If the first 50 years were an experiment, to prove that a business could be

responsible and successful, turns out it's not just possible, it's profitable.

So what's next? What's next is simple, it's human power and it's finding the joy

in doing difficult things. What's next is turning capitalism on its head and

putting all our money where our mouth is. What's next is unstoppable. For nearly

50 years Patagonia has given a damn about people and the environment. Find more at

Patagonia.com slash stories.

You're listening to The Dirt Pack Darius, a production of duct tape then beer,

with additional support from Kuat Racks because you love your bike. Rumpel,

blankets and gear for everywhere and athletic greens, the daily drink for a healthier

you.

North Crocker Mountain in Maine stands at a lofty 4,168 feet above sea level. Is the

fourth highest mountain in the state but despite its imposing vertical presence,

the mountain lacks the spectacular views that the taller mountains boast. A dense

mat of spruce and balsam fir trees cloak the summit, rendering off trail travel nearly

impossible unless you want a thrash gear or have an eye display by a spindly branch.

At one point someone eaked out a short spur trail to an opening in the thick boreal forest

that offers a limited view to the west. Needless to say, North Crocker is in most people's

top pick to be the last of the 674,000 footers they climb in New England.

In the summer of 2019, my wife Jen and three friends join me on a four day backpack on one

of the most difficult sections of the Appalachian Trail. Hiking trails in Maine are a different breed

as are the mosquitoes. Arrojan has washed away most of the soil, exposing roots and rocks

...