Episode #498 - Brigid Bell (Purple Haze)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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