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Outside Podcast

A Wild Mission to Visit Every National Park in One Year

Feb 8, 2023
Emily Pennington, an adventurer who embarked on a cross-country expedition to visit every one of America’s National Parks, shares her experiences and challenges. She discusses unexpected detours caused by the pandemic and a breakup, and emphasizes the healing power of nature. The speaker reflects on the freedom to explore in remote Alaska backcountry and the lessons learned in America's national parks, promoting Emily Pennington's book 'Feral'.
26:46

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Emily Pennington found solace and healing in America's wild spaces, inspired by Cheryl Strayed's memoir 'Wild' and used nature as her therapy.
  • Emily's year-long adventure brought unexpected challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and extreme weather conditions, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and resilience.

Deep dives

Emily Pennington's Bucket List Adventure

Emily Pennington embarked on a year-long journey to visit every US National Park, inspired by her love for backpacking and the healing power of nature. Her adventure was meticulously planned, with research, road trips, and outfitted van travel. She chronicled her experiences in columns and aimed to write a likable and flawed female narrator. While her trip was initially shared with her partner Adam, the challenges of the pandemic and the strain of togetherness led them to part ways. Emily found solace in shared outdoor experiences and the healing power of nature, even amidst the difficulties of wildfires and hurricane season. Monotony and loneliness became part of the journey, prompting her to reflect on the importance of personal connection and self-care. Emily's adventure tested her physically and emotionally, leading her to seek therapy and medication to support her mental health. Despite the hardships, she learned to appreciate the national parks in her own way and the importance of slowing down and finding reverence in nature.

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