Hypothermia and the PCT Yo-Yo with Jon Shwarze

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In this episode, Jeff Garmire interviews Jon Schwartz, who shares his experiences of thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and his unique yo-yo hike. The conversation delves into Jon's background, his early experiences with trail work, and how he transitioned into the world of thru-hiking. They discuss the challenges faced during the yo-yo hike, including navigating difficult terrains, weather conditions, and personal milestones. Jon reflects on the lessons learned throughout his journey and the importance of setting goals in the hiking community. In this conversation, Jon shares his intense experiences while thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), including the physical and mental challenges he faced, particularly during a near-fatal hypothermia incident. He reflects on the motivation behind his adventures, the impact of COVID-19 on his journey, and the personal growth that comes from pushing one's limits in the wilderness. They emphasize the importance of adventure and the desire to explore remote places, while also discussing the changes in the outdoor landscape due to the pandemic.

Follow Jon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonschwarze/

takeaways

• John's early experiences with trail work shaped his hiking journey.
• The concept of a yo-yo hike involves hiking the trail in both directions.
• Setting realistic goals is crucial for long-distance hiking.
• Navigating challenging terrains requires preparation and adaptability.
• The importance of community and support among hikers is emphasized.
• Weather conditions can significantly impact the hiking experience.
• Physical and mental endurance are key to completing long hikes.
• Learning from others in the hiking community can enhance skills.
• Personal growth often occurs through overcoming obstacles on the trail.
• The journey of hiking is as important as the destination. Pushing through physical challenges can lead to personal growth.
• Hypothermia can be a life-threatening condition for hikers.
• The mental aspect of hiking is as important as the physical.
• Adventure is about exploring remote places that few have seen.
• COVID-19 drastically changed the outdoor experience for hikers.
• Preparation and adaptability are crucial for survival in the wild.
• The joy of hiking comes from both the journey and the destination.
• Motivation can stem from a desire to prove oneself.
• Experiencing nature can provide a sense of fulfillment and wonder.
• Thru-hiking can be a transformative experience that shapes one's perspective.

Sound Bites

• "You are at a point where your brain is telling you these stupid crap."
• "I decided to go to trail skills college."
• "If you guys could do this I could do this."
• "I was like, fuck, like, just get over it."
• "I thought I was gonna die."
• "I just wanted to prove to myself that I was an athlete."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

04:10 Trail Work and Early Experiences

12:22 The Journey to Thru-Hiking

22:00 The Yo-Yo Adventure Begins

30:13 Challenges and Milestones on the Trail

38:05 Reflections and Lessons Learned

42:26 Navigating Challenges on the Trail

50:17 Surviving Hypothermia: A Close Call

56:30 Reflections on Accomplishment and Motivation

01:02:19 Experiencing the World During COVID-19

01:15:11 Pushing Limits: The Drive for Adventure