Episode #64 - Jim Kern
Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate Mid-Life Crisis
Steve Adams
4.8 • 599 Ratings
🗓️ 7 December 2017
⏱️ 72 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
Meet Jim Kern, a veteran of the hiking world, yet on a mission to CLOSE THE GAPS on America's trails. He has hiked all over the world, yet his passion is here at home in Florida, with the Florida Trail. Jim started the Florida Trail in 1966, when a lot of us were in short pants back at school, while many of us weren't even born yet. Watch this short YouTube video to get a feel of what the trail is about.
The picture above is of Jim overlooking the Appalachian Trail in 1967. In our conversation, Jim points to the relative passivity of hikers–compared to, say, gun owners–when it comes to demanding rights. Jim and I would appreciate everybody signing his petition. I've copied the Mission Statement of Hiking Trails for America in full to articulate the need.
America has 11 National Scenic Trails, but after 60 years only the Appalachian National Scenic Trail has a right-of-way set aside for posterity. The other 10 trails have gaps subject to closure and dangerous road-walks. Many have access problems. Hiking Trails for America (HTA) has been formed to support permanent protection and continuity for all National Scenic Trails and to educate the general public in the use of foot trails for walking, hiking and backpacking.
You can sign the petition by visiting HikingTrailsForAmerica.org. Don't delay, do it right away.
The link below will take you to a site that is highlighting the 50th Anniversary of the National Scenic Trails Act of 1968. Jim is planning a march on Earth Day in D.C. and a full page ad will go into the January issue of Backpacker Magazine. The details are still in the works. Jim is anxious that our listeners are made aware of this important anniversary. Many hikers are unaware the Act even exists. Click on the link to learn more.
Jim also refers to his coffee table book, Trail Reflections, 50 Years of Hiking and Backpacking. Click on this Amazon link and you'll be taken directly to it.
Doctor Lynne takes a well-deserved Christmas break for the rest of December. But, before she goes, she gave us some reassuring information about Lyme Disease. If you'd like to learn a little more, here is a link to a short YouTube lecture by Lynne. She also wanted me to point you towards the CDC website which also covers Lyme.
Don't forget to listen to our other show, Returning to Katahdin, where we follow Bruce Matson in his preparations, and later execution of his 2018 thru-hike.
Thanks, as ever, to our generous sponsors, Trailtopia.
Transcript
Click on a timestamp to play from that location
| 0:00.0 | Mighty Blue on the Appalachian Trail, the ultimate midlife crisis, joined Stephen his guests every week as he staggers from Georgia to Maine. |
| 0:26.8 | Hi everybody and welcome back to Mighty Blue on the Appalachian Trail, sponsored by our friends at Trautopia. |
| 0:34.1 | Thanks for coming back and I'm particularly excited about today's show because for once I'm quite a bit younger than the person I'm talking to. |
| 0:41.7 | Our guest today is an extraordinary man. He has lived a full life, much of it devoted to making your and my lives better when we hike. |
| 0:50.5 | His name is Jim Kern and suffice it to say he's done more in his lifetime than about a dozen normal people. |
| 0:57.5 | When you listen to Jim you'll be inspired to keep on hiking and getting out into the woods and mountains. |
| 1:02.3 | It really is one of a kind. He'll be long in a couple of minutes. |
| 1:07.2 | Before I tell you about the rest of the show I thought I'd make your mouth water with this. |
| 1:12.0 | Do you remember those days on the trail when you really need to treat yourself? |
| 1:15.7 | You know, those days when you fall in the mud or the rain starts running down your neck, |
| 1:20.6 | the rocks are driving you crazy, or even when you're just fed up. |
| 1:25.5 | You need a boost, and when that happens, stop hiking. |
| 1:29.4 | Take off your pack and treat yourself to one of Trautopia's scrumptious desserts. |
| 1:35.2 | Why not go for Rocky Road pudding, a rich chocolate pudding, loaded with mini marshmallows and toasted slivered almonds. |
| 1:42.5 | By the time you get that into your system, |
| 1:47.0 | you'll be warm, toasty and satisfied. |
| 1:49.6 | Try Trail Topia Adventure Food. |
| 1:52.1 | The best of home cooking, away from home. |
| 1:54.5 | Now, back to the show. |
| 1:58.0 | Along with Jim, we've got the wonderful Dr. Lynn Savino, |
| 2:00.4 | unfortunately for the last time for about a month. |
| 2:06.8 | Lynn asked if I minded if she took a break and as I pay her exactly zip, it didn't seem to be an unreasonable request. Lynn will be back in the new year. Today she's signing off with |
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