Welcome to episode 500 of the Mighty Blue podcast, with Jessica Hawkins, or Dixie, as our main guest. Jessica has been a guest several times before, but in this conversation, we focus on recent life events and her hiking within a family structure.

As ever, Jessica is engaging and gives nuanced answers to questions, exposing her own vulnerabilities while remaining a solid source of wisdom about hiking.

You can follow Jessica in several ways, primarily via her YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/c/homemadewanderlust , but also on Facebook at http://Facebook.com/homemadewanderlust , on Instagram at http://Instagram.com/homemadewanderlust , and on X at https://x.com/homemadewl .

Also today, Andrew and Beth continue their Trail Magic fest as they reach Massachusetts. They met up with our mutual friend last week, Eric Gross, and shared the picture below.

And Dave and his tramily have left New Hampshire and the White Mountains behind. Maine awaits! He wanted me to share his buddy’s YouTube page, where the Over the Hill Gang feature in some of the videos. https://www.youtube.com/@Lt.Hikes0329

Also this week, I’m introducing a new opportunity for listeners to support our show. Check it out at https://buymeacoffee.com/mightyblue . If you’re already a supporter, or if you decide to join one of our membership levels, you’ll also get an invitation to join our private Facebook Group, Off Trail with Mighty Blue, along with many other benefits that come as part of your membership.

In today’s show, I mention that I’ll be attending this year’s Woods Hole Weekend as a presenter. Check it out, and I hope to see some of you there. https://woodsholehostel.com/things-to-do/the-woods-hole-weekend/

And if you’re somewhere around Abingdon VA in October, come along to the ALDHA Gathering and see me present a live podcast on Saturday, October 11th. Find more details about the Gathering at https://aldha.org/the-gathering/ .

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/

If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at https://www.hikingradionetwork.com .

If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, 3821 Milflores Drive, Sun City Center, FL 33573. Any support is gratefully received.

Additionally, you can “Zelle” me a donation to steve@hikingradionetwork.com. Or “Venmo“ me at @‌Steve-Adams-105. They both work!

If you'd like to take advantage of my book offer (all three of my printed hiking books–with a personal message and signed by me–for $31, including postage to the United States) send a check payable to Mighty Blue Publishing at the address just above.