Episode 70 marks a milestone for Virginia Outdoor Adventures podcast, celebrating nearly five years of epic adventures across the Commonwealth. Looking back, I reflect on the incredible diversity of Virginia's outdoor offerings – from whale watching and caving to kayaking and secluded island camping. These adventures have consistently showcased experiences many listeners didn't realize existed right in their own backyards.

I highlight essential spring adventures across Virginia, from waterfall hikes in Shenandoah National Park to elk viewing in Appalachia. The warming season brings excellent opportunities for paddling, wildlife viewing, boating, backpacking, and dark sky programs.

As I reflect on 70 episodes of discovery, the podcast community continues to grow, bringing outdoor enthusiasts together through shared experiences and inspirational stories. Across Virginia, listeners are discovering new adventures, planning getaways, and connecting with our state’s natural beauty through each episode. Join me as we continue this journey of adventure across Virginia's remarkable outdoor spaces. Let’s Go!

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VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

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Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

This week I’m sharing a conversation I had with my friend, Steve Adams, or known by his trail name, Mighty Blue. Steve is an AT thru hiker and host of the popular podcast, Mighty Blue on the Appalachian Trail, The Ultimate Midlife Crisis.
I find Steve’s podcast inspirational for hikers and non-hikers alike. Steve interviews thru hikers while they are on the trail. The result is a raw and unfiltered conversation with people who are in the process of undertaking over 2,100 miles from Georgia to Maine.

In this convo, Steve shares his favorite memories and highlights from his thru hikes in Virginia.

As podcasters with similar audiences, Steve and I did an episode swap, so when you’re done listening to this episode, be sure to hope over to Steve’s podcast to listen to my guest appearance on his show, where I share an outrageous story about getting stranded on an island in the Chesapeake Bay when our boat was washed out by the tide.

I hope you enjoy this one-on-one with Steve Adams, of Mighty Blue on the Appalachian Trial.

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

Immerse yourself in nature’s healing embrace with the transformative power of forest bathing.

Ana Ka’ahanui, co-founder of Capital Nature, uncovers the secrets behind this mindfulness practice rooted in Japanese culture.

More than just a walk among the trees, Ana shares how forest bathing can lower blood pressure, enhance creativity, and offer a sanctuary for mental and physical well-being in our fast-paced world.

We dive into the principles, benefits, and practices of forest bathing, emphasizing its ability to help individuals reconnect to nature in everyday settings and the joy it brings through mindful sensory experiences. Let’s Go!

This is Part 2 of a two-part episode.

Follow VAOA Podcast:

Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up
Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

Advertisers:

Visit Grayson County

Mentioned in this Episode:

Connect with Ana Kaahanui: Website I Instagram (Personal) Instagram (Capital Nature) I Facebook (Personal) Facebook (Capital Nature) I Email: ana@capitalnature.org

Ana’s upcoming Forest Bathing Walks in the DMV

Association of Nature & Forest Therapy Guides & Programs (ANFT)

ANFT Certified Guides

Forest Bathing Finder

Some of Ana’s favorite books on forest bathing, nature and trees

The Nature Fix (book)

Night Magic (book)

iNaturalist (app)

Seek by iNaturalist (app)

City Nature Challenge (global)

City Nature Challenge (local)

Virginia Master Naturalists

NOVA Park’s Roving Naturalist

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com