In this first episode, Bruce and Steve discuss the origins of Bruce's desire to hike the trail and why it has stayed on his bucket list for over 40 years. We learn a little of Bruce's back story, and Steve finds out that he has quite a rich history of sport throughout his life, having run marathons and hiked the Camino, in Spain.

We're hoping to make our show as interactive as possible, with Bruce open to questions–and advice!! You can email him at rtkchallenge@gmail.com. You can find out a whole lot more about Bruce and his adventure at his website, https://returningtokatahdin.com. Please sign up for his newsletter when you visit the page.

We're also so grateful to have the support of Trailtopia as our title sponsor for both this show and Mighty Blue on the Appalachian Trail. Not only are Trailtopia generously sponsoring our shows, they are also offering two packs of their awesome hiker meals to a lucky winner each and every show. All you have to do is email Steve at steve@mightyblueontheat.com with the question you'd most like to ask Bruce as he prepares for and sets out on his journey. If you'd like to see the wide range of delicious products available to hikers, head over to Trailtopia's website.

Next week, we'll be talking with Bruce about the decisions he has already made for his hike. Why NOBO and why February?

This week, Bruce and Steve talk about two of the most fundamental decisions for all hikers. Which direction do I want to go and, once that is resolved, when do I wish to leave.

Bruce has some thoughful answers to these questions and shows that his preparation has been thorough and logical. He considered a SOBO hike and a flip flop, yet he'll be taking the most-travelled path–from Springer Mountain in Georgia and ending half a year later at Mt Katahdin in Maine.

He even validates his choice of late February as a start date, much to Steve's bemusement.

Please join us again next week, when we discuss the theme of the title of the show: Returning to Katahdin.

If you're intrigued by Trailtopia and their adventure food, head on over to their website, Trailtopia.com, and see what they have to offer. Don't forget that you can win a couple of their delicious meals–every week–by sending me questions for Bruce. Believe me, no question is out of bounds. You can email me at steve@mightyblueontheat.com, or you can go directly to Bruce about the show or anything to do with his hike at rtkchallenge@gmail.com.

If you'd like to learn even more about Bruce's hike and his great efforts to support the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, visit his website, ReturningtoKatahdin.com.

This week, Bruce and Steve talk about why Bruce chose the name Returning to Katahdin and the theme that it represents. He also explains how his trail name came about. He gets reflective about taking the trail on at this time in his life and the further opportunities he'll have on the trail to simply think. Bruce even talks through the possibility that he's in love with the idea of the hike as opposed to the hike itself, believing that by returning to Katahdin he'll discover what his dream was all about.

A listener, Ryan Carr, came up with a question that asked Bruce to draw upon his Camino experience and the anticipated cultural differences between the two hikes.

If you'd like to learn more about Bruce and his hike, as well as about his goal of raising money for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, visit his website, ReturningToKatahdin.com. While you're online, why not also check out the site of our great sponsor, Trailtopia.

Bruce and Steve discuss the various aspects of Bruce's preparation for his 2018 thru-hike. They consider whether or not the challenge is more mental or more physical. Bruce explains how he has been preparing for both aspects.

While Steve had limited preparation for his hike, the two of them talk about how proper preparation can enhance the experience. They both get a kick out of listener Barb Oelschlegal's question about how Bruce's wife will spend her time while he is away.

Ultimately, both agree that it is how one responds to the multiplicity of challenges on the trail that will go a long way to determining the ultimate success or failure of a long-distance hike.

With just 90 days to go, Bruce is also struggling to comtain his excitement about his adventure. The countdown has begun! To read more about Bruce, his hike and his fund-raising, go to his RTK website.

Please also support our friends at Trailtopia. We thank them for their generous support for the show.

I always hoped that I'd be able to speak with Bruce's family, friends, and colleagues on their reaction to and expectations of his upcoming thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail.

We started with Bruce's law partner of over 20 years, Gary LeClair. Gary proved to be a delight to chat with. He was open, friendly, and made me laugh out loud several times. While I never expected him to dish any dirt on Bruce–indeed, it seems that none exists–he was able to tell us a couple of stories that allowed us to further understand Bruce and his motivations for the hike.

Most significantly, in my eyes, it was the whole-hearted support that Gary gave to his friend that warmed my heart. Bruce certainly won't be lacking in support when he sets out, and his former colleagues will be cheering him on every step of the way.

Remember to visit Bruce's site about his hike, ReturningToKatahdin.com and subscribe to his newsletter. Also, while you're online, why not pop over to Trailtopia's website at the same time.

Bruce and Steve discuss the possibility of boredom on the trail and how Bruce may cope with it should it arise. He has a "novel" solution to the problem. This question was from listener Eliza Newland, so thanks for that Eliza. She wins two of Trailtopia's scrumptious meals. Remember to keep sending in your questions as there'll be two meals given away each week.

After dealing with boredom, Bruce and Steve are all about the gear, with Bruce's planning acumen to the fore. He has what he calls a "Working Gear List" that records his various options, constantly refining those options until he is sure he has what he wants.

There are compromises to make, with the weight of something balanced against its utility value or even its status as a comfort item. With the focus constantly on getting to Katahdin, Bruce sees everything through that lens.

If you're interested in learning more about Bruce's approach to the hike visit his website, ReturningToKatahdin.com, where you can sign up for his newsletter.

While you're there, don't forget also to check out our sponsor's site, Trailtopia.com.

Bruce and Steve discuss the impact upon the trail that some of the super-fast hikers may have engendered. Bruce is a bit of a self-confessed Appalachian Trail nerd, with interest in the various hikers who have lowered the FKT records over the years.

He, of course, is hoping to set a record of his own. While the preparation for such a hike is extensive, Bruce has managed to put together a plan to raise $250,000 for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. He recognizes that this may put further pressure on him but is determined to enjoy his hike first and foremost.

Steve has his own theory as to why Bruce sometimes seems a little reserved on the show. A recent encounter on the golf course informed his view and he shares it here.

With Christmas Day soon to be upon us, next week we'll have Bruce's wiife, Cheryl, and daughters, Brooke and Amy, to share their thoughts on his upcoming adventure.

Remember to visting our sponsors, Trailtopia, online as well as Bruce's site, Returning To Katahdin for more information.

This week, in our Christmas Day show, what could be more appropriate than hearing from Bruce's family and what they think about Bruce's upcoming thru-hike.

I quickly learned that they share Bruce's confidence in his meticulous preparation. However, once our interview was over, one of his daughters shared a few things that I wasn't expecting.

It turns out that, despite his many accomplishments, Bruce is just one of four highly accomplished family members. His wife and daughters had their own individual takes, but each was supportive and confident in Bruce's readiness.

If you'd like to learn more about the hike and read Bruce's blog, head over to ReturningToKatahdin.com. Don't forget to also visit our sponsor's site at Trailtopia.com.