I’ve ridden horseback in the Shawnee national forest for 30 years. I would be very surprised if any house you stopped at wouldn’t be glad to give you water and anything else you needed. They may think you’re a little nuts but they would treat you well. I grew up in Chicago and when I moved to southern IL I was literally the only person jogging along the road and people would invariably think I must have had car trouble because why else would anyone be on foot on a road. They always stopped and offered a ride.
I started watching your channel because I plan to thru-hike the Colorado Trail, but now I’m hooked on the content, even if it’s two years old. It was sad/funny that your birthday present to yourself was fresh socks, and the way you told the story of the “cougar warning” had me rolling. 😂 I hope all is well and I hope you’re still enjoying the outdoors! Thanks for the content.
Just got into backpacking after doing a high adventure boy scout adventure in NM with my son. I live in this area was considering doing some of this trail, Your videos are great! Thanks for vlogging will help my plans.
Cougar are pretty rare...there have been sightings, but bobcats are much more common. I've been lucky not to be questioned too much, but I also haven't seen people much on the trails, recently. I do also have my working dog with me and I think I give off unapproachable vibes at times 😆. That's fine with me, though. Haha. ... Happy birthday 🥳
I love that you made this! thank you so much! I plan to take 8-10 days off really soon and do this trail! or as much as i can!! I live in central/southern IL and havent tried it!!!
I haven't stayed over night, yet, because I'm afraid to be alone in the wilderness over night. I'm trying to build myself up to it because I want to do it so so bad. I would have my working dog with me, of course, so not totally alone. Sorry for so many comments. Thanks for doing these videos.
I’m local. Trail was literally a stones throw from my back door growing up . Been on the trail countless hours. Worked in the Shawnee on trails, hiking, horseback, hunting, fishing, everything you can think of. I’ll tell ya why alot of people are asking you about you being alone or carrying is because there are weirdos out in the woods. And being out there alone regardless of gender, you’ve gotta be aware of the possible dangers. Hopefully you never get in one of those situations. It’s scary, I know personally. Just keep it in mind and be vigilant. I’m glad you came and did it. 👍🏻
@@lazyextremist3119 if it’s anything like the Ozarks, you’re lucky you didn’t. Years back was in, I believe, Knob Noster State Park in MO and we found in the campground a tent that looked like they lived there. Because it was kids camping we relocated quickly away from it.
Great documentary of your trip! Well edited and your style of V-blogging kept me involved! I see you carry HMG gear... I've been using the Windrider for about 7 years - love it. Your friend's comment at the very beginning... Perfect! Be well. Mama Gecko
So far I’ve only seen the first two parts of this journey you have done and clearly it’s over a year old but nevertheless it’s been very cool to watch. Now having said that there was something you said that caught my ear. It was your opinion about everyone asking you how you were doing and if you were concerned about being out there by yourself. I don’t know what it’s like to be you and that has nothing to do with me being a man and you being a woman. At the end of the day we are both human. But I’m not you. Now having said that I would think any person would be grateful that someone cared enough to ask them these questions that bothered you. I know at the end of the video you mentioned you have your moments were you do get scared. That statement shows how human you are. And that’s a natural thing. Just like people being concerned about your well-being. Man or woman it doesn’t matter. I’d rather live in a world were people still care enough to ask then a world where they didn’t. That’s just my opinion. I’m looking forward to seeing the rest of these.
Eddyville area and lusk Creek have been my favorite place to be, lately. I was happy with the R2R trail portions within the lusk Creek Wilderness. They were maintained better than the other trails surrounding them by quite a bit when I was there a week or two ago.
I'm planning on thru hiking the buckeye trail in the next year. Another lesser known trail but it has so much history behind it and i am super excited.
You’re an adventurist with a warm soul. Keep going, be brave and enjoy the journey. I’ve enjoyed watching. Thanks for filming, I know it’s harder then it looks. HYOH...
Good to see you are back out backpacking again, hope your hike goes well and happy birthday! I live in Ohio and have never heard of this trail, thanks for sharing.
That is awsome I have been doing sections of the AT in TN, GA,NC and have done about 150 miles this year. I did the GSM twice both ways. I live so close to the river to river and have been wanting to do it but like you said not much info on this trail. Love the videos amd can't wait for the rest of them
Happy Birthday! I hope you found some peaceful and beautiful moments to reflect on your past year -- and reserve a day or two to celebrate like a monster when you get home. On cougars, I have hiked in California, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming and not worried about cougars. Illinois? I would not worry about cougars too much. I think that bobcat you heard is probably the biggest predator around.
Great work on your adventures. As for the people who are concerned about you, don't let it bother you. It's not that they don't respect you or think you aren't well traveled, they are simply concerned. A woman alone is always going to be at more risk and it isn't a sexist ideal but a common sense one. Just be careful and enjoy.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to a fellow Virgo!! Has your husband not caught the bug yet? I am constantly hoping that my wife will catch the hiking fever and go on a multi week thru hike with me. Good luck, cant wait to see the rest of the trail!
Thank you! He is realllly into triathlon but not so much into backpacking. Also - he has the health insurance, so it’s probably a good thing he’s not into thru hiking :)
Random question, can you share where you source your music from for your videos? You have a great ear for putting the right mood in with every scene. Great job filming this and glad you got back out to hike last fall.
I got sepsis on the AT from bad water (virus). This was my first solo trip back out after that emergency hospitalization. So I took extra caution for peace of mind.
I thru hiked the R2R 20 years ago in the depths of winter. I just recently moved backed to S Illinois., and I'm thinking of thru hiking the R2R again. I really enjoyed your AT videos. I was saddened by how things ended. I also understand that I could end my journey in a very similar way. I hiked a portion of the R2R last weekend and wished that I had brought a saw to clear the way. Southern Illinois hiking makes humans realize just how far spiders are willing to go to spread a web at face level across a trail. You think that the trail is too wide for such a web, but they know just where to place it for the maximum effect.
Twix for birthday treat! I looked at Illinois DNR site and don't think you need to worry about cougars. It's too bad that people don't think women can do things on their own. I know my wife and daughter have been subjected to this behavior. Stay courageous, even when scary.
Don't get yourself down on all those ignorant butt heads that think because your a woman you shouldn't be hiking alone. People naturally make the assumption that because they are too afraid to do something that you shouldn't be doing it either. Keep on hiking!
Yes, I generally do. I trust my gut and critical thinking skills. And at the end of the day, I remember that it's more risky driving to the trailhead than backpacking.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! Buy yourself some "Dirty Girl Gaiters" $20 or so and the best investment I made ... haven't had crap in my shoes since getting them!!!
It's not just you. I am a middle aged man 6 for 3 and 240 pounds. I always get people asking me about my safety. Do I carry a gun, does anyone know where you are, why are you out hiking alone? It's irritating. Another thing, that only happens in the south. When I am in the west or the upper great lakes area nobody finds it odd.
It's laughable that people are worried about cougars. In the past 100 years there has been 27 fatalities in all of North America as a result of cougar attacks. However, there are approximately 710 annual fatalities in the U.S. alone as a result of horses. So those kind folks on horseback should be more concerned about their activities than they are about yours. Nice video series by the way.
I’ve ridden horseback in the Shawnee national forest for 30 years. I would be very surprised if any house you stopped at wouldn’t be glad to give you water and anything else you needed. They may think you’re a little nuts but they would treat you well. I grew up in Chicago and when I moved to southern IL I was literally the only person jogging along the road and people would invariably think I must have had car trouble because why else would anyone be on foot on a road. They always stopped and offered a ride.
You GOT me at "I hope James & Dinah love is everlasting"
I started watching your channel because I plan to thru-hike the Colorado Trail, but now I’m hooked on the content, even if it’s two years old. It was sad/funny that your birthday present to yourself was fresh socks, and the way you told the story of the “cougar warning” had me rolling. 😂
I hope all is well and I hope you’re still enjoying the outdoors! Thanks for the content.
Thanks for another great video. Looks like the rest of southern Illinois!
Just got into backpacking after doing a high adventure boy scout adventure in NM with my son. I live in this area was considering doing some of this trail, Your videos are great! Thanks for vlogging will help my plans.
Cougar are pretty rare...there have been sightings, but bobcats are much more common.
I've been lucky not to be questioned too much, but I also haven't seen people much on the trails, recently. I do also have my working dog with me and I think I give off unapproachable vibes at times 😆. That's fine with me, though. Haha. ... Happy birthday 🥳
Love the introspection and your courage. Keep at it. Your videos are “real.”
Great thru hike thus far. I like that you show the up and down sides and I'm really surprised how wild some parts of Illinois are.
I love that you made this! thank you so much! I plan to take 8-10 days off really soon and do this trail! or as much as i can!! I live in central/southern IL and havent tried it!!!
I haven't stayed over night, yet, because I'm afraid to be alone in the wilderness over night. I'm trying to build myself up to it because I want to do it so so bad. I would have my working dog with me, of course, so not totally alone.
Sorry for so many comments. Thanks for doing these videos.
Thank you for being open and real.
beautiful scenery...
Appreciate the videos! I’m planning on thru hiking it this summer
I’m local. Trail was literally a stones throw from my back door growing up . Been on the trail countless hours. Worked in the Shawnee on trails, hiking, horseback, hunting, fishing, everything you can think of. I’ll tell ya why alot of people are asking you about you being alone or carrying is because there are weirdos out in the woods. And being out there alone regardless of gender, you’ve gotta be aware of the possible dangers. Hopefully you never get in one of those situations. It’s scary, I know personally. Just keep it in mind and be vigilant. I’m glad you came and did it. 👍🏻
Interesting. I hadn't heard that Shawnee had some unique characters in the woods. I was lucky to not run into any.
@@lazyextremist3119 if it’s anything like the Ozarks, you’re lucky you didn’t. Years back was in, I believe, Knob Noster State Park in MO and we found in the campground a tent that looked like they lived there. Because it was kids camping we relocated quickly away from it.
Great videos! me and my friends hike sections of the river to river every year.
Great documentary of your trip! Well edited and your style of V-blogging kept me involved!
I see you carry HMG gear... I've been using the Windrider for about 7 years - love it.
Your friend's comment at the very beginning... Perfect!
Be well.
Mama Gecko
“God provides” 🙌
Happy Birthday. Even as an older male people question when I’m by myself hiking. Your stronger than you know. Keep pushing. 👍🏻👍🏻✌🏻
So far I’ve only seen the first two parts of this journey you have done and clearly it’s over a year old but nevertheless it’s been very cool to watch. Now having said that there was something you said that caught my ear. It was your opinion about everyone asking you how you were doing and if you were concerned about being out there by yourself. I don’t know what it’s like to be you and that has nothing to do with me being a man and you being a woman. At the end of the day we are both human. But I’m not you. Now having said that I would think any person would be grateful that someone cared enough to ask them these questions that bothered you. I know at the end of the video you mentioned you have your moments were you do get scared. That statement shows how human you are. And that’s a natural thing. Just like people being concerned about your well-being. Man or woman it doesn’t matter. I’d rather live in a world were people still care enough to ask then a world where they didn’t. That’s just my opinion. I’m looking forward to seeing the rest of these.
I first found your videos a few days ago. Today I learned we have the same birthday! Happy belated!
Love older people that says a lot about your character
Awesome hike! Thanks for sharing your experience
Keep going girl! Who cates what others think. You know what you are doing. You got it and love the videos
Eddyville area and lusk Creek have been my favorite place to be, lately. I was happy with the R2R trail portions within the lusk Creek Wilderness. They were maintained better than the other trails surrounding them by quite a bit when I was there a week or two ago.
I'm planning on thru hiking the buckeye trail in the next year. Another lesser known trail but it has so much history behind it and i am super excited.
I have heard of it! Ohio I think? Have a great time.
You’re an adventurist with a warm soul. Keep going, be brave and enjoy the journey. I’ve enjoyed watching. Thanks for filming, I know it’s harder then it looks. HYOH...
Enjoyed the video and that was a beautiful sunset. Your making good miles state safe and keep on stepping.
Good to see you are back out backpacking again, hope your hike goes well and happy birthday!
I live in Ohio and have never heard of this trail, thanks for sharing.
I would never set up camp near a graveyard, lol. Enjoyed the video!
Just wait - I end up sleeping in a cemetery :)
Doug and I are super impressed with your adventures! Keep going! Proud of you and your woman power. :)
Thank you Patty :)
That sunset from Trigg Tower, wow.
That is awsome I have been doing sections of the AT in TN, GA,NC and have done about 150 miles this year. I did the GSM twice both ways. I live so close to the river to river and have been wanting to do it but like you said not much info on this trail. Love the videos amd can't wait for the rest of them
The AT is so much more enjoyable than the R2R. But if it’s in your backyard, it could be easy to section hike!
Happy Birthday! I hope you found some peaceful and beautiful moments to reflect on your past year -- and reserve a day or two to celebrate like a monster when you get home. On cougars, I have hiked in California, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming and not worried about cougars. Illinois? I would not worry about cougars too much. I think that bobcat you heard is probably the biggest predator around.
OK, coyotes.
Celebrate like a monster!! I’ll be using that phrase from now on.
Happy Birthday Salty!
Awesome R2R videos! Great info for future hikers. It was fun for us to share a beer with you!
Thank you Ben! I let was great to meet you guys.
I like your personality! Come hike the PCT with me this April!
I so badly wish I could! Have the best time!!
Happy way belated birthday!
God does provide
Happy belated birthday!
Getting out there by yourself is such a good feeling, don't worry about being a girl on your own! 😁 Keep going! ATB 😀
Great work on your adventures. As for the people who are concerned about you, don't let it bother you. It's not that they don't respect you or think you aren't well traveled, they are simply concerned. A woman alone is always going to be at more risk and it isn't a sexist ideal but a common sense one. Just be careful and enjoy.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to a fellow Virgo!! Has your husband not caught the bug yet? I am constantly hoping that my wife will catch the hiking fever and go on a multi week thru hike with me. Good luck, cant wait to see the rest of the trail!
Thank you! He is realllly into triathlon but not so much into backpacking. Also - he has the health insurance, so it’s probably a good thing he’s not into thru hiking :)
Random question, can you share where you source your music from for your videos? You have a great ear for putting the right mood in with every scene. Great job filming this and glad you got back out to hike last fall.
I use royalty free music from UA-cam studio :)
Are you treating the water with aquamira drops after filtering? I am curious as to why you would be doing that.
I got sepsis on the AT from bad water (virus). This was my first solo trip back out after that emergency hospitalization. So I took extra caution for peace of mind.
Shotgun Eddy's is amazing. I eat there a lot. Like a lot a lot haha 🤣😹
I thru hiked the R2R 20 years ago in the depths of winter.
I just recently moved backed to S Illinois., and I'm thinking of thru hiking the R2R again.
I really enjoyed your AT videos. I was saddened by how things ended. I also understand that I could end my journey in a very similar way.
I hiked a portion of the R2R last weekend and wished that I had brought a saw to clear the way.
Southern Illinois hiking makes humans realize just how far spiders are willing to go to spread a web at face level across a trail. You think that the trail is too wide for such a web, but they know just where to place it for the maximum effect.
awesome videos...gonna do this soon. Did you use any paper maps or just Avenza? did you have reliable gps for avenza thru the trail?
Twix for birthday treat! I looked at Illinois DNR site and don't think you need to worry about cougars. It's too bad that people don't think women can do things on their own. I know my wife and daughter have been subjected to this behavior. Stay courageous, even when scary.
So I just did a section of this trail last week, did you finish this trail? I plan to get back there soon to start my 2nd section
Don't get yourself down on all those ignorant butt heads that think because your a woman you shouldn't be hiking alone. People naturally make the assumption that because they are too afraid to do something that you shouldn't be doing it either. Keep on hiking!
Throw that z lite away and get a neoaire x lite inflatable. Sleep is the most important thing.
I have been putting it off, but I absolutely need to upgrade. This trip made it clear!
Do you feel safe as a sole female hiker?
Yes, I generally do. I trust my gut and critical thinking skills. And at the end of the day, I remember that it's more risky driving to the trailhead than backpacking.
understand completely about the condescending comments you get when you are a solo female hiker
🦋❤
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! Buy yourself some "Dirty Girl Gaiters" $20 or so and the best investment I made ... haven't had crap in my shoes since getting them!!!
Thanks Corner. Gaiters would be have been great.
It's not just you. I am a middle aged man 6 for 3 and 240 pounds. I always get people asking me about my safety. Do I carry a gun, does anyone know where you are, why are you out hiking alone? It's irritating. Another thing, that only happens in the south. When I am in the west or the upper great lakes area nobody finds it odd.
It's laughable that people are worried about cougars. In the past 100 years there has been 27 fatalities in all of North America as a result of cougar attacks. However, there are approximately 710 annual fatalities in the U.S. alone as a result of horses. So those kind folks on horseback should be more concerned about their activities than they are about yours. Nice video series by the way.
should of said you got machine gun in your pack and a black belt in two martial arts lol