Adventure Geek Walking Podcast

EP13 - How to lighten your backpacking load!

Hello, everybody, I’m your host Julia Doherty and a very warm welcome to the last episode 13 in this season of the Adventure Geek Walking Podcast.  As many of you know, we started this podcast as a way of giving something back to our walking club members who decided to continue to support our club through this very difficult time.  Twelve weeks on and we are now out walking again which is brilliant, albeit in smaller groups. As mentioned, this is the last episode for this season of the podcast.  I am setting off to walk the 89 miles of the Jurassic Way on Saturday 4th July, from Stamford in Lincolnshire, through Northants and ending up in Banbury.  Then our next long-distance hike is along Hadrians Wall in September, followed by the Camino de Santiago through the Pyrenees mountains in Spain in October.  As you can imagine, with planning and training for these adventures, along with running a busy walking club, my time is quite limited.  If we decide to launch season two, then this will be when I return from the Camino.  Watch this space.   Onto the show! This is a show for those who love everything to do with the outdoors, backpacking, hiking and of course walking. Hopefully, we have something for everyone in each episode. So without further ado, let me explain the contents of this week's show.   We always start the podcast with a bit of a quiz in the form of “guess the sound” - sorry, but it is a weird one again this week!   Segment two continues with the adventures of Janet & John’s latest antics.  As one adventure comes to an end, another adventure is about to begin!   We have no interview this week, so segment three is the education slot.  This week I will share with you my top tips to lighten your load when on a long distance backpacking trip.   We then end the show with Derek & Doreen.  This week Doreen is feeling fruity and discovers the joy of swinging, much to Dereks delight.   So, without further ado, let’s get this show on the road, and see if you can guess this week’s soundbite.  I did promise a bit of a clue.  So, Google told me that these animals have four stomachs!   PLAY SOUND   I am not sure how many people will get that one?  Well, you might if you live in North America or Eatern Asia!  As always, the answer to the soundbite will be revealed at the end of the podcast along with some facts about this creature.  Right, now over to shiny shoes for the last episode of this season of Janet & John.  Over to you John!   SWOOSH   PLAY JANET & JOHN’S EPISODE   I feel a bit sad knowing that we won’t be hearing from Janet and John for a little while.  John Pettinger is the author and narrator of this series and he has been an absolute pleasure to work with.   Thanks John, for everything that you have put into this show.  I hope that you continue to get more content ideas as you join us on our walks so that we can revisit the brother and sister duo in the future.     PING   Right, time for this week’s education slot.   As I am heading off to backpack the Jurassic Way on Saturday, I thought I would share with you some of my top tips for lightning your load when on a long distance hike.   I will never forget seeing a little Korean lady on the Camino last year who carried the biggest rucksack you have ever seen!  As a golden rule, for a non-camping style hike then you really want to keep to under 10% of your body weight on your back.  If you rucksack is too heavy then with a matter of days your will start to have problems with your lower back, hips and shoulders.  In addition to this, you will also increase the risk of painful blisters and shin splints, which are pure evil when you are on an adventure.   My top tips:-   #1 - Wash & go.  Yep, only carry one set of clothing, and wear one set of clothing.  Then wash your clothes as you go.  Because you are going away for a 2 week walking holiday, you only need two pairs of undies, not 14!   #2- If you are looking at camping along the way, then look for a tent that uses walking poles as the frame rather than taking an additional set of poles.  I use the Lanshan 2 person tent and it weighs less than 2lbs in weight.   #3 - Water is probably the heaviest thing you will carry on a hike.  If you know that you will be passing streams, lakes and rivers, then pack a water filter such as the Sawyer Squeeze or Be Free water filter and fill up as you go.   #4 - If you are on the Camino or a similar sort of trip then take something like a Lush Shampoo Bar.  This will wash your clothes, body and hair and one bar will last about a month.  This saves weight rather than packing separate containers.   #5 - Think about your backpack.  I started off with an Osprey 65L pack, and I filled a 65L pack.  I now walk with a much lighter rucksack, the Salomon Out Week 38L, which means I don’t have as much room to put stuff.  A smaller and lighter pack forces you to think about what you are going to take with you.   In all honesty, I could easily talk about this topic for a good hour or so as I have learnt so much over the last few year.  If you have any questions about how to lighten your pack, then simply message me on the Facebook page, or email julia@adventuregeek.co.uk - i’m happy to help.   PING    Before we go into our finale with “Derek & Doreen” I would like to reveal the soundbite answer from the beginning of the show.  For those of you who guessed an Elk, you would be right!   Elk live 20 years or more in captivity but average 10 to 13 years in the wild.   Only the males have antlers, which start growing in the spring and are shed each winter. The largest antlers may be 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) long and weigh 18 kilograms (40 pounds).   Elk are social animals who live in same-sex herds of 10 to 20 individuals         PING   We are going to end the podcast Derek and Doreen’s latest adventure as venture off to once again see Michael at Cotswold Outdoors…    PLAY DEREK & DOREEN EPISODE 1   Thanks Nigel, how did you do that without laughing?  I was in fits!  By the way, I popped into Cotswold Outdoors last weekend and bumped into Michael, but I didn’t have the heart to tell him that he was a superstar on our podcast!  Nigel, I think everyone is in love with Derek & Doreen.  Those of you who are listeners and part of the AG club will recognise some of the traits of these two individuals - I will say no more!  Nigel, I know how much work has been put into these episodes each week and I can’t thank you enough.  It was also your idea to do the podcast in the first place and what a brilliant idea it was.  Cheers mate!   As I draw the podcast to a close, I would like to leave you with this final thought.   Remember that you don’t need to take any notes as we do all that for you. Links to anything that has been mentioned in today’s show can be found at www.adventuregeek.co.uk/podcastEP13     All that leaves me to say is Get Outside, Get Inspired, Now Go Take A Hike when you can.  In the meantime, be safe.       See you next week!

EP12 - AN AROUND THE WORLD TRIP | FAMOUS YOU-TUBERS AND MORE

As many of you know, we started this podcast as a way of giving something back to our walking club members who decided to continue to support our club through this very difficult time.  Twelve weeks on and we are now out walking again, albeit in smaller groups.  Next week’s podcast will be the last one in this season (yes, we may ignite it again at a later date) but I just wanted to say a huge thank you, not just to the guests who have appeared on the show, but a massive thanks to Nigel Banister, whose idea it was to produce a postcast in the first place. Nigel had the idea of Janet & John, which was inspired from Terry Wogan and from this, new characters were born.  We love both Janet & John and Derek & Doreen.    I can’t see this being the end, because we really want to know what happens to all four characters - it’s like a mini soap opera.  But for now we will be taking a short break.  Love you guys!   Onto the show! This is a show for those who love everything to do with the outdoors, backpacking, hiking and of course walking. Hopefully, we have something for everyone in each episode. So without further ado, let me explain the contents of this week's show.   We always start the podcast with a bit of a quiz in the form of “guess the sound”. We have another difficult sound this week, with a weird clue!  Those of you who lived through the ’80s may get it! Segment two continues with the adventures of Janet & John’s latest antics and this week John is giving out stile tips! But what sort of stile? Segment number three is an interview with husband and wife team Karen & Colin Roberts.  They took a year out from their busy lives and travelled the world! The fourth segment is an education slot. This week I will be telling you about three of my favourite YouTubers to watch for backpacking and hiking. We then end the show with Derek & Doreen who spot a UFO in Northamptonshire!   So, without further ado, let’s get this show on the road, and see if you can guess this week’s soundbite.  I did promise a bit of a clue.  Rather than give you some facts, all I will say is “hard on the outside soft on the inside!” - Harry Enfield!   LINKS AS PROMISED:  1. Darwin on the Trail - click here 2. Paul Messner - click here 3. Dixie / Homemade Wunderlust - click here    See you next week!

EP11 - THE ULTRA HIKER, BEST WALKING MAGAZINES AND MORE

SUMMARY OF THIS WEEK'S SHOW:- Be yourself and people will like you.   Jeff Kinny - From A Diary of a Wimpy Kid This week's Podcast in a Nutshell:- This week's podcast in a nutshell:- #1 - We always start the podcast with a bit of a quiz in the form of “guess the sound”. For those of you who have mentioned that these sounds are difficult to identify, I have an easy one for you this week.  #2 - Segment two continues with the adventures of Janet & John’s latest antics.  This week, take a trip down memory lane! #3 - Segment number three is an interview with  Emily Wright. Emily is an ultra hiker.  If hearing about blisters makes you squeamish, then it may be best to skip this week’s interview!  #4 - The fourth segment is an education slot about my favourite walking magazines. (links below) #5 - We then end the show with Derek & Doreen’s as they continue their shopping adventures (lots of giggles in this one). LINKS:  #1 - Country Walking Magazine If you are walking the #walk1000miles challenge then you will already know about my favourite magazine called Country Walking. Country Walking is Britain's bestselling walking magazine.  Whether it's a trip to the Lake District or a simple wander in your local woods, Country Walking helps you discover Britain on foot. #2 - The Great Outdoors Magazine The Great Outdoors Magazine was created by hillwalkers for hillwakers, The Great Outdoors Magazine (or the TGO as it is fondly known) has been providing outdoor enthusiasts with ideas, inspiration and the best gear reviews in the industry for 37 years. Published every four weeks, Britain’s original outdoor magazine is packed full of stunning photography, top class writing and brilliant walking and backpacking routes, along with authoritative gear reviews from the country’s most experienced team of testers and essential skills advice from highly qualified outdoor instructors. #3 - BBC Countryfile Magazine Subscription Immerse yourself in the glories of the great British countryside. There is so much to see, celebrate and discover in the British countryside, but where do you start? How about with a BBC Countryfile magazine subscription? Each issue is brimming with fresh and interesting ideas for exploring our beautiful landscape and heritage, watching wildlife and enjoying great local food. You don't have to go far and wide to get a taste of it all. Subscribe today and let it come straight to your door. Benefits include: Great savings on the UK shop price Delivery to your door in recyclable paper wrapping Monthly reader photo competition Stunning wildlife photography Regular special offers for readers See you next week. Remember to Get Outside, Get Inspired and Go Take A Hike!

EP10 - HADRIAN'S WALL, AND MULTIPLE TRAILS IN THE UK

This week's podcast in a nutshell:- #1 - We always start the podcast with a bit of a quiz in the form of “guess the sound”. This week we have one of the cutest animals on the planet, that can also catch chlamydia! #2 - Segment two continues with the adventures of Janet & John’s latest antics.  This week it is all downhill for Janet & John! #3 - Segment number three is an interview with Steve Hunt. If you are interested in exploring places to hike in the UK then this is the interview for you. #4 - The fourth segment is an education slot. This week I will be telling you about one of my favourite adventure authors. #5 - We then end the show with Derek & Doreen’s.  This week Derek makes a list of shopping needs, but Doreen is not so sure!   LINKS:  The amazing adventure author I mentioned in the podcast was Keith Foskett.  Visit his website at www.keithfoskett.com when you will find all of his books listed.

EP9 - EXPLORING THE ABEL TASMAN TRACK IN NEW ZEALAND, AND ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HIKING SOCKS

PODCAST IN A NUTSHELL #1 - We always start the podcast with a bit of a quiz in the form of “guess the sound”.  This week we have one of the most dangerous animals that roam this planet! #2 - Segment two continues with the adventures of Janet & John’s latest antics.  This week the brother and sister duo enjoy some riparian entertainment. #3 - Segment number three is an interview with Neil Sinclair.  If you have ever fancied exploring New Zealand, especially the Abel Tasman track then this is the podcast for you. #4 - The fourth segment is an education slot. This week I am going to tell you the good, the bad and the ugly about walking socks. #5 - We then end the show with Derek & Doreen’s latest antics as they discover that sometimes torches don’t always help us to see in the dark.   LINKS AS PROMISED:  1. Find out more about the Abel Tasman Trail here.  2. Hiking socks links Bridgedale Ladies ultralight hiking socks – https://amzn.to/2Igjvkj   Xsocks runners socks – https://amzn.to/32QkfpY   Hilly Compression socks – https://amzn.to/2IkNfgc   Otter waterproof socks – https://amzn.to/2VIu8V7 Seal Skin Waterproof socks – https://amzn.to/3ar7rc3   Coolmax Liner socks – https://amzn.to/2uXGgqs   Bamboo socks – https://amzn.to/2uSrRvv Darn Tough socks - https://amzn.to/2XYjVn6