Between The Mountains delivers researched, in-depth interviews, captivating expeditions, and expert advice for must-do adventures in the world of Adventure Travel! Asking deeper questions avoiding the generic narrative, you can check out topics from mindset to motives, expeditions to landscapes, and culture to climate. https://betweenthemountains.org/
Episodes
Friday Dec 11, 2020
Friday Dec 11, 2020
Jenny Wordsworth is a dedicated, focussed, and tenacious outdoor athlete, who’s most well known accomplishment was becoming the 8th woman to solo ski and reach the South Pole after 44 days. After the first five hundred miles, she continued to do this and complete this task while have a massively debilitating leg injury.
She is a lawyer, professional endurance athlete, keynote speaker, brand ambassador for Atkins, on North Face explorer’s team, and a Polar Ambassador to the UK. Jenny has travelled and raced some of the toughest and longest races endurance events in the world from the arctic to the desert. From this, she has built a huge backing to her name.
Before We Start
Before we get into the episode, I want to mention the sponsor for this episode: Sidetracked Magazine. Sidetracked is dedicated to adventurous storytelling at it’s very best. They use stunning imagery and personal stories from expeditions and journeys from around the globe, and you can tell!
If you are one of the few who haven’t heard of them… what are you doing?!
Go and check out their website and see for yourself. Browse and purchase from the back catalogue, subscribe, and browse/sign up to their free Field Journal newsletter; providing you with some of the best adventure updates weekly!
Jenny Wordsworth
Jenny was a brilliant guest to have on the show, and I know you’re going to love the episode.
If you want to follow along her journey, you can check out her website here, or her Instagram here. I can’t recommend enough that you give her a follow!
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If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality!
To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here.
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https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/12/11/jenny-wordsworth/
Friday Dec 04, 2020
Friday Dec 04, 2020
https://linktr.ee/BetweenTheMountains
Alex Staniforth found that running, walking, and cycling to the highest point in each UK county was faster than the waiting time to receive any mental health support from the UK's National Health Service (NHS). It's not that there's nothing, but rather that the NHS is overwhelmed with so many needing support.
It was at this point that Alex started Mind Over Mountains charity - his very own Natural Health Service supporting those in need, and bringing them together as a community.
More Than Just Fresh Air
Mind Over Mountains go one step further. While bringing you the community and outdoors experience together, they also give you the tools you'll need to better yourself with your headspace.
Mind Over Mountains aims to help you find purpose.
You can check out their events and details on their website here, and you can read more about Alex Staniforth and his achievements here.
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If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality!
To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here.
https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/12/04/mind-over-mountains-with-alex-staniforth/
Friday Nov 27, 2020
Friday Nov 27, 2020
Will has cycled between all 282 Munros and climbed them, solo-circumnavigated the Scottish coastline by sea kayak, completed the Coldest Corbett Challenge, and regularly completes expeditions in Patagonia.
Will's first adventure, though, starts at 12 years old. After a fantastic outdoor upbringing in North West Scotland, during the peak of Ray Mears' influence, Will was 'cast-away' by his parents with a few friends overnight. From there, Will has gone on to complete expeditions in Patagonia, Scotland, Iceland, across Europe, and New Zealand.
Before We Start
Before we get into the episode, I want to mention the sponsor for this episode: Sidetracked Magazine. Sidetracked is dedicated to adventurous storytelling at it's very best. They use stunning imagery and personal stories from expeditions and journeys from around the globe, and you can tell!
If you are one of the few who haven't heard of them... what are you doing?!
Go and check out their website and see for yourself. Browse and purchase from the back catalogue, subscribe, and browse/sign up to their free Field Journal newsletter; providing you with some of the best adventure updates weekly!
Will Copestake
Will is an inspiring adventurer and expedition leader. It was a pleasure to have him on the show.
If you want to book your own canoe or kayak trip with him (like I currently am doing!) then you can follow the link here.
Alternatively, keep up with his experiences and photography with his website Will Copestake Media or his Instagram.
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If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality!
To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here
Friday Nov 20, 2020
Friday Nov 20, 2020
Tim Howell has one of the most adrenaline filled histories from all of our interviews. Tim has wildlife guided in Africa, and then went on to join the Royal Marines. It was here as a Commando, that he developed his mental and physical robustness. He became Mountain Leader and has gone on to achieve so much more. Using this love and passion for the mountains and climbing, Tim did his first BASE jump in France, 2013.
Having Tim on the podcast was such a pleasure. He has such a depth of experience, and you can follow along this journey by checking out his website here, or more actively on his Instagram or Facebook.
Also, apologies for the slight internet quality on this episode. Hopefully it goes unnoticed.
Read the full blog here: https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/11/20/tim-howell/
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If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality!
To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here.
Friday Nov 13, 2020
Friday Nov 13, 2020
The Scottish Highlands are just truly breath-taking. After my recent trip there, I left just knowing I had to do an episode on this... but with someone who knows the highlands a hell of a lot better than I!
That's where Atlas Mountaineering comes in. Connor, who runs the company, knows the highlands so well. We got together to chat about 5 Must Do adventures in the Highlands.
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Free Tickets to the National Snow Show. October 2021. Offer ends New Years Eve 2020: https://nationalsnowshow.seetickets.com/tour/the-national-snow-show?OfferCode=SNOWBetweenMount
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If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality!
To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here.
Friday Nov 06, 2020
Friday Nov 06, 2020
Do you ever feel like you've been to a place when in reality you haven't? Driven the streets, seen the people, relaxed on those beaches. Well, unless you played Test Drive (a free-roam video game based on the island) then Dustin's description and clear love for Hawaii will certainly be scratching your travel itch in no time!
Dustin from That Adventure Life joins us again for his second of three episodes on Hawaii. This time: O'ahu
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If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality!
To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here.
https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/11/06/5-must-do-adventures-on-oahu-hawaii/
Music by Ali Finneran: https://soundcloud.com/alifinneranmusic
Dustin, That Adventure Life: https://thatadventurelife.com/
Saturday Oct 31, 2020
Saturday Oct 31, 2020
Stacia, from Stumble Safari, was in Ecuador for a month, and in her own words "it was not nearly enough time". There is so much to do there, and she takes us through the highlights of her trip - from volunteering veterinary work in the jungle to bridge jumping in Baños, and everything in between.
What was paramount in our discussion before recording was just how much there is to do in Ecuador. Hear the episode to find out more.
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If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality! You can also get some free mugs or t-shirts!
To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here.
Read the full article here: https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/10/31/exploring-ecuador/
Check out Stumble Safari here: https://stumblesafari.com/category/ecuador/
Wednesday Oct 28, 2020
Wednesday Oct 28, 2020
Sleeping under the stars every night, paddling through multiple rapids a day and taking in the Grand Canyon through out. Doesn't sound bad does it?
Peter joins us talk about his 14 day adventure paddling through this National Park.
Recording at 7am my time, and coming from Hobart, Tasmania, Peter starts off talking about his background. Peter has been a paddler all of his life.
Learning at school doing slalom canoeing, Peter then competed internationally in his twenties, finishing his competitive career at 32, and competed at the Olympics in Barcelona.
Since then, he has done a lot of coaching and club based activities, moving to Tasmania for the rapids, away from the city.
This isn't something he just decided to do one day though.
You paddle the Grand Canyon between two dams over two nights, and go through 200 rapids across this time!
Listen on as Peter discusses his time staring at the most beautiful night skies and paddles through the Grand Canyon.
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If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality! Plus, get free stuff!
To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here.
https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/10/28/kayaking-in-the-grand-canyon/
Saturday Oct 24, 2020
Saturday Oct 24, 2020
If you started your career as a photographer, would you ever imagine you would find yourself in the Pakistani Karakoram, photographing glaciers, projects and mountain climbing? This episode brings together some of your main interests: mountains, glaciers, science, and expeditions.
Hear how Tim and the team lived in isolation on the glacier for 2.5 months, measuring the glacier's movement, and making a first climb attempt on Yukshin Gardan Sar (7530m).
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all other platforms; just search “Between The Mountains” or Ask Alexa!
Before We Start
Before we get into the episode, I want to mention the sponsor for this one: Sidetracked Magazine. Sidetracked is dedicated to adventurous storytelling at it's very best. They use stunning imagery and personal stories from expeditions and journeys from around the globe, and you can tell!
If you are one of the few who haven't heard of them... what are you doing?!
Go and check out their website and see for yourself. Browse and purchase from the back catalogue, subscribe, and browse/sign up to their free Field Journal newsletter; providing you with some of the best adventure updates weekly!
Getting To The Glacier
Tim Taylor comes back for a second episode to chat about the Karakoram Anomaly Project. Previously, we interviewed Tim on his background and career. But he's not just a photographer, which makes him perfect for projects like these. Alongside his fantastic photography, Tim is also a Royal Marine Reservist and mountain climber, who had not long returned from the Himalayas before getting on board with the Karakoram Anomaly Project.
Tim starts by describing the beautiful yet baron scenery you find in the Karakoram. The journey in was also a bit shaky, narrowly avoiding a flash flood on the way.
The Karakoram Anomaly
The project was a mission to investigate a little known but deadly hazard unique to regions with big glaciers. Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOFs), or 'inland tsunamis' as they are known, was the potential threat and occurs when an ice dam containing a glacial lake breaches. The subsequent surge of water rushes downstream, destroying anything in its path. It is thought that over 80,000 people in the Karakoram are at risk from glacial lake outburst floods.
The Anomaly actually comes from what the glacier itself appeared to be doing. Satellite data looked like they could be growing in length, but unsure whether it was stretching or gaining volume. This was what caused the concern; if it was stretching, then the ice dam cold already be building glacial lake water behind it!
We talk about the floods that had occurred already from this glacier, referencing an article his friend did with UK Climbing. The glacier has the potential to do a lot of damage, which made the work the team did here even more paramount.
But this type of weather seems to be the norm here. Just 4 hours after a huge landslide, Tim remarked how they had already opened the road again. Good to go! The journey and roadtrip to the Yukshin Glacier itself was enough of an expedition; at that point it would have made for an epic story back home.
Hear more about this fascinating and captivating project in the podcast below! To top it off, hear how the team got stuck in a storm while attempting a first climb on Yukshin Garden Sar
We have covered the Pakistani Karakoram before on the show, but this episode was such a pleasure to record and learn and dream.
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If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality!
To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here
https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/10/24/karakoram-anomaly/
Wednesday Oct 21, 2020
Wednesday Oct 21, 2020
The Canadian Rockies are one of the gems of the world. Covered in beautiful mountains, alpine lakes, glaciers, and forests this region of the world attracts most of the outdoor community.
Having covered The Dolomites beforehand, Marta from In A Faraway Land joins us to talk through some must-do adventures in the Canadian Rockies.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all other platforms; just search “Between The Mountains” or Ask Alexa! (“Alexa, play Between The Mountains Travel Podcast!”).
You Can Check-Out Any Time You Like, But You Can Never Leave
Marta lived in the Canadian Rockies for 15 months on a working holiday visa. With the plan to drive the whole country East to West, Marta found herself instead spending the entire 15 months in the Canadian Rockies and British Columbia.
There is so much to see and do, it's hard not to be willingly trapped there! Read on and listen to the podcast to hear the places you should go to in addition to Banff and Jasper National Parks.
An Epic Roadtrip
Marta kicks off the podcast and must-do adventures for the Canadian Rockies with an epic roadtrip. You can tailor it to meet you requirements, but if you check out the link you can see for yourself just how incredible it is. Or, check out her other roadtrip itinerary if you're coming in from the West.
Marta's experience and knowledge shines straight away. Talking through the roadtrip, she details the fantastic locations and lakes to stop off at for some well-earned breaks along the way. Listen out for how to see the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies too!
Don't Waste Your Time In Calgary
Okay, before you jump on us, hear us out. This has nothing to do with Calgary, and everything to do with the Canadian Rockies. There is so much to do and beauty to see that Marta encourages you to get out of this beautiful and scenic city, and reach the mountains yourself.
Kananaskis is the first place she recommends to reach, and oh-man is it full of adventure and beauty! Listen on to find out more or click here!
The Views To Effort Ratio
Going in to the first recommended day hike, Marta discusses Smutwood Peak (2693m/8835ft) and how fantastic it is. You can click on her article or use many apps to get there; it's going to be hard to find it on traditional maps. Dodging the grizzly bears and steep drops, Marta says that seeing sunrise from this spot was one of her favourite moments in the Canadian Rockies!
Ha Ling Peak is up next. Standing at 2407m/7897ft, this is a great peak for newer walkers who want stunning scenery and views. Closed for two seasons to be made safer, it is now a well established route. But, leave early! The trail has naturally become popular following the improvements.
Pocaterra Ridge and Tent Ridge are some of her favourites, too. It was here that Marta claimed that anything to do with ridges tends to have the best views-to-effort ratio. A fantastic way to put it, especially for all of you photographers out there. A funny thing to consider but a brilliant tool for holidays or more enjoyable days out.
One interesting thing, amongst many, is that Marta went in June. Being new, she describes the action as stubborn - willing the summer to be there. She could not have been more wrong. It appears summer only comes for one month in the Canadian Rockies, and June is not then. If you are going at a similar time, bring gaiters, ice axe, crampons. Pocaterra is beautiful for the high altitude, views of remote areas and hiking between three peaks.
But, that being said, the Canadian Rockies do require effort!
Multi-Day Hikes
Following this, we talk about backpacking and multi-day hikes in the Canadian Rockies. Detailing some of her favourites, Marta goes in to great depth, detailing the ins-and-outs. For more information, listen on and check out her own travel writing on it here.
In A Faraway Land
Marta runs the incredibly successful travel blog In A Faraway Land. Specifically, her Canadian Rockies section is full of roadtrips, hikes, backpacking, and photography guides.
It doesn't stop there though. Marta covers a wide range of locations, all of which you are sure to love, with more being added along the way! Check out her website here, or her Instagram here.
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If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality! You can also get some free mugs or t-shirts!
To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here.
https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/10/20/5-must-do-adventures-in-the-canadian-rockies/
Saturday Oct 17, 2020
Saturday Oct 17, 2020
Cory and Lianne spent some incredible time on a full 30 day visa in Sri Lanka. They explored the island and had some fantastic experiences on the island. Such a pleasure to have them on!
In the middle of a long trip, with Nepal and India being a main focus, they decided to take a slower paced trip to Sri Lanka.
Chatting Through The Highlights
A month long spent anywhere is so much for one podcast. So, as hard as it is, they identify some of the key highlights and chat through.
Arriving into Columbo, they comment how the city doesn't feel so overwhelming, with some modern vibes. But, it's not long before they head straight over to their first National Park.
There is an abundance of wildlife on this island from elephants to leopards, and they even have an encounter with an elephant which you'll want to listen out for!
"22 National Parks on this tiny little island, and they're all just so incredible!"
Forever Break
Cory and Lianne were such a pleasure to have on the show. Chatting about hiking, wildlife, National Parks and more was a brilliant way to spend some time before they shot off on a kayaking trip!
Make sure you check out their podcast too!
I want to listen, now!
There were a couple of signal bits then snuck in, thanks lockdown! I hope you can forgive me for not getting those chopped out!
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all other platforms; just search “Between The Mountains” or Ask Alexa! (“Alexa, play Between The Mountains Travel Podcast!”).
If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality! You can also get some free mugs or t-shirts!
To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here.
https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/10/17/exploring-sri-lanka/
Wednesday Oct 14, 2020
Wednesday Oct 14, 2020
Interviewing people is one of my greatest pleasure. One thing about it, is that no matter how much I do or don't research, each individual can answer so uniquely. Something that kept recurring in this interview with Caroline George was the topic of 'adaptability' and how use a tool it is for getting through expeditions, climbing mountains, and life.
Competing in the Ice Climbing World Cup and also a member of the International Federation Of Mountain Guides Association, Caroline has climbed some of the toughest routes across the world. Places from Norway, to Iceland, to the Canadian Rockies, to Alberta, to the Alps and to Antarctica and so much more. Coming from a small ski village in the Swiss Alps and now an established climber, guide, and athlete, Caroline's experience comes in vast amounts from ski mountaineering to rock and ice climbing.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all other platforms; just search “Between The Mountains” or Ask Alexa! ("Alexa, play Between The Mountains Travel Podcast!")
Adaptability
We start off the podcast and immediately begin to talk about adaptation. Caroline's Mother recently passed away and it's on the forefront of her world lens, naturally. Alongside this, Caroline has also had a long career before becoming a parent, and now afterwards too. With this challenge alone - something many of us will face - are the changes that come with being a parent.
It doesn't end. You just adapt.
Caroline is one of many parents who takes it upon herself to show her child how to live, and not just tell them. It's so vital to provide them with memories and experiences that they feel and will last forever. Something I'm sure so many of us can agree on; I personally remember many more experiences than I do specific toys I liked.
Adapting is such a key to success in life. The opportunity to do so will hit all of us so many times in life. You can either take the opportunity and grow with it, or stay still and expire.
An Expedition Leader
Caroline also talks about leading people of all ages. From her new project taking kids rock climbing to leading adults up mountains. We talk about the different stages of team development and draw analogies to children brushing their teeth. I promise it makes sense in the episode!
What really struck me was her method of dealing with challenging leadership situations. Avoiding an 'Ask, Tell, Yell' approach, Caroline asks meaningful questions to her group so that they can find the correct answer themselves, rather than be told.
Caroline doesn't just have a wealth of knowledge, but she has also overcome so much. In her early days, there were many who tried to put labels on her and tell her that she couldn't be a mountain guide because she was a woman.
So, in the best way possible, Caroline ignored them and has let her results show - and, boy, do they show! Having climbed, competed, and led across the world, she is one of few people who can compare from first hand experience climbing in Ethiopia to Antarctica! Listen on to find out her answer!
Unconditional Acceptance
Towards the end of our time talking, Caroline talks about 'Unconditional Acceptance'. In her words, it is the ultimate adaptability to any situation you may not want. It's about making the best and learning from it. If you can accept challenges and changes unconditionally, you will reduce your suffering of an experience.
It's relatable to our travel and expeditions. We all go on adventures to have an experience and be pushed beyond the comfort zone. It's beyond that zone that we develop, and if you can accept unconditionally and not always want different you can grow and enjoy and build for next time.
Your Dose Of Positivity
What this episode with Caroline provided, for me at least, was tales of adventure mixed with positive and driven language. A conversation where you can jump climbing mountains, to favourite regions, to overcoming challenges, to getting the most out of life is always a fantastic one.
You can learn more about what Caroline does here and for more frequent update, you can follow her Instagram here. In addition, scroll down to listen to the podcast, and watch her featured video with Eddie Bauer.
Beautifully shot video from Eddie Bauer
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If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality!
To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here.
Between The Mountains – Adventure Travel Podcast
Saturday Oct 10, 2020
Saturday Oct 10, 2020
Ryan's travel knowledge and experience far exceeds my own. Running the Travel With Cooky blog, he returns to the show to talk about his time and itinerary in Vietnam.
We discuss Hanoi, Halong Bay, the Hai Van Pass, Ho Chi Minh City and more! Don't forget to click the links to read more directly on Travel With Cooky.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all other platforms; just search “Between The Mountains” or Ask Alexa!
From North To South
Ryan kicks off talking about his reasons to go there. Alongside scenery and culture, he also recalls watching the Top Gear episode where they drive in Vietnam.
What is fantastic about Ryan is the knowledge he brings. Delivered alongside his character, Ryan details how best to fly to Vietnam (I'll give you a clue, don't fly there... see what I mean here!).
Before you know it, Ryan is chatting through his itinerary. You'll have no problem visualising yourself walking down their very busy roads. Specifically, you will be ready to turn into and become a moped yourself just to simply cross a road!
Ryan's itinerary from North to South sounds like a dream, and I know a couple of people who have done it this way. Starting in the colder regions by the mountains, with the option for the Ha Giang Loop, and heading down, following the gorgeous coastline to Ho Chi Minh City.
Ryan describes the culture shocks, the landscape and officially declares Vietnam as having the best food - and it's cheap for Western currency too!
Travel With Cooky - More Than Anecdotes
Ryan runs the Travel With Cooky blog. It is full of fantastic stories of his travels.
But what Ryan offers that I rarely see elsewhere is the extra mile to help you, the reader. He details his research, how he gets places, how to save money, the best places to go...
If that wasn't enough, he also features discounts for you through his affiliates and guest bloggers to add a different style and corner of the planet to his site, like the article I wrote.
Have a scroll of his articles on Vietnam while listening if you like, like his Hanoi one and Halong Bay one.
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If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality!
To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here
Between The Mountains – Adventure Travel Podcast
https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/10/10/backing-across-vietnam/
Wednesday Oct 07, 2020
Wednesday Oct 07, 2020
Have you ever heard of a work-cation? Well, Francois and his partner have. Working remotely, they spent 3 weeks in Costa Rica doing a huge range of activities. White water rafting, zip-line, wildlife, a range of National Parks, kayaking, surfing, hiking... hear about it all here!
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all other platforms; just search “Between The Mountains” or Ask Alexa!
---- This was recorded much earlier in the year, so do forgive any imperfections. ----
The Landscape and Wildlife
Francois starts off talking about the immense landscape and wildlife. With run ins with a snake, you can expect the usual information from a travel blogger. Full of fantastic information and tips, you can read more here too.
Talking us through the itinerary, Francois quickly moves to white water rafting and hiking a volcano obscured by cloud.
Visiting Monteverde National Park seems to be a huge highlight. Brilliant for photography this stunning landscape has low clouds, forests and wildlife. If that wasn't enough, there is a huge zip line here for you to top off the trip.
Full of Adventure
This place and episode hugely blew my expectations away. I expected to hear about surfing, hiking, and photography.
Instead, Francois blew me away with descriptive language, information and an action packed 3 weeks away.
This islands seems to provide for all. The budget traveller or luxury traveller. Adventure of relaxation.
Listen to the podcast below, check our Francois' travel blog, or watch his video:
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If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality!
To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here
Between The Mountains – Adventure Travel Podcast
https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/10/07/exploring-costa-rica/
Saturday Oct 03, 2020
Saturday Oct 03, 2020
Have you ever had a crazy vision that just seemed perhaps too funny to actually do, or you never get round to doing it?
Covering the house in Christmas lights? Hiking a mountain in a onesie? How about trekking a Christmas tree 13km into the Norwegian mountains for a photo that you have envisioned.
Well, Falke did just that.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all other platforms; just search “Between The Mountains” or Ask Alexa!
A Yearly Tradition
Falke's tradition starts with a popular hike: Kjeragbolten. He managed to trek his way there through the snow and ice for his first Christmas Tree photoshoot. His want for adventure and doing something new and not seen before comes from within his passion for photography.
Falke had even planned to do the mighty Preikestolen, but someone managed to get there before him in 2018. Since then, he has always been one step ahead - and last year he managed to get the Christmas Tree to Trolltunga! This year? Well, you'll have to follow him on Facebook or Instagram to find out!
Heading Into The Storm
Falke details the kit you need to bring for this. Trolltunga is a fantastic hike. You can read more about this for a normal setting here. I wrote an article for Travel With Cooky all about Taking On Trolltunga (includes the YouTube video!).
For this, however, things were a little different. During the hiking season and autumn you can do this in a day. For Falke, this was a multi-day expedition; 2 days out, and then waiting to set the tree up (scroll down to see video of high winds!).
Trolltunga is on the edge of the Hardangervidda. In an incredible way, it essentially creates its own wind. Trolltunga sits down hill from the plateau, which means it can build to some huge intensity. Watching the footage make me realise just how lucky I was with my conditions for the hike.
In true expedition format, Falke conducted some great research: check weather forecasts, chatting to local mountain rescue who know the terrain. He needed the snow to pull the tree on the sled. It's a different expedition altogether if he had to carry all of his kit on his back.
Heading out to Odda and up to Skjeggedal the snow looked great... but the weather was taking a turn for the worse (remember that video I said to scroll to?).
After getting a snowmobile ride to the top of the first hairpins, Falke and his friend got ready, and set out to Trolltunga.
Click next picture for some epic storm winds!
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Wednesday Sep 30, 2020
Wednesday Sep 30, 2020
The Roof Of The Western Hemisphere
Aconcagua reaches 6,962m into the sky. Aconcagua is the tallest mountain in the Western hemisphere, and on the bucket list for many. For Alex, it was on his too. While in Argentina, he took the opportunity to head out and climb this peak. The episode includes brilliant information on permits, location, gear, and also on some smaller hikes before climbing the big one itself.
Fantastic Foundations
Alex bases himself in Wales where he has started his climbing career. Before that, he has been working 8 years in the outdoor industry. His experience includes being dropped off for an expedition in Svalbard - and it was this that encouraged him to organise things himself.
Alex then organised his time to spend 6 months backpacking in Chile and Argentina, with the focus of reaching the highest point in the western hemisphere.
Reaching The Roof
Hear in this episode how Alex details getting the permit and got to the mountain. There are two routes to head to the summit: The Normal Route and The Vacas (Valley) Route.
In this episode we discuss the Normal Route; it's better to have more people around when doing it solo... and the permit is cheaper!
Having done smaller hikes in the region, Alex was already starting to feel acclimatised. Listen to the podcast to hear where, and find out why this came in incredibly useful!
Alex spent a week hiking in the area before heading to Aconcagua, reaching 5954m as a highest point. With Aconcagua literally in sight, temptation was enough, and Alex headed the base camp.
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Between The Mountains – Adventure Travel Podcast
https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/09/30/climbing-aconcagua-solo/
Saturday Sep 26, 2020
Saturday Sep 26, 2020
Olympic National Park is a gem of the Pacific Northwest Region. Scattered with mountains, forests and wildlife, hear Melissa's anecdotes and information on Olympic National Park.
The Tip Of The US
Olympic National Park takes you to the most North Western tip of the lower 48 states - even giving you some Canadian signal at one point!
Flying into Seattle, you're going to need a car. It's quite the roadtrip (make sure you have the essentials with you!) to get to the first spot in this million-acre Park!
As we move through the podcast, or if you want more detail, please check out Melissa's own blog on the park with her '10 Best Things To Do' in Olympic National Park.
Hurricane Ridge is the first sport on her itinerary. This is a beautiful spot to take in the expansive mountains, maybe even a chance of seeing some inverse clouds! Well worth the slight diversion.
Lake Crescent is the next stop over with beautiful views and moody weather. Afterwards, you can stop off at two great hikes. Hear in the podcast for more details, one of them is a real thigh burner! Or, remember to check out Melissa's article for written details (it includes Google Maps!).
The PNW National Parks
Inviting Melissa on to talk about Olympic National Park was a real pleasure. That whole region of the US is filled with such enticing views, scenery and wildlife.
If you haven't already, be sure to check out Melissa's session on A Weekend In Mount Rainier National Park, her written words on it, or blog, or Instagram (where she is most active).
It was such a pleasure to sit back and hear Melissa's anecdotes and recommended itinerary. Especially recording at the start of the pandemic, it was great to be virtually whisked away to this gorgeous and stunning setting.
Melissa is also a fantastic person doing a lot for the outdoors community, climate, and social justice. Her interview with us is here and I recommend you check it out!
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Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here
Between The Mountains – Adventure Travel Podcast
https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/09/26/exploring-olympic-national-park/
Wednesday Sep 23, 2020
Wednesday Sep 23, 2020
The Unanswered Question
How do you balance your passions with your profession... which may also be a passion of yours? Seeing Niki's updates and life as a medical student mixed with rock climbing caught my attention. Realising that there was more to this situation than the sport itself, we decided to do take a dive in to Niki's background.
The Importance Of Getting Outdoors
Rock climbing for Niki is her form of active meditation. You are focussed on your next move, everything else disappears.
Chatting through different types, Niki explains how she partakes in bouldering and sport climbing. This takes you from small walls doing complex manoeuvres with nothing but a crash mat underneath you, to technical rope work up steep cliff edges.
"When you're on the wall, everything in your mind disappears and nothing else really matters except your next move."
Even if your sport isn't your form of meditation, de-stressing should still be a priority of all of ours.
For Niki, she is a medical student working through a pandemic. We chat about trying to get out and decompress in the outdoors, especially in a time where we have to respect social distancing at time of recording.
The outdoors can find you some peace and rid your anxiety. Even if - as Niki states - staying indoors is seeing our muscle replaced with banana bread, you can still make time to do what you can and stay local. Whether you're in a pandemic or not, this is always a fantastic option if you can't reach your ideal place.
Bouldering At Pirates Cove
"It's Like Walking On A Tight Rope"
Very quickly, we start the direct question of balance. Everyone faces this issue to different degrees, and I've avoided for the most part the topic; you can never truly balance everything. Graham Zimmerman (a previous mountain climbing guest on our show) shows great understanding of this. So, with a guest who has two extremely time consuming elements in her life, I popped the question.
"They both take a lot of time and commitment, and they are both huge parts of my identity. I'm not ready to give up either one of them."
There's something I saw when in university. It was a triangle that showed three choices: social life, sleep, and studying. You had to pick two.
That theme seems to run throughout. Niki faces these same issues; her studies come first, and the other third of her time are for luxuries.
You know, little things like eating, sleeping and rock climbing.
For people like Niki, it is fantastic that a hobby and sport involves others so much - at least that ticks a socialising box!
Adapt Or Die
It's something you hear from motivational speakers: adapt or die. Getting out in to nature and the outdoors is the most satisfying from of rock climbing. In Niki's case, she may not be able to get outdoors, but the gym is a quick solution that involves very little set up and travel time in comparison.
We can all learn something from this. Don't give up too easily on a passion, there is always a way to keep something flowing. The bad times are rarely permanent; a phase that will pass.
For another half an hour we carry on talking. Hear about different ideal places to climb, her travel history, medical missions, mental health, discipline cross overs, and music!
You can follow Niki's journeys and updates here
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Saturday Sep 19, 2020
Saturday Sep 19, 2020
An Inspirational And Eclectic Background
Lotta is a truly inspirational woman who you certainly can’t place into one category - and for good reason. Lotta has a masters degree in economics and volunteers. Having recently completed a 24 hour endurance challenge and returned from Lofoten, Lotta sat down for an interview with us to talk about mountains and more.
In 2013 she was crowned Miss Finland and while continuing with modelling and entertainment work is now a mountaineer having scaled mountains such as G2, Mont Blanc, Gran Paradiso, Broad Peak, West Spanish Peak, Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua... and despite all of these and more her Mum still calls it hiking!
Kicking the interview off, we talk about training in the high mountains of Colorado to the lower altitudes of Finland. Lotta sticks to a hard regime of training and stays disciplined to keep that up, while keeping her other business in entertainment functioning.
Growing up in Ethiopia surrounded by the mountains there, she recalls how the culture and landscape impacted her. When flying past Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) as a kid she remembers just thinking to herself "I'm going to climb that one day". You either that want to climb in your, or you don't, and I agree.
The Feeling Of The Mountains
You can train as much as you like, but when you actually reach where you've been planning to go - in this case the high mountains and the Karakoram - the feeling is incredible.
The Karakoram holds a special place in Lotta's heart, and is sorely missed as we go through the pandemic lockdown that is the year 2020. Starting from camp early each day and carrying half your weight on your back, putting one foot in front of the other.
It's rewarding and her decision to be completely natural on the mountains (carry her own kit, doesn't use supplemental oxygen) has not only been trained in to her by Don Bowie, but is supported by her body's clear natural ability to deal with altitude well. It's like she has hit the ground running.
A Passion for Climbing
Lotta's drive and motivation is paramount in everything she does, which you can follow along with her Instagram. Throughout her entertainment and modelling career, Lotta has kept up her passions and now she is focussing on them even more.
Although currently back in Finland, training with Don Bowie in Colorado has only strengthened this. It's one thing to enjoy getting out of your comfort zone, but when your trainer says you're not in discomfort if you enjoy it, you know you're in it to get the results.
It is not just a passion for the mountains you need though; you need the mindset too. We explore that in some depth as we discuss what it takes to understand that not coming home at all is the only true failure, getting to the summit isn't everything, and more.
I've often thought that the mountains - and travel in general - helps one to become more appreciative. Those huge chunks of rock being pushed over millions of years by tectonic plates, growing further into the sky can provide you with some perspective. Your problems, more often than not, really aren't worth worrying about. Lotta seems have this appreciation too as she discusses some of the Ethiopian people. She calls those trying to provide for their families as warriors, and contrasts this to typical Western culture where so many are upset when they don't have the newest 'thing'.
You go back to basics in the mountains.
Hearing from Ethiopia to Lapland, Colorado to the Karakoram, it was a pleasure to have Lotta on the show. Hear more about her history and explore her career and passions further with the podcast.
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Wednesday Sep 16, 2020
Wednesday Sep 16, 2020
The Dolomites
A lot of people’s first view of the Dolomites might be that classic over the shoulder shot, over and along rising grass plain to a 3 peak mountain stood in front. Marta’s was too, and from there she dedicated time to explore the region.
In this episode we welcome Marta from In A Far Away Land. Marta is someone who has had a fantastic amount of experience in the Dolomites, and a perfect suggestion for the podcast from previous guest Kate Fletcher (from Bags Always Packed).
Kicking the episode off, Marta goes over some tips and general advice, including to book the mountain huts in advance. Later on, she also advises to take a map with you and advises of the best time to visit – and the busiest!
Hiking The Dolomites
First off, we discuss two hikes in the region; a day hike and a multi-day hike. But, Marta quickly explains how there are so many that are so beautiful; what are her favourite ones today, could be replaced by others the next day as she recalls stunning memories.
We go over in detail what to expect, where to stay and what we’ll be seeing.
Cable To The Top
The Via Ferratas are what grab my attention though. With different skill levels, and approximately 700 in the region, narrowing these down to favourites are hard.
Marta has done at time of writing about 60 of them, and is happy to share three: a beginner, intermediate and advanced route.
What comes next, as you would expect from a travel blogger, is fantastic information on the different ways to reach the start points, what to expect, the kit you’ll need… the information goes on.
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https://betweenthemountains.org/
https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/09/16/5-must-do-the-dolomites/
Saturday Sep 12, 2020
Saturday Sep 12, 2020
Beautiful Budapest
Budapest has been a on my list for a long time now. It seems to be a haven for travellers young and old. Interrailing through Europe, cruising the River Danube or even just there for a stag do.
Budapest has so much to offer though, so last year I booked my trip with my friend to go. A year later, this may well need to be delayed.
A 5-Day Itinerary
Which makes it all the sweeter that Ryan from Travel With Cooky came on the show to talk about his time spent there and photography. Ryan talks about all Budapest has to offer; cathedrals, ruin bars, and New Years Eve, and more over his 5 day itinerary.
As a travel blogger, Ryan leaks helpful and fantastic detail out of him throughout the episode. He discusses some tips along the way, how to get to Budapest, and good places to stay.
Travel With Cooky
Ryan's blog is incredibly helpful. It provides some of the best travel info, product reviews and discount hacks going. If you don't like that, then he also does quizzes! Check it out here: https://travelwithcooky.com/
Ryan also solo-travels mostly, so be sure to subscribe to his mailing list if you do too to get your top-tips and articles sent straight to your inbox.
The Podcast
If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here, starting from only £4 (that’s only a cup of coffee each month!). This really helps support the background costs and quality of episodes!
To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here
https://betweenthemountains.org/
https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/09/12/backpacking-in-budapest/
Wednesday Sep 09, 2020
Wednesday Sep 09, 2020
Placing learning from others and producing work as a priority on expeditions, Tim’s foundations began in 2007 when joining the Royal Marines Reserves. Since then his expedition and photography career has taken him to beautiful and exciting places from bordering Taliban territory in Pakistan to entering the Patagonia Adventure Race. He has won multiple awards and is a member of the Royal Geographical Society and more, so it is a huge pleasure to have Tim on.
Where Do We Begin?
Taking a step to move out of your life’s “groove”, and away from negativity and patterns that you don’t like takes a lot of strength, and Tim has done just that. Moving away from the company car life, Tim re-focused his efforts into his passions and it has paid off tenfold.
“I think [training with the Royal Marines] allows you to suffer – and enjoy it!”
Opening with a question of mindset from his military training, we talk about his experience in depth. From the Himalayas, the Karakoram, climbing Denali, photography in the mountains, mindset, military training and more.
I really hope you enjoy it, and please check out more of Tim’s content too:
https://www.instagram.com/timtaylor_photography/
https://www.lisanorrisgallery.com/artists/49-tim-taylor/works/
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If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here, starting from only £4 (that’s only a cup of coffee each month!). This really helps support the background costs and quality of episodes!
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Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here
Saturday Sep 05, 2020
Saturday Sep 05, 2020
It's a big pleasure to welcome Two Alps Girls to the show today.
We talk about hiking and exploring lakes in the Italian Alps.
Please check out their website here: https://twoalpsgirls.com/
www.betweenthemountains.org
If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
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Please also check out our new Facebook where you can post your own photos and videos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/btmtravelpod
https://betweenthemountains.org/
https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/09/05/exploring-lakes-in-the-italian-alps/
Wednesday Sep 02, 2020
Wednesday Sep 02, 2020
We welcome Jonathan to the show today from Mindful Communications.
It was fantastic to chat with him about his Van Life journey and hear his story.
I really recommend you go and check out his work here:
https://www.mindfulcommunication.me/what-is-coaching
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Also, why not join the new community group on Facebook to share your own photos and video?
https://www.facebook.com/groups/btmtravelpod
Join in with the community: @BTMTravelPod everywhere
Email in to come on the show: btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Saturday Aug 29, 2020
Saturday Aug 29, 2020
In this exciting episode recorded in May 2020, we sit down with Jon Gupta. Jon facilitated Steve Plain's 7 Summits World Record, completing 6 of the summits alongside Steve.
In this episode, we go over some untold stories, behind the scenes information, and, of course, some epic tales.
If you missed Jon's interview, be sure to check it out. He is a man with some much experience and knowledge!
https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/06/24/ep-21-an-interview-with-jon-gupta/
https://mountain-expeditions.co.uk/
If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
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Wednesday Aug 26, 2020
Wednesday Aug 26, 2020
In this episode, we welcome Kenan from http://www.highlander.ba/tours to discuss his wonderful home of Bosnia.
Kenan perfectly blends culture with adventure in this captivating and inspiring episode.
We said we'd talk about 5 recommended adventures to have in Bosnia, and Kenan bests that and adds a bonus one at the end.
Be sure to check out his website, and I really hope you enjoy this fun session with Kenan.
If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
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Saturday Aug 22, 2020
Saturday Aug 22, 2020
Recorded back in May, it is a pleasure to welcome Liana of @SeekingTheNow back to the show to chat through her road trip itinerary exploring South West US in a brief, spontaneous moment.
Be sure to check out her website here:
https://www.seekingthenow.com/
And her episode on climbing Mount Baker here:
https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/06/24/ep-23-climbing-mount-baker-with-seekingthenow/
If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here, starting from only £4 (that's only a cup of coffee each month!).
To come on the show or work with me, please email on btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @BTMTravelPod
Wednesday Aug 19, 2020
Wednesday Aug 19, 2020
Grab your snacks and strap in for an epic adventure in Patagonia. In this episode, TJ goes over his epic and adventurous time ski mountaineering across Patagonia.
Living out of a van, dodgy interactions with mafia-types, epic slopes, perfect conditions, and not-so-perfect conditions are all to hear in this captivating episode with TJ.
It's such a pleasure to welcome TJ David back to the show to chat about his time ski-mountaineering in the region. If you haven't heard our interview with him from May, be sure to check it out
An Eye-Opening Expedition
Talking about his first of multiple trips to Patagonia, he describes the region as beautiful yet challenging (so basically, ideal, right?!). Patagonia definitely threw some hurdles at TJ while he was pursing his backcountry ski mountaineering there. But, as with all fantastic places, it gave back too.
Utilising the Van Life livelihood, TJ and his friend explored the region over three weeks. If you want to follow along with TJ as he talks about his time there, then check out his own articles here: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.
Escaping The Summer
"Escaping The Summer" is a line that you will probably only ever hardcore skiers say. But, escape the summer is what TJ did. As the season closed off in the Northern Hemisphere, TJ got on a plane and headed to the other end of the world to Ski.
It helps too when you have good company. TJ was accompanied in this less-than-ideal van by his friend, who describes as being incredibly laid back, with the skill level of a professional skier. Perfect!
With the foundations set, it was time to embark on their Van Life Expedition.
Arriving at their first location, TJ describes the scenery as breath-taking! With some high and some lows, the story unfolds on the general description of utterly beautiful. Starting the journey with a fake travel-agents, and ending it ski the most perfect day and conditions, TJ will captivate and fascinate you with this expedition.
Listen on in the podcast as TJ describes and talks through his epic and beautiful time ski mountaineering in Patagonia!
TJ David – More Than Just Ski Mountaineering
TJ asks his clients a lot about their “WHY”‘s. In the interview, I turned the question on to him.
There’s is so much to this personal level of reasoning and spirit. But what TJ touches upon – which I think it silently very inspirational – is his love for the daily process of improving a little bit, every single day. Making those small steps that over time produce the big picture goal. Having that long-term goal.
What is your long-term goal?
TJ is an incredible individual, with so much to give. You can check out his coaching here, his Instagram here, and more information on himself here
I want to listen, now!
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all other platforms; just search “Between The Mountains” or Ask Alexa! YouTube video coming soon.
If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality! Plus, get free stuff!
To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here.
https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/09/02/ski-mountaineering-across-patagonia/
Saturday Aug 15, 2020
Saturday Aug 15, 2020
In this interview, Mark talks about his travel history and experience and gives top travel tips for the locations that you voted for in the community.
For those who don't know, Mark is a marketing professor but more importantly, a travel genius. His main platform is YouTube where he provides honest, realistic, and engaging reviews and tips of different locations from do's and don't's to culture shocks.
He beats the travel guide books and gives real on the ground first-hand tips to exploring cities. They are a go-to if you have booked, want to book, or just like a destination - because he has most likely covered it!
https://www.youtube.com/woltersworld
www.betweenthemountains.org
If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here, starting from only £4 (that's only a cup of coffee each month!).
To come on the show or work with me, please email on btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @BTMTravelPod
Wednesday Aug 12, 2020
Wednesday Aug 12, 2020
Mount Rainier National Park - and the mountain itself for that matter - cover the internet with its wonderful scenery and that huge Mount Rainier dominating every shot.
Melissa - otherwise known as Miss Rover - comes on the show to tell us about her time and a recommended itinerary at Mount Rainier National Park.
If you haven't already heard her interview from the end of June, I recommend you check that out. Melissa is a brilliantly experienced individual in travel, and I really hope you enjoy the episode that includes some of the best viewpoints in the park!
Mount Rainier National Park
Melissa has gone multiple times in multiple seasons, and you can hear why. It's popular for a reason, and not just Mount Rainier. There are plenty of different mountains in the area.
Melissa has her own blog on the location too, which you can read along with the podcast or just read on its own; its bloody good!
Listening to Melissa talk about the views, hikes and routes and just her passion for the area is inspiring. The part I enjoyed most is where Melissa talks about doing an overnight hike on part of a massive 96 mile trail, taking you to a height of 25,000 feet.
Miss Rover
Melissa is a brilliant individual, who does so much for the outdoor community, climate, and more recently social justice alongside the Black Lives Matter movement.
You can check out her blog here, her Instagram here, and her new YouTube channel here!
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If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality!
To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here
Saturday Aug 08, 2020
Saturday Aug 08, 2020
As a 50th episode special, I invite Dustin from That Adventure Life back on to the show to chat about one of his favourite places: Hawaii
Dustin recommends 5 adventures to have on the island, with two episodes on two further islands to come!
This was such a fun episode to record, and I hope you enjoy it too!
thatadventurelife.com
www.betweenthemountains.org
If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here, starting from only £4 (that's only a cup of coffee each month!).
To come on the show or work with me, please email on btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @BTMTravelPod
Wednesday Aug 05, 2020
Wednesday Aug 05, 2020
Lucy Shepherd comes back for her final of three parts to the show. We talk about exploring the High Sierras, dodging avalanches, rationing food, and literally getting lost in the mountains.
I really hope you enjoy it, I certainly did as I listened to this epic journey!
www.betweenthemountains.org
If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here, starting from only £4 (that's only a cup of coffee each month!).
To come on the show or work with me, please email on btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @BTMTravelPod
Saturday Aug 01, 2020
Saturday Aug 01, 2020
Today we invite Two Roaming Souls on to the show to talk about their Van Life, modifications, and travels.
Website: tworoamingsouls.com
Instagram: instagram.com/tworoamingsouls
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0MiZd3gq_hOj7bdT_4V3Qw
Facebook: facebook.com/tworoamingsouls
Twitter: twitter.com/tworoamingsouls
www.betweenthemountains.org
If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here, starting from only £4 (that's only a cup of coffee each month!).
To come on the show or work with me, please email on btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @BTMTravelPod
Wednesday Jul 29, 2020
Wednesday Jul 29, 2020
To round off and finish July, we welcome back Ly to the podcast. We talk about her time scuba diving in Egypt, which just sounds beautiful.
If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here, starting from only £4 (that's only a cup of coffee each month!).
To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @BTMTravelPod
Saturday Jul 25, 2020
Saturday Jul 25, 2020
Graham's dream to climb in the Pakistani Karakoram starts as a kid. After reading about it and seeing the incredible photos, it captured his attention immediately. But, perhaps like a lot of people's dreams sadly, he thought it may never be achievable to climb there.
Fast forward to 2020, Graham joins the podcast to talk about his career and climbing experience in the Karakoram. Through hard-work and drive, he has now taken part in multiple expeditions there, experiencing the fantastic community and brilliant mountains first hand.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all other platforms; just search “Between The Mountains” or Ask Alexa!
One Of The Most Special Places On The Planet
The Karakoram is a mountain range crossing India, China, Pakistan, and even as far as Afghanistan and Tajikistan. Some of the highest mountains in the world reside there, including K2 and other 8000m peaks.
What makes this place special for a climber, as Graham describes, is that most of the rock there is Granite or Granitoid; one of the best rocks for climbing on. Think about El Capitan, or the Mont Blanc Massif.
What comes with this strong and robust rock are some very steep and tall mountains. This is where Graham comes in!
It's been at the forefront of his mind as a kid. Casting his thoughts back to High School, it was a National Geographic article and photos of some of the bigger peaks that sparked the fire for the Karakoram. But, Graham took a humbling and modest approach and just remained in total awe of the mountain ranges. He didn't consider whether he should or shouldn't climb these mountains, but he instead grew a complete appreciate for the range and detail.
Reaching The Karakoram
Before Graham reached the Karakoram, there were a few hurdles. When he first initially was able to go, he first wasn't able to attain a permit in 2012, which was then followed unfortunately by Nanga Parbat massacre in 2013.
So, when they opportunity arose again, there was much convincing to be done. Not only Graham's wife and Mum, but also Graham himself. Graham is widely renowned for his safe and expert climbing across the world. That extends to, quite obviously, potential terrorist attacks.
There's also a lot of preparation both logistically and physically to be done. I cast the question further back and ask if there was a time during any of his climbing where he had ever put skills or ideas aside in case he was to reach the Karakoram.
Graham has worked hard at building progressions into his career. Breaking down his goals in to a step-by-step plan. With climbing in places like Alaska and Patagonia, he had a notion that he was making progress. Looking back, it seems obvious now that he was working towards the bigger mountains of the world.
But the other component, is that climbing is such a passion and just generally so fun for Graham that he'll find his skills and experience build and grow naturally anyway.
A perfect example of living in the moment.
Then, he has that conversation, and confirms to take part in his first expedition to the Pakistani Karakoram. To say he was excited is an understatement!
Listen to the podcast to hear more detail on Graham's passion and experience, training, gear, the the mountains themselves.
Graham Zimmerman
Graham is such a fascinating and fantastic individual. He has achieved so much, and is only growing his accomplishments as he continues to climb mountains and lead against climate change.
You can find Graham’s website here, and find out more about his work with Protect Our Winters here
Listen to the podcast to hear in depth his views and answers on his climbing career and climate change. Also, make sure you check out the YouTube video “An Imperfect Advocate” – it’s a really inspiring video, and relatable in many ways.
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If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality! Plus, get free stuff!
To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here.
https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/07/25/climbing-in-the-pakistani-karakoram/
Wednesday Jul 22, 2020
Wednesday Jul 22, 2020
Based currently out of Oregon, and with nearly 2 decades of mountain climbing experience consisting of many first ascents, awards for excellence and New Zealand alpinist of the year, Graham is extremely established within the climbing and expedition community.
Graham Zimmerman is more than just an alpinist though.
Graham has a hydro glaciology degree which led him to work as a geo-physicist and search and rescue technician for many years. Now, climbing full time, this love has led him to not only continue to climb big mountains in awe of their beauty, but also give back and work with companies such as “Protect Our Winters” towards raising awareness and creating an impact towards climate change.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all other platforms; just search “Between The Mountains” or Ask Alexa!
An Award Winning Alpinist
Starting at 15, Graham cut his teeth in the Southern Alps, New Zealand. Since then, Graham has gone on to climb in areas such as Alaska, Patagonia, the Pakistani Karakorum, Canadian Rockies, Himalayas, and Kyrgyzstan, always searching for that perfect route up the mountain.
Beginning the podcast, we chat about the differences between New Zealand and America. Starting off broadly, and then zeroing into the climbing aspect. Reflecting on his background, Graham talks about his goal to do high-end, technical routes that have never been done before on big mountains.
“One of my favourite things about climbing is we each get to choose how we get at it”, Graham says. “There are no rules in climbing besides be nice to the people around you and be nice to the environment. If you’re doing those two things you can climb however you want“. This came about because I mentioned his new route “The Indirect American“, and what his ‘why’s were for climbing new routes.
Describing Type 2 fun almost to the book, Graham describes how falling in love with wild places, heavy exertion, and a sense of exploration drive his passion and achievements for climbing new routes.
It is these reasons that have led Graham to win his most recent award: the Piolet d’Or, or the “gold medal of alpine climbing”, for his first ascent of Link Sar in Pakistan, alongside Chris Wright, Steve Swenson, and Mark Richey.
Telling Stories As An Imperfect Advocate
For years, Graham travelled wherever he could to climb. Due to this, he often wrote off any capability of fighting climate change because of his carbon footprint.
Even if he thought he could, finding out how to go about raising awareness and creating change was proving difficult.
Enter Protect Our Winters, stage left.
Protect Our Winters essentially takes athletes and ‘weaponizes’ them to become climate activists. They provide all the information and tools for these athletes to tell and share their stories and become extremely effective in the climate policy space.
Since then, Graham has spent a lot of time lobbying in Washington D.C., lobbying in the state capital in Oregon, and presenting to thousands of people across the United States.
Discussions on climate tend to be extremely partisan and divided. It gets people’s back up, and, as Graham puts it, “once you get people feeling like they’re in a confrontation, they stop listening, and you stop being effective”.
What Graham and Protect Our Winters do, is use the tool and powers of telling stories to meet people in the muddle, and use the power of other’s people’s impact and perspectives to bring about change. It engages with our shared humanity, and brings about a connection on the issue.
“The difference between climate change and ducking out of high winds is that climate change is not something we can avoid”
Graham Zimmerman
Graham is such a fascinating and fantastic individual. He has achieved so much, and is only growing his accomplishments as he continues to climb mountains and lead against climate change.
You can find Graham’s website here, and find out more about his work with Protect Our Winters here
Listen to the podcast to hear in depth his views and answers on his climbing career and climate change. Also, make sure you check out the YouTube video “An Imperfect Advocate” – it’s a really inspiring video, and relatable in many ways.
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If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality! Plus, get free stuff!
To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here.
https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/07/25/graham-zimmerman/
Saturday Jul 18, 2020
Saturday Jul 18, 2020
In today's episode we welcome Emily Thomas to the podcast.
For those who don’t know Emily is Associate Professor in Philosophy at Durham University. Alongside working in the Netherlands and and writing on metaphysics, Emily has a book called the Meaning Of Travel, now released. After reading just the start of the book, I knew I wanted to interview her on the podcast. The book is an incredible read, and I recommend that you check it out!
If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here, starting from only £4 (that's only a cup of coffee each month!).
To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @BTMTravelPod
Wednesday Jul 15, 2020
Wednesday Jul 15, 2020
As the world globalises more and more, it seems harder and harder to find something that no-one has done before. Yet, they are still incredible adventurers, like Lucy Shepherd, who still manage to do so.
After having a more-than-dodgy experience with a Jaguar the last time she visited the jungle, Lucy returned to trek across the Kanuka Mountains.
Scratching That Itch
After her last time in the jungle, Lucy can't be blamed for swearing off ever returning again. The jungle is a place where everything is just designed to kill you.
As the years (and expeditions) went on, though, there was something missing.
Lucy was achieving so much; all of her adventure boxes were being ticked. Challenging? Check. Risky moments? Got 'em. Lots of these moments? Absolutely!
But, there was still something that wasn't quite testing her. It didn't take long for Lucy realised she had to go back to the jungle.
Finding Her 'Why's
In her interview, we spoke about balancing 'achievement' and 'escapism'. In Lucy's case, the latter comes before the former. While she had her 'escapism' reason to go, her partner pressed her - and with good reason, the last time she went to the jungle there was a rather uncomfortable experience with a jaguar.
Knowing that she wanted to head back to Guyana, Lucy started making a few phone calls and exploring her options. It was at this point she discovered the Kanukus. Despite attempts across the hard terrain, no-one was yet to complete crossing the region. With that, Lucy had her 'achievement' found, and got the planning in motion.
Listen to the podcast to find out more about Lucy's prep and expedition across the jungle!
Lucy Shepherd
Lucy is a fantastic, humble, modest, and experienced adventurer and it was a pleasure having her on the podcast.
You can check out her website here, or catch her on Instagram for regular updates here.
Or, check out one of her YouTube videos below:
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If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality! Plus, get free stuff!
To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here.
https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/07/25/trekking-the-kanuka-mountains-guyana/
Saturday Jul 11, 2020
Saturday Jul 11, 2020
In this episode we welcome Toine Haverkamp, who filmed and edited a documentary piece on backpacking as he undertook his own journey through South East Asia and Asia.
It was a pleasure to have him on. I recommend you check out his piece here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Qqp62SWWXM
If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here, starting from only £4 (that's only a cup of coffee each month!).
To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @BTMTravelPod
Wednesday Jul 08, 2020
Wednesday Jul 08, 2020
I hope you enjoy this episode with Travis where we talk about his trip - that has been cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic - through Australia. We recorded this episode shortly after lockdowns began. We avoid any reference of the pandemic as much as we can, but it's worthwhile noting that we recorded this early into it, and the situation changes rapidly in all countries sadly affected by this.
Meanwhile, Blue Mountains National Park quickly landed on to my bucket list during this session!
If you want to follow Travis on his journeys, check him out on Instagram: @travis.muir.photography
If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here, starting from only £4 (that's only a cup of coffee each month!).
To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @BTMTravelPod
Friday Jul 03, 2020
Friday Jul 03, 2020
Renee Roaming (or, Renee Hahnel to anyone outside the internet) has travelled to nearly 40 countries across 5 continents. She left speech therapy and took her photography to a full time level in 2016, alongside her husband Matthew. Together, they make a force to be reckoned with and Renee's hard graft, organisation, positivity and engagement with all of you lead her to continued success after success.
With a massively eclectic collection of locations from Alberta to the Dolomites, New Zealand to Kenya, the US National Parks to Peru, and more, Renee is able to give first hand and valuable experience of these places from her stunning photography, brilliant blogs and adventurous tales!
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all other platforms; just search “Between The Mountains”, Ask Alexa, or read on below.
Falling In Love With America
Just for the moment, let's put Renee's fantastic travel experience to one side. We'll come back to it, I promise.
Renee is Australian and grew up there. We talk fondly of her times spent growing up near Melbourne. Soon enough, Renee won the Green Card 'lottery'. She and Matthew backed their bags, and headed out.
When they first moved to the US, Renee and her husband Matthew wanted to be by mountains - and who can blame them? So, they moved to Colorado. The Colorado mountain ranges are amazing with hiking and life opportunities everywhere. But after completing this step in life, they decided to look elsewhere.
After reaching out further, they fell in love with Washington. The Pacific North West offers mountains, but forests and ocean too, and that really pulled them in - with similarities close to Australia (on paper!). Having places like Artist Point, Olympic National Park, and Mount Rainier National Park on your doorstep creates such fantastic levels of inspiration, and content too!
These are some pretty diverse and unique places - and feature on nearly everyone's travel bucket list.
Listen to the podcast to hear Renee's thoughts on Colorado, Washington, Seattle, and Melbourne. We even talk about roadtrip songs. Renee has a 24 hour+ playlist on Spotify, and we chat about the songs that played on her childhood roadtrips too.
Perfectly Placed
After comparing Melbourne to her new home of Seattle, I ask her the obvious question: "How much did Mount Rainier influence your decision to move to Seattle?".
Now obviously, this isn't the only reason. But, the mountains are a source of inspiration for millions of people. With a background like Renee's, I can only imagine how wonderful it must be to live in Washington, in the progressive city of Seattle, surrounded by some of the best nature on this planet.
All About Travel, Adventure And Photography
Throughout the whole podcast we discuss everything travel. We talk about balancing photography and living in the moment. We talk about tapping into your creative side, and adventures in Alaska.
Renee isn't just a Washington-based photographer. Her experience for her career and herself comes from across the globe. From French Polynesia, to New Zealand, to Kenya and more, Renee has grown to have such a fascinating view on life, travel, and photography.
After discussing backpacking in South America, adventures in Australia, exploring America, and more, we discuss one moment that Renee would love to relive.
Roaming America
One of the biggest projects that Renee undertook with her husband Matthew was visiting all of the 59 (at the time) US National Parks. Mostly living the Van Life the whole way through, they performed this project for their client in one go.
We discuss in the podcast some of the behind the scenes. From Type 2 fun, to discussing typical days, and more. Hear Renee discuss some of the hard work that went into this brilliant project.
Days on this project looked like either driving for 9+ hours between National Parks, or waking before sunrises and hiking and photographing until after sunset; which is hard work when you think about it!
From this trip, they created a coffee-table book featuring photography from all of the National Parks, anecdotes, suggested itineraries, best hikes, and key facts. I have the book myself and it really is so inspiring and high quality. Check it out here, or search for it on Amazon.
Renee Roaming
Interviewing Renee really was an absolute pleasure. Renee has such a fantastic view on travel, hard-work, and getting outdoors.
From photography tips to itineraries to backcountry camping, to her book ‘Roaming America’, Renee consistently aims to deliver value to her audience - and it really does show!
Make sure you listen to the podcast, and check out her blogs and content which is truly A-Class material.
You can view and subscribe to her website here, or join hundreds of thousands who follow her on her Instagram here for most regular updates.
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If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality! Plus, get free stuff!
To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here.
Wednesday Jul 01, 2020
Wednesday Jul 01, 2020
This month's episode of Home Is Where You Park It is all about building the lifestyle, keeping a positive mindset and moving forwards. It was uplifting to chat with Arron on this subject, and I really hope you enjoy the episode!
If you like what you hear then you can check more of Arron's stuff out on his Instagram page @arron_ben or his YouTube page: https://bit.ly/3i6UXuW
If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here, starting from only £4 (that's only a cup of coffee each month!).
To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @BTMTravelPod
Saturday Jun 27, 2020
Saturday Jun 27, 2020
In this episode, rounding of June 2020, we chat with Ly who spent a brilliant amount of time exploring Sri Lanka and the Maldives, with a focus on surfing and scuba diving.
It was great fun to chat with her about her travels.
If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @BTMTravelPod
Wednesday Jun 24, 2020
Wednesday Jun 24, 2020
Early Roots
Melissa – or Miss Rover as she is now popularly known as – started in Michigan. With exposure to places like Niagra Falls as a kid, it’s no wonder she took a leap of faith as an adult. Packing her things and looking to escape into the world, Melissa took an epic roadtrip across the country and started travelling whilst working Occupational Therapist contracts.
Hear in this podcast how Melissa has gone on to achieve and explore so much. Find out more about her mindset, history and her reasons for continually travelling.
An Eclectic Background
For those who don’t know, in her own words Melissa “dabbles in so much”. It’s hard to get a black and white description. Yet, it seems that she brings a well-needed positive outlook and take on everything she does. Coming from rural Michigan, Melissa has a Masters degree in Occupational therapy, a love of the outdoors and, arguably, a bigger love for conservation and protecting our nature.
Since, as she says, ‘escaping Michigan’, Melissa has spent 3 years in Seattle, 5 months in Alaska and 4 months ongoing in California. Quite an eclectic habitat resume! She has ticked 17 US National Parks off of her list to complete all of them and has been across the globe from Costa Rica to Thailand.
Hear in this interview how Melissa adapted to finding her true passions after already choosing a degree at 17. Melissa talks about her experience travelling across California, PNW, Alaska and more.
We talk about travelling solo, encouraging self-development through uncomfortable goals, doing more for conservation on our own trails and more!
Miss Rover
Melissa is a brilliant individual, who does so much for the outdoor community, climate, and more recently social justice alongside the Black Lives Matter movement.
You can check out her blog here, her Instagram here, and her new YouTube channel here!
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If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality!
To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here
Saturday Jun 20, 2020
Saturday Jun 20, 2020
Our upbringing plays such a huge role in who we become. It can either push us to become the opposite, or encourage to continue on and flourish from it.
On this episode, we welcome Stevie G from Destinations Beyond Expectations podcast. His own show is so incredibly good, from fantastic guests, brilliant editing, and fascinating travel stories.
We chatted with Steve about his outdoors experience from hiking in the European Alps with family, to exploring his home state Florida, and further into the US itself such as Yellowstone National Park.
Students Of Travel
A topic that strikes a chord with me is Stevie’s consistent remarks to ‘Students Of Travel’. A Student Of Travel is someone who learns, develops, and grows their knowledge and perception of the world through travel.
This is something so important to me, and I’m sure to you all. Similar to how I love the mountains and how they put things in to perspective, we can all learn something from culture, to interactions, to ways-of-life from travel.
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If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality! You can also get some free mugs or t-shirts! To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here.
https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/06/24/ep-36-exploring-the-outdoors-with-dbe-podcast/
Wednesday Jun 17, 2020
Wednesday Jun 17, 2020
We welcome Kate back to the show who spoke to us about Everest Base Camp. This time, she brings her first hand experience of Tonga to the show. An island located east of South East Asia and Australia, there's not much to be found on the internet. In this podcast, Kate shares so much great information, I know you'll enjoy it!
Every now and then in this podcasts, a guest describes a moment that takes me away and makes me forget I'm meant to be hosting a podcast! Just like her trek to EBC, she does it again when describing - get ready for this - swimming with whales! Listen out for it, there's a certain element that made it extra magical.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all other platforms; just search “Between The Mountains” or Ask Alexa! (“Alexa, play Between The Mountains Travel Podcast!”).
Not Much Info
One thing Kate often tries to do is complete these trips on a budget, and see how low she can get the price.
The logic was that the locals aren't exactly spending thousands to survive there, so let's get out on to the islands and live on the budget!
Although miles apart, this trip started off very similarly to her trip to Everest Base Camp. Kate knew that she wanted to go to some pacific islands, and Tonga had the cheapest flights! She had no expectations; only later found out that you can swim with humpback whales.
There really isn't much information on this country online. Kate has one of the most extensive articles and information for Tonga, which you can find here.
The Friendly Islands
Kate's first experience of how lovely and friendly this island is was actually in the airport in New Zealand. Waiting alongside the Tonga Rugby Team, a lady sat next to her asking why she was planning on going to Tonga. Replying that she just wanted to go to Tonga - no friends or family there - the lady warned her "just try not to get married!".
An odd thing to be told, but as Kate travelled this beautiful country it became so clear why the lady had said this. The people are truly incredible, running on 'island time' in their relaxed and stunning land. It can be so easy to just decide to settle there.
"If you need positivity, go to Tonga!"
Island Hopping Itinerary
As you would expect from a travel blogger, Kate holds back on no details, and provides brilliant information and visual language for her time here.
After realising that the copious amount of help she was being offered by the locals was genuine, Kate started to settle in to the country and its way of life.
Details on her blog and in the podcast is so much brilliant information and imagery. Kate has had some fantastic experiences here.
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If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality! You can also get some free mugs or t-shirts!
To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here.
Saturday Jun 13, 2020
Saturday Jun 13, 2020
Lucy is an expedition leader with an incredible resume of journeys. Starting in Svalbard at 18, Lucy's highlights see her hiking in the Hardanger region of Norway and the Finnsmarkvidda Plateau in the arctic circle, and dove straight into the Amazon rainforest from University. In addition, she has mountaineered in Argentina and Tajikistan, scaled Denali, solo-hiked in Picos de Europa, led a team in the Patagonia Expedition Race and skied the Norwegian/Russian border alongside expeditions to Greenland.
Lucy has also been to the High Sierra mountains in America and the Kanuka Mountains in Guayana, which I am happy to say we will be going to into more depth in 2 separate episodes!
Exploring From A Young Age
As a kid and only child, Lucy spent a lot of her time outdoors, roping her friends into exploring the outdoors with her. IT was early experiences from her home to Scotland that set some incredible foundations for her thriving career undertaking expeditions.
Setting Up For Expeditions
One of the many topics we chat about is preparation for expeditions. As someone who climbs Mont Blanc just for practice, Lucy chats about the different ways she prepares for her expeditions. She highlights the need also for your mindset to be correct, and explains how this comes with time spent in preparing and gaining experience.
For me, the biggest form of this requirement for mindset is the jungle. We talk about the need for fantastic and well-disciplined personal admin. You need to be stringent and dedicated to survival there, as everything around you is essentially designed to kill you.
Balancing Achievement And Escapism
For Lucy, expeditions are exactly about this. When you escape from civilisation and push your own boundaries and edge out of your comfort zone, that is when you grow as a person. Lucy explains how it is absolutely about getting to the location and pushing yourself, but it's also about getting back!
"I love escaping into a world where I feel very privileged to be there"
Lucy Shepherd
Lucy is a fantastic, humble, modest, and experienced adventurer and it was a pleasure having her on the podcast.
You can check out her website here, or one of her YouTube videos below.
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If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality. You can also bag some free stuff!
To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here.
Wednesday Jun 10, 2020
Wednesday Jun 10, 2020
We welcome Jamie and Skylar from Explorcation who took a cruise around the Caribbean and did something I haven’t seen before: used the cruise to rent cars on each island and carry out their own adventures, avoiding the coach excursions.
Hear their journey of island hopping in a big way, and making the use of their times there well. From hiking mountains to discovering secret beaches, read on and listen below!
Secret Beaches
The first aspect that got my attention was the topic of secret beaches. I’m not much of a beach person myself, and it had never occurred to me to actually spend time researching quiet and ‘secret’ beaches before.
A big fan of secluded areas, I was keen to learn of the areas to avoid overcrowding. Listen on in the podcast to find out more.
Hiking In The Caribbean
The second part to grab my attention was – of course – the hiking. There’s nothing huge in the way of altitude there, but you still get some epic hikes with stunning views.
Specifically, I really enjoyed their time chatting to me about St. Lucia. There are two really great peaks there, and they clearly had an amazing time.
Explorcation
Jamie and Skylar have a brilliant blog going. Along with their blog here, they have really been grinding hard to deliver some quality YouTube content too.
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Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all other platforms; just search “Between The Mountains” or Ask Alexa! (“Alexa, play Between The Mountains Travel Podcast!”).
If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality, and you can get free stuff!
To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here.
https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/06/24/hikes-secret-beaches-across-caribbean/
Saturday Jun 06, 2020
Saturday Jun 06, 2020
Visiting Nepal is high on everyone’s bucket list, especially mountain lovers! In this episode, James details trekking on the Annapurna Circuit but also exploring Nepal. There is a brief mention of Everest Base Camp and an experience with altitude, but we explore EBC a bit further with Kate.
Listen on to hear about the Kophra Ridge circuit, an experience at Everest Base Camp, and his love end exploration of Nepal.
If you missed it, James also did an episode on India with us, check it out here.
The Kophra Ridge
James straight away starts describing these beautiful lakes, with 7000m and 8000m peaks reflected in them.
As James details following the stunning scenery up, and a stairway that looks as long as the one in Lord Of The Rings, 800-2000 he details the elevation on the route.
Now, Everest Base Camp trek starts you at 2800m. This route to Annapurna, starts you at 800m. That’s some serious elevation. The stairs he just mentioned take you from 800m to 2000m in one go!
It is a fantastic way to test if you can make it, and is in fact the hardest day in his opinion.
Listen to the episode to find out more on the region and walk, and the difficulties that arise!
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If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!
If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality!
To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here.
https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/06/24/exploring-nepal-annapurna-circuit/
Wednesday Jun 03, 2020
Wednesday Jun 03, 2020
Hiking, rock climbing, and National Park hopping doesn't sound like a bad way to spend your time, right?
In this Van Life episode of Home Is Where You Park It we chat with Colin who lives this lifestyle full time rock climbing and mountain biking across the US.
Colin lives a wonderful lifestyle. Having word hard to set these foundations, he is now fortunate enough to travel and adventure everyday that he can.
Getting worn-out on straight forward climbs in Arizona, Colin decided to spend the year exploring and climbing to better his skill base.
Adventuring Across The US
Heading to Mexico, he worked on his climbing until it got too hot. So, his slow journey heading North began. From here he moves to Nevada and its delicate landscape and desert. After rappelling into slot canyons, climbing mountains, and spending the spring there, they moved on to the next spot.
Spending the summer in the Pacific North West, you are in for a treat hearing about Colin's adventures.
In this episode, hear how Colin grow as a rock climber, explores North America and lives the van life.
We talk about his full year spent in 2019 exploring up, down and across the US, with a touch into Mexico.
To follow their updates, you can check out their Instagram below, or their website for more specific detail.
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Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all other platforms; just search “Between The Mountains” or Ask Alexa! (“Alexa, play Between The Mountains Travel Podcast!”).
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To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com
Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here.
https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/06/24/vanlife-adventuring-across-the-us/