Episode #498 - Brigid Bell (Purple Haze)

Brigid Bell set out on a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail just two years ago, and had the most extraordinary encounter in the Smokies. That she lived to tell the tale–and continued her thru-hike–is testament to her resilience and the calmness she gained as a 911 dispatcher.

Brigid not only flourished on the trail, but she also grew a deep love for the community she found there, and wanted to give back, eventually finding her way into hostel ownership, at the excellent Weary Feet Hostel.

You can check out more of Brigid’s story by reading the excellent Trek interview that initially sparked my interest, as well as Pat Stith’s article. The links are below. A Woman Was Bitten by a Bear on the Appalachian Trail - The Trek and Bear Bait

You can follow Weary Feet Hostel on Facebook at Weary Feet Hostel | Bland VA , as well as visit their website at Home

Beth and Andrew have reached New York, only to find that the famed rocks of Pennsylvania didn’t end at the New Jersey border. Andrew continues to feed his hunger voraciously, while Beth is mounting up the dinners she owes Andrew by falling too often! They’ve been visited by several friends, a feature of their hike.

Dave has made it into New Hampshire and has positioned himself perfectly, with a bunch of fellow hikers as they all prepare for the White Mountains. As you’ll see below, the pictures are also getting even better.

I used my hike last year on the South West Coast Path in the UK 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, 3821 Milflores Drive, Sun City Center, FL 33573. Any support is gratefully received.

Additionally, you can “Zelle” me a donation to steve@hikingradionetwork.com. Or “Venmo“ me at @‌Steve-Adams-105. They both work!

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.