We have a German hiker on the podcast this week. Annika Ananias recently flew into the US to hike the Arizona Trail with her American boyfriend, when she was pulled out of line, harshly interrogated, deported, and banned from re-entering the country for five years. This, despite having a ten-year visa. She has a compelling story.
I wanted to hear from Annika in her own words. The Trek wrote a great article about her that left me with a few questions I wanted to clear up with her. As you’ll hear, she is articulate and tells her alarming story with clarity.
These links will tell you more of the story and, if you’re able to read German or you can get it translated, at the end of the list is an article she wrote to warn fellow European hikers of the situation they may face in the US.
Annika Ananias / "Ravenclaw", Author at The Trek
German Thru-Hiker Detained, Deported, and Banned From US - The Trek
Both of our Mighty Blue Class of 2025 are now on trail. Beth saet out this past week, and we catch up with her and her stepson, Andrew, at Woody Gap, with their first impressions.
Dave is now into Hot Springs, some 275 miles ahead of Beth, and he is zeroing there to give back to the local community by spending in local businesses.
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