Carrie and Molly invite you to join this throwback episode, bringing you stories from their fifth day in Wyomong’s Wind River Range! You’ll hear a ballad which Carrie deems an instant classic, inspiring your very own theme song for the Winds. Revel in the incredible granite peaks for a phenomenal alpineglow while camping at Shadow Lake. Then—of course—the rain is back! Bringing lightning, thunder, and hail!
Molly and Carrie depart Sherman crater and begin ascending the Roman Wall. They discuss the conditions they experienced on the wall that day. The sisters reflect on the fun people they met while climbing. After the girls tag the summit, they begin the descent — remember, the summit is only the half way point! Molly doesn’t know which way is up. Carrie adjusts the route based on snow conditions. The sisters step off the glacier and experience the best rest break. As they return to the trailhead, Molly experiences a struggle. Carrie and Molly provide final reflections on their Mount Baker climb.
Carrie and Molly gear up for an early start on the mountain. They reveal the specific formula they use for their pace to assess their start time. They cover their preferred breakfast for an alpine start and what they would have done differently to set themselves up for a more successful start to their climb. They enjoy a full moon as they communicate and cross crevasses. They discuss the joys of being passed by 10 men and realize that setting the track was actually more draining than they had realized. They reach the Sherman Crater and revel in the beauty of Mount Baker as they prepare to undertake the last obstacle to the summit of Mount Baker—the Roman Wall.
Carrie and Molly invite you to pivot with them as they switch mountaineering plans and set their sights on Mount Baker! The sisters discuss their route of choice, preparation, and some things that made them feel nervous about climbing this classic PNW volcano. Cruise up the railroad grade trail and hear about the approach to this stunning peak.
Molly and Carrie welcome you to join them on this replay episode from their John Muir Trail series. The sisters talk about their first resupply spot, Red’s Meadow. They also discuss how they stay positive and what can be done to lift others up. Stay tuned to the end for their take on the most modern of cat hole digging practices?
Join Carrie and Molly on this replay from their Tahoe Rim Trail series! During their third day on the Tahoe Rim Trail, the sisters experience beautiful views, springs, water caches, a zipper malfunction, and an arachnoid encounter! Join along for stories, laughs, and some very important considerations for your next backpacking trip!
Carrie and Molly rope up, continuing their ascent of Ruth Mountain. They travel its slopes up to the summit, taking in views of Shuksan and Nooksack Cirque. At the top, Molly struggles to simply enjoy the moment as she frets about the obstacles they must overcome on the return trip. Carrie and Molly descend the peak and are reminded of a childhood anecdote. Molly and Carrie debrief the trip, discussing opportunities for improvement which apply not only to mountain ventures, but also to life.
Carrie and Molly welcome you to join them as they return to Ruth Mountain to attempt a car to car climb. The sisters discuss considerations for a one-day summit attempt versus a multi day trip. Molly highlights one typical Hannegan Pass snow feature they didn’t encounter in early July. The girls begin a snowy ascent, and Molly’s concerns about the return trip begin to increase. A post hole surprise occurs. Tune in next week for the conclusion of Ruth Mountain car to car!
Carrie and Molly discuss how they chose to make Ruth Mountain their next objective after taking a guided mountaineering course. The sisters meet another pair of climbers, reflect with appreciation on their positive interactions with them. The girls must decide whether or not to set foot onto icy terrain in order to gain Ruth’s summit. After returning to camp, they experience their favorite bear sighting!
Join Carrie and Molly as they replay an episode from their “Summit Series” — all about their first mountaineering trip in Washington’s North Cascades. The summit is only half way!! In this episode, the group must come down from the summit. They learn crevasse rescue skills and practice them on the Quien Sabè glacier. They return to camp, hike back to the car and discuss a framework for debriefing from adventures with your adventure partner. Check out the rest of the series by searching: “The Summit Series: Sahale Peak.”
Carrie, Molly and Rachel experience the Knife’s Edge at sunset. They muse about what it would be like to pass a horse on this narrow trail and lay out why crossing this ridge at 6:40 pm led to a great experience for them. They search for a campsite and discuss the order in which you should get ready for the night. Carrie tells a cautionary tale against eating backpacking meals at home. Molly awakes to a stunning sunrise, then the girls must finish out their trek by hiking near a ski resort and slogging back to their car. Carrie shares her theory on why there’s the most horse apples when you’re on a narrow trail. Molly finds she’s is more resilient than she believed. Join us on the PCT through the Goat Rocks!
Carrie, Molly, and Rachel are as recovered as possible as they transition from thru hiking the enchantments to backpacking though the Goat Rocks. At the hotel, Rachel tries a different approach to deal with her ankle pain. While driving between trailheads, they determine whose responsibility is it to watch for pot holes — driver or passenger? Next, hear the “Nanny Ridge Mode” origin story. Travel through beautiful Cispus pass and Cispus basin. Molly remarks on a choking hazard candy. Admire a beautiful tarn beneath Old Snowy and be inspired to seize the day!
Carrie and Molly welcome you to join this replay from their Loowit Trail around Mount Saint Helens series.
Carrie and Molly welcome you to join them on this replay from their series about hiking the Timberline Trail around Mount Hood! Hop on trail, just an hour from Portland, and immerse yourself in the wild and rugged experience of circumnavigating this iconic PNW volcano.
Carrie, Molly, and Rachel tackle the first part of their ultimate three day weekend in the PNW: thru hiking Washington’s Enchantments. (Don’t worry, they follow this hike up with a backpacking trip the next day). Molly discusses her unique transition from hiking boots to trail runners. Carrie discusses how we concocted “a crazy insane girl plan.” Carrie discusses what it’s like to work 8 night shifts in a row prior to a thru hike. Molly provides a tip that helped cure her downhill knee pain. Carrie gives a suggestion to make long slogs more pleasant.
Join Carrie and Molly on this replay from their Wonderland Trail Series! During their second longest day on trail, the girls get an early start...not! They wake to cold temperatures and discuss procrastinating vs productivity. After literally taking candy from strangers, they discuss the phenomenon of every snack someone else brings being better than the ones you brought. Portions of the discussion lead to the real question: has Molly been cryogenically frozen? After leaving camp, they enjoy a big day, cross frying pan creek, remember the cruelty of a sudden hidden uphill, cross the White River and get their resupply. Hear their thoughts on whether or not it's a good idea to resupply from "hiker buckets". They go to the Sunrise area and are surprised by their thoughts on the northern region of Rainier. Sunset shenanigans lead to night hiking and the creation of the ballad "We don't need no trouble". Their tent site is the location of "spider-maggedon." Join us for another day on trail!!
Carrie and Molly welcome you to learn all about the enchantments! They take you segment by segment through the enchantments trail, including helpful info along the way. Learn considerations for your time at Colchuck Lake and hear advice for when you navigate Asgard pass — including a word of caution when Asgard pass is snow covered. The sister’s discuss nutrition for this hike and highlight the safety items they won’t leave home without. Molly provides her opinion on how to choose what day of the week you complete the hike. Thanks for listening to this episode, we hope you enjoy and treat the enchantments well!
Do you have a goal of thru hiking Washington’s Enchantments? Maybe backpacking aspirations? We are here to help! In today’s episode, learn how to have an enjoyable thru hike while avoiding becoming a search and rescue statistic. Prepare in advance in order to minimize your impact on this beautiful, fragile alpine environment. In part one, Carrie and Molly discuss many things you need to know before heading to the Enchantments. This includes group limits, weather conditions, the sisters’ biggest recommendation for physical preparedness specific to this hike, and a fact about mountain goats you should know before entering the Enchantments. Stick around to the end to learn about the “mind eff” principle and how to keep it from happening to you.
Molly and Carrie invite you to listen to this replay from the their Copper Ridge Loop series. All about backpacking in northern Washington’s North Cascades National Park! After crossing the waterfall and snow field, the girls face their biggest challenge yet… a bushwhack deep in the heart of the North Cascades. They tangle with devil’s club, a collapsing forest floor, and avoid piles of bear scat as they search for a good spot to cross the river. They reflect on their largest river crossing to date and revel in the peace of Indian Creek camp following an especially challenging and adventurous day on trail.
Join Carrie and Molly on their final day backpacking with HIGHLANDER at Big Bear Lake, California. The sisters accelerate their morning departure time. Carrie explains why she is a metaphorical gold miner. The girls get cell service and it just might ruin their day. Carrie reflects on when she faced the question of if she’d ever be able to hike/backpack again. Molly experiences a parking conundrum.
Molly and Carrie invite you to continue along the trail as they backpack with HIGHLANDER in Big Bear Lake, California. A few highlights from today’s episode include when Carrie perjures herself, a hiking pants delimma along a brushy section of the PCT, and the sisters’ electrolyte routine. Carrie talks about a mental challenge and Molly gives advice for when you start to feel discouraged on trail. The girls observe something they’ve always wanted to see and reminisce on a delicious trail snack.
Carrie and Molly welcome you to join them as they backpack a route in Big Bear Lake, California with Highlander Adventure! The sisters discuss pre-trail jitters and the interesting feature they flew over on the way to Los Angeles. Their all-medical backpacking crew hits the trail and enjoys the scenery around Big Bear. They discuss camp activities and fun, and close out the night experiencing a new-to-them Thermarest sound.
Let’s all resolve to go backpacking more this year! This episode keeps our priorities straight: 1- laugh, 2- backpack, 3- everything else. In this light hearted episode, Carrie and Molly tell the story of how they got connected with Highlander, and all about what the backpacking festival is like at Big Bear Lake, California. Carrie provides details on a health issue that almost kept her from hitting the trails last June and provides insight in her journey from sepsis to hitting the trails again. Molly and Carrie discuss specifics on food prep for those interesting in joining them at Highlander Big Bear Lake in 2026. Please help! Send your backpacking meal recipes via comments on this episode, or reach out on our social media channels. We’d love to try your dehydrated creations.
Carrie and Molly welcome you to listen to this replay from their Wallowa series, which does indeed require a visit to the emergency department. Join in and hear how it all goes down!
Molly and Carrie invite you along on a replay of one of their favorite episodes from their “John Muir Trail” series. Travel southbound on the JMT with the sisters as they discuss their chronic tardiness, reminisce on a favorite water source, become inspired for a future hike, meet a trail friend, learn about VVR, and taste a new backpacking meal. We hope you enjoy the energy and laughs as we revisit a day from this epic adventure.
Buckle up for a different type of day in Wyoming’s Bighorn mountains. The sisters chat about mountain microclimates and considering weather conditions as they plan to cross Florence pass. But their plans go sideways when something unexpected occurs. Tune in as the proverbial s*** hits the fan… er, leg. As Carrie puts it, “In life, things don’t always go the way that you want. But with a good attitude, things can still go the best way they could’ve possibly gone.”
Carrie and Molly remark on their scenic campsite and hike along Lake Geneva, ascending towards Geneva pass. They compare the weather pattern of the Cloud Peak Wilderness with other high altitude trails. Molly provides words of advice regarding effort when hiking at elevation in Wyoming and beyond. Molly and Carrie detail some of their favorite scenery in this area of the Bighorn Mountains. The girls add on segment of trail and attempt a swim. They spot an unexpected animal and get their feet wet prior to setting up camp at Lake Solitude.
The sisters embark on Wyoming’s Solitude loop, exploring the Cloud Peak wilderness in the Big Horn Mountains. They provide some background and planning considerations for this moderate length trail. Carrie explains her reason for considering the Big Horns “our backyard.” The sisters discuss a particularly important consideration for this trail. Carrie’s words of advice include, “Don’t drive a Cadillac Deville to the trailhead.” The girls enjoy an evening hike. Carrie requests assistance solving a mystery. Set up camp at beautiful Lake Geneva. Are the Big Horns grizzly country? The sisters reveal a technique to help you sleep better in the tent.
Carrie and Molly welcome you on the finale of the Alpine Lakes High Route! Molly reveals the method she developed for icing her knees on trail. Rachel proposes a devils club dare! Learn why the trail got so dusty. Rachel battles back from a swollen body part. A bet is made and a surprise meet up occurs. A pop culture event takes the girls by surprise upon re entering society. Check out the Leavenworth Adventure Park’s signature feature.
Welcome to the third day hiking a beautiful Washington high route! Molly and Carrie discuss use of WAG bags in busy, fragile alpine environments. Carrie lets loose on this trip by wearing WHITE shoes. Molly describes the remarkable glacially carved terrain. The girls get to a “trail or creek bed” section. Carrie recounts what it is like to travel through the Necklace Valley. Molly smells the unmistakable scent of death…. or is she mistaken?
Join Carrie and Molly on their 100th podcast episode! The girls navigate the boulder fields from Chetwoot Lake to Iron Cap Lake. Carrie notes her interesting backpacking clothing choice. The sisters discuss their change in pace when navigating off trail. The girls reach the crux of their route. Thunder rumbles as they race to camp through more boulder fields and steep grades while admiring Washington’s beauty.
The girls set out from Big Heart Lake to experience all the alpine lakes high route has to offer. Molly gets outside her comfort zone while traveling off trail as route finding turns into a choice between two “bad” directions. The girls rest and use a creative way to stay cool at the beautiful Chetwoot lake. They begin the “choose your own adventure” of boulder field navigation. Rachel uses her superpower to spot cairns!
Molly, Carrie, and Rachel head into the heart of the alpine lakes wilderness. The sisters reveal the 2 pound item they will spurge and bring whenever they can. Carrie and Molly discuss considerations for hiking in hot weather. The girls are delighted by many ripe huckleberries. An injury occurs. Is Rachel’s trusty tent really indestructible?
Carrie, Molly, and Rachel are going to tackle the high route through the alpine lakes wildness in Washington! Hear about their planning considerations as they prepare for this gorgeous and challenging route. Before hitting the trail, the friends spend a night in an Airbnb and experience a series of strange events. Molly experiences a “mini spiral.” The girls think the trip may be in peril when they smell smoke.
We did it!!! Hike with Carrie and Molly as they complete their circumnavigation of Glacier Peak. Before making it back to the trailhead, they must scout for a spot to cross the Napeequa River. They experience less than pleasant conditions as they ascend Boulder Pass. The sisters decide to modify their itinerary. They hike on through the heat of the day, picking huckleberries and recapping Netflix shows. They talk post-trail routine when in the Washington Cascades and provide final thoughts on this long-awaited backpacking trip.
Carrie and Molly drop into the Napeequa Valley— and run into something unexpected. They must keep their eyes out for certain landmarks, allowing them to continue their path into this rarely visited and stunning location. Hear about the sights as they journey along the Napeequa and search for a crossing. For those who are willing to work for it, the Glacier Peak Wilderness does not disappoint!
Carrie and Molly begin the day with energy, as they enjoy swapping stories with a PCT hiker. The describe the vast beauty of the terrain east of Glacier Peak and provide ideas to explore there yourself. Have you seen Helmet Butte? Check out social media channels to see if you can spot the iconic butte! The sisters provide details on the scenery awaiting those who climb along Liberty Cap. Molly’s old fear of heights resurfaces. A concerning event happens while crossing a boulder field. The sisters climb a steep snow field and gain High Pass!
Carrie and Molly traverse wildflower meadows and befriend marmots as they continue north on the Pacific Crest Trail. They discuss differences in trail conditions based on weather and clamber through downed trees. Molly talks about one of her favorite spots along the trail and the sisters consider the best campsite based on the rodents in FarOut reviews. They encounter a discouraged hiker. Molly feels someone or something might be watching and chooses her method of self defense.
Carrie and Molly continue their trek through the Glacier Peak Wilderness, taking a pit stop at one of their favorite spots along the Pacific Crest trail. They make a decision on carrying water and descend through thickets and blow down on their way to Milk Creek. They encounter hiker who finds himself in a complex situation. They discuss PCT trail conditions this season in the Glacier Peak wilderness. Carrie reveals her “crazy girl delulu dream.” The sisters make an exciting discovery at camp.
Carrie and Molly embark on a big day traveling through the glacier peak wilderness on the pacific crest trail. They cross Kennedy creek’s glacial flow, muse over suspicions about Travis Decker, and meet challenges along the trail. The sisters discuss mindset during big climbs. Fire creek pass brings beautiful views and the sisters discuss the rugged terrain in this area of Washington.
Welcome back to the Glacier Peak Wilderness! The morning dawns bringing hope, uncertainty, and plenty of mosquitos. Learn one reason Carrie and Molly continue to share a tent, as well as a cat hole hack. As the girls hike, the trail brings many beautiful vistas, as well as a few specific physical challenges. Are you team downhill? Listen on to learn Molly and Carrie’s opinion. Carrie makes an unfortunate realization regarding mileage. Molly reads a message she wrote herself during a challenging time. Have you ever wished for a trampoline at the bottom of your doom spiral? Enjoy another day (up and downs included) on this dream hike!
The girls prepare to plunge into the unknown! After some uncertainty, they make it to the White River trailhead and experience the beauty only steps away. They offer their best tips for dealing with a brushy trail and sacrifice their bodies to mosquitoes. They relate the thing they were surprised to see in the valley. They talk about the profile of the trail and discuss the feeling of reaching the maintained Pacific Crest Trail after being on a trail you “find with your feet.” They offer a lesson all PCT hikers and recreators should be aware of when in the glacier peak wilderness. They comically consider the reason a campsite is called “reflection pond.” Join us on this majestic journey in some of the best backcountry in Washington!
Welcome to the Washington Cascades! Carrie and Molly are so excited to bring you along on their next adventure—the long awaited Glacier Peak circumnavigation! This episode lays the foundation for the entire epic hike around Washington’s most remote volcano. The girls provide a preview of the upcoming route, highlighting the distinct challenges they are about to encounter. They discuss considerations for what time of year to complete the circumnavigation and why they had to change their start date at the last minute.
The sisters are excited to discuss one of their favorite topics in backpacking — developing resilience and mental toughness. They discuss how unpleasant experiences on trail shape their ability to take on challenges off trail. They talk about different anxiety experienced before getting on trail and reveal their biggest fear as beginner backpackers, and how this has changed with years of hiking. They discuss dealing with challenges in the moment and the sense of accomplishment which translates to daily life. Stay to the end to learn what mindset advice Carrie and Molly would give their “beginner backpacker” selves.
Carrie and Molly discuss the one important item they did not originally bring backpacking., why reading instructions is important, their first experience using a bear can and the unique experience of sighting an unknown mammal. They give a strange, yet important tip for keeping gear safe. Hear how they plan their trips, the things to remember to check for, what weather resources they use, and other planning considerations. They discuss the hygiene items they bring and talk about their belief in the “hike your own hike” mantra. Tune in for fun and helpful stories alike!
Carrie and Molly delve into their experiences as new backpackers. They discuss their biggest barriers when transitioning from day hikers to backpackers. The girls talk about the five items they purchased to begin backpacking and the root of Molly’s biggest backpacking fear. They discuss how they prepared for their first backpacking trip and what pushed them to take that first trip. They discuss food storage, tips for new backpackers, and how they moved past one of their biggest backpacking fears.
The sisters reflect on their takeaways from their time in The Winds. They decide to tackle some additional off-trail travel and contemplate an oddly named pass. They discuss the surprising creatures that live in boulder fields and which became a big part of their off-trail experience in the winds. They finally get the perfect opportunity for a swim. They take candy from a stranger and learn about a new flavor combination which leads to a tasty trail snack! Once they leave the Winds, they add a bonus adventure in true Molly and Carrie fashion.
Molly and Carrie journey to the Cirque of the Towers. They discuss the best tent for The Winds, why you should always check behind your cat hole, the campsite element that makes them think twice, how they keep from fantasizing about food and what makes a pass go from intimidating to doable. Cross Texas Pass with them, swim in Lonesome lake, go off trail, admire Pingora Peak and wonder at the loudmouthed little Pikas.
Carrie and Molly are excited to be back, bringing you stories from their fifth day in the Wind River Range! You’ll hear a ballad which Carrie deems an instant classic, inspiring your very own theme song for the Winds. Revel in the incredible granite peaks for a phenomenal alpineglow while camping at Shadow Lake. Then, without surprise, the rain is back! Bringing lightning, thunder, and hail.
The girls start off with a slow morning and bemoan condensation’s effects on a small tent. They head through beautiful passes and get rained on many times—even while it was sunny. They ford creeks and Carrie comes up with a new style of wearing rain pants. They meet people from their past and question the right route through the winds for themselves. They enjoy a dip in sandpoint lake and find their way to an epically cozy campsite on the continental divide trail.
Join Carrie and Molly as they venture deeper into the Winds! The sisters compare the scenery with some of their favorite west coast locations. They meet an exotic group of hikers and Carrie reveals her culinary triumph. They commit to a rock hop and make a new friend in a coming-full-circle moment! Learn more about a “rat king” than you’d ever like to know and enjoy when backpacking feels like an outdoor sleepover.
An early morning surprise throws a wrench into the sister’s plans to begin the Alan Dixon route. Molly discusses an embarrassing incident. The sisters discuss the emotions of seeing a Pringles can that doesn’t belong to you. They find a slippery rock hop and talk through how they made tough decisions on this route. They make new friends with CDT hikers as well as others who were planning to join the Dixon route. An afternoon thunderstorm chases them for miles. Carrie has a new theory for waiting out a thunderstorm. The effects of altitude catch up with them. A beautiful evening provides the opportunity for an animal sighting before they camp at a stunning and quiet lake.
The sisters admire the animals roaming through the basin as they make their way toward the Winds. Once they meet the shuttle, they give some tips on items to bring and items to leave before heading to the trailhead. One missed turn (& u-turn) later, their feet hit the trail and they discuss the unique scenery as they enter the Winds from Green River Lakes Trailhead. Work through first-day jitters and basque in the beauty that is the Winds!
The sisters reveal the location for their next podcast series: Wyoming’s Wind River Range! Carrie and Molly detail their journey to Wyoming as they prepare to set out on Andrew Skurka’s high route. Last minute jitters turn into a major pivot for the girls as they make decisions which will significantly impact their upcoming hike.
Join the sisters for their final day on the Wonderland Trail! At the beginning, they have a New Year’s resolution for you! Then, they give you a glimpse into their morning routine in camp. Molly gives herself a gift on Carrie’s birthday and Carrie finds herself in a creek. Molly bemoans the fact that they have yet to see a bear on the trip—guess what happens next? The girls discuss the beauty of Spray Park and reveal the final revenge of the mice that have plagued their journey.
The morning begins with the sisters learning a leave no trace tip from Rachel. The group travels along and above glaciers and marvel at the stunning scenery. A lenticular cloud forms over the mountain, putting their weather forecasting skills to the test. They make an observation about Mystic Camp. A commentary about sitting on anthills. They relate Grey’s anatomy to this day on trail. The girls discuss moving through rockfall terrain and a way they keep themselves safe. They finally reach their campsite where they experience the phenomenon of being rained on by plants. They ask themselves why they can never stay at the first campsite they see. The sisters also discuss the emotions you experience as a trip comes to an end. Tune in!
The girls hit the trail for the longest day on their trek around Mount Rainier. Right away, Carrie is met with an unwelcome surprise. The girls cross Kautz Creek and arrive in Longmire, where they complete their first resupply and sneak a little laundry. Back on the trail, the sisters recount a humorous encounter and their surprising company at lunch. The girls navigate a trail reroute and finally make it to Nickel Creek Camp, where they pass the evening with laughter and storytelling.
Join the sisters on trail as they discuss their favorite parts of camping at Klapatche Park and resolve their debate on the best place to pitch a tent in the rain. Molly and Carrie marvel in how close they got to Mount Rainier’s glaciers on this day, and catch their first marmot sightings. Molly reveals one of her favorite vistas from the trip while Carrie discusses the unique features left by glaciers on this section of the trail. The sisters cross a 200 ft suspension bridge and hear a surprising sound. Find out our theory on why a campsite was named “Devil’s Dream” and more!!
The girls’ night begins with the sound of piercing screams, which initially is a cause for concern. After a rainy night, they emerge to begin their second day on the Wonderland Trail. The sisters contrast the pros and cons of pitching a tent under a tree in rainy conditions. After bemoaning the specific challenges of wet gear, they find an interesting approach to drying their soaking wet clothes. Carrie shares a word of warning about a certain animal. The girls hit the trail and bask in the fall views around Mount Rainier. The sisters try a new trail lunch. Carrie is feeling sassy as the sisters discuss how to approach negative attitudes about the trail on a thru hike. Molly and Carrie provide a review of Klapatche Park camp and reflect on a beautiful view they found. The sisters share a tip for staying warm in your sleep system on chilly nights.
Morning brings a beautiful day for the girls to begin the Wonderland Trail, but the forecast tells a different story. The sisters find humor in parking preferences prior to beginning by a long distance hike. Carrie and Molly talk all things trail, including elevation profile, river crossings, and their first day lunch and dinner strategy. Upon arriving at Golden Lakes, the girls find a surprising form of refuge from the rain. They reflect on the discouragement that comes with hiking on a rainy day and compare it to facing tough times off trail.
Carrie and Molly are excited to welcome you along on their new series about backpacking the Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier! Join the sisters as they head to Washington to meet up with Rachel and begin a hike they’ve been dreaming of for years. They discuss the process of obtaining a permit to hike the trail and considerations for completing the trail in different months. The sisters discuss their resupply strategy and laugh about the “weird resupply math” they had to complete. Thanks for joining as the sisters embark on this epic trail!
The summit is only half way!! In our final episode on Sahale, the group must come down from the summit. They learn crevasse rescue skills and practice them on the Quien Sabè glacier. They return to camp, hike back to the car and discuss a framework for debriefing from adventures with your adventure partner.
Carrie and Molly begin summit day early, traveling cross country up the slabs below the Quien Sabe glacier. They make an interesting discovery from years past and learn about a new mountaineering style for their soft shell pants. Lead by their guide, they travel on bare glacial ice and navigate a maze of crevasses. Molly experiences a revelation regarding snow bridges and the sisters compare their emotions while traveling in this new terrain. They contrast hiking on a trail vs traveling on a glacier and climb alpine rock up to the summit of the peak!
Molly and Carrie meet their guide at the wilderness information center and set off on their first mountaineering journey. They learn about the concept of risk tolerance vs risk acceptance, pacing considerations for mountaineering, and the three biggest risks to manage while traveling on a glacier. They are spooked by the reports of a grizzly bear near their campsite and drool over their guide’s unorthodox backcountry dinner.
Carrie and Molly prepare to embark on a guided climb of Sahale Peak in the North Cascades. They talk about what a gear check is like, how the itinerary of the trip was planned, and their resting strategy for the day they had to relax between trips. They also discuss how they work to calm anxiety.
If you’re a backpacker who’s dreamed of climbing glaciated peaks, but doesn’t know how or if you should make the transition—this episode is for you! (Spoiler alert, it’s also for those who have no interest in mountaineering, but still love learning about different outdoor adventures!) Molly and Carrie talk about their progression from hiking and backpacking into the world of mountaineering. They talk about signing up for a mountaineering course and the process of obtaining necessary gear and preparing for a new adventure in the mountains. They discuss their objectives for delving into mountaineering and can’t wait for you to join them in a new journey!
Molly & Carrie wake up in an oven….so to speak. They discuss the way they lessen their impact when camping on granite. Explore the lake basin with them as they prepare to return to their car. The trip down contains a fun swim and other stories. Come along!
Carrie and Molly head into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness to explore the beautiful terrain. They discuss ways to reduce impact in popular areas and recount the climb up to Tuck and Robin Lakes. Stick around to hear about goat’s unusual dietary preferences and how to keep them from being unwelcome visitors to your tent at night.