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

Episode #535 - Days 10-13 Appalachian Trail 2026

·45 min·4 clips
An inexperienced 61-year-old hiker faces his first major rainstorm on the Appalachian Trail after days of perfect weather.
The episode follows Steve's daily progress on the Appalachian Trail, starting at Dix Creek Gap. On day 10, he hikes 9 miles into North Carolina, using a pole-leaning technique for uphill climbs and meeting a couple, Stan and Jolene, who are on their first long hike. He crosses the Georgia-North Carolina border but fails to do a Facebook Live due to lack of cell service. Day 11 involves 7.7 miles with tough climbs in North Carolina; Steve interviews Stan and Jolene about their hiking dynamics and later talks to Hangham, who quit his software job due to AI concerns to hike the trail. Steve struggles with sleep due to a tight sleeping bag and plans to order a new sleep system. Day 12 is an 11.3-mile easy day to Betty Creek Gap, where Steve enjoys communal camping and miscalculates his food, eating two dinners. Day 13 brings early morning rain, forcing a wet pack-up, and Steve climbs Albert Mountain to reach the 100-mile mark, though fog obscures the view. He arrives at Rock Gap, encounters trail magic, and gets a ride to Franklin, where he meets friends for dinner. Throughout, Steve reflects on feeling stronger and more connected to the trail community, considering future hikes like the Colorado Trail.

As heard by us

A trail diary about rain, camp routine, and the negotiations of hiking with someone you love.

This single-episode review settles into an Appalachian Trail day shaped by camp comfort, changing weather, and the quieter negotiations of hiking with company.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You get expected rain, sharp climbs, and a married couple negotiating the trail one uphill at a time.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →
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