Episode #75 - Anna Huthmaker (Mud Butt)

Anna Huthmaker was one of my more surprising guests. Her story is inspirational on many levels, not least that she took to hiking when substantially overweight or, as she preferred to term it, "curvy." Her self-discovery on this journey enabled her to see herself in a different light and she felt compelled to share her experiences with others who may have been similarly reticent. Forming Trail Dames was a wonderful by-product of her own journey, and she has seen her organization for women hikers–curvy or not–grow in many areas over the past few years. Her philosophy is that this club is nothing to do with dieting; it's all about climbing mountains, both literally and figuratively. If you'd like to learn more about Anna or Trail Dames, there are several places to visit. Start off with the Trail Dames website, then head to their foundation, at tdcharitablefoundation.org. Anna referred to their Trail Dames Summit in the podcast. You can find out about that at TrailDamesSummit.com   If you prefer Facebook or Instagram, they are on those platforms as well. Curtis Tavares shared his experiences of the Vermont Long Trail, which sounds like a terrific warm-up for a longer hike or simply as an adventure in its own right. Bruce's blog will be regularly updated while he's on the trail. You can find it at rtkchallenge.com, where you will also be able to hear our podcast and contribute to his fundraising for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. While you're online, we'd also be delighted if you'd check out Trailtopia.com and consider the wonderful food choices that they have for your next hike.