In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Tina Haver Currin. Here’s some background. Currin is a crusher when it comes to long-distance thru-hikes…and that may be redundant, as we assume, lacking the background knowledge, that all thru-hikes are long. Currin has completed many epic hikes, including the Triple Crown: the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Appalachian Trail. She has also taken on some mighty tough trail running/scrambling FKT challenges of late. Which is to say that Currin is out and about in the mountains.

She is, however, somewhat new to touring. If you have read Issue 2 of The High Route journal (if you haven’t, you should), she wrote a great piece on learning to tour, and about friendship, and partnership titled “Uphill Both Ways.” In it, she explores learning to tour while being mentored by the writer (and splitboarder) Jon Krakauer—he probably needs no introduction.

Last year, we interviewed a Los Angeles Times journalist about his experience as a newcomer to the sport. That podcast was titled “A Beginner's Dilemma.” The takeaway, as far as I was concerned, is that hearing from a newcomer can be a great learning opportunity for those with more experience. So I was compelled to have Currin on the podcast and to learn some things. Which I did. And I hope you do, too.

If you are new to The High Route, we are a reader- and listener-supported enterprise focused on human-powered turn-making. Our mission is simple, but it takes real-deal calorie-burning to piece it all together.

We’d like to thank Patagonia, Blue Ice, and ATK for supporting us.

We are also excited to announce that you can subscribe to Issues 2 and 3 of our fine print journal (The High Route journal) on our site. Fancy paper. Good reads. High-octane photos. And some fine mountain ranges. And turns. You can learn more about our subscription options here.

The theme music for The High Route Podcast comes from Storms in the Hill Country and the album The Self Transforming (Thank you, Jens Langsjoen). You can find a link to the album here—there are so many good songs on this album. And if you think you've spotted a UFO in the past or visited the 7th dimension, "Beautiful Alien" is a good tune to start with.

Learning the Ropes with Tina Currin Haver