Hi everybody, I&#39;m Muse and this is my Appalachian Trail podcast! Whether you&#39;re planning your next adventure, reminiscing on past glory, on trail now, or just like hiking content, I hope you enjoy following along with my memoir of my 2025 thru-hike as told through my daily journal entries.

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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. <h3>Connect with the Journey</h3>Read the original written journal entry:<a href="https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681247" rel="nofollow"> https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681247</a>Follow Muse:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/musehikes" rel="nofollow"> @musehikes on Instagram</a>Say hello, share feedback, or ask a question: <a href="mailto:museatpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">museatpodcast@gmail.com</a><h3>Support Our Sponsors!</h3>Summit Ready Apparel:<a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow"> https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/</a>Walk Up Hill: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ</a>

July 7th, 2025 (Maine): Farewell | Episode 48

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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 &#34;Six Pack&#34; 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&#39;s original vision for regional planning, human wellness, and a wilderness sanctuary.<h3>Connect with the Journey</h3>Read the original written journal entry:<a href="https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681248" rel="nofollow"> https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681248</a>Follow Muse:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/musehikes" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/musehikes" rel="nofollow">@musehikes on Instagram</a>Say hello, share feedback, or ask a question: <a href="mailto:museatpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">museatpodcast@gmail.com</a><h3>Support Our Sponsors!</h3>Summit Ready Apparel:<a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow">https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/</a>Walk Up Hill: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ</a>

July 8th-9th, 2025 (Maine): The Rain Finally Got Me! | Episode 49

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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. <h3>Connect with the Journey</h3>Read the original written journal entry:<a href="https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681382" rel="nofollow"> https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681382</a>Follow Muse:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/musehikes" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/musehikes" rel="nofollow">@musehikes on Instagram</a>Say hello, share feedback, or ask a question: <a href="mailto:museatpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">museatpodcast@gmail.com</a><h3>Support Our Sponsors!</h3>Summit Ready Apparel:<a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow">https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/</a>Walk Up Hill: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ</a>

July 10th, 2025 (Maine): More Rain | Episode 50

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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. <h3>Connect with the Journey</h3>Follow Goldilocks as she continues the NE 115:  <a href="https://www.instagram.com/melissa_bellavance_" rel="nofollow">@melissa_belavance_ on Instagram</a>Follow Muse:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/melissa_bellavance_" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/musehikes" rel="nofollow">@musehikes on Instagram</a>Say hello, share feedback, or ask a question: <a href="mailto:museatpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">museatpodcast@gmail.com</a><h3>Support Our Sponsors!</h3>Summit Ready Apparel:<a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow">https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/</a>Walk Up Hill: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ</a>

Interview: Goldilocks | Episode 51

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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. <h3>Connect with the Journey</h3>Read the original written journal entry:<a href="https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681383" rel="nofollow"> https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681383</a>Follow Muse:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/musehikes" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/musehikes" rel="nofollow">@musehikes on Instagram</a>Say hello, share feedback, or ask a question: <a href="mailto:museatpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">museatpodcast@gmail.com</a><h3>Support Our Sponsors!</h3>Summit Ready Apparel:<a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow">https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/</a>Walk Up Hill: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ</a>

July 11th, 2025 (Maine): The Sun Returns! | Episode 52

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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. <h3>Connect with the Journey</h3>Read the original written journal entry:<a href="https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681384" rel="nofollow"> https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681384</a>Follow Muse:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/musehikes" rel="nofollow"> @musehikes on Instagram</a>Say hello, share feedback, or ask a question: <a href="mailto:museatpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">museatpodcast@gmail.com</a><h3>Support Our Sponsors!</h3>Summit Ready Apparel:<a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow"> https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/</a>Walk Up Hill: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ</a>

July 12th, 2025 (Maine): Mahoosuc Notch | Episode 53

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In this special interview, Muse is joined by his wife, Kerry, and son, Evan, to share the family&#39;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 &#34;trail transformations,&#34; 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.  <h3>Connect with the Journey</h3>Follow Muse:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/melissa_bellavance_" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/musehikes" rel="nofollow">@musehikes on Instagram</a>Say hello, share feedback, or ask a question: <a href="mailto:museatpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">museatpodcast@gmail.com</a><h3>Support Our Sponsors!</h3>Summit Ready Apparel:<a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow">https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/</a>Walk Up Hill: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ</a>

Interview: Kerry and Evan | Episode 54

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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. <h3>Connect with the Journey</h3>Read the original written journal entry:<a href="https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681385" rel="nofollow"> https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681385</a>Follow Muse:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/musehikes" rel="nofollow"> @musehikes on Instagram</a>Say hello, share feedback, or ask a question: <a href="mailto:museatpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">museatpodcast@gmail.com</a><h3>Support Our Sponsors!</h3>Summit Ready Apparel:<a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow"> https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/</a>Walk Up Hill: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ</a>

July 13th, 2025 (New Hampshire): First State Line! | Episode 55

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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.<h3>Connect with the Journey</h3>Read the original written journal entry:<a href="https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681386" rel="nofollow"> https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681386</a>Follow Muse:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/musehikes" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/musehikes" rel="nofollow">@musehikes on Instagram</a>Say hello, share feedback, or ask a question: <a href="mailto:museatpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">museatpodcast@gmail.com</a><h3>Support Our Sponsors!</h3>Summit Ready Apparel:<a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow">https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/</a>Walk Up Hill: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ</a>

July 14th-15th, 2025 (New Hampshire): Decisions | Episode 56

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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. <h3>Connect with the Journey</h3>Follow Muse:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/melissa_bellavance_" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/musehikes" rel="nofollow">@musehikes on Instagram</a>Say hello, share feedback, or ask a question: <a href="mailto:museatpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">museatpodcast@gmail.com</a><h3>Support Our Sponsors!</h3>Summit Ready Apparel:<a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow">https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/</a>Walk Up Hill: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ</a>

Interview: Sidequest and Poker Face | Episode 57

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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. <h3>Connect with the Journey</h3>Read the original written journal entry:<a href="https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681450" rel="nofollow"> https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681450</a>Follow Muse:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/musehikes" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/musehikes" rel="nofollow">@musehikes on Instagram</a>Say hello, share feedback, or ask a question: <a href="mailto:museatpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">museatpodcast@gmail.com</a><h3>Support Our Sponsors!</h3>Summit Ready Apparel:<a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow">https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/</a>Walk Up Hill: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ</a>

July 16th, 2025 (New Hampshire): Reflections | Episode 58

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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. <h3>Connect with the Journey</h3>Read the original written journal entry:<a href="https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681451" rel="nofollow"> https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681451</a>Follow Muse:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/musehikes" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/musehikes" rel="nofollow">@musehikes on Instagram</a>Say hello, share feedback, or ask a question: <a href="mailto:museatpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">museatpodcast@gmail.com</a><h3>Support Our Sponsors!</h3>Summit Ready Apparel:<a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow">https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/</a>Walk Up Hill: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ</a>

July 17th, 2025 (New Hampshire): The Plan From Here | Episode 59

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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.  <h3>Connect with the Journey</h3>Read the original written journal entry:<a href="https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681489" rel="nofollow"> https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681489</a>Follow Muse:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/musehikes" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/musehikes" rel="nofollow">@musehikes on Instagram</a>Say hello, share feedback, or ask a question: <a href="mailto:museatpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">museatpodcast@gmail.com</a><h3>Support Our Sponsors!</h3>Summit Ready Apparel:<a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow">https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/</a>Walk Up Hill: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ</a>

July 18th, 2025 (New Hampshire): Slackpacking | Episode 60

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/17/14/19504b5a-dc33-4dbc-b9c9-23e78047b7d4_episode_61.mp3

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.<h3>Connect with the Journey</h3>Read the original written journal entry:<a href="https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681490" rel="nofollow"> https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681490</a>Follow Muse:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/musehikes" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/musehikes" rel="nofollow">@musehikes on Instagram</a>Say hello, share feedback, or ask a question: <a href="mailto:museatpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">museatpodcast@gmail.com</a><h3>Support Our Sponsors!</h3>Summit Ready Apparel:<a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow">https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/</a>Walk Up Hill: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ</a>

July 19th-20th, 2025 (New Hampshire): Back on Trail | Episode 61

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/20/12/2f62f7c1-a440-4850-a005-5ce8155a3ce9_episode_62.mp3

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. <h3>Connect with the Journey</h3>Read the original written journal entry:<a href="https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681495" rel="nofollow"> https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681495</a>Follow Muse:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/musehikes" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/musehikes" rel="nofollow">@musehikes on Instagram</a>Say hello, share feedback, or ask a question: <a href="mailto:museatpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">museatpodcast@gmail.com</a><h3>Support Our Sponsors!</h3>Summit Ready Apparel:<a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow">https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/</a>Walk Up Hill: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ</a>

July 21st, 2025 (New Hampshire): Mt. Moriah | Episode 62

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/22/17/6289d676-efa6-4c18-97db-4a1de941609f_episode_63.mp3

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. <h3>Connect with the Journey</h3>Follow Muse:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/melissa_bellavance_" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/musehikes" rel="nofollow">@musehikes on Instagram</a>Say hello, share feedback, or ask a question: <a href="mailto:museatpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">museatpodcast@gmail.com</a><h3>Support Our Sponsors!</h3>Summit Ready Apparel:<a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow"> https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/</a>Walk Up Hill: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ</a>

Interview: Utogg | Episode 63

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/23/13/37c54b79-0ce6-4636-b8d9-98cac0322475_episode_64.mp3

Conquering the Carter Range—from North Carter across to Carter Dome—before descending into Carter Notch and catching a ride back into Gorham.In this episode, we embrace the rugged beauty through the Carters, trade the shelter for an evening back in town, and reflect on the growing camaraderie of sharing the footpath with fellow thru-hikers.  We’ll also explore the general infrastructure of the Whites, talking about the huts and caretaker-maintained campsites and how the AMC weaves those facilities together to create their thru-hiker program. <h3>Connect with the Journey</h3>Read the original written journal entry:<a href="https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681531" rel="nofollow"> https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681531</a>Follow Muse:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/musehikes" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/musehikes" rel="nofollow">@musehikes on Instagram</a>Say hello, share feedback, or ask a question: <a href="mailto:museatpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">museatpodcast@gmail.com</a><h3>Support Our Sponsors!</h3>Summit Ready Apparel:<a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow">https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/</a>Walk Up Hill: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ</a>

July 22nd, 2025 (New Hampshire): The Carter Section | Episode 64

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/27/11/34066d74-8a41-456e-8b1a-ddf7439554a9_episode_65.mp3

Taking a short, sunny hike out of Gorham and returning to the trail at Osgood Tentsite as we prepare for the days ahead.In this episode, we take advantage of shorter miles to widen the scope, stepping back to reflect on the broader landscape giving a profile of the states of Maine and New Hampshire. <h3>Connect with the Journey</h3>Read the original written journal entry:<a href="https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681654" rel="nofollow"> https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681654</a>Follow Muse:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/musehikes" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/musehikes" rel="nofollow">@musehikes on Instagram</a>Say hello, share feedback, or ask a question: <a href="mailto:museatpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">museatpodcast@gmail.com</a><h3>Support Our Sponsors!</h3>Summit Ready Apparel:<a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow">https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/</a>Walk Up Hill: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ</a>

July 23rd, 2025 (New Hampshire): Leaving Gorham, Again | Episode 65

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/29/12/1f88cdee-6d5d-47ff-a359-68395ab43a9a_episode_66.mp3

A new feature on the podcast - the update interview!!  Today we get an update from Goldilocks, who just a couple of weeks ago established the path and set the FKT (Fastest Known Time) for a continuous thru-hike of the New England 67!Tune in as Goldilocks shares the details of connecting her footfalls across all 67 four-thousand-footers in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, and registering an FKT doing what she has coined &#34;thru-bagging.&#34; She also reflects on the grueling Presidential Range, channeling Grandma Gatewood, and the deep bonds of the hiking community that kept her going. <h3>Connect with the Journey</h3>Follow Muse:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/melissa_bellavance_" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/musehikes" rel="nofollow">@musehikes on Instagram</a>Say hello, share feedback, or ask a question: <a href="mailto:museatpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">museatpodcast@gmail.com</a><h3>Support Our Sponsors!</h3>Summit Ready Apparel:<a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow">https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/</a>Walk Up Hill: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ</a>

Update Interview: Goldilocks | Episode 66

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/11/1/23/8c580aee-81b4-4ab9-b8dc-10e48520988a_episode_67.mp3

Today we tackle a stunning, high-alpine ascent from Osgood Tentsite up Madison and cross over to Washington, taking in the Presidential Range on a gorgeous, clear day before ending up at Lakes of the Clouds Hut.In this episode, we explore the sheer scale of the alpine zone, trading forested tunnels for sweeping, exposed views that stretch for miles.  Along the way, we meet six new southbounders and navigate the nuances of making one of the huts our stopping point for the day.  We also reflect on what a great day like this day can do to begin the ascent out from an emotional valley.  <h3>Connect with the Journey</h3>Read the original written journal entry:<a href="https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681655" rel="nofollow"> https://trailjournals.com/journal/entry/681655</a>Follow Muse:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/musehikes" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/musehikes" rel="nofollow">@musehikes on Instagram</a>Say hello, share feedback, or ask a question: <a href="mailto:museatpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">museatpodcast@gmail.com</a><h3>Support Our Sponsors!</h3>Summit Ready Apparel:<a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/" rel="nofollow">https://summit-ready-apparel.printify.me/</a>Walk Up Hill: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Up-Hill-Bounce-Hiker/dp/B0F3G44MJJ</a>

July 24th, 2025 (New Hampshire): The Presidentials | Episode 67

Hi everybody, I'm Muse and this is my Appalachian Trail podcast! Whether you're planning your next adventure, reminiscing on past glory, on trail now, or just like hiking content, I hope you enjoy following along with my memoir of my 2025 thru-hike as told through my daily journal entries.