Between The Mountains Adventure Podcast

Lucy is an expedition leader with an incredible resume of journeys. Starting in Svalbard at 18, Lucy's highlights see her hiking in the Hardanger region of Norway and the Finnsmarkvidda Plateau in the arctic circle, and dove straight into the Amazon rainforest from University. In addition, she has mountaineered in Argentina and Tajikistan, scaled Denali, solo-hiked in Picos de Europa, led a team in the Patagonia Expedition Race and skied the Norwegian/Russian border alongside expeditions to Greenland.  Lucy has also been to the High Sierra mountains in America and the Kanuka Mountains in Guayana, which I am happy to say we will be going to into more depth in 2 separate episodes!   Exploring From A Young Age  As a kid and only child, Lucy spent a lot of her time outdoors, roping her friends into exploring the outdoors with her. IT was early experiences from her home to Scotland that set some incredible foundations for her thriving career undertaking expeditions.     Setting Up For Expeditions  One of the many topics we chat about is preparation for expeditions. As someone who climbs Mont Blanc just for practice, Lucy chats about the different ways she prepares for her expeditions. She highlights the need also for your mindset to be correct, and explains how this comes with time spent in preparing and gaining experience.  For me, the biggest form of this requirement for mindset is the jungle. We talk about the need for fantastic and well-disciplined personal admin. You need to be stringent and dedicated to survival there, as everything around you is essentially designed to kill you.  Balancing Achievement And Escapism  For Lucy, expeditions are exactly about this. When you escape from civilisation and push your own boundaries and edge out of your comfort zone, that is when you grow as a person. Lucy explains how it is absolutely about getting to the location and pushing yourself, but it's also about getting back!  "I love escaping into a world where I feel very privileged to be there"  Lucy Shepherd  Lucy is a fantastic, humble, modest, and experienced adventurer and it was a pleasure having her on the podcast.  You can check out her website here, or one of her YouTube videos below.  ------------------ If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!  If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality. You can also bag some free stuff!  To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com  Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here.  https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/06/24/lucy-shepherd/

13 Juni 202058min

We welcome Jamie and Skylar from Explorcation who took a cruise around the Caribbean and did something I haven’t seen before: used the cruise to rent cars on each island and carry out their own adventures, avoiding the coach excursions.  Hear their journey of island hopping in a big way, and making the use of their times there well. From hiking mountains to discovering secret beaches, read on and listen below!  Secret Beaches  The first aspect that got my attention was the topic of secret beaches. I’m not much of a beach person myself, and it had never occurred to me to actually spend time researching quiet and ‘secret’ beaches before.  A big fan of secluded areas, I was keen to learn of the areas to avoid overcrowding. Listen on in the podcast to find out more.  Hiking In The Caribbean  The second part to grab my attention was – of course – the hiking. There’s nothing huge in the way of altitude there, but you still get some epic hikes with stunning views.  Specifically, I really enjoyed their time chatting to me about St. Lucia. There are two really great peaks there, and they clearly had an amazing time.  Explorcation  Jamie and Skylar have a brilliant blog going. Along with their blog here, they have really been grinding hard to deliver some quality YouTube content too.  -------------------------- Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all other platforms; just search “Between The Mountains” or Ask Alexa! (“Alexa, play Between The Mountains Travel Podcast!”).  If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!  If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality, and you can get free stuff!  To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com  Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here.  https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/06/24/hikes-secret-beaches-across-caribbean/

10 Juni 202059min

Visiting Nepal is high on everyone’s bucket list, especially mountain lovers! In this episode, James details trekking on the Annapurna Circuit but also exploring Nepal. There is a brief mention of Everest Base Camp and an experience with altitude, but we explore EBC a bit further with Kate.  Listen on to hear about the Kophra Ridge circuit, an experience at Everest Base Camp, and his love end exploration of Nepal.  If you missed it, James also did an episode on India with us, check it out here.  The Kophra Ridge  James straight away starts describing these beautiful lakes, with 7000m and 8000m peaks reflected in them.  As James details following the stunning scenery up, and a stairway that looks as long as the one in Lord Of The Rings, 800-2000 he details the elevation on the route.  Now, Everest Base Camp trek starts you at 2800m. This route to Annapurna, starts you at 800m. That’s some serious elevation. The stairs he just mentioned take you from 800m to 2000m in one go!  It is a fantastic way to test if you can make it, and is in fact the hardest day in his opinion.  Listen to the episode to find out more on the region and walk, and the difficulties that arise!  ----------------  If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!  If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality!  To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com  Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here.  https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/06/24/exploring-nepal-annapurna-circuit/

6 Juni 20201h 30min

Hiking, rock climbing, and National Park hopping doesn't sound like a bad way to spend your time, right?  In this Van Life episode of Home Is Where You Park It we chat with Colin who lives this lifestyle full time rock climbing and mountain biking across the US.  Colin lives a wonderful lifestyle. Having word hard to set these foundations, he is now fortunate enough to travel and adventure everyday that he can.  Getting worn-out on straight forward climbs in Arizona, Colin decided to spend the year exploring and climbing to better his skill base.  Adventuring Across The US  Heading to Mexico, he worked on his climbing until it got too hot. So, his slow journey heading North began. From here he moves to Nevada and its delicate landscape and desert. After rappelling into slot canyons, climbing mountains, and spending the spring there, they moved on to the next spot.  Spending the summer in the Pacific North West, you are in for a treat hearing about Colin's adventures.  In this episode, hear how Colin grow as a rock climber, explores North America and lives the van life.  We talk about his full year spent in 2019 exploring up, down and across the US, with a touch into Mexico.  To follow their updates, you can check out their Instagram below, or their website for more specific detail.  https://www.instagram.com/p/B6x-daFB73E/  --------------------- Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all other platforms; just search “Between The Mountains” or Ask Alexa! (“Alexa, play Between The Mountains Travel Podcast!”).  If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!  If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality!  To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com  Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here.  https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/06/24/vanlife-adventuring-across-the-us/

3 Juni 202048min

Backcountry camping is something that entices so many of us. In this episode, hear how Chloë Chapdelaine went out on her first backcountry camping trip.  Travelling to Jasper National Park, Chloë describes spontaneous trips, beautiful visuals, and a stunning trip overall.  If you missed Chloë's interview, read more and listen here.  A Quick Trip Packing A Punch  The trip to Spirit Island had already been postponed for Chloë beforehand. Travelling five hours out to location, she was called in to work last minute.  Determined to get out and do this, Chloë simply rescheduled.  Her friend Oscar had been keeping an eagle eye on the camp spots. They can get booked up quickly, and the moment one became available they jumped at the opportunity!  Spirit Island  It sounds like an incredible trip. Hear in this episode how Chloë and Oscar faced strong headwinds, canoeing across a lake, and heading out for golden hour early in the morning and catch sunrise.  Chloë Chapdelaine  A fantastic place to start with Chloë, other than her Instagram page, is with her blog which you can checkout here. She has wonderful insights and fantastic journeys. You can also check out her composing page we discussed by clicking here.  If you’re going to start anywhere, you have to read this humorous blog Chloë did on over-hearing people’s odd conversation on holiday.  You should also check out her shop. There’s some beauty products… but also some beloved adventure products for yourselves! Check it out here and bag yourself a bargain.  ---------------------- Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all other platforms; just search “Between The Mountains” or Ask Alexa! (“Alexa, play Between The Mountains Travel Podcast!”).  If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!  If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality!  To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com  Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here.  https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/06/24/backcountry-camping-at-spirit-island/

30 Maj 202021min

Chloë is a model, writer and content creator, journalist, photographer and adventurer from Calgary. Her career so far sees her modelling across North America, putting her thoughts down to paper, and getting out into adventures from Canada to Mexico to Europe.  Chloë has no problem finding beautiful spots to shoot at wherever she goes, and more often than not you can find them on her Instagram accompanied by a quick-wit pun followed by a level-headed discussion or opening up a little.  Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all other platforms; just search “Between The Mountains” or Ask Alexa! (“Alexa, play Between The Mountains Travel Podcast!”).  Keeping It Light-Hearted  Starting the podcast off, we talk about the all important captions. One reason among many to follow Chloë on her Instagram is for the witty puns that caption her stunning photography.  But moving to recent shifts, I also ask her about the transition between Instagram and Tik-Tok. For all of you wanting to expand your personal brand, or just stay on top of social media, you are going to want to hear her input!  The Importance Of Journaling  It’s almost like making the thought physical. I ask Chloë this question early on. She is a brilliant writer, but also journals for her own headspace. By writing, as described by Chloë, it is a way of taking that thought or weight in your mind, and removing it to paper.  It works in both ways. You can be experiencing something truly beautiful, and by journaling it the moment becomes timeless. It can re-spark those memories and feelings you had.  “Something about that process is super-therapeutic to me”  In return, it also helps the darker times. Chloë talks about how negative times and thoughts can be removed by simply transferring them to paper.  The Influence Of Alberta  In just a 45 minute drive, Chloë can be surrounded in some of the most beautiful setting this world has to offer. Hear how the Alberta mountains influence her writing. Chloë makes such fantastic use of her time. Knowing that in low or reflective moments she can spend 2 hours scrolling social media, she will often instead get in her car and drive to the mountains.  Sounds like heaven to me.  But she knows what it like to live without it. Chloë didn’t always live so close, and so that drive to experience the mountains and alpine lakes is so fresh in her mind every day, knowing how fortunate she is to live where she does!  “The World’s not all bad, but you need to recognise it’s you who can let the light in”  Chloë Chapdelaine  A fantastic place to start with Chloë, other than her Instagram page, is with her blog which you can checkout here. She has wonderful insights and fantastic journeys. You can also check out her composing page we discussed by clicking here.  If you’re going to start anywhere, you have to read this humorous blog Chloë did on over-hearing people’s odd conversation on holiday.  You should also check out her shop. There’s some beauty products… but also some beloved adventure products for yourselves! Check it out here and bag yourself a bargain.  ---------------------------   If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!  If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality!  To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com  Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here.  https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/06/24/chloe-chapdelaine/

27 Maj 202039min

The beautiful night sky, the people, and the landscape are just some of the major reasons to visit Tasmania. We touched upon it in our Australia Van Life episode. In this show we welcome Martina.  In true classic way, Martina saw Tasmania on a map and decided to go and visit. Finding new people to travel with, she embarked on an epic roadtrip!  We kick off the episode chatting about hiking, and it quickly becomes clear that this place is fantastic for laid back hill-walking, and strenuous but rewarding views.  But Martina also dives into the backcountry aspect. Discussing some of the best spots, she also sees the beautiful clear sky and the milky way!  Hear how Martina moves through her fantastic itinerary, providing her best tips along the way!  ---------------------- Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all other platforms; just search “Between The Mountains” or Ask Alexa! (“Alexa, play Between The Mountains Travel Podcast!”).  If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!  If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality!  To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com  Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here.  Between The Mountains – Adventure Travel Podcast

23 Maj 202044min

21 beautiful days. That’s how long it took for Kate from Bags Always Packed to get to Everest Base Camp and back. What was incredible was how she did it. On a budget, last-minute, and solo.  Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all other platforms; just search “Between The Mountains” or Ask Alexa!  Trekking To Everest Base Camp  Before we start, feel free to click here to access Kate’s blog on solo trekking to Everest Base Camp. It includes everything you need to know, so I highly recommend having a browse of that and more on her website.  What was fantastic about her trip, was the side-trip she took towards the end, and her finale. I’ll let you listen on, but it sounds just so stunning, and a perfect way to end her time there.  After seeing the cheapest tour priced at around $3000, she figured this was definitely outside of a backpacker’s budget.  So, her thoughts were that as she was exploring India and Nepal before this, she would meet a few others who wanted to take the pilgrimage. However, getting closer to the time frame there was still no-one headed that way. So, off Kate went by herself.  And what a brilliant decision that was.  I’ve spoken before how solo-travel is so important in regards to self-development and headspace. For Kate, she was already a strong and independent person, so heading out was no problem. You can hear this in how she tackled her trip to Tonga.  The challenge didn’t seem overly ridiculous to her, and was on her bucket list. So, confronting where to stay, budget, altitude and the dodgy-yet-probably-fine flights to the start point, Kate cracked on and managed to complete the journey.  Hear in this podcast how she did it, the route she took and the people she eventually met. Finally, hear about her majestic end to a wonderful three weeks.  ------------------- If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!  If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality!  To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com  Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here  Between The Mountains – Adventure Travel Podcast  https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/06/24/everest-base-camp/

20 Maj 20201h 5min