior to starting the PCT this past year.
However that doesn’t mean she was totally prepared for what the trail threw at her. But a little luck, creative
thinking and staying present in the moment went a long way toward making it a successful hike.
In this episode we talk about flip flopping, pastries, poodle dog bush and how Oregon marked her.
Sketch, known off trail as Tricia Case, SOBO’d the Long Trail in 2019 to test whether the thru hiking life was for her. Apparently it was a success as she’s now planning to start the Appalachian Trail in February. In this episode we talk about lessons learned. Food preferences, sleeping around people, gear, being wet…and a little hiker lore.
Nomad & Rattles, known off trail as Tyler & Becca Goodman, completed their Triple Crown this summer as a couple. But it was not a straight path. Injury knocked them off the Appalachian Trail in 2018 and snow changed their NOBO into a SOBO on the Continental Divide Trail this summer... But also gave them the opportunity to finish their Appalachian Trail miles and take a Southwest road-trip. In this episode we talk about being flexible with your plans, hiking as a couple, how small the hiking community truly is and why its all about the people.
Nurse Betty, known off trail as Jaime Siebold, was part of the PCT class of 2013. To stay connected she section hikes, revisiting the Campo to Tehachapi section this past summer. In this episode we talk keeping your feet clean, how Northern Washington should never be underestimated in fall, why splitting up on the trail to hike your own hike is important and the business she started making reusable wipes to help give back to the trail.
IB TAT, known off trail as Jeff Oliver, found his sobriety in the mountains. His instagram handle SavedByMtns is quite literal and thru hiking has become his new drug of choice. This episode was recorded shortly after he came off the PCT in late October. So we of course talk about the conditions in the north Cascades that late in the year. And coffee is a must... if you've watched his vlog you'll understand.
Peanut, known off trail as Andrew Glenn, was fresh off the trail when we spoke and still processing his experience from this summer. He went big, connecting the CDT and Canada’s Great Divide Trail. A total of over 3,700 miles with the final 10 days hiked without seeing another person. So sit right back and you’ll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful hike. That started as a project and ended up capturing his heart.
Karma, known off trail as Nichole Young, thru hike of the AT in 2016 and attempt at the Mini Triple Crown in 2017 had to be coordinated around A LOT of life events. A very relatable problem. In this episode, we talk about being flexible & realistic about how those things inter-relate, how being a planned solo hiker mixes with finding a tramily on the first day, expectations vs reality and how she hopes her adventures will inspire her new daughter as she grows up.
Darth Jader, known off trail as Jade Cabrera, was one of the adventurers who took on the PCT in 2019. With her tramily, she walked, ran, glissaded and hitchhiked up the West Coast. In this episode we talk luxury items & mascara, post trail, leave no trace, The Sierras and stepping foot on the trail in the first place.
Andy, known off trail as Andy Kermode, hiked the Superior Hiking Trail this summer. 310 miles in 21 days. He didn’t quite get a trail name, but he’s all of us newbie thru hikers who wonder “Can I do this? Should I do a thru hike?” In this episode, he shares the lesson he learned about overall preventive care, the importance of the feet, things he would do differently and conversations with his wife so they were both on board this thru hike.
Hawaii, known off trail as Sarah Dramis, had never experienced mountains cause you know Florida and Hawaii aren’t known for them, before entering the Sierras on her PCT thru hike in 2015. As with most addictions, trail goals transformed from one into three and this year she completed her Triple Crown. In this episode, we talk about where the best star gazing on trail is, how some of her social media followers became trail angels and even fellow thru hikers and how social media can be a force for good in uniting thru hikers from around the globe.
Legend, known off trail as Jeff Garmire, took a break from college in 2011 to hike the PCT and figure out his life with gear that his family would bring on weekend hikes. A 50 pound pack and quite impressive list of just in case gear redundancies on his back, he was off to great places. Fast forward, he has since completed the Calendar Year Triple Crown and the Great Western Loop, as well as Fastest Known Times on a number of trails. In this episode, he shares the lessons he’s learned as well as a few of the misadventures.
Larry, known off trail as Lani Advokat, is back for another round. This time we dive into the post trail places. Post trail depression is a phrase we throw around; What does it really mean? What does it really look like? Feel like? She shares her experience coming back from the PCT and some lessons she learned that helped to smooth the transition. We also delve into developing a relationship on trail when you’re with someone 24/7.
Akuna (Akuna Matata), known off trail as Will Robinson, completed his Triple Crown this summer with the Continental Divide Trail, becoming the first African American Man to do so. In this episode, we go back to the beginning. To PTSD and extremely dark places. To WILD and Reese Witherspoon and Monster. To the Pacific Crest Trail in 2016 and new friends who found their way back to him on each of the trails. And a turning point in Kennedy Meadows' trail journal where he wrote “Today and from now on, I will be known as Akuna the Great”.
Starburst, known off-trail as Jennifer Mabus, solo hiked the PCT in 2018. In this episode, we talk about how and why she maintained her solo-ness on the trail, some challenges with altitude and purposefully facing fears even when (particularly when), a mountain lion seems to be following you.
Carrot, known off trail as Carrot Quinn, started this crazy adventure life with a thru hike of the PCT in 2013.
Since then she's taken another spin on the PCT, hit the CDT and Hayduke trails and completed a number of the shorter trails as well. In this episode we talk about the disordered eating that is long distance hiking, why she doesn't worry about the extra
weight of her luxury items anymore and cowboy camping with the bugs.
Crunchmaster, known off trail as Trevor Pyke, developed his love of hiking with his Grandfather section hiking the AT. In 2013 he picked up the pack again to thru hike the Appalachian Trail blogging so his Grandfather could follow his journey. He then fell in love with the Pacific Crest Trail… hiking it for the third time in 2019. In this episode we talk about how this year’s journey differed and the lengths he’ll now go for ultralight.
Quadzilla, known off trail as Jack Jones, transformed from gamer to thru hiker. In this episode we talk
about his adventures on the AT and CDT. Touch on how fun it is to pack a bike through the
Grand Canyon on the Arizona Trail. And for some reason we talk a lot about food; coconut milk powder
& rotisserie chicken, eggs & bacon, and how inspirational an all you can eat Thai lunch buffet can be.
Up & At Em, Pesky and Lost & Found, The Wander Women, are known off trail as Kristy, Annette & Lynn. They have been hiking together for years and this year decided to tackle the AT. Successfully I might add. In this episode we talk about the food they will never eat again, their notoriety in the Mom set and how staying in the moment, being joyful, makes the trail a never ending adventure. Be advised, you'll probably leave this episode thoroughly entertained and inspired to tackle a trail of your own.
Larry, known off trail as Lani Advokat, packed up her life and hit the PCT in 2017. The year of fire and ice. In this episode we talk about the simple act of deciding to get on the trail, struggles on trail which caused her to flip north and hike southbound in order to finish and how crucial it is to focus on the good... or get a little help from a friend to remind you.
Twerk, known off trail as Tommy Corey, having left the PCT in 2017 came back in 2018 to finish what he started. Around Wrightwood, he began posting this little thing called #HikerTrashVogue. In this episode, we talk how the photographs helped him finish the trail, mountain lions in camp and how completing the trail changed him.
The Prodigy, known off trail as Tyler Lau, caught the thru hiking bug in 2016 when he hiked the PCT. Or maybe it was earlier when he became part of the crews that do trail maintenance. I’ve talked to individuals who have done each of the trails & even some who’ve done all three. However, on December 29, 2018 he became the 10th person and first person of color to do all 3 in a single calendar year. I think his words sum it up best...“ in the end I tell people I just went for a really long walk.”
The Machine, known off trail as Joey Leen, was so excited to start the AT that he hiked 31 miles that first day. And so began the start of the adventure life. In this episode we talk food... and more food; Pizza buffets, and Hiker Pad Thai and other things you can mix peanut butter with. And let's not forget the story of how Maine kicked his ass!
Tough, known off trail as Sarah Williams, set out in 2017 to hike the Appalachian Trail in 100 days. Vlogging daily, she recorded honestly the entire journey - the glorious, the difficult and everything in-between. In this episode we talk about the many challenges - overcoming hiker hunger, staying on track when the miles don't seem to add up, remaining grateful... Just the little things!
Bolt, known off trail as Connor Pierce, hiked the AT to figure out what comes next after graduating with a philosophy degree. Little did he know, the meandering trail would be a perfect place to ponder....particularly when you start in early February. The suffering either breaks you or you find the funny and in this episode he relates where he found the funny.
Puff Puff, known off trail as Alex Mason, has been on a 4 year adventure. By the time Jukebox crossed her path on the AT in 2018, she had NOBO hiked the PCT then went back the next year in 2016 to SOBO the PCT. Jumped directly into a thru hike of the Te Araroa followed by cycling 81 days across Australia with a hop to Indonesia for another couple months of cycling. Her next adventure will be rowing across the Atlantic then Indian Oceans in 2020 supporting research into Parkinson’s Disease and PTSD. Get comfortable there’s a lot to talk about.
Balls, known off trail as Marek Bowers, started Rawlogy to find a super light weight, environmentally friendly source for recovery balls in order to relieve pain while in the wilderness. In this episode, we talk about ways rolling can help to keep you out on trail, what size ball works best for different things and hugging a tree. And if you #shareyourballs, Marek has a special treat for you.
Mr Fabulous, known off trail as Derick Lugo, went from never having hiked before to AT thru hiker in a matter of weeks. In this episode, he regales me with stories of the adventures and misadventures of walking from Georgia to Maine. And how these stories became his new book "The Unlikely Thru Hiker".
Grizzly, known off trail as Michael Ivey, comes to you from the side of the road outside Sierra City. Going the extra mile, literally, to get reception. In this episode, we talk about the challenges of the PCT this year. Focusing heavily on the Sierras, which he just completed, and what adjustments he made to accommodate for the conditions. Due to those conditions, deadlines now loom begging a conversation about staying flexible with your plans out there.
Nar Nar, known of trail as Kyle O'Grady, got a late start on the Appalachian Trail in 2018. We talk about the pressure to do the mileage and keep to a schedule. With a side trip for an instant coffee jones and hammocking the AT. Coming off the trail, he started the Trail Tales Podcast to stay connected to the trail community.
Scatman, known off trail as Craig Fowler, fulfilled a 30 year dream when he completed his Triple Crown in 2015. But that was just the beginning. Under the banner of his One of Seven Project, he then went on to complete the Bike Packing Triple Crown and is currently planning for a Calendar Year Triple Crown. In this episode we talk details... the planning, the mental, the miles.
And how you have to be open to what the trail is telling you.
In a change from the usual, Oats & Legs spoke with me on a recent zero day on the AT. Known off trail as Katie Houston & Nick Pavlot, they teamed up at Harper's Ferry after Legs' original tramily all left the trail. In this episode, we talk about their experience of the trail and how things have changed since they teamed up. We dig into food with Oats' fascination with dry oats and Legs waxes poetic about Outdoor Pantry meals. And this rumor about bears and rain.
Mr Shoes & Kanalkanut, known off trail as Scott & Aidan Durkin, did some deep father / son bonding during their 2017 thru hike of the AT. The perfect culmination of a multi-subject homeschooling project. Oh by the way, Aidan was 14 at the time! Logistical support provided by Moneypenny, aka Mom, back at home in England. During this episode everyone got to chime in with their perspective on the adventure.... and there's definitely some he said / he said / she said happening.
Slider, known off trail as Amy Hunsucker, traveled the Appalachian Trail in 2018 with the Northbound Horde... and a plastic trombone. In this episode she talks about thru hiking with the Horde and strategies they used to keep such a large group together. And why learning to "Embrace the suck" is crucial!!!
This episode continues my conversation with Jen & Suds, known off trail as Jen Collins & Jake Russell. We dig into adventures with North American wildlife, big and small, while also hitting on some decisions that apparently still need to be made.
Suds & Jen, known off trail as Jake Russell & Jen Collins, are approaching their SOBO hike of the PCT this summer from completely different perspectives. He's successfully hiked the Appalachian Trail, while this will be her first thru hike. In this episode, we highlight their differing concerns and preparation styles for the hike. Bet you can guess who the planner is.
Toby & Mcguire, known off trail as Toby, a chocolate lab mix, and Trisha Penrod, long ass section hiked 900 miles
of the AT, from New Jersey to Maine. In this episode, we talk about the joys and challenges of thru hiking with a dog.
And dive into what Toby's kit looked like and how she trained him to sleep in a hammock.
Cockblock Moses, known off trail as Clayton Barker, started his journey SOBO thru hiking the Appalachian Trail. And if it ain't broke...well you know the saying. He proceeded to SOBO the PCT and started the CDT SOBO, before deciding to come back another time. We dig into the most perfect thru hiking food group, cheese blocks, and whether it’s better to carry out 1 pound or 2. How SOBO is the more perfect thru hiking experience..and yes, he is ready for that debate. And how he earned his trail name.
Jukebox, known off trail as Devin Everett, started her thru hiking adventures on the Appalachian Trail in 2018. In this episode, she reminisces about hiking with lyme disease, crazy food cravings which inadvertently started a black market in Honey Stingers and stokes a bit of gear anxiety as she prepares for the PCT, which she literally started this first week of May. Say "HI" if you stumble upon her.
Chardonnay, known off trail as Elsye Walker, completed her Triple Crown in 2018 becoming the first African American Woman to do so. In this episode we talk about how her time on the trail became the entry to adventures of many shapes and sizes. We also delve into the dangers of getting locked into your pre-trail plans to the detriment of the overall experience.
In part two of my conversation with Spur, known off trail as Jake Carr, we dig into a little psychology. The amazing gift when you give yourself permission to try, the importance of diversity and representation on the trail... and the difficulty of transitioning back to real life after being a superhero for five months.
Spur, known off trail as Jake Carr, came to the AT with literally no previous thru hiking experience. Taking it one day at a time, he summited Katahdin five and a half months later. In this episode, we talk about the amazing adventure of it all, trail diversity and never forgetting the importance of practicing self love.
Songbird, known off trail as Caroline Kellough, took to the PCT with her boyfriend in 2018. This episode she digs into what she gave up to carry coffee, pondering the question “is it cold soaking or solar heating”...the age old trail question “Do dinosaurs have pancreases?” And how the trail broke her open.
LL Cool Juniper or LL for short, known off trail as Caitlin Olson, jumped on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2017 with her friend Indigo. Setting off with limited experience, they quickly got into the thru hiking routine... with daily coffee breaks. Almost getting renamed "too far away to help", she shares the story of how quickly things can change out there.
Semper Fi, known off trail as Andrew Blubaugh, completed his Triple Crown in 2001. In this episode, he takes a walk down memory lane with me. Even though it was almost 20 years ago, I bet it’s going to sound strangely familiar... except for the walkman.
Mama Lion, known off trail as Olivia Miller Bakke, tackled the Pacific Crest Trail in 2016 with her 9 year old son, Boone. When we first met, her indulging of my many questions about food and packs and clothes and all of the things that are the crazy incredible experience of thru hiking inspired this podcast. If you see them on the AT this summer, definitely say "Hi".
Beans, known off trail as Meg Davis, started her golden thru hiking adventures on the Pacific Crest Trail. Moving to the Continental Divide Trail, the bloom fell off the adventure. Others have mentioned her exploits... 89 miles without stopping, leaving the trail in Colorado... here she tells the story behind the story.
In part 2 of my conversation with Puma Salad, known off trail as Alfred Smith, we dig into the origins of his trail name and the all joys of cowboy camping. In a little reality check, he talks about what it means to take months off to hike and the scariness when the journey comes to an end... and you have to answer the question "what comes next".
Puma Salad, known off trail as Alfred Smith, first thru hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in 2016. Returning in 2018, a planned thru hike with his girlfriend became a spiritual journey of self reflection. In this episode we talk about that journey, the routines & systems of the trail & the importance of “safety meetings”. Just listen, you’ll get it.
Eleven, known off trail as Meredith Johnson, spent 10 years dreaming about thru hiking the Appalachian Trail. Embracing her inner bad ass, she stepped on the trail in 2018. One trail stumble..one surgery for a broken elbow...6 weeks of rehab and a burning desire to complete her thru hike, she successfully summitted Katahdin after 118 days. If you happen to see her on the Pacific Crest Trail this year, be sure to say "HI".
Oilcan, known off trail as Eddie Boyd, spent his senior year of high school prepping for his SOBO hike of the Appalachian Trail. Twenty-five miles in, he abandoned the trail. As you can probably guess, that's not the end of the story. In this episode, he talks about leaving then returning to the trail in the same year and subsequently completing his Triple Crown.
Today's episode is the continuation of my conversation with American Idol, known off the PCT as Gretel Scarlett. In this bonus episode, she discusses the dangers of following other people's footprints, her on-the-trail reality versus family at home perceptions and the delicate topic of hygiene on the trail.
American Idol, known off trail as Gretel Scarlett, is an actress, singer, dancer and successful Pacific Crest Trail thru hiker from Australia. During this episode, we discuss the unique challenges of being a SOBO PCT thru hiker, a woman and a non-American on the trail. And how a little DIY ingenuity to stay warm created the ‘Tyvek Burrito’.
Gretel’s trail stories and advice was so in-depth that we talked for an extended period of time, giving us two full episodes. Watch for the second part of my conversation with Gretel - Episode #8 American Idol aka Gretel Scarlett Continues.
Sheriff Woody, known off trail as Matt Berger, has made a career out of thru hiking since stepping on the AT in 2012. Having completed the Triple Crown, he admits there are some sections he wants to go back and pick up in order for it to feel truly finished. In this episode, he shares some great stories of animals, food and learning the hard way.
Whether you know him as Tin Man or Deep Doug, Douglas Hurdle has hiked over 7900 miles to complete his Triple Crown in 2017 and along the way discovered his passion for adventure photography. Having hiked both solo and in groups, during this episode he shared his perspective on the good and bad of both and their impact on trail finances.
Cheesebeard, known off trail as Josh Tippett, has styled his life around thru hiking since stepping on the Appalachian Trail in 2015. Upon completing the Continental Divide Trail in 2017, he became a Triple Crowner as well. Discovering his love of photography during the miles and months on the trails. In 2018, he and Oilcan, whom you will meet in a few weeks, collaborated to create and hike the Greater Yellowstone Traverse (GYT).
O.G. (or 'old gear' to the rest of us) is known off trail as Neal Hanlin (@hikerog). He currently works for a green coffee warehouse in Portland having completed his Triple Crown in 2017 by successfully SOBO hiking the Continental Divide Trail. Neal also has a deep background in gear , so we totally geek out during this episode.
J-Man, known off trail as Nick Johnson (@nickwenthiking) is a 1st Asst Director and self-described van living hiker person who has completed the John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails. If you hiked the PCT in 2018, you might have seen him in Southern California where he paid it back with a little trail magic.
Camel known off trail as Andy Laub (asithappens.tv) is a documentary filmmaker who has completed the Appalachian trail, Pacific Crest trail and most recently the Pacific North West trail, he has also started the Arizona trail, but for reasons we discuss on the podcast he hasn’t quite completed that one yet.
Introduction to the Hiking Thru Podcast. A little origin story of the inspiration behind this podcast and what you can expect.