We have enjoyed getting to follow you again and proud of a fellow GA boy. Please don't let the channel go stagnant. We missed you after you finished the AT and we kinda went into withdrawal from no #2 Pencil. Love to get a tour of your van life setup, your new gig and/or any hikes.
PCT 2023er here…. Don’t beat yourself up! The one thing I learned and can to terms with after the fact, about my hike was that it wasn’t so much about completing a hike as it was about meeting people and just being out hiking and enjoying it. I am back out this year and not planning anything other than just hiking, enjoying it and meeting ppl and wherever I end up, I end up!
Totally behind on videos! I followed every AT video and your entire hike. I’ve missed you & enjoyed watching you on the PCT. Always here to support you! You know what you need.
I found your new hike this morning, I've been checking the channel from time to time and didn't see any post after Katahdin. Caught up on all of the new ones today. Keep us posted and keep on keeping on ✌️❤️🙏🏼
Number 2….you rock! We will all be here for whatever you decide to do in ‘25. Sometimes timing just isn’t right. But keep us posted! You are a fan favorite!!!! Would love to see your channel continue!
Awe shucks Russ sorry to hear you’re off the PCT. Really enjoyed your content though. Excited for you to be in MN! Back on your AT thru we ran into you on Brushy Mountain and had a wonderful conversation with you. MN and WI are our home states and if you get a chance to make it to Duluth we’d love to take you hiking on the superior hiking trail or the north country trail. Reach out any time! Best of luck to you #2!
I understand ghwcstruggke. Back un 2011 i was. Very firb265 lbs bwfore tearung up my right knee. Over tge oast 13 years i hace struggles wirh staying yoo heavy weighubf 329 to 340 lbs. I plan on doung some section hiking this fall on the AT un sourhwest va ie up in the shenandoah valley. I hope to be able in 4 more years to attempt a AT theu hike when i retire from estes express lines.
Will miss hiking with you. I was really lucky to meet you and Freakout so early in the hike. Being a total beginner and getting to learn from you early on was such a gift. Besides being a great hiker you’re also just one of the most upbeat, generous, and positive people I’ve met no matter what’s going on. Hope we can hike together again in the future. -Mountain Goat
No problem dude, the desert and heat are a huge turn off for me, I only camp and hike in the colder temp and winter , keep us up to date on your future, we worry about you after the AT,didn't here from ya,stay safe!
Hey at least you got out there and tried it. Thats huge in itself. I haven't been able to do that. Its not a fail by no means. See you soon, so glad you are coming back.
Thanks for the update. I've been checking every day for a video. But definitely no need to apologize! You did what was right for you. I, for one, would like if you posted videos of life off the trail. I enjoy your sense of humor 😅
Hey No2 pencil So sad to hear the news and it was brilliant talking to you and listening your advice in cleef. We wish you all the luck in the world in your next chapter but do not be so hard on yourself as we had a tough start with the storms etc. All the best from us and i will be watching your journey when we get finished here ❤ Currently sat under a tin lean to 17mile into the mojave and yes its dry dry dry😂
There is no failure. There is only experience from which we learn and move more confidently into the future. It's been a pleasure watching your videos. Thank you for bringing us along. By the way, we share similar weight issues, so I definitely know what you are going through in that department. Question: Have you ever heard of the hiker Marmalade? He started a PCT thru-hike several years back. It ended up taking him five years to finish the trail, but last year he finally did. He is also into the van-life lifestyle. It might be interesting for you to have a look at his channel if you haven't already. Looking forward to your further videos. Wherever the trail of life leads -- Be safe; keep at it!
Yes!- 100% sure the PCT will be there next year! You’re doing the right thing. I hope you keep putting up videos when you can. I enjoyed watching your hike on the AT, but ive not had a chance to watch much of the PCT, but I will when I can. Don’t be a stranger! Really missed you not posting after the AT and wondered what you’d been up to after finishing. Take care and best wishes! Till next time…
You did NOT fail! You’re young and have plenty of time to do all the things you want to do. Im in franklin nc area , and there’s the Bartram trail. It’s not a long trail, but would be a good one if you just wanted to kinda fill in some time between whatever and get out in the woods etc.
Thanks for recording, editing and posting your adventures. Thoroughly enjoyed watching you on the Appalachian Trail. Your PCT adventure was not a failure but a learning experience. Take care of yourself. I weighed 300 pounds 24 years ago. Now I hover around 210. Spent most of my life dieting and exercising. learned that it wasn’t as much as how much I ate but what I ate. Eating was a hobby years ago. That’s no longer the case. I’m a few years older than you btw. Hang in there. Again thanks for the adventures and wishing you the best. Keep on keeping on.
For me a few years ago it was: Stay away from sugar, drop the beer routine, increase water/fluids, and generally reduce carbs. I have had long lasting results that have improved the frequency and distance of my hikes. It's hard to commit to a diet change and stay disciplined, I just became militant about it and focused on dropping pounds from the start. As I slowly lost weight, my long term resolve to keep my 'better' diet grew. I'm also fortunate to be able to daily hike 1.25 mile loop around a nearby hillside farm . I'm considering a SOBO PCT attempt in 2025! I hope to cross paths with #2Pencil someday on a trail.
You did NOT fail!! Glad you’re ok and would absolutely LOVE ❤️ to see you do another AT thru hike 👍 You were my favorite hiker BY FAR that year. YOU AND TAYLOR ROCK!!
Friend, bottom line we think you’re a really cool guy. How about showing us Minnesota and the beet harvest. You’re great at vlogging and we will follow you! I had a failed attempt at the AT and I understand that you feel you failed. Your channel is a winner 100 percent of the time. Please continue to post!
So glad you are OK! It’s funny how watching you hike has made it feel like I/we know you. Please stay in touch, I think we’d all like to know how you’re doing. I’m glad you had fun and I hope the job is perfect! BTW, you can certainly do some of the shorter hikes. Our Colorado Trail is just under 500 miles and it’s beautiful. Takes about a month and is best done in July, August or September. Take care!
Followed you on the AT and was wondering how life was after the AT was glad to see you on the PCT. Life happens and opportunities aren't always there. Hope you post something in the future to let your followers know how you are doing.
Bummer, hate to see you go! I definitely understand needing to work though! Hope to see you back on the PCT next year! Wish you would still do UA-cam off the trail!
Do not beat yourself up. You know what you need to do. We will follow you. Keep us posted. Would like to follow whatever you want to share. Best of luck to you. Maybe SOBO on the AT ? It would give you a very different perspective.
Really hope you keep the channel going in between hikes! Was so glad to see you back this year. Welcome to the North side.....from an Iowa girl ☺️( There are tons of places in Minnesota to get outside and enjoy the outdoors! )
If you are headed to Minnesota you need to thru-hilke what they call the SHiT . Superior Hiking Trail. I've heard nothing but good things. I have backpacked Isle Royale that is another great backpack with amazing views and wildlife! Thanks for sharing, it's all good!
I enjoyed your hike attempt, not sure how I found your channel. You might want to talk with "Marmalade" about hiking the PCT and getting in shape. He shattered his ankle about 850 miles into his first attempt too (flip-flopped to the Canada border to SOBO after he finished the desert NOBO) and then COVID hit and he decided to LASH the trail during a 5-year period. He also lives a nomad life and puts out videos pretty much every week on his hiking adventures locally and across the U.S. And he drops more of his extra weight the first weeks on the trail--you two have a lot in common.
Looking forward to your next thru-hiking adventure. Would be great if it is indeed the PCT, as I am familiar with so many locations on the trail. Take care!
Good to see you again. We've been watching and enjoying your journey, and just added our subscription. You are one of those people that are instantly likeable, and we will watch for any life updates in the future. Thankyou for the heart-felt honest self assessment, but really, you feel like a friend...and friends don't need to explain. Take good care, and we will keep an eye out for you in the future. Trail Angels Tom and Beth up in Poulsbo, Washington
Good on you to take the job. When u do you start. Maybe u can hike a section or two of the PCT before you start. How about some trail angeling. Something tells me that your 2024 hiking season ain't over. Not by a long shot. U been our most entertaining hiker this season. We love rooting for you. ~Your Peeps be waiting
You didn't fail !!! You got out there and sid what you could. Don't be so hard on yourself. When an opportunity knocks, you have to open the door and go. Your truth and honesty are heartfelt. Whether it's the PCT or the AT, I'll be following along and cheering for you. Why not do the AT again? Lots of hikers do. Whatever you do, do it because you want to, and it makes you happy. It's always great to see your videos, #2 Pencil. Thank you. Don't apologize. Live your life and have fun. 😊
Enjoyed watching. Do what you need to do. Better safe and in good health than on the trail with issues. Keep us posted. Let us see Claire ( your van). ❤
Hate to see the journey come to an end but I guess there's always that feeling. Sometimes things just don't work out and it's no one's fault. But good luck with the job and really hope you keep the channel going and would love to see Clara and maybe what it is that you're doing at the new job. Til next time......✌️😎👍👍👋
#2. you made the right decision! Work, get in shape, and then try it again! Best of luck with your job and those bumble bees! 🐝🐝🐝 Will see you when you are ready!! Hike On! 👍🇺🇸🏕️🥾🧗♀️
Hi I don’t think failure is correct word to describe what I saw to me not trying is failure and life always has many twist and turns that changes our course so I look forward to following you in what ever adventure you decide I enjoyed following you on PCT and good luck on your new job
Good to see you! Have fun in TRF and be sure to tell the crew, "Hi!" for me. I've got a work camping job at an amusement park in Iowa. I'm having a blast except for the occasional tornado warnings. Be well!
I enjoyed following you on this journey. You have to do what is right for you. Best of luck to you! Do you know if Freak Out is still on the trail? If so does she have a UA-cam channel or instagram account?
I think the mistake that all hikers make when they start a long distance hike is to say that they failed if they don’t complete the entire hike. The fact that you planned, arrived at the start and put one foot in front of the other and lived with everything needed on your back for any amount of time is a success not a failure. You’ve learned some important lessons that you can apply in your everyday life. one day @ a time
you could do a flip flop or sobo on the pct. and not start back in the desert. many people do this. might be a better fit for you. good luck with everything going forward. Happy trails!
Some PCT vlogs I'm watching this year: HikingDancer, Focht on Foot, Lil'Chap Hikes, Restless Legs Adventures, Call of Adventure, and Wild Home. Tiki Bird Tracy is doing a LASH this year also.
You might try a carnivore diet to get your health back on track. After 9 months, I feel better than I did at 40 and I am now sixty two. Nearly weigh the same as when I graduated from high school. Sorry you needed to call it quits this year. Blessings on your journey.
We have enjoyed getting to follow you again and proud of a fellow GA boy. Please don't let the channel go stagnant. We missed you after you finished the AT and we kinda went into withdrawal from no #2 Pencil. Love to get a tour of your van life setup, your new gig and/or any hikes.
PCT 2023er here…. Don’t beat yourself up! The one thing I learned and can to terms with after the fact, about my hike was that it wasn’t so much about completing a hike as it was about meeting people and just being out hiking and enjoying it. I am back out this year and not planning anything other than just hiking, enjoying it and meeting ppl and wherever I end up, I end up!
Totally behind on videos! I followed every AT video and your entire hike. I’ve missed you & enjoyed watching you on the PCT. Always here to support you! You know what you need.
I found your new hike this morning, I've been checking the channel from time to time and didn't see any post after Katahdin. Caught up on all of the new ones today. Keep us posted and keep on keeping on ✌️❤️🙏🏼
Number 2….you rock! We will all be here for whatever you decide to do in ‘25. Sometimes timing just isn’t right. But keep us posted! You are a fan favorite!!!! Would love to see your channel continue!
No apologies necessary. Love your videos. Thanks for the update on Freakout. Take care. I’ll enjoy any video you post. 😊
Just got a notification. We missed you from the AT days. Keep on doing you. The trail will be there.
You're one of my favorite hikers to follow! I would enjoy whatever you decide to post!
Awe shucks Russ sorry to hear you’re off the PCT. Really enjoyed your content though. Excited for you to be in MN! Back on your AT thru we ran into you on Brushy Mountain and had a wonderful conversation with you. MN and WI are our home states and if you get a chance to make it to Duluth we’d love to take you hiking on the superior hiking trail or the north country trail. Reach out any time!
Best of luck to you #2!
I understand ghwcstruggke. Back un 2011 i was. Very firb265 lbs bwfore tearung up my right knee. Over tge oast 13 years i hace struggles wirh staying yoo heavy weighubf 329 to 340 lbs. I plan on doung some section hiking this fall on the AT un sourhwest va ie up in the shenandoah valley. I hope to be able in 4 more years to attempt a AT theu hike when i retire from estes express lines.
Will miss hiking with you. I was really lucky to meet you and Freakout so early in the hike. Being a total beginner and getting to learn from you early on was such a gift. Besides being a great hiker you’re also just one of the most upbeat, generous, and positive people I’ve met no matter what’s going on. Hope we can hike together again in the future.
-Mountain Goat
No problem dude, the desert and heat are a huge turn off for me, I only camp and hike in the colder temp and winter , keep us up to date on your future, we worry about you after the AT,didn't here from ya,stay safe!
Hey at least you got out there and tried it. Thats huge in itself. I haven't been able to do that. Its not a fail by no means. See you soon, so glad you are coming back.
Thanks for the update. I've been checking every day for a video. But definitely no need to apologize! You did what was right for you. I, for one, would like if you posted videos of life off the trail. I enjoy your sense of humor 😅
We'll follow you when you decide to see more trails. Keep us posted!
Hey No2 pencil
So sad to hear the news and it was brilliant talking to you and listening your advice in cleef. We wish you all the luck in the world in your next chapter but do not be so hard on yourself as we had a tough start with the storms etc.
All the best from us and i will be watching your journey when we get finished here ❤
Currently sat under a tin lean to 17mile into the mojave and yes its dry dry dry😂
Bro, you're a human. Stay in shape year round. No excuses. Good luck. Stay strong.
Good luck on the new job and Happy Birthday
Makes sense man and glad you are well. Please do keep the channel going would love to see life outside the trek.
There is no failure. There is only experience from which we learn and move more confidently into the future.
It's been a pleasure watching your videos. Thank you for bringing us along.
By the way, we share similar weight issues, so I definitely know what you are going through in that department.
Question: Have you ever heard of the hiker Marmalade? He started a PCT thru-hike several years back. It ended up taking him five years to finish the trail, but last year he finally did. He is also into the van-life lifestyle. It might be interesting for you to have a look at his channel if you haven't already.
Looking forward to your further videos. Wherever the trail of life leads --
Be safe; keep at it!
FAIL = First Attempt In Learning. You will kill it next time!
I love your videos. Please post day hikes. That would fun
Good luck Russ. Keep in touch!
Good job!
You are the best # 2 Pencil ✏ You don’t have to say sorry at all. Hope you continue your channel. We all sure enjoy.
179.4 miles than most of us will ever do. Congratulations, i am so proud of you. Look forward to an update. ❤
Yes!- 100% sure the PCT will be there next year! You’re doing the right thing. I hope you keep putting up videos when you can. I enjoyed watching your hike on the AT, but ive not had a chance to watch much of the PCT, but I will when I can.
Don’t be a stranger! Really missed you not posting after the AT and wondered what you’d been up to after finishing. Take care and best wishes! Till next time…
You did NOT fail! You’re young and have plenty of time to do all the things you want to do.
Im in franklin nc area , and there’s the Bartram trail. It’s not a long trail, but would be a good one if you just wanted to kinda fill in some time between whatever and get out in the woods etc.
Thanks for recording, editing and posting your adventures. Thoroughly enjoyed watching you on the Appalachian Trail. Your PCT adventure was not a failure but a learning experience. Take care of yourself. I weighed 300 pounds 24 years ago. Now I hover around 210. Spent most of my life dieting and exercising. learned that it wasn’t as much as how much I ate but what I ate. Eating was a hobby years ago. That’s no longer the case. I’m a few years older than you btw. Hang in there. Again thanks for the adventures and wishing you the best. Keep on keeping on.
For me a few years ago it was: Stay away from sugar, drop the beer routine, increase water/fluids, and generally reduce carbs. I have had long lasting results that have improved the frequency and distance of my hikes. It's hard to commit to a diet change and stay disciplined, I just became militant about it and focused on dropping pounds from the start. As I slowly lost weight, my long term resolve to keep my 'better' diet grew. I'm also fortunate to be able to daily hike 1.25 mile loop around a nearby hillside farm . I'm considering a SOBO PCT attempt in 2025! I hope to cross paths with #2Pencil someday on a trail.
You did NOT fail!! Glad you’re ok and would absolutely LOVE ❤️ to see you do another AT thru hike 👍 You were my favorite hiker BY FAR that year. YOU AND TAYLOR ROCK!!
Friend, bottom line we think you’re a really cool guy. How about showing us Minnesota and the beet harvest. You’re great at vlogging and we will follow you! I had a failed attempt at the AT and I understand that you feel you failed. Your channel is a winner 100 percent of the time. Please continue to post!
The PCT is different than the AT for the first 700 miles for sure. Safe travels and maybe run into you back here in Georgia.
I'll watch your videos if you post every week! Love your videos! Would love to see Claire too!
So glad you are OK!
It’s funny how watching you hike has made it feel like I/we know you. Please stay in touch, I think we’d all like to know how you’re doing. I’m glad you had fun and I hope the job is perfect!
BTW, you can certainly do some of the shorter hikes. Our Colorado Trail is just under 500 miles and it’s beautiful. Takes about a month and is best done in July, August or September.
Take care!
Followed you on the AT and was wondering how life was after the AT was glad to see you on the PCT. Life happens and opportunities aren't always there. Hope you post something in the future to let your followers know how you are doing.
Enjoyed seeing you again! Life is an adventure! Best wishes in your new job!
Hooray for trying that crazy dangerous trail! Now move onward and have a great summer! Please bring us along on your new adventures!
Welcome to Minnesota! Lots of beautiful state parks here with great hiking and the North Shore is a beautiful area to explore in Mn.
Bummer, hate to see you go! I definitely understand needing to work though! Hope to see you back on the PCT next year! Wish you would still do UA-cam off the trail!
Do not beat yourself up. You know what you need to do. We will follow you. Keep us posted. Would like to follow whatever you want to share. Best of luck to you. Maybe SOBO on the AT ? It would give you a very different perspective.
Glad to hear you’re safe and well, wish you the best as you move forward. And as you mentioned the PCT will be there next year.
Would love to see you do the AT again. Enjoy the job in Minnesota and stay in touch. Good luck!
I appreciate your journey and your transparency about the reality of the PCP.
Really hope you keep the channel going in between hikes! Was so glad to see you back this year. Welcome to the North side.....from an Iowa girl ☺️( There are tons of places in Minnesota to get outside and enjoy the outdoors! )
If you are headed to Minnesota you need to thru-hilke what they call the SHiT . Superior Hiking Trail. I've heard nothing but good things. I have backpacked Isle Royale that is another great backpack with amazing views and wildlife! Thanks for sharing, it's all good!
Its been fun following you. Be sure to keep Claire hydrated. ✌🏼
It was great watching you!!
You need to do for you.
Please keep us updated and look forward to following you next year.
Ps...I despise the heat.
I enjoyed your hike attempt, not sure how I found your channel. You might want to talk with "Marmalade" about hiking the PCT and getting in shape. He shattered his ankle about 850 miles into his first attempt too (flip-flopped to the Canada border to SOBO after he finished the desert NOBO) and then COVID hit and he decided to LASH the trail during a 5-year period. He also lives a nomad life and puts out videos pretty much every week on his hiking adventures locally and across the U.S. And he drops more of his extra weight the first weeks on the trail--you two have a lot in common.
Looking forward to your next thru-hiking adventure. Would be great if it is indeed the PCT, as I am familiar with so many locations on the trail. Take care!
Happy Trails 👣 😊Bacon Wrap 🥓
Happy Birthday!!
I always enjoyed watching your hike. Good luck in your new job.
Good to see you again. We've been watching and enjoying your journey, and just added our subscription. You are one of those people that are instantly likeable, and we will watch for any life updates in the future. Thankyou for the heart-felt honest self assessment, but really, you feel like a friend...and friends don't need to explain. Take good care, and we will keep an eye out for you in the future. Trail Angels Tom and Beth up in Poulsbo, Washington
Good on you to take the job. When u do you start. Maybe u can hike a section or two of the PCT before you start. How about some trail angeling. Something tells me that your 2024 hiking season ain't over. Not by a long shot. U been our most entertaining hiker this season. We love rooting for you. ~Your Peeps be waiting
You didn't fail !!! You got out there and sid what you could. Don't be so hard on yourself. When an opportunity knocks, you have to open the door and go. Your truth and honesty are heartfelt. Whether it's the PCT or the AT, I'll be following along and cheering for you. Why not do the AT again? Lots of hikers do. Whatever you do, do it because you want to, and it makes you happy. It's always great to see your videos, #2 Pencil. Thank you. Don't apologize. Live your life and have fun. 😊
Good luck. I enjoyed watching.
Enjoyed watching. Do what you need to do. Better safe and in good health than on the trail with issues. Keep us posted. Let us see Claire ( your van). ❤
Hate to see the journey come to an end but I guess there's always that feeling. Sometimes things just don't work out and it's no one's fault. But good luck with the job and really hope you keep the channel going and would love to see Clara and maybe what it is that you're doing at the new job. Til next time......✌️😎👍👍👋
#2. you made the right decision! Work, get in shape, and then try it again! Best of luck with your job and those bumble bees! 🐝🐝🐝 Will see you when you are ready!! Hike On! 👍🇺🇸🏕️🥾🧗♀️
Hi Chuck! from TRF! Good to see you and Claire are doing well! Many of us are still here. Your friend, Cathy. 😂
Hi I don’t think failure is correct word to describe what I saw to me not trying is failure and life always has many twist and turns that changes our course so I look forward to following you in what ever adventure you decide I enjoyed following you on PCT and good luck on your new job
Looking forward to watching your future adventures. Take care!
:-)
You're making a smart decision mister. Perhaps I'll see you in July 😊
I really enjoyed your hike and AT hike. Thanks for taking us along. Good luck.
Thanks for the update, been wondering about you! Congratulations on the job. Would love to see future videos. All the best to you!
God Bless. Enjoyed the adventure.
Keep posting. Whatever you’re doing will be interesting.
Good to see you! Have fun in TRF and be sure to tell the crew, "Hi!" for me. I've got a work camping job at an amusement park in Iowa. I'm having a blast except for the occasional tornado warnings. Be well!
I think people needs to acclimate to the desert before starting. East coast humidity just kills me.😅
Yes please 🙏 hikes and gym workouts !!
I still like watching your channel.
Glad to know you're safe and sound.
I've failed on a 2 hour hike 😅 that dry heat will surprise ya!
Love you, cuz! Keep updating the channel for #2 Pencil and Clara. Enjoy your employment and Minnesota! ❤
No apologies needed...voting for you to get on AT in 2025!! Bring Claire to New England.
I enjoyed following you on this journey. You have to do what is right for you. Best of luck to you!
Do you know if Freak Out is still on the trail? If so does she have a UA-cam channel or instagram account?
I think the mistake that all hikers make when they start a long distance hike is to say that they failed if they don’t complete the entire hike.
The fact that you planned, arrived at the start and put one foot in front of the other and lived with everything needed on your back for any amount of time is a success not a failure.
You’ve learned some important lessons that you can apply in your everyday life.
one day @ a time
Too bad this year didn't work out, but hopefully next year!
you could do a flip flop or sobo on the pct. and not start back in the desert. many people do this. might be a better fit for you. good luck with everything going forward. Happy trails!
Think about doing the PCT SOBO next year. It may work better for you.
Some PCT vlogs I'm watching this year: HikingDancer, Focht on Foot, Lil'Chap Hikes, Restless Legs Adventures, Call of Adventure, and Wild Home. Tiki Bird Tracy is doing a LASH this year also.
Not a failure by any means. More of a temporary setback. Happy trails!
Hope to see you again @ AT
You might try a carnivore diet to get your health back on track. After 9 months, I feel better than I did at 40 and I am now sixty two. Nearly weigh the same as when I graduated from high school. Sorry you needed to call it quits this year. Blessings on your journey.
#2 You could do the Camino. Just say'n... When your back, I'll do training hikes with ya.
Superior hiking trail would probably be one you would really enjoy. Never a fail if you learned anything about the trail or yourself.
is "KEY" in the jobs name???
At least he is letting us know he is gonna be off, not like the at
Find your happy place and drop us a line. We will be there.
Hope you keep the channel, better safe than sorry, thanks for the update.
Just fyi past hikers now did not think u would but best wishes
Hi! I'm in central MN! I'd love to buy you a cup of coffee!
SoBo the AT??
What happened to freak out
#2 said she's fine,made it to the Sierras. ✌🏼
Just do the AT next year again