Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate Mid-Life Crisis
This show is about what it was like to hike the AT in 2014 as a fat 61-year-old with zero hiking experience. Guests join me to share their stories and insights all the way from Georgia to Maine. At the end of each episode is a chapter from my book My Appalachian Trial I: Three Weddings and a Sabbatical.
info_outline
Episode #212 - Paul Collins (Skunkape)
04/02/2020
Episode #212 - Paul Collins (Skunkape)
Plenty to get your teeth into today. Our main guest is Paul "Skunkape" Collins, a man who took on the Appalachian Trail in 2012 and has missed it every day since. He also plans to get back on the trail in 2022, his 10-year trailiversary. He took over 2,000 photos (carrying a DSLR camera) and shared them with friends and, most particularly with his mother. Prior to her death, he celebrated the trail with her in a really touching way. You can see some of Paul's pics on Facebook at and on Instagram at I join my fellow Hiking Radio Network podcasts–Julie Gayheart and Anna Huthmaker–in a panel discussion on the ramifications of the virus on hiking long-distance trails. Additionally, Dr. Lynne returns to the show, with real-world experience of what the virus is doing to us and some helpful tips. Finally, Grandma Gatewood reveals more of her brutal life and reaches Harpers Ferry. If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. The donate button is on the Mighty Blue podcast page at Any support is gratefully received.
/episode/index/show/mightyblueontheat/id/13809065
info_outline
Episode #211 - Cari Pattison (Sprout)
03/26/2020
Episode #211 - Cari Pattison (Sprout)
We have another pastor on the show today. Cari Pattison is a member of the Class of 2019 (as am I) and she tells the story of her hike as it unfolded last year. She had planned a return to the trail this year but, with the Corona Virus now threatening to overrun most of us, she has had to accept that this year won't be possible for her. Cari's calm presence on the show may well reassure others as they contemplate their own broken plans. If you'd like to follow Cari on Instagram, you can find her at Additionally, her fascinating and extremely well-written blog on the Trek can be found at There are a lot of different opinions on the virus and how hikers should respond. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy has had its say (along with the associations of other long-distance trails) and I will be giving my view on the show this week. To add to that, we have a hiker who (at March 25) is currently still hiking north. Grandma Gatewood continues her struggle north, with Post-WWII America unfolding in front of her. If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. The donate button is on the Mighty Blue podcast page at Any support is gratefully received.
/episode/index/show/mightyblueontheat/id/13704287
info_outline
Episode #210 - Aaron and BG Turner PLUS Heather "Brave" Sloan
03/19/2020
Episode #210 - Aaron and BG Turner PLUS Heather "Brave" Sloan
This is a special show that takes in the Corona Virus and its implications for hikers, as well as a father and son pair of pastors preparing to hike the Appalachian Trail. First, we have Aaron and BG Turner, two men ready for the adventure of their life, yet torn with doubt over the advisability of the hike. This situation is changing so quickly that I thought it was important to not only hear from Aaron and BG, but it was also important to get an expert on the show to help us in our deliberations regarding this outbreak. Heather "Brave" Sloan is a public health educator and gives us up-to-the-minute advice on what we should be considering. She may well be needed on the show in a week or so for further updates. You can check out Heather's Facebook page if you'd like to learn more about staying healthy on the trail. Kate Stillwell continues to count down to her own AT flip flop, though that decision is similarly conflicting her. And Grandma Gatewood reaches Damascus, with the whole of America in a road-building frenzy. If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. The donate button is on the Mighty Blue podcast page at Any support is gratefully received. Music for the "A Woman of a Certain Age" segment is by permission of Kate's friend, John Jensen. You can see and hear it in full on YouTube at Thanks, John.
/episode/index/show/mightyblueontheat/id/13607687
info_outline
Episode #209 - Paul Stutzman (Apostle)
03/12/2020
Episode #209 - Paul Stutzman (Apostle)
This week, now that we've finished reading his book Hiking Through, Paul Stutzman shares with us his hiking and personal journeys. We've learned about his AT trip and I wanted to know what happened after he stepped off the trail. Like his books, Paul is funny, perceptive, and occasionally serious. If you'd like to learn more about Paul or buy some of his books, you can visit his website at We also chat again with Kate Stillwell, our Woman of a Certain Age. Kate is using her 2017 experience on the trail with her daughter to dial in her gear. With less than three weeks to go, Kate's journey is nearly upon us. Finally, in Grandma Gatewood's Walk, Emma's sometimes brutal early life is juxtaposed against the freedom of her hike. If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. The donate button is on the Mighty Blue podcast page at Any support is gratefully received. Music for the "A Woman of a Certain Age" segment is by permission of Kate's friend, John Jensen. You can see and hear it in full on YouTube at Thanks, John.
/episode/index/show/mightyblueontheat/id/13516211
info_outline
Episode #208 - Chloë de Camara (Vulture)
03/05/2020
Episode #208 - Chloë de Camara (Vulture)
We first met Chloë de Camara a few weeks ago on the show, informing us about the critical Leave No Trace principles and, in a follow-up conversation, it was clear that Chloë had her own Appalachian Trail story about her trek in 2015. She was very intentional about how she came to the trail, writing a thesis about Appalachian Trail thru-hiking as a spiritual experience and volunteering for the ATC. As you'll hear, meeting the inspirational Jennifer Pharr Davis was a great motivator for her own journey. If you'd like to see more of what Chloë does, click on this link to the ATC's Start Smart program Also today, we have the start of a new series; A Woman of a Certain Age, where Kate Stillwell prepares for and then attempts a thru-hike of the AT from April 1. In this episode, Steve and Kate talk, along with Kate's daughter Alexa, or Tinkerbell. Our new book, Grandma Gatewood's Walk, by Ben Montgomery, teaches us more about the harshness of Emma's life and the early days of her epic journey. If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. The donate button is on the Mighty Blue podcast page at Any support is gratefully received. Music for the "A Woman of a Certain Age" segment is by permission of Kate's friend, John Jensen. You can see and hear it in full on YouTube at Thanks, John.
/episode/index/show/mightyblueontheat/id/13416677
info_outline
Episode #207 - Aaron Owens Mayhew (Sling)
02/27/2020
Episode #207 - Aaron Owens Mayhew (Sling)
Aaron Owens Mayhew, MS, RDN, CD is a registered dietitian, ultralight long-distance backpacker, and backpacking food cookbook author. Aaron has worked in the field of nutrition for nineteen years and has been a backpacker for nearly as long. After having a mid-life crisis in 2016, Aaron began long-distance backpacking on her 40th birthday by hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. She has since launched her business, Backcountry Foodie™, a recipe and meal-planning service for backpackers. The service provides a platform for Aaron to share her knowledge and passion for eating well in the backcountry. She also runs her business and lives in a camper van full-time with her husband and dog. They have been on the road since April 2019 and look forward to where their outdoor adventures will continue to take them. You can learn more about Aaron, and her advice, at her website You can also find her on Instagram at Facebook at YouTube at Also today, we have the first chapter of Ben Montgomery's book about the first badass woman on the trail; Grandma Gatewood. If you'd like to buy the book, follow this link. Remember to show your support for the show by donating on our podcast page at
/episode/index/show/mightyblueontheat/id/13314380
info_outline
Episode #206 - Brant Bazner (Brant and Garvey)
02/20/2020
Episode #206 - Brant Bazner (Brant and Garvey)
Our guest today, Brant Bazner, lives in the iconic trail town of Damascus. He moved there to be near the trail and has now been hiking on the AT for several years, mainly with his dog, Garvey. Steve and Brant have a wide-ranging conversation about hiking on the trail with a dog, along with a discussion on gear and a few of Brant's stories about his years of hiking on the AT. You can catch up with Brant at Garvey on YouTube at We also have Chloe Decamera from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy on the show, talking about Leave No Trace principles as the hiking season warms up. Chloe has a wealth of information and clearly articulates what you need to know when you take to a trail near you. Chloe has shared several excellent links as you prepare for the trail. We talk about "Don't be that guy" on the podcast, so check out these links Don't Be That Guy: Thru-Hiker Registration (AT Camp) Link: A.T. L.N.T. Online Awareness Course: A.T. Recommended Food Storage: In today's show, I also mention an email I had from a listener, Frances Youngblood, drawing my attention to an event happening in Lebanon, MO on April 25th. On that Saturday Frances' friend, Tracey Sheets, will be holding a program to introduce foster children (ages 14-20) to the outdoors. THIS IS WHERE YOU CAN HELP. We're trying to get new or gently used hiking books into the hands of these youngsters and, if you can help, please sign them on the inside, telling who you are and where you're from so that these young people have some connection to you and to the great outdoors. Please mail them to Tracey Sheets, PO Box 751, Ozark, MO 65721. Thanks for your help. Finally, Paul Stutzman's epic journey comes to an end as he stands on top of Katahdin. It's been a blast.
/episode/index/show/mightyblueontheat/id/13222511
info_outline
Episode #205 - Derick Lugo (Mr Fabulous)
02/13/2020
Episode #205 - Derick Lugo (Mr Fabulous)
It's a fabulous show this week, not least because we have Mr. Fabulous, or Derick Lugo, as the main guest. Derick hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2012 and has earned himself a reputation as a speaker about the trail, as well as a growing recognition as a writer. His new book, The Unlikely Thru-Hiker, is now available at his website and on Amazon. You can connect with Derick in a variety of ways. Website: Facebook: Instagram: The short story of his hike with his brother–The Trail Brothers–can be found at Another fabulous guest is April Mae, who Steve spoke with following a post that she made on Facebook. Her story is illuminating and inspiring. The pictures below show April's "Before" and "After" pics. Her story is a testimony to the power of hiking and its beneficial effects upon both the body and the psyche. Don't forget to check out our sponsors, Hiker Medals, at . We've been delighted to have had them on the show these past few weeks. Also, if you'd like to support the various shows on the Hiking Radio Network, you can find the donate button at the podcasts page on the Mighty Blue site: Finally, today, Paul Stutzman stands on the edge of glory, tackling the 100-Mile Wilderness as he prepares for Katahdin.
/episode/index/show/mightyblueontheat/id/13132289
info_outline
Episode #204 - Rory Anderson (Bigfoot)
02/06/2020
Episode #204 - Rory Anderson (Bigfoot)
A packed show this week, with about 90 minutes of goodness!! Rory Anderson, or Bigfoot, is this week's main guest. Rory is an accomplished hiker, having completed the Appalachian Trail in 2016. He has done several other trails and recently broke the Fastest Known Time (FKT) for the Superior Hiking Trail. As Rory stresses, he's not superhuman; he's just a very determined guy with a plan. He and Steve talk about ultra-lite backpacking and the never-ending quest to shave off a few extra pounds from your pack. You can follow Bigfoot's YouTube channel, called Follow Bigfoot, at For his FKT Superior Hiking Trail video, go to His FKT gear list is at In this podcast, Rory also talks about his passion for Halloween and shares a video of his 2019 haunt at It is well worth watching!! Steve also chats with Wim Schalken of Hiker Medals, the sponsor for today's show. You can find out more about Wim's awesome project at Paul Stream, of The Barn in Gorham, tells us about his hostel in Maine, which you can find at In Steve's reading of Paul Stutzman's Hiking Through, Paul has an unlikely encounter....with a giant rabbit!!
/episode/index/show/mightyblueontheat/id/13037699
info_outline
Episode #203 - Neville Harris of Woods Hole Hostel
01/30/2020
Episode #203 - Neville Harris of Woods Hole Hostel
We're almost at the end of my series on hostels, so Neville Harris, the owner of my favorite hostel on the trail, Woods Hole, was a great person to chat with. The interview took me in an entirely unexpected direction, but it revealed Neville to be a true AT character, flaws and all. You can learn more about the hostel by visiting Neville's photos by Lisa VonLuehrte. Find Lisa on Instagram at We also spoke with Matthew "Odie" Norman in advance of the publication of his much-awaited Hiker Year Book for 2019. It is particularly much-awaited by yours truly, as I'll be in it, having missed out on the 2014 edition!! Check out Odie's page at And we introduced you to Hiker Medals, who you can learn about at . Thanks so much for the support, guys. Check out my own medal, below. Finally, Paul Stutzman has reached the last two states, normally the crowning glory of a northbound hike. Yet Paul's experience turned out to be a very soggy time indeed.
/episode/index/show/mightyblueontheat/id/12940202
info_outline
Episode #202 - Silvia Cassano (Momma Sil)
01/23/2020
Episode #202 - Silvia Cassano (Momma Sil)
This interview with Silvia Cassano was recorded nearly a year ago, but I've only just recovered it. Silvia is a "Trail Angel" referred to by a previous guest, yet she has so much more to offer than that. Her knowledge of all things trail shines through here, with her many positions within the AT community contributing, particularly to the trail in her own community. Image courtesy of Jeff Yardis. Silvia admits to being opinionated, so her views on the trail are pretty much unvarnished and welcome at this time. She is passionate about the true meaning of Trail Magic and isn't a big fan of hiker feeds, with Leave No Trace principles uppermost in her mind. The Vermont theme is continued by a conversation with Jess Treat, a woman in whose home I have now stayed twice, both on my 2014 thru-hike and my hike last year. Jess tells us about her home and the service that she offers hikers seeking some warmth and comfort on the trail. Finally, Paul Stutzman is on the verge of New Hampshire–also in Vermont!!
/episode/index/show/mightyblueontheat/id/12853631
info_outline
Episode #201 - Craig Mains (Hawk)
01/16/2020
Episode #201 - Craig Mains (Hawk)
Another great show today, with a guy who is clearly in love with hiking and particularly the Appalachian Trail. Craig "Hawk" Mains has been this way before but, with his THIRD thru-hike, he was going for something really special. Listen to how it all unfolded, with not only his epic hike but also several personal events that deeply affected him. Craig has a YouTube channel that you can visit to learn more about his adventures, past, present, and future. Go to and catch up with him. Tracey "Zoom Zoom" Davis-Witmyer reached out to me and I immediately asked her on the show. Tracey is one of that special breed; a trail maintainer. Even more importantly, she represents a younger generation than my own that the trail so sorely needs if our trails are to be sustained in the future. You can see more of Tracey's adventures on her YouTube site at this link. You can also follow her on Facebook at Instagram: If you'd like to learn more about trail maintenance, go to and choose a trail club near you. Don't forget to support the show by clicking on the donate button on this link Finally, Paul Stutzman finally understands why he is hiking the trail. The revelation is stunning.
/episode/index/show/mightyblueontheat/id/12754895
info_outline
Episode #200 - Sara Spittel (Cushy Life)
01/09/2020
Episode #200 - Sara Spittel (Cushy Life)
I've met many extraordinary women on the trail but few who have left as deep an impression as Sara Spittel, or Cushy Life. Cushy was the Queen Bee of our little tramily in 2019, with both Trigger and me in supporting roles. Cushy displays an empathetic nature, showing concern for everybody she met on the trail–often to Trigger's and my mock annoyance!! She is ever curious and willing to strike up a conversation with pretty much every hiker she meets. But we weren't going to finish with Cushy. She had other adventures and partners than us. Despite that, however, we were delighted to catch up with her again in New Hampshire to share her joy at being in her home state. I thought I knew quite a bit about her, after our long conversations on the trail, yet she surprised me a few times in this conversation. Adam Stanley, or Stanimal, owns two hostels; one in Glasgow and one in Waynesboro. I stayed at both, so it was fun to catch up with Adam as we talked about his great little hostels. Finally, for this 200th episode, Paul Stutzman's book, Hiking Through, has reached the New England states.
/episode/index/show/mightyblueontheat/id/12665825
info_outline
Episode #199 - Kimberly Brookshire (Legs)
01/02/2020
Episode #199 - Kimberly Brookshire (Legs)
While we normally focus on Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, Kimberly Brookshire's story was too good to miss. She had spent the early part of her career in fashion and wanted to experience something completely out of her comfort zone. Eschewing the Appalachian and other long-distance trails, Kimberly went for the lesser-known Mountains To Sea Trail. This proved to be the perfect segue between her previous life and a new one that she discovered. But Kimberly's story didn't end when she reached the end of the trail in the Outer Banks. She was enjoying the life that she was leading and appreciated the person she had become through her adventure. So she did it again, eventually completing a yoyo of the trail, becoming only the third person and the first woman to do so. The following links will enable you to connect with both the trail and Kimberly. Links for the Mountains To Sea Trail: Links for Kimberly: Craig Griffiths of Misty Mountain Inn provides hikers with a wonderful place to rest their heads early on the AT. I stayed there on my 2019 thru-hike and thoroughly appreciated the experience. Craig tells us what the cabins have to offer the weary traveler. Find Craig and his inn at Paul Stutzman's Hiking Thru has reached New York, with its delis and a shelter dubbed by Paul's friend, Fargo, as the Pharmacy Shelter. Finally, if you love this and the other Hiking Radio Network shows, please consider either a monthly or one-off donation to help fund the five regular shows that we have scheduled for 2020. You can find the DONATE button on the podcast page of the Mighty Blue website. Click on this link to be taken to the page
/episode/index/show/mightyblueontheat/id/12578507
info_outline
Episode #198 - Willow Bolton (Angel)
12/26/2019
Episode #198 - Willow Bolton (Angel)
With all the problems that one may encounter on the Appalachian Trail, Willow Bolton decided that highlighting her disability (something that she refers to as a blessing) would be a good way to bring some attention to it. In the interview with Steve she mentions, almost in passing, another major issue and, despite her stoicism, Steve was moved by her determination. If you'd like to learn more about Willow's "blessing," you can go to . If you'd like to help out with a donation you'll find a donation button on the homepage. This week, we also spoke with Ryan Hopkins, who produced Steve's show while he was on the AT this year. Ryan has some news of his own that involves a song called "Thru" by a group named Tie Goes To The Runner. Steve met Scooch and Paris (two of the group's members) this year and they graciously shared their song with him. Watch their video here on YouTube. Finally, Paul Stutzman indulges in the somewhat questionable joys of Naked Hiking Day.
/episode/index/show/mightyblueontheat/id/12529799
info_outline
Episode #197 - Dave Braunlich (Seventy)
12/19/2019
Episode #197 - Dave Braunlich (Seventy)
Dave Braunlich gave himself a tough task when he considered hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2019. He needed to fit in the trail AND keep his job. For this reason, his daily mileage had to be more than 30 miles every single day. Listen to Dave as he shares his remarkable story with Steve. You can also follow Dave's journey with his YouTube page at and his Instagram page at Standing Bear Farm is the featured hostel this week, as Marie Guzzman tells about the history of the hostel and why it is always a work in progress. I thoroughly enjoyed staying at the hostel, both in 2014 and 2019. Finally, Paul Stutzman reaches the rocks of Pennsylvania in "Hiking Through." 'Nuff said!!
/episode/index/show/mightyblueontheat/id/12457796
info_outline
Episode #196 - Andrew Haverstick (Gandalf)
12/12/2019
Episode #196 - Andrew Haverstick (Gandalf)
When Andrew Haverstick reached out to me recently telling me that he had a story to share, I called and listened to his story. Our subsequent conversation turned into one of the most poignant interviews on the show so far. In 2018, when he thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail, he did so with an unfolding situation back home that was doubtless causing him stress. That said, Andrew's calmness in our conversation and his actions on the trail were all based around that unfolding situation. Listen to Steve and Andrew as they discuss Andrew's hike. If you'd like to follow Andrew on his adventures, you can find him on Instagram at and on YouTube at With no hostel owner to talk with this week, I took the chance to speak with Anna Huthmaker, of the Trail Dames Podcast. She told me of the development of the podcast and her plans for the future. You can catch up with the show at It is particularly apposite to do so in the next week or so as Anna gives you gift ideas for the hiker in your life. Our sponsor, Terri Kidder, a Young Living Essential Oils Independent Distributor, has an offer for listeners. Just text "HIKER" to 937-848-1630 and you'll receive a response telling you how to get the Young Living Basic Hiker Pack for you or the hiker in your life. Finally, in Paul Stutzman's Hiking Through, Paul passes the halfway mark and encounters a ferocious storm.
/episode/index/show/mightyblueontheat/id/12368849
info_outline
Episode #195 - Colleen and Julianne Davis (Peaches and Woodstock)
12/05/2019
Episode #195 - Colleen and Julianne Davis (Peaches and Woodstock)
I met Peaches and Woodstock in Maine when I was heading north earlier this year. They are listeners to the show and Julianne introduced herself, asking me to say hi to her Mom, Colleen, who was on her way down the mountain. I recall thinking at the time that it would be great to interview a mother and daughter on the trail and I was consequently delighted when the two of them reached out to me recently. They have spent a long time on the trail and are now almost at the end. It was great catching up with the two of them as they tell of the fun they've had together, strengthening an already strong bond. Terri Kidder, a Young Living Independent Distributor, sponsors the show this week, offering a "Basic Essential Oils Hiker Pack." All you have to do is text the word "HIKER" to 937-848-1630 and you'll soon receive a response with everything you need to know about getting this great pack that Terri has put together for hikers. Thanks for your support, Terri. Jim Gregory of Boots Off tells us about one of my favorite hostels on the trail. With loads of different accommodations to choose from, this is certainly a stop you should consider. Lastly, Paul Stutzman's Hiking Through has Paul finally out of Virginia and at the traditional halfway point; Harpers Ferry.
/episode/index/show/mightyblueontheat/id/12284588
info_outline
Episode #194 - Jessie Crawford (Supergirl)
11/28/2019
Episode #194 - Jessie Crawford (Supergirl)
When Jessie Crawford had a drink with Stylez, a friend of mine from the Class of 2014, they discussed post-trail life and "how weird the transition is." When she got into contact I knew that she had a story to share, so we hit the record button and chatted away. Quite apart from her "weird transition," Jessie proved herself to be another of the empowered, strong young women who now take on these hikes and she had a fine story to tell, including one of the best explanations of what trail magic really is. When Jessie returned from the trail she started her own graphic design business and you can see her work at If you reach out to her through the site I'm sure she'd be delighted to hear from you. Also, this week, I'm introducing another new podcast from the Hiking Radio Network, A Woman of a Certain Age: Phoenix on the Appalachian Trail. This will be covering the journey of Phoenix, whose real name is revealed in the show as we meet her.
/episode/index/show/mightyblueontheat/id/12207056
info_outline
Episode #193 - Rob and Gavin Duncan (Waffle and Hawkeye)
11/21/2019
Episode #193 - Rob and Gavin Duncan (Waffle and Hawkeye)
I first heard of Rob and Gavin on the trail when Rob's wife, Beth, wrote to me in May to tell me about their journey. The family had been listening to the podcast for some time as they prepared for the AT. Now that they were on the trail, Beth wanted to update me on their progress. I knew that Gavin was struggling a bit, so I reached back out and tried to give some encouragement, telling that I'd like to hear their story when they were done with the AT. I'm really glad that we were able to get them on the show because Gavin had an especially poignant message for hikers of all ages. Hiker's Welcome was one of the hostels that I enjoyed in 2019 AND 2014, so I asked John Robblee, or Packrat to come on the show and tell us about this iconic stopping point. You can reach the hostel at 603-989-0040, or find them online at . Finally, Paul Stutzman's Hiking Through finds Paul running into trouble in almost the same spot that I did, back in 2014. Not so happy memories!
/episode/index/show/mightyblueontheat/id/12117845
info_outline
Episode #192 - Jess Jordan (Yalla)
11/14/2019
Episode #192 - Jess Jordan (Yalla)
When we met Yalla on our thru-hike earlier this year, Trigger and I were immediately drawn to her as a person but it was her name that stuck with us for the rest of our journey. Yalla tells us about her flip flop, starting at Harpers Ferry on the way to Katahdin then southbound from Harpers to Springer. She recounts two different hikes, which is the way she segmented them in her mind. As luck would have it, she ran into a friend of mine in Georgia and when my friend mentioned Mighty Blue, they knew that had a friend in common. I'm so pleased that I got the chance to talk with her again. Tina Tempest is the owner of Quarterway Inn, a hostel about 550 miles (or a quarter of the way) into a NOBO hike. I stayed at the Inn this year and loved it. Tina tells us about why she decided to run a hostel and the various services that she provides. I was told before I hit the trail this year that Quarterway was a "must stay." That advice turned out to be spot on. You can find out more about the hostel–and book it from April thru June–at Paul Stutzman, from his book, Hiking Thru, moves farther up the trail, losing one partner and gaining another, if only for a short time.
/episode/index/show/mightyblueontheat/id/12026873
info_outline
Episode #191 - Darrell and Alicia Brimberry (Next Step and Which Way)
11/07/2019
Episode #191 - Darrell and Alicia Brimberry (Next Step and Which Way)
When Darrell and Alicia set out to hike the AT in 2018 they assumed that they would hike the whole way together. It didn't work out that way and, as a result, they have different perspectives of the same hike. When injury strikes, it is important to know beforehand what the plan would be for a couple on the trail. Darrell and Alicia had already decided what they would do, and one carried on without the other until they finally summited together at Katahdin. The Brimberrys kept a journal that you can find at the link below. Also this week, I reply to a listener's question and speak with Chica and Sunsets on their new venture. Finally, Chapter Ten of Paul Stutzman's Hiking Thru finds Paul at Roan Mountain.
/episode/index/show/mightyblueontheat/id/11937611
info_outline
Episode #190 - Sahada Buckley and Luke Runels (Cloud and Leaf)
10/31/2019
Episode #190 - Sahada Buckley and Luke Runels (Cloud and Leaf)
We've had a variety of guests on the show over the past three years but I'm pretty confident that no guest (or guests) has ever been as laid back about their journey as Sahada Buckley and Luke Runels. They were out in the woods to get away from life's distractions, playing music, singing, and avoiding much of the modern paraphernalia of everyday life. Often going radio silent, Sahada and Luke experienced the trail in a way I've never heard before. They took more than a week in Washington DC and even longer in New York City. The first three photographs in these notes are credited to Carly Geraci, while I wanted to include a pic of Luke lying, seemingly asleep, on a railway track. Love it! We also have Julie "Jester" Gayheart, our new host on "Jester" Section Hiker, a podcast coming soon. Julie shares a bit of news and gives a preview of what you can expect with the show. Finally, Paul Stutzman's Hiking Through reaches the trail town of Hot Springs, where a bike ride triggers some difficult memories.
/episode/index/show/mightyblueontheat/id/11847836
info_outline
Episode #189 - Julie Obear and Barry King (Boston and Cubby)
10/24/2019
Episode #189 - Julie Obear and Barry King (Boston and Cubby)
Boston and Cubby have been long-distance hiking for nearly 15 years, having started with the Appalachian Trail in 2005. During that time they have completed the Triple Crown, climbed Mt Kilimanjaro, done the American Discovery Trail and the Long Trail. They even found time to hike across the state of Rhode Island! They have simplified both their hiking style and their lives, finding peace and their desired solitude along America's trails. You can find out more about Julie and Barry's journeys at the following links. They are also on at backpax and on at backpax14 Katy Amphlett completed the Mighty Blue Class of 2019 debriefs by letting us know how she got on this year. Whatever happened, we beat the odds overall.
/episode/index/show/mightyblueontheat/id/11760929
info_outline
Episode #188 - Dianne Seger (Lady Di)
10/17/2019
Episode #188 - Dianne Seger (Lady Di)
Lady Di was part of one of my earlier "tramilies." We spent quite a bit of time together around Fontana Dam and the Smokies but were separated after that. She was yet another example of a fiercely independent, strong woman who brought a lot to the trail this year. Starting her hike less than a week after her retirement, she was slow but steady throughout her journey. I particularly remember her cooking "real" food every night, unlike my own pathetic efforts. Now that she has finished the trail–just a week before this conversation–she is still coming to terms with the impact of the hike on her and starting to adjust to retirement. Tina Dunaway is the last but one of the Mighty Blue Class of 2019 and she has her own story that tells why she finished the trail after 600 miles. It isn't a happy ending but certainly one with hope for the future.
/episode/index/show/mightyblueontheat/id/11665727
info_outline
Episode #187 - Jason Elwood (Bamboo)
10/10/2019
Episode #187 - Jason Elwood (Bamboo)
I met Jason and his friends in 2014. They were on the trail helping other hikers while achieving their own hiking goals at the same time. I don't believe that I quite understood how much their journey was geared towards supporting others until we spoke on the show. Since then, Jason has completed both the Pacific Crest Trail and, very recently, the Continental Divide Trail, to complete hiking's Triple Crown. All these hikes have been motivated by the same theme of helping others while sharing his faith. You can find out more about Jason and his mission work at You can also follow him on Facebook at and on Instagram at We also caught up with another member of the Mighty Blue Class of 2019, Carlton Johnson and he proved to have such a positive experience on the trail, despite not finishing it this time. Finally, Paul Stutzman has reached North Carolina, with Georgia now in his rear-view mirror.
/episode/index/show/mightyblueontheat/id/11577686
info_outline
Episode #186 - Tammy and Curt Fackler (Lolli and Pop)
10/03/2019
Episode #186 - Tammy and Curt Fackler (Lolli and Pop)
With an empty nest, sufficient money, and plenty of time on their hands, Curt and Tammy Fackler decided to drastically downsize. They sold their home and gave away most of their belongings before hitting the road in their truck with their new home attached. Their adventures were always leading them to the Appalachian Trail and, six months after their travels started, they set off from Georgia. Tammy wasn't an experienced hiker but she wanted to support Curtis in his dream, so went along for the ride. Listen to how their journey unfolded. Lotta Anvret, from Sweden, is another member of the Mighty Blue Class of 2019, and she is back to reveal how her hike ended up. Finally, Paul Stutzman's Hiking Through covers the early miles and the first main stop, at Mountain Crossings.
/episode/index/show/mightyblueontheat/id/11491262
info_outline
Episode #185 - Mike Colburn (Bassman)
09/26/2019
Episode #185 - Mike Colburn (Bassman)
Mike Colburn started his years-long section thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail during the last century. While he never intended to complete the trail in sections, it wasn't until the earlier years of this century that he realized that it was in his sights. With so little now to do, Steve and Mike discussed his long, long journey to this moment. Along the way, Steve and Mike have run into one another on the trail, sometimes fortuitously, sometimes by design. The two of them have shared a friendship that was born on the AT and continues to thread through the AT. Our Mighty Blue Class of 2019 debrief continues with Nate Stockton, or Turd Ferguson, as he recounts what happened on his epic hike this year. Finally, Paul Stutzman provides us with some context for his feelings on that first night on the top of Springer Mountain, in Georgia.
/episode/index/show/mightyblueontheat/id/11396456
info_outline
Episode #184 - Olivia Miller Bakke (Mama Lion)
09/19/2019
Episode #184 - Olivia Miller Bakke (Mama Lion)
When you finish the Appalachian Trail, your mind is in a bit of a whirl. You can't fully articulate your thoughts and, really, those thoughts mature over time. I wanted to capture the thoughts of a hiker within 24 hours of his or her finish, so when I saw Olivia Miller Bakke's summit photo on Facebook, I reached out to her. This is that conversation. I also caught up with Lea Ann Hogan, another of our mighty Blue Class of 2019 and her reasons for stopping her hike after 500 miles. As you'll hear, she wasn't desperately happy about it! Chapter Three of Paul Stutzman's Hiking Through brings Paul to the trail at Amicolola State Park. During those initial steps, he entertains a few doubts!
/episode/index/show/mightyblueontheat/id/11278352
info_outline
Episode #183 - Bob Curran (Trigger)
09/12/2019
Episode #183 - Bob Curran (Trigger)
When I met Bob Curran in the Grayson Highlands, I could never have imagined that he and I would end up at the top of Mt Katahdin together, some 1700 miles later. We came together by accident and stayed together more by circumstance than by design. That said, each of us acknowledges the positive impact that we both had on each other's hike. As two 66-year-olds we fitted perfectly with one another when it came to hiking style and speed. We weren't the fastest but we were also not the slowest. Our progress was measured and we seemed destined to finish on about the six-month mark. That we were able to finish prior to that is down to Bob's unyielding determination to squeeze out extra miles each day. If it hadn't been for him I'd have been out there a lot longer. Margi Mimms is the first of our Class of 2019 debriefs and, by happy coincidence, Margi was the first of us to finish. She reflects upon her journey. Don't forget, if you have a copy of Paul Stutzman's Hiking Through and would be happy to lend me it, please email me at . I will, of course, arranged for its safe return to you.
/episode/index/show/mightyblueontheat/id/11218850