Episode 240 - The Finger Lakes Trail with Rob Potter

<p>Welcome to episode 240! This week, Rob Potter joins us after completing an incredible 560-mile thru-hike of the Finger Lakes Trail! Rob shares what inspired him to take on this adventure, the challenges and surprises he encountered along the way, and what makes the Finger Lakes Trail so different from other long-distance hiking trails. We also dive into the 2026 Summit Steward statistics, discuss the ongoing fight over the Roadless Rule, and wrap things up with the story of a hiker who apparently needed to hear the same advice three times before getting the message. Make sure to subscribe on your favorite platform, share the show, donate if you feel like it… or just keep tuning in. I&#39;m just grateful you&#39;re here. And as always... VOLUNTEER!!!!</p><p>Links for the Podcast:<a href="https://linktr.ee/ISLCatskillsPodcast"> <u>https://linktr.ee/ISLCatskillsPodcast</u></a>, Donate a coffee to support the show!<a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ITLCatskills"> <u>https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ITLCatskills</u></a>, Like to be a sponsor or monthly supporter of the show? Go here!<a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ITLCatskills/membership"> - <u>https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ITLCatskills/membership</u></a></p><p>Thanks to the sponsors of the show: Outdoor chronicles photography -<a href="https://www.outdoorchroniclesphotography.com/"> <u>https://www.outdoorchroniclesphotography.com/</u></a>, Trailbound Project - <a href="https://www.trailboundproject.com/"><u>https://www.trailboundproject.com/</u></a>, Camp Catskill - <a href="https://campcatskill.co/"><u>https://campcatskill.co/</u></a>, Another Summit - <a href="https://www.guardianrevival.org/programs/another-summit"><u>https://www.guardianrevival.org/programs/another-summit</u></a></p><p>Links: <a href="https://myhiddenlines.substack.com/"><u>Rob’s Blogs</u></a>, <a href="https://ultrasignup.com/m_results_participant.aspx?fname=Robert&lname=Potter"><u>Rob’s Ultra Page</u></a>, <a href="https://www.catskill3500club.org/club-service-award-form?utm_campaign=8f2bda85-c273-4a89-b6aa-6fb06164ad6d&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail&cid=f13f1719-137e-49e2-83f3-9605ce668ca0"><u>3500 Club Service Path</u></a>, <a href="https://events.nynjtc.org/#event/a16aZ00000ABrjBQAT"><u>Catskills Trail Crew signup</u></a>, <a href="https://www.outdooralliance.org/roadless"><u>Roadless Rule Alliance</u></a>, <a href="https://americanhiking.org/forest-service-hiking-trails-under-threat-by-travel-management-rule-and-roadless-rule-p