Episodes
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In this episode of Walking Distance presented by The Trek and hosted by Blissful Hiker (Alison Young), we are joined by Tamra Neblett-Hemmila, a 28-year-old long distance backpacker from Saint Paul, Minnesota. Tamra also happens to be black, Latina and Muslim; she was quite visible on the CDT this past season, practicing her faith by wearing a sport hijab on trail. If she seemed “uncommon” on the trail, her story is universal to hikers.
Blissful Hiker covers how Tamra practiced her faith on trail, trail magic on the CDT, and the emotions and practicalities of quitting a long distance trail.
Garage Grown Gear discount code: Use code “distance10” to save 10% at garagegrowngear.com.
Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code “walkingdistance” to save 15% off your cart at GossamerGear.com.
Interview with Tamra Neblett-Hemilla
2:48 - Where was your winter shakedown hike for the CDT and what was it like?
3:54 - You mentioned your husband Eli, and we actually met through him. He mentioned his wife was hiking the CDT alone; why did you go alone and how did that effect your relationship dynamic?
5:34 - Did you take a Garmin In-Reach and check in with Eli that way?
6:00 - So you’re in contact every day, but you’re still alone out there. And the CDT is probably the most difficult long trail in the U.S.; why did you start there?
6:49 - Do you have a trail name? And how did you get the name?
8:00 - Did you make your own meals for yourself before you jumped into the trail?
8:35 - I did see a recipe on your Facebook, a tuna hot dish. So Minnesota! What’s in it?
9:12 - So, Tamra, you are black, Latina, and Muslim. Did you meet many people that looked like you on trail?
9:58 - So you did wear a hijab, a sport hijab on trail. I’m curious about that, where did you get yours?
10:30 - For those of us who aren’t knowledgeable, what is the purpose and importance of the hijab in the Muslim faith?
11:33 - How did your hijab fit on your head and how did it feel?
12:10 - What else did you wear on your hike?
12:42 - Do you think there are misconceptions about Muslim women being athletic? Did you find in your faith that there’s a resistance to women being athletic or being alone in the outdoors?
14:31 - What were the reactions from people you met and other hikers?
16:00 - So you mentioned timing your breaks for prayer every day. Did you take a prayer rug? And did you need to orient yourself towards Mecca every time?
16:43 - I’m curious about how it felt to pray every day outdoors; did you feel like it was more intentional or more intense for you?
19:42 - I wanted to go back to your hike experience and what your favorite parts were. What was your experience of New Mexico?
21:37- You mentioned the Gila River, and I believe that’s where you met someone who I met on the PCT, Crazy Eyes? And he offered you this type of trail magic that only happens from one hiker to another, what was that like?
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In this episode of Walking Distance presented by The Trek and hosted by Blissful Hiker (Alison Young), we are joined by Tom Smith, a professor of wildlife sciences at Brigham Young University in Utah. Initially Smith’s research specialities included bighorn sheep and caribou, but when he began working at Katmai National Park in Southwest Alaska, he shifted to studying the most common animal there: bears. In the last 20 years, Smith has conducted research in Alaska, India, and in bear country in the lower 48 states.
Blissful Hiker covers why it’s important to have bear deterrent, rules of thumb about making noise while on the trail, methods to bear-proof a campsite, and explains what conventional bear wisdom still holds true.
Garage Grown Gear discount code: Use code “distance10” to save 10% at garagegrowngear.com.
Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code “walkingdistance” to save 15% off your cart at GossamerGear.com.
Interview with Tom Smith
2:00 - Introduction to ‘bear country’ and Tom Smith
3:42 - What are your thoughts on Timothy Treadwell, and his involvement in Katmai National Park with bear environmentalism?
5:12 - Our podcast is for hikers and backpackers, and to help people feel safe and capable outdoors. One thing you’ve already mentioned is bear deterrent, so could you break down what bear spray is and how to use it best?
9:00 - I’ve read articles about people spraying bear spray around their tent, which is definitely not the correct use. Is there data on that?
12:00 - Does bear spray train bears to stay away from humans? Is there any data that bears might associate the pain of bear spray with humans if they experience it?
12:50 - I’m a bit embarrassed to share this story, but last July I was in Glacier National Park, and I hiked alone at dawn in bear country. I didn’t see any bears, but I was playing with fire, wouldn’t you say?
17:22 - Glacier rangers told me that bears are curious, and that bear bells and some other noises like singing might actually attract them. What do you know about that?
19:32 - People who go on long distance trails, for instance I was on the Continental Divide Trail, often hike alone. I wonder if there’s a rule of thumb about making noise if you’re alone and you want to ward bears off?
22:24 - You said something really interesting, that in Yellowstone or Glacier the bears are more aggressive than on the coastline of Alaska, for instance. Why is that?
26:53 - We’ve spoken a lot about food storage on Walking Distance, from cooking and eating away from where you camp, using a bear can, and pack away smelly items. But you’ve mentioned other things that aren’t as obvious, such as not using very smelly shampoo, and that gas canisters can attract bears.
33:47 - Let’s shift to bear encounters; as you’ve said, most bears are risk averse, and they don’t want to fight with us. But in the rare instance that a bear is charging you, what do you do?
36:50 - How do you bear-proof a campsite?
39:40 - Would you even use your bear-proofing methods in Montana?
41:40 - The most s
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Missing episodes?
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In this episode of Walking Distance presented by The Trek and hosted by Blissful Hiker (Alison Young), we are joined by Cindy Ross, a Triple-Crowner, writer, artist and speaker, and Travis Johnston, a Triple-Crowner and veteran. Cindy Ross has authored books about her own adventures on the trail, but her newest, Walking Toward Peace, highlights 25 veterans and their stories of the trail. Cindy and her husband run a nonprofit called River House PA that helps veterans suffering from trauma. Travis is a veteran who became a Triple-Crowner after serving in Afghanistan, starting with hiking the Appalachian Trail in the memory of Zach Adamson, his friend and assistant gunner.
Blissful Hiker covers the stories of veterans in Cindy’s book Walking Toward Peace, Travis’s experience hiking as a veteran, and how healing the outdoors can be.
Garage Grown Gear discount code: Use code “distance10” to save 10% at garagegrowngear.com.
Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code “walkingdistance” to save 15% off your cart at GossamerGear.com.
Interview with Cindy Ross
1:38 - Background on Cindy Ross
2:50 - How did you get started in working with veterans outdoors?
3:57 - How did you go about chronicling the stories of these veterans?
4:45 - Was trusting each other an issue?
6:40 - You introduce several ideas in the book Walking Toward Peace, from veterans about hyper-engagement while walking trails in particular. Can you talk about that?
8:20 - In the book you introduce us one by one to these people using the trails, and one person is Earl Shaffer, the first person to hike the AT, who made mindfulness a thing before it was a thing. One thing you talk about that I found interesting, is that people go outdoors to heal and accept the past, not to forget.
9:50 - I also found Eileen’s story interesting in your book. She didn’t need to get away from her combat experience necessarily, she needed to recreate the sense of being focused and purposeful. I found that surprising, that she needed the trail for some type of reason to be.
11:17 - I know I’ve quoted you saying that “the puzzle pieces don’t fit coming back,” as after doing two thru-hikes, I know I’ve felt very strange coming home, like everything else has stayed the same, but you’ve changed.
11:38 - You bring up the idea that nature instills awe in us, in a manner that disallows arrogance and entitlement. Do you think that kind of awe helps vets who are suffering from PTSD or guilt?
13:19 - How have the vets changed you and your attitude towards trails?
Interview with Travis Johnston
17:45 - Background on Travis Johnston
18:26 - Can you talk about Zach Adamson?
21:33 - You said there are differences between military veterans and thru-hikers, in what ways?
22:30 - Would you say it was the people you met that led you to hike the Appalachian Trail y
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In this episode of Walking Distance presented by The Trek and hosted by Blissful Hiker (Alison Young), we are joined by Dan Purdy, a professional backpacking guide for Wildland Trekking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and Ali Carr, an outdoor adventure writer and founder and CEO of Basecamp, an outdoor job organization.. Dan traded in his engineering desk job for a career in guiding backpacking trips in 2018, starting by volunteering in Norway through a Workaway position. Ali started the group Basecamp, which now has over 20 thousand members, and is also the co-host of the podcast Outdoor Dream Jobs.
Blissful Hiker covers how Dan transitioned from engineer to backpacking guide, the different types of positions that are encompassed by the outdoor industry, and gets practical tips on how to break into the industry.
Garage Grown Gear discount code: Use code “distance10” to save 10% at garagegrowngear.com.
Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code “walkingdistance” to save 15% off your cart at GossamerGear.com.
Interview with Dan Purdy
1:30 - Background on Dan Purdy
2:50 - How did you get started in the industry when you were in Norway?
4:15 - Talk about that first trip you shadow guided. That was when you realized your passion, right?
6:43 - You mention a lot that you’re very new not just to guiding, but to being in the outdoors. A lot of people want to know how to get a job as a guide, and I didn’t know that the guiding field is very competitive. Did you know that when you started?
8:09 - What’s your favorite part of the profession? And what are the most difficult parts?
9:45 - On a guided hike in Peru, I was amazed that our guide was never in a bad mood, always caring and present. But I’m sure that he has bad moods, because he’s a human being.
11:30 - I was going to ask you about your tips on how to write a resume and get into the profession. But maybe a more important question for people hoping to be guides is if they have the persona and temperament for it?
14:00 - One certification you mentioned is WEMT (Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician), and that sounds really involved and expensive. Can you talk about certifications and how important they are?
15:45 - Do you have tips for folks writing resumes for outdoor jobs?
Interview with Ali Carr
20:00 - What is Basecamp?
20:36 - How did you get interested in starting this networking hub?
21:40 - Is finding a job in the outdoor industry different from finding a job in any other industry?
23:56 - I noticed that people put their candidacy on the Facebook group. How does that work?
25:52 - This podcast is supporting backpackers and hikers and walkers. So I wanted to do this episode because lots of our audience would love to work in the outdoors. But the outdoor industry needs people in all places, so you need to think outside the box in terms of what it means to work in the industry.
28:09 - What are some of the most interesting positions you’ve seen come through Basecamp recently?
29:17 - W
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In this episode of Walking Distance presented by The Trek and hosted by Blissful Hiker (Alison Young), we are joined by Rebecca Olson, a team leader volunteer with King County Search and Rescue in Washington State, and Steve McClure, a board member of The Mountaineers, an alpine club and nonprofit in Seattle. The Mountaineers, founded in 1906, has trademarked the 10 Essentials and offers a book that’s called the ‘bible’ of mountaineering.
Blissful Hiker covers how to use search and rescue services if needed, the 10 essentials and how to plan a hike, plus in depth gear recommendations that cover the 10 essentials.
Garage Grown Gear discount code: Use code “distance10” to save 10% at garagegrowngear.com.
Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code “walkingdistance” to save 15% off your cart at GossamerGear.com.
Interview with Rebecca Olson
0:59 - Introduction to Rebecca Olson
2:44 - What happened in your own ski accident that led to you becoming a search and rescue team leader?
4:20 - I imagine that most of our listeners know what search and rescue (SAR) is, but can you describe what you do?
5:10 - This is important to understand for hikers, to imagine that the person coming to rescue you is walking to you, so it takes some time.
6:18 - What are the majority of problems that you receive?
7:20 - Do you have any search and rescues that stand out to you?
8:40 - That should teach us to make sure we have the 10 essentials anytime we go out, and to ask ourselves “could I spend the night?” because most of us don’t do that.
10:40 - These two people sound very lucky, and made the good decision to hunker down when the found a good spot. But you also do recovery, if you need to transport someone who has died in the backcountry. What is that like?
12:23 - Is doing recovery hard on you?
13:08 - You mentioned two situations where people pushed themselves too far or didn’t have the right gear, but accidents do happen. What should you do if you find yourself in a dangerous situation outdoors or have an accident?
14:55 - What are some of the key things that people have done that led to their survival, in your experience?
17:04 - During COVID, there has been an increase of use in the backcountry, especially people that aren’t as experienced. You said there has been an increase in calls during these past two years. Do you think there’s a responsibility of hikers to not call if they really don’t have to?
18:45 - Rebecca Olson’s top tips for avoiding rescue or surviving in the backcountry.
Interview with Steve McClure
20:00 - Steve McClure reads The Mountaineers 10 Essentials Limerick
21:35 - Background on the 10 Essentials
22:55 - Paradoxically, taking everything you need to be safe and comfortable in case of emergency can lead to injury. The trick is to balance the load to be able to travel quickly, but still have the essentials.
23:50 - You refer to the 10 essentials as the sacred scrolls for mountaineers. You did a pop qui
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In this episode of Walking Distance presented by The Trek and hosted by Blissful Hiker (Alison Young), we are joined by Shalin Desai, a Triple Crowner and Vice President of Advancement at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), and Aer Parris, a 2015 PCT thru-hiker who identifies as queer and gender neutral. Desai is also the first person of South Asian descent to become a Triple Crowner, and he also identifies as queer. After their 2015 thru-hike, Parris began blogging for REI, often writing about inclusivity on the trail and advocating for marginalized communities hoping to fit in in the outdoors.
Blissful Hiker covers recent efforts for diversity, equity and inclusion, if marginalized communities need advocacy to get outdoors, and how different identities impact hikers on the trail.
Garage Grown Gear discount code: Use code “distance10” to save 10% at garagegrowngear.com.
Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code “walkingdistance” to save 15% off your cart at GossamerGear.com.
Interview with Shalin Desai
0:56 - Trail experiences are infinite, because they’re all so personal. I was never looking to find a ‘tribe’ or have my identity acknowledged, but for the trail community to let me have my trail experience.
1:50 - More about Shalin Desai
3:20 - How were you introduced to the outdoors?
4:46 - You identify as a queer man. How did you find your trail family, or how did you find your chosen family before hitting the trail?
5:44 - Did you ever have any encounters on your thru-hikes that were disturbing?
8:29 - I wanted to ask you about the affinity groups. You’re the first person to introduce the idea of affinity groups for the ATC. Why is it important and how does it work?
12:15 - Is it a concern though that affinity groups might further prejudice and fear of the “other”?
13:00 - Diversity, equity and inclusion - every company and organization talks about these words. What do you think are the biggest hurdles as far as trails and the outdoors now?
Interview with Aer Parris
17:40 - Aer Parris’ take on fitting in on trail and how to be more inclusive is a bit different. They discovered that it’s less about changing how we speak to people who are marginalized, and more about how we understand them.
19:26 - Aer Parris started their 2015 thru-hike articulating their identity.
20:30 - What does it mean to be visibly queer on trail?
22:05 - Was the reason you tried to ‘pass’ as cis on the trail because of safety concerns?
23:10 - Did you ever have any experiences that you considered dangerous or disturbing?
23:25 - Your tagline is “Words have the power to change the world. I use mine for forces of good. Sincere, sometimes snarky.” What do those words mean to you?
25:30 - Tell me about your advocacy journalism for REI; it’s called Uncommon Path. Do you choose your own topics, and what’s the most important to you?
26:30 - Why do you feel that marginalized communities need advocacy to enjoy the outdoors?
28:50
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In this episode of Walking Distance presented by The Trek and hosted by Blissful Hiker (Alison Young), we are joined by Sophia Garber, a 24-year-old Appalachian Trail thru-hiker and vlogger, and Second Chance Hiker, aka Cory. Every morning Sophia writes “be the sunshine” with sharpie on her arm, a phrase that comes from her friend Cristal; she met Cristal working at the Ulman House, a nonprofit for young adults with cancer. Her mantra reminds her to find meaning and joy in things that can be dark; Sophia has dedicated her hike to Cristal’s memory.
Cory, Second Chance Hiker, started hiking the Pacific Crest Trail to lose weight after being inspired by Jessica Mills, better known as Dixie on Youtube. Originally, Cory didn’t want to share his story until he lost weight, but his vlogs became very successful. Since his PCT hike, Cory has hiked the Velebit Mountain Range in Croatia as well as the most difficult portion of Florida Trail through the swamps.
Blissful Hiker covers the logistics of vlogging while hiking, how the internet influences the hiking experience, both positively and negatively, and being vulnerable online.
Garage Grown Gear discount code: Use code “distance10” to save 10% at garagegrowngear.com.
Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code “walkingdistance” to save 15% off your cart at GossamerGear.com.
Walking Distance is sponsored by John Reamer and Associates. Go to www.johnreamer.com to learn more.
Interview with Sophia Garber
1:00 - Introduction to Sophia
2:25 - Where did “be the sunshine” come from, and who is Cristal?
3:30 - Why did you decide to be a vlogger?
5:50 - How has social media and YouTube impacted your hike?
7:02 - You’re putting yourself out there and you’re completely public on YouTube. Do you ever have second thoughts about putting your experience into the public forum?
8:30 - How do you balance being in the moment during your hike and bringing people along for the ride?
9:37 - What’s your editing process? You do take your time and add music, what’s that like?
10:28 - You had to stop vlogging for a few days because you got injured and it was raining, and you said you were sad. How do you approach sharing your feelings on the vlog?
13:20 - It seems that you don’t want to vlog just to show the trail, but you want to show what’s beyond the trail. What do you want viewers to get out of the vlog?
Interview with Second Chance Hiker/Cory
15:42 - What’s it like to be a public figure on the trail?
17:30 - Introduction to Second Chance Hiker
19:05 - Who do you envision talking to while you’re vlogging?
19:45 - It seems like a large jump, coming from being isolated with few friends to having so many followers on social media. How did you cope with that change?
20:45 - It’s amazing that you have a good support system with your ex-wife and your family. I imagine she also emotionally supported you through you
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In this episode of Walking Distance presented by The Trek and hosted by Blissful Hiker (Alison Young), we are joined by Gabe Joyes, an ultramarathoner and sponsored athlete, and Ryan Ghelfi, an ultramarathoner and endurance athlete coach. Joyes lives in Lander, Wyoming, near the Wind River Range, and nabbed the FKT (Fastest Known Time) for the Wind River High Route last September, completing it in 47 hours. Ghelfi has several FKTs under his belt and owns the company Wilderness Fastpacking in Ashland, Oregon.
Blissful Hiker covers what FKT and fastpacking means, the physical endurance as well as mental challenges both entail, and how backpackers can incorporate faster movement into their trips if they choose.
Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code “walkingdistance” to save 15% off your cart at GossamerGear.com.
Walking Distance is sponsored by John Reamer and Associates. Go to www.johnreamer.com to learn more.
Interview with Gabe Joyes
1:02 - Running isn't just intense exercise, it’s also a great way to cover distance and see terrain.
1:40 - Introduction to FKT (Fastest Known Time) and the Wind River High Route
3:45 - Joyes considered himself a hiker and backpacker before he considered himself a runner; ample time became more of an issue later in life, so he decided to run.
4:40 - How do you choose gear? What about traction?
6:49 - You mention that you have a watch to track your progress, but you have no support out there. It’s a pretty dangerous route to be out there completely isolated, don’t you think?
7:41 - Is part of the FKT not having support, not even having someone running with you?
8:04 - You scouted the route and knew where you were going, but did the route change because of snow from the first time you were there?
9:22 - You had a full moon, and that’s incredible that you timed it just right to have that. But you still have to run at night, what’s that like?
10:10 - Do you miss seeing the views as they are during the day?
10:42 - It’s not just a physical challenge, not being able to stop if you want to beat the record, but a mental challenge of always needing to be focused on where you are and the route. That must be exhausting.
11:52 - You talked a bit about hallucinations; on the trail once I asked another hiker if they heard the loud country music, and they replied that it was a waterfall! Had you experienced that before?
12:45 - You have quite the diary from your two days, and I’m wondering how you remember every step on the route. Do you listen to anything while you’re running?
13:32 - As a backpacker, I have always had a “problem” with FKTs in trying to determine what the point of them are? I didn’t want to ask it that obnoxiously, but maybe I should, what is the point for you?
Interview with Ryan Ghelfi
16:56 - What is fastpacking?
18:40 - Introduction to fastpacking
19:36 - What’s the difference between f
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In this episode of Walking Distance presented by The Trek and hosted by Blissful Hiker (Alison Young), we are joined by Andrew Skurka, one of the best traveled and fastest hikers on the planet, and a National Geographic and Outside Magazine Adventurer of the Year. Skurka has hiked enormous distances, including 4700 miles on the Alaska-Yukon expedition, 6900 miles on the Great Western Loop. and 7700 miles on the Sea-to-Sea route. As a result of his travels, Skurka has developed a system for fast and light backpacking, with a kit weighing under 10 pounds; he’s also the author of The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide: Tools and Tips to Hit the Trail.
Blissful Hiker covers the phrase “Hike Your Own Hike,” how to protect food from bears while backpacking, and how to develop navigation skills for the trail.
Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code “walkingdistance” to save 15% off your cart at GossamerGear.com.
Walking Distance is sponsored by John Reamer and Associates. Go to www.johnreamer.com to learn more.
Interview with Andrew Skurka
0:59 - What does Hike Your Own Hike mean?
3:00 - Should you always Hike Your Own Hike? Is there actually a right and wrong way to backpack?
6:24 - Why did the idea of a right way and wrong way to backpack stir things up with some people?
8:40 - In your blog you wrote that “Backpackers should have gear, supplies, and skills that are appropriate for their trip objective and the conditions,” which is pretty obvious. You’re teaching a course on planning, which I struggle with, and I’d like to know why and how you’re doing it.
11:20 - I have a precursory understanding of trail conditions and researching this, and I find myself in unexpected weather. But you’re actually fine tuning that research to plan your trips.
14:10 - I am about to do the Continental Divide Trail, and I’ve been researching how to protect food from bears. You wrote something about that a while ago too, what’s your perspective?
18:15 - Andrew Skurka has huge miles under his belt from hiking and running. He owns a company that guides people through their own adventures; Andrew says that leading others has informed his own trips.
20:04 - Making the leap from roaming off trail and building orienteering skills is daunting for most of us, but Andrew has experience with navigating off trail. What is route finding and how do you do it?
23:03 - While hiking in Africa, we had to route-find in order to get where we needed to go. I found it interesting that European hikers were much more comfortable with a map and compass than the Americans. You spoke earlier about Guthook; do you think it would be better if everyone used maps and compasses?
25:50 - There’s a lot of discussion about people not using paper maps at all, especially during thru-hikes. Most people argue that paper maps are heavy and it’s easier to use Guthook. What’s your perspective?
28:50 - How do you print your maps?
31:30 - Going back to your clients, what was
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In this episode of Walking Distance presented by The Trek and hosted by Blissful Hiker (Alison Young), we are joined by Janet Hensley, a trail angel on the Appalachian Trail known as Miss Janet, plus Rob Firmin and George Mills, a couple living in Whanganui, close to New Zealand’s long distance trail, Te Araroa. Miss Janet’s relationship to the AT started when she lived in Erwin, Tennessee close to the trail; she hosted over 10,000 hikers at her hostel before she was eventually drawn to the road, continuing her service with what she calls a “hostel in a box.” Blissful Hiker shares how Rob and George welcome international hikers, and her personal experience with Rob and George while hiking the Te Araroa trail.
Blissful Hiker covers the emotional bonds of friendship between hikers and trail angels, how experiencing trail magic can change people, how Whakatau – a Maori welcome in New Zealand, welcomes foreign people to the country.
Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code “walkingdistance” to save 15% off your cart at GossamerGear.com.
Walking Distance is sponsored by John Reamer and Associates. Go to www.johnreamer.com to learn more.
Interview with Janet Hensley
1:31 - Janet Hensley is known as Miss Janet to thru hikers on the Appalachian Trail, and her white van covered with bumper stickers is known as the Bounce Box.
2:40 - Because Miss Janet follows the hikers north throughout the whole hiking season, her trail magic is a special case for thru-hikers who may see her more than once on their journey.
3:48 - I remember putting together bounce boxes for my hikes, and would have trouble finding where to send it to. You’ve put together a different system for some people, and they get to know you. What are some stories you have?
4:45 - Miss Janet tells the story of a young women who perseveres after being abandoned by her hiking companion and gaining the help of some trail angels to make her a prepared hiker.
7:45 - You speak about many of these people as if they’re your kids, or your family. How do you feel about it?
8:53 - I wonder if hikers change after they meet you? Do they become more generous and want to help others?
12:15 - The trail allows for a bit of a level playing field and convergence of diversity, and the trail makes people stronger just by the challenges they overcome along the way.
Interview with Rob Firmin and George Mills
15:30 - Rob Firmin and George Mills live near the North Island portion of the Te Araroa in New Zealand. In this section, the trail becomes a river and many hikers hire canoes to paddle. Rob and George welcome hikers into their home, Blissful Hiker among them.
16:25 - How did you get started as trail angels, as people who don’t hike for fun?
17:00 - Do you like the term trail angel, or do you call it something else?
17:35 - I was surprised by the incredible generosity of the people in New Zealand, what’s this idea that is in the culture about looking after visitors?
18:32 - How can you afford the money and the time to take care of trampers?
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In this episode of Walking Distance presented by The Trek and hosted by Blissful Hiker (Alison Young), we are joined by Miranda Webster, the star of REI’s Youtube series, “Miranda in the Wild.” Beginning her career as a cashier at REI, Miranda now educates new backpackers about everything from meal planning, how to wash gore tex, and most popularly, how to poop in the woods.
Blissful Hiker covers the Youtube filming process, how Miranda relates to her Youtube audience, and advice to others hoping to break into the outdoor industry.
Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code “walkingdistance” to save 15% off your cart at GossamerGear.com.
Walking Distance is sponsored by John Reamer and Associates. Go to www.johnreamer.com to learn more.
Interview with Miranda Webster
1:48 - Background on Miranda and “Miranda in the Wild”
2:50 - First of all, AOC reposted you on Instagram? What did she repost and how did you feel about it?
4:37 - How does it feel that you’ve helped someone of her stature to start backpacking? You’ve ushered a new person into the world of backpacking.
5:20 - You do have a dream job - how did you make the transition from being a backpacker to working in the outdoor industry?
7:18 - You embody the type of spirit the REI brand is after. Who came up with the idea of “Miranda in the Wild”? Did you go from cashier to Youtube star?
11:10 - What’s so great about the series is that you’re just being yourself. Who works with you, and what are your producers like?
11:54 - Do you write out what you’re going to say, or does it grow organically?
12:57 - Have you ever had any weird video fails?
14:27 - Why do you think the video format works so well?
15:40 - Sometimes there’s a feeling that to backpack, you have to be perfect and look like the Patagonia ads. So you putting the real process out there and sometimes looking silly on the trail, is relatable to everyone.
19:07 - How did you find your niche talking about relieving yourself in the outdoors?
20:00 - How does REI feel about your approach on video, being natural and laid back?
21:35 - There’s a lot of burping, and a lot of bleeping of swear words. How does that work out with your job contract?
22:48 - Do you have a favorite video you’ve created? I really enjoyed the backpacking hygiene video.
24:20 - For people listening, you’re talking about doing a video spending only $200 to do a backpacking trip with gear.
25:05 - How do you balance your personal trips with your adventures for “Miranda in the Wild”?
26:47 - Do you feel like being a well known figure in the outdoor industry has changed anything about your experiences in the outdoors? Do people recognize you?
28:25 - Do you have advice for people looking to break into the outdoor industry?
29:30 - What do you want your career to
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In this episode of Walking Distance presented by The Trek and hosted by Blissful Hiker (Alison Young), we dive into the formation of the National Park Service, and the backcountry chef behind Yosemite: Tie Sing. Sing, a Chinese-American working in the early 1900s in the midst of intense hostility towards Asian-Americans, persisted through working for national parks. Known as the “gourmet chef of the Sierra” and “the philosopher of the Sierras,” Sing Peak in Yosemite National Park is named after Tie Sing. To tell Tie Sing’s story, Blissful Hiker is joined by Yenyen Chan, a Yosemite Ranger, and Jack Shu, former Superintendent of California Parks and Recreation.
Blissful Hiker covers the history of Asian-Americans in America’s National Parks, efforts against Asian-American hate, and how we all can pay homage to Tie Sing today.
Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code “walkingdistance” to save 15% off your cart at GossamerGear.com.
Walking Distance is sponsored by John Reamer and Associates. Go to www.johnreamer.com to learn more.
1:04 - “Scenery is a splendid thing when viewed by a man in a contented frame of mind. Give him a poor breakfast after he has had a bad night's sleep, and he will not care how fine your scenery is.” - Stephen Mather
2:45 - Background on Tie Sing, the Chinese-American backcountry cook who made early excursions into future national parks possible in the early 1900s.
Interview with Yenyen Chan
3:20 - What was Tie Sing like?
4:04 - Tie Sing was an American who lived during a time of intense hostility towards Asian-Americans; they persisted and found jobs where they could, usually at hotels and road crews that benefitted national parks.
5:22 - Two roads built by Chinese-Americans through Yosemite are the Tioga and Wawona roads; the Tioga Road connects the valley to the east side and is the highest road in California.
6:35 - Tie Sing was the chef for the US Geological Survey, which spent a good deal of time in the backcountry. Mather recruited Sing to convince VIPs that a National Parks Service needed to be created, but also to inspect the route for the John Muir Trail.
8:32 - Robert Sterling Yard, a friend of Mather, was hired to chronicle the journey of the National Parks. He wrote about Tie Sing and his extraordinary cooking.
10:03 - Tie Sing knew how important meals with VIPs were. He contributed in a way that influenced their decision making, by writing them personalized notes at their place settings.
12:17 - Tie Sing had already made his mark before impressing the VIPs. In 1899, the chief geographer named a peak after Tie Sing on Yosemite’s park boundary, called Sing Peak.
Interview with Jack Shu
13:30 - Jack Shu worked as the Superintendent of California Parks and Recreation, and was board president of the Cleveland National Forest Foundation. His career has been about encouraging large institutions such as the National Park Service to tell more inclusive stories about heritage.
14:00 - Shu points out that institutional change is difficult, especially with institutions that are revered and have storied histories already. Shu wasn
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In this episode of Walking Distance presented by The Trek and hosted by Blissful Hiker (Alison Young), we are joined by Jason Gayheart, Heather Balogh Rochfort, and Kayla and Fynleigh Percy. Jason Gayheart, lives in South Carolina and will be hiking the Continental Divide Trail this summer with his wife Jackie and their three children, ages 16, 12 and 8. Heather Balogh Rochfort, who you might remember from the first episode of Walking Distance, recently co-founded WildKind Closet, a non-profit that offers low cost outdoor gear rental to families. She also released the book Moms Who Hike - Walking with America’s Most Inspiring Adventurers. Kayla Percy and her 7 year old daughter Fynleigh are currently NOBOs hiking the Appalachian Trail. Unlike the Gayheart family or Balogh Rochfort family, Kayla is a single mom conquering the trail with Fynleigh.
Blissful Hiker covers how to include kids in the logistics and planning of a long hike, the most common questions about gear for kids, and motivation for kids during hard days on the trail.
Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code “walkingdistance” to save 15% off your cart at GossamerGear.com.
Walking Distance is sponsored by John Reamer and Associates. Go to www.johnreamer.com to learn more.
Interview with Jason Gayheart
1:35 - Introduction to Jason Gayheart and his family, who are hiking the Continental Divide Trail this summer.
2:50 - As an east coast family, why not hike the Appalachian Trail? How did the plan come to be, and how did you make it work to hike with your whole family?
3:09 - Why a thru-hike?
3:30 - You mention school, so how did you handle schooling for your children?
4:10 - So, this should be the ultimate family vacation! Was that the intention?
4:54 - Have you always had your kids hiking with you, since they were babies?
5:34 - I’m wondering about each of the kids. What is each of their hiking styles, and how do they push each other along?
6:22 - How are you managing the logistics? Does everyone carry their own things? How do you manage tents?
7:15 - How do you manage cooking and food for five people?
7:55 - This must be a real learning experience for your children too, what do you think?
8:15 - What are you looking forward to the most on trail?
9:10 - There’s plenty of dangerous things you’ll encounter on trail. How are you preparing the kids for that?
10:25 - You talk about taking the experience as it comes, but it is a thru-hike and you need to plan to make miles to complete it. What are your mileage goals?
12:00 - Someone commented on the CDT Facebook page where Jason and Blissful Hiker connected, kids can do anything; it’s often adults that hold them back. Jason’s youngest son is a few months younger than Buddy Backpacker, so setting a new record is a good motivator for the family to finish.
Interview with Heather Balogh Rochfort
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In this episode of Walking Distance presented by The Trek and hosted by Blissful Hiker (Alison Young), we are joined by Emily Ford, the first woman and person of color to thru-hike Wisconsin’s 1,200 mile Ice Age Trail in winter. Emily is from Duluth, and the head gardener at the historic Glensheen Mansion. She completed her Ice Age thru-hike with a dog she cherished, Alaskan husky Diggins.
Blissful Hiker covers the unique loneliness of solo backpacking, humanity’s relationship with wilderness, and Emily’s perspective on what her hike means for people of color.
Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code “walkingdistance” to save 15% off your cart at GossamerGear.com.
Walking Distance is sponsored by John Reamer and Associates. Go to www.johnreamer.com to learn more.
Interview with Emily Ford
1:43 - Background on Emily Ford and the Ice Age trail
3:03 - This winter was mild for Wisconsin standards, but weather standards are different for normal activities and for hiking. How was it to hike in the Wisconsin winter?
4:12 - What did you pack? I read that you carried 60 pounds.
5:30 - Can you talk about your sleep system? What was the rating for your sleeping bag?
5:50 - What stayed the whole trip and what did you get rid of?
6:20 - You said there wasn’t much snow in the beginning, but I just imagine postholing. How did you stay upright in the snow?
7:14 - You mentioned that you cried. Do you want to share any reasons that happened?
8:58 - Can you introduce us to Diggins? She’s also at the forefront when you’ve talked about your thru-hike. Where did she come from and what was your relationship like?
10:32 - Was Diggins there to help you cut trail, or mostly for companionship?
11:34 - You got into backpacking more as an adult? How did you learn about the Ice Age trail and why did you choose it?
12:14 - More than half the trail is footpaths, and some are connected routes. How did you plan where to camp and how you were going to walk it?
13:38 - I heard you had great trail angels and trail magic along the way, what happened?
16:08 - This is the biggest trip Emily has taken, but choosing something that hasn’t been done before fits along with who Emily is.
18:15 - One of the reasons why Emily loves backpacking is the solo aspect of it, the opportunity to think alone and think a lot, to dig into deeper psyches.
20:05 - I love that in one of your posts you quote some children you met, and one asked if you ever get bored. Did you?
21:30 - In one of your posts, you reacted to the wolf slaughter in Wisconsin where 216 wolves were killed in 3 days. You wrote about owning the wilderness as another way of privileging ourselves. How do you see yourself on the trail and in the wilderness?
23:22 - Right now as we’re speaking, it’s the first day of the trial for the police officer who killed George Floyd. You’ve done something amazing
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In this episode of Walking Distance presented by The Trek and hosted by Blissful Hiker (Alison Young), we are joined by Dan Durston, a biologist, Canadian gear designer, and owner of Durston Gear. Durston hiked the Great Divide Trail in the Canadian Rockies as well as the Pacific Crest Trail, and also holds some Fastest Known Times – of the Stein Traverse in British Columbia and the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana. Dan uses his backpacking expertise to design simple and light outdoor equipment.
Blissful Hiker covers Dan’s evolution from gear reviews to gear designs, the inevitable compromises made when designing and selecting gear, and how gear can unite the hiking community.
Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code “walkingdistance” to save 15% off your cart at GossamerGear.com
Interview with Dan Durston
1:30 - Dan Durston is a self described nerd, someone who likes analytical problem solving. While hiking the Great Divide Trail, he used the time to think about how to optimize his gear, and eventually founded Durston Gear.
2:48 - After discovering the ultralight community, Dan was determined to adopt the style.
3:48 - You compare setting up gear in your backyard and setting up in a rainstorm, which are very different. You think about if gear will really work under difficult circumstances.
5:22 - You said a single pole pyramid is what you aspire to, can you talk about that?
6:22 - So on the PCT, you were using other peoples’ gear, and thinking about how to make them better?
7:26 - You said something about how gear companies use the phrase “no compromises,” and how that isn’t true. What are the inevitable compromises?
8:12 - Can you briefly describe how your tent works?
10:13 - How did you get started? At first you just wanted to modify your gear, which required a sewing machine. What was that experience?
12:05 - Dan taught himself the basics of sewing via Youtube. He’s also been active for years on gear sites, which served as his introduction to the industry.
13:40 - Your gear modification seems like it was serving your own hiking. Why did you decide to start a company?
15:58 - One of the things I noticed on your website is that you use polyester, and not Dyneema. Why not?
17:27 - Earlier you mentioned loving what you’re doing because of the community, and we learn things from each other. You're on your own doing this company, but there’s community feedback.
19:25 - One idea I got after reading about your backpack is the issue of not being able to find what I need when I’m thru hiking. You seem to have thought about that a lot when designing your pack.
21:05 - I wanted to ask you about you continuing your hiking. How do you find the time?
22:00 - What about seeing other hikers’ experiences, and how have you seen hiking change since you’ve been in the community?
24:32 - Dan also holds some Fastest Known Times – of the Stein Traverse in British Columbia and the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana.
Mentioned in this episode:
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In this episode of Walking Distance presented by The Trek and hosted by Blissful Hiker (Alison Young), we are joined by Andrew Downs, the Senior Regional Director of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) - South, and Gina Knox, a 2021 Granite Gear Groundskeeper. Downs thru hiked the AT in 2002, and has a volunteer-first approach to protecting and maintaining the Appalachian Trail. Gina Knox has postponed her AT thru-hike for 2021, and is instead dedicated to cleaning up 300 miles of public lands.
Blissful Hiker covers how hikers can become trail volunteers, how COVID has impacted the cleanliness of outdoor spaces, and the logistics of packing out pounds of trash from the trail.
Listen
Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code “walkingdistance” to save 15% off your cart at GossamerGear.com
Interview with Andrew Downs
1:00 - The AT has many trail maintainers, which some hikers might find to be surprising.
2:00 - Hikers can sometimes take the trail for granted, as something that has always been there.
2:55 - The trail itself is almost 100% permanently protected, but the areas around the trail are not.
3:40 - Volunteers built the trail before the ATC and Parks Service was involved in the maintenance of the trail.
4:55 - Some hikers have a disconnect with trail crews and an understanding of how trails have to be maintained. How do you invite hikers in to participate?
8:27 - COVID has brought many people outside, and many are acting irresponsibly. How do you educate people and change attitudes to have reverence for this land?
12:11 - A lot of what we’ve been talking about during COVID is being grateful for what we have and can do even in a rough patch of our lives. What are you grateful for?
13:50 - Downs gives hikers a “wander based experience” by managing an army of volunteers.
14:30 - There are many ways to get involved in the AT if you live close by. If you live farther away, there are still options to travel and volunteer. The ATC also sponsors a diversity program to help bring underserved communities to the trail.
Interview with Gina Knox
15:39 - Gina’s picking up trash on the trail as a Granite Gear groundskeeper, and getting appreciation from other hikers.
16:55 - Gina’s introduction to hiking was on the Ice Age trail in Wisconsin, when her earth science teacher took the class to experience the power of glaciers.
17:15 - Gina’s photographs of the outdoors are stunning; her philosophy is to use her camera as a tool to show where she is, rather than going on hikes specifically for photo-worthy subjects. But some of the things she saw made her dismayed.
19:14 - You’re a 2021 Granite Gear groundskeeper, which means you’re committed to packing out trash for 300 miles of public land. How do you manage your own hike and the logistics of packing trash out?
21:18 - As you keep track of your garbage, do you also keep track of your distance?
22:06 - You brought up COVID, which has changed our habits in a lot of ways. One part of that is way more trash outside. What do you think
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In this episode of Walking Distance presented by The Trek and hosted by Blissful Hiker (Alison Young), we are joined by Aaron Owens Mayhew, a registered dietician and thru hiker. In 2017, Mayhew left her career to thru hike the PCT, and has since section hiked some of the AT and the Oregon Coast Trail. She’s also the founder of Backcountry Foodie, a site that she runs with her husband, Chris, to provide meal plans and shopping lists, community forums, masterclasses and other resources surrounding hiking food.
Blissful Hiker covers why the two lb/day backpacking food principle may be a myth, how to pack more calories into less space in your pack, and how to stay high energy on the trail with carbs, proteins, and fats.
Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code “walkingdistance” to save 15% off your cart at GossamerGear.com
Interview with Aaron Owens Mayhew
1:00 - How did your hiking food evolve over time?
2:10 - One of the most vexing problems backpackers have is deciding what to eat. How do we carry all the food we want and need?
2:50 - Background on Backcountry Foodie
3:40 - How did you get into your business?
4:20 - You touched on the 2 pound principle for backpacking food. Why is that a myth?
5:15 - Is your main angle to allow yourself to focus on nutrition and calories first, and weight of the food second?
6:10 - Do you have general staples that people should be thinking of?
7:15 - In bear country, you have to pack your food into a bear canister, which some hikers find difficult. What’s your method?
8:15 - You mentioned dehydrated quinoa, and I want to ask for any listeners who might be thinking, isn’t quinoa already dry? What’s the dehydrating step?
9:20 - Another concern is the amount of time hikers spend at home preparing their food, if they choose.
10:35 - You mentioned quinoa and pasta as dry food bases. Would you put anything else on that list?
11:25 - You mentioned oils, and I never feel that I can take it with me, because I’m such a messy backpacker. How do you carry oil without making a mess, and the importance of it?
13:20 - It’s important to stay ahead of possible health problems or deficiencies by packing the right foods, and eating at the right times too.
15:15 - Backpacking and diets just don’t mix. Why do we crave salt and sugar so much on the trail?
16:40 - Your meal plans are cross referenced with a typical pantry. Can you talk about that?
17:25 - Do you have any recommendations about eating 3 meals a day, or snacking, or is it individual?
17:57 - I mentioned getting into Backcountry Foodie was a real game changer for me, and one of the big changes was starting to cold soak. Do you cold soak, or do you recommend it?
19:40 - You have a recipe for us today, which was one of my go-tos. What is it?
20:45 - You mentioned hiker hunger, and I’m thinking of bonking,
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In this episode of Walking Distance presented by The Trek and hosted by Blissful Hiker (Alison Young), we are joined by Dr. Elizabeth Andre, an associate professor of nature and culture at Northland College, and Molly Herber, a project manager for NOLS. Dr. Elizabeth Andre has instructed white water canoeing, mountaineering, and dog sledding at Outward Bound, joined a National Geographic dog sled expedition across the Canadian Arctic in 2007, and teaches a course on outdoor safety. Molly Herber is the Creative Project Manager at NOLS in Wyoming.
Blissful Hiker covers the basics of human psychology geared towards safety, the theories of risk homeostasis and heuristics, and how to practice “negative thinking” to be more safe on the trail.
Gossamer Gear discount code: Use code “walkingdistance” to save 15% off your cart at GossamerGear.com
Interview with Dr. Elizabeth Andre
3:00 - Introduction to outdoor safety in psychological theory
3:47 - How does our limbic system inform our decisions?
6:20 - What does risk homeostasis mean?
7:34 - It’s important to take courses on wilderness first aid and anything that will help you be safe. But you have to balance that with the right attitude towards safety on the trail as well.
8:36 - Alison recalls her scariest outdoor scenario. How much of feeling in control or having control is just an illusion?
10:02 - Recognizing that we have a natural propensity for optimism that might help us in the frontcountry, but hurt us in the backcountry, is important.
10:45 - Can you explain heuristics?
12:40 - This past winter, two teams of Nepali climbers submitted K2, and it was an incredible feat. But they were incredibly prepared, having many plans. Do you have a list of simple things that we can do that are simple back up plans?
14:24 - What’s a way we can reshape our thinking to be a bit more negative, or realistic?
15:48 - There’s one phrase I repeat for how to be successful in the backcountry, which is “be deliberate.” Do you have a phrase?
Interview with Molly Herber
20:30 - Where do you start with basic safety concerning animals on trail?
22:06 - What about inclement weather, especially concerning thru-hikers who might not be able to check the weather forecast while on trail?
24:00 - What other kinds of weather should hikers be aware of as a possibility?
25:30 - Every NOLS instructor must be certified as a wilderness first responder. What guidance did that course give you?
26:20 - Can you speak about having a level head and how to make safety decisions on trail?
Mentioned in this episode:
About Dr. Elizabeth Andre
Dr. Elizabeth Andre’s Outdoor Safety course
Molly Herber’s blogs for NOLS
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In this episode of Walking Distance presented by The Trek and hosted by Blissful Hiker (Alison Young), we are joined by Nicholas Kristof, an award winning columnist at the New York Times and dedicated section hiker. Nicholas has won two Pulitzer prizes for his coverage of China and the genocide in Darfur, and section hiked the PCT with his daughter Caroline over a few summers. Now, he’s working on section hiking the Pacific Northwest Trail, hiking with his wife, their daughter, and her boyfriend.
Blissful Hiker covers the benefits and drawbacks of section hiking versus thru-hiking, how to plan hikes and stay in shape while working a job, and hiking with others.
Interview with Nicholas Kristof
4:02 - When and how did you get involved in backpacking?
4:52 - What’s your relationship like with Caroline, your daughter? You section hiked the PCT together over several summers when she was a teenager.
6:33- Did you give yourself trail names, or were they given?
7:03 - You section hiked the PCT, and I wanted to talk about the difference between thru-hiking and section hiking. What are the advantages and disadvantages?
9:10 - I found it interesting that you pushed yourself so hard while on the trail, even though it was your vacation time.
10:54 - I’m curious about ultralight, have you always been ultralight?
12:01 - How do you plan your trips, itinerary and resupply, and stay in hiking shape while you’re in your “normal life” working?
14:17 - Background of ultralight origins before the mainstream movement
17:00 - You’ve been to many countries in precarious situations while working at the New York Times, so I assume you feel no fear on the trail.
17:48 - Would you describe your backpacking experiences as diversions, vacatio
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In this episode of Walking Distance presented by The Trek and hosted by Blissful Hiker (Alison Young), we are joined by Alan Dixon, an outdoor guide and competitive athlete, and Kelly Floro, lead writer and content editor for The Trek. An elite kayaker and triathlon competitor, Alan grew up in California hiking Yosemite and the Sierra Nevadas. Alan has been backpacking since he was 5 years old, and helped found the ultralight backpacking movement in the early 2000’s. Kelly Floro’s first thru-hike, and basically first backpacking trip ever, was her 2016 thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. Since then, she’s become an accomplished adventurer and the lead writer for The Trek.
Blissful Hiker covers how to straddle the line between ultralight and luxurious hiking, how to feel you have “permission” to take whatever you need, and gives the 411 about testing gear before going on a long hike with it.
Interview with Alan Dixon
3:15 - How did you get your start?
4:05 - How did you get into ultralight?
6:05 - Can you share what’s in your backpack that’s what you call “practical ultralight”?
6:48 - Why do you always bring a two-person tent?
7:55 - What about your pack? Do you use a frame or frameless?
9:00 - I find it interesting that it’s possible to make all these decisions to change your food, or pack in order to make your goal pack weight.
9:30 - For your sleep system, you recommended using a woman’s style sleep pad. Why?
10:10 - I’ve heard of ultralight backpackers even using bubble wrap as a sleeping pad - your set up seems like luxury.
11:30 - I hear you talking a lot about speed and hiking people into the dust. Do you really think you need to go fast?
12:58 - Alan is not a “gram weenie”; but lets a few
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