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In Episode 13 of the N2Backpacking podcast series, I have a phone interview with KC (aka 30-Pack) about his 2012 thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail that began at Springer Mountain in March and ended nearly 2,200 miles later at Mount Katahdin in September. In the podcast, KC talks about the birth of his trail-name, some of his favorite (and not so favorite) moments on the trail, the Wolf Pack and the social aspects of a thru-hike, and why the experience was so inspiring that he plans to set out once again this spring to hike the Pacific Crest Trail on the West Coast. KC plans to raise money for "Hiking For Kids" as part of his Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike, and you are invited to click here to make a donation. You can also follow KC via his Pacific Crest Trail Blog and offer your encouragement. Congratulations 30 Pack, and best wishes!   Subject:  The Appalachian Trail Podcast - Reflections From A 2012 Thru-Hiker Interviewees:  KC (30-Pack)Interview Date:  February 21, 2013Runtime: 1:04:28Download Now: The Appalachian Trail Podcast - Reflections From A 2012 Thru-Hiker  (WMA format 60.3 Meg); The Appalachian Trail Podcast - Reflections From A 2012 Thru-Hiker (MP3 format 45.3 Meg)

In Episode 12 of the N2Backpacking podcast series, I speak with Amy (aka Mrs. Weasel) in a Banner Elk interview about her experiences on the trail. These include volunteering, hiking, and even camping solo in the backcountry along the Appalachian, Benton MacKaye, and Pine Mountain Trails in Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia. In the podcast, Amy talks about doing trail maintenance as part of the Konorock and Georgia Appalachian Trail crews in the Southeast, her quest to finish the Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail, and what its like to spend the night solo in the wilderness as a female.    Subject:  Volunteer, Hike, & Camp SoloInterviewees:  Amy (Mrs. Weasel)Interview Date:  February 15, 2013 Runtime: 25:45Download Now:  Volunteer, Hike, & Camp Solo (WMA format 24.9 Meg); Volunteer, Hike, & Camp Solo (MP3 format 18.5 Meg)

In Episode 11 of the N2Backpacking podcast series, Katie (aka Wild Turkey) talks about her ventures in to the wilderness - hiking and backpacking with both friends and family in the Southeast.  Topics include the weather and its impact on the experience, the gear you need for the Trail, and hiking with infants and young children. Katie is the first female to do a solo interview for N2Backpacking and she delivers with this New Year's Eve conversation recorded in Elljay, Georgia. Katie talks about some pristine destinations in the Southeast - including The Cartecay & Chattooga Rivers, Stratton Bald, The Smokies, Wesser Bald, Yellow Mountain, and a few others. She also offers some general advice for those that are striking out for the first time.   Subject:  A Woman's Take On The Trail Interviewees:  Katie  (Wild Turkey)Interview Date:  December 31, 2012Runtime: 29:04Download Now: A Woman's Take On The Trail (WMA format 54.9 Meg); A Woman's Take On The Trail (MP3 format 43.8 Meg)

In Episode 10 of the N2Backpacking podcast series, Brett (aka Therm Rider) talks about our recent hike along the Appalachian Trail near Stratton, Maine.  This is the second of a two part series that recaps our October 2012 backpacking trip in New England.   In this interview, Brett talks about our travel to the trailhead, our punishing ascent & descent of the Crocker Mountains, and our multi-night stays in the trail town of Stratton.   The old thru-hiker adage, "No Rain, No Pain, No Maine" rings true on this hike, and Brett appends the statement with "No Complain" since you are always better to roll with the Trail rather than against it.    Subject: Appalachian Trail, North & South Crocker MountainInterviewees:  Brett (Therm Rider)Interview Date:  October 26, 2012Runtime: 30:26Download Now: Appalachian Trail, North & South Crocker Mountain (WMA format 21.5 Meg); Appalachian Trail, North & South Crocker Mountain (MP3 format 21.4 Meg)

In Episode 9 of the N2Backpacking podcast series, Jim (aka Country Club) and Roger (aka The Camel) talk about our recent hike along the Appalachian Trail near Stratton, Maine. This is the first of a two part series that recaps our October 2012 backpacking trip in New England. During our three day trip, we battled nasty weather and didn't see a ray of sunshine as we hiked over North & South Crocker Mountain. The steep, wet terrain and rocky descent to the Crocker Cirque Campsite had us averaging about a mile an hour - which is not uncommon for this section of The Appalachian Trail in New England. In this interview, Jim & Roger talk about their front and backcountry experiences near Stratton and offer some suggestions for those adventurers that are planning a backpacking venture to the area.   Subject: Appalachian Trail, North & South Crocker MountainInterviewees: Jim (Country Club), Roger (The Camel)Interview Date: October 6, 2012Runtime: 25:18Download Now: Appalachian Trail, North & South Crocker Mountain (WMA format 17.9 Meg); Appalachian Trail, North & South Crocker Mountain (MP3 format 23.7 Meg)

In Episode 8 of the N2Backpacking podcast series, I speak with my father about how he introduced me to the outdoors and how he served up a steady dose of hiking, camping, and fishing before I reached elementary school.  We talk about the early years, of catching my first fish, of car camping in Ohio, and about the Appalachian Trail - where he joined me for a few days in June during  my 1994 thru-hike.   Weeks later, my father returned to the A.T.  but this time with a family friend while I continued making my way north toward Mt. Katahdin.  While I hiked through New England, they set out for one of the most spectacular areas in the Southeast  -  the Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area and the neighboring Grayson Highlands State Park.   After a great start to the trip, their hike was cut short as misery ensued and only a healthy dose of trail magic could save the day.    Subject: The Appalachian Trail With DadInterviewees:  Richard GoodrichInterview Date:  February 11, 2012Runtime: 33:11Download Now: The Appalachian Trail w/ Dad (WMA format 8.1 Meg); The Appalachian Trail w/ Dad (MP3 format 24.3 Meg)