In this episode we discuss a recent trip to Shenandoah National Park where we came across two cool groups:
Climb4 and Latinos Outdoors.
This episode then discusses the pros and cons of hiking alone, with a partner, or in a group. There are certainly some good reasons for doing all three.
Here are the Gaia GPS tracks of our recent trip to SNP:
In this episode our fearless host recounts the various sections he and his colleagues have hiked between Duncannan, PA through the Leigh River Water Gap... which he realizes, had he taken a few more minutes to review the map is 37 miles away from the Delaware River Water Gap and the border with New Jersey... Sigh.
Gaia GPS Links to our hikes:
Duncannan to Clarks Ferry Shelter
Clarks Ferry Shelter to PA 325
Port Clinton to Windsor Furnace
The episode in which our protagonist hikes south from Harpers Ferry, WVA to Lindon, VA. Its a beautiful hike, except, in his hubris he makes several mistakes... what are they? Listen and find out!
In this adventure our congested narrator describes his time on the trail in Maryland on the Appalacian Trail. He has some words about people who can't control their dogs and some other stories of people just trying to go on a hike. Maryland is a great place to hike, whether its a start or a section.
Section Hiking the Appalachian Trails is sponsored by Hudson Pines: your gateway to the Adirondacks! Reserve your site at https://www.camphudsonpines.com.
Honestly it had been so long since I had hiked through the southern part of the Shendandoah National Park that I couldn't recall all that needed to be recalled. So I grabbed my friend Alex and hiked it again. We did it in 3 days, rather than 4. But there were some lessons learned... which you'll hear. Of course, you will also hear me stammer as I try to explain, but don't, why Coke products are better than Pepsi. Perhaps if Coke were to sponsor this I could do a better job but they don't. I know both are bad for you but to be truthful, I have made an arbitrary choice and go with Coke. I actually think it is because it isn't as sweet as Pepsi. But I digress.
Hope you will check out our new sponsor, Camp Hudson Pines at www.camphudsonpines.com
So what happened to Stephen? Was he injured? Was he able to continue? Did the rest of us stick on the trail? What happens? We are about to find out!
Do you feel ripped off by endless sequels? So do I, but it didn't stop our intrepid hikers from leaving the episode on a cliff hanger! What cliffhanger is possible you ask on a hiking trip from point A to point B? You will have to listen to find out.
We talk about falls, poop, owls, poison ivy, the gamut. Everything you never knew you needed in a podcast episode about the AT in Georgia.
Also, here are the names of the shuttle guys and gals and their contact information if you want to find a ride... we needed to get off trail and these folks all answered the call early in the morning. Listen to find out more.
Gracie "RU" Class of 16 - 813-294-6994
Ron Brown - 706-669-0919
Shuttle Charlie - 706-897-2338
Shuttle Brett - 404-569-8776
Shuttle Jeff Moon - 706-994-2307
These guys are the best.
FINAL NOTE: I chose not to edit this episode. Probably going to sound sort of wonky. Apologies for this, except to say, its getting late, I got to get to work in the morning but wanted to get this out. We'll talk again soon!
Jon talks about being ready to tackle the GA portion of the Appalachian Trail.
In this latest update of our intrepid section hiker we talk about his planning efforts for his trip to GA in May, his recent shake down/section hike in PA, and an effort to keep his feet from falling apart so he can keep hiking!
Catching up on previous trips, Jon explains what happens when he leaves the confines of Big Meadows state park and heads south to Swift Gap.
Along the way there's some beautiful terrain, albeit not all that difficult. Along the way we learn about the 53 cemeteries in the park and we talk about the history of the Lewis Mountain Campground.
For more information about the formation of the Lewis Mountain Campground, you can look at the following sites:
Shenandoah for idea to reality
Previous Secretaries of the Department of Interior
Segregation and Desegregation at Shenandoah National Park
Memo to Secretary of Interior Stating that facilities in the Park need to be equal among the races
In this episode Jon describes what happened to him in 2021, gives an overview of the trips he was able to take, and some of the ways life got in the way of his broader hiking.
He also talks about some of the new gear additions he had, including a Sea To Summit sleeping bag liner, a new Hammock Gear Wunderluxe set up, and he talks briefly about how Merrell hiking shoes failed him, although he doesn't go into how much he loves his Altra Timp2s.
Finally, after reviewing those who listen to this podcast, he gives a shoutout to those listeners in countries like the Baltic States, Belarus, Hong Kong and other countries who are on the periphery of Russia and China in these times of challenges -- where those two countries are seeking to restore spheres of power over these smaller countries and hinder national autonomy and undermine the rule of law.
Some links based on the discussion (note: we do not get sponsored by any of these companies and don't make any money off of you clicking these links. We just like this stuff!)
Sea to Summit Reactor Extreme Sleeping Bag Liner
Washington Nationals dumped their team
The Roller Coaster is a hard bit of trail y'all!
Happy hiking everyone!
In the which we determine whether it is better to proceed quick in order to eat what is considered a good meal and whether rolling one's ankle should keep our hiker from pursuing his quest.
In the which our intrepid hiker relearns the wonders of ibuprofen, enjoys a coke and wanders up and down the hills to bird's nest #3. He meets some retirees who explain to him that the hiking he thinks is somewhat challenging is nothing compared to southern VA... The weather was also beautiful and the forest glorious to behold.
In this protein of our adventure, our backpacker leaves the bear infested area of Compton Gap and hikes his way up and over several areas of Shenandoah National Park to Matthew Arms campground. We also learn that his dinner of dehydrated yams was gross and what to do for shock.
In the which our erstwhile explorer begins a multi-way trip through the Shenandoah National Park as he heads southbound on the Appalachian Trail and has adventures along the way. Plus, he may have come across a bear at night, which was not an experience he had hoped for along the way.
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Wherein our intrepid adventurers take a 15 mile overnight jaunt from the middle of now where to a beautiful state park and then tell you about it.
An article on the types of animals you may find along the AT is here!
Today we discuss the southern most section in Pennsylvania as we leave this fair state for Maryland. It's a great long hike, that is heavily wooded.
Also, we answer a question about how to get started backpacking! Give it a listen.
After a hiatus, the erstwhile host of this podcast begins again, like the newest version of Batman or Spiderman or Pride and Prejudice (if that's your jam). The podcast is going to be focused on presenting useful information for the listener about the trail itself and not be a prep for someone like me whose figuring out how to hike it... gonna be the best. time. ever!
In this episode, our intrepid host comments on a recent Supreme Court case involving the Appalachian Trail and whether the Forest Service (rather than the National Parks Service) is allowed to issue permits for a natural gas pipeline that crosses the trail.
Also, in the absence of Major League Baseball, our host looks back at how awful color commentary is for major league sporting events!
For those who want to read and listen to the actual Supreme Court case: Cowpasture et al v U.S. Forest Service, you can read/listen to your hearts content here, here, and here.
Take care!
In the which our host ends the first season of this podcast. He concedes temporary defeat by COVID-19 and works towards preparing himself for future hikes after the pandemic passes. In the meantime there's lots to prepare for future endeavors -- this should be fun!