- July 2nd-3rd, 2025 (Maine): Racing Thunder | Episode 44
Tackling the Saddleback Range over two action-packed days, this leg of the journey puts us just two trail miles from our next stop in the town of Rangeley - and the first visit from home!
In this episode, we experience some weather above treeline, leading into some quick tactical thinking under sudden storm clouds across bald peaks. Tune in to hear about dodging rain in copses of trees, and timing the weather just right to reach the shelter moments before the bottom drops out.
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S1E44 - 15m - Sep 9, 2026 - July 4th, 2025 (Maine): Zero Day | Episode 45
Taking a full zero day right on the trail at Piazza Rock Lean-To, this leg of the journey trades heavy hiking miles for a restful pause, unexpected side adventures, and reflections on the road so far, both on trail and in this podcast.
In this episode, we take on a number of topics, including sounds that can be heard on trail, an origin story of the planning spreadsheet, and every hiker’s favorite topic…poop.
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Read the original written journal entry: https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681165
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S1E45 - 33m - Sep 11, 2026 - July 5th, 2025 (Maine): Into Rangeley | Episode 46
Stepping off the trail for a much-anticipated family visit, this 1.8-mile nearo day brings unexpected luck, a full town resupply, and a restful setup at the Saddleback Inn.
In this episode, we talk through preparation for the next stretch of trail - retrieving mail drops, Lyme disease prevention with permethrin, catching up on backlogged journal entries, and just basically getting everything squared away so the town chores are done while Kerry and Evan are in town.
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Read the original written journal entry: https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681166
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S1E46 - 16m - Sep 14, 2026 - July 6th, 2025 (Maine): A Moose! | Episode 47
A zero day in Rangeley with family brings a mix of rest, local exploring and a successful evening mission to spot local wildlife.
This episode features a great family visit! From visiting the Rangeley Adventure Company and taking in the views at Smalls Falls to bowling at Moose Alley and dodging a sudden hailstorm over dinner. We use the map from the AWOL guidebook to step through the day in detail, and in our trail glossary section, we look at the structure behind the trail with an overview of the roles ALDHA, the ATC, and the local trail clubs play in preserving this amazing experience.
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Read the original written journal entry: https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681246
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S1E47 - 37m - Sep 16, 2026 - July 7th, 2025 (Maine): Farewell | Episode 48
Getting back on trail after a cherished family weekend in Rangeley comes with its own emotional weight, but a smooth 9.4-mile stretch to Sabbathday Pond Lean-to helps ease the transition.
In this episode, we talk about the impact of leaving family behind after a town visit, and also we meet Legend! She would go on to become the oldest woman to complete the Appalachian Trail, at 80 years old in 2025.
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Read the original written journal entry: https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681247
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S1E48 - 16m - Sep 18, 2026 - July 8th-9th, 2025 (Maine): The Rain Finally Got Me! | Episode 49
This installment is a two-day affair, as we journey across Bemis Mountain, Old Blue, and Moody Mountain—navigating wet rock slabs, meeting the inspirational "Six Pack" thru-hiking family, and camping with a lively mix of NOBOs and SOBOs. After chronicling these two days, we trace the roots of the Appalachian Trail back to 1921, exploring Benton MacKaye's original vision for regional planning, human wellness, and a wilderness sanctuary.
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Read the original written journal entry: https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681248
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S1E49 - 22m - Sep 21, 2026 - July 10th, 2025 (Maine): More Rain | Episode 50
Episode 50! And as we settle into an all-SoBo shelter with Slurpee, Cash, Ben and Abe, we make the narrative shift from Chapter Two to Chapter Three, defining that shift here in this installment.
Join me today as we continue forging ahead through some of the most difficult terrain the trail has to offer.
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Read the original written journal entry: https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681382
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S1E50 - 17m - Sep 23, 2026 - Interview: Goldilocks | Episode 51
Today we bring you a rare on-trail interview episode featuring Goldilocks!
Tune in as Goldilocks shares stories from tackling the White Mountains and working her way through the epic Northeast 115, reflects back on decades of trail wisdom and the inspirational people that have led her to a life of adventure, and offers her perspective on trail community, smart hiking, and mentorship.
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S1E51 - 56m - Sep 25, 2026 - July 11th, 2025 (Maine): The Sun Returns! | Episode 52
After days of rain, the sun finally breaks through as we traverse the three peaks of Baldpate, drop into Grafton Notch, and cross a major milestone: transitioning trail maintenance from the MATC to the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) and officially entering the White Mountains.
We meet some folks in the Notch, then continue on to hike well into the night, setting up a headlamp-lit, drizzling descent down Old Speck, while noting the first signs that things were not all well with Muse’s feet. Describing the changeover at Grafton Notch also requires some backstory - and so we delve into both what it means to enter the White Mountains and talk a bit about the origin and purpose of the AMC.
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Read the original written journal entry: https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681383
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S1E52 - 26m - Sep 28, 2026 - July 12th, 2025 (Maine): Mahoosuc Notch | Episode 53
Five miles, two massive physical challenges, and the ultimate playground for grownups: tackling the Mahoosuc Arm and Mahoosuc Notch.
In this episode, we navigate the brutal, near-vertical descent off Mahoosuc Arm before diving headfirst into the mile-long boulder puzzle of Mahoosuc Notch. We break down the technique, mindset, and sheer joy of scrambling through Maine’s most legendary mile. Along the way, we unpack the narrative shift into this new chapter as the physical and mental tolls of the trail begin to mount.
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Read the original written journal entry: https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681384
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S1E53 - 24m - Sep 30, 2026 - Interview: Kerry and Evan | Episode 54
In this special interview, Muse is joined by his wife, Kerry, and son, Evan, to share the family's side of the Appalachian Trail experience.
Tune in as they reflect on their visit in Rangeley, Maine (complete with ghost-town bowling alleys and hunting for moose), the surreal reality of seeing "trail transformations," and the emotional late-night phone call near Erwin that almost changed the course of the entire hike. Kerry and Evan also open up about what life was like on the home front, the adjustment period after Muse returned, and their best advice for supporting a thru-hiker and their family.
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S1E54 - 54m - Oct 2, 2026 - July 13th, 2025 (New Hampshire): First State Line! | Episode 55
A major trail milestone brings both celebration and physical reality as the journey crosses the state line from Maine into New Hampshire.
In this episode, we navigate the brutal foot issues that force a slowdown, resulting in a late-night arrival at Gentian Pond Shelter and setting the stage for a crucial shelter zero. Along the way, we break down the treacherous alpine bog bridges, trace the demanding vertical terrain from Old Speck through Mahoosuc Notch, and reflect on crossing into state number two.
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Read the original written journal entry: https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681385
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S1E55 - 17m - Oct 5, 2026 - July 14th-15th, 2025 (New Hampshire): Decisions | Episode 56
Battered knees, wrecked feet, and a major decision on trail: a double-header of zero days marks a pivotal moment in the journey.
In this episode, we navigate the physical toll that forces a shelter zero at Gentian Pond and a strategic road walk into Gorham, New Hampshire. We reflect on the mounting physical strain, the mental toughness required to adapt, and the shifting dynamics of the hike as the journey continues.
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Read the original written journal entry: https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681386
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S1E56 - 25m - Oct 7, 2026 - Interview: Sidequest and Poker Face | Episode 57
In this interview episode, Muse catches up with a couple of fast SOBO hikers Sidequest (Ben) and Poker Face (Abe), whom he first met near the Maine–New Hampshire border.
Tune in as Sidequest and Poker Face reflect on their complete southbound journey, from summiting Katahdin with their fathers to adjusting back to society after months on trail. They dive into their 14-year friendship rooted in Scouting, the canceled trip that originally sparked their Appalachian Trail dream, and how they earned their trail names along the way. Ben and Abe also share what life has looked like post-trail, the lasting lessons they took away from thru-hiking, and their plans for future adventures.
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S1E57 - 1h 8m - Oct 9, 2026 - July 16th, 2025 (New Hampshire): Reflections | Episode 58
Taking a zero at The Barn Hikers Hostel in Gorham, New Hampshire provides a much-needed breather for battered feet and knees—and a moment of honest reflection.
In this episode, we take a look back at the decision to push through southern Maine without a town stop, weighing the physical toll against the lessons learned on trail. Then into the commentary I talk through what my surroundings were like, describing both the layout of the town of Gorham, and also the Barn Hostel, and along the way introduce a few new people I met while staying there.
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Read the original written journal entry: https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681450
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S1E58 - 24m - Oct 12, 2026 - July 17th, 2025 (New Hampshire): The Plan From Here | Episode 59
Taking a second zero day at The Barn Hikers Hostel in Gorham, New Hampshire provides a much-needed mental and physical break from the trail—and a chance to get organized before the White Mountains begin.
In this episode, we dive into the practical side of town days, from trading our hiking gear for mismatched loaner clothes to doing laundry and taking a quiet breather. We also pull back the curtain on how long-term trail planning really works, introducing the planning spreadsheet that will map out the route to come, and share the highlights of passing the time while resting up for the miles ahead.
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Read the original written journal entry: https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681451
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S1E59 - 24m - Oct 14, 2026 - July 18th, 2025 (New Hampshire): Slackpacking | Episode 60
Bouncing back from town rest, tackling our very first slackpack day means leaving the heavy load behind and heading northbound toward Gentian Pond to reclaim twelve missed miles.
In this episode, we unpack the reality of hiking lighter—whether a slackpack feels like a cheat—and also talk about my own personal experience with slackpacking. We then transition into the evening, tracing the return road walk that leads to an impromptu dinner at Mr. Pizza and a great connection with local Gorham residents.
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Read the original written journal entry: https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681489
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S1E60 - 15m - Oct 16, 2026 - July 19th-20th, 2025 (New Hampshire): Back on Trail | Episode 61
Wrapping up an extended stay in Gorham, New Hampshire means saying goodbye to hostel life and taking a very short, rainy 1.9-mile hop back on trail to Rattle River Shelter.
In this episode, we spend time with the vibrant cast of characters hanging around The Barn, sharing laughs over trail realities and a budget review. We then trade town comforts for the damp woods, taking those first careful steps back toward the shelter as the journey prepares to face the formidable White Mountains.
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Read the original written journal entry: https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681490
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S1E61 - 17m - Oct 19, 2026 - July 21st, 2025 (New Hampshire): Mt. Moriah | Episode 62
Stepping across the threshold into the White Mountains proper brings crisp air, clear skies, and a challenging, beautiful climb up and over Mount Moriah toward Imp Shelter.
In this episode, we pause our footsteps to open up about the deeper emotional and mental currents of the journey, leaning into the vulnerability of a true low point on trail. We reflect on fact that this happens, even in the midst of a wonderful experience like a thru-hike, and that’s ok - life has its ups and downs, even when not walking over mountains. The important thing to remember is that we are never truly walking alone.
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Read the original written journal entry: https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681495
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S1E62 - 37m - Oct 21, 2026 - Interview: Utogg | Episode 63
In this interview episode, Muse catches up with fellow SloBo trail family member Uttog to retrace the early legs of their 2025 Southbound journey.
Tune in as Uttog reflects on his extensive thru-hiking background, why he is a committed Southbounder, and the unexpected story behind his previous trail attempts. They dive into their early encounters near Imp Shelter, navigating the Wildcat reroute, and memorable stops through Vermont and Massachusetts. Uttog also opens up about how the SloBo family dynamic took shape, the post-trail adjustment, and the shared bonds that carried them all the way from Maine toward Springer Mountain.
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S1E63 - 1h 21m - Oct 23, 2026
