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Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate Mid-Life Crisis

Episode #479 - Melanie Wood (Aphrodite)

·1 hr 16 min·5 clips
Melanie Wood's Appalachian Trail through-hike was cut short by Hurricane Helene with 700 miles left—how did she handle the sudden end?
This episode of Mighty Blue on the Appalachian Trail features host Steve Adams and main guest Melanie Wood, who attempted a southbound through-hike in 2024. Melanie explains her background as a small business owner in the health and wellness industry who intentionally expanded her team over three years to enable her hike. She chose a southbound route starting at Katahdin in June, hiking with her partner Jeff initially. Melanie describes trail experiences including a protective goshawk attacking hikers, a curious juvenile moose, and receiving her trail name Aphrodite from a fellow hiker. Her hike was cut short by Hurricane Helene in late September while she was in Virginia, forcing her to end with about 700 miles unfinished. Melanie discusses applying for through-hiker certification based on available trail, her plans to return in 2026 to complete the miles, and writing a book titled 'Thou Shalt Not Poop on Bees' inspired by a trail incident. The episode also includes check-ins with current hikers: Dave is in Tennessee dealing with frozen gear and rain, while Beth and Andrew are in Georgia managing knee issues and trail magic. Steve provides updates on his leg injury from a car accident and upcoming Camino trip.

As heard by us

A trail story where weather, reroutes, and stubborn momentum carry the episode.

Episode #479 tracks Melanie Woods on a sober through-hike that was interrupted by Hurricane Helene with roughly six or seven hundred miles still ahead.

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Why you'd press play

You hear what happens when a sober through-hike meets Hurricane Helene.

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