Podcast: Andrew Skurka in the Nation's Icebox, the Conclusion

Andrew Skurka is best known for his hike of the Sea-to-Sea Route, a 7770 mile hike stretching from the Atlantic to Pacific Ocean, in 2004-05. This winter he embarked on a 400-mile hike through northern Minnesota, an area known as the Icebox. While this region of the country may not receive the most snow, it consistently records some of the coldest temperatures in the lower 48 states. Dealing with this constant cold and varying amounts of snow makes for a challenging backpacking trip under any circumstances, but especially when going ultralight.

Andy began his trip in Duluth, Minnesota and tracked along the western edge of Lake Superior for ten days. During a brief stop over in Grand Marais, MN he took the time to talk about his trip so far. Click here to listen to that podcast.

After his stop, Andy switched to snowshoes at last and spent six more days on the Border Route and Kekekabic trails encountering more difficult traveling conditions due to blown down trees. He finished the trip in Ely with a bit of frost nip - although not where you might expect given the self-photo posted here and on his website.

The hardest part of winter trekking is not when you are hiking and generating warmth or snuggly bundled up in camp, but when you transition between walking and camping. In our interview, Andy discusses his transition routine. He also shares the  fifth and final point of his list of the most important things you need to do to stay safe in very cold weather.

Lastly, Andy shares news of his next grand hiking adventure that will commence in a few weeks. We'll be rooting for you Andy!

To listen to a podcast with Andy midway through his hike, click here.

For additional information about Andrew Skurka and his hikes visit his website here.

To get a sense of where the Superior Hiking Trail, Border Route Trail, and Kekekabic Trail are located follow this link to a Google Map.