Rocks and Roots

A bonus episode! Cranky argues with a parkie. He then hikes Gertrude’s Nose and Millbrook Mountain, in the Gunks, in New York. Learn all about this popular trail in Minnewaska State Park.

We’re back, friends!  So sorry about the wee hiatus. Real work has heavily gotten in the way but have no fear!  We won’t abandon you like that again… ANYWAY!  We have the loveliest guest on this evening, none other than Cranky’s wife, Mrs. Cranky!  Mrs. Crank is not a hiker, nor does she like hiking very much, however she tolerates it for her husband and friend as they are a bit nuts :-) We talk a...

We interview the hiking partner in crime and dear friend of Kyle’s, Flossy!  Flossy has quite a couple of thrus and an ultra under his belt as he gets ready for his second long trail out west.  He brings some perspective to our episode and reminds us not to take things for granted and someone always has it worse. We appreciate you, Flossy, and wish you the best on your PCT hike!   Flossy’s Insta!...

We’re back with another episode with thru hiker, YouTuber, Podcast host, and all around good guy Kyle O’Grady!  If you recall, our last episode was chatting about Kyle’s hiking history, starting Trail Tales, transitioning to YouTube and hints about an upcoming thru hike.  Well friends, this episode is all about the countdown to the Pacific Crest Trail. We talk about Kyle’s physical and mental prep...

Cranky and Tumbles we’re all excited to finish the Shenandoah National Park section of the AT. Things were going according to plan, gear and food was dialed in, we only had 24 miles to go. Best laid plans….long story short, things didn’t go to plan at all but what we always learn is that once on trail, the frustration melts away. Despite it all, the duo had a great time making new acquaintances at...

We are so pleased to be chatting with The 46 of 46 Podcast host and author, James Appleton!  There is no denying where James’ passion lies as he talks about the Adirondacks and its impact on the local communities and those who visit.  We get into James’s own 46er adventure and how that led the way to starting his podcast.   Thank you for doing what you do to make the park better and more accessibl...

Donate to our Patreon so we can get singing lessons!  Tumbles and Cranky hit up the Old Rag Trail in the Shenandoah for an invigorating 9 mile/4 hour loop.  Since it was Tumbles’ first time on this particular trail, surprises abounded with scrambles, climbing and some trail running!  Was Tumbles cured of her ailing hip?  Only time will tell.  Also, as usual the duo are critical about the NPS with...

We have Michelle Adshead on the show with us today to talk about hiking and trail maintenance and her newly published children’s book Folly & Molly Take on the Appalachian Trail!  Taking her inspiration from her AT section hikes (especially Shenandoah Nat’l Park), the book follows foxes Folly and Molly as they travel nobo and meet friends along the way! Michelle also maintains a section of the Pen...

Cranky and Tumbles are talking failed plans on today’s episode. Over the March 12 weekend, they were supposed to climb mountains, traveling long distances to conquer new miles and amaze their listeners with harrowing stories…. Nope. It was a literal wash and snow, sleet and rain welcomed the entire east coast 🙄 The duo descended into the Pine Barrens of New Jersey for some adventure and contempla...

Long distance hiker, nutritionist, and guide Katie Gerber joins us for today’s episode!  It was a pleasure to speak to Katie about her backpacking history and how a health issue paved the way for her work in the nutrition field.  Helping adventurers prepare mentally and physically for their upcoming journeys is one of her specialities.    As a guide for Andrew Skurka, Katie travels the world leadi...

Tina has returned to the podcast and is better than ever!  Our second guest ever on the show, Tina and her hiking adventures were derailed last fall due to a cancer scare.  Using what she’s learned on trail and her resolve, she kicked cancer in the ass and is ready to take on the world.  We’re excited to be meeting up with Tina in a few weeks, so we spend some time on the episode planning our hike...

Crank and Tumbles stormed the ADK President’s Day Weekend and had a blast doing it.  They went to bag Esther and Whiteface and came back with nothing more than a few tumbles and a lesson or two on how to handle crazy ice wind on near exposed summits.  Mountains teach you a lot but most of all they teach you humility.   The duo also checked out the cross-country skiing in the area and they were hoo...

…Sort of…and for only a weekend.  The duo is back giving their two cents on Mt Wittenberg in the snowy Catskills. What a little beast in slushy snow! C & T also talk about their respective adventures the first weekend of February. Tumbles hit up western Maine and Crank stuck to the mean streets of Philly.  A short but sweet Trail Talk episode; just us up to our antics! Give us a follow on the gram...

(The title is a Friends reference…anyway!) We had such fun chatting with Kyle O’Grady of Kyle Hates Hiking and the podcast Trail Tales!  Kyle talks with us about his 2018 AT thru hike, experiences in the Whites and the ADK and some exciting adventures planned for 2022.  We also go into Trail Tales and how his videos on YouTube allowed him to expand his creativity.  Fear not friends, Trail Tales wi...

We’re back with part 2 of Frankie Wilde’s adventures! We dive into his experiences in Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks and what it was like being in Mexico touring on a bike.  He tell stories of those he meets along the way and how he conquers his social discomfort on the road.  Finally we cover his experience in Shenandoah National Park and a promise that there will be future Wilde Across A...

Happy 50th episode!  Woo hoo!  This wouldn’t have been possible without both our listeners and wonderful guests.  We have a bit of a special episode this week as we are not talking hiking, or backpacking, or running. We are talking biking! Frank Hughes has been a biking enthusiast since he was a child and his lust for adventure only became stronger as he got older. Completing three cross-country b...

We take a deep dive into the Adirondacks playground with landscape photographer, professional guide, and many times over ADK 46er Jonathan Zaharek!   Jonathan has an intimate history with the park’s trails and peaks and loves to share his experiences with them through his photography and beautifully curated videos.   Jonathan also chats with us about his winter red line project as well as his thou...

The duo has decided to brave the temps and knock off some more ADK high peaks. Cascade and Porter were a fantastic introduction to the park’s winters which are known to be brutal. With a static -16 on the ground, Cranky and Tumbles prepped for an even colder summit.  Take a listen for gear reviews, trail reviews, and how to open a Corona with a lighter.  Enjoy!

Pickle came to hang out on the show with us this week to talk about his experience on the AT and PCT as well we talk to us about his newly launched gear company, Town Shirt!  Proving that social media does bring people together, we connected with Pickle through the podcast’s Instagram stores. We consider ourselves lucky that he decided to comment because we were able to talk about the differences...

The dynamic duo are back by themselves talking about their recent short but notable hike in the Hudson Highlands.  Mt Beacon (more like a hill) is small but mighty as it boasts the highest elevation in the highlands as well as have some fantastic ruins.  Take a listen for trail conditions (snow), tumbles (4..?), and history (well, of course).  Finally we talk about a bangin’ food joint in Newburgh...

We hung out with Dragonsky this episode and chatted about her recent 2021 Appalachian Trail thru-hike.  Who many would regard as a newbie to the trail scene, Dragonsky has made her voice known and has proven to herself that she can do whatever she puts her mind to. With a passion for modern social issues, Dragonsky talks about her positive and negative experiences on trail and her future plans whi...

Neal Lyon of White Mountain Wanderers joins us to talk about his story of finding solace in the mountains and finding his people along the way.  We take a deep dive into how important community is both on and off trail and we learn not to take each other so seriously.  While the Whites are not the easiest mountains, they do have this knack for bringing people together.  Thanks for coming on, Neal!...

Happy Holidays from us at the Rocks and Roots Podcast!  We want to give a big thanks to our listeners for tuning in over the past year and we’re psyched for 2022! Cranky and Tumbles are coming at you from Tidewater Virginia to talk about their hiking/backpacking gear from Santa as well as let you in on their epic Christmas vacation.  We visit the Outer Banks to see Lost Colonies and Firsts in Flig...

Another jam packed episode hanging with two fantastic people!  Tumbles and Cranky talk with Rue McKenrick and Leilah Grace about their American Perimeter Trail project. Born out of a thirst for adventure and to connect the contiguous United States’ diverse lands and communities, the 12,000 mile long APT includes all of that and more. Rue talks about his years long scouting mission of the trail, co...

Tumbles and Cranky had the absolute pleasure talking to IBTAT and getting the scoop on him completing the Continental Divide Trail, how backpacking transformed him and inspired his followers, and what future adventures are in store. We want to congratulate IBTAT on completing his triple crown this year and we look forward to meeting up and chatting again soon.  Follow IBTAT on YouTube : youtube.co...