In today’s episode, we delve into the extraordinary journey of Madison Blagden, the second female thru-hiker of the more than 5,500-mile Eastern Continental Trail. Since her first encounter with thru-hiking in 2017, Madison, aka “Peg Leg” has been captivated by the trails, embarking on epic adventures that defy the ordinary. Despite facing setbacks like losing her job during the COVID-19 pandemic, she turned adversity into opportunity, spending two years traversing the US in a vehicle.
From tackling 1,300 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail between college semesters to completing the entire PCT in 2022 via a SOBO/flip-flop hike, Peg Leg's determination knows no bounds. Her latest conquest, the "Bama to Baxter" journey, saw her connecting trails from Alabama to Maine, including the Pinhoti Trail, parts of the Benton Mackaye Trail, and the Appalachian Trail. But Peg Leg's thirst for exploration didn't stop there; inspired by an encounter with an ECT hiker in Vermont, she extended her trek to include the International Appalachian Trail, spanning 1500 miles across diverse landscapes. From Maine to Newfoundland, Peg Leg's footprints left a trail of resilience and passion. Currently en route from Alabama to Key West, Florida, she has become the 2nd woman in history and the 9th person ever to complete the entire Eastern Continental Trail, a testament to her unwavering spirit and love for the great outdoors. Join us as we uncover the highs, lows, and unforgettable moments of Peg Leg's awe-inspiring journey.
Madison’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/madisonblagden/
Blog on the Trek https://thetrek.co/author/madison-blagden/
Bonus Episode: Mule Riding, Canyoneering and Skiing into a Pool: Uniquely Utah Adventures
Ep. 1032: From Canoeing in Michigan to Protecting the Amazon Rainforest - Eric Rutter
Ep. 1031: Riding a Horse Across America - Revisited - Jesse McNeil
Ep. 1030: The Importance of Trying New Adventures - Paddy O’Connell
Ep. 1029: Behind the Scenes of Search & Rescue - Revisited - Moose Mutlow
Ep. 1028: Biking Across America With No Food or Money - Daniel Troia
Ep. 1027: How to Beat Monday - Revisited - Mike Chambers
Ep. 1025: Alone in Wonderland - Revisited - Christine Reed
Ep. 1024: The Mt. Everest Industry - Will Cockrell
Ep. 1023: Playing Soccer on Kilimanjaro - Revisited - Laura Youngson
Ep. 1023: Becoming a Better Outdoor Leader - Jeanette Stawski
Ep. 1022: The Backyard Adventurer - Revisited - Beau Miles
Ep. 1021: Sharing Your Adventure Knowledge - Jerome Rand
Ep. 1020: Storm Chasing & Global Exploration - Revisited - George Kourounis
Ep. 1019: Trekking Across the Namibian Desert - Gillian Millar
Ep. 1018: Cave Diving Basics - Revisited - Joshua Shouse
Ep. 1017: Boating the Mekong River in Thailand - Alonzo Guess
Ep. 1016: Paragliding off Volcanoes - Revisited - Adrian Garza
Ep. 1015: Appalachian Mountain Club President & CEO - Nicole Zussman
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