Episode Details

We have Tina Tempest on the show today. Tina, or Chunky, completed a SOBO thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2009. The trail had such an impact upon her life, that she and her husband, Brett, ultimately opened the Quarter Way Inn, a hostel near Marion, Virginia. Tina's breakfast at the hostel is the stuff of legend!

But it is one of her side businesses that we're talking about today, as Tina is the owner of Bead By Bead Adventures, producing necklaces for many of the long distance trails, including two that I wear.

There are plenty of ways to follow Tina, either online or in person. Check out these links: See Tina in person: AT Gateways at Amicalola Falls State Park in Georgia on February 28 - March 2, 2025. Appalachian Trail Days in Damascus, Virginia on May 16-18, 2025

Follow Tina online: Bead by Bead Adventures: Necklaces that are maps of long-distance hiking trails that hikers (or those at home) can use to track their progress. Her website is at www.gobeadbybead.com, on Instagram at Instagram (@gobeadbybead), and on Facebook at Bead by Bead Adventures.

Her hostel: Quarter Way Inn: Seasonal Appalachian Trail Hiker Hostel at mile 555-ish in Southwest Virginia. Her website, www.quarterwayinn.com, on Instagram at Instagram (@quarterwayinn), and on Facebook at Quarter Way Inn

Her Honey business is Gather Ye Honey: Pure honey and beeswax candles from Ceres, VA and Charlotte, NC. That website is at www.gatheryehoney.com, her Instagram is at Instagram (@gatheryehoney), while her Facebook is at Gather Ye Honey

We also caught up with one of our Mighty Blue Class of 2025 members, Dave Santi. Dave and I talked through his pack and the choices he has made for his upcoming thru-hike in March. Check out the gear details at