We are starting a new segment to the podcast, called Trail Tech Hacks - apps and/or tech that we use on the trail to make the journey a little easier or more enjoyable.

We are starting with one of our favorite trail apps - the Merlin birding app from Cornell Labs. How many times have you been on a trail and heard a bird sound, and wondered... what the hell is that?! The last thing you want to carry on the hike is a birding manual. Luckily, the Merlin app makes identifying, and saving, bird sounds and sightings very easy.

My guest on this episode is Kayla, and she is going to guide us through the use of the Merlin app and give us a hack on how to use the app when you are on the trail and have no cell service.

To hear some of the birds mentioned in this episode - jump on over to The Long Ways Podcast's hiking blog.

For more from our hiking trio, follow us on Facebook , Instagram and coming soon - videos on our YouTube channel. Or subscribe to our Substack channel (The Long Ways) or newsletter on our website for the stories behind the trail.

Coming soon - an AMA feature where you can ask us almost anything about our hiking adventures. Watch for an announcement on our social channels.

Have a comment or an idea for an upcoming episode - contact us through our website or email us at [email protected].