In this episode I was joined by a special guest who I met in port Clinton, Pennsylvania right out in front of the town Post Office. She was dropping off another hiker and I asked her if she could shuttle me to the next town over Hamburg, PA, which was about 2 miles away. I had been craving Chinese food, so she recommended the JA Buffet. It ended up being one of the best Chinese buffet restaurants I’ve ever eaten at, and I sat there and gorged myself for 2 hours. Fortunately, I took one of her cards and was able to text her the next morning for a shuttle back to the trail. I did a bit of shuttling after I finished my 2024 thru-hike last fall, so I was very interested to sit down with Pip and gain some insights from her about her business. We discuss how she got started shuttling, what brings her joy in doing it, what some of the challenges of running a hiker shuttle are, and what advice she would give for someone who wants to start their own hiker shuttling service. We welcome to the channel Alicia (aka Pip on the trail), the owner and operator of Pip's Shuttle service.*You can contact Pip for shuttle and slackpacks services at: (717) 371-7646#appalachiantrail #at2024 #at2025 #appalachiantrail2025 #backpacking #atnobo2024 #atnobo2025 #thruhiking #atnobo @FarOutguides #hike #hiking @senchidesigns #originalmaine @TheTrek #ThruHiker #ATClassof2024 #ATClassof2025 #baxterstatepark #katahdin #mtwashington #senchidesigns @HyperliteMountainGear #100milewilderness #sloggyhikes #hikersessions #pipspashuttles #hikershuttle #shuttle

In this conversation, MAV and I discuss the transformative power of hiking and backpacking, exploring personal experiences, the challenges of long-distancetrails, and the connections made along the way. Mav sharesinsights on his journey through various trails, the significance of trail names, and the impact of hiking on his perception of people. We also delve into the balance between work and hiking, the evolution of gear, and the excitement of ultra running, something new that MAV has recently taken up. I feel our conversation highlights the freedom and purity found in nature, as well as the relationships that endure well beyond the trails.

#sloggyhikes #hikersessions #appalachiantrail #baxterstatepark #katahdin #springermountain #hikemaine #optoutside #senchidesigns @hyperlite_mountain_gear @senchi.designs #hope #resilience #inspiration

#atclassof2014 @altrarunning #altrarunning #MAV @jason_mav_brocar

Today’s episode features Alyssa Cass—known on the trail as Bliss—whose journey began growing up near the Appalachian Trail and led to a life-changing thru-hike. Along the way, she faced intense physical and emotional challenges, learning the power of mental toughness, adaptability, and even how to lighten both her pack and her mindset. With the support of a strong trail community, nature became a source of healing and transformation. Her journey reached a memorable peak with a surprise proposal atop Katahdin, marking not just the end of the trail, but the beginning of a new chapter. Now, Bliss is looking ahead to future adventures with her partner, carrying forward the joy, resilience, and therapeutic connection to nature that defined her hike.

In this episode of Hiker Sessions, Father Tom shares his incredible journey of hiking the Eastern Continental Trail, covering approximately 5,700 miles in just ten months. After retiring from the New York City Fire Department, he embarked on this adventure starting January 1st, inspired by the desire to complete what he couldn't in his youth. Throughout the conversation, he discusses the emotionalhighs and lows of the journey, the importance of community and faith, and the unique experiences he encountered along the way. Father Tom emphasizes the beauty of nature and the connections made with fellow hikers, highlighting that the relationships formed are often more memorable than the scenery itself.

In this conversation I sat down with Ben Cox, who is known as Paladin on the trail. He and I discuss various aspects of hiking, including the emergence of social media, the significance of trail names, and the influence of family on outdoor pursuits. We also talk about the transition from casual hiking to long-distance trails, exploring personal growth and finding coping mechanisms developed through these experiences. Ourdiscussion also covers the differences between the AT and PCT, the importance of community on the trail, and the role of technology in modern hiking. Ben shares memorable international hiking experiences and reflects on personal lossduring a significant hike in Scotland. Our conversation concludes with thoughts on gear evolution and Paladin's future hiking aspirations, including the desire to achieve the Triple Crown of hiking.

#sloggyhikes #hikersessions #appalachiantrail #baxterstatepark #katahdin #springermountain #hikemaine #optoutside #senchidesigns @hyperlite_mountain_gear @senchi.designs #hope #resilience #inspiration #paladin #westhighlandway #PCT #thru-r #optoutside #westcarolinauniversity

In this episode of Hiker Sessions, I sat down with good friend of the show Huckleberry, the owner of Huckleberry's Hostel, and he reflects on his first year of operation. We discuss the differences between being a hiker and a hostel owner, the mental and physical challenges he faced, and the importance of camaraderie among hikers. Huckleberry shares his insights on managing a hostel year-round, the surprises he encountered, and his plans for future improvements. The conversation also touches on the financial aspects of running a hostel, the importance of guest etiquette, and the need for respect in shared spaces. I hope you enjoy the episode!Huckleberry's Social Media:Instagram: @huckleberryshostelFacebook: @huckleberryshostelWebsite: https://www.huckleberryshostel.com/#sloggyhikes #hikersessions #atclassof2024 #appalachiantrail #baxterstatepark #katahdin #springermountain #hikemaine #optoutside #senchidesigns @hyperlite_mountain_gear @senchi.designs #hope #resilience #inspiration #hikerhostel #hostellife #hostel @huckleberryshostel #mcafeeknob #virginiatriplecrown #catawba

Hello and welcome back to Hiker Sessions. In this episode, we sit down with Christian Rivera, also known as Captain on the Trail, during his 2024 Appalachian Trail thru-hike. From hisroots as an All-American fencer to his transformative experiences on the trail, Captain shares how his competitive spirit and drive have shaped his life and adventures. Join us as we delve into his inspiring story of resilience, discovery, and the very unexpected connections made along the way. I hope you enjoy the episode!

#sloggyhikes #hikersessions #atclassof2024 #appalachiantrail #baxterstatepark #katahdin #springermountain #hikemaine #optoutside #senchidesigns @hyperlite_mountain_gear @senchi.designs #hope #resilience #inspiration @therealcoachrivera #fencing @sanjuan_fencingclub #thruhike

In this engaging conversation, myself and Maxheap (Michael Goshey) explore the transformative power of long-distance hiking. We discuss the emotional and physical challenges of hiking, the importance of community and relationships formed on the trail, and the personal growth that comes from these experiences. Maxheap shares his journey through the Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail, highlighting the unique aspects of each hike and the connections made along the way. The conversation also touches on the balance between family life and the desire to pursue hiking adventures, as well as his future plans for more hikes and the impact of these experiences on personal well-being.Maxheap's YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@maxheap-hikesLink to Maxheap's Blogs: https://maxheap.net/index.php/en/#sloggyhikes #hikersessions #atclassof2023 #pctlassof2022 #cdtclassof2019 #maxheap #appalachiantrail #baxterstatepark #katahdin #springermountain #hikemaine #optoutside #senchidesigns @hyperlite_mountain_gear @senchi.designs #hope #resilience #inspiration @maxheap-hikes #thruhike