Just Hyke: For Women Who Are Ready to Hike Their Way to Strength, Confidence, and Adventure

<p><strong>ESSENTIALS SERIES – EPISODE 2</strong></p><p><strong>The 5 Essentials Every Hiker Needs for Safety, Confidence, and Trail Readiness</strong></p><p>In this episode of the Just Hyke Essentials Series, Melanie breaks down the <strong>five most important hiking essentials every beginner — and even experienced hikers — should carry on the trail</strong>. These items are simple, lightweight, and easy to pack, yet they make a powerful difference in your <strong>safety, comfort, and confidence outdoors</strong>.</p><p>Whether you’re preparing for your first hike or returning to the trail after time away, these hiking essentials will help you feel more capable and ready for any adventure.</p><p><strong>What You’ll Learn in This Episode:</strong></p><p><strong>1. Hydration: How Much Water to Carry &amp; Why It Matters</strong></p><p>Learn how to plan water needs based on temperature, trail difficulty, and personal pace. Melanie shares practical hydration tips for women hikers, including when to bring electrolytes and how to avoid dehydration on longer hikes.</p><p><strong>2. Navigation: Why a Map &amp; Compass Still Matter</strong></p><p>Even with smartphones and GPS apps, knowing the basics of navigation is a core safety skill. We discuss the importance of offline maps, printed maps, and having a simple compass on hand — plus what to do if your phone battery dies on the trail.</p><p><strong>3. Lighting: The Importance of Always Carrying a Light Source</strong></p><p>A small headlamp or flashlight can be a lifesaver if your hike takes longer than planned or visibility drops. Melanie explains what type of light to bring and why relying on your phone flashlight is a big safety mistake.</p><p><strong>4. The Just Hyke Trailmate: Leave No Trace + Personal Safety</strong></p><p>Learn how the <strong>Just Hyke Trailmate</strong> supports two major essentials: • Leave No Trace bathroom practices • Personal safety and awareness on the trail</p><p>This episode explains how one compact, lightweight tool can help hikers feel more confident and prepared while respecting the environment.</p><p><strong>5. Basic First Aid: Simple Items That Make a Big Difference</strong></p><p>You don’t need a full medical kit to be prepared. Melanie covers the key first aid items every hiker should carry — from blister care to cuts, scrapes, and minor aches — along with simple packing tips to keep it light and trail-ready.</p><p><strong>Why These 5 Essentials Matter</strong></p><p>These five essentials form the <strong>foundation of every safe and enjoyable hike</strong>. You don’t need a backpack full of expensive gear — just a few smart items that help you handle unexpected situations, stay comfortable, and feel empowered outdoors.</p><p>This episode is perfect for: • New hikers • Women returning to hiking after a long break • Anyone who wants to build confidence on local trails • Hikers preparing for longer or more challenging adventures</p><p><strong>Links Mentioned in This Episode:</strong></p><p>Just Hyke Website → <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://justhyke.com/">https://justhyke.com/</a> </p><p>Free Trail Safety &amp; Readiness Downloads → <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://justhyke.com/subscribe/">https://justhyke.com/subscribe/</a> </p><p>Shop the Just Hyke Trailmate → <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://justhyke.com/shop/">https://justhyke.com/shop/</a> </p><p>Sidewalk to Summit Book &amp; Author Projects → <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://justhyke.com/authorprojects/">https://justhyke.com/authorprojects/</a> </p><p>Join the Just Hyke Hiking Community → <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://facebook.com/JustHyke">https://facebook.com/JustHyke</a></p><p></p>

<p>ESSENTIALS SERIES – EPISODE 1</p><p>What You Really Need to Begin</p><p>In this kickoff episode of the Just Hyke Essentials Series, we explore the true meaning of “essentials” and what hikers actually need to begin confidently. Before gear, strength, or experience, there is one foundation that matters most: showing up with intention.</p><p>Melanie breaks down why mindset is the first essential of every hiker’s journey and how to start exactly where you are. You’ll learn how to build confidence step by step, how to create momentum even when progress feels slow, and why consistent action is more important than perfection.</p><p>This episode is ideal for new hikers, women returning to the outdoors after a long break, or anyone who wants to begin their hiking journey with clarity and confidence.</p><p>Links:</p><p>Sidewalk to Summit Book →<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://justhyke.com/authorprojects/"> https://justhyke.com/authorprojects/ </a>Free Trail Readiness Checklists →<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://justhyke.com/subscribe/"> https://justhyke.com/subscribe/ </a>Just Hyke Website →<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://justhyke.com/"> https://justhyke.com/ </a>Join the Just Hyke Facebook Community →<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://facebook.com/JustHyke"> https://facebook.com/JustHyke </a>Shop the Just Hyke Trailmate →<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://justhyke.com/shop/"> https://justhyke.com/shop/</a></p>

<p>In this powerful conservation-focused episode, Melanie speaks with <strong>Bridgette San Marcos</strong>, the <strong>Head of Education &amp; Outreach</strong> for the <strong>Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network (TMMSN)</strong>.</p><p>Together they explore how dolphins live, communicate, and thrive along the Texas coastline—<strong>and what you should do if you ever come across a stranded dolphin or marine mammal on the beach.</strong></p><p>This episode blends science, safety, compassion, and the heart of Just Hyke’s mission: <strong>empowering everyday outdoor explorers to protect the wild places and creatures we share the world with.</strong></p><p><strong>What You’ll Learn in This Episode</strong></p><p><strong>What “stranding” actually means</strong></p><p>Bridgette explains the different types of strandings and why marine mammals may end up sick, injured, or disoriented along our coasts.</p><p> <strong>Exactly what to do if you encounter a stranded dolphin</strong></p><p>You’ll learn the step-by-step instructions for responding safely and legally—including the <strong>one number every Texan should save</strong>: <strong>1-800-9-MAMMAL</strong>.</p><p>(Don’t push it back into the water. Don’t try to feed it. Don’t pour water on the blowhole. Bridgette explains why!)</p><p><strong>The biggest mistakes well-meaning beachgoers make</strong></p><p>From crowding around the animal to attempting “rescue” on their own, Bridgette breaks down why these actions can actually cause harm.</p><p><strong>How dolphins communicate and work together</strong></p><p>A look into social behavior, coastal dolphin families, and how human activity affects them.</p><p><strong>Why beach ethics connect to trail ethics</strong></p><p>The same respect we bring to hiking—Leave No Trace, awareness, responsibility—applies directly to our coastlines. This episode beautifully bridges (no pun intended!) your conservation focus from forest to coast.</p><p><strong>How YOU can support marine wildlife conservation</strong></p><p>Volunteer opportunities, citizen reporting, educational programs, and small things you can do every time you visit the beach.</p><p>📞 <strong>Save This Number (Seriously): 1-800-9-MAMMAL</strong></p><p>If you ever see a stranded dolphin, whale, or manatee on the Texas coast, call the <strong>Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network</strong> immediately: <strong>1-800-9-MAMMAL (1-800-962-6625)</strong></p><p>Your call could save a life.</p><p><strong>About the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network</strong></p><p>The <strong>TMMSN</strong> is a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and researching marine mammals along the Texas coastline. </p><p>Learn more: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tmmsn.org">https://www.tmmsn.org</a></p><p><strong>Connect with Today’s Guest</strong></p><p><strong>Bridgette San Marcos</strong> Head of Education &amp; Outreach Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network</p><p>Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tmmsn.org">https://www.tmmsn.org</a> Instagram/Facebook: @texasmarinemammalstrandingnetwork Volunteer info: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tmmsn.org/volunteer">https://www.tmmsn.org/volunteer</a></p><p><strong>Support the Show &amp; the Just Hyke Mission</strong></p><p>If you loved this episode, please: • Follow the podcast • Leave a rating or review • Share the episode with a friend or hiking group • Screenshot and tag <strong>@JustHyke</strong> on Instagram so we can say hi!</p><p><strong>Black Friday Sale — 10% Off the Trailmate!</strong></p><p>Don’t forget: the <strong>Just Hyke Trailmate</strong> is on sale through November 30. Use code <strong>TEXAS10</strong> at checkout: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://justhyke.com/trailmate">https://justhyke.com/trailmate</a></p>

<p>In this episode of the <em>Just Hyke Podcast</em>, host <strong>Melanie Michaelchuk</strong> sits down with <strong>Donna Work</strong>, a seasoned wildlife biologist with the <strong>Texas A&amp;M Forest Service</strong>. Donna has spent over three decades working in the native forests of East Texas, focusing much of her career on the preservation and recovery of the endangered <strong>Red-cockaded Woodpecker</strong> (RCW).</p><p>Donna shares her expertise on what makes these birds so unique, why their survival matters, and how forest management, prescribed fire, and conservation partnerships are helping restore their habitat. She also discusses how hikers, landowners, educators, and everyday citizens can play a meaningful role in protecting forest ecosystems.</p><p>This episode is perfect for hikers, nature lovers, educators, conservation advocates, and anyone curious about wildlife management or the hidden ecological stories behind the trails we love.</p><p></p><p><strong>Key Takeaways</strong></p><ul><li>The <strong>Red-cockaded Woodpecker</strong> is the only North American woodpecker that excavates cavities in <em>living pine trees</em>, making its habitat extremely specific.</li><li>Prescribed fire and active forest management are critical for restoring longleaf and shortleaf pine ecosystems.</li><li>Conservation successes are happening—but protecting RCWs requires long-term collaboration across agencies, private landowners, and the public.</li><li>Hikers can make a difference by respecting marked nesting sites, supporting conservation groups, and learning about local ecosystems.</li><li>Healthy forests support biodiversity, water quality, recreation, and climate resilience.</li></ul><p><strong>About the Guest: Donna Work</strong></p><p>Donna Work is a wildlife biologist with the <strong>Texas A&amp;M Forest Service</strong>, specializing in native forest ecosystems and endangered species management. With over 30 years of experience, Donna has been instrumental in research, habitat restoration, and public education related to the <strong>Red-cockaded Woodpecker</strong> and conservation of East Texas forests. Her outreach programs bring awareness to the importance of biodiversity, prescribed fire, and sustainable land stewardship.</p><p><strong>Links &amp; Resources Mentioned in the Episode</strong></p><ul><li>Just Hyke Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://justhyke.com"><strong>https://justhyke.com</strong></a></li><li>The Just Hyke Trailmate (trail safety + Leave No Trace tool)</li><li>  Donna Work <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>. 9 3 6 -6 3 9 -8 1 9 1.</li></ul><p><strong>Connect with the Show</strong></p><p><strong>Host: </strong>Melanie Michaelchuk, CPT-NASM • Just Hyke Founder Inspiring movement, mindset, and nature connection for women 40+ Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://justhyke.com">https://justhyke.com</a> Facebook: Just Hyke</p><p><strong>Support the Podcast:</strong> Leave a 5-star review ⭐️ Share the episode with a friend Subscribe for more hiking, nature, and wellness stories</p>

<p><strong>Guest:</strong> Bridgette Mongeon — Artist, Author &amp; Founder of the Houston Women’s Hiking Group <strong>Host:</strong> Melanie Michaelchuk, CPT-NASM | Just Hyke</p><p><strong>Episode Overview</strong></p><p>In this inspiring episode, Melanie sits down with <strong>Bridgette Mongeon</strong>, an accomplished sculptor, author, and community leader who brings together art, nature, and empowerment in truly trailblazing ways.</p><p>Bridgette shares the story behind her commissioned <strong>bronze sculptures of Grandma Gatewood</strong>, the first woman to solo thru-hike the Appalachian Trail - one statue destined for the <strong>AT</strong>, and the other for <strong>Ohio</strong>, Grandma Gatewood’s home state.</p><p>We also talk about how Bridgette founded the <strong>Houston Women’s Hiking Group</strong>, now more than <strong>18,000 strong</strong>, and what it means to create spaces where women can find connection, confidence, and courage on the trail.</p><p><strong>Topics We Explore</strong></p><ul><li>The creative process behind the <em>Grandma Gatewood bronze sculptures</em></li><li>What inspired the founding of the <em>Houston Women’s Hiking Group</em></li><li>How art and nature intersect as healing and empowering forces</li><li>The legacy of Grandma Gatewood and what she continues to teach us today</li><li>Why showing up - in art, in hiking, and in life - matters</li></ul><p><strong>Connect with Bridgette</strong></p><ul><li>On Amazon: One Foot in Front of the Other: Art, Hiking, and Healing <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://amzn.to/48PyZti">https://amzn.to/48PyZti</a></li><li>Join the Houston Women’s Hiking Group: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://houstonwomenshiking.com/">home - Houston Women's Hiking</a></li></ul><p><strong>Grandma Gatewood Tribute Project</strong> — every share and donation helps bring this incredible tribute to life.</p><p>Learn more: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://grandmagatewood.com/statue-project💚">grandmagatewood.com/statue-project</a> </p><p>Donate: <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="decorated-link" href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/grandma-gatewood-tribute-statue">GoFundMe – Grandma Gatewood Tribute Statue</a></p><p><strong>Connect with Just Hyke</strong></p><ul><li>Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.justhyke.com">www.justhyke.com</a></li><li>Listen on: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rss.com/podcasts/just-hyke-for-women-who-are-ready-to-hike-their-way-to-strength-confidence-and-adventure/?listen-on=true">Just Hyke: For Women Who Are Ready to Hike Their Way to Strength, Confidence, and Adventure | Podcast on </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://RSS.com">RSS.com</a></li><li>Newsletter: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://justhyke.com/subscribe/">Subscribe – Just Hyke</a></li><li>Facebook @ Just Hyke</li></ul><p>“Grandma Gatewood proved that it’s never too late to take the first step — and Bridgette is showing us how to keep walking with purpose.”</p><p>If this episode inspired you, share it with a friend who loves hiking, art, or stories of strong women making a difference. Don’t forget to leave a review — it helps other trailblazers find our community!</p>