119-The John Muir Trail; interview with a thruhiker
Show notes
In this week’s episode we talk with Blair Woodcock who recently completed a thru-hike of the 211 mile (340 km) USA based John Muir Trail. Many backpackers say this trail contains the finest mountain scenery in the United States, and runs (mostly in conjunction with the Pacific Crest Trail) from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney, in California. In this episode we provide an overview of one of the world’s most spectacular trails and hear a firsthand overview of what a thru-hike was like. www.australianhiker.com.au
Podcast overview
The John Muir Trail
- In July of 2019 Blair Woodcock, an Australian based hiker undertook the John Muir Trail.
- In this episode we briefly discuss this trail that many Australian’s are probably not aware of
- Talk to Blair on his trip including:
- Logistics
- Transport
- Food Drops
- His original intent to do the Theodore Solomon Trail
- What is was like as a non US citizen to hike the John Muir Trail
- Equipment including the ever handy Garmin inReach
- Special Gear
- Bear barrels
- Microspikes
- Ice axe
- Special Gear
- Trip highlights
- Trip negatives
- Not much really, this is a great trail
- Who should do this trail?
- Logistics
- As usual we finish off with Gill and I throwing in our two cents worth on this spectacular trail
- Next week’s podcast, episode 120 is on choosing a campsite when hiking
Listening to the Australian Hiker Podcast
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You can listen to the Australian Hiker Podcast in the following ways:
- Through our website. All our episodes can be found here
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- On Android phones (as well as apple) we recommend Podbean
In addition the are a number of other ‘podcatcher’ services that allow you to download our episodes. Below are a few options where to find us:
Australian Hiker Social Media
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Resources
- If you want to get see some more amazing photos from Blairs Trip have a look at his Instagram page
- Everything you need to know from bookings to frequently asked questions
Link to the John Muir Facebook Group
- A resource that Blair found to be very helpful
Link to the Theodore Solo Trail Facebook group
- An alternative trail if you don’t like the altitude.
- A food resupply company which would work for overseas hikers particularly well
Blairs itinerary
Camp site at Upper Rae Lakes with The Painted Lady in the background
Blair enjoying a coffee at Lake Victoria
A fellow hiker heading over Donahue Pass
On top of Forrester Pass – the highest point on the trail (not inc Summit of Whitney)
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