Such a gorgeous dog -- and so thoughtful, considerate and aware! After jumping the gap in the rock, he actually paused and waited for you to cross before continuing. He made sure you were okay. Beautiful to behold! [11:04]
I think he was really just considering if he could get me to fall in. He is sneaky like that!! He might learned it from me though! Thanks for the comment!
@@GoingNoWhereFast LOL! I've watched those few seconds several times -- that's just how touched I was by Akela's behavior. But I did notice he didn't waste a second getting a move on once he'd assured you'd gotten across. I'm sure he keeps you on your toes. Seriously though, the fact that he had the awareness to pause, look back and wait, is awe-inspiring. I think that we humans often underestimate, or are just plain unaware of the intelligence and depth of empathy animals possess -- dogs and elephants, in particular. BTW, I noticed that you subtitled the video "With Akela and Rick". Putting his name first shows you know just how special Akela is, and how much he means to you. So, glad we got to see that, too. New subscriber!
Its a great time, People are returning to work, school, and are afraid of the cold... Just make sure you have a plan B & C, and don't rely on your Cell phone to find places. Coverage is spotty!
The foot trail coming up from Upper Creek is brutal uphill. I and another person got on a section of it and it was 1-mile ALL serious uphill; step-up and pull-up...step-up and pull-up. Thought I would have a coronary event...leg muscles were quivering when we got to the top.
Beautiful area! Couldn't help but notice the kids in the water. Thought to myself how the cold never really bothered me when I was a kid up north. Now that I've been living in Georgia for so many years (and being much older) I find my tolerance for cold has gone very low. Now if it gets below 65 I feel like I'm freezing. Anyway, great video. Looking ahead to you and Akela's next adventure in Tennessee.
And yet I see these "Polar Bear" Swimmers off long Island and they are all over 50. Must be what you convince your mind your body can do!! Not for me, at least not right now..LOL
Hello. I'm new to your channel and so far I just love your videos. I've been camping when I was younger but haven't taken my family yet (husband, 5 kids, and 2 dogs). I recently booked our first trip to Raven Rock, NC. Watching your videos has me excited to plan more adventures if all goes well on this upcoming trip. Thank you for the future trip ideas!
I know it, The mountains down here aren't much different. Much less swamp and bugs, but some. And far more crowded because its so close to so many populated areas. But we make do! 9 months of great hiking, 3 months of decent hiking!!
Thanks so much for sharing you’re exploring of the NC high country. We go to the Fosco, NC area every summer for a month or so and I try to scout out good camping areas . This really helps. I discovered the 13 mile old Hwy 105 fire road in Pisgah off grid trail last year. The vista camping looks amazing. Have you been up there. It may be a little 4 wheelie for your camper. have you tried it?
It runs right along the west side of Lineville Gorge……on top, looking down …haha. A gorgeous drive. Free dispersed camping all along it. WX would definitely be a concern though.
We have camped up there a few time in 2017 & 2018. 2019--2022 it has been packed with overlanders and offroaders. But it is definitely a fantastic sight to drive! I have a video with great drone footage of the area.
@@GoingNoWhereFast I’m a drone driver too. I will look for that video, I look fwd to camping up there. I went during the middle of the week, so there was nobody there last summer. I’ll try camping there during mid week this summer. 😊
@@markmills-rb7tq That's a good point. I've not been up on Old NC 105 except on Thursdays or Fridays. I'll have to go on a Monday or Tuesday now and see if the crowds are a lot less.
Im only a couple hours from there and have been looking for a place to do primitive camping. Looks amazing and I have vacation time so I might have my next vacation spot picked out.
We were just there, The Forest service is Blocking off a lot of sites to keep campers and RVs out. But there are still a few. Check out my other video a few weeks ago on Curtis Creek
Hi, Rick, from Northern California. Wanted to introduce myself because you will hear a lot from me during the next few weeks. I purchased an Aliner two months ago, found your channel, and got hooked on you and your dogs. I went back in time and started watching your videos from the beginning. Admittedly, I don’t watch every minute of you traveling, since usually I want to make those experiences happen for myself. But I am very interested in stuff pertaining to the Aliner, AOC activities, and training and traveling with dogs. I love your sense of humor and your style. I post videos about my travels with my two Welsh Corgis under “Rambling in Ramsey.” I used to have a Ram ProMaster Class B that I called “Ramsey.” After seeing almost all the National Parks in the northern states, I traded the ProMaster 3500 for a small Promaster City that I converted to a campervan I call “Ramsey Jr.” With a max towing capacity of 1600 lbs, he can barely tow the Aliner. A former teacher and graphic designer, I am now a writer, grandmother, weekend explorer, and corgi puppy trainer. I publish stuff about my books on my author-UA-cam Channel “Mary Ames Mitchell.” I look forward to hanging out with you while you ramble. Thanks for including us.
Wow, great comment. It’s good you got out of the water life. It’s getting too crowded and expensive. You’ll love the liner. Definitely get hooked up with the AOC. They are fantastic group of people that I wish I had more time to play with. If you need any bad advice, feel free to drop me a line. I respond to every comment
@@davidcarver5504 Is North West out of Morganton, NC on Route 181 as you go up the windy road about mile marker 17. Just before the brown mtn overlook.
We are going to Deal's Gap this summer, and then Asheville. You don't happen to know of any free/dispersed spots around Deal's Gap? Willing to drive a little bit
I'm not sure how to tell you where they are, But TSali campground is damn cheap and has great bathrooms around the corner from it, and there are places just before the Fontana damn. If your coming from the west check out my video on Tellico Plains and Citico Creek
I really like to get out and do some exploring camping on the North Carolina side at the mountains. It had so much time to our trip because we can't take the quicker route through the Dragon and instead have to add considerable mileage interstate. One of these days we will make it over that direction.
Hello, might be a long shot but wondering if you could share coordinates/location of that large camping spot you previewed around 6:30 of this video? Thanks!
Boy ! You don't want much !! LOL 35.93355235437468, -81.79061381517614 But its on Forest Service Road 982 off of Route 181 or the Wilson Creek Road ( Brown Mtn Beach Rd) Though that end was closed due to road flood damage.
Wow the creeks are beautiful. If it was warm enough I could play in them for hours! Just returned home from a 2 night stay in the Uwharrie National Forest at Morrow Mountain State Park. Had the whole loop to myself! I have been hesitant to do the free camping areas as a solo female camper. Guess I feel safer knowing there are park rangers around. What are your thoughts on the safety factor of the areas that you have visited? I'm just a old hippy in a camper van but I still like to play it safe!
Play it safe, try to find a friend to go with you, or go where other people are. In 50 yrs of camping I only have had 2 experiences where I felt slightly unsafe, Kids with guns and alcohol, and 3 guys I knew were poaching. Rapists types, muggers, etc, they stick to the cities. And of course a 24yr old in a halter top and short shorts is more likely to attract some guys who might get bothersome.... At least that's what I experience when I wear a halter top and short shorts.
@@GoingNoWhereFast OMG! Now there's a picture I'm trying to get out of my head. I bet Akela stays far away from you when wearing that outfit. You're one funny dude. Thanks for the chuckle...I think?
I have, but there is actually a publication DEC did outlining ALL the dispersed campsites, approved and unapproved, and possible management methods to reduce impact on the forests. Its an incredible resource. Search the DEC Website for primitive camping
Check my Early Videos, Or Search Moose River Plains, or NY State Forest Lands. You can camp ANYWHERE in a tent. If your looking for a primitive campground, with lots of sites and bathrooms, then try the forest preserve campgrounds. You can literally camp every 10 miles somewhere in NY. Been there done that.
Most of the roads are passable by any vehicle. I see plenty of Mustangs, Toyota Corollas, Dodge chargers on these roads. The only issue if there is a ton of rain, the roads can get very washboard. But they are maintained roads
I am new to South Carolina and want to go camping out this way what would be the best directions for me to put in? We have been to Asheville and Catawba so far but really want to go disperses camping plus it would be better for my dog.
No I have a reservation, Make sure you have Rock Creek Recreation area in TN. Its a small campground, but with electric and Hot Showers... MY Favorite.
@@GoingNoWhereFast because I never get time off, I've never done something to make me the man I need to be. I need to break bad habits and not be lazy anymore. I'm 27 and have no hobbies or skills. I just work constantly and I'm TIRED
@@PerfectLeeAdventures You definitely don't need a gun, A frying pan is much more effective, just bang on it, though the air horn is what we used to carry when I worked for Fish & Wildlife. Never needed to use it though. Just yell and they run like hell.
@@PerfectLeeAdventures Take fire making material, waxed cloth is my preferred. Just rub a candle or block of paraffin on a 10x10 inch piece of cloth and it makes a great Fire starter. Put the entire piece of cloth at the bottom of a pile of wood and it will start the fire. Make up 3-4 of them. Your hobby can be to be an excellent fire builder, its a very admirable skill!
Oh, we clean up any area we camp in. Thats area looked great when we left. I just don't clean the entire trail when we hike very far. Except I do pick up Mylar Balloons and Plastic bags no matter where I see them..
I’m so ready to come up there to camp but I have 5 Cats from when I was rescuing cats to be euthanized. I’ve got to move out of my home because I can’t pay the Taxes and Insurance on just Social Security. I usually have 10 to 12 but had to stop rescuing because of my financial situation. There are No Kill places to take Dogs but none for cats that I know of. And I can’t take cats I’ve grown fond of to be killed after caring for them for so long.😕 Do you know of any place that is a No Kill Shelter for cats? ( I know it’s like wishing for a Billion Dollars )
I'm sorry, I do not. The problem with cats is they breed faster than dogs and cause a lot of destruction to the natural birds and animals. I have always said people should be required to get a license to own a pet. And Domestic animal should be allowed to roam. But good luck, hope you find a lottery ticket.
@@GoingNoWhereFast I agree. They are made for hunting. I won’t put them out on the street for that reason. I get mad at them when they bring up birds, squirrels, frogs and lizards when I give them all the food they can eat. I have fish and frogs in my pool now and I have a big Heron that I let feed on those since they may get shot at on farms around here. That bird will dive in the pool and climb back out with a fish. The 1st time I saw him dive in to get a fish through my kitchen window, I ran to the back door to get him out but he climbed out before I got to the door. He’s awesome.
Such a gorgeous dog -- and so thoughtful, considerate and aware! After jumping the gap in the rock, he actually paused and waited for you to cross before continuing. He made sure you were okay. Beautiful to behold! [11:04]
I think he was really just considering if he could get me to fall in. He is sneaky like that!! He might learned it from me though! Thanks for the comment!
@@GoingNoWhereFast LOL! I've watched those few seconds several times -- that's just how touched I was by Akela's behavior. But I did notice he didn't waste a second getting a move on once he'd assured you'd gotten across. I'm sure he keeps you on your toes. Seriously though, the fact that he had the awareness to pause, look back and wait, is awe-inspiring. I think that we humans often underestimate, or are just plain unaware of the intelligence and depth of empathy animals possess -- dogs and elephants, in particular.
BTW, I noticed that you subtitled the video "With Akela and Rick". Putting his name first shows you know just how special Akela is, and how much he means to you. So, glad we got to see that, too. New subscriber!
@@Gwen3344 Awesome, Thanks! He'll get a biscuit for bringing in subscribers!
Spectacular hike. You are like the Wagon Train scout, going out ahead and finding great spots for us to explore and circle the wagons.
We love to explore. New places, new things, people to meet, places to see!
Great video. Love your dog. We have two just like him. Love your headstone joke too.
What Joke, I was serious !! 🤣😁😇
thank you for sharing so much information. I am visiting NC this week and look forward to searching out some of these places.
Its a great time, People are returning to work, school, and are afraid of the cold... Just make sure you have a plan B & C, and don't rely on your Cell phone to find places. Coverage is spotty!
The foot trail coming up from Upper Creek is brutal uphill. I and another person got on a section of it and it was 1-mile ALL serious uphill; step-up and pull-up...step-up and pull-up. Thought I would have a coronary event...leg muscles were quivering when we got to the top.
If you do it often, it isn't that hard. Use it or loose it is very true about fitness and strength.
Beautiful area! Couldn't help but notice the kids in the water. Thought to myself how the cold never really bothered me when I was a kid up north. Now that I've been living in Georgia for so many years (and being much older) I find my tolerance for cold has gone very low. Now if it gets below 65 I feel like I'm freezing. Anyway, great video. Looking ahead to you and Akela's next adventure in Tennessee.
And yet I see these "Polar Bear" Swimmers off long Island and they are all over 50. Must be what you convince your mind your body can do!! Not for me, at least not right now..LOL
Hello. I'm new to your channel and so far I just love your videos. I've been camping when I was younger but haven't taken my family yet (husband, 5 kids, and 2 dogs). I recently booked our first trip to Raven Rock, NC. Watching your videos has me excited to plan more adventures if all goes well on this upcoming trip. Thank you for the future trip ideas!
Welcome aboard! Lots of great places to explore. Just don't plan too much! Relax and enjoy!
We hope to visit the Pisgah National Forest someday! We love waterfalls too! Thanks for sharing! ~ Shion and Matthew
You should! Its a great place for waterfalls, Especially below Asheville!
60 degrees, perfect for hiking. Amazing how much that creek and rocks resemble the High Peaks area.
I know it, The mountains down here aren't much different. Much less swamp and bugs, but some. And far more crowded because its so close to so many populated areas. But we make do! 9 months of great hiking, 3 months of decent hiking!!
I needed to see this. Thanks so much for sharing ❤❤❤
Thanks for stopping by. Come back anytime !!
Really nice hike! Thanks for sharing your experience with us
Thanks for stopping by. Come back often!
@@GoingNoWhereFast you're welcome! We really enjoy making outdoor videos also
Really pretty place. Great hiking, and camping area. Small streams sound peaceful, so clear. Akela right at home there. 😊👍
Yes it was! We will drag the Old Pointed headed camper down there and do some real exploring. I'm sure that is probably not a well know area.
great video!
glad you liked it, thanks!
Thanks so much for sharing you’re exploring of the NC high country. We go to the Fosco, NC area every summer for a month or so and I try to scout out good camping areas . This really helps. I discovered the 13 mile old Hwy 105 fire road in Pisgah off grid trail last year. The vista camping looks amazing. Have you been up there. It may be a little 4 wheelie for your camper. have you tried it?
It runs right along the west side of Lineville Gorge……on top, looking down …haha. A gorgeous drive. Free dispersed camping all along it. WX would definitely be a concern though.
We have camped up there a few time in 2017 & 2018. 2019--2022 it has been packed with overlanders and offroaders. But it is definitely a fantastic sight to drive! I have a video with great drone footage of the area.
@@GoingNoWhereFast I’m a drone driver too. I will look for that video, I look fwd to camping up there. I went during the middle of the week, so there was nobody there last summer. I’ll try camping there during mid week this summer. 😊
@@markmills-rb7tq That's a good point. I've not been up on Old NC 105 except on Thursdays or Fridays. I'll have to go on a Monday or Tuesday now and see if the crowds are a lot less.
@@GoingNoWhereFast Nice. Please let me know how it looks if ya get there before me. Cheers!
Im only a couple hours from there and have been looking for a place to do primitive camping. Looks amazing and I have vacation time so I might have my next vacation spot picked out.
We were just there, The Forest service is Blocking off a lot of sites to keep campers and RVs out. But there are still a few. Check out my other video a few weeks ago on Curtis Creek
@@GoingNoWhereFast Ok I will I'm looking for something more isolated anyway.
Enjoyed your hike. Very beautiful 👍👍👍👍👍💞
Thanks You !! We are back in the saddle.. (I hope)
My thoughts exactly on those “headstones “ on that trail.
Ha ha ha... Ya, sometimes you just feel like "this will be the death of me", but then when its over you want to do it again!!
Hi, Rick, from Northern California. Wanted to introduce myself because you will hear a lot from me during the next few weeks. I purchased an Aliner two months ago, found your channel, and got hooked on you and your dogs. I went back in time and started watching your videos from the beginning. Admittedly, I don’t watch every minute of you traveling, since usually I want to make those experiences happen for myself. But I am very interested in stuff pertaining to the Aliner, AOC activities, and training and traveling with dogs. I love your sense of humor and your style. I post videos about my travels with my two Welsh Corgis under “Rambling in Ramsey.” I used to have a Ram ProMaster Class B that I called “Ramsey.” After seeing almost all the National Parks in the northern states, I traded the ProMaster 3500 for a small Promaster City that I converted to a campervan I call “Ramsey Jr.” With a max towing capacity of 1600 lbs, he can barely tow the Aliner. A former teacher and graphic designer, I am now a writer, grandmother, weekend explorer, and corgi puppy trainer. I publish stuff about my books on my author-UA-cam Channel “Mary Ames Mitchell.” I look forward to hanging out with you while you ramble. Thanks for including us.
Wow, great comment. It’s good you got out of the water life. It’s getting too crowded and expensive. You’ll love the liner. Definitely get hooked up with the AOC. They are fantastic group of people that I wish I had more time to play with. If you need any bad advice, feel free to drop me a line. I respond to every comment
Beautiful!
Thanks
I would love to camp there. Maybe soon. Thanks so much for sharing!
There is a lot in the area to explore. No Idea why the gate was closed, it should have been opened, maybe a road washed out!
Where is Forster road 982 how do you get there?
@@davidcarver5504 Is North West out of Morganton, NC on Route 181 as you go up the windy road about mile marker 17. Just before the brown mtn overlook.
@@GoingNoWhereFast thanks
@@davidcarver5504 No problem, just don't tell anyone!!
We are going to Deal's Gap this summer, and then Asheville. You don't happen to know of any free/dispersed spots around Deal's Gap? Willing to drive a little bit
I'm not sure how to tell you where they are, But TSali campground is damn cheap and has great bathrooms around the corner from it, and there are places just before the Fontana damn. If your coming from the west check out my video on Tellico Plains and Citico Creek
@@GoingNoWhereFast thanks! Will check the video and the camp ground
I really like to get out and do some exploring camping on the North Carolina side at the mountains. It had so much time to our trip because we can't take the quicker route through the Dragon and instead have to add considerable mileage interstate. One of these days we will make it over that direction.
There is a lot of places in teh TN mtns. I'll be there tomorrow!
Hello, might be a long shot but wondering if you could share coordinates/location of that large camping spot you previewed around 6:30 of this video? Thanks!
Boy ! You don't want much !! LOL 35.93355235437468, -81.79061381517614 But its on Forest Service Road 982 off of Route 181 or the Wilson Creek Road ( Brown Mtn Beach Rd) Though that end was closed due to road flood damage.
Wow the creeks are beautiful. If it was warm enough I could play in them for hours! Just returned home from a 2 night stay in the Uwharrie National Forest at Morrow Mountain State Park. Had the whole loop to myself! I have been hesitant to do the free camping areas as a solo female camper. Guess I feel safer knowing there are park rangers around. What are your thoughts on the safety factor of the areas that you have visited? I'm just a old hippy in a camper van but I still like to play it safe!
Play it safe, try to find a friend to go with you, or go where other people are. In 50 yrs of camping I only have had 2 experiences where I felt slightly unsafe, Kids with guns and alcohol, and 3 guys I knew were poaching. Rapists types, muggers, etc, they stick to the cities. And of course a 24yr old in a halter top and short shorts is more likely to attract some guys who might get bothersome.... At least that's what I experience when I wear a halter top and short shorts.
@@GoingNoWhereFast OMG! Now there's a picture I'm trying to get out of my head. I bet Akela stays far away from you when wearing that outfit. You're one funny dude. Thanks for the chuckle...I think?
Haha so funny! I can just see the thumbnail shot for that video!!
Careful!! You never know what I might do to get a viral video... Maybe Dress Akela in a Halter top and short shorts....OL
Lovely area.
It really is! Even better in fall whenits less crowded!! Thanks for stopping by!
Please do this in New York!!!
I have, but there is actually a publication DEC did outlining ALL the dispersed campsites, approved and unapproved, and possible management methods to reduce impact on the forests. Its an incredible resource. Search the DEC Website for primitive camping
@@GoingNoWhereFast can you send me the link? We are having a hard time finding places to camp in NY in a tent that aren’t in an RV style campsite
Check my Early Videos, Or Search Moose River Plains, or NY State Forest Lands. You can camp ANYWHERE in a tent. If your looking for a primitive campground, with lots of sites and bathrooms, then try the forest preserve campgrounds. You can literally camp every 10 miles somewhere in NY. Been there done that.
Do you need 4 wheel drive on all the roads or can you make it with 2wheel drive with All terrain tires
Most of the roads are passable by any vehicle. I see plenty of Mustangs, Toyota Corollas, Dodge chargers on these roads. The only issue if there is a ton of rain, the roads can get very washboard. But they are maintained roads
That helps in my thinking more of going
I’m heading that way in few weeks maybe sooner 😃. How did you find this area?
I cruise around this area frequently. Its off Mile post 17 on route 181 out of Morganton, NC.
That's a really nice area! What is the name of the FS road?
It’s forest service road 982.
I am new to South Carolina and want to go camping out this way what would be the best directions for me to put in? We have been to Asheville and Catawba so far but really want to go disperses camping plus it would be better for my dog.
My favorite Place ua-cam.com/video/kt96xtgvDLI/v-deo.html
Hi Rick, just checked Rock Creek and it said they do not take reservations...are you just winging it?
No I have a reservation, Make sure you have Rock Creek Recreation area in TN. Its a small campground, but with electric and Hot Showers... MY Favorite.
@@GoingNoWhereFast I will reach out to you by email to coordinate. Would be fun to do a meetup.
I have a Berkey filter. Would most streams like this be safe to use after filtering?
I drink from a lot of these streams straight, but I also carry the cure if I get the disease. Never have.. yet!
I'm going tomorrow, I'm scared. Never been camping and never seen a bear. Solo backpacking for a few days I hope
That's pretty extreme for your very first time. Why not just spend the night in a state park?
@@GoingNoWhereFast because I never get time off, I've never done something to make me the man I need to be. I need to break bad habits and not be lazy anymore. I'm 27 and have no hobbies or skills. I just work constantly and I'm TIRED
@@GoingNoWhereFast also, should I bring a gun or bear spray and air horn will be fine? I have all that already but idk if I need to use my friends gun
@@PerfectLeeAdventures You definitely don't need a gun, A frying pan is much more effective, just bang on it, though the air horn is what we used to carry when I worked for Fish & Wildlife. Never needed to use it though. Just yell and they run like hell.
@@PerfectLeeAdventures Take fire making material, waxed cloth is my preferred. Just rub a candle or block of paraffin on a 10x10 inch piece of cloth and it makes a great Fire starter. Put the entire piece of cloth at the bottom of a pile of wood and it will start the fire. Make up 3-4 of them. Your hobby can be to be an excellent fire builder, its a very admirable skill!
Caddis Rapid 6 Tent
Thanks for the comment Byron.
Where is this
It’s about 15 miles NW of Morgantown, NC. Off RTP 181.
Water looks cold lol
It just goes to show you, a kids brain is not fully functional!!
A lot of people are using this place. Please take your thrash out with your! So much thrash and poop 💩 everywhere 😢
@@davidhoneycutt2767 Absolutely!! People peeing and pooping everywhere. Throwing trash in the woods. It’s disgusting!!
Gosh - I wish ya had picked up that drink can and cardboard - gosh Hope people stop littering - it they don’t that area will become terrible
Oh, we clean up any area we camp in. Thats area looked great when we left. I just don't clean the entire trail when we hike very far. Except I do pick up Mylar Balloons and Plastic bags no matter where I see them..
I’m so ready to come up there to camp but I have 5 Cats from when I was rescuing cats to be euthanized. I’ve got to move out of my home because I can’t pay the Taxes and Insurance on just Social Security. I usually have 10 to 12 but had to stop rescuing because of my financial situation. There are No Kill places to take Dogs but none for cats that I know of. And I can’t take cats I’ve grown fond of to be killed after caring for them for so long.😕 Do you know of any place that is a No Kill Shelter for cats? ( I know it’s like wishing for a Billion Dollars )
I'm sorry, I do not. The problem with cats is they breed faster than dogs and cause a lot of destruction to the natural birds and animals. I have always said people should be required to get a license to own a pet. And Domestic animal should be allowed to roam. But good luck, hope you find a lottery ticket.
@@GoingNoWhereFast I agree. They are made for hunting. I won’t put them out on the street for that reason. I get mad at them when they bring up birds, squirrels, frogs and lizards when I give them all the food they can eat. I have fish and frogs in my pool now and I have a big Heron that I let feed on those since they may get shot at on farms around here.
That bird will dive in the pool and climb back out with a fish. The 1st time I saw him dive in to get a fish through my kitchen window, I ran to the back door to get him out but he climbed out before I got to the door. He’s awesome.