Trust The Trail

On this episode we share what it was like when we backpacked 12 miles barefoot. Where we went, and how it felt. Hiking barefoot connects you to the trail in a whole new way and gives you a whole new perspective on just what you are missing when wearing shoes, or boots.  We kept an open mind about it, and what we learned may surprise you. Would we do it again? Find out. Things we talk about * Would we ever do it again? * How does hiking in barefeet change the trail? * Mud = Sanctuary Thanks for listening! We absolutely love connecting with our community and appreciate all the e-mails and messages. Huge thank you! It’s because of people like you that inspire us to keep podcasting our passion. If you’ve been enjoying the show and want to help others find it, We’d love a review from you in iTunes. Each and every review helps more people find the show (each one counts and we are super grateful). To leave a review, click here and then go to “ratings and reviews”. It takes one minute and we read every one? Please help support us on Patreon so we can keep up the weekly Podcast’s. We promise you won’t be disappointing

It doesn’t always come out the way you thought it would. Whether it’s life or the trail. Sometimes things just go wrong. On this episode we have a laugh at our own expense as we list our top 10 Trail Blunders of all time. We did this episode LIVE on Periscope and we had a small technical glitch and we had to do our intro again. But the LIVE version is up and you can watch the replay. Some things we talk about in this episode: * How can we NOT find a 50 mile hole in the ground? * Never tarp on a Beach * Pouring Rain makes a towel very heavy * How many flat tires did we have on one road? * Save the Ham! Thanks for listening! We absolutely love connecting with our community and appreciate all the e-mails and messages. Huge thank you! It’s because of people like you that inspire us to keep podcasting our passion. If you’ve been enjoying the show and want to help others find it, We’d love a review from you in iTunes. Each and every review helps more people find the show (each one counts and we are super grateful). To leave a review, click here and then go to “ratings and reviews”. It takes one minute and we read every one? Please help support us on Patreon so we can keep up the weekly Podcast’s. We promise you won’t be disappointing

We interview Leigh Rothermel (shortstack) from Mountain Crossings of what it took to Thru-Hike 2 of the longest national trails in the Country. The Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. Leigh highlights exactly what it took her to spend nearly a year of her life on the trail and what both trails taught her about the outdoors, and life. Some things we talk about in this episode: Thru-Hiking is definitely a lifestyle change The reason she tackled the Appalachian Trail and her perspective Leigh’s experience on the Pacific Crest Trail How she went from being afraid, to trusting the trail Thanks for listening! We absolutely love connecting with our community and appreciate all the e-mails and messages. Huge thank you! It’s because of people like you that inspire us to keep podcasting our passion. If you’ve been enjoying the show and want to help others find it, We’d love a review from you in iTunes. Each and every review helps more people find the show (each one counts and we are super grateful). To leave a review, click here and then go to “ratings and reviews”. It takes one minute and we read every one? Please help support us on Patreon so we can keep up the weekly Podcast’s. We promise you won’t be disappointing

Our Holiday Podcast is all about some fun. Driving in the car the other day we debated who we would rather go hiking with. Heat Miser or Snow Miser from the animated show “The Year Without Christmas”.  We laughed so hard we wanted to do a Podcast about it. So with some Egg Nog and Rum, we share our craziness with you. There is a little buzz during the recording. We totally apologize for that. Damn battery charger Some things we talk about in this episode: * Who would you rather spend the weekend with? * Does Heat Miser where a Hat? * Snow Miser may give you the “Cold” shoulder * Heat Miser maybe a “Hot” head * The reveal – Who is the number 1 Outdoors man? Thanks for listening! We absolutely love connecting with our community and appreciate all the e-mails and messages. We had a blast doing this podcast. Huge thank you! It’s because of people like you that inspire us to keep podcasting our passion. If you’ve been enjoying the show and want to help others find it, We’d love a review from you in iTunes. Each and every review helps more people find the show (each one counts and we are super grateful). To leave a review, click here and then go to “ratings and reviews”. It takes one minute and we read every one?

One of our favorite things to do is to go hiking in the Winter Snow. Well, we sure did get our wish this winter in Northern Georgia. On this episode we try and inspire and motivate you to get outdoors in the Winter and see it in a different perspective. We give you 5 tips on why you need to get your boots on and get a little cold. Some things we talk about in this episode:  5 tips on how to enjoy a winter hike How see Winter in a different perspective How to stay warm in your tent while winter camping Thanks for listening! We absolutely love connecting with our community and appreciate all the e-mails and messages. Huge thank you! It’s because of people like you that inspire us to keep podcasting our passion. If you’ve been enjoying the show and want to help others find it, We’d love a review from you in iTunes. Each and every review helps more people find the show (each one counts and we are super grateful). To leave a review, click here and then go to “ratings and reviews”. It takes one minute and we read every one? Thanks!

On this episode we discuss getting rid of the stuff, and trusting the trail. No matter what “the trail” means to you. Less is more! We openly share what our lives have been like since we have purged all of our junk. How does that relate to our lifestyle of backpacking trails and exploring. A few things we talk about in this episode: * As outdoor guides we talk about the value of Less is More * The parallel to real life and the trail * We DO NOT miss the stuff that were acting as anchors in our lives * Living in a 180 square feet and living minimalistic * Wants VS Needs * Defining what lightweight is and how it changes over the years Thanks for listening! We absolutely love connecting with our community and appreciate all the e-mails and messages. Huge thank you! It’s because of people like you that inspire us to keep podcasting our passion. If you’ve been enjoying the show and want to help others find it, We’d love a review from you in iTunes. Each and every review helps more people find the show (each one counts and we are super grateful). To leave a review, click here and then go to “ratings and reviews”. It takes one minute and we read every one ? Thanks!

On this episode we share our experience with how we inspire and motivate potential Thru-Hikers  prepping for the Appalachian Trail. We partnered with Mountain Crossings Outfitters and are offering 4 AT Prep Classes taught right on the Appalachian Trail. A few things we talk about in this episode: * Expectations of the Trail – Fantasy VS Reality:  Are your expectations real? How much does Social Media play into the fantasy of the trail? It’s not what your seeing on YouTube, it’s what your NOT seeing. * Solo VS Social – We read a letter from one of our listeners from Sydney Australia that expresses concerns with the crowds and culture of the AT * Overcoming rough days on the AT – It’s real out there folks * Gear Talk- When to stop looking for the best gear, and get the right gear. For more info on our AT Prep Class you are just one CLICK AWAY. Thanks for Listening! Huge thank you! It’s because of people like you that inspire us to keep podcasting our passion. If you’ve been enjoying the show and want to help others find it, We’d love a review from you in iTunes. Each and every review helps more people find the show (each one counts and we are super grateful). To leave a review, click here and then go to “ratings and reviews”. It takes one minute and we read every one ? Thanks!

Ever have a spontaneous idea to take a road trip that takes you through 5 states and over 2,000 miles? We did. On this episode we share are amazing road trip to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to see the peak colors of Fall. Over 90% of our road trip were spend outdoors as we camped at various campground throughout the 5 states. Not to mention taking time to teach a Backpacking Basics Class with the Peoria Backpackers.  We arrived in Munising, Michigan where we got picked up by shuttle and hiked the beautiful Lakeshore Trail that is part of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Park. It’s a 42 mile trail that spans sand dunes, forest, and cliffs.

On this episode we are talking about the trails that run deep below the surface, we are talking caving. Ariane is an avid caver, and there is no way we could get away WITHOUT doing a podcast about the trails that traverse underground. Talk about Trust the Trail….We also discuss Ariane taking me on my first caving expedition while holding a few details back and how I had to face my fear.

What’s it like to test yourself? To hike 300 miles of uphill, downhill, in the rain, fog, and wind? This is my journey of my backpacking trek on the Appalachian Trail.  The truth about social versus solo. What’s the emotional toll that you feel when you wanna quit?  I certainly didn’t expect winds gusting up to 70 mph on my hike, but then again it was my favorite day.  What is the reality versus what you see on social media? The truth exposed!!!!

On this episode we share with you the people that have inspired us throughout the years. In the 10 years we have been taking people outdoors we have been so inspired by how they overcame their fear of the outdoors.  People that had never dared to go outdoors and spend the night, let alone going solo on a backpacking trip. They share their notes, txt’s, and messages with us…In return, they inspire US.

It makes no difference whether you are traveling, backpacking, playing sports, or just living your everyday life. The Norovirus is something you do NOT want to get. Yet, thousands each year become infected. When I was asked (Ariane writing here) to take part in a Norovirus Research Study, I jumped at the chance. Yea, I laugh just thinking about my enthusiasm. (what’s wrong with me)?  As an Outdoor Guide and after hiking 300 miles of the Appalachian Trail this year, I witnessed myself how brutal getting sick outdoors really is. At least 5 people I was hiking with dropped off the trail because of the Norovirus.  The bunkhouse I stayed in had to completely bleach everything because staff members were going down. After spending 5 days in the hospital and logging every single “issue” I had while infected. It’s important to share what I learned to our outdoor friends. People I know that are planning a Long Distance Hike on the AT, or traveling across the country in their RV (as we are getting ready to do) We felt obligated to put together a PDF file that you can keep with you on your smart phone and reference it. Or at least think about how exposed you can be while out there. How to prevent getting the Norovirus when you spend time in the outdoors is only the first step. Understanding how it spreads is crucial. The most common cause of acute gastroenteritis and food borne disease outbreaks in the United States, norovirus, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is responsible for 19-20 million illnesses, leads to 1.7–1.9 million outpatient visits and 400,000 emergency department visits, primarily in young children, and contributes to 56,000-71,000 hospitalizations and 570-800 deaths annually in America. Norovirus is a very contagious virus that can be contracted from an infected person, contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces. -CDC The virus causes acute inflammation of the stomach and intestines leading to abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, which usually last 1-3 days. Patients can also remain contagious for up to 3 days after the acute symptoms resolve. I was genuinely surprised at the abrasive hastiness in which the virus appeared, perhaps I thinking it would have been a more gradual introduction of discomfort, slowing introducing it’s fowl play. – Ariane Petrucci   NOTES I took at the Hospital: Approximately every ten to fifteen minutes I’d have to remind myself to cite a promise “no regrets”: 10:48 – 11:36 – 1:09 – 1:11 – 2:12 – 2:25 – 2:32 – 2:44 – 2:56 – 2:59 – 3:17 – 3:40 – 3:56 – 4:15 – 4:46 – 4:49 – 5:25 – 6:13 – and finally tapering of at a final clocking of 8:05pm. At its pinnacle, I only had to endured less than seven hours of unspeakable hell before flipping the mend. After it was all said and done. I was glad it was over. For those who would like to subscribe to a special e-mail outlining the Norovirus and how to prevent it. Just fill out the box below.

On this episode Ariane shares her experience as she is trekking through the Appalachian Trail.  Is establishing a routine everyday helpful or harmful to your hiking experience? After all, we are out on the trail to get away from it all right? But is sure does seem like I am going to work everyday. Everyday is the same. Wake up, drink coffee, eat, pack up, hike. Funny how quickly though, THAT routine becomes a habit. A very secure habit I might add. When a circumstance becomes “different”, it’s kind of weird that my routine becomes interrupted.  I found that my 0 days often did that. Of course, my routine of hiking became so normal. Talking with other hikers, listening to the sounds of nature, became very routine to me. So in that aspect, it was very beneficial. Some advise I received before hitting the trail was: Establish a routine as soon as you can Establishing a routine at camp was very helpful. How you get ready for night. Making sure everything is secure, hanging your food bag, getting your sleeping bag fluffed up. I think the best routine I got into was having a flexible plan. There are many time that I didn’t get to go or camp where I wanted. But that turned out to be ok. The Trail will put you exactly where you need to be. That is why Trusting the Trail is so beneficial to my hiking experience. Check out Ariane’s Gear List. She is averaging  27 lbs pack weight with food and water. Want talk LIVE with her and ask a question? Find out how.

Episode 28 takes Ariane all the way to day 8 on the Appalachian Trail. As she’s treking on the trail, she is sharing her thoughts and wonderment. She say’s “My lungs have finally caught up with me”. She also shares what it’s like to make decisions while backpacking on the AT and how important they are. What do your instincts tell you? If you see a sketchy campsite should you stay there? What’s it like backpacking in a thunderstorm and being soaked to the bone. As this podcast get’s uploaded, Ariane  has completed the first 100 miles. It’s been rainy, and yet beautiful at the same time. Check out Ariane’s Gear List. She is averaging  27 lbs pack weight with food and water. Want talk LIVE with her and ask a question? Find out how.

On this episode Ariane goes Solo….on a 300 mile trek on the Appalachian Trail and she’s taking you with. Ariane will be backpacking through 3 states and hiking on up some of the toughest mountains in the Southeast. Including the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. This first episode shares with you, Ariane watching the Sunset on Springer Mountain (the southern terminus of the AT).  How the first day went and her feelings what her experience is.  On day 3 she shares her experience being at the Justus Creek campsites by herself. Check out Ariane’s Gear List and see how she got her total pack weight (with food and water) down to 25.6 pounds. Want talk LIVE with her and ask a question? Find out how. Thanks for listening. We hope you continue with her on the journey.