Author Archives: BirdShooter

Episode 33: Surviving Everest

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Icefall

In Episode 33, Alex Staniforth talks about his recently published book Icefall which details how he survived two of the deadliest seasons of record on Mt. Everest during the 2014 and 2015 climbing seasons.  Alex was picked on in his youth, but talks openly about how he channeled his energy in to outdoor activities – which eventually led him to raise funds and climb the tallest mountain in the world.

In my first international interview, we discuss backpacking in Nepal, hiking to base camp, life on the mountain, and how he managed to survive the avalanches and rock slides that took many lives over the last two climbing seasons.  We also talk about his plans for the future – including where a 20 year old goes from here and how Mt. Everest still fits in to his future.

Subject: Surviving Everest

Interviewees: Alex Staniforth
Interview Date: April 28, 2016
Runtime: 59:48
Download Now: Surviving Everest (WMA format 47.9 Meg);
Surviving Everest (MP3 format 57.4 Meg)

You can follow or subscribe to this podcast if you click here (via Blubrry, Facebook, Google+, iGoogle, iTunes, RSS, Twitter, Stitcher, Yahoo, Zune). Or click this link for a complete list of N2Backpacking podcasts.

Ramrock Mountain – 2002 v’s 2016

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Here's what 14 years can do to an overlook on the Appalachian Trail.  Ramrock Mountain and the view in 2002…

Ramrock Mountain View 2002

And the same view looking toward the southeast in 2016.  Note the rock in the center of the photo and tree cover in the background.  The tree to the left in the photo above is no longer there.

IMG_0337-fix

Granted – the 2002 photo was taken in March with no leave cover and the above photo was taken in May, but it's amazing how fast the Southern forest grows.  We enjoyed what remained of the view nonetheless.

Episode 32: Backcountry 201 – Advanced Rookie Mistakes

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justus-creek

In Episode 32, the conversation on Rookie Mistakes continues as we sit fireside on Justus Creek along the Appalachian Trail in North Georgia. In this discussion, Beer Run, PokeyBo, and Therm Rider talk about some classic rookie moves: taking the wrong gear, hiking above your skill level, and taking too much.

“Backcountry 201” is the second installment in this mini-series where we sit around the campfire and discuss the fundamentals of backpacking.  In this episode, we go “off trail” a bit – so don't take the show too seriously.  We'll get back on track in future episodes and hopefully this is worth a few good laughs as you commute to work, crank out some Trail miles, or do what you do when you are not on the Trail.

Subject: Advanced Rookie Mistakes 201

Interviewees: Beer Run, Pokey Bo, Therm Rider
Interview Date: October 3, 2014
Runtime: 26:21
Download Now: Advanced Rookie Mistakes 201 (WMA format 25.5 Meg);
Advanced Rookie Mistakes 201 (MP3 format 25.2 Meg)

You can follow or subscribe to this podcast if you click here (via Blubrry, Facebook, Google+, iGoogle, iTunes, RSS, Twitter, Stitcher, Yahoo, Zune). Or click this link for a complete list of N2Backpacking podcasts.

Episode 30: Camino de Santiago

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Wayfaring

In Episode 30, we welcome Scott “Squatch” Herriott back to the show to discuss his film Wayfaring and his jaunt along the Camino de Santiago (or Way of St. James).  The trail starts in France and ends near the coast of Spain and was one of the most important Christian pilgrimages during the Middle Ages.

Starting in 1985, modern day hikers have increasingly followed the path – with over 200,000 “pilgrims” hiking the route each of the last few years.  In the podcast, Squatch talks about his adventures on the ~518 mile trail and offers up some suggestions for prospective thru-hikers.

For more information on Squatch and his films, click here!  And watch out for his latest release,  72 Days In Iceland, which will be available for streaming (and on DVD) this February.  In the last ten minutes of the show, Squatch provides a preview and also hints at his next great adventure.  Click below for the audio interview.

Subject: Wayfaring
Interviewees:  Scott “Squatch” Herriott
Interview Date:  January 15. 2016
Runtime: 54:07
Download Now: Wayfaring (WMA format 38.6 Meg);
Wayfaring  (MP3 format 103.9 Meg)

You can follow or subscribe to this podcast if you click here (via Blubrry, Facebook, Google+, iGoogle, iTunes, RSS, Twitter, Stitcher, Yahoo, Zune). Or click this link for a complete list of N2Backpacking podcasts.