Episode #72 - Paul Magnanti (Paul Mags)
Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate Mid-Life Crisis
Steve Adams
4.8 • 599 Ratings
🗓️ 1 February 2018
⏱️ 70 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
Paul Mags is a man who simply loves being outdoors. He has hiked many trails, completing the Triple Crown of the AT, the PCT, and the CDT, in 2006. He is often alone on these trips, loving the solitude. He manages his life to fit in with his hiking, referring to hiking as his passion. He is a keenly aware of the history of both the various trails and the environment through which they pass.
Paul's life isn't for everybody. Indeed, it is hard to imagine that many people would prioritize the outdoors ahead of personal relationships and family, but Paul has been able to do that while getting acceptance of his lifestyle from his family. He is, clearly, very happy with the choices that he has made.
In the intrerview, Paul spoke enthusiastically about his recent adventure across Utah. He mentioned two websites that listeners may wish to visit. Jamal Green has an excellent site, AcrossUtah, with some awesome pictures and videos, while another site by "Amy and James," called DoingMiles, has the same area along with plenty of other outdoor adventures to read about.
You can find Paul in a variety of ways. His website, which is extremely informative, is at PMags.com. He is also on Twitter and Instagram as PMagsco. He recently published a couple of books in the Quick and Dirty Hiking Guides series. If you are looking for the Kindle version, you can find them on Amazon.
Clay Bonnyman Evans' reflections of the Colorado Trail opened Steve's eyes to the possibility that this is (at least in part) a possibility for him in the future.
Don't forget to listen in on our latest adventure in Returning to Katahdin. Bruce is just four weeks out from his departure and Steve and Bruce discuss food, cooking, and water arrangements. Of course, on the subject of food, please make sure that you check out our sponsor's website, Trailtopia.com.
Transcript
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| 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. |
| 0:26.2 | Hi, and welcome back to Mighty Blue on the Appalachian Trail, sponsored by Trail Topia. |
| 0:31.8 | This week we're up to episode number 72 with our guest Paul Mannanti or Paul Mags. Paul is a real wanderer. |
| 0:40.2 | He has such a refreshing take on the outdoors and he's really a nomad, wondering where he fancies |
| 0:44.7 | and often for no other reason than that he just loves being outdoors. As many of my guests |
| 0:50.3 | are introduced to me by other guests or listeners, I thought I'd mention my one-man |
| 0:55.2 | booking agent, Clay Bunnenman Evans. Clay introduced me to Paul Mages and he continues to help |
| 1:00.4 | me with the show in any way that he can. Thanks Clay. We don't have Dr. Lynn on the show today, |
| 1:06.0 | so I've decided to wear another one of those other trails. So, with Clay already part of the show today, |
| 1:12.0 | I thought that I'd segue into his story about the Colorado Trail. |
| 1:15.9 | It is more than just a walk in the park, being about 500 miles, |
| 1:19.5 | but Clay gives us quite an insight into doing it, |
| 1:21.7 | or even just a part of it, |
| 1:23.2 | and I must say his description certainly piqued my interest. |
| 1:26.5 | But before we get into that, who fancies a bit of... |
| 1:30.3 | Dessert? Do you remember those days on the trail when you really need to treat yourself? |
| 1:41.8 | You know, those days when you fall in the mud or the rain starts |
| 1:45.2 | running down your neck, the rocks are driving you crazy, or even when you're just fed up. |
| 1:51.6 | You need a boost, and when that happens, stop hiking, take off your pack and treat yourself |
| 1:57.4 | to one of Trautopia's scrumptious desserts. |
| 2:06.9 | Why not go for Rocky Road pudding, a rich chocolate pudding loaded with mini marshmallows and toasted slivered almonds. By the time you get that into your system, you'll be warm, |
| 2:11.3 | toasty and satisfied. Try Trailtopia Adventure Food. The best of home cooking away from home. |
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