We’re almost at the end of my series on hostels, so Neville Harris, the owner of my favorite hostel on the trail, Woods Hole, was a great person to chat with. The interview took me in an entirely unexpected direction, but it revealed Neville to be a true AT character, flaws and all.
You can learn more about the hostel by visiting
Neville’s photos by Lisa VonLuehrte. Find Lisa on Instagram at
We also spoke with Matthew “Odie” Norman in advance of the publication of his much-awaited Hiker Year Book for 2019. It is particularly much-awaited by yours truly, as I’ll be in it, having missed out on the 2014 edition!!
Check out Odie’s page at
And we introduced you to Hiker Medals, who you can learn about at . Thanks so much for the support, guys. Check out my own medal, below.
Finally, Paul Stutzman has reached the last two states, normally the crowning glory of a northbound hike. Yet Paul’s experience turned out to be a very soggy time indeed.
Neville and Woods Hole will always have a special place in our hearts. AT NOBO 2018 & returned the next year on my way to Trail days
I have enjoyed all your episodes & this episode #203. Thank’s Mighty Blue.
Hi Steve
Really enjoyed all three segments of this episode! I’ve stayed at Woods Hole twice: met my thru hiker daughter, Tink(erbell) there in 2017 when she needed a few zeros to heal from insect bite infection and again in August 2019 as I joined Tink on the first leg of her cross country relocation to Denver. Neville was in such a better personal place in August than in 2017. She’s a real kick! I’m looking forward to staying with her again (I hope) towards early Spring as I pass (SOBO) Pearisburg. This time I’ve promised myself a massage!!!
Odie’s segment was so inspiring. I’m glad he persevered and then branched into PCT yearbooks. Tink appreciates having her AT one from her 2017 SOBO hike.
Your Whites journal was so inspiring. At first I smiled because of your assumptions upon meeting SOBOs bc it is so very difficult to SOBO most especially since Maine and the Whites are such challenges. My smile gave way to cringing at the sheer apprehension of facing them this summer. Having broken my arm already on the trail, hearing you mention hikers being taken off trail several times made me stick fingers in my ears while repeating “la la la la la” … sort of what I do when I stick live lobsters in a pot of hot water – eeeeeeek!!!!
A great interview we loved Woods Hole. Lolli & Pop.
Woods hole was such a wonderful hostel. Im so blessed to have stayed there. I loved Neville and the hospitality she gave. Will be visiting in the future. What a great interview. Thanks Bubblegum 2013.