Carrie and Molly welcome you to listen to this replay from their Wallowa series, which does indeed require a visit to the emergency department. Join in and hear how it all goes down!
The day begins with big mileage and cruisey trails, but things take a turn when climbing the Matterhorn. The sisters learn how to deal with mental fatigue and assess together when it is better to go on and when it is appropriate to stop. A member of the trio also suffers a medical issue leaving the group to give first aid and work through the issue together. In between there are also some fun stories and laughter!
Molly and Carrie invite you along on a replay of one of their favorite episodes from their “John Muir Trail” series. Travel southbound on the JMT with the sisters as they discuss their chronic tardiness, reminisce on a favorite water source, become inspired for a future hike, meet a trail friend, learn about VVR, and taste a new backpacking meal. We hope you enjoy the energy and laughs as we revisit a day from this epic adventure.
Buckle up for a different type of day in Wyoming’s Bighorn mountains. The sisters chat about mountain microclimates and considering weather conditions as they plan to cross Florence pass. But their plans go sideways when something unexpected occurs. Tune in as the proverbial s*** hits the fan… er, leg. As Carrie puts it, “In life, things don’t always go the way that you want. But with a good attitude, things can still go the best way they could’ve possibly gone.”
Carrie and Molly remark on their scenic campsite and hike along Lake Geneva, ascending towards Geneva pass. They compare the weather pattern of the Cloud Peak Wilderness with other high altitude trails. Molly provides words of advice regarding effort when hiking at elevation in Wyoming and beyond. Molly and Carrie detail some of their favorite scenery in this area of the Bighorn Mountains. The girls add on segment of trail and attempt a swim. They spot an unexpected animal and get their feet wet prior to setting up camp at Lake Solitude.
The sisters embark on Wyoming’s Solitude loop, exploring the Cloud Peak wilderness in the Big Horn Mountains. They provide some background and planning considerations for this moderate length trail. Carrie explains her reason for considering the Big Horns “our backyard.” The sisters discuss a particularly important consideration for this trail. Carrie’s words of advice include, “Don’t drive a Cadillac Deville to the trailhead.” The girls enjoy an evening hike. Carrie requests assistance solving a mystery. Set up camp at beautiful Lake Geneva. Are the Big Horns grizzly country? The sisters reveal a technique to help you sleep better in the tent.
Carrie and Molly welcome you on the finale of the Alpine Lakes High Route! Molly reveals the method she developed for icing her knees on trail. Rachel proposes a devils club dare! Learn why the trail got so dusty. Rachel battles back from a swollen body part. A bet is made and a surprise meet up occurs. A pop culture event takes the girls by surprise upon re entering society. Check out the Leavenworth Adventure Park’s signature feature.
Welcome to the third day hiking a beautiful Washington high route! Molly and Carrie discuss use of WAG bags in busy, fragile alpine environments. Carrie lets loose on this trip by wearing WHITE shoes. Molly describes the remarkable glacially carved terrain. The girls get to a “trail or creek bed” section. Carrie recounts what it is like to travel through the Necklace Valley. Molly smells the unmistakable scent of death…. or is she mistaken?
Join Carrie and Molly on their 100th podcast episode! The girls navigate the boulder fields from Chetwoot Lake to Iron Cap Lake. Carrie notes her interesting backpacking clothing choice. The sisters discuss their change in pace when navigating off trail. The girls reach the crux of their route. Thunder rumbles as they race to camp through more boulder fields and steep grades while admiring Washington’s beauty.
The girls set out from Big Heart Lake to experience all the alpine lakes high route has to offer. Molly gets outside her comfort zone while traveling off trail as route finding turns into a choice between two “bad” directions. The girls rest and use a creative way to stay cool at the beautiful Chetwoot lake. They begin the “choose your own adventure” of boulder field navigation. Rachel uses her superpower to spot cairns!
Molly, Carrie, and Rachel head into the heart of the alpine lakes wilderness. The sisters reveal the 2 pound item they will spurge and bring whenever they can. Carrie and Molly discuss considerations for hiking in hot weather. The girls are delighted by many ripe huckleberries. An injury occurs. Is Rachel’s trusty tent really indestructible?
Carrie, Molly, and Rachel are going to tackle the high route through the alpine lakes wildness in Washington! Hear about their planning considerations as they prepare for this gorgeous and challenging route. Before hitting the trail, the friends spend a night in an Airbnb and experience a series of strange events. Molly experiences a “mini spiral.” The girls think the trip may be in peril when they smell smoke.
We did it!!! Hike with Carrie and Molly as they complete their circumnavigation of Glacier Peak. Before making it back to the trailhead, they must scout for a spot to cross the Napeequa River. They experience less than pleasant conditions as they ascend Boulder Pass. The sisters decide to modify their itinerary. They hike on through the heat of the day, picking huckleberries and recapping Netflix shows. They talk post-trail routine when in the Washington Cascades and provide final thoughts on this long-awaited backpacking trip.
Carrie and Molly drop into the Napeequa Valley— and run into something unexpected. They must keep their eyes out for certain landmarks, allowing them to continue their path into this rarely visited and stunning location. Hear about the sights as they journey along the Napeequa and search for a crossing. For those who are willing to work for it, the Glacier Peak Wilderness does not disappoint!
Carrie and Molly begin the day with energy, as they enjoy swapping stories with a PCT hiker. The describe the vast beauty of the terrain east of Glacier Peak and provide ideas to explore there yourself. Have you seen Helmet Butte? Check out social media channels to see if you can spot the iconic butte! The sisters provide details on the scenery awaiting those who climb along Liberty Cap. Molly’s old fear of heights resurfaces. A concerning event happens while crossing a boulder field. The sisters climb a steep snow field and gain High Pass!
Carrie and Molly traverse wildflower meadows and befriend marmots as they continue north on the Pacific Crest Trail. They discuss differences in trail conditions based on weather and clamber through downed trees. Molly talks about one of her favorite spots along the trail and the sisters consider the best campsite based on the rodents in FarOut reviews. They encounter a discouraged hiker. Molly feels someone or something might be watching and chooses her method of self defense.
Carrie and Molly continue their trek through the Glacier Peak Wilderness, taking a pit stop at one of their favorite spots along the Pacific Crest trail. They make a decision on carrying water and descend through thickets and blow down on their way to Milk Creek. They encounter hiker who finds himself in a complex situation. They discuss PCT trail conditions this season in the Glacier Peak wilderness. Carrie reveals her “crazy girl delulu dream.” The sisters make an exciting discovery at camp.
Carrie and Molly embark on a big day traveling through the glacier peak wilderness on the pacific crest trail. They cross Kennedy creek’s glacial flow, muse over suspicions about Travis Decker, and meet challenges along the trail. The sisters discuss mindset during big climbs. Fire creek pass brings beautiful views and the sisters discuss the rugged terrain in this area of Washington.
Welcome back to the Glacier Peak Wilderness! The morning dawns bringing hope, uncertainty, and plenty of mosquitos. Learn one reason Carrie and Molly continue to share a tent, as well as a cat hole hack. As the girls hike, the trail brings many beautiful vistas, as well as a few specific physical challenges. Are you team downhill? Listen on to learn Molly and Carrie’s opinion. Carrie makes an unfortunate realization regarding mileage. Molly reads a message she wrote herself during a challenging time. Have you ever wished for a trampoline at the bottom of your doom spiral? Enjoy another day (up and downs included) on this dream hike!
The girls prepare to plunge into the unknown! After some uncertainty, they make it to the White River trailhead and experience the beauty only steps away. They offer their best tips for dealing with a brushy trail and sacrifice their bodies to mosquitoes. They relate the thing they were surprised to see in the valley. They talk about the profile of the trail and discuss the feeling of reaching the maintained Pacific Crest Trail after being on a trail you “find with your feet.” They offer a lesson all PCT hikers and recreators should be aware of when in the glacier peak wilderness. They comically consider the reason a campsite is called “reflection pond.” Join us on this majestic journey in some of the best backcountry in Washington!
Welcome to the Washington Cascades! Carrie and Molly are so excited to bring you along on their next adventure—the long awaited Glacier Peak circumnavigation! This episode lays the foundation for the entire epic hike around Washington’s most remote volcano. The girls provide a preview of the upcoming route, highlighting the distinct challenges they are about to encounter. They discuss considerations for what time of year to complete the circumnavigation and why they had to change their start date at the last minute.
The girl’s first trip to the Glacier Peak wilderness in 2021 was one of their most formative experiences as they built their backpacking skillset. They are thrilled to bring you back to one of their favorite places on earth.