Your hiking goals are now my new life goal mantra: don’t get dead, don’t get seriously injured, make a lot of friends, enjoy the journey and each day, especially the difficult ones, find something to appreciate. You’re off to a great start, safe journey to Katahdin!
On February 21st 2004 I started my thru-hike, I was 52 years young. It's been 20 years and it seems like yesterday. I'm subscribing to your channel and hope to follow your hike all the way to the Big K. I want to wish you the best and hope you have as wonderful experience as I did. The ridge runner gave you some very good advise. Don't over do it to early. (That was a pretty big first day) God Bless!
What a great first day. Take it easy though! I was so jacked up that I could hardly walk by the time I got to Franklin. Enjoy your time. I can’t wait to follow along.
It's hard to imagine when you start at that little rock outcropping in GA that this trail leads all the way to the middle of Maine (and beyond). Until I saw Katahdin for the first time in the 100-mile wilderness, it never really felt real. Don't give yourself any latitude to come off trail early (obviously unless a family emergency). Almost all things can be overcome on trail. The only path home leads over Katahdin! Good luck. Push North!! 🤘🕓
If i was where you are and starting the trail i would definitely have some tears in my eyes. I bet its an awesome feeling. I look forward to following along.
Friday, February 23rd: Lodge costs, but IMHO worth the cost. Was able to eat and rest well and charge all my electronics. Sorry you lost your glove shells before day one. At least you have others. Bandit and Scott-free! Good beginning! Thanks for sharing. Happy Trails! Ross08
Smart move to move past the approach trail! Looking forward to your journey, and I like to see a bit of emotion in deference to your respect for the days ahead, and the planning behind you!
I am sure every hiker forgot something, at least it wasn't something major. I am looking to do my thru hike in 2025 although living in Georgia I have done Blood Mountain and Wood Gap many times, My dad and I wanted to walk it in the 80's but never did, and he has passed on, but I will honor him with a picture of him on my pack when my journey starts. looking forward watching your Journey! And remember the approach trail is not the Appalachian Trail, I have been following Laura as well, she's a trooper!! Good to see Tonya on there I followed her and Stan on their Journey , Happy Trails!!
Hi Chuck, first day on the AT after so many years dreaming of it. Fifteen miles first day, so exciting! Very nice content and narrative. Really enjoyed it. I'll be following along. Take care!
Hello Chuck. 🙂Very well made video, you documented your first day in detail. You look as if you have done this before, you made it look easy, Very admirable and sensible goals; Don’t get dead. Don’t get injured. Enjoy the adventure and meet new people, make new friends. And lastly make it through Katahdin. Congrats on your first official AT thru hike day.
i've done the approach twice (skipping stairs), and i think its a better sendoff than doing the springer parking lot. that being said, i absolutely would have taken the opportunity to split a shuttle. that's an easy win, no effort involved logistics. happy trails!
Just started watching your journey. Haven’t watched any AT hikes for a couple of years.We live in the Smokies close to the park boundary. We’re in our 70s now so we don’t do as much hiking. I hope you have a fun safe trip. Good luck will be watching 😀
Hikers go with the very minimum of kit, pieces having multiple uses, keeping the backpack lightweight. When kit is lost or forgotten…well. Thank you for sharing your hike…from East Tennessee. P.S. Don’t git hurt or dead…smiling
It was a surprise seeing Tonya. I did the Georgia section a couple of years ago and had the time off my life! Enjoy and just know we are all pulling for you!
Congratulations Chuck! You are starting the dream that I still have, enjoy the journey. Good luck, happy trails, I look forward to following you north.
I started watching a couple days ago Chuck I’m about ready to retire here in the next few years. I’ve always wanted to do the PCT, you are adding to my quest and my inspiration and I plan to watch you on your journey. I also have thought about starting a UA-cam channel. I think you’re doing great! Keep it up and good luck to you
Just subbed. I start April 1. Great that you met peak for pounds. Hope I get to meet her somehow. Have a safe journey. If I get a chance to shuttle to springer, I’m not passing it up either.
I love winter hiking. I'd rather be cold than hike in the heat any day of the week. Great start! You're the first guy I subbed to this year. I follow at least five to six hikers every year. Good luck my friend and happy trails!
Two thru hikes under my belt…The preparation you put into your hike, your realistic perspective, and your positive attitude will serve you well. Looking forward to following along on your journey. Best of luck Chuck!
Hey, congratulations on your first day. I follow a few hikers eat year from Amy an Johns adventures in 2019 to pamper, wild and screwball in 2020. through reckless abandon an Stan the man hikes. good luck and start off slow.
Good luck with your hike. Similar age. I just do sections with my kids. Too many commitments to do longer but we enjoy getting out. Last section was to NOC Lots of blowdown last year.
May your equipment provide you safety and comfort. May you achieve the success you desire. Wishing you peace, good health and good fortune. Happy Trails!
hope you have a great journey on the Appalachian trail. it will teach you so much. I have enjoyed many sections of the Appalachian trail. rooting for you all the way to katahdin
Just subscribed brother and can't wait to tag along. It's been a dream for me as well for a few years to hike the AT but unfortunately for me it'll have to wait til retirement because my job doesn't allow enough time off. Good luck and keep on trucking North brother! 🥾🥾⛰️⛰️⛰️⛰️🌄🏕
Hate to break it to ya. But you missed the 1st White Blaze. It's on Top of Springer Mountain about 40 feet from where you signed the log. Lol... There is another Plaque right next to it. But either way. Have a great hike. Step safe. I hiked it last year and injured my right knee coming up those stairs and the Approach Trail. God Bless
Don’t get dead is good advice!😂 Good luck, my friend. I’m 66, don’t know if I have 2200 miles in these legs! I’ll let you do the heavy lifting. I’ll watch!😊
Sorry to be just catching up with the comments. I haven’t been checking. You’ll never regret doing the hike. And if you don’t complete the entire trail, enjoy the part that you do. Remember, this is a selfish endeavor. You will be doing it for you. It’s your hike. Get out of it what you want out of it.
@ Ha - certainly no need for an apology. I’m late to the party here (your AT vlog journey) and didn’t expect any reply, but I appreciate you finding me! And thanks for the advice. Your videos have actually made the AT prospect a lot more real for me. I’d like to go about it the way that you did!
Wait- you had liner gloves, regular gloves, and rain mitts? How heavy is your pack? I’ll admit to having dumped a few things into the hiker box at Neel gap😆 Have an excellent hike, rooting for you!
You do all this preparation your going to walk the whole AT but you skip the approach trail to get a shuttle lol that is unreal bad start already old lazy man
Your hiking goals are now my new life goal mantra: don’t get dead, don’t get seriously injured, make a lot of friends, enjoy the journey and each day, especially the difficult ones, find something to appreciate. You’re off to a great start, safe journey to Katahdin!
Hahaha. Good goals to live by
This is awesome Chuck! So happy for you. You get to see God’s beauty and enjoy His nature. Praying for your safe and amazing journey.
Thanks Donna. Good trip so far.
Congratulations on a great first day. Seeing Tonya was a bonus. I followed her hike in 2022.
Really great person
On February 21st 2004 I started my thru-hike, I was 52 years young. It's been 20 years and it seems like yesterday. I'm subscribing to your channel and hope to follow your hike all the way to the Big K.
I want to wish you the best and hope you have as wonderful experience as I did. The ridge runner gave you some very good advise. Don't over do it to early. (That was a pretty big first day) God Bless!
Welcome aboard!
What a great first day. Take it easy though! I was so jacked up that I could hardly walk by the time I got to Franklin. Enjoy your time. I can’t wait to follow along.
Thanks. Feeling good
I’m 62 and I enjoyed this so much! Inspiration for my mine tomorrow morning!
Thanks. Have fun!!
I'm so envious (I'm 57 and am hoping to do it when I retire). I don't know if it's poor etiquette to ask, but ... did you make it?
Old man’s mantra slow and steady !!!!!
Hahahahha. Ain’t that right!!!
It's hard to imagine when you start at that little rock outcropping in GA that this trail leads all the way to the middle of Maine (and beyond). Until I saw Katahdin for the first time in the 100-mile wilderness, it never really felt real.
Don't give yourself any latitude to come off trail early (obviously unless a family emergency). Almost all things can be overcome on trail. The only path home leads over Katahdin! Good luck. Push North!! 🤘🕓
Thanks. My plan is to go all the way
@@ChuckHowell-Outdoors hell yeah! Good luck! 🤘🕓
Following Peaks and Scott Free too, what fun, then you find Tonya, what an awesome start. So excited for you. Thanks for letting us tag along.
Thanks so much! Meeting a lot of good folks out here
If i was where you are and starting the trail i would definitely have some tears in my eyes. I bet its an awesome feeling. I look forward to following along.
Couldn't agree more!
Subscribed and will be praying for you, as I am for Laura and others. God bless! Paulie
Thank you so much!
Friday, February 23rd: Lodge costs, but IMHO worth the cost. Was able to eat and rest well and charge all my electronics. Sorry you lost your glove shells before day one. At least you have others. Bandit and Scott-free! Good beginning! Thanks for sharing. Happy Trails! Ross08
Thanks
You're doing a nice job with this channel. You'll be to Katahdin in no time. I follow Peaks 4 pounds too.
She is great! I’ve met up with her a couple of times now. Keep pulling for her. I know I am!
Great first day! Congratulations on starting your thru-hike. Just joined team C.H.O.!
“Kamper” AT 2020
Welcome aboard!
BIG first day! Sassafras didn't even slow you down... Love that you got to see Tonya (Monarch)!!! Be safe and enjoy the steps along the journey🥾
Yes it was. I’ve actually seen Monarch a couple of times. She’s great! A lot of fun to hang around with.
Smart move to move past the approach trail! Looking forward to your journey, and I like to see a bit of emotion in deference to your respect for the days ahead, and the planning behind you!
Thanks. I think I made the right decision
I like the way you show the trail. I like the way you really appreciate the trail. Good job! 😊😊😊😊😊
Thanks! 👍
You made it to Gooch! You a killing it! I’m enjoying following along. Thanks for taking us along on your journey. Wishing you luck and happy trails!
Thanks
I am sure every hiker forgot something, at least it wasn't something major. I am looking to do my thru hike in 2025 although living in Georgia I have done Blood Mountain and Wood Gap many times, My dad and I wanted to walk it in the 80's but never did, and he has passed on, but I will honor him with a picture of him on my pack when my journey starts. looking forward watching your Journey! And remember the approach trail is not the Appalachian Trail, I have been following Laura as well, she's a trooper!! Good to see Tonya on there I followed her and Stan on their Journey , Happy Trails!!
Thanks. And it’s god to hear your bringing your dad’s spirit along with you. It’s great to meet all these folks along the trail
Great start Chuck. Excited to follow your adventures.
Thanks
Hi Chuck, first day on the AT after so many years dreaming of it. Fifteen miles first day, so exciting! Very nice content and narrative. Really enjoyed it. I'll be following along. Take care!
Thanks. Welcome aboard
Happy to follow you all the way to the top in Maine..happy trails🐧
Thanks. Good to have you on board
Chuck, great to see you out on the trail. A goal of mine as well. Will be praying for you friend! Enjoy your journey!
Thanks Chris. Good to see you’re following along
Best of luck out there. Loved your goals. Peace and happy trails.
Thanks
Wow! What a start to a fantastic journey. Love your positivity and your goals. Happy hiking 🥾🥾
Thanks
go get it ! I applaud your snap decision change of plans. you got to hike with some other folks, got to see springer without being exhausted.
I think it was a good decision. No regrets right now.
Super excited to follow your journey. Good luck and enjoy enjoy enjoy
Thank you so much!!
Hello Chuck. 🙂Very well made video, you documented your first day in detail. You look as if you have done this before, you made it look easy,
Very admirable and sensible goals; Don’t get dead. Don’t get injured. Enjoy the adventure and meet new people, make new friends. And lastly make it through Katahdin.
Congrats on your first official AT thru hike day.
Hahaha. Thanks
Snowed unexpected, got very cold. No dry wood.. no tent... We had to leave.
Brrrr. Hopefully I have all I need to stay relatively warm
i've done the approach twice (skipping stairs), and i think its a better sendoff than doing the springer parking lot. that being said, i absolutely would have taken the opportunity to split a shuttle. that's an easy win, no effort involved logistics. happy trails!
Thanks for sharing! I think I made the right decision
Just started watching your journey. Haven’t watched any AT hikes for a couple of years.We live in the Smokies close to the park boundary. We’re in our 70s now so we don’t do as much hiking. I hope you have a fun safe trip. Good luck will be watching 😀
Thanks for following along
Great video! New follower here. Best of luck on your epic adventure. Crow✌️
Thanks
Hikers go with the very minimum of kit, pieces having multiple uses, keeping the backpack lightweight. When kit is lost or forgotten…well. Thank you for sharing your hike…from East Tennessee.
P.S. Don’t git hurt or dead…smiling
Yep. We were talking today that any lost gear can be serious out here. We have little to replace it with until we reach the next town
Hey bandit it’s “what if “ love the video ! Just put out my week one wrap up
Cool. I’ll look it up and subscribe. Hope you make it here today.
Is that a instagram account? I can’t find it on UA-cam. Are you planning on getting back on soon?
youtube.com/@WHATIFsummits?si=U90_xwnDXXvNyqBS
There’s the link sorry yeah I’m gonna get back in in a couple days letting my blisters heal back up. Did you stay at green dragon?
I went from Unicoi gap to docks creek 16.4 miles I was doing a bandit run !lol
I am very happy for you and wish you a safe and meaningful journey. This truly is the journey of a lifetime.
Thank you so much! It truly is
That’s a big day! I remember walking from Stover Creek shelter to Gooch shelter on my second day in 2018 and it was a hard.
Yeah. A long hike, but living every minute of it.
Just subscribed. Wish you the best of luck on your AT adventure!
Welcome aboard!
Following your hike from Brisbane Australia..... Have a great time mate.... Jeff and Deb
Thanks. Love to hear from the international community
Your excitement is awesome and I would be the same way. It’s my dream too. Good luck to you!
Thanks
Just subbed. 2018 Nobo. Great start to your journey. I wish you all the best on your adventure. Happy trails!!
Thanks for subbing
It was a surprise seeing Tonya. I did the Georgia section a couple of years ago and had the time off my life! Enjoy and just know we are all pulling for you!
Tonya “monarch “ was great
Congratulations Chuck! You are starting the dream that I still have, enjoy the journey. Good luck, happy trails, I look forward to following you north.
Thanks. Don’t give up on the dream
Great start! Will be signing up and cheering you on!!
Awesome! Thank you!
I started watching a couple days ago Chuck I’m about ready to retire here in the next few years. I’ve always wanted to do the PCT, you are adding to my quest and my inspiration and I plan to watch you on your journey. I also have thought about starting a UA-cam channel. I think you’re doing great! Keep it up and good luck to you
Go for it! Just learning how to do the channel, but having fun
Chuck, following your journey congrats on your progress on the AT journey. Certainly a dream of my own to through hike the AT!
You can do it! Go for it
Thank you for sharing! I'm excited to join you on your journey from my office desk! Happy Trails!
Thanks for following along
Just subbed. I start April 1. Great that you met peak for pounds. Hope I get to meet her somehow. Have a safe journey. If I get a chance to shuttle to springer, I’m not passing it up either.
She’s great to be around. I have no regrets about the Approach
My friend is leaving on the trail next week! Good luck!
Thanks
Congrats on a great first day!
Thank you!!
I’ll be tagging along ! Great first day
Glad to have you along for the ride.
Flexibility is essential. Broken/lost equipment, weather, trail conditions will change your plans throughout. Best of luck!
Very true! Thanks
Just did some work for your buddy zeb williams. He told me about you and now I'm gonna watch your journey! My goal is to hike the AT in 2026
Thanks. Glad Zeb told you about me and glad to have you along.
Just found your channel and subscribed. Wishing you the best of luck on your epic journey
Glad to have you on board
I love winter hiking. I'd rather be cold than hike in the heat any day of the week. Great start! You're the first guy I subbed to this year. I follow at least five to six hikers every year. Good luck my friend and happy trails!
Thanks and welcome aboard
I am so excited for you! Best of luck. I skipped the approach trail also…no big deal. You are officially on trail!
Thanks
GO GET IT!!!! ☀️🍺🍺🌴
Thanks
You are inspiring me. Keep it up thanks.
Thank you! Will do!
Excellent job!
Thank you very much!
What a great start! Hoping you did not over due
I over did it a little, but still feeling good.
Two thru hikes under my belt…The preparation you put into your hike, your realistic perspective, and your positive attitude will serve you well. Looking forward to following along on your journey. Best of luck Chuck!
Hey, congratulations on your first day. I follow a few hikers eat year from Amy an Johns adventures in 2019 to pamper, wild and screwball in 2020. through reckless abandon an Stan the man hikes. good luck and start off slow.
Thanks and glad to have you aboard
Good luck with your hike. Similar age. I just do sections with my kids. Too many commitments to do longer but we enjoy getting out. Last section was to NOC Lots of blowdown last year.
Thanks, NOC is still a pretty long hike
Looking forward to following along with your journey. Happy hiking
Welcome aboard!
May your equipment provide you safety and comfort. May you achieve the success you desire. Wishing you peace, good health and good fortune. Happy Trails!
Wow. Thank you!
Congratulations on your first day of an amazing adventure.
I look forward to seeing you hike your way through ! ❤
Thanks so much!
I have the same kind of truck!
Smoke gray Toyota Tacoma!
Wishing you the best!!! Be safe!😊
Thanks 👍
Just found you and have enjoyed. I love love seeing Peaks4pounds
She’s got a lot of grit. Keep following her. I’m pulling for her all the way!!!!
Happy trails on your journey
Thank you!
Great video! I can tell the hike means a lot to you - rooting for you to go the distance!
Thanks. No plans to quit until Katahdin
Good luck!! I will be starting in 2 weeks. Very exciting!! have a great time
You’re gonna hate it and absolutely love it at the same time
When the rhodies point straight to hell, that’s how you know how cold it is 😂 🥶
Dang right. And they really do!
hope you have a great journey on the Appalachian trail. it will teach you so much. I have enjoyed many sections of the Appalachian trail. rooting for you all the way to katahdin
I hope so too! Thanks
Just subscribed brother and can't wait to tag along. It's been a dream for me as well for a few years to hike the AT but unfortunately for me it'll have to wait til retirement because my job doesn't allow enough time off.
Good luck and keep on trucking North brother! 🥾🥾⛰️⛰️⛰️⛰️🌄🏕
Thanks. Welcome aboard
Those are some good goals! LOL. I’m glad you’re chasing your dream. I’m looking forward to following along. Definitely enjoy the journey!
Thanks so much!!
So Awesome my dude❤ I'm rooting for you. So happy to follow along❤
Thank you!!!
How exciting! I will follow along occasionally.
Thanks. Glad to have you along
subbed. i ll be following you along from here Indonesia. take care and happy hikes!
Wow!!! Great to have a follower from so far away.
Don’t get dead lol. So excited you are chasing your dream!
Thanks.
“Don’t get dead”😂
Hey, it’s a good goal😅
@@ChuckHowell-Outdoors it is!!!
Enjoy the journey 🍃🌿
Thank you, I will
Hate to break it to ya. But you missed the 1st White Blaze. It's on Top of Springer Mountain about 40 feet from where you signed the log. Lol... There is another Plaque right next to it. But either way. Have a great hike. Step safe. I hiked it last year and injured my right knee coming up those stairs and the Approach Trail. God Bless
Didn’t know that. Oh well. I’m calling the plaque and register the beginning of
Don’t get dead is good advice!😂 Good luck, my friend. I’m 66, don’t know if I have 2200 miles in these legs! I’ll let you do the heavy lifting. I’ll watch!😊
Glad to have you along
Trail magic!
Always good!
I'm watching with a lot of vicariousness. I hope to through-hike when I retire. On what date did you start?
Sorry to be just catching up with the comments. I haven’t been checking. You’ll never regret doing the hike. And if you don’t complete the entire trail, enjoy the part that you do. Remember, this is a selfish endeavor. You will be doing it for you. It’s your hike. Get out of it what you want out of it.
@ Ha - certainly no need for an apology. I’m late to the party here (your AT vlog journey) and didn’t expect any reply, but I appreciate you finding me! And thanks for the advice. Your videos have actually made the AT prospect a lot more real for me. I’d like to go about it the way that you did!
Didnt you start at the check-in Rangers station to get on the trail ?
Yes
All the best! If you have not been training etc eight miles a day for the first few weeks is recommended by many hikers!🙂🙏
Agreed. I’ve been training for some time so going just a bit farther
You can do it chuck! :D
Thanks
Wait- you had liner gloves, regular gloves, and rain mitts? How heavy is your pack?
I’ll admit to having dumped a few things into the hiker box at Neel gap😆
Have an excellent hike, rooting for you!
Started out with 27.4 lbs fully loaded with food and 2 liters of water.
Awesome.
Thanks!
How many pairs of shoes do you have ?😢😂
Only one at a time. I’ll likely go thru three or four
How old is this old man?
Hahaha. Old enough that I should know better. I’m 62
wipe the cam lense. blury
optimism is the best starting theory . . . happy trails.
Hahahaha. I’m still at it so……
Not if when u make it think positive
I try to always stay confident, and I absolutely plan on going all the way. Just didn’t want to sound too cocky. 😁
You do all this preparation your going to walk the whole AT but you skip the approach trail to get a shuttle lol that is unreal bad start already old lazy man
Hahahahaha. I think I did enough prep already. The approach trail is zero net miles on the AT