Over the River and Thru the Woods
Some freestyle holiday rambling. Get the audio version of Where's the Next Shelter? for free when you join Audible!

Some freestyle holiday rambling. Get the audio version of Where's the Next Shelter? for free when you join Audible!
In this episode we address the very difficult question: How might your hike impact the spread of COVID-19 in the trail community? Our qualified expert this week is Dr Kathryn Michels, (aka "Mr Peanut), a CDT SOBO thru hiker who also holds a PhD in Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer biology from the University of Virginia. In addition to covering this very important topic, we get some good trail talk too. Dr Michel's Reddit Post The Appalachian Trail Reddit Page Dr-Peanut's CDT Blog Reptar Get ...
We're back! As promised: Round Animals Thumbelina Reptar Get more episodes AND support the show! Why aren't you watching Reptar Hikes!? Email the show. No, seriously. Email the show. Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram Get the audio version of Where's the Next Shelter? for free when you join Audible!...
An episode about nothing. (Re-uploaded with fixed audio!) Links in this episode: Hike for Mental Health RadFlix
Easily our most requested guest. Listen in on this reunion between Green Giant and Lemmy. We do our best to tell his story without spiraling into inside jokes... much. Lemmy's life before the AT How he learned of the trail What his first few days were like How did it feel to be stalked by fans? What's Lemmy been up to since the trail? And more Listeners who support the show have already heard the next THREE episodes while you and I sit here like a couple of hikers waiting for a cool shirt to mys...
Ryan Bedell has been to over 40 countries and lived in 4. He has a passion for learning about people and places different from what he’s used to, and he loves to hear the stories of others. Travel for a Loop was born out of a desire to let people tell their stories of movement, intercultural exchange, and genuine human connection. You can hear the first half of our conversation (and my story!) on spotify, apple, stitcher,etc... And you should! Go get it! Pocket Casts Spotify Apple Travel for a L...
Each month in addition to their regularly scheduled duties, Ridgerunners also get treated to some well deserved R&R. This July, Jim Fetig of ATC Headquarters invited me to join him and four NoVA Ridge Runners at the PATC's rustic cabin retreat, the Blackburn AT Center, near Harper's Ferry. From Jim's Blog: Blackburn Trail Center, Round Hill, VA, July 18, 2019 — Once a month in June and July we bring our Appalachian Trail ridgerunners to Blackburn for a little R&R and a short business mee...
File this one under "Inspirational"! Sarah Williams is not only a veteran outdoor adventurer and world traveler, she has spent the past few years curating HUNDREDS of hours of conversation with other inspiring women from around the world on her amazing podcast, Tough Girl Challenges. The Tough Girl Podcast won the Women's Sports Trust #BeAGameChanger National Award for Media Initiative of the Year 2018. In this episode we discuss: * Does Sarah have a trail name and where did it come from? * Spor...
Chris "Muddy Moose" German is a hiker, trail angel, river guide, ice climber, shuttle driver, photographer, and all around super-cool guy. In hopefully the first of many visits, Muddy Moose tells us stories of adventure and shares much advice, both inspirational and practical. Listeners who support the show have already heard the next THREE episodes while you and I sit here like a couple of stuffed animals waiting for the claw to pull us out of this infernal plastic box. This includes ONE episod...
Steve Adams, trail name Mighty Blue is on the Appalachian Trail, again. Best known for his hiking memoirs "Creaking Geezer Hidden Flagon" and "Three Weddings and a Sabbatical", he also produces the popular hiking podcast "The Ultimate Midlife Crisis". Steve is currently producing his show from the trail and he took time from his busy schedule to call us from a listeners house in Pennsylvania. In this incredibly busy hour, we talk about: What it's like hiking the AT a second time Seeing the same ...
Calendar Year Triple Crowner, and current Arizona Trail speed record holder, Jeff Garmire did not give himself the trail name Legend. It was bestowed upon him before he even finished a single long distance hike back in 2011. In the years and miles since, he's definitely grown into it. This show was recorded on May 1st, just a few days after Legend destroyed the FKT for the Arizona Trail. Legend on Instagram Blog Post: Reflections on the AZT FKT Listeners who support the show have already heard t...
Bill Bryson's "A Walk in the Woods" is the book and/or movie that introduced so many of us to the Appalachian Trail that it seems almost silly for us to have taken this long to shake it down. Come hang with the gang and we spill this thing onto the floor, pick through the parts and decide what's too heavy, and what's too light. Listeners who support the show have already heard the next FOUR episodes while you and I sit here like a couple of actors from the 80s who still haven't been cast in a hi...
June Gear Contest Still Open Go back and check out Episode 41 (Virtual Campfire with Guthook) for details on how to win! Rachael DeLano (Trail Name: Rabbit) describes herself as "a hiker, guide, rabbit lover, and yoga teacher." She recently completed her Triple Crown and joined us for a Wednesday night hangout this May. We talked about her reasons for starting the AT, big adventures out west and her journey hiking Hadrian's Wall, an ancient defensive fortification in the Roman province of Britan...
June Gear Giveaway Contest announced in this episode! We're moving this one to the front of the queue so you can get in on the contest while there's still time. You have till the end of June to enter, listen for details! In this episode, Guthook joins us and we talk about chiggers and get caught up on Trail Days. Reptar tells us more about his upcoming PCT hike, and we give away not one, but TWO prizes to our listeners. One of which could be you! Listeners who support the show have already heard...
Reptar, Voldemort, Daniel, and Green Giant tell stories based on your questions: Hiking in crappy weather, meetups with randos, the coronation of Captain Underpants and more! Listeners who support the show have already heard the next FOUR episodes while you and I sit here like a couple of Price is Right contestants who forgot to pick up name tags at the door. Get more episodes AND support the show! Reptar Hikes! Email the show Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagra...
Allyson "Clarity" Hester was a motorcycle racing grade school teacher before she broke her back. Now she's an Appalachian Trail Thru Hiker who inspires others, and continues to teach through her work as an ATC Ridge Runner, blogger, and is just an all around amazing person. Enjoy. Appalachian Trail Clarity Listeners who support the show have already heard the next FOUR episodes while you and I sit here like a couple of hungry hikers waiting to eat bacon from a pig that's still squealin'. Get mor...
Heaps is a 28 year old Kiwi who's traveled the world, mostly on foot. Hear her stories about the PCT, Anapurna Circuit, the book she's working on and more. Also, a surprise visit from last week's guest, Twerk! WARNING: We get pretty gross in this one. Heaps on Instagram Wilderbound Twerk's Hiker Trash Vogue Etowah Gear Listeners who support the show have already heard the next three episodes while you and I sit here like a couple of schmucks waiting to see a movie that hasn't even been cast yet....
Hiker Trash Vogue Tommy Corey is Twerk , creator of "Hiker Trash Vogue", a book which is much more than a collection of your average hikers captured in elegant poses. It's a stunning visual work that amplifies confidence and shines a light on inner beauty, even in the dirtiest of places. Hiker Trash Vogue Follow Twerk on Instagram TommyCorey.com Listeners who support the show have already heard the next three episodes while you and I sit here like a couple of schmucks waiting for a bus that hasn...
Our guest Tyler Lau, aka "Hiking Prodigy" is the first person of color to hike all three long distance trails in the US in a single calendar year. That's 7,800 miles, and he did it with time to spare. Follow The Prodigy on Instagram Raising awareness for more diversity in the outdoors, video Listeners who support the show have already heard the next three episodes while you and I sit here like a couple bozos waiting for a train that ain't comin'. Join our community AND support the show! Reptar H...
Cory is changing his life by hiking the PCT while attempting to lose 200 pounds. As he puts it, this is his "Second Chance" at life. Now a youtube sensation, we were lucky enough to get a call from Second Chance from atop a windy pass in a blizzard, just over a hundred miles into his PCT journey. Join Reptar and Green Giant for a motiviating, inspirational and hilarious time wit Second Chance Hiker. Follow Second Chance Hiker on Youtube Support Second Chance on Patreon Thanks for listening! Join...
Leave No Trace mean a whole lot more than simply not putting your trash in the campfire. In this episode, we get the whole crew together (it's been a while!) to talk about this very important topic. Green Giant, Voldemort, Reptar and Fozzie also discuss the PCT, ATKO, The Yellow Deli, gear giveaways and eventually, Leave no trace, which happens to be Megan's favorite topic! Leave No Trace Etowah Gear ALDHA Hellbender Salamander Thanks for listening! Join our community AND support the show! Repta...
Amy Hunsucker, aka "Slider" carried a Trombone from Springer to Katahdin. Join Reptar and Daniel as we hang out with her and hear stories from her great adventure on the Appalachian Trail! Slider on Instagram Slider's blog Thanks for listening! Join our community AND support the show! Reptar Hikes! Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram Stories From the Trail on Discord Get the audio version of Where's the Next Shelter? for free when you join Audible.com!...
Joining Green Giant and Voldemort this week: Reptar, Fozzie, and Crazy Larry for a relaxed Hiker Hangout in which we accomplish the following: Great Hiking and Climbing Flims Listener Question: Cheap Solutions to Expensive Gear Problems Overcoming the Desire to Quit During a Thru Hike New Segment: Listeners on the Trail! Thanks for listening! Join our community AND support the show! Reptar Hikes! Fozzie's world of fancy teacups and such Appalachian Trials Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stori...
Finishing up our audio coverage from ATKO 2019. Hiker Q&A Panel - This year's theme: "Challenging how you think about the Trail" Hosted by Gary Sizer (Where's the Next Shelter? and Stories From the Trail) with guests: Miss Janet - Trail Angel Extraordinaire "Turnaround" - 2018 AT Flip Flopper and friend of the show "Chuck Norris" - The beard behind Laughing Heart Hostel New Hiker Rachel - youtuber "Hiking with Arrow" We'll be back next week with Hiker Hangouts, Long Distance Prep School, you...
From ATKO 2019, “Dehydrate it Yourself, Backpacking Food” presented by Judy (Heartfire) Gross of Lightheart Gear. Dehydrating Backpacking Food Facebook Group Lightheart Gear Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram Stories From the Trail on Discord Join our community AND support the show!...
Welcome to Appalachian Trail Kickoff 2019! The event just started, and we kick things off with the welcome speech by Odie, of Hiker Yearbook fame. He practiced this one in front of his cactus, and the cactus said it was good. Enjoy!
Joining Green Giant and Voldemort this week: Reptar, Fozzie, and Crazy Larry in a big meaty discussion about tradition. In this episode people confess their sins, jump off of bridges, eat too much and nearly shit their britches. Voldemort's method of post-pee hand washing with spit water is the stuff of legend, listener questions and more! The Trek's Trail Traditions Join our community AND support the show! Reptar Hikes! Fozzie's world of fancy teacups and such Where's the Next Shelter? Appalach...
Recorded January 16th, the 4th in our series "Long Distance Prep School". This week we barely scrape the surface of the infinitely deep topic: Gear. Featuring tips and tricks by Mark Calcagni (Laughing Totem) and Judy Heartfire Gross of LightHeart Gear. TheTrek 2018 Gear of the Year Lightheart Gear Join our community AND support the show! Where's the Next Shelter? Appalachian Trials Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail on Instagram Stories From the Trail on Discord...
Thank you REI Asheville for allowing us to record our class! From REI's website: In 2014, Gary Sizer hiked over 2000 miles from Georgia to Maine, on a life changing journey called the Appalachian Trail. Enjoy an evening of delight as Gary shares his planning tips and tricks, plus stories, photos, and laughs drawn from his experiences living amidst nature. Gary hails from Asheville, leads workshops on respecting the wilderness, tells stories for NPR's "The Moth" and his book, "Where's the Next Sh...
Continuing our series of Long Distance Prep School with our talk about Physical Preparation. In this episode, Green Giant is not physically prepared, so Daniel takes the lead, fielding questions from you, the listener. Join us as we chat with Reptar and Keith "Fozzie" Foskett about getting fit enough to tackle the trail! Join our community AND support the show! Keith Foskett books Reptar Hikes Where's the Next Shelter? Appalachian Trials Stories From The Trail on Facebook Stories From the Trail ...