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/
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Ep. 985: Fire Lookout Hiking Adventures - Revisited - Amber Casali
Ep. 984: Climbing Everest From Sea Level - Michael Neal
Ep. 983: Thru-Hiking the Ice Age Trail - Revisited - Luke Kloberdanz
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Ep. 981: Bladepacking Across New Mexico - Revisited - Caleb Smith
Ep. 980: A Life of Bikepacking - Kait Boyle
Ep. 979: Over 10,000 Miles of Off-Trail Adventures in Alaska - Revisited - Luc Mehl
Ep. 978: Adventure & Philanthropy - Seth Quigg
Ep. 977: Remembering Legendary Colorado Photographer - John Fielder
Ep. 976: Running Across Montana - Rebecca Boylan
Ep. 975: When Adventure Becomes a Nightmare - Revisited - Davey Du Plessis
Ep. 974: Quirky Adventures of Travel Writing - Aaron Millar
Ep. 973: From Corporate America to Pro Mountain Bike Racer - Revisited - Angie Hyndman
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Ep. 971: The Life of Climbing Icon Royal Robbins - David Smart
Ep. 970: Breaking the Mississippi River Paddle Record - Scott Miller
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