Episode #241 - Judy Young (Gray Jay)

The Trail Dames Podcast

Bio- Born on a dairy and tobacco farm, one of my chores was bringing in the cows for milking. I enjoyed walking over our 100 acres to get the cows, or just to be out in Nature. I had never heard of hiking trails…I followed the cow paths.

After graduating from High School in 1963, I attended three different universities to achieve my BA in teaching, MA, and a Rank One (30 hours above the Masters). I taught at a Middle School for 20 years…Physical Education and Science. Then I taught Elementary PE until I retired after 27 years. I continued to substitute teach for many years, teaching mostly Science at the middle schools and high school.

Before beginning long distance hiking, I was a “handler” for my friend who raced sled dogs. I scooped the poop, cleaned the dog lot, helped with feeding and training with four wheelers. We traveled to races in Wisconsin and Wyoming.

I learned about the Appalachian Trail from a book, years before I could begin hiking it. Once I learned there was a footpath from Georgia to Maine, I read everything I could find about the trail. I fantasized & dreamed about one day having my own adventure. Finally, after reading Jean Deeds book…There Are Mountains to Climb…it was time for me to go.

A Thru-hike, hiking the entire trail in one year, was my goal. But life got in the way…and so I was a section hiker. It took 4 years (1999, 2000, 2002, & 2003) for me to finish when I was in my 50’s. Since then I have hiked many trails, not only in the US but also in Newfoundland, Scotland, Europe, and recently in Nepal. I am now 78 and still hiking…just looking for easier trails.

Guest Links-

Pranatreks on Facebook - Prana Treks & Expedition Pvt.Ltd | Pokhara

Pranatreks website - PRANA TREKS EXPEDITION PVT. LTD

Collin Chambers - Wildwood Magic - WildWood Magic

Collin Chambers - Wildwood Circle - The WildWood Circle | Facebook

Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at [e-mail] You can find the Trail Dames at:

Our website: Trail Dames

The Summit: The Summit 2022 - Presented by the Trail Dames

The Trail Dames Foundation: Trail Dames Charitable Foundation | Home

Instagram: Instagram (@traildames)

Facebook: Trail Dames | Facebook

Hiking Radio Network: Hiking Radio Network

Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: Instagram (@hikingradionetwork)

Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters "Dance Upon This Earth" The Burns Sisters