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.
Read MoreAkuna (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”.
Read MoreStarburst, known off-trail as Jennifer Mabus, solo hiked the Pacific Crest Trail 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.
Read MoreQuadzilla, known off trail as Jack Jones, transformed from gamer to thru hiker. In this episode we talk about his adventures on the Appalachian Trail and Continental Divide Trail. 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.
Read MoreUp & 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.
Read MoreLarry, 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.
Read MoreTwerk, 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.
Read MoreThe 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.”
Read MoreThe 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!
Read MoreTough, 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!
Read MoreBolt, 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.
Read MorePuff 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.
Read MoreBalls, 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.
Read MoreMr 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".
Read MoreGrizzly, 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.
Read MoreNar 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.
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