Stories From The Trail

Bob "Sir Packsalot" Gabrielson is the proprietor of Top of Georgia Hiking Center at mile 69 (North) on the Appalachian Trail. Each year Packsalot shares his knowledge and experience at the AT Kickoff in the form of a motivational/educational talk called "The Ten Golden Suggestion for Hiking the Appalachian Trail". Sir Packsalot and Green Giant found some time after the show to hang out in a quiet room and just talk trail for a while. 

Keith Foskett (aka "Fozzie") is a long distance hiker, best selling author and maple syrup connoisseur.  Zach Davis joins Gary and Megan to talk with Keith about hiking in Scotland, writing, self publishing, dogs, depression, and candy. Keith's new book "High and Low" is available now.   Port Clinton Fire Company That Weirdo Announcer Voice Accent The Fawlty Towers Mouse Learn more about Keith Foskett

Each year hundreds of eager newbies and grizzled veterans gather at the AT Kickoff to swap stories and soak up wisdom. For many it is a kind of family reunion, for others, a wake up call. In this installment, Green Giant and Voldemort share their stories while bringing you with them to the festivities. Daniel makes a surprise visit, and the crew meets with Tom Kennedy of Hike For Mental Health, Ron Burger of ALDHA, "Sir Packs a Lot", Miss Janet, Odie, and many more. 

In preparation for his first overnight hike, Daniel calls into the show from REI. If you've ever wanted to virtually help a new hiker select their gear, now's your chance. Or maybe you are that new hiker. We help pick out equipment and explain a few mysteries behind those choices. What's a "lumens"? How many fill count do I need? And where's my underwear?  Climb into Daniel's pocket, put Green Giant in your ears and sip some free coffee with us while we do our best to not get thrown out.

What questions would you have if you were about to go on your first ever overnight backpacking trip in the woods? Join Green Giant and Voldemort in the studio with Daniel Pitts, mailman, juggler, balloon animal maker. He'll ask us what to expect and we'll help him (and you!) plan that first overnight hike.  This special episode is the first in a series. Over the next few weeks we'll go on location to get geared up, and then take that gear out and put it (and Daniel) to the test!

Join Megan and me for a conversation with Scott Herriott. Scott, whose trail name is Squatch, is an outdoorsman, comedian, documentarian and noted Bigfoot enthusiast. Scott does an amazing job of describing a personal encounter while also remaining open to poking fun at some of the sillier aspects unique to the Bigfoot hunter subculture. He does this in a respectably skeptical way which entertains true believers and nay-sayers alike, and we are lucky to have him join us today. 

In Part 2 of our Pilot, we continue our conversation with Zach Davis of TheTrek.co and bring in our good friend Mark Calcagni. Among other things, Mark is a pro wildlife photographer. We'll talk about getting great shots on your hike, reminisce about The Foothills Trail and more.  Stories from the Trail is a production of TheTrek.co with music by Lee Rosevere.

Welcome to the first ever episode of Stories From The Trail, in which we introduce our hosts and tell you what the show is about. You'll get to meet Gary (aka "Green Giant") and Megan (aka "Voldemort"), two unlikely friends who met while hiking the Appalachian Trail. Together, they'll share with you the conversations they have with notable outdoor enthusiasts. In this one, we meet Zach Davis of "The Trek". He'll tell us about that time he was almost eaten by a lion.