Having ridden a bicycle across the US I have to say that Kansas was actually a lot better than I was expecting. Yeah it's flat, but not quite as flat I had imagined, and good food was also more readily available than I had thought. Every small town had at least one Midwest barbecue or Mexican place, so pulled pork nachos were a very common lunch item.
Not sure where you will be in Kansas but the southern part of the state through the Red Hills and grasslands is lovely and there are some great campgrounds.
Can’t wait to tag along. Love the video style to where you’re only thru hiker I follow constantly. Maybe Kansas will get your funnel of love episode, try not to go full wizard of Oz though. Can’t wait to watch the videos thanks for sharing.
Hey Matt...great video, I'm glad to see a lot of active planning for the ADT.....I am starting March 3rd from the east...I live on the pa/del state line, in Pa....I am actually going to start the ADT from the c/o canal, I'm not gonna get into that now....be careful in del with stealth camping...most of the state itself is federal property, they only have one camp shelter in del, tough to find..once you hit Maryland your gonna need a ride over the Chesapeake bridge into DC....there is no camping in DC, until you hit the co canal trail head in DC....then it's 16 miles on the canal before your first camping allowed...each campsite has water and electricity, however those are not available until after memorial day....The canal trail is 169ish miles with no water resources or electric...just thought I'd pass that on to you...also there is a blow by blow video of a guy who recorded every step of the way from del to Frisco..." Adventure s with the crazy vet"...best video of hike ever....lol..anyway check it out on UA-cam...God speed your journey
Thanks! Kind of expecting to have to gas station and motel things more in the early section. On the plus side I figure it can’t be any worse than the Keys was in 2021
My wife and I will be watching. We live in northern KS but would love to come meet you when your in our state. And KS is not flat but our hills are pretty low ;) We are also really looking forward to your Yukon River trip as we have considered paddling it also. Lead on.
For Jen’s sake I hope you are faster than you think and she gets to enjoy Colorado vs Kansas in the summer. Seems like hiking through Kansas in the summer would be HOT! I hope she gets to do the PNT one summer so she gets to do an entire thru hike!
She just took a look at Colorado and realized how long the plain section is before Pueblo. I think she's now hoping I make it to my parents so she can do the CDT overlap...
@@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes Push to Colorado, for her sake and yours. You will need more time to go over the mountains then you will on the plains.
Cool, hopefully you like the pack. I'm really happy with the Catalyst outside of there not being a perfect material that is colorful, waterproof, and Matt levels of abrasion resistant... :)
Watched you and Taters canoe down the Mississippi twice in a row I liked it so much... Next day and I am starting this one, hopefully I'll catch up with you and get to a point where I'l travelling with you, so to speak. Remember to come and visit us in Bath UK- it's a World Herritage City you know old chum, jolly good show I'd say what.
Long time follower, first time commenter. Have watched your videos ever since I first subscribed to them when you emerged out of Big Cypress on the Florida Trail. In fact, you inspired me to finally go ahead with a thru hike of the AT, which I completed last year. I’m very much looking forward to watching your journey on the American Discovery Trail. This trail with the combination of trails and road walking sounds fascinating. If it appeals to me, I may use your videos as a resource in case I want to attempt the ADT. Good luck and happy hiking! - Geo
You should talk to your doctor about the tinnitus and inquire about hearing aids. They've come a long ways and are now Bluetooth for your audiobooks. I just discovered your Mississippi trip, and made a trip to the headwaters last Saturday to see where it began. Looking forward to the series and this next adventure!
I don't know about towns in the eastern US but in the western US some towns have a municipal camp ground in a city park. For example, Fort Morgan, CO which is on the northern branch of the ADT has a campground in Riverside Park near the South Platte River. You might try calling ahead to either City Hall (probably the Parks Dept. if they have one) or the Chamber of Commerce. Even if they don't you can ask about camping and whether the next town or previous town has a campground. In your planning ahead you may want to email various towns along the route before you ever start. Municipal camp grounds date back to the 1920s when every town was trying to get travellers to stop and spend money in their town. It may be a surprise of how many are still around. Probably today they try to attract motor homes, etc. but in Ft. Morgan during the summer there were always a few tents. It may already be noted on your trail guides/maps but if not it may be a pleasant surprise.
Can't wait to see you on the trail. If you haven't already, it might be fun to dip into Alexander Seling's video account of his ADT hike. He was a total noob when he started and makes some very bad decisions like trying to cross neck deep raging water. But you might glean some useful first-hand information.
Can't wait to see more! It might be fun to add Atlas Obscura locations en route as 'points of interest' - quite a lot of weird interesting stuff in the middle of the country!
It's going to be interesting. This is going to be the first ADT hike I have watched anyone do on UA-cam. You should put all the Walmart locations on your map. It should be pretty easy to do all your resupplies at Walmart in the East. Also consider getting a pair of OneOdio Over-Ear Headphones with Noise Cancelling Earcups. They are like $30 from Walmart or Amazon for wired, $45 for wireless. I don't hear anything except what I'm listening to when I have mine on. 👍
I've usually found Google maps is easier than pre plotting stores unless I'm out of cell range and I don't expect that for most of the early states. Also Hiking America does have a good amount of resupply information included in their map points. As far as the headphones have you tried to hike or exercise with them? Bulk and dealing with moisture are my two main concerns
@@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes Well if you want something that will drown out traffic noise and you will still be able to hear the audio, I think OneOdio Over-Ear Headphones will do the job. I'm not sure what else will. They are DJ style headphones. They are designed so you can dance with them on. Walking with them on should be on problem. I don't think moisture should be a problem either. The ear cups are covered in some type of very soft vinyl. It's easy to just wipe off as needed. Personally when I'm wearing a hoodie, I like to put them on over the hood. So they don't even touch my ears. The only downside I have with them is that they are a bit fragile. I broke a couple of pairs. Now I'm a lot more careful with them. Also weight might be a problem for you. Mine are 10 oz. including the heavy cord. It comes with lighter cord too. If you get wireless you could probably knock off 1 oz. 👍
Eisenhower crossed the country in 1919 with the army, that was why he was so enthusiastic about building the interstate system as president. www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov/research/online-documents/1919-transcontinental-motor-convoy
I’ve had really good luck with JVC and know that they do make wired noise cancelling earbuds and earphones. They’re not expensive and I’ve seen them at Best Buy or online of course.
Sounds like another great adventure. I would tend towards the 10* bag to start and again in the mountains. I look forward to following you again. Happy Trails. Good Luck, Rick
I was looking at average temperatures in the April timeframe and they seemed to be more in the 30s to 60s range hence why I was thinking the 30 degree. I'm open to changing that though if there is something I'm missing
This is going to be an interesting hike. I'm looking forward to seeing your adventures. Looking at the ADT route in Colorado. I was surprised by some of the road walks. The one that stands out the most is the road walk around Pikes Peak. I'm surprised as there are trails around the mountain that could be used there.
Jen was just making a similar comment about how the route doesn't seem to take advantage of trails as much as it could. That would probably be a question for the ADT organization. My only guess would be access permissions and trail maintenance
@@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes I could see this tempting your red line purists instincts. Take the quieter non-red line route that is probably longer but has legal camping or take the noisy red line route where you have to stealth camp or get a motel.
I do! That's actually one of my favorite Stephen King books to recommend to others during a long hike. Along with the later Dark Tower books. On theme and all of that
I'm looking forward to your hiking the ADT! You'lle be passing less than a mile from where I live (In western Cincinnati where you take the Ferry, and yes Enjoy our chili!) Before you get into Cincinnati you'll be passing a good outfitter in Milford known as Roads, Rivers and Trails. You might be able to stock up there and also say hi to their amazing staff who are also some experienced long trail hikers. Ill try tokeep an ear open for your arrival. Also, I was also lucky enough to catch Briana DeSanctis on the KY side of her trek while I was at work, but unfortunately I wanted to meet up with Alexander Seling but I was on jury duty at that time... UGH! Anyway I'll be looking forward to your journey. Cheers!
My biggest fear would be in a big city at the end of the day but I see solutions to that problem. Just wouldn’t like it. Sounds like you have a plan. Be safe and I’ll be watching.
I feel at least a little prepared considering my experiences on the Eastern Continental. It can be a bit stressful depending on the neighborhood but remember I also tend to look rather unkept and not smell great. Probably not anyone’s first choice as far as someone to rob…
had my most exciting camping adventure in Dolly Sods (E. WV) one night with "summertime" 50-60 mph winds. i've done parts of what is now the WV section and words fail to express the beauty. The Clarksburg to Parkersburg NBRT section, 72 miles, should be refreshingly easy
A few years ago I biked 25 miles on each side of the trail. I did an out and back so it was 50 miles each day. I ran the RidgeRunner marathon one year that uses 3 miles of the trail near North Bend State Park. Did a 20 mile run on the trails kind of south of Dolly Sods also. love to visit WV from Ohio.
Headphone recommendation: Etymotic ER series in ear monitors. They're wired headphones that are noise isolation (not cancellation). Essentially they go deep into your ears and block out any noise coming in like earplugs. You can use foam tips with them and they'll block noise as well as any noise blocking earplugs you can buy on the market. Some people never get used to the "deep insertion" though
So far I've been on a few short 15 mile hikes with them and they seem to be working reasonably well. I do have concerns about the sole since it's glued on patches instead of a solid piece of rubber. I had peeling issues on the pros
I’ve been very surprised at the noise canceling ability of the AirPods Pro. Significant noise cancellation to the point where someone can be talking to me in the same room and I can’t hear them at all!
Me too. I really didn't expect it to be that effective considering they are just earbuds but they've completely replaces my old over the ear noise cancelling headphones. If they just had a bit longer battery life they'd be almost ideal
Hey, Matt! I’m starting the ADT (using the southern route) in Delaware March 25th. Maybe I’ll see you out there at some point! Let me know if you want my contact info!
So awesome that you’ll be doing this! Can’t wait to follow along from the Netherlands again. You take about passing the Sierras and not planning much else. I was wondering how you’re planning to do Utah? From what I can see not only water but resupply is extremely scarce leading to people caching. Something I assume you can’t or won’t do. What’s your plans there? Or see when you get there?
Ah, that was an early concern but the state coordinator for Utah actually does caching for hikers. If that falls through then I’ll need a plan b. I believe HA also has some alts with better water access
@@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes by the way, the caching is not a function of the ADTS, I do it personally as a trail angel, I pay for all the costs unless people donate. Last year I bought 350 gallons of water!
I have actually heard of people using strollers or luggage carts to make this sort of hike easier. Does make the stealth camping more problematic though
Matt, I see your plans may include the American Dis. Trail. I know you do a lot of research before you take on a new adventure. I looked on You Tube and there is a solo hiker who stated East/West hike the first of Feb. Marshall Travis. He may have some almost current info that may help you. Check him out. Good Luck I will be following you again.
Thanks! I saw someone had started but I’m usually not much for following too closely since I like to experience things as I go and not be focused on the next milestone.
Yep, I missed your shoe commentary at the end of this video. I have the same width problem. If you feel up to it, I look forward to updates on your gear and clothing developments. You past videos have been very helpful in this regard. Although the main reason I watch your vids is a kindred spirit and a love of the outdoors. Much respect.@@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes
It's not ideal for what you want, but I've had success doing woodworking with a pair of low profile, wired ear buds under a pair of ear muff style Peltors.
Interesting. I'm not adverse to trying some sort of double layer solution that would fit on top of my wired earpods but realistically it would need to be something relatively light and compact
@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes The main problem I run into is I wear glasses and after a while it starts to bother me/ hurt where the muffs are over the temples. Plus they're bulky.
Be prepared for nosy small town Karens calling the local cops on you for being a homeless person, I hear that happens more than you would think on the ADT as a dude. Maybe Topo Ultraventure 3 would be good for the road heavy sections? They are less aggressive road to trail style outsole, but still well cushioned and the widest shoe topo has.
The person that had the most trouble was Colleen, a black lady pushing a stroller, she had the cops called many times because people thought she had a baby in the stroller, despite big signs saying she was walking across the US.
The shirt is a short sleeve Jolly Gear I bought to wear around town. Hence the sun hood. Watch band is Abanen Hook and Loop Quick Dry Watch Band from Amazon. It's my second because the velcro wears out
I'd more describe is as "unique" :) But we'll see. I hated the Keys but enjoyed most of the rest of the ECT. I figure it'll lead to a lot of interesting encounters with people. And then we'll have the Yukon next year to clear our pallet as far as remote wilderness
I think around episode 35 or so of the ECT videos I started joking about we needed a celebrity couple name and started saying combinations of Masochist and Tasty Taters. Tastykist or MasoTaters were the ones that really worked with the latter sounding just wrong. So I went with that.
The Florida trail similarly had east and west options in two places around Okeechobee and Orlando. I have heard of folks wanting to do both to cover every mile of xyz trail but that's never personally been something that appeals since I like the A -> B nature of thru hiking.
Treat your clothes and gear. Rest your feet. Stop and talk to people. Make a stand-alone video of just all the bridges you cross. And, for the sake of all your viewers, please, oh please, drink more coffee!
I see they have a Keurig that fits in a small lunchbox. I just need someone to make one that I can strap to my pack strap and brew coffee while I walk...
I hope during the Tatars portion of your trip you will stop for lunch and enjoy some bean and cheese burritos even though tortillas are super heavy and that you will brew coffee at the lunchtime ( and elevate your feet! ) It's going to be the most awesome trip thusfar! @@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes
Well, one thing is guaranteed… I’ll be watching.
Having ridden a bicycle across the US I have to say that Kansas was actually a lot better than I was expecting. Yeah it's flat, but not quite as flat I had imagined, and good food was also more readily available than I had thought. Every small town had at least one Midwest barbecue or Mexican place, so pulled pork nachos were a very common lunch item.
Considering the lack of mexican food I encountered in New Mexico last year I take this as an encouraging sign
Looks like you might entertain us with your great videos for most of this year. Can't wait for March!
Not sure where you will be in Kansas but the southern part of the state through the Red Hills and grasslands is lovely and there are some great campgrounds.
Hiking America has a map on the page for Kansas. That’s probably the best source www.hikingamerica.com/guides-kansas/
Can’t wait to tag along. Love the video style to where you’re only thru hiker I follow constantly.
Maybe Kansas will get your funnel of love episode, try not to go full wizard of Oz though. Can’t wait to watch the videos thanks for sharing.
I may have made a *few* similar comments to Jen... :)
Thanks, sounds like your are almost dialed in. ✌🏻👊🏼
Everything's good until about 15 minutes after leaving the trailhead... :)
Hey Matt...great video, I'm glad to see a lot of active planning for the ADT.....I am starting March 3rd from the east...I live on the pa/del state line, in Pa....I am actually going to start the ADT from the c/o canal, I'm not gonna get into that now....be careful in del with stealth camping...most of the state itself is federal property, they only have one camp shelter in del, tough to find..once you hit Maryland your gonna need a ride over the Chesapeake bridge into DC....there is no camping in DC, until you hit the co canal trail head in DC....then it's 16 miles on the canal before your first camping allowed...each campsite has water and electricity, however those are not available until after memorial day....The canal trail is 169ish miles with no water resources or electric...just thought I'd pass that on to you...also there is a blow by blow video of a guy who recorded every step of the way from del to Frisco..." Adventure s with the crazy vet"...best video of hike ever....lol..anyway check it out on UA-cam...God speed your journey
Thanks! Kind of expecting to have to gas station and motel things more in the early section. On the plus side I figure it can’t be any worse than the Keys was in 2021
You make it to San Francisco my friend I got your beers and nachos.💯.. good luck. Can't wait for new content...
My wife and I will be watching. We live in northern KS but would love to come meet you when your in our state. And KS is not flat but our hills are pretty low ;)
We are also really looking forward to your Yukon River trip as we have considered paddling it also.
Lead on.
For Jen’s sake I hope you are faster than you think and she gets to enjoy Colorado vs Kansas in the summer. Seems like hiking through Kansas in the summer would be HOT! I hope she gets to do the PNT one summer so she gets to do an entire thru hike!
She just took a look at Colorado and realized how long the plain section is before Pueblo. I think she's now hoping I make it to my parents so she can do the CDT overlap...
@@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes Push to Colorado, for her sake and yours. You will need more time to go over the mountains then you will on the plains.
Hey Matt! We are in KY, near the western edge of the Hoosier National Forest. Will be glad to trade trail angel stuff for a evening around a campfire.
Sure, just ping me when you see I'm getting close and we can figure something out :)
Looking forward to this year's trip. Can't wait to see what the ADT is like. Just ordered the Ultra Circuit, based on your thoughts.
Cool, hopefully you like the pack. I'm really happy with the Catalyst outside of there not being a perfect material that is colorful, waterproof, and Matt levels of abrasion resistant... :)
Looking forward to another one of your adventures! I’ve been following your hikes since you left key west on New Year’s Day.
March Madness? No, Matt in March hitting the trail will be my most anticipated viewing pleasure. Thanks, Matt for sharing your adventure.
Watched you and Taters canoe down the Mississippi twice in a row I liked it so much... Next day and I am starting this one, hopefully I'll catch up with you and get to a point where I'l travelling with you, so to speak. Remember to come and visit us in Bath UK- it's a World Herritage City you know old chum, jolly good show I'd say what.
Ooh yeah. Sounds great. I'll be watching. You are looking well by the way. Happy travels.
Stoked for your adventure! You'll be going thru part of Hoosier NF in Indiana, one of my favorite places! Happy hiking!
Looking forward to following you again. See you in March
Thanks for making this video, I’m looking forward to watching this new adventure.
Sounds like another great adventure!
Can’t wait to follow you on your next adventure!
This hike will be very interesting to follow. Thanks for doing the hard work and letting me follow along from the comfort of my favorite chair.
Long time follower, first time commenter. Have watched your videos ever since I first subscribed to them when you emerged out of Big Cypress on the Florida Trail. In fact, you inspired me to finally go ahead with a thru hike of the AT, which I completed last year.
I’m very much looking forward to watching your journey on the American Discovery Trail. This trail with the combination of trails and road walking sounds fascinating. If it appeals to me, I may use your videos as a resource in case I want to attempt the ADT.
Good luck and happy hiking!
- Geo
That’s awesome. Congrats on the AT!
Can’t wait to follow along on this journey and tater Tuesdays
You should talk to your doctor about the tinnitus and inquire about hearing aids. They've come a long ways and are now Bluetooth for your audiobooks.
I just discovered your Mississippi trip, and made a trip to the headwaters last Saturday to see where it began. Looking forward to the series and this next adventure!
Been there, done that, and not gotten any sort of help sadly
WOW!
Impressive to say the least. Best of luck on this one.
I don't know about towns in the eastern US but in the western US some towns have a municipal camp ground in a city park. For example, Fort Morgan, CO which is on the northern branch of the ADT has a campground in Riverside Park near the South Platte River. You might try calling ahead to either City Hall (probably the Parks Dept. if they have one) or the Chamber of Commerce. Even if they don't you can ask about camping and whether the next town or previous town has a campground. In your planning ahead you may want to email various towns along the route before you ever start. Municipal camp grounds date back to the 1920s when every town was trying to get travellers to stop and spend money in their town. It may be a surprise of how many are still around. Probably today they try to attract motor homes, etc. but in Ft. Morgan during the summer there were always a few tents. It may already be noted on your trail guides/maps but if not it may be a pleasant surprise.
This is exciting. I have read so much about the ADT. Looking forward to watching you complete it. Best of luck, and safe travels.
Can't wait to see you on the trail. If you haven't already, it might be fun to dip into Alexander Seling's video account of his ADT hike. He was a total noob when he started and makes some very bad decisions like trying to cross neck deep raging water. But you might glean some useful first-hand information.
Kansas WAS great, just hot!!
Let’s do this! 💪
Sounds like a great adventure. Looking forward to following along. Happy Trails!!!
Beard looks good.
You helped inspire me to do the ECT and I’m walking it right now! Can’t wait to follow your journey as I do mine!
You should bring a pet squirrel with ya! They make great company 😃
Can't wait to see more! It might be fun to add Atlas Obscura locations en route as 'points of interest' - quite a lot of weird interesting stuff in the middle of the country!
That’s actually a great idea!
The portion across Southern Illinois is probably a good area, Garden of the Gods
Can’t wait!
Matt Great to see you will be on the trail soon. Appreciate the update!
Looking forward to your new adventures!
It's going to be interesting. This is going to be the first ADT hike I have watched anyone do on UA-cam. You should put all the Walmart locations on your map. It should be pretty easy to do all your resupplies at Walmart in the East. Also consider getting a pair of OneOdio Over-Ear Headphones with Noise Cancelling Earcups. They are like $30 from Walmart or Amazon for wired, $45 for wireless. I don't hear anything except what I'm listening to when I have mine on. 👍
I've usually found Google maps is easier than pre plotting stores unless I'm out of cell range and I don't expect that for most of the early states. Also Hiking America does have a good amount of resupply information included in their map points.
As far as the headphones have you tried to hike or exercise with them? Bulk and dealing with moisture are my two main concerns
@@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes Well if you want something that will drown out traffic noise and you will still be able to hear the audio, I think OneOdio Over-Ear Headphones will do the job. I'm not sure what else will. They are DJ style headphones. They are designed so you can dance with them on. Walking with them on should be on problem. I don't think moisture should be a problem either. The ear cups are covered in some type of very soft vinyl. It's easy to just wipe off as needed. Personally when I'm wearing a hoodie, I like to put them on over the hood. So they don't even touch my ears. The only downside I have with them is that they are a bit fragile. I broke a couple of pairs. Now I'm a lot more careful with them. Also weight might be a problem for you. Mine are 10 oz. including the heavy cord. It comes with lighter cord too. If you get wireless you could probably knock off 1 oz. 👍
Awesome. I've always been so interested in this trail. I look forward to following the journey.
Looking forward to watching this year!!
“Plans are worthless but planning is everything” - Eisenhower
Eisenhower crossed the country in 1919 with the army, that was why he was so enthusiastic about building the interstate system as president.
www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov/research/online-documents/1919-transcontinental-motor-convoy
I’ve had really good luck with JVC and know that they do make wired noise cancelling earbuds and earphones. They’re not expensive and I’ve seen them at Best Buy or online of course.
Sounds like another great adventure. I would tend towards the 10* bag to start and again in the mountains. I look forward to following you again. Happy Trails. Good Luck, Rick
I was looking at average temperatures in the April timeframe and they seemed to be more in the 30s to 60s range hence why I was thinking the 30 degree. I'm open to changing that though if there is something I'm missing
looking forward to this
I am sure you have already read the books from Peter Jenkins about his walk across America.
It will be fun to follow this trip.
I actually haven't. Books about hiking aren't really my thing. It's usually either people dying in the mountains or scifi and fantasy :)
This is going to be an interesting hike. I'm looking forward to seeing your adventures. Looking at the ADT route in Colorado. I was surprised by some of the road walks. The one that stands out the most is the road walk around Pikes Peak. I'm surprised as there are trails around the mountain that could be used there.
Jen was just making a similar comment about how the route doesn't seem to take advantage of trails as much as it could. That would probably be a question for the ADT organization. My only guess would be access permissions and trail maintenance
@@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes I could see this tempting your red line purists instincts. Take the quieter non-red line route that is probably longer but has legal camping or take the noisy red line route where you have to stealth camp or get a motel.
I’m less purist on a route like this vs a trail where clearly the alts are just shortcuts
Look forward to trip and best of luck 👌🏻
Can't wait to follow along. I wonder where you'll be for the eclipse? 🎉 Happy hiking!
Probably not anywhere near a good viewing location. Still a little bummed I missed out on that on the CDT due to my injury
This one is a biggie! Hope you’re able to keep away from the crazies out there. Lots of towns and people 😮
Remember that old Stephen King short story "The Long Walk" about the race where anyone who stops walking gets shot?
I do! That's actually one of my favorite Stephen King books to recommend to others during a long hike. Along with the later Dark Tower books. On theme and all of that
You can be sure i will be striping the days away on my calendar till end March ! 😀
I'm looking forward to your hiking the ADT! You'lle be passing less than a mile from where I live (In western Cincinnati where you take the Ferry, and yes Enjoy our chili!) Before you get into Cincinnati you'll be passing a good outfitter in Milford known as Roads, Rivers and Trails. You might be able to stock up there and also say hi to their amazing staff who are also some experienced long trail hikers. Ill try tokeep an ear open for your arrival. Also, I was also lucky enough to catch Briana DeSanctis on the KY side of her trek while I was at work, but unfortunately I wanted to meet up with Alexander Seling but I was on jury duty at that time... UGH! Anyway I'll be looking forward to your journey. Cheers!
My biggest fear would be in a big city at the end of the day but I see solutions to that problem. Just wouldn’t like it. Sounds like you have a plan. Be safe and I’ll be watching.
I feel at least a little prepared considering my experiences on the Eastern Continental. It can be a bit stressful depending on the neighborhood but remember I also tend to look rather unkept and not smell great. Probably not anyone’s first choice as far as someone to rob…
had my most exciting camping adventure in Dolly Sods (E. WV) one night with "summertime" 50-60 mph winds. i've done parts of what is now the WV section and words fail to express the beauty. The Clarksburg to Parkersburg NBRT section, 72 miles, should be refreshingly easy
A few years ago I biked 25 miles on each side of the trail. I did an out and back so it was 50 miles each day. I ran the RidgeRunner marathon one year that uses 3 miles of the trail near North Bend State Park. Did a 20 mile run on the trails kind of south of Dolly Sods also. love to visit WV from Ohio.
Can’t wait for this journey!
Headphone recommendation:
Etymotic ER series in ear monitors. They're wired headphones that are noise isolation (not cancellation). Essentially they go deep into your ears and block out any noise coming in like earplugs. You can use foam tips with them and they'll block noise as well as any noise blocking earplugs you can buy on the market. Some people never get used to the "deep insertion" though
Also if you don't mind looking like a dork you can wear earmuffs (like for people working in noisy industrial jobs) over your earbuds.
Earmuffs seem like they’d cause a major issue with sweat. I’ll take a look at the Etymotocs though
I hope you tell us how those topo shoes work. I’m thinking about trying them, but it would be nice to hear your experience first.
So far I've been on a few short 15 mile hikes with them and they seem to be working reasonably well. I do have concerns about the sole since it's glued on patches instead of a solid piece of rubber. I had peeling issues on the pros
I’ve been very surprised at the noise canceling ability of the AirPods Pro. Significant noise cancellation to the point where someone can be talking to me in the same room and I can’t hear them at all!
Me too. I really didn't expect it to be that effective considering they are just earbuds but they've completely replaces my old over the ear noise cancelling headphones. If they just had a bit longer battery life they'd be almost ideal
Hey, Matt! I’m starting the ADT (using the southern route) in Delaware March 25th. Maybe I’ll see you out there at some point! Let me know if you want my contact info!
Sure! My contact info is on the end screen
So awesome that you’ll be doing this! Can’t wait to follow along from the Netherlands again.
You take about passing the Sierras and not planning much else. I was wondering how you’re planning to do Utah? From what I can see not only water but resupply is extremely scarce leading to people caching. Something I assume you can’t or won’t do. What’s your plans there? Or see when you get there?
Ah, that was an early concern but the state coordinator for Utah actually does caching for hikers. If that falls through then I’ll need a plan b. I believe HA also has some alts with better water access
@@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes It is NOT going to fall through! (Unless I die I suppose)
@@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes by the way, the caching is not a function of the ADTS, I do it personally as a trail angel, I pay for all the costs unless people donate. Last year I bought 350 gallons of water!
The Mormon pioneers averaged 20 miles per day pulling handcarts. Should be easier to do with a backpack. Good luck!
I have actually heard of people using strollers or luggage carts to make this sort of hike easier. Does make the stealth camping more problematic though
Matt, I see your plans may include the American Dis. Trail. I know you do a lot of research before you take on a new adventure. I looked on You Tube and there is a solo hiker who stated East/West hike the first of Feb. Marshall Travis. He may have some almost current info that may help you. Check him out. Good Luck I will be following you again.
Thanks! I saw someone had started but I’m usually not much for following too closely since I like to experience things as I go and not be focused on the next milestone.
Matt, all the power to you. Since there are a lot of road miles, what kind of shoes do you plan to wear on this journey?
Whatever ones I can make work. It more comes down to width and toe box vs needing a different type of shoe for roads
Yep, I missed your shoe commentary at the end of this video. I have the same width problem. If you feel up to it, I look forward to updates on your gear and clothing developments. You past videos have been very helpful in this regard. Although the main reason I watch your vids is a kindred spirit and a love of the outdoors. Much respect.@@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes
Weather on the East Coast in unpredictable at best.
Gonna be $$$$$
I live in louisville.
So if you need any help,
I'm going to sub to your pateron
It's not ideal for what you want, but I've had success doing woodworking with a pair of low profile, wired ear buds under a pair of ear muff style Peltors.
Interesting. I'm not adverse to trying some sort of double layer solution that would fit on top of my wired earpods but realistically it would need to be something relatively light and compact
@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes The main problem I run into is I wear glasses and after a while it starts to bother me/ hurt where the muffs are over the temples. Plus they're bulky.
Be prepared for nosy small town Karens calling the local cops on you for being a homeless person, I hear that happens more than you would think on the ADT as a dude.
Maybe Topo Ultraventure 3 would be good for the road heavy sections? They are less aggressive road to trail style outsole, but still well cushioned and the widest shoe topo has.
I was given similar warnings about Florida and managed. But we’ll see how this goes
It really hasn't been a problem in recent years, many of the local administrations are now aware of the ADT and can be quite helpful.
The person that had the most trouble was Colleen, a black lady pushing a stroller, she had the cops called many times because people thought she had a baby in the stroller, despite big signs saying she was walking across the US.
Whohoo!!
Hoka has wides now!
They had them back then also. I just found them too narrow in the midsole even with the so called wides
Shure brand are really good, but costly
At least Google Maps is an additional resource for a trail map.
Dude, I have two questions. What's the brand of the shirt? What's the name of the watch band?
The shirt is a short sleeve Jolly Gear I bought to wear around town. Hence the sun hood. Watch band is Abanen Hook and Loop Quick Dry Watch Band from Amazon. It's my second because the velcro wears out
Good luck. The ADT sounds pretty awful. I hope it's fun for you.
I'd more describe is as "unique" :) But we'll see. I hated the Keys but enjoyed most of the rest of the ECT. I figure it'll lead to a lot of interesting encounters with people. And then we'll have the Yukon next year to clear our pallet as far as remote wilderness
Notes: I hate Winter Park 😂😂
Mybe a flip flop?
I’m just not personally a fan of flip flopping
Keep the videos coming. I don’t even want to fly over most of those places, let alone hike them.
PS I may have missed it earlier but why "Massataters?" I could guess some various origins but I'll just ask. Thanks.
I think around episode 35 or so of the ECT videos I started joking about we needed a celebrity couple name and started saying combinations of Masochist and Tasty Taters. Tastykist or MasoTaters were the ones that really worked with the latter sounding just wrong. So I went with that.
6,800 miles not 4,500 miles? Not sure
6,800 counts the north plus south options. South route is just below 5k
Don't u have to hike both N and S Route to be considered ADT?
The Florida trail similarly had east and west options in two places around Okeechobee and Orlando. I have heard of folks wanting to do both to cover every mile of xyz trail but that's never personally been something that appeals since I like the A -> B nature of thru hiking.
Nope, the ADTS considers either route a completion.
Treat your clothes and gear. Rest your feet. Stop and talk to people. Make a stand-alone video of just all the bridges you cross. And, for the sake of all your viewers, please, oh please, drink more coffee!
I see they have a Keurig that fits in a small lunchbox. I just need someone to make one that I can strap to my pack strap and brew coffee while I walk...
I hope during the Tatars portion of your trip you will stop for lunch and enjoy some bean and cheese burritos even though tortillas are super heavy and that you will brew coffee at the lunchtime ( and elevate your feet! ) It's going to be the most awesome trip thusfar! @@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes
Can't wait!