Our 499th episode features Charlie Rogers, a fellow member of the AT Class of 2019, and an all-round good guy who gives back to the trail as a trail maintainer and shuttle driver.

Charlie and I never met, but I would have enjoyed his gentle wit had we met.

When he had completed his bucket list item, Charlie took on the role of caretaker at Stanimals Hostel in Glasgow, then moved full time into the area. He still returns to the north from time to time to hike in the White Mountains.

Beth and Andrew are about to hit 1500 miles on trail, a landmark moment for everyone, though Andrew appears to be more intent on feeding himself up right now, while Beth is starting to feel nervous about the White Mountains ahead in New Hampshire. Funnily enough, the met up with my friend Eric today, and he sent me this picture.

Meanwhile, Dave is already into the White Mountains and getting a real workout every day. He's now hiking with a solid group, named the Over the Hill Gang, who are tackling these tougher mountains as a team. Here's a picture from last week, though members drop out and drop in from day to day.

I used my hike last year on the South West Coast Path in the UK to help raise money for my absolute favorite charity, Parenting Matters, on whose board I've been privileged to serve for over a decade. You can learn more about the hike and the organization–and donate–by visiting https://parentingmattersfl.org/eventer/hike-with-steve-empowering-parents-one-step-at-a-time/edate/2024-04-15/. I hope you want to support this critical mission.

Don't forget. Our entire series of videos from our Woods Hole Weekend in 2022 is now FREE and available at my YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wA8ImK4qpNc&list=PLu8u88nsJtgWZxT8DLwEW2yXcz4gT6HXs There, you'll find all sorts of tips and tricks that our guests took away from the weekend that helped them with their own hikes this year. Check it out.

I often ask listeners for ideas on who to interview, and I'm sure several of you say, "I could do that. I've got an awesome story to tell." You're the person we need to hear from. If you'd like to be interviewed on the podcast, just register as a guest on the link below, and I'll be in touch. https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/mighty-blue-on-the-appalachian-trail-the-ultimate-mid-life-c/guests/intake/

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