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“Once those tires hit the dirt, it's a completely different experience. It's about getting out and having a great adventure, freeing your mind, freeing your soul, and reconnecting with nature.” - Shawn Van Der Poel, Terra Overland Imagine yourself behind the wheel of a fully equipped Jeep Wrangler Rubicon designed to conquer any terrain, traversing the majestic George Washington National Forest, as you embark on an unforgettable expedition. Virginia has an extensive network of overlanding trails that cater to adventure seekers of all interests and skill levels. From navigating obstacles and mud holes, to reaching new heights at breathtaking summits, you'll experience a profound sense of accomplishment that only the wilderness can provide. Shawn Van der Poel and Dawn Creamer from Terra Overland, have made the freedom of vehicle-supported travel and self-reliant adventure accessible to everyone. Buckle in and discover a true spirit of exploration through overlanding. Let’s Go!  Follow VAOA Podcast: Website I Instagram I Facebook   Support the Show: Buy Me A Coffee   VAOA Podcast is Sponsored By: ·       Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I DWR Shop ·       Breaks Interstate Park ·       Virginia Association for Parks ·       Virginia State Parks   Advertisers: ·       Blue Ridge Outdoor Magazine   Mentioned in this Episode:  Connect with Terra Overland: Website I Instagram I Facebook   George Washington National Forest Flagpole Knob Massanutten Resort Boar’s Head Resort Wintergreen ResortBlog: Navigation and Route for our MABDR Backcountry Hiking and Overlanding Jeep Trek Support the show

Following Episode 44, Beginner Backpacking with Alison Wata of Exploration Solo, I received a lot of requests for additional information about trail food and meal prep. So this week I decided to share a Bonus Episode from the past about how to pack food for outdoor adventures. Virginia Outdoor Adventures has quadrupled since last summer when this Bonus Episode first aired, so if you’re a new listener since then, you may have missed this information-packed conversation.  I asked Aaron Owens Mayhew, registered dietician and founder of Backcountry Foodie, to give us a brief introduction to prepping for the backcountry, including considerations for nutrition, pack weight, ease, and expense. Aaron even shares one of her most popular recipes.  Follow VAOA Podcast: Website I Instagram I Facebook   Support the Show: Buy Me A Coffee   VAOA Podcast is Sponsored By: ·       Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I DWR Shop ·       Breaks Interstate Park ·       Virginia Association for Parks ·       Virginia State Parks   Mentioned in this Episode: Connect with Aaron:Instagram I Facebook I YouTube I WebsiteEmail: aaron@backcountryfoodie.com Follow Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast:Website I Facebook I Instagram I Twitter Send Questions, Comments, and Suggestions: Jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.comSupport the show

“I love everything about waterfalls. I love their energy. I love the sound they make in the otherwise quiet woods. I love the mist that forms at the base of the falls. If sunlight hits it just right, you can see a rainbow in the air. They're just plain pretty and photogenic. It's not a living creature, and yet it's animated. I think of it as an animated force in nature that always has life-like qualities even though it's not alive. And I just love that about waterfalls.” - Ranger Kevin Moses, Shenandoah National ParkWhat is it about waterfalls that draw us in? Perhaps it’s the mesmerizing sight of free-falling cascades, or the sound of a soothing trickle or a powerful thundering roar. Maybe it’s the feeling of mist that dusts our skin or the fresh scent of moisture and earth mixing in the air. Shenandoah National Park is home to dozens of waterfalls that attract thousands of visitors every year. Ranger Kevin Moses, the park’s Search and Rescue Coordinator, highlights some of his favorite falls, interesting facts about the formation of the park’s natural features, and how to prepare for a hike so you can safely enjoy the power and beauty of Shenandoah’s waterfalls. Let’s Go!Follow VAOA Podcast: Website I Instagram I Facebook   Support the Show: Buy Me A Coffee   VAOA Podcast is Sponsored By: ·       Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I DWR Shop ·       Breaks Interstate Park ·       Virginia Association for Parks ·       Virginia State Parks   Advertisers: ·    Shenandoah National Park Trust   Mentioned in this Episode:Shenandoah National Park Homepage SNP Geology Hiking Basics The 10 Essentials of Hiking The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace SNP Trail Maps SNP Visitor Centers SNP Hikes to Waterfalls Episode 33, Hiking Old Rag Mountain with Gabby Dreyfus, Old Rag Mountain StewardsSupport the show

“Teaching others how to backpack takes being confident in your own skills, knowing what you can handle, and a desire to help other people love the outdoors.”  -Alison Wata, Exploration SoloThe experience of a backcountry trip immerses us in nature in a way that a day hike just can’t match. Backpacking can build confidence, provide a true sense of independence, and foster a love of the great outdoors. But maybe the idea of packing up and heading into the wilderness is overwhelming or even intimidating. Alison Wata, backpacking guide and owner of Exploration Solo, addresses the most common concerns of beginner backpackers, including selecting and packing gear, meal preparation, navigation, safety, and even the dreaded bathroom situation. Alison offers step-by-step advice and helps you find the best resources and support to get you ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Let’s Go!Follow VAOA Podcast: Website I Instagram I Facebook   Support the Show: Buy Me A Coffee   VAOA Podcast is Sponsored By: ·       Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I DWR Shop ·       Breaks Interstate Park ·       Virginia Association for Parks ·       Virginia State Parks   Advertisers: ·       Blue Ridge Outdoor Magazine ·       Hennessy Hammock ·       Zenbivy   Mentioned in this Episode: Connect with Alison Wata: Website I Instagram I Facebook I YouTube I Email: alison@explorationsolo.com PATC Backpacking courses (also check community colleges, park authorities, outfitters, and certified guides) Bonus Episode: Aaron Owens Mayhew, Backcountry Foodie Ursak Bear Resistant Bag Episode 22. Hiking McAfee Knob and Virginia’s Triple Crown with Diana Christopulos, Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club Mount Rogers National Recreation Area Washington and Jefferson National Forests Shenandoah National Park backcountry camping permit Wildlife Management Areas access permit Virginia State Parks primitive campsites Gaia GPS The Hiking ProjectSupport the show

“The Appalachian Trail is thought of as a trail for thru hikers but it's just not true. Three to four million people will hike on the Appalachian Trail this year. A couple thousand of those will be thru hikers. They're less than one half of one percent. Thru hiking 2,198 miles is an amazing accomplishment and so they kind of suck up all the media attention. The real story of the trail is not the story of the thru hikers, it’s the story of the person who does a five-mile loop hike on a Saturday.”  – Mills Kelly, Historian and Host of The Green Tunnel PodcastReferred to by hikers as “The Green Tunnel,” the Appalachian National Scenic Trail is the oldest and most iconic multi-state, long-distance footpath, but the trail that we know today is not the trail that originally traversed Southwest Virginia. Historian and lifelong hiker, Mills Kelly, tells the story of Virginia’s lost Appalachian Trail and the communities impacted by the trail’s relocation. Mills also shares the contributions hikers make to the towns along the trail, surprising facts about trail use today and how it has changed over the last century, and advice for any thru hiker, section hiker, or day hiker planning to join the 3 to 4 million users who set foot on the Appalachian Trail each year. Let’s Go!Follow VAOA Podcast: Website I Instagram I Facebook   Support the Show: Buy Me A Coffee   VAOA Podcast is Sponsored By: ·       Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I DWR Shop ·       Breaks Interstate Park ·       Virginia Association for Parks ·       Virginia State Parks   Advertisers: ·       Blue Ridge Outdoor Magazine ·       Hennessy Hammock ·       Zenbivy   Mentioned in this Episode:*Support the Show with a Membership and Receive the Full List of Show Notes LinksConnect with Mills Kelly and The Green Tunnel Podcast: Website I Instagram I Email - tkelly7@gmu.edu Buy the book, Virginia’s Lost Appalachian Trail (Check your local booksellers first) Episode 22. Hiking McAfee Knob and Virginia’s Triple Crown with Diana Christopulos, Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club Potomac Appalachian Trail Club Natural Bridge Trail Club Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club PATC Maps Appalachian Trail ConservancySupport the show

“You get this intimate view of something that you don't get to see too often, and you kind of get to know the birds and what to expect from them. You get sucked in. It's like nature documentaries and I think it has the same appeal. You get that here in downtown Richmond, which is probably the last place people expect to see it.” - Meagan Thomas, Virginia Department of Wildlife ResourcesImagine taking a peek at aquatic life below the surface of the James River or watching Peregrine Falcons hatch atop a Richmond skyscraper. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources’ live-streaming cameras offer a glimpse into the wonderful world of Virginia’s wildlife, from restored elk habitat in the mountains to the tidal marshes of the coast. Meagan Thomas, Watchable Wildlife Biologist, describes what makes these wildlife cams so popular, how you can contribute as a community scientist, and why you won’t want to miss a moment of eggs hatching, fish migrating, elk bugling, and so much more. Let’s Go!Follow VAOA Podcast: Website I Instagram I Facebook   Support the Show: Buy Me A Coffee   VAOA Podcast is Sponsored By: ·       Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I DWR Shop ·       Breaks Interstate Park ·       Visit Mecklenburg ·       Virginia Association for Parks ·       Virginia State Parks   Advertisers: ·       Blue Ridge Outdoor Magazine   Mentioned in this Episode:*Support the Show with a Membership and Receive the Full List of Show Notes LinksDWR Wildlife Cams DWR Wildlife Management Areas Richmond Falcon Cam Falcon Cam Blog Submit Marsh Cam sightings on iNaturalist DWR on Instagram I Facebook I Website I Notes from the Field BlogSupport the show

“As I stared at the cloud, I realized it wasn’t really a cloud. Those were all stars. It was very humbling for a 12-year-old to be looking up at the Milky Way. It really set me back on my feet to realize how small I was on this planet, and how little our planet was compared to all those stars up in the sky.” - Jayme Hanzak, Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational SocietyWhen was the last time you looked up at the night sky? There are few experiences quite like stargazing that can help us realize our place in the vast and brilliant universe. Virginia is home to five officially designated dark sky parks where stargazing is exceptional, and the night sky is protected for generations to come. Jayme Hanzak, of the Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society, describes the important role dark skies play in human health and the health of our planet. Jayme also shares night sky viewing opportunities across Virginia, including the semiannual Star Party at Staunton River State Park that attracts stargazers from the entire east coast and beyond. Get ready to experience a state park after dark. Let’s Go!*Cover Image by Larry W. BrownFollow VAOA Podcast: Website I Instagram I Facebook   Support the Show: Buy Me A Coffee   VAOA Podcast is Sponsored By: ·       Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I DWR Shop ·       Breaks Interstate Park ·       Visit Mecklenburg ·       Virginia Association for Parks ·       Virginia State Parks   Advertisers: ·       Blue Ridge Outdoor Magazine   Mentioned in this Episode:*Support the Show with a Membership and Receive the Full List of Show Notes LinksStaunton River State Park Virginia State Parks' International Dark Sky Parks Rappahannock County Park International Dark Skies Association Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society Northern Virginia Astronomy Club, Sky Meadows State Park Roanoke Valley Astronomical Society, Natural Bridge State Park Crewe Astronomy Club, James River State Park Southern Gap Outdoor Adventure Astronomy Clubs in Virginia Planetariums in Virginia Observatories in VirginiaSupport the show

“When the whales come up for a breath, they're not out at the surface very long, and you're intently searching for it. Then suddenly, there it is! I don't think it is possible to not get excited, especially the first time when you see a whale surface.” – Mike Mizell, Virginia AquariumImagine the largest mammals on earth just mere miles from the most populated city in Virginia. Acrobatic humpback whales, enormous fin whales, endangered right whales, and playful bottlenose dolphins all spend the winter just offshore from Virginia Beach. Mike Mizell, Boat Programs Specialist at the Virginia Aquarium, shares some fascinating facts about these marine giants and how you can experience them in their natural habitat. Let’s Go!Follow VAOA Podcast:Website I Facebook I Instagram I TwitterSupport the show: Buy Me A Coffee VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I Shop DWR  Visit Mecklenburg Breaks Interstate Park Virginia Association for Parks Virginia State Parks  Advertisers: Visit the Eastern Shore of Virginia Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine Mentioned in this Episode:*Support the Show with a Membership and Receive the Full List of Show Notes LinksVirginia Aquarium: Website I Instagram I Facebook Go on a Whale Watching Tour Email Mike Mizell mwmizell@virginiaaquarium.comSupport the show

“One of my favorite parts about Virginia's outdoors is that a lot of places aren't that mainstream or heavily publicized, so they require some adventuring, which can make for great experiences, stories and memories.”  – Grant Price, Blue Ridge Mountain GuidesIce climbing in Virginia? You may not think of the South as a destination for ice climbing, but when the conditions are right, the frozen crags in the higher elevations of the Blue Ridge Mountains might be the best kept secret in Virginia. Grant Price, of Blue Ridge Mountain Guides, explains why ice climbing is more accessible than you might think. Grant describes the experience of ascending frozen formations, the type of gear required, and how to access ice climbing through guides and clubs, so you can add this winter adventure to your local bucket list. Let’s Go!Follow VAOA Podcast:Website I Facebook I Instagram I TwitterSupport the show: Buy Me A Coffee VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I Shop DWR I Virginia Wildlife Grant Program Visit Mecklenburg Breaks Interstate Park Virginia Association for Parks Virginia State Parks  Advertisers: Visit the Eastern Shore of Virginia Visit Harrisonburg Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine Mentioned in this Episode:*Support the Show with a Membership and Receive the Full List of Show Notes LinksConnect with Grant Price and Blue Ridge Mountain Guides: Website I Instagram I Facebook I Twitter Potomac Appalachian Trail Club Mountaineering Section American Alpine Club I Washington DC Section I Richmond Chapter Garmin In-Reach Mini 2Support the show

“Moving on taught me to climb mountains not because they are easy, but because they are worth it. When I summit a mountain, that is when I feel most alive. I imagine that’s how you might feel too.”  - Jessica Chenard, Her Hike CollectiveThose of us who love to hike, know the benefits it brings to our lives. Hiking reduces stress and anxiety, while allowing us to clear our minds and reconnect with ourselves and nature. Jessica Chenard, Founder of the Virginia-based hiking community, Her Hike Collective, shares her journey of hiking to heal after a personal tragedy. Believing that grief demands action, she utilized the outdoors as a lifeline and found comfort and connection on the trail. Her new memoir titled, Her Hike, is Jessica’s story of coping in the Blue Ridge and was written to help others begin their own journeys summiting mountains. Jessica’s passion has created a community of hikers who are turning to the outdoors, and each other, to find healing. Let’s Go!Follow VAOA Podcast:Website I Facebook I Instagram I TwitterSupport the show: Buy Me A Coffee VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I Shop DWR Visit Mecklenburg Breaks Interstate Park Virginia Association for Parks Virginia State Parks  Advertisers: Visit the Eastern Shore of Virginia Visit Harrisonburg Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine Mentioned in this Episode:  *Support the Show with a Membership and Receive the Full List of Show Notes Links Connect with Jessica and Her Hike Collective:  Website I Her Hike Collective on Instagram I Jessica Chenard on Instagram Buy the book, Her Hike: Violet Fox Bookshop, Country Bookshelf Humpback Rocks Hike Rose River Falls Hike Apple Orchard Falls HikeSupport the show

“Our mission is to get people outdoors. It's to offer individuals of all abilities, no matter physical, cognitive, or economic situation, the opportunity to experience the outdoors with the surrounding community. We empower people's abilities through outdoor adventure.” - Shep Roeper, Beyond BoundariesAdventure is for Everyone. The Richmond-based non-profit, Beyond Boundaries, specializes in guiding outdoor adventures for participants with disabilities, veterans, at-risk youth, and recovery programs. Co-founder and Director, Shep Roeper, describes opportunities for individuals of all ability levels to experience the outdoors through kayaking, fishing, climbing, whitewater rafting, boating, hiking, and more. Shep also shares some of his most memorable moments, the positive impact on the local community, the connection that comes from volunteering, and how you can play a part in providing adventure for others. Let’s Go!Follow VAOA Podcast:Website I Facebook I Instagram I TwitterSupport the show: Buy Me A Coffee VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I Shop DWR Visit Mecklenburg Breaks Interstate Park Virginia Association for Parks  Advertisers: Visit the Eastern Shore of Virginia Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine Mentioned in this Episode:*Support the Show with a Membership and Receive the Full List of Show Notes LinksConnect with Beyond Boundaries: Website I Facebook I Instagram Virginia Wildlife Grant Program Episode 32. Exploring the Wild at Wildlife Management Areas with Lisa Ghidotti Sportable  Peak Experiences Triangle Rock Club James River Park System, Richmond Hardywood Park Craft Brewery Väsen BrewingSupport the show

“Caves are otherworldly. You have the experience of exploration where you don't know what's around the next corner. One of the prime draws to caving is that you get to explore places that nobody's ever been before.” – Dave Socky, Blue Ridge GrottoImagine a hidden, underground world of stunning geologic wonders that few others have experienced before. Stalagmites and stalactites, streams and waterfalls, and beautiful stone and crystal formations are beneath our feet. Dave Socky, an experienced caver with the Blue Ridge Grotto, describes the otherworldly experience of caving, safety precautions to take in the subterranean landscape, important conservation considerations, and how to appropriately gain access to some of Virginia’s 4,000 wild caves. Dave also shares an incredible recent discovery of an ice age-era Cheetah skeleton from a cave in Southwest Virginia. Let’s Go!Follow VAOA Podcast:Website I Facebook I Instagram I TwitterSupport the show: Buy Me A Coffee VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by: Virginia Association for Parks Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I Shop DWR Visit Mecklenburg Breaks Interstate Park  Advertisers: Visit the Eastern Shore of Virginia Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine Mentioned in this Episode:*Support the Show with a Membership and Receive the Full List of Show Notes LinksConnect with Dave Socky: YouTube I Blue Ridge Grotto I Facebook I Website Find Your Local Caving Community Guide to Responsible Caving The Virginia Cave and Karst Trail Virginia Natural Heritage Karst Program Ten Questions About Caves and the Virginia Cave Board Cave Conservancy of the Virginias Recovery of Petra – Video by Dave Socky Caving team discovers, retrieves rare ice age-era cat skeleton from Southwest Virginia cave, Cardinal News Petra - Virginia Museum of Natural History  Commercial Caverns in Virginia Butler Cave Conservation SocietySupport the show

“I've never experienced anything in my life that gets me so connected to nature and earth. You're feeling the way that the water is pushing you, you are going with it, you are looking for it, and it's such an amazing feeling of connection and presence.” -Berkley Nestler, James River WomenNicknamed “River City,” Richmond is situated on the mighty James where the hard bedrock of the Piedmont Region gives way to the sandy sediments of the Coastal Plain. This geographic feature, known as the Fall Line, drops 100 feet in 7 miles, creating rushing rapids that attract whitewater adventure seekers to the capital city. Jen Jimenez and Berkley Nestler of James River Women are on a mission to make whitewater paddling sports accessible by providing a safe community for beginners to learn and grow. Jen and Berkely describe the experience of whitewater paddling, tips on safety and gear, why Richmond is an ideal location for paddlers of any ability level, and how to get your adrenaline rush without leaving the big city. Let’s Go!Follow VAOA Podcast:Website I Facebook I Instagram I TwitterSupport the show: Buy Me A Coffee VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I Shop DWR Visit Mecklenburg Breaks Interstate Park  Advertisers: Visit the Eastern Shore of Virginia Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine   Mentioned in this Episode:*Support the Show with a Membership and Receive the Full List of Show Notes Links Connect with James River Women: Instagram I Facebook I Email: jrw@jroc.netEpisode 14. Empowering the 'Wiser Female Adventurer' with Linda and Mandi, She Opts OutRiverside OutfittersVirginia DWR Grant ProgramSupport the show

“We all have ancestors who lived really close to nature, who found their food in the wild. This is our birthright and I get really excited when I can lead people back to that heritage.” -Tim MacWelch, Advanced Survival TrainingOnce used by our ancestors as a means of survival, foraging for wild edible plants is surging in popularity among outdoor enthusiasts. Whether it’s to collect food, maintain a healthy lifestyle, learn about native plants, or just spend more time outside, foraging is a way to connect with the landscape and carry on a tradition that dates to the beginning of human existence. Tim MacWelch, owner of Advanced Survival Training, covers the basics of foraging, including how to safely identify plants, examples of common wild edibles, where and when to forage, conservation techniques, and precautions to take before consuming your finds. You’ll want to have your notepad ready because this episode is chock-full of information to get you started in the world of foraging. Let’s Go! Follow VAOA Podcast:Website I Facebook I Instagram I Twitter Support the show: Buy Me A Coffee  VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I Shop DWR Visit Mecklenburg Breaks Interstate Park  Advertisers: Hennessy Hammock   Mentioned in this Episode:*Support the Show with a Membership and Receive the Full List of Show Notes Links Connect with Tim MacWelch: Website I Instagram  Advanced Survival Training Seasonal Wild Edible Plants Course Description Peterson Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants Article by Virginia DWR: Storing Up for Winter with Forageables Morakniv Support the show

“Old Rag is a particularly memorable and rewarding hike. We’re there to help protect this cherished natural and cultural resource, and protect people at the same time, because we want everyone to enjoy the park.” – Gabby Dreyfus, Old Rag Mountain Stewards Often referred to as one of the best hikes on the east coast, Old Rag Mountain is the most popular hike in Shenandoah National Park. Highlights of this hike include boulder scrambling and spectacular views of the Shenandoah Valley. But this hike is no casual walk in the park. Old Rag is a challenging hike that requires preparation and planning to enjoy safely. Old Rag Mountain Stewards is a volunteer organization that helps hikers understand how to protect themselves and the resources on Old Rag Mountain. Vice President, Gabby Dreyfus, shares her expertise in preparedness, safety, and stewardship, so you can make the most of this epic Virginia adventure. Let’s Go!Follow VAOA Podcast:Website I Facebook I Instagram I TwitterSupport the show: Buy Me A CoffeeVAOA Podcast is Sponsored by: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I Shop DWR Visit Mecklenburg Breaks Interstate Park Advertisers: Hennessy Hammock Mentioned in this Episode:*Support the Show with a Membership and Receive the Full List of Show Notes Links Old Rag Mountain Stewards: Website I Instagram I Facebook I Twitter I Volunteer I Donate Email: info@oldragmountainstewards.org Old Rag Mountain Hike, Shenandoah National Park Support the show

In this Season 3 Trailer, my friend, Jacqueline, better known as RVA Hiker Girl, joins me for a sneak peek into upcoming episodes. Jacqueline and I discuss the diversity of outdoor recreation activities in Virginia, the connectedness of the outdoor community, and the listener input I received that led to the selection of new content for Season 3, which launches one week from today on October 18.Follow VAOA Podcast:Website I Facebook I Instagram I Twitter Send Questions, Comments, and Suggestions: Jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com Support the show: Buy Me A Coffee VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by: ·        Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I Shop DWR ·        Visit Mecklenburg ·        Breaks Interstate Park   Mentioned in this Episode:*Support the Show with a Membership and Receive the Full List of Show Notes Links   Connect with Jacqueline, RVA Hiker Girl: YouTube I Instagram I Twitter Episode 8 of VAOA Podcast with RVA Hiker Girl Blue Ridge Tunnel Video Virginia’s Covered Bridges Virginia’s Fire Towers Virginia State Parks’ International Dark Sky Parks Virginia State Parks Trail Quest Support the show

In this Bonus Episode, I’m sharing a guest appearance I made on The VML Voice, the official podcast of the Virginia Municipal League. I speak with the Host, Rob Bullington, about simple things you can do to make the most of your Virgina getaways. If you enjoy this episode, be sure to read the featured article I authored in this month’s edition of Virginia Town & City Magazine, entitled, How to Recreate in Viriginia.Virgnia Town & City Magazine ArticleFollow Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast:Website I Facebook I Instagram I Twitter Send Questions, Comments, and Suggestions: Jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.comSupport the show

In this Bonus Episode, I speak with Brian Livingston, Author of the new book, The Habits of Squirrels. Drawing upon his own experience completing a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, Brian wrote this fictional tale about a retired mailman who uses a thru-hike to assess his life, career, and family relationships.  Brian shares a sneak peek into his book, as well as his insights and advice for anyone considering a thru-hike of their own.  Connect with Brian Livingston: Website I Instagram I Facebook I Twitter I Buy the Book Follow Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast:Website I Facebook I Instagram I Twitter Send Questions, Comments, and Suggestions: Jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.comSupport the show

I recently asked you, my listeners, what topics you would like to learn more about in Season 3. One of the most popular responses I received was meal prep and how to pack food for outdoor adventures.  I asked Aaron Owens Mayhew, registered dietician, and founder of Backcountry Foodie, to give us a brief introduction to prepping for the backcountry, including considerations for nutrition, pack weight, ease, and expense. Aaron even shares one of her most popular recipes. Please let me know what you think of this bonus episode and if you’d be interested in a longer, more detailed episode in Season 3. Send me your feedback by messaging me on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, or email me at Jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com.  Connect with Aaron:Instagram I Facebook I YouTube I WebsiteEmail: aaron@backcountryfoodie.com Follow Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast:Website I Facebook I Instagram I Twitter Send Questions, Comments, and Suggestions: Jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.comSupport the show

In this Bonus Episode, I speak with Tara Fisher, Author of the new book, Virginia is for Adventurers. Inspired by her own adventures around Virginia with her family, Tara wrote the book as a guide for families to explore the Commonwealth while learning about Virginia’s geography and history along the way. As a former fourth grade teacher, I am thrilled that Tara created a wonderful resource that encourages kids and adults to travel to every region of Virginia to explore our parks, natural wonders, and historical landmarks.  Tara shares the details of the book, as well as some upcoming Scavenger Hunt events that you and your family can participate in. Be sure to check the show notes for links to the book’s website and social media pages.  Connect with Virginia is for Adventurers:  Website I Instagram I Scavenger Hunts I Buy the Book Follow Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast:Website I Facebook I Instagram I Twitter Send Questions, Comments, and Suggestions: Jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.comSupport the show