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blissful hiker ❤︎ inspiring you to hike your own hike
Long-distance solo hiker Alison Young knows hard-core backpacking as few people do. With footprints on six continents and memories from trails like Te Araroa and the Pacific Crest, she is a member of a very small and prestigious group.
In a series of personal essays coupled with found sound and her own flute playing, this podcast explores her journey of self-discovery as a middle-aged woman, sharing the sometimes unglamorous but vital truth about empowerment as a bad-ass woman who doesn’t need permission to blaze her own trails in this journey we call life.
- 135 - Breast Cancer Trail: You're done!
Blissfulis given the "all clear" by her surgeon and gets ready to step into the rest of her life.
- Surgery for breast cancer has completely changed Blissful's body, but has given her a new power of bravery and knowing herself better. One friend calls her a "sur-thriver" facing down the situation directly, and trying to do what St. Paul said, to "rejoice always and not worry about anything."Time is running out but wouldn't it be cool to live fully, audaciously, without fear – and with joy – even in an uncertain world? Next week, Blissful heads back to trail in Arizona to finish a portion she had to skip when walking two years ago.
MUSIC: Introduccion y Allegro by Carlos Guastavino as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano.
Thu, 07 Mar 2024 - 134 - cancer thriver
Blissfultakes her first hike on a trail after surgery forbreast cancerand decides she prefers to be described as a "thriver" – or even "aliver" – rather than survivor.
- It's a hot, humid summer day at Lebanon Hills, a region carved by glaciers with kettles and eskers, plus the singing of numerous birds. Blissful's surgeon tells her it's time to put on a backpack and get back on trail, even though she's isn't completely healed. Illness humbles us and teaches us about our vulnerability and ultimate decline, and yet it opens us up to discover our superpowers, like moving forward to see what's next. It's the price we pay for being alive, but it offers us a chance to appreciate what we have even more.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasalaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano.
Thu, 29 Feb 2024 - 133 - Inhabiting the Vulnerable Space
As Blissfulheals from a bilateral mastectomy due tobreast cancer, she reflects on the person she wants to be going forward.
- Blissful is incredibly lucky in only having to undergo a radical surgery to rid her body of cancer. Step by step walking through her neighborhood, she slowly recovers back to her hiker self. The American writer Joyce Carol Oates speaks of the moment we realize that loss is part of our experience. “When that starts to happen to you, it is quite stunning.”Being out of control with illness is falling-to-the-knees humbling for Blissful and it's a challenge to stay positive and "bad ass."But she's inspired by the late actor Julian Sands who spoke of climbing summits as "not so much a celebration of oneself, but the eradication of one’s self-consciousness. And so on these walks you lose yourself, you become a vessel of energy in harmony, hopefully with your environment.” What a way to live!
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasalaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano.
Thu, 22 Feb 2024 - 132 - Good Luck, Bad Luck
When Blissfulis diagnosed withbreast cancer, she undergoes a bilateral mastectomy to save her life and secure her future.
- A friend tells Blissful she has it easy because she has a partner in her husband Richard. Indeed, she is incredibly grateful to be part of a team because it's helped her navigate some very tough times in her life. Blissful's view of life is that it can be full of abundance and grace, but sometimes bad things just happen at no fault of our own. Kind of like the children's book, Good Luck, Bad Luck, we shouldn't blame ourselves when life throws us a curveball – no, the universe is not sending us a "message," rather it's a chance for us to grow and stretchwhen we learn how to face difficulty. Bad Luck came to Blissful with a diagnosis of cancer, but good luck was that it was caught quickly, so there's no need for chemotherapy – a moment of grace.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala, Suite by Ernst Krenekand Introduccion y Allegro by Carlos Guastavino as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano.
Thu, 15 Feb 2024 - 131 - Breast Cancer Trail: Bye, Bye Boobs
Blissfulbegins hercancer journeylooking back at her life as a woman.
- Blissful spends the days before a bilateral mastectomy gathering together a team of supportive women who have been through the procedure.She also walks, hikes, bikes, swims, kayaks all in an effort to calm herself – or running away from panic. In looking forward to being flat-chested and "ultra-light", Blissful reminisces on becoming a woman from "sprouts" to a "mean girl" to a middle-aged woman saving her own life.
MUSIC: Suite by Ernst Krenekand Introduccion y Allegro by Carlos Guastavino as played by Alison Young, flute
Thu, 08 Feb 2024 - 130 - Appalachian Trail: going home
Blissfulwraps up her hike of theAppalachian Trail in Maineto head home for cancer treatment.
- The two days between Monson and Caratunk are rain-free and magical with a winter wren, hermit thrush, northern parula plus warty frogs and a curious snake. It's two big mountains with views including Moxie Bald and Pleasant Pond with glorious views of humpy green forested peaks like emerging leviathan in an even more expansive sea of green.Camping is near a pond circled by summer homes and loud pontoon boats, only a few miles out of Caratunk.Blissful meets a cancer survivor finishing the Appalachian Trail and is empowered by her healing and moxie to get right back on trail. Then she heads home for a new and scary adventure.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 01 Feb 2024 - 129 - Appalachian Trail: Magic at Moxie Bald Pond
Blissfulmakes it out of the 100 Mile Wilderness and receives a call from her doctor calling her home to have a bilateral mastectomy.
- It's wet and muddy but mostly road out to Monson, Maine, the first town in ten days.She has to go home, but not immediately, and can head back on trail for at least a few more days. And it's perfect timing in sunny weather at last and a long reroute around flooded rivers. But it's a gorgeous hike through forest loud with birds and frogs. And it takes her to lovely Moxie Bald Pond where the forest creatures enchant her even when distressed by her cancer diagnosis and the fact that she'll have to go home.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 25 Jan 2024 - 128 - Appalachian Trail: gratitude for hiker and creature alike
The trail is hard in rain, mud and cold, butBlissfulgets the boost she needs from hiker and creature.
- It's mountainous now in the 100-mile Wilderness, revealing only misty views of distant lakes enveloped in thick forest. The "Sibs", two thru-hikers also from Minnesota, plus "Shoes," a barefoot hiker, meet her and offer encouragement.As does Fourth Mountain Bog, a stunning ecosystem crossed by boardwalk where a White Throated Sparrow greets her as well as giant. maroon-veined pitcher plants.It's too hard to get to the planned shelter so she and Shoes stay next to Long Pond Stream.They are rudely awakened by hikers late at night who warn them not to try to cross and instead offer directions for the reroute.Blissful is grateful for all that happened today, even the rude hikers who ensure she doesn't get in trouble in teh flooded stream.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 18 Jan 2024 - 127 - Appalachian Trail: White Cap Mountain
Blissfulcrosses a high, exposed peak in fog and rain then discovers she needs to go further than she thought.
- Hiking south on the Appalachian Trail, it's the first high mountains since Katahdin, but the weather is manageable. And there are small surprises like twisted and stunted "krumholz" trees, wildly fluorescent fungus and wildflowers heavily laden with damp. Even high up, the birds are loud including a new bird t Magnolia Warbler.When Blissful discovers she needs to go further than expected, crossing a river and steeply up, she goes for it.The "Sibs" – a pair of siblings also from Minnesota – give her courage as well as spotting her first Red Spotted Newt as orange as a gummy.The river crossing is easy and the uphills go one and on finally ending in a rock fall to climb up Chairback Mountain to a shelter shared with a barefoot thru-hiker named 'Shoes.'
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 11 Jan 2024 - 126 - Artist-in-Residence | Porcupine Mountains Wilderness
Blissfulcreates an audio narrative as anArtist-in-Residenceat Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Upper Peninsula, Michigan.
- During her artistic residency, she immersed herself in the vividly sonorous landscape , collecting sound as she hiked. Birds, falls and the wind spoke to her about spring’s message – a message of renewal and rebirth.It's such a fleeting moment, one so transitory, we could almost miss if we’re not listening carefully.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 04 Jan 2024 - 125 - Appalachian Trail: A River Runs Through It
Blissfulmakes her first dangerous ford over a swollen and dangerous river in flood from the non-stop rain.
- For a SOBO – or southbounder – on the Appalachian Trail, it's often wise to pay for delivery of a cache of food to break up the 10-day hike of the 100 Mile Wilderness. Right after the cache, the trail gets harder, steeply uphill into real mountains, plus river fords. With an unusual amount of rain, the rivers are in spate and dangerous.Blissful is alone and carefully crosses the Pleasant River – less pleasant, but doable especially with affixed ropes, yet there's no information on whether the ropes are safe. A Winter Wren congratulates her on a successful cross, and encourages a climb to Logan Brook right below White Cap Mountain, where a shelter awaits.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 28 Dec 2023 - 124 - Appalachian Trail: you're only passing through
When seeing two Pileated Woodpecker parents up close, Blissfullearns that she is only passing through and to savor the moment while it lasts.
- It's an easy enough day on the Appalachian Trail (AT) though rainy without any views.Blissful stops at a lovely campground on the banks of Lower Jo-Mary Lake surrounded by pink Lady Slippers, as delicate as crepe. These first days walking south through Maine have been hard and Blissful feels like an amateur muddling through. While she licks her wounds, two woodpeckers poke out of a snag, chittering to each other and seemingly planning who will head out for food and how will stay with the young; it's magical. The lesson that "we're only passing through" is made apparent as is that she will never pass this way again. And this realization makes her feel gratitude for being invited into this wild world.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 21 Dec 2023 - 123 - Appalachian Trail: do the next right thing
In constant rain and cold, Blissfullearns the power in facing her negative feelings and using them to spur her to action rather than resignation.
- The trail has yet to get hard on the Appalachian Trail (AT) but the rain is drenching.Blissful can't stop in the cold and swarms of mosquitos even to eat, and is full of frustration but fellow hiker Ingrid catches up and gives her courage, suggesting they sleep inside the next shelter to stay dry. It's not far or difficult to the shelter at Nahmakanta Stream and she grabs a corner spot.Wet and cold, she is reminded of the book Deep Survival by Laurence Gonzales where he says, "“Stop denying and begin surviving. You don’t have to be elite or perfect, just get on with it and do the next right thing.” And this is exactly what she does, focusing her negative emotions to doing the next right thing - to stay as dry and warm as possible, and to keep moving ahead.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 14 Dec 2023 - 122 - Appalachian Trail: one fine day
Blissfulis ill-prepared for the constant damp, but discovering an inner fierceness to solve her problems and keep moving ahead.
- The summer of 2023 on the Appalachian Trail (AT) is the wettest in memory.But this one day in Northern Maine is thankfully dry with big wind off Rainbow Lake where Blissful is able to dry out her gear. It's all easy trail lined with wildflowers from one shelter at Hurd Brook to the next at Rainbow Stream with a delightful site right above falls through a gorge. New friends of fellow hikers give Blissful courage and she makes it to the next site now with dried out gear – only to survive yet another night of soaking rain.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 07 Dec 2023 - 121 - Appalachian Trail: nature could care less
Blissfulleaves Baxter State Park to enter the 100-mile Wilderness, learning that "everything changes" including the weather.
- Blissful is waiting a pathology report from breast surgery, unsure if she will get the all-clear or have to manage a cancer diagnosis.Her surgeon encourages just to start hiking while she waits and here she is. Lured into the lovely idyllic summer weather at the start of hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT) Blissful gives away her plastic waterproof backpack liner to pack her gear in compression sacks that fail completely.The walk out of Baxter State Park is flat and easy, the trail lined with wildflowers and filled with bird song. At Abol Bridge, she meets other hikers and they look back at Katahdin as the air turns black, lightnings strikes the summit and it begins pouring rain. Maine rain is different in humid, saturated air and she's almost immediately soaked through.At the warning sign, three miles ahead of the first shelter at Hurd Brook, it begins to hail. She sets her tent with new friends who offer dry clothes and to share their tent if she gets too cold, but somehow she sleeps well through the night in a lumpy and clammy down quilt.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 30 Nov 2023 - 120 - Appalachian Trail: Mount Katahdin
Blissfuldecides to put her feet on the Appalachian Trail, beginning from the north on Mount Katahdin in Maine.
- Those in the know will laugh when the Appalachian Trail (AT) is described as a "footpath" as it's more a rock climbing challenge.And it's tough to get to the start, 100 miles from any airport, then a 4,000-foot climb in five miles up to the summit and Mile 0.The weather calls for unseasonably hot weather, over 90 degrees, so it's a very early start. Planning two nights of camping at Katahdin Stream Campground, Blissful walks steeply up to spectacular views before hitting boulders requiring crawling, pressing, pulling and squeezing with only a few iron ladders to help. The tableland is easy walking, but exposed and hot with no wind and swarms of flies. At the top, Blissful meets a cohort of thru-hikers and carefully returns right before a loud thunder clap.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 23 Nov 2023 - 119 - Te Araroa: owner of the lonely heart
TheBlissful Hikerlearns that hiking all alone on theTe Araroaand managing her nervousness about what's to come is worth it, since she enjoys her own company the most.
In this episode:- Blissful walks the Timber Trail in the spectacular Pureora Forestin the North Island of New Zealand, native bush saved by "tree sitters" and easy walking on old logging tramways. Crossing spectacular swing bridges over deep gorges and walking through deep canyons cut deeply in the hills take her to Piropiro Flats, where a trail angel gives her two cheap beers for brunch. At Waione Stream, she spies bikers wading in the rapids below, joining them for one of the best swims of her hike, cold but refreshing. Camping is at No. 10 Camp, though Chloe can't stand Blissful's blissful singing, so she sets her tent at a distance. Along the way, Blissful passes the 1,000 kilometer mark, 1/3 of the hike completed. The final day takes Blissful across the Mangakotukutuku Bridge and meets the engineering marvel of the Ongarue Spiral, two trestles above a tunnel. Finally, she's finishes at a campsite shared with dozens of hikers who she can't connect with so decides being alone, is just fine.
MUSIC: The music in this episode is Argentine composer Angel Lasala’sPoema del Pastor Coyaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Available on iTunes
Thu, 26 Nov 2020 - 118 - Isle Royale part 1
TheBlissful Hikervisits a very special island national park,Isle Royale, a boreal forest and Canadian Shield "balds" wonderland in the far Northwest corner of Lake Superior that moose and wolves call home.
In this episode:- A weather delay sets Blissful up for a magical hike off her itinerary to Hugginin Bay.Her hike takes her past an embarrassment of thimbleberries and blueberries. Some-thing(one) protects her from a hike-stopping injury.She sees beaver, loons, red squirrels, a black fox and several moose, including one giant bull with a huge rack. She enjoys two beautiful sunsets on the Big Lake, including at enchanted Rainbow Cove, a beach of water-worn stones.
MUSIC:Over Wild Solitude byKatherine Bergmanas played by the St. Olaf Norseman Band (used by permission)
Thu, 03 Sep 2020 - 117 - Set Your Sights Low
Blissfulshares insights aboutsetting flexible goals.
- "Summit Fever" is one of the consequences of setting one single big goal and can cause us to fail every day, sometimes with tragic consequences. Rather than goals, setting systems can work in our favor because they are bite-sized goals more easily achieved.Systems allow us to succeed more often.And, allow us to change our minds and still succeed.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 04 May 2023 - 116 - Porcupine Mountains Wilderness Part 2
Blissful Hikeris honored to have been named an "Artist in Residence" by the Friends of the Porkies and will live in a remote cabin this spring to create audio narrative essays in Upper Peninsula Michigan in thePorcupine Mountains.
In this episode, she revisits her fall backpack trip when she fell in love with the "Porkies."- Awakening to a spectacular sunrise on Lake of the Clouds, Blissful walks into a the magical and primeval hemlock forest. She meets the Big Carp River and enchanted by its silvery cascades on volcanic rock. A short walk along Lake Superior and she's back in forest following another river, the Little Carp where she camps next to a pool reflecting gold and red fall colors. The next day she climbs to the high point at Summit Peak, then down to gorgeous Mirror Lake and finally a private site on a beaver pond filled with nature's sound including chipmunks, owls, beaver and a howling wolf.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 06 Apr 2023 - 115 - Porcupine Mountains Wilderness Part 1
Blissful Hikeris honored to have been named an "Artist in Residence" by the Friends of the Porkies and will live in a remote cabin this spring to create audio narrative essays in Upper Peninsula Michigan in thePorcupine Mountains.
In this episode, she revisits her fall backpack trip when she fell in love with the "Porkies."
In this episode:- Blissful visits this magical place, a wilderness state park of 35,000 acres of primary stand hemlock amidst a massive volcanic uplift above Lake Superior. Her first day is along the escarpment above Lake of the Clouds to her stunning campsite with a large rock apron looking out to the astounding view. Birds and a wolf celebrate the setting sun and the stars coming out. As she crawls into her tent, an acorn bombardment spooks her reminding her that this is indeed a wilderness.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 30 Mar 2023 - 114 - Ten Things I Learned While Long Distance Backpacking Vol. 3
This week,Blissful Hikercompletes the list of tenlessons from the trailthat are helping her now.
In this episode:
7) :38 Everything changes “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
8) 1:50 You will never pass this way again "Sooner or later, we must realize there is no station, no one place to arrive at once and for all. The true joy of life is the trip."
9) 3:26 Let go and forgive "Forgiveness is the economy of the heart… forgiveness saves the expense of anger, the cost of hatred, the waste of spirits."
10) 5:41 You are stronger than you think you are "If I waited for perfection, I’d never write a word."MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala and Milongs sin palabras by Astor Pizzollaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 23 Mar 2023 - 113 - Ten Things I Learned While Long Distance Backpacking Vol. 2
This week,Blissful Hikershares somelessons from the trailthat are helping her now.
In this episode:
:38 Let the day unfold “I think that’s what I love about my life. There’s no maniacal master plan. It’s just unfolding before me.”
3:02 Trail Angels exist "That’s what I consider true generosity: You give your all, and yet you always feel as if it costs you nothing."
5:10 The point of a thru hike isnotto triumph "The goal of life … is not happiness, peace, or fulfillment, but aliveness."MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala and Milongs sin palabras by Astor Pizzollaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 16 Mar 2023 - 112 - Ten Things I Learned While Long Distance Backpacking Vol. 1
This week,Blissful Hikershares somelessons from the trailthat are helping her now.
In this episode:
1:30 Take Risks“The most hopeful thing you are doing is taking these months to repair your body for the next hikes.”
3:42 Stay in the Present MomentExperience fully what each day brings, the surprises and tiny victories.
6:12 Practice Patience"Life is already too short to waste on speed."MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala and Milongs sin palabras by Astor Pizzollaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 09 Mar 2023 - 111 - injury stops forward motion but not joy
One year ago Blissful Hikerset her feet on theArizona Trailand planned to return to walk the final 100 miles, but an injury interrupted the trip.
In this episode:- This time of year is called "Lent" and is all about waiting and preparing, as well as contemplating the brevity of our lives.An injury is like that, a close up look at vulnerability. Learning to manage the frustration teaches us how to embrace our lives. A long walk – and the weak place of injury – helps bring the hiker closer to the spirit, letting go of control and worry and trusting in the "peace that transcends all understanding."
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala and Milongs sin palabras by Astor Pizzollaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 02 Mar 2023 - 110 - yes, regrets!
Regret can actually act as the motivating fuel to push us towards our goals.
- Phrases like "no regrets!" are helpful in keeping us focussed on the future and not on mistakes from the past.And yet, looking with openness at what we regret from the past can help us build up the courage we need in our present to take risks. And then we are better able to choose what matters most projecting the idea of regret into the future. See a picture from Blissful's past. Listen to the podcast episode all about taking risks.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasalaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 23 Feb 2023 - 109 - why do I hike alone?
Blissful Hikershares the reasons she hikes alone, to get grounded, to engage more deeply with the world around me and to do so at my own pace.
- Being alone in nature has been practiced by all civilizations to build self-reliance and connect with the spirit.As Emily Dickinson said, "The soul should always stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experience." But that does not mean that you shouldn't prepare by taking the Ten Essentialsincluding telling someone where you're going, and when to expect you to return.I have added professional speaker to my "bag of tricks." If you'd like me to speak to your group, contact me!
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasalaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 16 Feb 2023 - 108 - Ask Me Anything! Volume 1
Blissfulanswers burning backpacking questions in the first round of "Ask Me Anything."
In this episode:
1:26 – How do you secure your bag when checking it at the airport?
3:06 – Do you pack hiking poles on international trips or buy when you get there?
6:20 – How do you choose when to use rubber tips on your trekking poles?
8:36 – How do you take care of contact lenses on trail?
10:25 – How do you know so many bird names, plant names and tree names as you hike?
11:50 – How do you keep all your pictures straight in your mind and know what is out there in the woods, country, mountains, etc?
13:49 – No experience with long distance hiking. How did you prepare, to be sure you will make it?clickhereto ask your question
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasalaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 09 Feb 2023 - 107 - Arizona Trail: The Finish Line
Blissfulmeets theSouthern Terminus of the AZTjust as a windstorm picks up on the Utah/Arizona border.
In this episode:
- After a night in the "cowpie" field– flat and squishy – Blissful sleeps well under moon shadows. It's easy walking towards Vermillion Cliffswhere she meets a couple of hikers who give her sage advice about making intentional decisions and looking for people who communicate with her in her emotional language. Angry clouds build as a sandstorm builds and she races to the end.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasalaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 17 Nov 2022 - 106 - Arizona Trail: The Grand Canyon
Blissfulhas one of the most extraordinary experiences of her hiking life – walkingintoandout of the Grand Canyon.
In this episode:
- With a snowstorm coming and temperatures dropping into the teens, Blissful decides to catch a ride and skip ahead.It's just more ponderosa pine forest and straight to the national park permit office.It's down hill, but steep and hard walking all in direct sun through layer-upon-layer of bright reds and oranges through tourists and rim-to-rim runners. Her itinerary on the Kaibab Trail to Cottonwoods Campgroundis considered "aggressive" because she's all alone.The path appears to hang in midair as it finally meets the Colorado River, then up to a site she shares with lovely AZT hikers. The next morning is the opposite – finally alone entirely up to the cold and snowy North Rim, through a tight opening with only the song of a canyon wren. After such beauty, the road is a let downand she accepts a hitch back to trail and a night in a muddy meadow.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasalaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 10 Nov 2022 - 105 - Arizona Trail: glimpses of the Grand
It's a long, undulating and dusty trail through more ponderosa pine whereBlissfulfinally gets her first glimpse of theGrand Canyon.
In this episode:
- Blissful wakes up 100% free of bug bitesand happily puts all that awfulness behind her.It's up and down, but she sings as she walks recalling all the steps it took to keep moving ahead on trail.Horses, fellow backpackers and incredible trail angels make the day one of the very best.As does seeing the astonishing beauty of the Grand Canyon far in the distance, the ponderosa pine practically falling into them.Wild and bitterly cold weather is coming more decisions need to be made about how to keep moving.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasalaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 03 Nov 2022 - 104 - Arizona Trail: back on trail
The son of a friend of an acquaintance helps groundBlissfuland on her waycontinuing northtowards the Grand Canyon, putting the bed bug nightmare in the rearview mirror.
In this episode:
- Sam drives Blissful past the "Arizona Snow Bowl" still deep in snow, to meet dry trail on a high plateau.All alone, it's easy hiking, but dry and windy like Mongolia as Humphrey's Peak – the fairytale mountain – recedes. It's all large ranches today but too early for animals outside.Though a "Wildlife Waterer" provides clean, clear waterBlissful longs to slow down, but still walks a big 21-mile day looking for a camp spot, holding out for a spectacular one with stone benches. Once crawling in, she discovers to her delight that her gear is completely bug free.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasalaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 27 Oct 2022 - 103 - Arizona Trail: bedbug infestation
Blissfulis covered in itchy, oozing, painful bites and realizesher gear is infested by bedbugspicked up on her last zero at the motel.
In this episode:- It's a short walk under the interstate and along the "Urban Trail" to Flagstaff with views of snow-frosted Humphrey's Peak. In town, once people see the swollen bites on her face, she's shunned. After sending an all-call to trail angels and the hikers on the AZT, it only bringsshaming and useless links to websiteswhen all she needs is a change of clothes and a means to wash her gear in a town where she's a stranger. So, it's up to her to manage the nightmare.Most of this is done by walking on long, hot urban roads, including a visit to the doctor for four different medicines to control the infected bites. It leaves her unbearably lonely. But help comes in the end - with food and a meal – and after three tough days, she heads back to trail.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasalaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 20 Oct 2022 - 102 - Arizona Trail: fairytale mountain, fairytale day
Unbeknownst to him, a camper becomes trail angel and helps Blissfulfind a perfect campsite after a long day ofrelentless forest and a glimpse of a fairytale mountain.
In this episode:- The ponderosa pine forest of the Mogollon Rim goes on though signs appear to describe life of lumberjacks from the past, burning 9,000 calories per day and working for food.Blissful is losing weight herself and hungry all the time.She's mostly alone all day except for meeting Waldo with his tiny pack. A fairytale mountain comes into view covered in snow, or are those clouds?Distracted, Blissful misses that the snow has disappeared and that means no water for drinking.But she's saved twice with a wee puddle and a flooded river.Finally views appear, the large white tubes of the Lowell Observatory’s Navy Precision Optical Interferometerand a camper offers not only a beer, but advice on a perfect campsite.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasalaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 13 Oct 2022 - 101 - Arizona Trail: Mormon Lake
Blissfulwakes to a soaking wet tent, gets lost and walks through deep snow and mud, but trail-angel beer and a lovely hiking partner make ita joy.
In this episode:- It's a new day, a better one, where Blissful can place her feet in someone's else's posthole through deep drifts. Walking with Joey, they come to a road where a trail angel offers a few beers to quench the constant thru-hiker thirst and Joey philosophizes on how we're always in the right spot at the right time, so why walk fast. A wrong turn is easily fixed and then the two part, where Blissful gets a good meal at Mormon Lake.Camping is at a bend in a stream, where all feels rightalone with just owls, ducks and frogs.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasalaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 06 Oct 2022 - 100 - Arizona Trail: Game Player
Blissfulbecomes so frustrated trying to walk through thedeep, sticky mud, she creates a game to keep moving forward – and is rewarded with a surprise..
In this episode:- Blissful walks on a frustrating trail of mud making high-heels of her shoes and clinging to her walking sticks. Panicky and frustrated, Blissful realizes anyone can do anything for one hour, so she sets her timer to sixty minutes as a kind of game, a challenge to to focus her walk.It gives her power, patience and the ability to stay present.And at the end of the day, she's surprised by a lovely trail taking her to a triple waterfall at twin streams where she sets her tent to a frog chorus.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasalaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 29 Sep 2022 - 99 - Arizona Trail: The Mogollon Rim
Blissfulclimbs up theMogollon Rimand it’s filled with pines, snow, andmeltingsnow.
In this episode:- Blissful is reminded that if you sleep right next to a river, yourtent will be soaking wet.It's an easy rise through deeply shaded Ponderosa Pinenext to the rushing East Verde River, the same one crossed in the deserty Mazatzals. After a rocky rise, the Mogollon Rimis revealed, frozen footprints through snowy drifts lead the way across icy streams. Soon, it's up and out of this lovely canyon to a flat walk through deep water and mud, a miserable messy walk to a quiet spot under pines, after a bit of trail magic.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasalaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 22 Sep 2022 - 98 - Arizona Trail: mud, mud, mud
After Blissfultakes a forced break due tosnowy weather, it's a sparkly day of gorgeous skies and sticky mud.
In this episode:- Blissful rides with a trail angel and three hikers to the Early Bird Cafe where someone pays for her breakfast. Her second hitch moves on before the door is closed, but gets her to the Highline Trail in Ponderosa Pine.The air is clear and fresh, sparkling withbig clouds creating shadows on the vast forest-covered mountains. The mud gives way to pine needles and red rock under the red rock Mogollon Rim.She's surrounded by birds all the way past streams, finally meeting the East Verde River, the same from a few days ago, where she camps.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasalaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 15 Sep 2022 - 97 - Arizona Trail: rocks, rocks, rocks
Blissfuldiscoversmore rocks than she thought possibleon the Arizona Trail.
In this episode:- It's a beautiful morning with an orange sky, but straight up to weird skull-looking limestone, then pumice. The trail is hard and repetitive, not steep, just rocky and relentless.The trail is remote and feels lonely, harder than walking alone before. Making things more difficult are the slippery basketball-sized rocks on a road – and a young, fast hiker.But Frauke and Dennis hike with her up a lovely shortcut to a road, where a car shows up to take them down to town. The bad weather arrives after she shops and gets a room at a motel to wait it out.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasalaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 08 Sep 2022 - 96 - Arizona Trail: what is happiness?
Blissfulworks here way through the Mazatzals, overwhelmed by the enormous, staggering and disorienting size and remoteness.
In this episode:- Things begin on the aptly named Rocky Ridge opening to huge views that overwhelm, even causing a bit a panic. There's plenty of water and plenty of steep ups and downs to Bull Frog Ridge. Blissful makes the mistake of skipping water at Brush Spring and it's an endless, steep climb mostly down to the East Verde River, a glorious oasis where she meets Dennis and Frauke again. Uphill, they discuss what makes them happy – so many things, like friends, flowers, water, views and being strong. They camp near each other under a velvet sky of diamond-like stars.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 01 Sep 2022 - 95 - Arizona Trail: The Great Unconformity
Blissfulhikes mostly alone in theMazatzalswith huge distances between water sources and is treated to a glorious sunset from my tent.
In this episode:- Blissful hikes in stunning and steep mountains of sandstone from the period known as the Great Unconformity, a gap of missing geologic time. Steep walking takes hikers from one exceptional water source to the next. The views are superb into dark red rock and land slips of baseball-sized boulders. All day, a "bug burka"(a mesh head net) is required for the swarming gnats. One special spot is Chilson Spring, fresh water collected by a pipe into a metal box.The campsite is just a wide spot on the trail near Hopi Spring with a view of a stunning sunset over all the mountains already climbed.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 25 Aug 2022 - 94 - Arizona Trail: The Mazatzals
Blissfulheads up to the beautifulMazatzal Mountainsfilled with flowers, birds, streams and amazing views.
In this episode:- Margaret of the trail magic new sleeping matdrives Blissful to the trail head. More magic happens immediately when Joey walks by just as Blissful gets lost.It's a race against bad weather on the way to walk 70 miles to Pine, Arizona.The trail is easy from one beautiful stream to the next, amazingly clear and delicious in the dry desert. It's the first night on the new mat – and a good one.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 18 Aug 2022 - 93 - Arizona Trail: trail magic Arizona-style
After Blissfulpunctures her sleeping pad, she meets atrail angelwho manifests her own magic and gets her replacement
In this episode:- It's an extraordinary night on the edge of a ridge in the Four Peaks Wildernesswith wind like a jet engine in the towering pine above her tent. After gorgeous streams, the trail meets a road, dull and long. A trail heads steeply down on rocks into a canyon along Boulder Creek where the frogs sing a chorus. Blissful makes the mistake of camping on what looks like luxurious grass, but turns out to have sharp points that cut into her mattress. It's a short, but circuitous, walk up and over the canyon towards the road where she quickly catches a hitch to Payson, where Margaret just happens to be at the right place at the right time to snag her a new mattress.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasalaand Pastorale Calchaqui by Hector Gallac as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 11 Aug 2022 - 92 - Arizona Trail: Four Peaks Wilderness
Blissfulclimbs steeply up into theFour Peaks Wilderness, where she camps right on the edge of a cliff.
In this episode:- After sleeping on a wee bit of astroturf at Roosevelt Lake Marinanext to the highway, Blissful hitches to the Vineyard Trail. The wide open trail climbs up past Saguaro and myriad wildflowers, including thousands of Mexican Poppies. Water sources are far apart on the Mills Ridge Trailrequiring big ascents with stunning views of the lake over 3,000 feet below. All alone except for two tourists and one backpacker coming the other way, she sidles the peaks on a balcony walk finding a perfect flat spot under one lone Ponderosa Pine in snow.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasalaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 04 Aug 2022 - 91 - Arizona Trail: Rocky Road to Roosevelt Lake
It's rough trail forBlissfulas she works her way towardsRoosevelt Lakemostly on rocky road, far harder going down than up.
In this episode:- From a camp above Walnut Spring in the Superstition Mountains, it's slippery and steep 1,000 feet straight down and 1,000 feet straight back up. The views are towards ancient seabeds, lifted up as mesas, the trail covered with lupine and prickly-pear cactus.Then the trail crosses a dry wash over and over, Cottonwood Creek disappearing underground, then reappearing just in time for to drink as she gets thirsty. No more trail after that, as Blissful follows a rocky road so angled, it would make a roller coaster blush. But that gets her to the highway and finally, Roosevelt Lake Marina, her resupply package waiting for her, and a small square of astroturf for the alicoop.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasalaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 28 Jul 2022 - 90 - Arizona Trail: Superstition Mountains
Blissfulsees herfirst cactus bloomand has a magical day of steep climbs and a little bit of thunder and rain.
In this episode:- After a brilliant night camped by a stream, Blissful sees her first bloom on a cane cholla. When she reaches a road, a couple of ATVers offer a beer at 9 a.m. It's a nice group of thru-hikers including "Clothesline" and "John the Baptist" plus a German couple, plus other backpackers. The Superstition Wilderness winds through Rogers Canyon filled with cat's claw then up and up over Reavis Saddle to Pine Creek, hidden underground. The views are outstanding of seemingly unclimbable sharp peaks. She hears thunder and gets a bit of rain which requires a small moment of using the raincoat, then grabs water before a big climb. A glorious view to the next mountain range is followed by one final spring, collected in a square metal box.She camps with the Germans on the edge of a huge cliff looking out over the abyss.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasalaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 21 Jul 2022 - 89 - Arizona Trail: Picket Post
Blissfulmeets atrail angel(who never knew he was a trail angel) and he advances her past the low desert to big mountains.
In this episode:- It's a very hard day up and down on rocky trail in hot sun with no water over Oracle Ridgewith Holly Hobbit.When they reach American Flag Ranch, she's exhausted and has nowhere to stay in town.At the post office picking up a resupply, Blissful meets Hector willing to take her in for the night and help her prepare for the next section, which she ends up skipping.It's not like she won't return to walk the desert and cross the Gila River, but time is limited and she decides to pick up the trail in Superior.And it's stunning with wild flowers and streams in the foothills of the Superstition Mountains and she feels revived.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasalaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 14 Jul 2022 - 88 - Arizona Trail: Mount Lemmon
Blissfulbumps into Holly "Hobbit" who steps right into the trail behind her forthe steepest of all sky islands.
In this episode:- We're warned that we'll need to use our hands on the exposed rock up Mount Lemmon.It's hard but fun with a companion, exactly the same age and speed, who talks non-stop.The views to the desert are glorious, but nothing compared to the hoodoo forest of wind and water-worn rock in fanciful shapes. Streams abound, cool and fresh before it's deep in forest that seems to go on forever through changing biomes, as if traveling from Mexico to Canada. We arrive just in time to get pizza in Summerhaven, before heading down the Oracle Ridge to a flat spot at Dan's Saddle, just as the moon rises.
MUSIC: Air de Chacarera by Horacio Salgan and Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasalaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 07 Jul 2022 - 87 - Arizona Trail: Hutch's Pools
Blissfulheads into stunningSycamore Canyon, where the mountains seems to part and reveal the final sky island.
In this episode:- Blissful awakens as the moon sets, sleeping out in the open between two mountain ranges – the Rincon and Santa Catalina. It's a winding trail, up and down and after such a long and hard day before, she's tired and her heart skips a beat before beating hard and fast. Blissful handles her SVT with a rest and a beta blocker, then heads steeply up and over a pass down to Molina Campground where she takes water and leftover hiker food left in a designated locker by the road. And also takes a hitch,only a short two miles but enough to change the entire day. A perfect day on switchbacks sidling deep canyon walls down to a deep river lined with fluorescent green trees. Again, it's a night out again sleeping in a sandy wash like a cowgirl.
MUSIC: Introduccion y allegro by Carlos Guastavinoas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 30 Jun 2022 - 86 - Arizona Trail: Mica Mountain
Blissfulclimbs up and over the glorious sky islandMica Mountain, finding the descent far more difficult than the ascent.
In this episode:- It was a great decision to stop early in cool oak forest right next to a stream at Grass Shack, but it leaves a long up of 3,500 feet in four miles. Manning Camp is lovely under towering ponderosa pine, but cold still in snow. Plenty of water lulls Blissful into not collecting enough for the hot, rocky and slippery descentwhich is hard on the knees.But the views are vast to mountains and desert, but is so disorienting, it feels like flying. From a pool, the trail pushes through cattle country up and down to a high point between the Rincon and Santa Catalina Mountains, with an almost full moon where she sets her cowgirl camp.
MUSIC: Con la chola y el changuito by Angel Lasalaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 23 Jun 2022 - 85 - Arizona Trail: Saguaro National Park
Blissfulis fueled by trail angels to climb steeply up intoSaguaro National Park.
In this episode:- In only a few miles in the early morning cool, Blissful arrives at Magic Campfor a full breakfast on their very last day helping AZT hikers. She joins Jeff and "King Arthur"into beautiful Saguaro National Park, where the cacti crack her up in odd shaped and human-like poses. There's still good water in pools and babbling brooks, but she needs to "camel up" for a very steep climb up over 4,000 feet to her goal of Manning Camp.The trail leaves the cacti behind and opens into a kind of high altitude bowl, that feels aerie and vulnerable.Trail workers are making spectacular rock stairs to prevent erosion and suggest she camp at Grass Shack instead. It's still a long way up, and a site under oak trees right next to a babbling brook is the clincher, camping with her new friends.
MUSIC: Quena by Angel Lasalaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 16 Jun 2022 - 84 - Arizona Trail: angels of the desert
AsBlissfulcrosses the desert between mountain ranges, she's cared for byfive trail angels.
In this episode:- After her amazing cowgirl camp looking out to the next mountain range, Blissful walks on winding bike trails meeting lots of happy bikers in long rows. It's hot and water is limited beginning with "The Lake" where she's serenaded by hundreds of birds. She picks up two liters of water at a designated locker, but not enough, though she's saved by a biker and some walkers offering a beer.At Colossal Cave, another angel offers a bike so she can retrieve her package high up on a cliff and even provides tent stakes after she loses her own.
MUSIC: Introduccion y allegro by Carlos Guastavinoas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 09 Jun 2022 - 83 - Arizona Trail: a whippoorwill in the gloaming
Fueled by trail angel goodies,Blissfulhikes to aspectacular cowgirl sitelooking towards her next climb in high mountains above the desert.
In this episode:- Blissful starts her day at her own private sky islandlooking at huge mountains.The day's hike islong, up and down, but easyand she moves while she can in good weather and on strong legs. A trail angel leaves several coolers filled with candy, fruit, cheese and beer! Along the way, she meets a few hikers but mostly walks alone.At the very end, it's an act of faith to find a tiny flat spot at a pass, just big enough for her sleeping pad and bag, where she's sung to sleep by a whippoorwill.
MUSIC: Introduccion y allegro by Carlos Guastavinoas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 02 Jun 2022 - 82 - Arizona Trail: changing the rules
An exhausted and soreBlissful Hikertakes a "nero" inPatagonia, then changes her rules onaccepting rides on the trail.
In this episode:- Blissful awakes form cowgirl camping only seven hilly miles outside Patagonia, where she takes her first half-day off called a"nero" since it's not a full day like a "zero" and sleeps in a cozy bed. It's a long road out of town that starts on black top, that turns to dirt and finally boulder-filled straight up into the Santa Rita Mountains. She gets bit by an ant and develops a red, hot rashon the back of her thigh, then accepts a ride on the rocky road from a rancher, who helps her up the mountain. A jeep train comes through and gives her another ride - maybe in all, it totals one mile, but takes her past the worst of slippery rock. Over a saddle below Mount Wrightson, she enters a beautiful new world of tall ponderosa pine and rolling hills where she finds a magical campsiteon a sky island on top of a sky island.
MUSIC: Introduccion y allegro by Carlos Guastavinoas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 26 May 2022 - 81 - Arizona Trail: Canelo Hills
Blissful Hikerhikes from cowgirl camp to cowgirl camp in theCanelo Hillson theArizona Trail.
In this episode:- Blissful awakes to mourning doves and begins Passage Twoof the AZT on a roller coaster of hills, finally running into other hikers.Happily she didn't camp near the creek that feeds Parker Lake because it's always colder in canyons near water. It's easy walking even a long way between water sources with beautiful views of hills and mountains like waves in the distance. The first water source is Middle Tank,a muddy man-made cow pond, though the water tastes good once filtered. It's up and over a saddle, on loose rock to a locker with "public water,"then right back up and into a dry section.It's two more water sources fed by windmills amongst cows and finally a beautiful campsite under falling stars with yipping coyote.
MUSIC: Pastoral Calchaqui by Hector Gallacas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 19 May 2022 - 80 - Arizona Trail: camping like a (cow)girl
Blissful Hikerencounters icy snow on the Huachuca Mountains of theArizona Trail, thensleeps out under the starsin the high desert.
In this episode:- Blissful climbs nearly 4,000 feet over Miller Peak and carefully crosses a sharp ridge with a steep fall line. At Bathtub Spring (literally a bathtub) she collects water and eats lunch in the sun. It's more up and down, before finally steeply down Sunnyside Canyon following a horse poop path through a riverbed with good pools for water collection. Above man-made Parker Lake, she camps all alone without a tent under the stars, owls singing her to sleep.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 12 May 2022 - 79 - Arizona Trail: touching the wall
Blissfulbegins theArizona Trailwhich starts backwards, heading south for threeverysteep miles to theMexican Border.
In this episode:- Blissful flies to Tucson, takes a shuttle, hitches a ride then starts the Arizona Trail immediately taking a wrong turn to a view.On the right trail, it's a slippery path of ball-bearing stones to a remnant of border wall like a shark fin against a destroyed landscape. Heading back up, she's cheered on by tourists and given beta by another hiker for an ideal camp spoton a peninsula jutting into the sky just before the sky turns orange, darkness falling and her first night filled with stars.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 05 May 2022 - 78 - Arizona Trail: Forty Days in the Desert
Blissful Hikerprepares to hike theArizona Trailand realizes the solo walk aligns with theseason of Lent.
In this episode:- Blissful prepares for the hike organizing gear, making food, sending resupply and studying maps. Fortunately, the trail to the southern terminus at the Mexican border has been reopened just in time after being closed to build the wall. Lent means spring, a time of waiting and hoping. The trail happens on the "shoulder season" while spring unfolds. Religiously, it's a time to contemplate that we are but dust, and to dust we'll return.A long walk helps bring the hiker closer to the spirit, letting go of control and worry and trusting in the "peace that transcends all understanding."
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala and Milongs sin palabras by Astor Pizzollaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 28 Apr 2022 - 77 - Cape Wrath Trail: a determined bog trot to the Cape
Even though Blissful Hikerhas to modify her thru-hike of theCape Wrath Trailin Scotland due to wild weather, she makes it to thelonely lighthouse over trackless moorland.
In this episode:
- Blissful and her hiking partner pack for extra nights and give the last section to Sandwood Bay and the lighthouse at Cape Wrath a try, with three dangerous river crossings in between.It's tough walking on boggy, peaty moorland, but they decide to skip the first bothy and head on in big wind and rain, only seeing one person all day. The Ozone Cafe is empty but the door is open and they have to filter water from a root-beer colored stream.The wind moans all night and the mist returns, but it's clear for the return. Blissful has to stop to manage her SVT (Supra-venticular Tachycardia)but it's all straight forward and only begins to rain heavily at the end bringing the hike to a wet, soggy close.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala , Milongs sin palabras by Astor Pizzollaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 30 Dec 2021 - 76 - Cape Wrath Trail: seals, mussels, otters and herons
Blissful Hikerlingers for an entire day at one of the most glorious bothies atGlencoulon theCape Wrath Trailin Scotland.
In this episode:
- The trail is easy along Loch Glenhue on the Duke of Wellington's estate and it's all in bright sunshine. Blissful passes a stalker in tweeds, horses and large mussel farms. The first bothy is empty, but they continue over a boggy head in rain again to one of the most brilliant views yet looking steeply down to Glencoul, set on a peninsula with a U-shaped glen beyond full of waterfalls and wild landscape. They share the bothy with another hiker and decide to stay an extra day to explore.Seals, otters, herons and cormorants visit in a cove where Blissful harvests mussels for a feast. On a cold night, they build a fire cutting up an old water-logged plank.Returning, they find leftover gas canisters in the first bothy plus some wine for a toast.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala , Pastorale Calchaqui by Hector Gallac and Allegro by Carlos Guastavinoas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 23 Dec 2021 - 75 - Cape Wrath Trail: rainy autumn brilliance
Blissful Hikertakes two out-and-backs from Oykel Bridge on theCape Wrath Trailand learns that hiking in rain can still be soulful in fall colors.
In this episode:
- It's rainy and bleak out to Knockdamph Bothy where Blissful meets the trail she walked to Glenn Doucherythe previous day.The bothy is spooky and run-down, plus someone's already there, so they head back to Duag Bridge or "Schoolhouse" bothy, light and airy, cozy and, most important, empty. The following day is and easy walk but all in rain up the Oykel River where she discovers all the fishing huts along the way open and welcoming.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 16 Dec 2021 - 74 - Cape Wrath Trail: sampler platter
Blissful Hikerhikes theCape Wrath Trailand learns to accept everything that's thrown at her including rain and bog, but also selfish hikers.
In this episode:
- Blissful walks in easy trail paved with stone to lovely Coire Fionnaraich bothyand enjoys the afternoon out of the rain with a misty view down the glen.Several hikers visit, but she has the night to herself until two loud hikers arrive, loud partiers until well after 2:00 am.Feeling some schadenfreude when the morning is pouring rain and the obnoxious hikers will have no view, she escapes to another section of trail into Glen Douchary. It's rain, bog, big wind and stunning scenery including huge Munros (the highest mountains) and bright red moss at her feet. A challenging day ends with a hot shower and a few drams of whisky.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 09 Dec 2021 - 73 - Cape Wrath Trail: most remote bothy in Scotland
Blissful Hikerhikes theCape Wrath Trailin a kind "sampler, platter" managing to fit in a hike to stunningMaol Bhuide.
In this episode:
- Blissful and her companion give the trail one more try in sections and drive from Fort William up to Strathcarron and begin a bog trot in brilliant sunshine to Maol Bhuide (pronounced mee-OWL VOO-tee)They share it with two young men and decide to stay an entire day to explore the remote highlands surrounded by massive Munros. The day is clear with stunning yellow "spotlights" from the sun, leaving the far off mountains black as rain comes and goes. Returning means one tricky river crossing, but the visit is worth it for the solitude and views.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 02 Dec 2021 - 72 - Cape Wrath Trail: Ben Nevis as consolation prize
Blissful Hikeris forced by torrential rain to quit theCape Wrath Trail but makes the most of it by baggingthe highest mountain in the UK.
In this episode:
- Blissful and her companions are soaked through when they reach the cafe at Kinloch Hourn, finding it closed when it was supposed to be open and camping in puddly grass.The next section is high, exposed and has two dangerous river crossings – worse so in spate, or flood – and so they hitch a ride out. Taking a bus back to the start in Fort William, they climb towering Ben Nevis is mist, rain, sleet and snow.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 25 Nov 2021 - 71 - Cape Wrath Trail: Knoydart
Blissful Hikercontinues on theCape Wrath Trailhaving the adventure of her life in Scotland's last wilderness,Knoydart.
In this episode:
- Rain thrashes thebothyan integral part now of this hike.The walk in Knoydart begins on seaweed, over a muddy head and straight into bog where Blissful experiences another episode of SVT (Supraventricular tachycardia)and takes a beta blocker before heading on. It's a complex maze of boulder climbing next to a raging river then straight up to a boggy hanging valley. At a double falls, she and her friends decide not to risk a cross, and instead climb straight up a grassy,bracken-filled cliff (ferns) to find a safer approach to the bealach (pass)The rain creates slippery conditions and Blissful falls and hits her head, but her camping cup hits first and saves her from a serious injury.The day ends at an electrified bothy at Barisdale Bay with flushing toilets.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 18 Nov 2021 - 70 - Cape Wrath Trail: bog trotting to Sourlies
Blissful Hikercontinues on Scotland's difficultCape Wrath Trailrealizing mileage means nothing when the vague trail is filled with bog, tussock, flood and rock.
In this episode:- Rain sounds worse on the metal roof of Corryhullybothy, but how nice it is to be packing up inside where it's dry and one can stand. It's relatively easy walking up to the bealachwhere a gate sits all by itself sans any fence, but then straight into hard-to-walk bog and steep rock. It's important to cross to the right side of the river as soon as it's doable to avoid a difficult ford with water up to the armpits. Things become easier into the forestry of trees from the Pacific Northwest before the trail leads steeply up where she walks right past A'Chuil bothy.It turns out to be a worthy mistake because there's time to continue through tough terrain, up and over to Loch Nevis, with one of the most extraordinary overlooks ever. Going down is slow, often needing to use hands, until passing ruins near a tri-toned seaweed covered beach to Sourlies bothy.Two hikers are there and we offer tea right away and everyone falls asleep to roaring deer.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala and Chiquilin de Bachin by Astor Piazzolla as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 11 Nov 2021 - 69 - Cape Wrath Trail: rainbows & bothies
Blissful Hikerbegins theCape Wrath Trailin the Western Highlands of Scotland and learns that it's less hiking and more "bog trotting."
In this episode:- The Cape Wrath Trailis unmarked and requires a high degree of navigational skill as well as self-sufficiency, with unbridged river crossings that offer challenge when in spate (flood).They arrange a private ferry ride across Lake Linnhe, then walk easily up Cona Glen next to shaggy Highland cows and ancient Caledonian pines.The first bothy(mountain hut)is closed, and camping is tough in the high wind, where they bend the tent poles.When the heavy rain hits, they dive into a shed to make dinner.It's a steep climb to the bealach(pass)withviews towards a 19th century train viaduct in Glenfinnan with a passing steam engine from a view filled with magenta heather and massive Munros(mountains above 3,000 feet.)An easy walk takes them to Corryhully Bothy, shared with a lovely quartet of hikers and one fat mouse.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala and Chiquilin de Bachin by Astor Piazzolla as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 04 Nov 2021 - 68 - Teton Crest Trail: Spearhead Peak
Blissful Hikerfinishes theTeton Crest Trailmostly all alone overcoming any lingering doubt that she loves backpacking and will keep doing into old age.
In this episode:- Blissful leaves her spectacular site on a granite slab in Alaska Basin and head up on Sheep's Steps to a wide plateau and towards Death Canyon Shelf, with a spectacular view, sadly obscured by smoke. She heeds advice to fill up on water before entering a dry area where she takes a side trip up Spearhead Peak, a scramble that offers views down three canyons. It's cross-country back to the trail down to Marion Lake, where a bear follows her down the ridge. Another scramble above the lake affords amazing views, including threatening gray thunderclouds. It's not far to another side trip to Moose Lake as the sky clears, but it's steeper than she expected and she develops tachycardia, managing it with rest, food, breathing, and a beta blocker. The final steep pass into Phillips Canyon takes her to one last stream and a long stretch with no campsites. So she sets in the trailand leaves early the next morning with one last side trip to Ski Lakeand finally out to the road and a hitch to Wilson, ending the hike.
MUSIC: Fuga y misterio by Astor Piazzolla as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 23 Sep 2021 - 67 - Teton Crest Trail: Avalanche Divide
Blissful Hikertakes a side-trip off theTeton Crest Trailto a remote lake that requires scrambling, and learns making the time to explore and open herself to surprises is breaking the spell of thru-hiking anxiety.
In this episode:- The smoke moves in, but it's still gorgeous down then back up Cascade Canyonon superb trail packed with other hikers.At the junction, she feels trepidation heading out alone, but the trail provides a friend to accompany her into Avalanche Divide. It's a scramble down to Kit Lake, remote and windy surrounded by brooding walls, but soulfully alone with views of the entire Milky Way.The adventure continues scrambling to Icefloe Lake tucked in steep cliffs of eroding rock under the Middle Teton,a glacier feeding in and a waterfall emptying out. Then it's up and over Hurricane Passnext to Schoolhouse Glacier, coming apart in deep crevasses and emptying into a "chaqua" lake. Up and over, the trail leads to the Alaska Basin, where yet another perfect campsite is found with a huge glacier-smoothed granite veranda on the banks of a lake with small islands. Smoke creates a magically magenta sunset.
MUSIC: Pastoral Calchaqui by Hector Gallac as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 16 Sep 2021 - 66 - Teton Crest Trail: Paintbrush Divide
Blissful Hikergoes on her first high-altitude hike since herrescueand shoots for an SKT* on theTeton Crest Trail.
*Slowest Known Time
In this episode:- It's an easy-ish trail only 45 miles or so of jagged peaks, crystalline lakes and spectacular passes all in wilderness. She goes in the opposite direction of most, hitting huge climbs of 3,000 feet right from the start up Paintbrush Canyon. Everyone she meets is happy and renews her love of hikingandhikers, even a group of partiers who promise to be quiet.Her first site is glorious in a bowl of rock and ice where a bear wanders past. It's steep up and over the crumbly rock of the Divide and down to Lake Solitude. The ranger advised her on the best sites, and she grabs one on a grassy moraine looking straight at the Grand Teton.This site has its own resident moose who seems more interested in bulking up on grasses and aquatics than her.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasalaand Impresiones de la Puna by Alberto Ginasteraas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 09 Sep 2021 - 65 - NCT: hiker as optimist
Blissful Hikerlearns on theNorth Country Trailin Northern Wisconsin, that the very act of moving one foot in front of the other is automatically optimistic.
In this episode:- On a visit to old friends, Blissful takes a long walk in the Chequamegon National Forest on the longest national scenic trail in the United States, the NCT at 4,700 miles. It's easy walking, but long indeep and dark forest, almost like being indoors. In the Porcupine Wilderness, she passes lakes and crosses a beaver dam covered with thorns, then crosses into the Hardwood Scientific Area looking for a promised view. But it's only a massive tower with no access – and no view.It's more forest with colorful mushrooms and frogs, and finally a view at Juniper Rock. This is followed by ruins from a Swedish settlement from the late 1800s.It's not the greatest hike in heat, humidity and bugs, but far better than sitting around at home.
MUSIC: Introduccion y allegro by Carlos Guastavinoas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 26 Aug 2021 - 64 - SHT: healing the heart
Blissful Hikerwalks like a thru-hiker again for just a few days on theSuperior Hiking Trail, moving fast, smooth and far and connecting again with herself.
In this episode:- It's a steep trail up to rocky "balds" with views, though all in mist this morning. She learns that other hikers too find some people too loud and unfriendly, though the trail feels all hers today as she flies fast through forest, eating many handfuls of raspberries in peak.She begins to talk to herself, ruminating on "interesting choices" in her life, and knows she's getting her groove back.At Carlton Peak – the highest point on the trail at nearly 1,000 feet above Lake Superior – gives her splendid views at last as well as lunch. The Temperance River is low, though the narrow carving through rhyolite is thrilling to see from a bridge. Dinner is at Cross River and a camp at Fredenberg Creekwith loud squirrels nearby.It's a short morning to Alfred Pondfor breakfast with dragonflies, but harder walking after yesterday's walking in thru-hiker style. She realizes in Montana her body failed her, as did her spirit, but she's healing.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasalaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano; The Pasture from "Frostiana" by Randall Thompson
Thu, 19 Aug 2021 - 63 - SHT: finding my footing
Blissful Hikerdips a toe back into backpacking for a few days on theSuperior Hiking Trailin Northern Minnesota and discovers her bliss can still be found on the trail.
In this episode:- Feeling a bit like Simone Biles on the beam, she simplifies things, going back to the basics on an easy trail, close to home and roads and for a manageable distance. The SHT marches up Minnesota's North Shore of Lake Superior on the edge of the boreal forest on some of the oldest rock in the world of rhyolite and basalt.Her start is random at Cascade National Park, and the best part is being able to walk south just as far as she likes. Raspberries and thimbleberries are in season and the trail is silent except for birds, wind and water, no need to yell out for bears. The trail is steeply up and down, but only for short distances, the high "balds" offering spectacular views. She shares a campsite with a mother and son and connects immediately, their kindness and obvious joy in hiking help heal the trauma-induced stress.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasalaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano.
Thu, 12 Aug 2021 - 62 - PCT: the start
Blissful Hikerspends time off-trail looking back at one of her favorite thru-hikes, thePacific Crest Trailand learning about the meaning of grace.
In this episode:- We're introduced to trail angels Kurt and Holly in Bellingham, Washington and learns about the value of paying it forward. She rides up to Hart's Pass with thirty other hikers and finds their reasons for being there are varied, but always full of hope and joy. The start is actually 31 miles short of the Canadian Border, and because the United States won't allow entry via the trail, hikers have to hike north before hiking south. The start is on a clear, sunny Chamber-of-Commerce day on easy, beautiful trail and is told she will be spending the entire upcoming five months smiling. She realizes the birds she loved in Washington are the same in Montana.Two Bear Air Rescue,the people who pulled her off trail, sends her a gold medal to remind her that "every day is a gift and to never take it for granted."
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasalaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano.
Thu, 05 Aug 2021 - 61 - waiting
Blissful Hikeris moved by Simone Biles' decision to exit the Olympics and feels like it gives her permission to forgive herself for her own exit.
In this episode:- Blissful is learning patience while she waits for a diagnosis on her heart and hopefully a path forward.Acceptancethat she's fragile and that "the mental is not there" is part of healing.She also learns that pushing hard is not healthy, even when pressured to do so mostly by herself She visits one of her favorite local parks, Afton State Park, and is startled by nature's beauty, reminded of why she loves to hike and get close to nature – and it's in remembering that feeling she knows she'll be motivated to get well and return to the trail.
MUSIC: Pastoral Calchaqui by Hector Gallac and Milonga sin Palabras by Astor Piazzolla as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano.
Thu, 29 Jul 2021 - 60 - off trail
Blissful Hikerwonders if the the trail itself ejected her this time.
In this episode:- Blissful is "trail angeled" in Montana and rests up in a kind of half-way house for sick people with nowhere to go. She wants to keep walking, but only gets sicker. Her supporters in a Zoom meeting convince her to take the Empire Builder train across the prairieto her home in Saint Paul and she discovers that it's delightfully interesting. She sees a cardiologist who fits her with a heart monitor and she begins to heal.Surprises await her at home, and she realizes that maybe the time wasn't quite right this year, but that the mountains await.
MUSIC: Poema del pastor Coya by Angel Lasala as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano.
Thu, 22 Jul 2021 - 59 - CDT: Hiker Purgatory
Blissful Hikeris plucked off theContinental Divide Hikewhen her body goes into critical distress.
In this episode:- Blissful beginsThe Bobsection of the CDT in Montana (Bob Marshall Wilderness) and is inundated with countless blowdowns to cross.She discovers things aren't really working out with her companions, so tries to makes the best of hiking alone in bear country even though she has to leave at dawn to make miles.She meets horseback riders who take her across a ford.The flowers, the views and the wild landscape enchant her. Her tachycardia– or racing heart – gets the best of her and she has to call for help.
MUSIC: Poema del pastor Coya by Angel Lasala as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano.
Thu, 15 Jul 2021 - 58 - CDT: Glacier National Park
Blissful Hiker begins the Continental Divide Trail at Chief Mountain in Glacier National Park and gets a taste of everything – good and bad.
In this episode:- Day one begins in a thunderstorm..Mosquitos attack in squadrons.The trail is tough with four passes and a mountain to climb.Montana is experiencing a heat wave.Numerous river and snow crossings make for pruny and painful feet.She makes it through, still smiling and ready for the next, more remote, section. .
MUSIC: Introduccion y Allegro by Carlos Guastavino as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 01 Jul 2021 - 57 - CDT: the set up
Blissful Hiker receives a blessing before driving across three states to start the Continental Divide Trail.
In this episode:- The drive takes her in an Enchanted Highway and into the desolate but lovely Theodore Roosevelt National Park.She meets her two companions and stuffs gear in every available space.She accepts the trail is still a nascent idea, and to use the gospel lessons to put her trust in a higher power and enjoy each moment.Their fourth companion snags hard-to-get permits, and they will start the 3100-mile trail tomorrow.
MUSIC: Introduccion y Allegro by Carlos Guastavino as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano.
Thu, 24 Jun 2021 - 56 - CDT prep: maps ‘n food
Blissful Hikermakes maps and food for theContinental Divide Hike.
In this episode:- Blissful takes a GPS class with The Mountaineers and learns about the value of taking printed maps, navigational work flow, situational awarenessandtheethic of self- reliance. She also learns how to create a route using CalTopo,export it to Gaia GPS on her phone and then follow it with a compass, which empowers her and gives her more confidence. Using recipes from Backcountry Foodie, Blissful makes week’s worth of meals including pastas, garbanzo beans, cereals, shakes, dips and spreads, all prepared in the field without cooking. She'll also take some of her famous vegetarian pemmican "magic bars."
MUSIC: Introduccion y Allegro by Carlos Guastavinoas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano.
Thu, 17 Jun 2021 - 55 - CDT prep: gear
Blissful Hikerorganizes hergearfor the Continental Divide Hike.
In this episode:- Blissful is taking a new Gossamer Gear ultralight "Gorilla" pack and "The One" tent on this thru-hike.Also an Ursack XL Major to keep grizzlies from nosing into her food which was a compromise to get the bigger bag at 15 liters but not critter impermeable.New aluminum LEKI Cross Trail trekking poleswill hold her upright as well as her tent.Really special on trail are merino tops from Ibex - two hoodies of different weights as well as a T-shirt. Merino manages temperatures, wicks moisture and never stinks!Favorites of all long trails are Balega "Enduro" socks and La Sportiva Akyra trail runners as well as gel toe separators. New additions to her personal items include the superb antimicrobial Kula Cloth pee ragas well as Leukotape, “a backpackers secret weapon." Thanks to Sawyer, Blissful was able to make a gravity-feed water filtration systemand save her arthritic hands from squeezing. FULL GEAR LIST HERE!
MUSIC: Introduccion y allegro by Carlos Guastavinoas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano.
Thu, 10 Jun 2021 - 54 - CDT prep: logistics
Blissful Hikerdiscovers that planning only goes so far for herContinental Divide Hikebut maybe that's a good thing.
In this episode:- Blissful tackles the many pieces of logistics of the CDT by starting with day one – when is the best date and how does she get a permit.With this flurry of detail, she recalls learning from another thru-hiker and "Trail magician" named Broken Toe that not planning too much is sometimes a better way to "make the step you’re taking right now, the priority.” Still, she plans to send resupply boxes in advance, even if it costs a lot. When discussing with her husband Richard how to protect food in Glacier National Park on tall metal poles, he challenges her that squirrels and rats can climb. But she does need to purchase a bear resistant food container, and chooses an Ursack, though the styles and sizes are a bit confusing.
MUSIC: Introduccion y allegro by Carlos Guastavinoas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano.
Thu, 03 Jun 2021 - 53 - CDT prep: getting in shape
Blissful Hikershares her array of workouts to get fit for theContinental Divide Trailand much of it is not just walking.
In this episode:- Blissful starts her day with a two-minute plank – probably the best overall daily exercise for a hiker because it strengthens the core, increases balance and powers the body for all other athletic activity. Practicing Hot Yoga got Blissful through her hip recovery and she finds it powerful for learning to focus and getting "juice" flowing to the joints. Bike riding is a non-weight-bearing exercise, so the stress is on the muscles, not so much the joints. There’s also a built-in interval trainingand Blissful enjoys riding in an urban setting on the Grand Rounds. The best training for walking in the end might be walking, and Blissful visits some of her favorite state and regional parks, "training" while enjoying the flora and fauna.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasalaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano.
Thu, 27 May 2021 - 52 - Te Araroa: the end of the Te Araroa
Blissful Hikerbrings the story of theTe Araroato a close so she can podcast from trail on the Continental Divide Trail, a 3,000-mile thru-hike on the Rockies.
In this episode:- We have a new name for the podcast: Blissful Hiker, Walking the World. It's all about clarifying who Blissful is, what she's doing and to keep things consistent. Blissful closes the story of the Te Araroawith audio piece she made on trail about Kiwi Hut Cultureand –A man picking her up at a "Hazard Zone"in Queenstown to take her to the Great Walk Routeburn Track in wild weather, then – Finishing the Te Araroa by revisiting her tramp in the South Island and walking for a short few days on Rakiura Island. Support Blissful's podcasting from the Continental Divide Trail onPatreon.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasalaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano.
Thu, 20 May 2021 - 51 - Te Araroa: Lake Tekapo
Blissful Hikersays goodbye to her young friend Tomáš who helped her through the toughest parts of the trail, including reaching a summit above the highest point of the trail.
In this episode:- Blissful continues her journey of the Te Araroa, reaching Stag Saddleand Beuzenberg Peak in New Zealand's Southern Alps,looking towards Mount Cook and the astonishing turquoise of Lake Tekapo. It's tussock, mud, rocks and stream-as-trailto a magical hollow next to a babbling brookwith a magical sunset and a sky full of stars. The final bit to town is mostly on road where Blissful meets shepherds with a dozen working dogs and a Chinese family on vacation that offers her glasses of milk.In Tekapo, she gets the last bed at the last hostel, rents a bike for the coming days and takes Tom to a restaurant for anything he wants on the menu. He teaches her how to say "bad ass" in Czech as well as "she is bad ass."
MUSIC: Suite by Ernst Krenekas played by Alison Young, flute
Thu, 13 May 2021 - 50 - Te Araroa: hitting the wall
Blissful Hikerdiscovers hope because repair happens simultaneously with her trailside breakdown.
In this episode:- Blissful continues her journey of the Te Araroa, crossing the gigantic braided Rangitata River in New Zealand's Southern Alps. Before crossing, she joins her young Czech friend Tom on a side-trip to Mount Sunday known as Elorus in The Lord of the Rings, a magnificent bump surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The river bed is six miles wide of rocks, fast-moving rivers, thorns and quicksand. Then it's up the Two Thumb Track into a wonderland of pointy mountains in tussock, and rushing streams. At Crooked Spur Hut, two Kiwis act resentful that Te Araroa hikers share their space and seem to delight in disturbing sleep and talking about bad weather coming. Blissful breaks down in tears but a beautiful waterfall covered in yellow flowers lifts her spirits as well as another hiker offering treats and laughs.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 06 May 2021 - 49 - Te Araroa: all we have is today
Blissful Hikerlearns that worrying doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.
In this episode:- Blissful continues her journey of the Te Araroa, walking south in the South Island of New Zealandbetween the Rakaia and Rangitata Rivers, both "Hazard Zones." From the A-frame Hut, Blissful heads up this "Lord of the Rings" landscape with a trail-as-river to Clent Hills Saddleand down to the Lake Heron Basin,where mysterious clouds look like parade balloons touching the ground like fingers. After the Manuka Hut,it's road walk past the Hakatere Conservation Parkand hooting birds, then the Castleridge Stationwhere the rancher offers her a pile of food so she make it to Lake Tekapo, six days away. The landscape is glorious snow-capped mountains to the majestic braided river. She worries about food, about Tom, about going home and about her long lost flute career and finds it does no good, keeping her energy from being in the present moment.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 29 Apr 2021 - 48 - Te Araroa: letting the day unfold
Blissful Hikeris astonished when she lets the day take care of itself, miracles occur.
In this episode:- Blissful continues her journey of the Te Araroa, walking south in the South Island of New Zealand. After Hamilton "Hilton" Hutit's rocky and tussock-covered terraces as well as numerous crossings in the knee-high rapids of the Harper River on a hot day.At the campsite she breaks down in tears not able to set her tent, the Alicoop in the hard ground.The next day is all on road to a "Hazard Zone:" the impassable Rakaia River, where she meets two Kiwis who offer to drive her the 30 miles around it. It's uphill through cicada-filled meadows and at the saddle, she meets Tomaš and they plan to tackle the next "Hazard Zone" of the Rangitata Rivertogether.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 22 Apr 2021 - 47 - Te Araroa: sending out an SOS
Blissful Hiker's friend from Day 1 falls and dislocates her shoulder and another tramper needs rescuing, and she decides to take things slow so as not to fall – and to not rush to the end.
In this episode:- Blissful leaves Goat Pass for Arthur's Pass on the Te Araroawith Alessio and Tomaš in rain, with more on the way. Alessio tells her he didn't "sign up" to guide a middle-aged tramper, but she realizes what other people think of her is none of her business. A friend-of-a-friend loans her "bach" or cabin to the trio for a zero day before heading onto the Harper River Track.It's lovely walking with views of the Southern Alpsalong tundra rich with alpine plants. The mountains are eroded and dangerous, a landslip the cause of at least two accidents. Several hikers stay at the Hamilton "Hilton" Hut,where a Frenchwoman needs rescuing by helicopter.
MUSIC: Milonga sin Palabras by Astor Piazzolla as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 15 Apr 2021 - 46 - Te Araroa: these feet were made for crossing
Blissful Hikerlearns a new skill crossing rivers in cold and dangerous rapids and falls in the South Island of New Zealand.
In this episode:- Blissful is on day 89 of the Te Araroa, New Zealand's "long pathway" developing a new skill of crossing dangerous rivers, but with a little help from friends, Alessio and Tomaš. Her first challenge out of Hurunui Hut No. 3is to cross the small side stream called Cameron on a 3-wire bridge, not offering any room for error. Up an over Harper Pass, the trail crosses over the divide in the Southern Alps and descends on an eroded landslip or flash flood tailings.This is followed by a cross in the deep rushing Upper Taramakau to Kiwi Hut. It's a long day walking on uneven river bed with numerous crossings, then an awful "flood route" sidling of the river through bush in typical New Zealand style of steep ups and downs without any switchbacks. The day ends with a wild walk straight up the Deception Riveron the Mingha-Deception Track to Goat Pass in rapids, waterfalls and awkward crossings, some of the most exhilarating tramping of the entire trail.
MUSIC: Introduccion y Allegro by Carlos GuastavinoandPastorale Calchaqui by Hector Gallacas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 08 Apr 2021 - 45 - Te Araroa: rivers run through it
Blissful Hikerfinds she is like a river, following a path and forging a new way. It may be hard work, but it's in her nature
In this episode:- Blissful walks out of Nelson Lakes National Parkon theTe Araroastopping in Boyle Village to pick up her resupply, staying only long enough for a snack since the rain is coming and it's better to move on before the rivers rise and become impassable. Alessio and Tomaš join her as she enters Canterbury and heads to Hope Halfway Shelterright before the rain comes, along with ten wet trampers sharing the small space in a boisterous evening. The plan is to go further the next day to avoid the crowd and get in place to cross the harder rivers before the rain comes. After river walking and countless stream crossings, Blissful bathes in a hot springs then arrives at Hurunui No. 3 Hut, far ahead of the crowd where Alessio tells her, "You look like you're between 50 and 60, but you hike a 25 year old."
MUSIC: Introduccion y Allegro by Carlos GuastavinoandPastorale Calchaqui by Hector Gallacas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 01 Apr 2021 - 44 - Te Araroa: comrades over the pass
Blissful Hikerdiscovers the difference between loneliness and solitude, appreciating the camaraderie crossing a difficult mountain pass.
In this episode:- Blissful joins six determined friends to cross Waiua Pass in high winds and squalls on the Te Araroa. It's not so bad up and down around Lake Constance then up again on loose scree over the pass with a tricky downclimb on a crumbling cliff into a wonderland of mountains and waterfalls in Nelson Lakes National Park, the view coming in and out of swirling mist. Blissful faces her first tricky river crossings and breaks down in tears, and one friend tells her, "Remember, no one walked this for you."Along Waiau River, a cowboy tells her to hide in the thorn trees until wild horses stampede by. She's surprised by another hiker's asking her if she's okand what her plans are, the first time any hiker had asked in nearly three months.
MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasalaas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 25 Mar 2021 - 43 - Te Araroa: in the teeth of the gale
Blissful Hikerlearns what she plans to do with her one wild and precious life by heading into the mountains when weather moves in.
In this episode:- Blissful is told by the experts at DOC to keep moving up into the mountains since the bad weather is not a storm but more "squally showers" and very big wind.She gets a late start as she heads into Nelson Lakes National Parkaround Lake Rotoitithinking of poet Mary Oliver who died the day before and asked in her most famous poem, Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?On Travers Saddleshe braves the wild gale-force wind to cross over.On the descent, she wipes out on mud and tumbles down, hardly hurting herself but bending her trekking pole, but finding it's still useable. Walking over avalanche zones, waterfalls, root-filled trails and up steep climbs, she meets a ranger who calculates because of her age, she can't handle Waiau Pass the next day. But at the hut at Blue Lake/Rotomairewhenua,her friends convince her to continue to the pass the next day, if they all go together.
MUSIC: Suite Argentina by Horacio Salgánas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 18 Mar 2021 - 42 - Te Araroa: go while the going's good
Blissful Hikerdiscovers that if you have the energy, the daylight and the weather is good, you should always try to get some distance while the getting’s good.
In this episode:- Blissful is up before dawn and has Purple Top in the Richmond Range of the Te Araroaall to herself. Then she dives back into a deep valley to walk up the Wairoa River, sidling its steep, crumbly banks and using the water itself as a trail.The next day is in a transformed environment of the Red Hills, magnesium rich desert-like landscape still filled with dozens of rushing streams to cross.Her friends catch up and convince her to push hard and continue to Red Hills Hutwhile the weather is good and there's still time. It's good she moved forward as the weather begins to turn just as she arrives in St. Arnaudto pick up a resupply.
MUSIC: MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 11 Mar 2021 - 41 - Te Araroa: ego tweaks
Blissful Hikerdiscovers that having her ego tweaked just a little by a braggart can be a good thing, because it helps her decide what matters and what doesn't.
In this episode:- The day starts with a rainbow, feathery falls and then a steep climb into the stunning Richmond Range on New Zealand's long walk, the Te Araroa. At Slaty Hut, she meets a young thru-hiker who brags about his speed, his distance and his light gearmuch to her annoyance. She "interviews" him and discovers he's actually a nice guy, hiking his own hike. It's steep up Little Rintoul, though she realizes it's only the first climb of the day as the real, and higher Rintoul is an eroding, scree-field of a trail.Rather than take John's bragging as "fighting words" she continues to hike her hike, taking the time to enjoy the view, air and sunshine from the summits.
MUSIC: MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala and Suite Argentina by Horacio Salganas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 04 Mar 2021 - 40 - Te Araroa: the here and now of the sandfly
Blissful Hikerlearns about the Maori legend of the sandfly, created to remind us that this Garden of Eden is something ephemeral, and one we can only pass through.
In this episode:- Blissful finishes her glorious walk of the Queen Charlotte Trackvisiting Havelock for a pot of mussels then camping on a trail angel's lawn. The walk continues to the unbelievably crystal clear emerald green Pelorus River. It's a glorious path through magical forests of beech and moss, a hobbit habitat. Blissful takes a swim, but is eaten alive by sandflies, definitely not part of the "Pure New Zealand" campaign.It's a steep hike to the ridge, with views to the big mountains ahead, then down Hacket Creekto meet friends in Nelson where Blissful plays a koauau, a Maori flute.
MUSIC: MUSIC: Allegro by Carlos Guastavino as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 25 Feb 2021 - 39 - Te Araroa: stealth campsite
Blissful Hikertakes a chance stealth camping at a lookout and shares spectacular views with one cheeky weka.
In this episode:- Blissful leaves Wellington and the North Island behind on the Te Araroa when she takes the ferry across the Cook Strait to Picton and then a mail boat to the Queen Charlotte Track at Ship Cove. She moves fast to Camp Madsen, harvesting mussels on the beach and awakened by the loud screeching of a weka, a "faux-kiwi."It's an easy track with views of turquoise inlets, the mountains seemingly growing out of the ocean and the bush as wild as it must have been with Captain Cook arrived in the 18th century. Not wanting to camp where a DOC worker is repairing a shelter with heavy metal cranking or walk all the way down to the beach and pay a hefty fee, Blissful ends up at Onahau Lookoutwith a 360-degree view of Marlborough Sound.
MUSIC: MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 18 Feb 2021 - 38 - Te Araroa: end of an island
Blissful Hikeris snubbed by a young hiker causing her to question friendships and her solo walk as she finishes the North Island with the help from, yes, friends.
In this episode:- Blissful is dropped off where she left off on the Te Araroa in Paekakariki after a zero day with her trail angel family, Rob and George.It begins on the spectacular Escarpment Trackpast the beach at Plimmerton,along theAra Harakeke Cycle Way, then through a noisy mall before she sets her tent, the alicoop, at Camp Elsdon.It's up over Colonial Knob where she meets a Dutch thru-hiker and his unfriendly girlfriend. From Mount Kaukau,there's a view of beautiful Wellington built on the hills along a string-of-pearls of bays and inlets. She "slackpacks" the city – hiking with a daypack – staying with friends-of-friends-of-friends, who treat her like family and hold her bounce box, a collection of gear she brought with her into New Zealand, including new shoes.
MUSIC: MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala and Introduccion y Allegro by Carlos Guastavinoas played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 11 Feb 2021 - 37 - Te Araroa: new year's summit
Blissful Hikerwatches the sunrise from the summit of Mount Taranaki on the first day of the year and learns that getting to the top is optional, while getting down is mandatory.
In this episode:- Blissful leaves Paekakariki in pouring rain to head off-trail for a side-trip to climb the stratovolcano, Taranaki, an almost cliché of a cone-shaped, snow-capped mountain. To see the sunrise, she needs to climb in the dark and is treated to a rising moon amidst a sky full of stars, including the Magellan Cloud and Southern Cross. It's easy walking through broken pumice but she's warned not to loiter because of avalanches,thenit's stairs over the worst of the eroded mountain, followed by a scramble on scree, one-foot up and a half-foot back. The crater is permanently covered in icy snow, and she climbs up on the rocky edge to watch the sun rise in glowing orange.The descent is difficult on ball-bearing stones and in the heat, but she times it perfectly before the clouds return.
MUSIC: Soliloquy by Bernard Rogers and Suite by Ernst Krenek as played by Alison Young
Thu, 04 Feb 2021 - 36 - Te Araroa: tramping buddy
TheBlissful Hikermeets an English ex-pat in the Tararuas named Julian and they bond like war-buddies, but are unsure they'll connect again.
In this episode:- Blissful bonds with an ex-pat named Julianwhen they leave Waitewaewae Hut in the Tarauas sidling the Otaki River on a nasty, muddy, and root-filled trail . It's hard to say goodbye, she walks alone the rest of the way over Mount Pukeatua, down a steep area of clear-cut, then on road to trail angel – and Julian's friend – Carol's house in Waikanae.Even after dinner, beer and a hot tub, the rain destroys her spirit and Carol's boyfriend Brent restores it with a couple of sandwiches – and coming to accept that rain – and mud and difficult trail – is all part of this thru-hike. It's easy walking on estuary and beach to Paikakariki where Julian texts and invites her to climb a mountain with him the next day to welcome the new year.
MUSIC: Impresiones de la Puna by Alberto Ginastera as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano
Thu, 28 Jan 2021
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