{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Episode #518 - Emily Manzon (Tic Tac)","description":"Emily Manzon, or Tic Tac, is our guest this week. Emily was looking for an epic way to celebrate her 40th birthday this year, so the Appalachian Trail certainly checked that box. Along the way, Emily gained a respect for the trail and the impact it had upon her, using mantras to reflect her attitude along the way. Missing 200 miles partway through, she could have been content as a 2,000-miler, yet returned to the trail for a more solitary experience as she filled in those miles, heading south. Also this week, I welcomed Dan Durston from Durston Gear to help me with my tent choice for next year\u2019s hike. Dan answered all my questions, and I settled on this little beauty below. I\u2019m so looking forward to using the X-Dome 2 next March. In my accountability blog, I share a bit of bad news on the physical prep front, while explaining why I chose the X-Dome 2 as my tent for 2026. I used my hike last year on the South West Coast Path in the UK to help raise money for my absolute favorite charity, Parenting Matters, on whose board I\u2019ve been privileged to serve for over a decade. You can learn more about the hike and the organization\u2013and donate\u2013by visiting Hike with Steve - Empowering Parents, One Step at a Time | Parenting Matters %. I hope you want to support this critical mission. Don\u2019t forget. Our entire series of videos from our Woods Hole Weekend in 2022 is now FREE and available at my YouTube page at Woods Hole Weekend - Trailer There, you\u2019ll find all sorts of tips and tricks that our guests took away from the weekend that helped them with their own hikes this year. Check it out. I often ask listeners for ideas on who to interview, and I\u2019m sure several of you say, \u201cI could do that. I\u2019ve got an awesome story to tell.\u201d You\u2019re the person we need to hear from. If you\u2019d like to be interviewed on the podcast, just register as a guest on the link below, and I\u2019ll be in touch. Come on the show! If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at Hiking Radio Network . Additionally, you can join our membership at Steve (Mighty Blue) Adams. It\u2019s worth checking out what is on offer for you there. If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, 3821 Milflores Drive, Sun City Center, FL 33573. Any support is gratefully received. Additionally, you can \u201cZelle\u201d me a donation to steve@hikingradionetwork.com. Or \u201cVenmo\u201c me at @\u200cSteve-Adams-105. They both work! If you'd like to take advantage of my book offer (all three of my printed hiking books\u2013with a personal message and signed by me\u2013for $31, including postage to the United States) send a check payable to Mighty Blue Publishing at the address just above. ","author_name":"Mighty Blue On The Appalachian Trail: The Ultimate Mid-Life Crisis","author_url":"https:\/\/www.hikingradionetwork.com\/","html":"