Shows
Section Hiking the Appalachian TrailShould you hike alone or with a group? Discuss....In this episode we discuss a recent trip to Shenandoah National Park where we came across two cool groups:
Climb4 and Latinos Outdoors.
This episode then discusses the pros and cons of hiking alone, with a partner, or in a group. There are certainly some good reasons for doing all three.
Here are the Gaia GPS tracks of our recent trip to SNP:
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
2024-11-1823 minSection Hiking the Appalachian TrailWhere have you been? Hiking Central to Northeastern PAIn this episode our fearless host recounts the various sections he and his colleagues have hiked between Duncannan, PA through the Leigh River Water Gap... which he realizes, had he taken a few more minutes to review the map is 37 miles away from the Delaware River Water Gap and the border with New Jersey... Sigh.
Gaia GPS Links to our hikes:
Duncannan to Clarks Ferry Shelter
Clarks Ferry Shelter to PA 325
PA 325 To Streamside Camp
Streamside Camp to PA 645
PA 645 to Campsite
Campsite to Port...
2024-10-2234 min
Pro Politics with Zac McCraryDemocratic Pollster Lisa Grove on the Power of a Question MarkSend us a text[EPISODE ORIGINALLY RECORDED FEBRUARY 2021]Lisa Grove has been a leading Democratic strategist and pollster for 25+ years, helping elect a President, Senators, Governors, and more. She also developed a reputation for winning tough ballot measures and helped refine messaging to advance the cause of marriage equality. In this conversation (recorded February '21), she talks her roots in Oregon politics and activism, being drawn to polling, her early days in the business, starting her own firm in the mid 90s, and stories & insight from a successful career that has spanned several decades.
2023-08-0845 minSection Hiking the Appalachian TrailHarpers Ferry to Lindon, VA featuring... the roller coaster!The episode in which our protagonist hikes south from Harpers Ferry, WVA to Lindon, VA. Its a beautiful hike, except, in his hubris he makes several mistakes... what are they? Listen and find out!
2023-02-0617 minSection Hiking the Appalachian TrailMarylandIn this adventure our congested narrator describes his time on the trail in Maryland on the Appalacian Trail. He has some words about people who can't control their dogs and some other stories of people just trying to go on a hike. Maryland is a great place to hike, whether its a start or a section.
Section Hiking the Appalachian Trails is sponsored by Hudson Pines: your gateway to the Adirondacks! Reserve your site at https://www.camphudsonpines.com.
2022-12-2925 minSection Hiking the Appalachian TrailShenandoah National Park -- Swift Gap to Rockfish GapHonestly it had been so long since I had hiked through the southern part of the Shendandoah National Park that I couldn't recall all that needed to be recalled. So I grabbed my friend Alex and hiked it again. We did it in 3 days, rather than 4. But there were some lessons learned... which you'll hear. Of course, you will also hear me stammer as I try to explain, but don't, why Coke products are better than Pepsi. Perhaps if Coke were to sponsor this I could do a better job but they don't. I know both are bad for you bu...
2022-08-2121 min
Section Hiking the Appalachian TrailGeorgia Part 2So what happened to Stephen? Was he injured? Was he able to continue? Did the rest of us stick on the trail? What happens? We are about to find out!
2022-06-2315 minSection Hiking the Appalachian TrailGeorgia Part 1Do you feel ripped off by endless sequels? So do I, but it didn't stop our intrepid hikers from leaving the episode on a cliff hanger! What cliffhanger is possible you ask on a hiking trip from point A to point B? You will have to listen to find out.
We talk about falls, poop, owls, poison ivy, the gamut. Everything you never knew you needed in a podcast episode about the AT in Georgia.
Also, here are the names of the shuttle guys and gals and their contact information if you want to find a ri...
2022-06-1730 minSection Hiking the Appalachian TrailBring on Georgia!Jon talks about being ready to tackle the GA portion of the Appalachian Trail.
2022-05-2209 minSection Hiking the Appalachian TrailPlanning to go to GA, walking from the Susquehanna through the Cumberland Valley, and fixing my feetIn this latest update of our intrepid section hiker we talk about his planning efforts for his trip to GA in May, his recent shake down/section hike in PA, and an effort to keep his feet from falling apart so he can keep hiking!
2022-04-1032 minSection Hiking the Appalachian TrailShenandoah National Park Night 5: Big Meadows to Swift GapCatching up on previous trips, Jon explains what happens when he leaves the confines of Big Meadows state park and heads south to Swift Gap.
Along the way there's some beautiful terrain, albeit not all that difficult. Along the way we learn about the 53 cemeteries in the park and we talk about the history of the Lewis Mountain Campground.
For more information about the formation of the Lewis Mountain Campground, you can look at the following sites:
Shenandoah for idea to reality
Previous Secretaries of the Department of Interior
Segr...
2022-01-3121 minSection Hiking the Appalachian TrailBackpacking, Life and podcasting in 2021 (in 2022)In this episode Jon describes what happened to him in 2021, gives an overview of the trips he was able to take, and some of the ways life got in the way of his broader hiking.
He also talks about some of the new gear additions he had, including a Sea To Summit sleeping bag liner, a new Hammock Gear Wunderluxe set up, and he talks briefly about how Merrell hiking shoes failed him, although he doesn't go into how much he loves his Altra Timp2s.
Finally, after reviewing those who listen to this podcast, he...
2022-01-1734 minSection Hiking the Appalachian TrailShenandoah Park Day 4: Birds Nest#3 to Big Meadows CampgroundIn the which we determine whether it is better to proceed quick in order to eat what is considered a good meal and whether rolling one's ankle should keep our hiker from pursuing his quest.
2021-01-1219 minSection Hiking the Appalachian TrailShenandoah Day 3: Matthew Arms to Bird's Nest #3In the which our intrepid hiker relearns the wonders of ibuprofen, enjoys a coke and wanders up and down the hills to bird's nest #3. He meets some retirees who explain to him that the hiking he thinks is somewhat challenging is nothing compared to southern VA... The weather was also beautiful and the forest glorious to behold.
2020-12-3018 minSection Hiking the Appalachian TrailShenandoah Park Part 2: Compton Gap to Matthew ArmsIn this protein of our adventure, our backpacker leaves the bear infested area of Compton Gap and hikes his way up and over several areas of Shenandoah National Park to Matthew Arms campground. We also learn that his dinner of dehydrated yams was gross and what to do for shock.
2020-12-2027 minSection Hiking the Appalachian TrailShenandoah National Park part 1: Lindon to Compton GapIn the which our erstwhile explorer begins a multi-way trip through the Shenandoah National Park as he heads southbound on the Appalachian Trail and has adventures along the way. Plus, he may have come across a bear at night, which was not an experience he had hoped for along the way.
Please subscribe, leave comments on the podcast, and join us on Instagram @section_hiking_the_AT and Twitter @EskelsenJon
SNP backcountry park regulations
2020-11-1527 minSection Hiking the Appalachian TrailSouthern PA: Woodrow Road to Caledonia State ParkWherein our intrepid adventurers take a 15 mile overnight jaunt from the middle of now where to a beautiful state park and then tell you about it.
An article on the types of animals you may find along the AT is here!
2020-09-2225 minSection Hiking the Appalachian TrailSouthern PA: Caledonia State Park to PEN Mar County Park, MDToday we discuss the southern most section in Pennsylvania as we leave this fair state for Maryland. It's a great long hike, that is heavily wooded.
Also, we answer a question about how to get started backpacking! Give it a listen.
Andrew Skurka's Peanut Noodle recipe
The 10 essentials from the American Hiking Society
2020-08-2622 minSection Hiking the Appalachian TrailIntroducing the new new version of the podcast!After a hiatus, the erstwhile host of this podcast begins again, like the newest version of Batman or Spiderman or Pride and Prejudice (if that's your jam). The podcast is going to be focused on presenting useful information for the listener about the trail itself and not be a prep for someone like me whose figuring out how to hike it... gonna be the best. time. ever!
2020-08-1705 minSection Hiking the Appalachian TrailBonus Episode: What does the Supreme Court care about the AT?In this episode, our intrepid host comments on a recent Supreme Court case involving the Appalachian Trail and whether the Forest Service (rather than the National Parks Service) is allowed to issue permits for a natural gas pipeline that crosses the trail.
Also, in the absence of Major League Baseball, our host looks back at how awful color commentary is for major league sporting events!
For those who want to read and listen to the actual Supreme Court case: Cowpasture et al v U.S. Forest Service, you can read/listen to your hearts content he...
2020-04-2637 minSection Hiking the Appalachian TrailEpisode 15: This is the End… of Season 1… and of section hiking for the time beingIn the which our host ends the first season of this podcast. He concedes temporary defeat by COVID-19 and works towards preparing himself for future hikes after the pandemic passes. In the meantime there's lots to prepare for future endeavors -- this should be fun!
2020-04-0610 minSection Hiking the Appalachian TrailEpisode 14: Its not you its me: Hiking Woodrow Road through Pine Grove Furnace State Park to Hunters Run RoadIn the which your intrepid host and his friend Alex brave the elements and a disease they don't believe they have caught to hike a 14 mile portion of the Appalachian Trail. There was literally no one out there... except for a couple of dummies that were us. In today's episode we discuss the hike, review lessons learned, and discuss what the future holds regarding first section hike.
Today's podcast is sponsored by the Committee to Restore America's National Parks, an advocacy group for everyday people to try and get Congress to provide adequate resources to maintain our nat...
2020-03-3020 minSection Hiking the Appalachian TrailEpisode 13: To hike or not to hike, that is the questionIn the which our intrepid host discusses the concerns raised by different groups about backpacking in the time of COVID-19. In all seriousness, this is a big deal and we ought to treat it as such. Does this mean that we shouldn't do any backpacking? That's another question all together. Next weekend the plan is to go hiking up on the AT in southern PA again. So we'll see if it works out. To help us sort out these issues we bring on the host's wife, who is the family all-time judge. Our host presents his case, she asks questio...
2020-03-2319 minSection Hiking the Appalachian TrailEpisode 12: Backpacking as social distancing... the first shake down hike of the seasonIn the which our intrepid host hikes along the Appalachian Trail up in Pennsylvania with his good friend and even better sport, Alex Bates, testing out his various plans and ideas. Not all of them (the plans and ideas that is) make it through to the end. Plus, we use some transitions in this episode as our erstwhile sophistication related to podcasting marginally increases!
Really grateful Alex was able to join me on this hike, and even more grateful for his wife Amy who let him come out in play. Let's hope the Coronavirus doesn't actually get us s...
2020-03-1628 minSection Hiking the Appalachian TrailEpisode 11 - I'm sick... but hopefully not Covid-19I came down with a cold this weekend and am in no place to record a full podcast episode. So what we're going to do is send you to our instagram account: Section_hiking_the_AT. This week, I'll take pictures of the gear I'm planning to take, its weight and the alternatives to have a visual display of what I had planned to discuss. So check us out on Instagram and we'll catch up next week!
Today's podcast is sponsored by the Committee to Restore America's National Parks, an advocacy group for everyday people to try and...
2020-03-0901 minSection Hiking the Appalachian TrailEpisode 11 - I'm sick... but hopefully not Covid-19I came down with a cold this weekend and am in no place to record a full podcast episode. So what we're going to do is send you to our instagram account: Section_hiking_the_AT. This week, I'll take pictures of the gear I'm planning to take, its weight and the alternatives to have a visual display of what I had planned to discuss. So check us out on Instagram and we'll catch up next week!
Today's podcast is sponsored by the Committee to Restore America's National Parks, an advocacy group for everyday people to try and...
2020-03-0901 minSection Hiking the Appalachian TrailEpisode 10: food and water and gear deals oh my!In the which our intrepid hiker discusses a variety of topics to include some meals that he plans to take with him on the trail, what he ended up putting into his first aid kit, how he thinks about keeping his throat from getting parched, and what he does to keep from paying full retail when shopping for backpacking gear,
Today's podcast is sponsored by the Committee to Restore America's National Parks, an advocacy group for everyday people to try and get Congress to provide adequate resources to maintain our national park system. Currently there's a $12Billion m...
2020-03-0224 minSection Hiking the Appalachian TrailEpisode 9: How to eat in the woodsIn the which our would be section hiker works through answers for the following three questions: how much food should one bring on a hike? What are the characteristics of food one should bring? What kind of ways do we have to prepare food, once we have brought it with us? Look forward to feedback and comments on the episode -- thanks for listening
Links:
National Park Service Instagram Post on preparation to go hiking
Guthook guide app
AWOL guide
Backpacking Lite article on figuring out how much food to...
2020-02-2429 minSection Hiking the Appalachian TrailEpisode 8: Go where you want, just try not to get lost -- navigation in the woodsIn the which our host refreshes himself on the skills associated with navigation in the woods as he prepares for his initial section hike of the Appalachian Trail. Lots to remember but really hopes he won't get lost and... as his daughter is won't to remind him -- potentially perish.
Links:
Earl Shafffer, the First Thru-Hiker of the AT, Embodied the Trail’s Soul
https://www.adventure-journal.com/2020/01/earl-shaffer-the-first-thru-hiker-of-the-at-embodied-that-trails-soul/
How to download free trail maps on Garmin GPS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HMkuttRuhQ
Longer term revi...
2020-02-1826 minSection Hiking the Appalachian TrailEpisode 7: R-E-S-P-E-C-T-ing the trailIn the which we discuss the keys to having respect for the trail reviewing leave no trace principles and see whether Aretha Franklin's song has anything to do with it.... which it doesn't, really. But it is a nice metaphor, sort of, well, not really, for what leave no trace principles are all about -- especially as the AT and other long trails become more and more popular.
2020-02-1025 minSection Hiking the Appalachian TrailEpisode 6: Fix yo self before you wreck yo self -- the very basics of wilderness first aidIn the which our intrepid traveller begins to figure out what first aid items are needed for a 10-day backpacking trip. In an ideal world, I would have done additional editing on this episode. Apologies now.
2020-02-0317 minSection Hiking the Appalachian TrailOk you'se guys, let's keep it clean: personal hygiene on the trailIn the which we enter into the highly contentious world of personal hygiene when backpacking. Turns out this matter is something many have strong opinions about. Some of those opinions have merit while others do not...
How to poop in the woods by Andrew Skurka
Purell
Examples of soap/wash suds at REI
Dr. Bronners soap
The Deuce
Joshua Tree Foot Balm
Badger Foot Balm
Minimizing effect of macerated feet
2020-01-2425 minSection Hiking the Appalachian TrailEpisode 4: We got skillz! and flora and fauna that want to eat youOutlining all the skills, but what's funny is that if you google search backpacking skills, you always end up with a list of gear to bring on a hike with you... Here are some of the skills we hope to address in coming episodes:
Wilderness focused First aid: Common issues in the backcountry, the goals for treating them and what to carry.
Personal hygiene – how to stay clean.
Specific foot care – related issues. Making sure feet don’t get neglected and other self-care on the trail.
Navigation – different forms of navigation – digital to paper.
Meal planning, identifying how much to food...
2020-01-2127 minSection Hiking the Appalachian TrailEpisode 3: Let's have some fun! What is fun?In this episode we discuss the 3 different types of fun! type 1, type 2, and type 3... and then how physical and mental preparation for the hike assists in achieving that fun.
Physical preparation links:
Backpacking Light Podcast Notes for Episode 14: https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-014-training-for-backpacking/
Summit Strength: https://www.summitstrength.com.au
trailsidefitness.com: https://trailsidefitness.com
Article on preparing for the a hike: https://trailsidefitness.com/2018/10/30/training-tips-for-a-thru-hike/
Mental preparation:
Before/during the hike:
https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-blog/6-steps-pregame-mental-preparation/
http...
2020-01-1225 minSection Hiking the Appalachian TrailEpisode 2: The plan and choosing a good camp siteWhat is the plan? Well, here it goes. The idea is to leave Harpers Ferry the morning of April 24th, hiking to Waynesboro, VA at the bottom of the Shenandoah National Park by May 3rd. There are 34 established camp sites and if I'm able to put my preparation into practice I will be able to make my mark and stay at some of them while camping in dispersed backpacking camping locations on other days.
we are sponsored today by the Committee to Restore America's National Parks. An advocacy group dedicated to eliminating the $12B maintenance backlog of our N...
2020-01-0322 minSection Hiking the Appalachian TrailEpisode 1: What is this about?In this episode, I discuss my history with hiking and backpacking, discuss my philosophy surrounding section hiking, and get into some of the things that we will discuss in later episodes. There are some mistakes here but we'll get better as we move forward on future episodes!
2019-12-2820 min
Section Hiking the Appalachian TrailIntroduction: Let's Section hike the Appalachian TrailHey, I'm a guy who can't get away for 6 months to a year to do a thru hike on a long trail. But I do have time to take a week here or there to do a section hike. So I'm going to section hike the Appalachian Trail. Let's talk about what it takes to plan a great hike, then go out and hit the trail. We are sponsored by the Committee to Restore America's National Parks, a advocacy group aimed at fixing the $11.9Billion backlog under our National Park System. Learn more and donate at http://www.restoreamericasnationalparks.org.
2019-12-1801 min