Our guest today is Glen Van Peski, a man who made a significant contribution to the ultralight backpacking movement when he founded Gossamer Gear. It takes an engineer to work out the problems of heavy gear, and Glen’s engineering skills and natural curiosity made backpacking easier for all of us.

He’s written a book about the many life lessons he has learned from a life outdoors, mixing moments from his life in with these lessons, making the book extremely accessible for hikers of all ages.

You can get a copy of Glen’s book from his website at Home - Glen Van Peski, while you can follow him on Instagram at Instagram (@gvanpeski), and on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenvanpeski/.

We catch up with two more members of the Mighty Blue Class of 2024 today. First up, Moxie gives a shout out to her own trail angel, while Professor Milkshake celebrates trail magic–and trail towns–in the north. What a trail we’ve been gifted.

Our new book reading, Happy Hiking, by my friend, Emily Leonard is–of course–written from a woman’s POV and a woman’s voice. I hope you enjoy listening to my reading of it. If you’d like to buy the book, you can find it on Amazon at Happy Hiking: Falling in love on the Appalachian Trail, or on Emily’s website, at Happy Hiking.

I used my recent hike in the UK on the South West Coast Path to help raise money for my absolute favorite charity, Parenting Matters, on whose board I’ve been privileged to serve for over a decade. You can learn more about the hike and the organization–and donate–by visiting Hike with Steve - Empowering Parents, One Step at a Time | Parenting Matters %. I hope you want to support this critical mission.

Don’t forget. Our entire series of videos from our Woods Hole Weekend in 2022 is now FREE and available at my YouTube page at Woods Hole Weekend - Trailer. There, you’ll find all sorts of tips and tricks that our guests took away from the weekend that helped them with their own hikes this year. Check it out.

I often ask listeners for ideas on who to interview, and I’m sure several of you say, “I could do that. I’ve got an awesome story to tell.” You’re the person we need to hear from. If you’d like to be interviewed on the podcast, just register as a guest on the link below, and I’ll be in touch. Come on the show!

If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at Hiking Radio Network.

If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.

If you'd like to take advantage of my book offer (all three of my printed hiking books–with a personal message and signed by me–for $31, including postage to the United States) send a check payable to Mighty Blue Publishing at the address just above.

We have another packed show today, with an interview that is quite unlike any I have ever done before. Linda McAbee wrote to me and told me her own harrowing story that, fortunately, worked out in the end, though it could have taken a far worse turn.

Despite that outcome, her story is a salutary lesson in the dangers of being in the woods with no means of navigation. I’m sure she’ll be fully prepped on her upcoming hike on the Buckeye Trail.

At the same time, Linda’s ordeal proved her perseverance and determination, both qualities required for a successful hike.

We also caught up with three members of the Mighty Blue Class of 2024, with new member, Sondra Lee (Lemonade) introducing herself, along with catch ups with Bobby Campbell (Sloggy Hikes), and Michael Gaasch (No Rush the Elder).

I’ll be playing a notice inviting people to the ALDHA Gathering this coming October in Abingdon, VA. If you’d like to register at the discounted price before August 15, go to Events

Our new book reading, Happy Hiking, by my friend, Emily Leonard is–of course–written from a woman’s POV and a woman’s voice. I hope you enjoy listening to my reading of it. If you’d like to buy the book, you can find it on Amazon at Happy Hiking: Falling in love on the Appalachian Trail, or on Emily’s website, at Happy Hiking.

I used my recent hike in the UK on the South West Coast Path to help raise money for my absolute favorite charity, Parenting Matters, on whose board I’ve been privileged to serve for over a decade. You can learn more about the hike and the organization–and donate–by visiting Hike with Steve - Empowering Parents, One Step at a Time | Parenting Matters %. I hope you want to support this critical mission.

Don’t forget. Our entire series of videos from our Woods Hole Weekend in 2022 is now FREE and available at my YouTube page at Woods Hole Weekend - Trailer There, you’ll find all sorts of tips and tricks that our guests took away from the weekend that helped them with their own hikes this year. Check it out.

I often ask listeners for ideas on who to interview, and I’m sure several of you say, “I could do that. I’ve got an awesome story to tell.” You’re the person we need to hear from. If you’d like to be interviewed on the podcast, just register as a guest on the link below, and I’ll be in touch. Come on the show!

If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at Hiking Radio Network .

If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, PO Box 6161, Sun City Center, FL 35751. Any support is gratefully received.