by Steve Adams
An overweight, 61-year-old retiree, with zero hiking experience, decided to hike the entire 2,185.3 mile length of the Appalachian Trail in 2014. What could possibly go wrong? As his brother, Mike, commented, "It's a bit like taking up boxing and fighting Mike Tyson in your first bout." Join Steve and his guests as they discuss all aspects of the trail, from gear to Lyme Disease, then back to trail magic and injury.
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🇺🇲
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9/20/2016
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April 17, 2025
Steve Adams interviews Anna McKinney Smith, a 2021 thru-hiker, about finding community and love on the Appalachian Trail.
April 10, 2025
<p data-renderer-start-pos="10486">Melanie Wood is our guest this week. She hiked SOBO last year, running into the devastation of Helene with about 700 miles to go, having to prematurely end her hike. She is still recognized as a thru-hiker because, quite rightly, she hiked the trail that was available.</p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="10486"><img style= "display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src= "https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/show/87507/IMG_0548.jpeg" alt="" width="375" height="500" /></p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="10757">Melanie went on to write about her experiences on the trail, giving a positive outlook with her perspectives. You can check out more about the book at her website at <span data-inline-card="true" data-card-url= "https://melanieawoodauthor.com/"><span class= "loader-wrapper"><span data-testid= "hover-card-trigger-wrapper"><a class="css-118vsk3" tabindex="0" role="button" href="https://melanieawoodauthor.com/" aria-label= "https://melanieawoodauthor.com/" data-testid= "inline-card-resolved-view"><span class="css-1cwva94" data-testid= "inline-card-icon-and-title"><span class= "smart-link-title-wrapper css-0">Home - Melanie A. Wood, Author</span></span></a></span></span></span><span data-inline-card="true" data-card-url="https://melanieawoodauthor.com/"><span class= "loader-wrapper"><span data-testid= "hover-card-trigger-wrapper"><span class="css-1cwva94" data-testid= "inline-card-icon-and-title"><span class= "smart-link-title-wrapper css-0">. If you'd like to order the book on Amazon, click this link. https://www.amazon.com/Shalt-Other-Lessons-Learned-Appalachian/dp/B0F31KM49R/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1EVH84JSUJGIR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.goq_nMXT8NQbdqwN77wovGAMvgnQKgrBNnM_PcHRQ2dT0xBBuTY2qKs-cqBBVqhMdoo5nLoUuqWJ70a09XNHM2cHtpKar0q1-pSzdxZWl82TZZ5iwx7HaXGiyywr1mazWoGTnXhv_SbMxzFY_WmlwMcoASSPL_r4eysnq19zx6Dxwd9Vt6GTrAUFM6j79pc1AAe2KBchv1pyI8uO3uXiUfDAarZIyyPk9UKnYmemjgs.JrTtuXdB8AJIUrQKl2dCvTTwdwQVNESpQ-YMGYOkt8Q&dib_tag=se&keywords=melanie+wood&qid=1744148444&sprefix=melanie+wood%2Caps%2C272&sr=8-1 </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="10757"><span data-inline-card="true" data-card-url="https://melanieawoodauthor.com/"><span class= "loader-wrapper"><span data-testid= "hover-card-trigger-wrapper"><span class="css-1cwva94" data-testid= "inline-card-icon-and-title"><span class= "smart-link-title-wrapper css-0"><img style= "display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src= "https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/show/87507/IMG_7405.jpeg" alt="" width="252" height="500" /></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="10926">You can also learn more about Melanie on Facebook at <span data-inline-card="true" data-card-url= "https://www.facebook.com/share/196NwhnEVK/?mibextid=wwXIfr"><span class="loader-wrapper"><span data-testid="hover-card-trigger-wrapper"><a class="css-118vsk3" tabindex="0" role="button" href= "https://www.facebook.com/share/196NwhnEVK/?mibextid=wwXIfr" aria-label= "https://www.facebook.com/share/196NwhnEVK/?mibextid=wwXIfr" data-testid="inline-card-resolved-view"><span class="css-1cwva94" data-testid="inline-card-icon-and-title"><span class= "smart-link-title-wrapper css-0">Melanie A. Wood - Author</span></span></a></span></span></span> , and on Instagram at <span data-inline-card="true" data-card-url= "https://www.instagram.com/melanieawoodauthor?igsh=Z2o3NnF1dDAwNzBo&utm_source=qr"><span class="loader-wrapper"><span data-testid="hover-card-trigger-wrapper"><a class="css-118vsk3" tabindex="0" role="button" href= "https://www.instagram.com/melanieawoodauthor?igsh=Z2o3NnF1dDAwNzBo&utm_source=qr" aria-label= "https://www.instagram.com/melanieawoodauthor?igsh=Z2o3NnF1dDAwNzBo&utm_source=qr" data-testid="inline-card-resolved-view"><span class="css-1cwva94" data-testid="inline-card-icon-and-title"><span class= "smart-link-title-wrapper css-0">Instagram (@melanieawoodauthor)</span></span></a></span></span></span> .</p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="10926"><img style= "display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src= "https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/show/87507/IMG_9327.jpeg" alt="" width="375" height="500" /></p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="11008">Beth (and Andrew) and Dave return with another progress report on their own journeys. Dave has passed Roan Mountain, finding the balds sadly socked out by the weather.</p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="11177">Beth and Andrew are in Hiawassee, zeroing on a wet day.</p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="11234">I used my hike last year on the South West Coast Path in the UK to help raise money for my absolute favorite charity, Parenting Matters, on whose board I’ve been privileged to serve for over a decade. You can learn more about the hike and the organization–and donate–by visiting <span data-inline-card="true" data-card-url= "https://parentingmattersfl.org/eventer/hike-with-steve-empowering-parents-one-step-at-a-time/edate/2024-04-15/"><span class="loader-wrapper"><span data-testid="hover-card-trigger-wrapper"><a class="css-118vsk3" tabindex="0" role="button" href= "https://parentingmattersfl.org/eventer/hike-with-steve-empowering-parents-one-step-at-a-time/edate/2024-04-15/" aria-label= "https://parentingmattersfl.org/eventer/hike-with-steve-empowering-parents-one-step-at-a-time/edate/2024-04-15/" data-testid="inline-card-resolved-view"><span class="css-1cwva94" data-testid="inline-card-icon-and-title"><span class= "smart-link-title-wrapper css-0">Hike with Steve - Empowering Parents, One Step at a Time | Parenting Matters %</span></span></a></span></span></span>. I hope you want to support this critical mission.</p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="11568">Don’t forget. Our entire series of videos from our Woods Hole Weekend in 2022 is now FREE and available at my YouTube page at <span data-inline-card="true" data-card-url= "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wA8ImK4qpNc&list=PLu8u88nsJtgWZxT8DLwEW2yXcz4gT6HXs"><span class="loader-wrapper"><span data-testid="hover-card-trigger-wrapper"><a class="css-118vsk3" tabindex="0" role="button" href= "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wA8ImK4qpNc&list=PLu8u88nsJtgWZxT8DLwEW2yXcz4gT6HXs" aria-label= "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wA8ImK4qpNc&list=PLu8u88nsJtgWZxT8DLwEW2yXcz4gT6HXs" data-testid="inline-card-resolved-view"><span class="css-1cwva94" data-testid="inline-card-icon-and-title"><span class= "smart-link-title-wrapper css-0">Woods Hole Weekend - Trailer</span></span></a></span></span></span> There, you’ll find all sorts of tips and tricks that our guests took away from the weekend that helped them with their own hikes this year. Check it out.</p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="11852">I often ask listeners for ideas on who to interview, and I’m sure several of you say, “I could do that. I’ve got an awesome story to tell.” You’re the person we need to hear from. If you’d like to be interviewed on the podcast, just register as a guest on the link below, and I’ll be in touch. <span data-inline-card="true" data-card-url= "https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/mighty-blue-on-the-appalachian-trail-the-ultimate-mid-life-c/guests/intake/"><span class="loader-wrapper"><span data-testid="hover-card-trigger-wrapper"><a class="css-118vsk3" tabindex="0" role="button" href= "https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/mighty-blue-on-the-appalachian-trail-the-ultimate-mid-life-c/guests/intake/" aria-label= "https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/mighty-blue-on-the-appalachian-trail-the-ultimate-mid-life-c/guests/intake/" data-testid="inline-card-resolved-view"><span class="css-1cwva94" data-testid="inline-card-icon-and-title"><span class= "smart-link-title-wrapper css-0">Come on the show!</span></span></a></span></span></span></p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="12149">If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at <span data-inline-card="true" data-card-url= "https://www.hikingradionetwork.com"><span class= "loader-wrapper"><span data-testid= "hover-card-trigger-wrapper"><a class="css-118vsk3" tabindex="0" role="button" href="https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/" aria-label="https://www.hikingradionetwork.com" data-testid= "inline-card-resolved-view"><span class="css-1cwva94" data-testid= "inline-card-icon-and-title"><span class= "smart-link-title-wrapper css-0">Hiking Radio Network</span></span></a></span></span></span> .</p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="12388">If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.</p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="12572">Additionally, you can “Zelle” me a donation to <a class="css-1rn59kg" title= "mailto:[email protected]" href= "mailto:[email protected]" data-testid= "link-with-safety" data-renderer-mark= "true">[email protected]</a>. Or “Venmo“ me at @Steve-Adams-105. They both work!</p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="12703">If you'd like to take advantage of my book offer (all three of my printed hiking books–with a personal message and signed by me–for $31, including postage to the United States) send a check payable to Mighty Blue Publishing at the address just above</p>
April 5, 2025
<p data-renderer-start-pos="9943">We have a German hiker on the podcast this week. Annika Ananias recently flew into the US to hike the Arizona Trail with her American boyfriend, when she was pulled out of line, harshly interrogated, deported, and banned from re-entering the country for five years. This, despite having a ten-year visa. She has a compelling story.</p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="9943"><img style= "display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src= "https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/show/87507/Annika_PCT3.jpg" alt= "" width="500" height="375" /></p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="10277">I wanted to hear from Annika in her own words. The Trek wrote a great article about her that left me with a few questions I wanted to clear up with her. As you’ll hear, she is articulate and tells her alarming story with clarity.</p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="10277"><img style= "display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src= "https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/show/87507/IMG_8528.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="375" /></p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="10508">These links will tell you more of the story and, if you’re able to read German or you can get it translated, at the end of the list is an article she wrote to warn fellow European hikers of the situation they may face in the US.</p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="10738"><span data-inline-card="true" data-card-url= "https://thetrek.co/author/annika-ananias/"><span class= "loader-wrapper"><span data-testid= "hover-card-trigger-wrapper"><a class="css-118vsk3" tabindex="0" role="button" href="https://thetrek.co/author/annika-ananias/" aria-label="https://thetrek.co/author/annika-ananias/" data-testid= "inline-card-resolved-view"><span class="css-1cwva94" data-testid= "inline-card-icon-and-title"><span class= "smart-link-title-wrapper css-0">Annika Ananias / "Ravenclaw", Author at The Trek</span></span></a></span></span></span></p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="10744"><span data-inline-card="true" data-card-url= "https://thetrek.co/a-german-thru-hiker-has-been-detained-deported-and-banned-from-the-us-without-a-hearing-heres-what-you-need-to-know/"> <span class="loader-wrapper"><span data-testid= "hover-card-trigger-wrapper"><a class="css-118vsk3" tabindex="0" role="button" href= "https://thetrek.co/a-german-thru-hiker-has-been-detained-deported-and-banned-from-the-us-without-a-hearing-heres-what-you-need-to-know/" aria-label= "https://thetrek.co/a-german-thru-hiker-has-been-detained-deported-and-banned-from-the-us-without-a-hearing-heres-what-you-need-to-know/" data-testid="inline-card-resolved-view"><span class="css-1cwva94" data-testid="inline-card-icon-and-title"><span class= "smart-link-title-wrapper css-0">German Thru-Hiker Detained, Deported, and Banned From US - The Trek</span></span></a></span></span></span></p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="10747"><span data-inline-card="true" data-card-url= "https://weltwanderin.de/einreise-in-die-usa-warum-ein-visum-keine-garantie-ist-und-wie-ihr-euch-vorbereiten-solltet/"> <span class="loader-wrapper"><span data-testid= "hover-card-trigger-wrapper"><a class="css-118vsk3" tabindex="0" role="button" href= "https://weltwanderin.de/einreise-in-die-usa-warum-ein-visum-keine-garantie-ist-und-wie-ihr-euch-vorbereiten-solltet/" aria-label= "https://weltwanderin.de/einreise-in-die-usa-warum-ein-visum-keine-garantie-ist-und-wie-ihr-euch-vorbereiten-solltet/" data-testid="inline-card-resolved-view"><span class="css-1cwva94" data-testid="inline-card-icon-and-title"><span class= "smart-link-title-wrapper css-0">Einreise in die USA: Warum ein Visum keine Garantie ist und wie ihr euch vorbereiten solltet - Weltwanderin</span></span></a></span></span></span></p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="10747"><span data-inline-card="true" data-card-url= "https://weltwanderin.de/einreise-in-die-usa-warum-ein-visum-keine-garantie-ist-und-wie-ihr-euch-vorbereiten-solltet/"> <span class="loader-wrapper"><span data-testid= "hover-card-trigger-wrapper"><span class="css-1cwva94" data-testid= "inline-card-icon-and-title"><span class= "smart-link-title-wrapper css-0"><img style= "display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src= "https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/show/87507/IMG_8558.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="375" /></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="10750">Both of our Mighty Blue Class of 2025 are now on trail. Beth saet out this past week, and we catch up with her and her stepson, Andrew, at Woody Gap, with their first impressions.</p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="10750"><img style= "display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src= "https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/show/87507/Beth_at_Springer.jpeg" alt="" width="500" height="375" /></p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="10931">Dave is now into Hot Springs, some 275 miles ahead of Beth, and he is zeroing there to give back to the local community by spending in local businesses.</p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="10931"><img style= "display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src= "https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/show/87507/Dave_at_Max_Patch.jpg" alt="" width="375" height="500" /></p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="11085">I used my hike last year on the South West Coast Path in the UK to help raise money for my absolute favorite charity, Parenting Matters, on whose board I’ve been privileged to serve for over a decade. You can learn more about the hike and the organization–and donate–by visiting <span data-inline-card="true" data-card-url= "https://parentingmattersfl.org/eventer/hike-with-steve-empowering-parents-one-step-at-a-time/edate/2024-04-15/"><span class="loader-wrapper"><span data-testid="hover-card-trigger-wrapper"><a class="css-118vsk3" tabindex="0" role="button" href= "https://parentingmattersfl.org/eventer/hike-with-steve-empowering-parents-one-step-at-a-time/edate/2024-04-15/" aria-label= "https://parentingmattersfl.org/eventer/hike-with-steve-empowering-parents-one-step-at-a-time/edate/2024-04-15/" data-testid="inline-card-resolved-view"><span class="css-1cwva94" data-testid="inline-card-icon-and-title"><span class= "smart-link-title-wrapper css-0">Hike with Steve - Empowering Parents, One Step at a Time | Parenting Matters %</span></span></a></span></span></span>. I hope you want to support this critical mission.</p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="11419">Don’t forget. Our entire series of videos from our Woods Hole Weekend in 2022 is now FREE and available at my YouTube page at <span data-inline-card="true" data-card-url= "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wA8ImK4qpNc&list=PLu8u88nsJtgWZxT8DLwEW2yXcz4gT6HXs"><span class="loader-wrapper"><span data-testid="hover-card-trigger-wrapper"><a class="css-118vsk3" tabindex="0" role="button" href= "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wA8ImK4qpNc&list=PLu8u88nsJtgWZxT8DLwEW2yXcz4gT6HXs" aria-label= "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wA8ImK4qpNc&list=PLu8u88nsJtgWZxT8DLwEW2yXcz4gT6HXs" data-testid="inline-card-resolved-view"><span class="css-1cwva94" data-testid="inline-card-icon-and-title"><span class= "smart-link-title-wrapper css-0">Woods Hole Weekend - Trailer</span></span></a></span></span></span> There, you’ll find all sorts of tips and tricks that our guests took away from the weekend that helped them with their own hikes this year. Check it out.</p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="11703">I often ask listeners for ideas on who to interview, and I’m sure several of you say, “I could do that. I’ve got an awesome story to tell.” You’re the person we need to hear from. If you’d like to be interviewed on the podcast, just register as a guest on the link below, and I’ll be in touch. <span data-inline-card="true" data-card-url= "https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/mighty-blue-on-the-appalachian-trail-the-ultimate-mid-life-c/guests/intake/"><span class="loader-wrapper"><span data-testid="hover-card-trigger-wrapper"><a class="css-118vsk3" tabindex="0" role="button" href= "https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/mighty-blue-on-the-appalachian-trail-the-ultimate-mid-life-c/guests/intake/" aria-label= "https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/mighty-blue-on-the-appalachian-trail-the-ultimate-mid-life-c/guests/intake/" data-testid="inline-card-resolved-view"><span class="css-1cwva94" data-testid="inline-card-icon-and-title"><span class= "smart-link-title-wrapper css-0">Come on the show!</span></span></a></span></span></span></p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="12000">If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at <span data-inline-card="true" data-card-url= "https://www.hikingradionetwork.com"><span class= "loader-wrapper"><span data-testid= "hover-card-trigger-wrapper"><a class="css-118vsk3" tabindex="0" role="button" href="https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/" aria-label="https://www.hikingradionetwork.com" data-testid= "inline-card-resolved-view"><span class="css-1cwva94" data-testid= "inline-card-icon-and-title"><span class= "smart-link-title-wrapper css-0">Hiking Radio Network</span></span></a></span></span></span> .</p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="12239">If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.</p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="12423">Additionally, you can “Zelle” me a donation to <a class="css-1rn59kg" title= "mailto:[email protected]" href= "mailto:[email protected]" data-testid= "link-with-safety" data-renderer-mark= "true">[email protected]</a>. Or “Venmo“ me at @Steve-Adams-105. They both work!</p> <p data-renderer-start-pos="12554">If you'd like to take advantage of my book offer (all three of my printed hiking books–with a personal message and signed by me–for $31, including postage to the United States) send a check payable to Mighty Blue Publishing at the address just above.</p>
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