100: Celebrating Episode 100!

Show Notes: Episode 100 Today on the First 40 Miles, this is episode 100!  And we have a shocking revelation: this is not a backpacking podcast—and we’ll tell you why in our top 5 list today.  We’ll also have a fun announcement that will put our First 40 Milers and their stories on center stage. For today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, a simple no cook dinner that packs in flavor, nutritional density, and over 1000 calories. Opening * Episode 100! What we’ve loved so far about this podcast * Hearing people’s stories * New hand lettered T shirt announcement! Top 5 Things The First 40 Miles is Really About Self-Sufficiency * On a backpacking trip, it’s your job to be 100% prepared. You bring all the tools and supplies you need. * “Everything transfers” * If you can learn self-sufficiency in one area of your life, it will spill over into other areas of your life. Prioritizing * This is a podcast about making priorities * Prioritizing time outside and time with those you love Finding the Divine in Nature * God created this world and everything in it so that when we see those things they remind us of how much he loves us * All the principles of design are found in nature * Balance, emphasis, movement, pattern, repetition, proportion, rhythm , variety, unity. * It’s clear that this world was not only created and organized, but divinely designed as well. Creativity * Backpacking is one of the most creative things you can do. * Not only does it spur creative ideas, but it also forces you to think creatively. Finding Your Own Path * Everyone approaches the outdoors with their own expectations and their own way * Not everything that we talk about on The First 40 Miles will resonate with every listener * That’s part of the great thing about backpacking! You create your own story!  You create your own journey!  You get out of it what you want to get out of it! * We’re simply here to encourage you along your own path and share our experiences Announcement about TheFirst40Miles.com/story * We are collecting stories of your most recent backpacking trip and why it was memorable. To share your story, go to  * TheFirst40Miles.com/story * Two stories from friends at the Outdoor Retailer show Backpack Hack of the Week™: Best Dinner Yet 1 cup bulgar 1 can lightly smoked sardines in oil (do not drain!) 1 cup water 4 ounce block hard cheese (asiago, cheddar, pecorino Romano) 1 cup water Add water to bulgar and wait 90 minutes for bulgar to rehydrate.  Add in other ingredients. About 1,069 calories Trail Wisdom “If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.” -Frank A. Clark