In the latest podcast interview, I chat with Martin Armitage, aka Papa Bear, an enthusiastic hiker who has tackled the Appalachian as well as the Long trail, a true feat considering those trails are over 200 miles each. Does he manage to finish and how long did it take him? Listen to the podcast and marvel at the human endurance and determination.
Hiking with Papa Bear:
Knowing nothing whatsoever about hiking, I was curious to speak with Martin. I was dying to find out why people put themselves through grueling adventures such as this. My take on a good vacation must include a room with all the amenities and cultural events. Nature and l are not especially in sync.
Martin, in his formative years, was lucky enough to have an older brother who indulged his hiking and outdoor whims after he had caught the fever while traveling with the family when he was quite young. As an adult, he went on to be a Boys Scout volunteer for over two decades.
Highlights of the hiking with papa bear podcast include:
- His introduction to the great outdoor life as a child.
- Hiking inspirational stories from people he had met throughout his over 20 years as a Boys Scout volunteer, and feeling pride that he was able to have his infectious attitude encourage others to achieve their goals.
- The feeling of freedom that one gets from hiking. Getting away from the rigors of life and decompressing without being tied down to technology, including shutting off his phone to immerse himself in the outdoor experience.
- Hiking and Brew – a popular combination with hikers where they meet up after their hikes to discuss and make new friends over craft beer. His website has quite a few places where hikers can discover the breweries. Also popular with the biking crowds.
- Thoughts on the Camino de Santiago walk, the holy grail for many other thrill-seekers, and his desire to hike it.
- Hiking – Anyone can do it. How to start simply, and then work your way up from there.
- Appalachian and Long Trail explained and attempt to hike one of those trails with the aim of completion.
- An injury setback and abandoning the dream led to his feeling of being a failure.
- Getting encouragement from his spouse to put the pen to the paper about his past experiences and stories from the hikes, which resulted in the book titled: Switching Gears: Rediscovering the Meaning of Life, Love, and Happiness While Backpacking Vermont’s Long Trail.
- How and why he went back to the trail after healing with renewed confidence to finish the hike.
- Length of time to accomplish his goal, and the pride that came with it.
- Hiking gear – shoes, backpacks, and those funny-looking canes explained for non-hikers like me.
- Safety while hiking is probably the most often asked question of him. He is papa bear after all. I had to know 🙂 because people like me only think of ourselves as bear food in the wild.
- Knowing your body and starting small, whatever your reasons might be.
Thoughts on hiking with papa bear:
I ended up learning a lot about hiking, and in fact, l came to realize that in my own way, I was already doing some hiking through the city since we walk everywhere in Valencia. A few of my friends hike seriously, and a few just finished the Camino de Santiago trail recently.
As l said above, I am not a nature lover by any means, and I much prefer city life. That being said, I wouldn’t mind dipping my toes in on a very small scale and l am considering joining the hiking group here in the city.
Listen to the podcast:
Or Youtube if you prefer:
Getting in touch with Martin Armitage:
Martin’s papa bear hiking website has really helpful information for not just experienced hikers, but newbies, so make sure to check it out. Everything from resources to gear recommendations. He also has a podcast where he shares stories, and interviews other hikers.
You can find Martin on these platforms:
Papa Bear website.
Find Martin on Twitter here
Instagram hikes
Youtube channel
Find martin’s book on Amazon:
Are you up for hiking with Papa Bear? either in a small way through simple hikes, or taking on an ambitious hike such as the Long Trail?