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© Hiking Thru Podcast
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A weekly podcast in which I speak with experienced thru hikers about their stories from the trails and strategies for a successful thru hike.
122 Episodes
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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.
1Prometheus & 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 - #EmbraceTheAlternate2 – 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.
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I listened to 8 of Erin's podcast episodes during the past 2 days as I drove 1300 miles from Kansas City to Yellowstone. Throughly enjoyable, and I gained valuable insights to use as I prepare for my future hiking adventures. Big thanks to Erin for all the great work that has gone into this series.
really unique and interesting ep! just fyi, not sure if it's my internet/ the recording/connection of the call b/w you guys, but it cut out quite a bit on my end, though. :-(
dude. its soooooo quiet. cant hear on full volume in the street.
so he's not a triple crowner then
This is a great podcast. Speaking from someone who has/and appreciates walking long distances, the folks in this podcast are plenty informative. the interviewer does a great job asking questions too. If you find yourself in the thru hiking mindset oe hust curious, give it a listen