Muse's AT Podcast

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 th...

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 dema...

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 change...

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...

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 desce...

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.  Connect wit...

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. Connect with the Journey Read the original written journal entry: https://trailjournals.com/j...

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 pl...

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 202...

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 det...

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 squar...

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...

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...

A short 6.2-mile day from Crocker Cirque Campsite to Spaulding Mountain Lean-To proved that low-mileage days on the trail can still pack in plenty of experience and great company. In this episode, we step into a day filled with new trail connections—from navigating tough mountain blowdowns and learning plant knowledge from Dragonfly, to passing the 200-mile mark. Tune in for a look at how a quiet...

Fresh off our zero day in Carrabassett Valley and descending the Crockers, we cap off the week with a special interview episode featuring Bounce the Hiker! Muse first met Bounce at the Hostel of Maine before hiking together through the Bigelows and staying in touch all the way down to Springer Mountain. Tune in today as Bounce shares what it was like completing the AT both Northbound (2020) and So...

Back on trail, this episode’s entry takes us up and over the Crockers, gradually up and then steeply down into the Crocker Cirque Campsite. In the commentary, we’re going to take a step backwards just a couple of days, focusing a little more on the planning steps that supported the upcoming family visit in Rangeley.  Reflecting back to some basic hostel routines - like how electronics get recharge...

A zero day at the Hostel of Maine provided a much-needed reset. This episode also features a unique trail experience - a wonderful outdoor worship service with the picturesque Sugarloaf Mountain as the backdrop.  Tune in to hear all about this amazing day in Carrabassett Valley and the connections made there. Connect with the Journey Read the original written journal entry: https://trailjournals.c...

Another awesome interview episode!  As we head into the Hostel of Maine to rest and recover from the Bigelows before heading into the Saddlebacks, let’s take a moment on the show to check in with Pastor Frank and Frogger.  Muse would meet Pastor Frank here at the Hostel of Maine, and first met Frogger back in Monson.  Listen in today as these two talk about their early, separate journeys, the form...

It started in the most significant downpour on trail so far (having dodged the big one that caught most), but this day ended at the plush and comfortable Hostel of Maine, where Muse would spend the weekend. In the episode, we focus on the day getting into the Hostel of Maine, and saying farewell to Conrad and Justin (and later Spicy and Ribbit), only to meet brand new friends once there!  Join us...

What a completely mind-blowing day in Maine's Bigelow Range! It starts solo with a spiritual experience on Little Bigelow Mountain, then quickly becomes a trek across this majestic range with friends: five of us on Avery Peak, three on West Peak and two on South Horn. Tune in to hear Muse recount this glorious day, and also dive into the very beginnings of the Appalachian Trail as Muse fills i...

This interview takes place in the restaurant of the Iron Horse Station Inn in Hot Springs, North Carolina. It is the capstone to an amazing return to the trail, where Ratatouille and I joined Shotgun to share some of his culminating steps toward Springer as he finishes up this year. Listen in today to hear once again from both Shotgun and Ratatouille—getting their present reactions on the past few...

Listen in as Muse slows down to recover from some bigger mileage, gathering strength to take on the upcoming Bigelow Range.  In this episode, you’ll hear about an amazing lunchtime oasis, meeting great new hiking companions, and Muse’s overall excitement for what lies ahead.  Connect with the Journey Read the original written journal entry: https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/680955 Follow Mus...

Crossing the Kennebec, Muse hikes on with the Caratunk Crew!  While new adventures await on the other side of the river, this episode takes a moment to reflect on our brief stay in Caratunk and the company Muse had there before moving forward. Connect with the Journey Read the original written journal entry: https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/680954 Follow Muse: @musehikes on Instagram Say he...

After settling down at the Sterling Inn in Caratunk last episode, we cap off the week chatting with Spicy and Ribbit. Muse met them on that scorching day heading into Caratunk, and they ended up hiking together through the Bigelows and on to the Hostel of Maine.  This is a fantastic conversation! Tune in to hear what it’s really like to hike the AT as a couple, and enjoy the fun backstory of how t...

Join Muse on this sweltering day in Maine, finding a short respite in the town of Caratunk.  This was a good day, climbing mountains, hanging out with friends and even jumping in a pond. This is also the day Muse gets his name.  Listen in to today’s entry to hear how that came about.  Connect with the Journey Read the original written journal entry: https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/680893 F...