1980 vs. 2010: Two Generations of John Muir Trail Adventures with Jeff Hester

Welcome to another epic installment of The Month of Jeff! In this episode, I’m joined by the one and only Jeff Hester, a trailblazing adventurer who’s done it all—from hiking the John Muir Trail 30 years apart to founding the Six Pack of Peaks Challenge and SoCalHiker.net .

Find Jeff Hester on the internet: https://www.instagram.com/jeffhester/

Jeff shares incredible stories about thru-hiking in the 1980s (hello, mimeographed itineraries and DIY dehydrated meals!) and how his love for the outdoors evolved into building a vibrant hiking community. We dive deep into the magic of the John Muir Trail, the challenges of the Lost Coast Trail, and how Jeff turned his passion for adventure into a movement inspiring thousands of hikers every year.

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takeaways

-Hiking can be a transformative experience that builds confidence.

-Planning and preparation are crucial for successful long hikes.

-Resupply strategies can make or break a hiking trip.

-Community and social connections enhance the hiking experience.

-The evolution of hiking culture reflects broader societal changes.

-Documenting hiking experiences can inspire others to explore the outdoors.

-Physical maps and traditional navigation offer a different adventure than GPS.

-The Lost Coast Trail presents unique challenges and rewards.

-Building a community requires consistency and genuine interaction.

-The joy of hiking lies in the experience, not just the documentation.

Sound Bites

"It's a whole different experience than nowadays."

"I would go back and do that one again."

"You just never know how that's going to end up."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jeff Hester and the John Muir Trail

09:30 Resupply Strategies and Trail Cuisine in 1980

15:39 Life Changes and the Decision to Hike Again

25:12 Growth of the Six Pack of Peaks Challenge

32:55 The 2010 JMT Hike Experience

38:12 Comparing Hiking Experiences: 1980 vs 2010

44:32 The Lost Coast Trail Adventure

53:01 Backpacking Then and Now: A Reflection

keywords: John Muir Trail, SoCal Hiker, hiking community, outdoor adventure, backpacking, trail cuisine, resupply strategies, Lost Coast Trail, Six Pack of Peaks, endurance sports