Outdoor Explorer - Alaska Public Media

Alaska Public Media
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Outdoor Explorer - Alaska Public Media

On “Outdoor Explorer” you're invited to step outside into Alaska. Follow us to a new trail or fishing hole, learn what to pack, when to go, and most importantly, how to stay safe. Learn about life-long fitness and get inspired to go outside in the backcountry or on the bike trails.

  1. 1D AGO

    Mount Marathon | Outdoor Explorer

    Seward’s hometown Mount Marathon Race holds legendary status among professional and novice runners alike as the world’s toughest 5K. Each year, more than 1,000 runners enter a lottery for a chance to sprint through town and climb more than 3,000 vertical feet before descending the grueling course. So, what makes this annual Fourth of July event so special? Join co-hosts Amy Bushatz and Adam Verrier as Adam shares what it’s like to be a Mount Marathon Race announcer. They also check in with race official Matias Saari and Mount Marathon enthusiasts Denali Foldager Strabel and Steve Mayer to learn more about this uniquely Alaskan outdoor experience. Hosts: Adam Verrier Amy Bushatz Guests: Matias Saari Steve Mayer Denali Foldager-Strabel ]]>

    57 min

  2. APR 18

    Hawk Watch | Outdoor Explorer

    Every year thousands of hawks and other raptors migrate into Southcentral Alaska by Gunsight Mountain on the Glen Highway. Redtail Hawks, Rough Legged Hawks, Northern Harriers, Golden Eagles, Sharp Shinned Hawks, Merlins and Peregrine Falcons are some of the many species of birds that traverse the zone. Anchorage Audubon and the Mat-Su Birders host the annual Hawk Watch tailgate every mid April with talks about how to identify the birds as they zoom over head. Bob Dittrick and Ted Swem join host Paul Twardock to share the history of Hawk Watch and why the Gunsight Mountain location is a magnet for hawk migration. On the second half of the show Paul visits with professional birders working for Hawk Watch International to talk about their work counting birds. HOST: Paul Twardock GUESTS: Bob Dittrick and Ted Swem Sam Darmstadt, Hawk Watch International LINKS: Mat-Su Birders Anchorage Audubon Hawk Watch International Gunsight Mountain Bird Count Hawk Watch International ]]>

    57 min

  3. APR 10

    State of the Trails | Outdoor Explorer

    As spring approaches and the snow disappears, summer trails reemerge from their own hibernation. At the same time, trail crews are gearing up for their summer projects. On this Outdoor Explorer Haley Johnson and Mariyam Medovaya with Alaska Trails join host Paul Twardock to discuss various trail projects, including upgrades to the Crow Pass Trail out of Eagle River. In addition, they discuss the Bureau of Land Management's recently released Alaska Long Trail National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study. The study, requested by Congress, looks at the financial and physical feasibility, suitability, and desirability of making the Alaska Long Trail a National Scenic Trail. HOST: Paul Twardock GUESTS: Haley Johnson and Mariyam Medovaya, Alaska Trails LINKS: Alaska Long Trail National Scenic Feasibility Study Alaska State Parks Alaska Trails ]]>

    57 min

  4. APR 4

    Outdoor Gear Care and Repair | Outdoor Explorer

    Well cared for outdoor gear makes for successful outings, and saves money! On this episode of Outdoor Explorer host Paul Twardock talks gear care and repair with three experts: Jaime Hirano teaches textile repair and reuse at the Anchorage Museum, Patrick Higgins is the Director of Outdoor Studies at Alaska Pacific University, and Jeremy Cronon is a field instructor and partnership director with the National Outdoor Leadership School, or NOLS. They discuss how to care for and common issues with outdoor gear including paddling gear, tents, stoves, sleeping bags and apparel. You'll learn about preparing gear for trips, common issues like zipper and stove repair, repairs in the field, and when and how to wash your expensive rain jacket. At the end of the show we'll have information about the annual APU Gear Swap on April 5th. Resources and Links: The Fixed Line: https://www.thefixedline.com APU Gear Swap: https://www.alaskapacific.edu/event/gear-swap-2025/ National Outdoor Leadership School: https://www.nols.edu/en/ Anchorage Museum: https://www.anchoragemuseum.org REI Repair services: https://www.rei.com/repairs

    59 min

  5. MAR 27

    Finding comfort and adventure on Alaska’s trails | Outdoor Explorer

    Hitting the trails is a great way to explore Alaska, but it can also be a deeply personal experience about so much more. That’s something Alaska mountain runner Denali Foldager Strabel has experienced firsthand as she’s headed into the mountains to process tragic loss and move through personal challenges. Join us as we share in Denali’s journey of finding comfort and adventure on Alaska’s trails. HOST: Amy Bushatz GUEST: Denali Foldager Strabel ]]>

    59 min

  6. MAR 20

    Sitting down with trail builder and Anchorage ski racing pioneer Jim Mahaffey | Outdoor Explorer

    Trail builder and Anchorage ski racing pioneer, Jim Mahaffey, visits the studio to discuss his arrival in Alaska in the 1960s, the early years of the Alaska Methodist University Ski Team and the construction of the APU ski trail system in the U-Med district in Anchorage. Jim’s program pioneered the early development of women’s cross-country ski racing and his program supplied many of the members of the first American women's Olympic teams in cross-country skiing. Most of the Anchorage bowl’s trail systems and many of its organized ski programs can trace their lineage back to Mahaffey. HOST: Adam Verrier GUEST: Jim Mahaffey ]]>

    57 min

  7. MAR 6

    Touring the Nike Site Summit | Outdoor Explorer

    On the top of Mount Gordon Lyon, overlooking Anchorage and the Arctic Valley Ski Area, is a set of buildings holding an important piece of Alaska's History. Nike Site Summit is one of three Nike Hercules missile sites in Southcentral Alaska. Operating from 1959 to 1979, Site Summit's Nike Hercules missiles were designed to intercept Soviet Union bombers with high explosive or even nuclear warheads. It was decommissioned in 1979 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. The development of the site helped access to Chugach State Park and the Arctic Valley Ski Area. In 2009 the U.S. Army agreed to preserve and allow interpretation of the site as a testament to those who served there during the cold war. Friends of Nike Site Summit have diligently been restoring the site and offering regular tours to the general public. Outdoor Explorer host Paul Twardock went on a tour and interviewed the volunteers and veterans about their experiences, including stories of operating a live nuclear weapons site in the brutally windy and cold environment of the Chugach Mountains. HOST: Paul Twardock GUESTS: Greg Durocher Jim Renkerht LINKS: Friends of Nike Summit National Park Service: Nike Site Summit ]]>

    59 min

  8. FEB 27

    A Place Among Giants: 22 Years at Denali Basecamp with Lisa Roderick | Outdoor Explorer

    Lisa Roderick spent 22 years managing Denali Basecamp on the Kahiltna Glacier, acting as flight control for glacier pilots, weather reporter, first responder and more. In her time at base camp manager she spent the equivalent of years of her life living on the massive Kahiltna Glacier and the vertical world of the Alaska Range. Her position gave her great insights into mountain aviation and mountaineering. As base camp manager she saw thousands of climbers including friends and loved ones attempt Denali, Mt. Forecker, Mt. Hunter and many other formidable climbs. While most of those returned to basecamp safely, some did not. Lisa also shepherded thousands of flights in and out of one of the most extreme weather environments on earth. On this Outdoor Explorer, Lisa talks about her recently published memoir, "A Place Among Giants" with host Paul Twardock. Lisa discusses her upbringing, becoming a climber, her relationship with her climber husband Mark Westman, her brother Paul Roderick, the National Park Service climbing rangers and some of the many characters she met in her job. This interview deals with the topic of suicide and death. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know may be considering suicide or is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. LINKS: A Place Among Giants Denali Rescue Volunteers Denali National Park Denali National Park Mountaineering Mark Westman Mt Russel Climb Mark Westman Images ]]>

    59 min
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4.5
out of 5
48 Ratings

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On “Outdoor Explorer” you're invited to step outside into Alaska. Follow us to a new trail or fishing hole, learn what to pack, when to go, and most importantly, how to stay safe. Learn about life-long fitness and get inspired to go outside in the backcountry or on the bike trails.

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