by Sam McFarland & Katy Mustion
Welcome to the latest episode of the Highwater Trek Co podcast! In today's episode, our hosts will discuss some common hazards one may encounter on an Ozarks trail in the springtime and year round. Join in as the conversation starts with water crossing safety, and continues as we discuss several critters that bite. Sam gives us the scoop on our slithery snake friends, and discusses tips to navigate water crossings safely. Katy serves the lowdown on the most disliked critter to be found in the Ozarks: Ticks. Though these creepers may strike fear into our hearts, Katy breaks down the life cycle of these "Velociraptors of the Ozarks" and provides information on how to keep the little buggers at bay. She also discusses the populations of bears that reside in the Ozarks, who are often unreasonably feared. The hosts also consider other critters to be on the lookout for, and (after a few mentions of the traumatizing nature of Old Yeller) discuss how to keep your own pet healthy and safe from disease. Follow us on: Instagram @highwatertrekco Facebook @highwatertrekco Send your biggest trail pet peeves, questions, comments, suggestions, stories, love letters, or hate mail to: highwatertrekco@gmail.com Theme song "Ozark Stomp" by Peter J. Lehman. Give him a follow on Instagram: @peterjlehmanmusic Info from Episode: Missouri Share the Harvest Program National Snakebite Support Snakebite Recovery Position
Highwater Trek Co's Sam and Katy are back to talk trail etiquette, do's and don't's, the principles of Leave No Trace, and how to avoid being dubbed the trail nincompoop. Have you ever wondered how not to be a dipsh*t on trail? Well set your fears of ineptitude aside and open your ears, because we did some digging, and we're here to share what we found! Join us as we talk about trail right-of-ways, advocating for your pet, proper primitive pooping, and how to be a considerate human being in the backcountry. If in doubt, read the room! Or trail. Or campsite. Remember what Emily Post says: "Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use". *Please Note* you probably figured this out on your own, but when Katy excitedly announced "NUMBER FIVE" and then failed to tell you what that was before diving in--it was the Leave No Trace Principle "Minimize Campfire Impacts". Sorry about that. DON'T FORGET! Our Spring Challenge begins April 1st. Keep your eyeballs peeled for more details to be announced soon. As always, thank you for tuning in! We're sorry and you're welcome. Follow us on: Instagram @highwatertrekco Facebook @highwatertrekco Send your biggest trail pet peeves, questions, comments, suggestions, stories, love letters, or hate mail to: highwatertrekco@gmail.com Theme song "Ozark Stomp" by Peter J. Lehman. Give him a follow on Instagram: @peterjlehmanmusic
Happy March Trekkies! Join us for our newest episode as we welcome the emerging salutations of Spring; including frogs and flowers, ticks and skunks. We discuss early spring conditions in the Ozarks that may require consideration before hitting the trails. We also discuss upcoming, hiking related events that are happening in our area. Plus, tune in to hear easy foraging tips for finding delicious wild foods in the earliest days of an Ozark Spring! Follow us on: Instagram @highwatertrekco Facebook @highwatertrekco Send your questions, comments, suggestions, stories, love letters, or hate mail to: highwatertrekco@gmail.com Theme song "Ozark Stomp" by Peter J. Lehman. Follow him on Instagram: @peterjlehmanmusic
Sam and Katy are back from a much-needed break to tackle the tough subject of mental health, and the positive impact that actively engaging with nature can have. TW: Mental health, suicide Join us as we explore the connection between wild spaces and mental wellness in general as well as the benefits more specific to hiking and backpacking. We discuss the long history behind the idea that nature holds health benefits, unravel some scientific theories, explore nature as a sensory experience, share some personal anecdotes, and present the science for your consideration. We also discuss the obstacles of accessibility and diversity in the outdoors, and the growing epidemic of Nature Deficit Disorder in the children of this generation. It was a beautiful thing to see the ways that this emerging body of scientific research supports the things we feel to be true on a soul level, and it's our sincere desire that you find some inspiration and hope in this episode. Remember, sunshine on your shoulders is bliss, hiking is good for your brain, plants are your friends, and...bears. Don't forget about the bears. Thank you for tuning in! As always, we're sorry and you're welcome! Follow us on: Instagram @highwatertrekco Facebook @highwatertrekco Send your questions, comments, suggestions, stories, love letters, or hate mail to: highwatertrekco@gmail.com Theme song "Ozark Stomp" by Peter J. Lehman. Follow him on Instagram: @peterjlehmanmusic *Because this was a research-heavy episode, we have created a separate home for the links to all of the resources and studies referenced in this episode* YOU CAN FIND ALL THE LINKS HERE
Join Katy and Sam as they reflect upon their section hike of the southernmost miles of the Appalachian Trail. Team Giggles reminisce about their favorite moments and most difficult challenges as they traversed the trail through Georgia and into North Carolina. Tune in to hear how our hosts found liberation from expectations in the woods of the Blue Ridge, and how inspirational they found the magic and kinship of trail community to be. Our duo also discuss their preparation processes, favorite campsites, and one the most important aspects of any backpacking trip: Food! An honest retelling of the experience would not be complete without the admission of absolutely disgusting levels of personal clamminess. Gross. We apologize to anyone that was within a smellable range. Winter has made her presence felt here in the Ozarks. The snowfall, ice, and power outages have us serving up this episode a bit behind schedule. We want to thank you for your patience during our delay, and, as always, for listening. Follow us on: Instagram @highwatertrekco Facebook @highwatertrekco Send your questions, comments, suggestions, stories, love letters, or hate mail to: highwatertrekco@gmail.com Theme song "Ozark Stomp" by Peter J. Lehman. Follow him on Instagram: @peterjlehmanmusic Links from this Episode: Georgia Appalachian Trail Club Appalachian Trail Conservancy FarOut Ron's Shuttle Service Injinji Toe Socks Murphy's Chophouse
Is this lethargy, or relaxation? Sam and Katy kick off their first episode of the New Year with a mini road trip. Heigh-Ho, Heigh-Ho, it's off to hike we go... Our quest takes us down a forest service road of dubious condition, down a lovely stretch of the Ozark Trail, and lands us right next to the Current River. We talk about our new venture of trail adoption and the evolution of our gear as we continue to grow and adapt as backpackers. A pack of hunting dogs serenades us, and Kenai lets her discontent be known. Bear with us through some of the audio quirks; let it be known henceforth, that a vehicle moving down a rough forest service road isn't the best environment for recording. Who knew? Not us. As always, thank you for tuning in! Stay tuned after closing music for bloopers. You're welcome, and we're sorry. Follow us on: Instagram @highwatertrekco Facebook @highwatertrekco Send your questions, comments, suggestions, stories, love letters, or hate mail to: highwatertrekco@gmail.com Theme song "Ozark Stomp" by Peter J. Lehman. Follow him on Instagram: @peterjlehmanmusic Check out some of the companies we mentioned: Paria Outdoor Products River Country Products Decathlon MSR Osprey Big Agnes Cascade Mountain Tech Interested in adopting a section of the Ozark Trail? More info HERE
The weather has been mush, and our brains are mush too. The wind is playing games and a joyriding airplane runs amok; flies amok? Amok, amok, amok. Team Giggles struggled a bit to make it out the gate, but the 5th time's a charm. Join us for a conversation about the Ozark Trail, the Ozark Trail Association, volunteer work, and how you can get involved. This incredible trail is a testament to the power of singular minds, dedicated hands, and the united vision of multiple organizations and individuals. It is truly an Ozark gem, and WE WANT YOU to experience the beauty and diversity it has to offer. So add it to your bucket list, and if you live in the area, we hope you'll consider giving your time, talents, or dollars to help keep the maintenance and expansion moving full force. Teamwork makes the dream work, ya'll. As always, thank you for listening. Stay tuned after closing music for bloopers. You're welcome, and we're sorry. Follow us on: Instagram @highwatertrekco Facebook @highwatertrekco Send your questions, comments, suggestions, stories, love letters, or hate mail to: highwatertrekco@gmail.com Theme song "Ozark Stomp" by Peter J. Lehman. Follow him on Instagram: @peterjlehmanmusic LINKS: Check out the Ozark Trail's bangin' website! Peruse the trails Search and sign up for events Become a Member Donate Adopt a Trail!
Join our hosts as they once again flail throughout the episode introduction, eventually focusing conversation on reflections of gratitude and intentions for the future. As we transition into winter and the holiday season, Highwater Trek Co reminisces about defining experiences that we are most grateful for. We also dream of the future; discussing goals closest on the horizon, and how we plan to achieve them. We here at Highwater Trek Co hope that this changing season brings you much to be grateful for. We are eternally thankful for you, dear listeners. Follow us on: Instagram @highwatertrekco Facebook @highwatertrekco Send us questions, comments, critiques or stories: highwatertrekco@gmail.com Theme song "Ozark Stomp" by Peter J. Lehman. Follow him on Instagram: @peterjlehmanmusic
Team Giggles is back! It's a chatty one, folks, so strap in and grab a delicious beverage. The lethargy is real, the breeze is blowing and the dogs are disruptive as we reconnect after a pretty long absence from each other, and our first hiatus from the show. Sam talks about getting vertical and conquering a new challenge through an exciting new program in Missouri. Katy yammers about river time and otters. Feeling bored? Make it a drinking game! Take a shot every time you hear Katy say "it's like" or "so yeah" or Sam says "I don't love heights". Thank you for tuning in. We hope the randomness of life is hitting you right in the face. In a good way, of course. Follow us on Instagram: @highwatertrekco Follow us on Facebook: @highwatertrekco Send us a line: highwatertrekco@gmail.com Theme song "Ozark Stomp" by the talented Peter J. Lehman. Follow him on Instagram: @peterjlehmanmusic or check out his website: www.peterjlehman.com Interested in becoming a part of Missouri's growing community of climbers? Check out these links for more info: MO State Parks Learn2 Climb Beta Fund Vertical Voyages Ford Automotive Group Bronco Wild Fund Other links: She Moves Mountains Ozark National Scenic Riverways Learn about the Current River
We were seeking redemption, and perhaps even revenge. Instead, the mountain Taum Sauk'd it to us. Join hosts Katy and Sam for part 2 of the Taum Sauk saga as they recall their recent backpacking adventure through this 35 mile section of the Ozark Trail. Battling heat, spiders, brush, rashes, burrs, chafing, gnats, little water, and a plethora of rocks, Team Giggles faced down both physical and mental obstacles to once again complete the section. Lessons were learned; some the hard way. And while the trail and conditions were difficult, the beauty of the wild surroundings could not be outshone. Gratitude rose, abounded, and flowed like the river. Follow us on: Instagram @highwatertrekco Facebook @highwatertrekco Send us questions, comments, critiques or stories: highwatertrekco@gmail.com Theme song "Ozark Stomp" by Peter J. Lehman. Follow him on Instagram: @peterjlehmanmusic Interested in tackling the Taum Sauk section? MORE INFO HERE