Darwin, as someone that had it all (or so I thought) you have inspired me beyond reason. The moment I started watching your diaries, you ignited a fire in me. I feel like I've got the smarts to see through simple people, you are not one of them. What a guy, what you have given to the trail community. As a Scotsman, I have to give you infinite gratitude, what a guy. Thanks man.
Gosh, I love this series. The calmness is just beautiful. The trail reminds me of the woods where I live and regularly go on day hikes. I miss being outside so much. My city is its own federal state and it is not allowed to cross the borders to the other states right now. Those little woods we've got here in the city borders are packed to the rim with people these days, so I'm staying at home. Watching these videos is really helping not going crazy.
Watching this video, and seeing how being back on the trail five years later meant so much to you as you were able to reconnect with the places that impacted you back then, makes me feel sad that you weren't able to stay on the trail and complete your section hike as planned. Thanks for bringing us along! Stay well!
As I'm heading to the hospital to start my shift, I'm listening to you describe your adventure on the AT. Very calming to my soul brother..thank you. This period of isolation will come to an end, and you, and me, and many others can resume our quest for the calming peace that God and the trails bring to us.
Absolutely beautiful in every aspect imaginable. Emotional depth. Stunning shots. The voice over reflections make this year’s AT videos truly next level. I mean, wow ! Well done Darwin.
Darwin, I met you and Snuggles in July 2016 in the White Mountains. I was hiking at the time with a wonderful Australian mom and daughter (Bean Dip). I loved your film and it brought back so many memories of my own. I am living in Montana now, where I grew up. I just hiked through the Wind River range in Wyoming on the CDT -- wonderful. Best to you and Snuggles. Fiddle
So good to see your AT videos, Darwin. We are all hanging to get back out on trails again but being able to watch these sure helps during our isolation. Thanks again and massive respect for what you do for the hiking community!
Had a question about camping, are you allowed to set up camp anywhere along the trail or does it have to be in a “actual” campsite? Love you videos, keep them coming
The way you film your videos since your AZ hike is amazing, Darwin . The calm retrospective voiceover really brought it all together. Really seems like a special experience and you can hear all your growth. Thank you for the video!
Nice video. I thru-hiked the AT from Maine to GA in 1981 (Aug 1, 1981 on Katahdin and reached Springer on Jan. 1, 1982). I am amazed at how much the thru-hiking experience has changed for people over the years. As a south bounder, especially back in 1981, we saw far fewer people than the north bounders did and I loved the whole hike, but it wasn't the social experience that it seems to be for people that are part of the parade heading north now. I also never heard the term "trail magic" until maybe 5 years ago. Never would have conceived that people would be shooting video as they thru-hiked, or posting it for the public. Yet the Trail remains. Enjoy!
I had the exact same experience at Bly Gap! And same goes for a good friend of mine who hiked the trail in 2018. It was constantly raining that day, the wind kept howling and the temperatures dropped below 35. We left Plumorchard Shelter under blue skies but only 30 minutes later, the weather turned. When I got to Muskrat, the shelter was already bursting. It was the only time ever on trail, that I started to become worried about my well-being. I was borderline hypothermic, I had not eaten the whole day, night was setting in, it was still pouring and there was no way to pitch my tent without getting absolutely drenched again, after having switched into dry clothes. Fortunately, the rain did let up for 5 minutes and two trail friends jumped out of their sleeping bags to help me pitch my tent. The second I fixed the last stake on my rainfly, it started pouring again. I've never been more grateful in my whole life to be able to sleep in a dry tent. The next day, four of us decided to take a side trail off the mountain to hitch into Franklin, after someone started talking about a gigantic buffet at the local Chinese place. According to some section hiker, "Chunky Gal Trail" was supposed to be 4 miles of easy valley walking onto a major highway in the region. It ended up being 9 miles of ridge walking, with endless PUDs on a trail that had not been tended to in years, plus a few miles of highway walking before someone picked the four of us up (in a Prius!!) ... But we made it to the Chinese place!
I'm listening to the podcasts that you just did. In 2015 I fell in love with the trail because of you and Dixie. I haven't gotten to leave yet... Lol... Because of kids at home. 5 years till I'm gone. Or found. When you explain how it makes you feel alive, home, I get goose bumps.
keep telling us about last year as you remember the spots. I must have watched 1000+ (Dixie, Second Chance, Frozen . . ) videos of hikers on trails and the best are personal ("when I was here 5 years ago . . ") . Thank you and keep reminiscing . . what you remember.
Hi Darwin, I have to give you a big clap, I simply love your videos both those instructional and those from the trails. I'm European, hiking for last 40+ years, mainly in Carpathians, but also in Caucasus, Alps, Norwegian mountains and others. I do mostly three seasons, one week long hikes, sometimes two weeks or just a few days, what you call section hikes. Many things here are different than in States, climate, popular gear, hiking rules vary in different countries, but nonetheless even if "do not apply" I'm mesmerized by your films, your passion and commitment. When I listen about your ultra light hiking, it's quite amazing and appealing and honestly, tough I would like to try it, I wouldn't have 2000 bucks to dish out, to get all the gear, plus I never hike by myself, I'm hiking instructor in Ukraine, so I either have group of teens or some of my seven children with me, and that's why I always end up carrying other people gear or food . When we do 7-8 days hike we never resupply or come down to villages, so my pack often weight over 60 pounds to start with . I know you are laughing at this point with your base weight 11 pounds. But I think, even in this insane race to lighten your load, there must be some balance, when your comfort and health is not too compromised. For instance, twice in this video you mentioned something like: " everything I had was soaked" or "we were soaked and freezing". I could be wrong but I see here a thin red line which possibly was crossed for the sake of ultralightness. for example I have goretex jacket, which is already 28000mm waterproof but on the top of it, I put over me and my pack a rain coat all the way to my knees and I never, ever am soaked or frozen for that matter and believe me in Europe rains a lot, sometimes 6 out of seven days raining, usually 50-50. My base weight is 25 pounds, can't afford to go lower but it's Ok I used to that and I'm sure I will be hiking till my last breath. So, please keep your vids coming and good luck :)
Wow! My sister and I (TnT) finished the AT in 86. We were the only hikers on Springer NOBO didn’t hit hikers till the 3 td day I remember the tree as the NC/ GA mark there was no sign. Also that shelter wasn’t there. That’s a nice shelter! Had to laugh always hitched in the back of a pickup down south into town. Thanks for the memory lane. Tail on!
This reminisce idea you have is a great series for you and the viewers. The commentary with the music is excellent. Sad the circumstances however. I was in Harriman St. Park last weekend hiking and I might go up tomorrow for a two nighter. It’s open and I’ll be staying away from any stores and towns. You have a way of setting a mood, a tone in your videos. I feel like I’m remembering my life, old friends , places and things. It’s peaceful. Stay safe 😊❤️🇺🇸⛺️🌄
Awesome. Watching you bring back memories on the AT makes me think of the places I could go to be able to do the same. The places that built me, the places that changed me, the places that made me the person I am today and how that would feel to be at those places.
I’ve never really made “Vlogs” 😉 This is why I don’t like the term “UA-camr” it confines a creator to a certain style of Videos. It’s why I spent all of last year making an actual Film, not just taking my UA-cam videos, stringing them together, & calling them a “Movie” or “Documentary”. I’ve never really wanted to be a Vlogger 😂... Thanks for the Kind Words Nate. Glad you’re digging them! 🤙
Beautiful. I went sobo in 2015 (third hike) so I must have passed you, but guess we didn't meet. This is stirring so many wonderful memories. Thanks for taking the time to document your hike. Stay safe.
Nice, Darwin! Great choice of music to nail down the nostalgia. Made me miss the Trail (I did from AFSP to the Ga/NC line in '06, but had to back to work in New England). I drove a local friend down in '15, and hiked to Dick's Creek Gap, where I left to drive back home to work again. I hope to finish the last 500 miles (NC to Va.) next spring. My thruhiker friend just found out that his daughter, who works in a nursing home, was sent home today, COVID-19 positive. Prayers are needed for our health care workers (and their families).🙏
Love your vids. I've seen every single one. I've said this before, and I know it's not for what you're known really. It is Darwin "on the trail" after all. But I would love to see just a couple of minutes of each of your town days. I think a lot of us living vicariously through these mini-movies would love to get to experience all the little villages, towns, out-of-the-way 'burgs that we'll just never get to see otherwise. And the rapturous joy of that pizza and beer after a 3 or 4 or 5 day stint would be a beaut to behold. Keep on hiking brother. I'm doing my first section hike of the PCT this year. Don't worry gang, I'm a local in Big Bear Lake California. So I can totally do about 130 miles and never have to drop into another town. My wife is coming along on some of the sections and then running pick up for me on others. I'm a big guy. Like Second Chance big. So this is a life goal and hopefully a life changer/new start for me. It will take me several weekends over the course of several months to cover it all. I didn't used to be this big. But I'm all in now and ready to make the leap! Stay safe out there virtual "tramily" and if we happen to pass, I'll be courteous and keeping my distance : )
I am totally enjoying listening and watching you remember 2015 as you hike I 2020 - I live in NC and love the AT, as well as a lot of other trails - I love that you are really connecting to the AT in a deeper way on this hike - if you do it again, when you get to Dick's Creek Gap, try going south/east on 76 to Clayton and if you get a chance go to Warwoman Dell - it's on the William Bartram Trail and shows how advanced the Cherokee were in their regard for women tribe members centuries ago
Nice job at making brown leaves and bare trees with overcast weather seem interesting. The best parts for me were the flashbacks and the tree that looks like it grew in 0 gravity. Thanks anyways for filming, producing and posting it.
Love watching your videos Darwin and it's fascinating to see the evolution of your style from PCT to now. Much more of a documentary/story telling feel to it which I think is great. Looking forward to more of your adventures when this craziness is over. Stay safe.
I love seeing you talk about the ups and downs. I live in Georgia, so I frequent Cheaha (Pinhoti trail), north Georgia, Tennessee, etc. The elevation gain and loss in those areas is just unreal sometimes. You get to the top of a big hill/mountain after hiking straight up, look across at another peak, and sure enough hike straight down and straight back up to the peak you were just looking at. No flat except for the 50 yards of walking from when you get to the bottom and the slow slope up to a near vertical. Over and over. Tiring, but rewarding.
Love those deep, important memories that we can relive. Awesome you were able to experience that, Darwin, for at least a few days anyway. Great stuff, brother!! By the way, your music "feels" spot on, at least for me.
I see what you were talking about in the past with editing in a new way than the past. This is more of a hybrid of a You Tube traditional journal entry talking head style mixed with a documentary feel. I like the path your on both literally in the video and figuratively. I like that you're also bringing us back in time with you.
Thanks for the videos! The reminiscent mood is perfect for me as a former AT thru-hiker. I wish you could have finished this year so I could watch all the videos and remember my own experience! Keep at it. Hopefully you're back out there soon.
As always, watching your hiking videos from the Himalayas, Everest region Nepal. 🤙 You are inspiring me to upload more Himalayan hiking videos. Keep up the great work. 🙏
I live in south ga and I LOVE haiwassee. It's such a nice little town, and the trout fishing is unbelievable. (I camp there for the 4th of July every year)
Nice video Darwin. Dixie / homemade Wanderlust got the fire burning in me to wanna hike and you're definitely stoking the flames. Looking forward to the rest of your AT adventure!
It sucks that you could not continue this hike! I like your new style of narrating especially on this hike since there was more things to relive and analyze. Interesting to hear a new/different perspective on the same trail, hope you can go back to live that.
I am graduating college in May and I am fortunate enough to have a job for when I graduate. I was planning on doing shorter hikes between the two dates. Now, my start date has been moved back that I could have enough time to do the AT. I am keeping my eye out for updates and depending on what happens, I may be joining you out there!
I think you are definitely finding your voice as a documentary film maker. The hiking/backpacking culture in the US will greatly benefit from your voice.
Loving the narration style. Have you ever considered getting into rock climbing? As a nature lover and (much more casual than you) backpacker getting into climbing was a natural evolution for me.
This is my favorite video that you have produced. You're right, it's a transformation. Even for a section hiker, Georgia transformed me. It seems the 4th day on the trail is when that occurs no matter how many sections I complete. You're authentic and Idk, there is something magic about the AT. Your video made me feel that I was back on the trail in GA and it drew tears out, which is hard to do sometimes....but good tears. I remember getting to my car at Deep Gap, NC (after continuously hiking for 6 lonely days at the end of August when it's so brutal with thunderstorms, snakes, bees, wild boars, bears, and tons of sweat) and weeping with joy. I hope you can get back on the trail soon. Kind regards.
Here in Finland there is a rule when you arrive at a shelter that the people who arrived first have to give room to those who arrived later and are more tired. In other words, you cannot reserve a spot. The most tired, late arriving hiker always gets a spot.
Hey bro hope you are well and having a great day so far. Nearly the weekend yeah. Just thought we would pop over and see what you have been up to again. This is one heck of a trail, great to unwind and reflect bro. Thanks so much for sharing this with us really appreciate it keep safe and take care my friend catch up again soon God bless you 🙏❤️👍
Dang, brother. I was out there from end of February to the end of March this year (2020) and remember having to double time just to keep warm. Even with the high cadence pace, my fingers still stopped working until I went to the breadbags. I hope you faired better than I did. I got off trail for the same reason you did. Everything gets wet and cold except the soul.
Awesome little video of memory And of this year even though and it was only extremely short time this year But somewhere along the line of this year you will finish
Great video. I can wait to get back on the trail and do some more videos my self. After all the covid-19 crazy dies down. You have inspired me to start shooting videos around our loacl area. Thank you and keep up the good work.
Just wondering what your pack was in 2015 vs now?? Thanks for sharing both hikes. Tensee Gap to Hog Pen. I took my wife in her first day hike in the AT. It took her forever. 😃 Thanks
I cant love this enough. Your work is so good. I would love to see you hike with and document a first time thru hiker, and give that transformation what Im calling 'the darwin treatment'. I bet that would be magical. Though, I must admit, I can watch hikers struggle through the whites all day and it not scare me as much as seeing a veteran thru hiker getting his ass kicked on an incline! :) -Dandelion
You mean Tesnatee (my wife calls it Tenacity Gap)...I call it the place where I usually hike the road up to Hogpen and then get a ride to Helen, Ga. Sorry you missed Helen by the way; small town designed to look like a German Alpine village. Great place that is akin to Gatlinburg about 20-30 years ago. I still hate the hill after the GA/NC state line. The one over to Sassafras Gap and then Muskrat Creek Shelter...that stony hill hurts. Anyways...I hope you get to do the whole thing again someday...now tell me more about the new pack :)
i've got a lake house in Hiawassee. One of my favorite places on this planet. Would have loved to have bought you a beer while you were in town. Hike on!
I would love too, but legally can’t. Back in 2017, they signed to a label & sold the rights to a publishing company. Then, that publishing company demonetized a bunch of my videos & tried to charge me an absurd amount to use even 5 seconds of my Intro song. Even tho I had an agreement with the band for years, they actually did me a little dirty & I decided to change all of my music (Hints the change in Intro music) The More You Know 🌈
@@DarwinOnthetrail Bummer, publishing companies suck, worse than collection agencies. Loved the 2015 AT vids with just mainly the still pics and indy rock.
Darwin, as someone that had it all (or so I thought) you have inspired me beyond reason. The moment I started watching your diaries, you ignited a fire in me. I feel like I've got the smarts to see through simple people, you are not one of them. What a guy, what you have given to the trail community. As a Scotsman, I have to give you infinite gratitude, what a guy. Thanks man.
Darwin, your reflections from years past are really cool. Thanks for sharing them with all of us. Excellent production quality too.
Gosh, I love this series. The calmness is just beautiful. The trail reminds me of the woods where I live and regularly go on day hikes. I miss being outside so much. My city is its own federal state and it is not allowed to cross the borders to the other states right now. Those little woods we've got here in the city borders are packed to the rim with people these days, so I'm staying at home. Watching these videos is really helping not going crazy.
Love this introspective style. The memories mixed with the current day. Thanks for taking us along.
Thanks Darwin, a perfect distraction - stay safe.
You too! Hope you're well! ✊
Watching this video, and seeing how being back on the trail five years later meant so much to you as you were able to reconnect with the places that impacted you back then, makes me feel sad that you weren't able to stay on the trail and complete your section hike as planned. Thanks for bringing us along! Stay well!
You always need to walk a trail twice Darwin. Once to walk it and the second time to appreciate it. Stay safe.
I love that and I agree, sometimes I'm too focus on getting to a point that i forget that being there is the point.
As I'm heading to the hospital to start my shift, I'm listening to you describe your adventure on the AT. Very calming to my soul brother..thank you. This period of isolation will come to an end, and you, and me, and many others can resume our quest for the calming peace that God and the trails bring to us.
Absolutely beautiful in every aspect imaginable. Emotional depth. Stunning shots. The voice over reflections make this year’s AT videos truly next level. I mean, wow ! Well done Darwin.
Darwin, I met you and Snuggles in July 2016 in the White Mountains. I was hiking at the time with a wonderful Australian mom and daughter (Bean Dip). I loved your film and it brought back so many memories of my own. I am living in Montana now, where I grew up. I just hiked through the Wind River range in Wyoming on the CDT -- wonderful. Best to you and Snuggles. Fiddle
So good to see your AT videos, Darwin. We are all hanging to get back out on trails again but being able to watch these sure helps during our isolation. Thanks again and massive respect for what you do for the hiking community!
The trail will wait for us all! 🤙
Had a question about camping, are you allowed to set up camp anywhere along the trail or does it have to be in a “actual” campsite? Love you videos, keep them coming
The way you film your videos since your AZ hike is amazing, Darwin . The calm retrospective voiceover really brought it all together. Really seems like a special experience and you can hear all your growth. Thank you for the video!
Thanks Dakota! Glad you are digging them!
Darwin onthetrail Absolutely ! Legendary interview with the Schill Brothers as well. Love the positivity.
Your vids are therapeutic for me. My soul needs it. May the Great Spirit always be with you and walk with you when you get back on trail.
Nice video. I thru-hiked the AT from Maine to GA in 1981 (Aug 1, 1981 on Katahdin and reached Springer on Jan. 1, 1982). I am amazed at how much the thru-hiking experience has changed for people over the years. As a south bounder, especially back in 1981, we saw far fewer people than the north bounders did and I loved the whole hike, but it wasn't the social experience that it seems to be for people that are part of the parade heading north now. I also never heard the term "trail magic" until maybe 5 years ago. Never would have conceived that people would be shooting video as they thru-hiked, or posting it for the public. Yet the Trail remains. Enjoy!
I had the exact same experience at Bly Gap! And same goes for a good friend of mine who hiked the trail in 2018. It was constantly raining that day, the wind kept howling and the temperatures dropped below 35. We left Plumorchard Shelter under blue skies but only 30 minutes later, the weather turned. When I got to Muskrat, the shelter was already bursting. It was the only time ever on trail, that I started to become worried about my well-being. I was borderline hypothermic, I had not eaten the whole day, night was setting in, it was still pouring and there was no way to pitch my tent without getting absolutely drenched again, after having switched into dry clothes. Fortunately, the rain did let up for 5 minutes and two trail friends jumped out of their sleeping bags to help me pitch my tent. The second I fixed the last stake on my rainfly, it started pouring again. I've never been more grateful in my whole life to be able to sleep in a dry tent. The next day, four of us decided to take a side trail off the mountain to hitch into Franklin, after someone started talking about a gigantic buffet at the local Chinese place. According to some section hiker, "Chunky Gal Trail" was supposed to be 4 miles of easy valley walking onto a major highway in the region. It ended up being 9 miles of ridge walking, with endless PUDs on a trail that had not been tended to in years, plus a few miles of highway walking before someone picked the four of us up (in a Prius!!) ... But we made it to the Chinese place!
I'm listening to the podcasts that you just did. In 2015 I fell in love with the trail because of you and Dixie. I haven't gotten to leave yet... Lol... Because of kids at home. 5 years till I'm gone. Or found. When you explain how it makes you feel alive, home, I get goose bumps.
keep telling us about last year as you remember the spots. I must have watched 1000+ (Dixie, Second Chance, Frozen . . ) videos of hikers on trails and the best are personal ("when I was here 5 years ago . . ") . Thank you and keep reminiscing . . what you remember.
Good stuff Darwin. A free therapy.
Hi Darwin, I have to give you a big clap, I simply love your videos both those instructional and those from the trails. I'm European, hiking for last 40+ years, mainly in Carpathians, but also in Caucasus, Alps, Norwegian mountains and others. I do mostly three seasons, one week long hikes, sometimes two weeks or just a few days, what you call section hikes. Many things here are different than in States, climate, popular gear, hiking rules vary in different countries, but nonetheless even if "do not apply" I'm mesmerized by your films, your passion and commitment. When I listen about your ultra light hiking, it's quite amazing and appealing and honestly, tough I would like to try it, I wouldn't have 2000 bucks to dish out, to get all the gear, plus I never hike by myself, I'm hiking instructor in Ukraine, so I either have group of teens or some of my seven children with me, and that's why I always end up carrying other people gear or food . When we do 7-8 days hike we never resupply or come down to villages, so my pack often weight over 60 pounds to start with . I know you are laughing at this point with your base weight 11 pounds. But I think, even in this insane race to lighten your load, there must be some balance, when your comfort and health is not too compromised. For instance, twice in this video you mentioned something like: " everything I had was soaked" or "we were soaked and freezing". I could be wrong but I see here a thin red line which possibly was crossed for the sake of ultralightness. for example I have goretex jacket, which is already 28000mm waterproof but on the top of it, I put over me and my pack a rain coat all the way to my knees and I never, ever am soaked or frozen for that matter and believe me in Europe rains a lot, sometimes 6 out of seven days raining, usually 50-50. My base weight is 25 pounds, can't afford to go lower but it's Ok I used to that and I'm sure I will be hiking till my last breath. So, please keep your vids coming and good luck :)
Wow! My sister and I (TnT) finished the AT in 86. We were the only hikers on Springer NOBO didn’t hit hikers till the 3 td day I remember the tree as the NC/ GA mark there was no sign. Also that shelter wasn’t there. That’s a nice shelter! Had to laugh always hitched in the back of a pickup down south into town. Thanks for the memory lane. Tail on!
Hi Fellow Hoosiers. The music is perfect accompaniment. Sure does bring back memories of my 2009 AT hike. It is all good. Thank you Darwin O
Hope you're doing well in Indiana! 🤙
Damn I wish this series kept going. It's so calming to watch. I can't focus on regular movies or TV right now.
I truly enjoy watching your evolution as a filmmaker and documentarian. I hope that soon you will be to rejoin these little adventures. Thank you !!
This reminisce idea you have is a great series for you and the viewers. The commentary with the music is excellent. Sad the circumstances however. I was in Harriman St. Park last weekend hiking and I might go up tomorrow for a two nighter. It’s open and I’ll be staying away from any stores and towns. You have a way of setting a mood, a tone in your videos. I feel like I’m remembering my life, old friends , places and things. It’s peaceful. Stay safe 😊❤️🇺🇸⛺️🌄
Now I’m watching you on the Schill Brothers 😊
Thanks for the videos Darwin, I may not be thru hiking it again this year, but seeing your videos brings back so many memories.
Awesome. Watching you bring back memories on the AT makes me think of the places I could go to be able to do the same. The places that built me, the places that changed me, the places that made me the person I am today and how that would feel to be at those places.
Damn dude, you are raising the vlog bar HIGH for all these people!!!!! These are mini documentaries, not vlogs!!
I’ve never really made “Vlogs” 😉 This is why I don’t like the term “UA-camr” it confines a creator to a certain style of Videos. It’s why I spent all of last year making an actual Film, not just taking my UA-cam videos, stringing them together, & calling them a “Movie” or “Documentary”. I’ve never really wanted to be a Vlogger 😂... Thanks for the Kind Words Nate. Glad you’re digging them! 🤙
Beautiful. I went sobo in 2015 (third hike) so I must have passed you, but guess we didn't meet. This is stirring so many wonderful memories. Thanks for taking the time to document your hike. Stay safe.
Nice, Darwin! Great choice of music to nail down the nostalgia. Made me miss the Trail (I did from AFSP to the Ga/NC line in '06, but had to back to work in New England). I drove a local friend down in '15, and hiked to Dick's Creek Gap, where I left to drive back home to work again. I hope to finish the last 500 miles (NC to Va.) next spring. My thruhiker friend just found out that his daughter, who works in a nursing home, was sent home today, COVID-19 positive. Prayers are needed for our health care workers (and their families).🙏
I’m really loving these. They have a great weight (in a good way) that reflects your transformation and the beauty and power of the trail.
Love your vids. I've seen every single one. I've said this before, and I know it's not for what you're known really. It is Darwin "on the trail" after all. But I would love to see just a couple of minutes of each of your town days. I think a lot of us living vicariously through these mini-movies would love to get to experience all the little villages, towns, out-of-the-way 'burgs that we'll just never get to see otherwise. And the rapturous joy of that pizza and beer after a 3 or 4 or 5 day stint would be a beaut to behold. Keep on hiking brother. I'm doing my first section hike of the PCT this year. Don't worry gang, I'm a local in Big Bear Lake California. So I can totally do about 130 miles and never have to drop into another town. My wife is coming along on some of the sections and then running pick up for me on others. I'm a big guy. Like Second Chance big. So this is a life goal and hopefully a life changer/new start for me. It will take me several weekends over the course of several months to cover it all. I didn't used to be this big. But I'm all in now and ready to make the leap! Stay safe out there virtual "tramily" and if we happen to pass, I'll be courteous and keeping my distance : )
scottyplug , I totally agree, thanks for asking that
I am totally enjoying listening and watching you remember 2015 as you hike I 2020 - I live in NC and love the AT, as well as a lot of other trails - I love that you are really connecting to the AT in a deeper way on this hike - if you do it again, when you get to Dick's Creek Gap, try going south/east on 76 to Clayton and if you get a chance go to Warwoman Dell - it's on the William Bartram Trail and shows how advanced the Cherokee were in their regard for women tribe members centuries ago
Nice job at making brown leaves and bare trees with overcast weather seem interesting. The best parts for me were the flashbacks and the tree that looks like it grew in 0 gravity. Thanks anyways for filming, producing and posting it.
Our journeys seemed to mirror each other, these videos are making me tear up from the raw emotions in them and the pain from having to pause my hike
We will all get back out there soon enough 😉
Muskrat has been full both times for me. Didn't have the rain like you did. Awsome video. Thanks for sharing
You are becoming a great documentary photographer/editor/producer. Great quality as always, cleanly done, great story telling, perfect music.
Love watching your videos Darwin and it's fascinating to see the evolution of your style from PCT to now. Much more of a documentary/story telling feel to it which I think is great. Looking forward to more of your adventures when this craziness is over. Stay safe.
I love seeing you talk about the ups and downs. I live in Georgia, so I frequent Cheaha (Pinhoti trail), north Georgia, Tennessee, etc. The elevation gain and loss in those areas is just unreal sometimes. You get to the top of a big hill/mountain after hiking straight up, look across at another peak, and sure enough hike straight down and straight back up to the peak you were just looking at. No flat except for the 50 yards of walking from when you get to the bottom and the slow slope up to a near vertical. Over and over. Tiring, but rewarding.
Love those deep, important memories that we can relive. Awesome you were able to experience that, Darwin, for at least a few days anyway. Great stuff, brother!! By the way, your music "feels" spot on, at least for me.
I see what you were talking about in the past with editing in a new way than the past. This is more of a hybrid of a You Tube traditional journal entry talking head style mixed with a documentary feel. I like the path your on both literally in the video and figuratively. I like that you're also bringing us back in time with you.
Awesome video series brother! Love the feel and vibe. Certainly feels like a love story unfolding before our eyes. Very impressive!!
Deep growth is much needed!
Thanks for the videos! The reminiscent mood is perfect for me as a former AT thru-hiker. I wish you could have finished this year so I could watch all the videos and remember my own experience! Keep at it. Hopefully you're back out there soon.
Even tho I was only out there for 8 Days this year, I feel like I got what I was looking for 😉
I cant wait until this lockdown is over! I am hitting the trail for at least 2 weeks and it can't happen soon enough! Thanks Darwin!
The AT certainly means much to you, for I never heard you talk so passionately about any other trail that you hiked on.
Loving the vibe of these new videos. Very laid back, keep those footsteps in the dirt
It's such a beautiful part of the country and pre big season is a wee awesome. But yeah, cold & wet. Great video.
I am loving this style of video! Very chill and reminiscent. Thank you Darwin for all you do.
As always, watching your hiking videos from the Himalayas, Everest region Nepal. 🤙 You are inspiring me to upload more Himalayan hiking videos. Keep up the great work. 🙏
Thanks! 🤙
You have a UA-cam channel
@@JustaReadingguy Yes I have started uploading nowadays. You can go check out I have posted videos from the recent trek to Everest trek. Thank you 🙏
Darwin - hoping you’ll be able to get back on trail soon. Keep up the great work!
I live in south ga and I LOVE haiwassee. It's such a nice little town, and the trout fishing is unbelievable. (I camp there for the 4th of July every year)
Aww great episode!! I hope you get to finish up the rest of your planned hiking section once we can get back out on the trails.
Nice video Darwin. Dixie / homemade Wanderlust got the fire burning in me to wanna hike and you're definitely stoking the flames. Looking forward to the rest of your AT adventure!
Great to see your doing great and re visiting the AT the journey looks amazing god bless you
I hate knowing that this series is gonna end way before Maine. You’re definitely inspiring me to pull the trigger on my first thru-hike in 2021!
This series has a different vibe..cant quite explain but it's a good thing
Really enjoying these, brother! I hope you're able to hit the AT again when the chaos is over.
You have the best music.
Thanks for sharing your hiking journey's Darwin. ✌️
These AT videos have been perfect. Thank you.
It sucks that you could not continue this hike! I like your new style of narrating especially on this hike since there was more things to relive and analyze. Interesting to hear a new/different perspective on the same trail, hope you can go back to live that.
...your videography skills are quite inspiring. brilliant work, Darwin. as ever, thank you for sharing-
I am graduating college in May and I am fortunate enough to have a job for when I graduate. I was planning on doing shorter hikes between the two dates. Now, my start date has been moved back that I could have enough time to do the AT. I am keeping my eye out for updates and depending on what happens, I may be joining you out there!
I hope I can hike there once and complet it, it looks beautiful there!
I think you are definitely finding your voice as a documentary film maker. The hiking/backpacking culture in the US will greatly benefit from your voice.
Loving the narration style. Have you ever considered getting into rock climbing? As a nature lover and (much more casual than you) backpacker getting into climbing was a natural evolution for me.
This is my favorite video that you have produced. You're right, it's a transformation. Even for a section hiker, Georgia transformed me. It seems the 4th day on the trail is when that occurs no matter how many sections I complete. You're authentic and Idk, there is something magic about the AT. Your video made me feel that I was back on the trail in GA and it drew tears out, which is hard to do sometimes....but good tears. I remember getting to my car at Deep Gap, NC (after continuously hiking for 6 lonely days at the end of August when it's so brutal with thunderstorms, snakes, bees, wild boars, bears, and tons of sweat) and weeping with joy. I hope you can get back on the trail soon. Kind regards.
Killing it, bro! Love seeing the throw backs too
Here in Finland there is a rule when you arrive at a shelter that the people who arrived first have to give room to those who arrived later and are more tired. In other words, you cannot reserve a spot. The most tired, late arriving hiker always gets a spot.
Touching + inspiring. Thanks Darwin!
Love your videos.... I'm section hiking .....got off last fall at Hog Pen Gap after a sleepless night
Hey bro hope you are well and having a great day so far. Nearly the weekend yeah. Just thought we would pop over and see what you have been up to again. This is one heck of a trail, great to unwind and reflect bro. Thanks so much for sharing this with us really appreciate it keep safe and take care my friend catch up again soon God bless you 🙏❤️👍
Thanks for the video. I hope you come back to the UK next year.
Your video and music composition is excellent.
Thanks! 🤙
thanks for amazing video. Sebastopol love yours tracks
Love your content Darwin. Been watching for awhile now and just joined your Patreon. Hope you the best on the AT and the next few trails.
So excited this is going to be an incredible story.
really great editing, perfect episode length
Bligh gap... the kneeling oak.
This really makes me want to go back.
Such a cool tree!
Dang, brother. I was out there from end of February to the end of March this year (2020) and remember having to double time just to keep warm. Even with the high cadence pace, my fingers still stopped working until I went to the breadbags. I hope you faired better than I did. I got off trail for the same reason you did. Everything gets wet and cold except the soul.
there was basically a cyclone when I was at Muskrat shelter in 2018. And then the next day it snowed on the 15th of April!
Sweet more trail!
It’s too bad your 5 year anniversary hike got messed up but it’s still great to watch. Hopefully soon we can start hiking again
Love this new video style!
Thanks! Have you seen the Film I made last year?
Wonderful video Darwin, many thanks for sharing that with us
Awesome little video of memory
And of this year even though and it was only extremely short time this year
But somewhere along the line of this year you will finish
Hopefully! Regardless, I seemed to get what I was looking for out there😉
Love your video's Darwin. You are inspiring me to post more Colorado 14er videos!
Great video. I can wait to get back on the trail and do some more videos my self. After all the covid-19 crazy dies down. You have inspired me to start shooting videos around our loacl area. Thank you and keep up the good work.
I would be doing this section right now starting at Dick's Creek and going to Fontana. Thanks Corona.....
Awesome Videos Darwin!
Love these, thank you! Heard your great interview with Schill Bros, would love you to post a video on your favorite hiking music 🙂
Chills watching these. Beautifully shot.
Thank You! That's what I was going for. Wanted to share the emotions I feel on trail with you guys. 😉
Just wondering what your pack was in 2015 vs now??
Thanks for sharing both hikes.
Tensee Gap to Hog Pen.
I took my wife in her first day hike in the AT. It took her forever. 😃
Thanks
I cant love this enough. Your work is so good. I would love to see you hike with and document a first time thru hiker, and give that transformation what Im calling 'the darwin treatment'. I bet that would be magical. Though, I must admit, I can watch hikers struggle through the whites all day and it not scare me as much as seeing a veteran thru hiker getting his ass kicked on an incline! :) -Dandelion
You back on the trail? Shelters look weird without anyone else in there. I guess the trail is pretty empty this year.
NOpe. This footage is from before i had to get off
Thanks brother. I really needed this right about now.
It's a real shame you had to bail on this one. Loving the reflections on your first thru
You mean Tesnatee (my wife calls it Tenacity Gap)...I call it the place where I usually hike the road up to Hogpen and then get a ride to Helen, Ga. Sorry you missed Helen by the way; small town designed to look like a German Alpine village. Great place that is akin to Gatlinburg about 20-30 years ago. I still hate the hill after the GA/NC state line. The one over to Sassafras Gap and then Muskrat Creek Shelter...that stony hill hurts. Anyways...I hope you get to do the whole thing again someday...now tell me more about the new pack :)
Liking these videos. Nice style and awesome content.
Loving this series. Xx
i've got a lake house in Hiawassee. One of my favorite places on this planet. Would have loved to have bought you a beer while you were in town. Hike on!
NICE! I've always wanted to hang out at that Lake 😉
@@DarwinOnthetrail our door is always open
Darwin - really bummed not to hear a ThunderDreamer song attached to these videos. Come on man, bring it back around!
I would love too, but legally can’t. Back in 2017, they signed to a label & sold the rights to a publishing company. Then, that publishing company demonetized a bunch of my videos & tried to charge me an absurd amount to use even 5 seconds of my Intro song. Even tho I had an agreement with the band for years, they actually did me a little dirty & I decided to change all of my music (Hints the change in Intro music)
The More You Know 🌈
@@DarwinOnthetrail Bummer, publishing companies suck, worse than collection agencies. Loved the 2015 AT vids with just mainly the still pics and indy rock.