Shenandoah National Park Night 5: Big Meadows to Swift Gap

The episode in which our protagonist hikes south from Harpers Ferry, WVA to Lindon, VA.  Its a beautiful hike, except, in his hubris he makes several mistakes... what are they?  Listen and find out!  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sectionhiker/message

In this adventure our congested narrator describes his time on the trail in Maryland on the Appalacian Trail.  He has some words about people who can't control their dogs and some other stories of people just trying to go on a hike.  Maryland is a great place to hike, whether its a start or a section.   Section Hiking the Appalachian Trails is sponsored by Hudson Pines: your gateway to the Adirondacks! Reserve your site at https://www.camphudsonpines.com.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sectionhiker/message

Honestly it had been so long since I had hiked through the southern part of the Shendandoah National Park that I couldn't recall all that needed to be recalled.  So I grabbed my friend Alex and hiked it again.  We did it in 3 days, rather than 4.  But there were some lessons learned... which you'll hear.  Of course, you will also hear me stammer as I try to explain, but don't, why Coke products are better than Pepsi.  Perhaps if Coke were to sponsor this I could do a better job but they don't.  I know both are bad for you but to be truthful, I have made an arbitrary choice and go with Coke.  I actually think it is because it isn't as sweet as Pepsi.  But I digress.   Hope you will check out our new sponsor, Camp Hudson Pines at www.camphudsonpines.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sectionhiker/message

So what happened to Stephen? Was he injured? Was he able to continue? Did the rest of us stick on the trail?  What happens?  We are about to find out!  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sectionhiker/message

Do you feel ripped off by endless sequels? So do I, but it didn't stop our intrepid hikers from leaving the episode on a cliff hanger!  What cliffhanger is possible you ask on a hiking trip from point A to point B? You will have to listen to find out.   We talk about falls, poop, owls, poison ivy, the gamut.  Everything you never knew you needed in a podcast episode about the AT in Georgia.   Also, here are the names of the shuttle guys and gals and their contact information if you want to find a ride... we needed to get off trail and these folks all answered the call early in the morning.  Listen to find out more.   Gracie "RU" Class of 16 - 813-294-6994 Ron Brown - 706-669-0919 Shuttle Charlie - 706-897-2338 Shuttle Brett - 404-569-8776 Shuttle Jeff Moon - 706-994-2307 These guys are the best.  FINAL NOTE: I chose not to edit this episode.  Probably going to sound sort of wonky.  Apologies for this, except to say, its getting late, I got to get to work in the morning but wanted to get this out.  We'll talk again soon!  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sectionhiker/message

Jon talks about being ready to tackle the GA portion of the Appalachian Trail.   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sectionhiker/message

In this latest update of our intrepid section hiker we talk about his planning efforts for his trip to GA in May, his recent shake down/section hike in PA, and an effort to keep his feet from falling apart so he can keep hiking!  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sectionhiker/message

Catching up on previous trips, Jon explains what happens when he leaves the confines of Big Meadows state park and heads south to Swift Gap.   Along the way there's some beautiful terrain, albeit not all that difficult.  Along the way we learn about the 53 cemeteries in the park and we talk about the history of the Lewis Mountain Campground.   For more information about the formation of the Lewis Mountain Campground, you can look at the following sites:  Shenandoah for idea to reality Previous Secretaries of the Department of Interior Segregation and Desegregation at Shenandoah National Park Memo to Secretary of Interior Stating that facilities in the Park need to be equal among the races --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sectionhiker/message

In this episode Jon describes what happened to him in 2021, gives an overview of the trips he was able to take, and some of the ways life got in the way of his broader hiking.   He also talks about some of the new gear additions he had, including a Sea To Summit sleeping bag liner, a new Hammock Gear Wunderluxe set up, and he talks briefly about how Merrell hiking shoes failed him, although he doesn't go into how much he loves his Altra Timp2s.   Finally, after reviewing those who listen to this podcast, he gives a shoutout to those listeners in countries like the Baltic States, Belarus, Hong Kong and other countries who are on the periphery of Russia and China in these times of challenges -- where those two countries are seeking to restore spheres of power over these smaller countries and hinder national autonomy and undermine the rule of law.   Some links based on the discussion (note: we do not get sponsored by any of these companies and don't make any money off of you clicking these links.  We just like this stuff!) Sea to Summit Reactor Extreme Sleeping Bag Liner Hammock Gear hammock kits Grilla Grills Altra Shoes Merrell Trail Running Shoes Patagonia Provisions Washington Nationals dumped their team Are you depressed?  The Roller Coaster is a hard bit of trail y'all! Cranberry Wilderness in WV Happy hiking everyone!  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sectionhiker/message

In the which we determine whether it is better to proceed quick in order to eat what is considered a good meal and whether rolling one's ankle should keep our hiker from pursuing his quest.   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sectionhiker/message