PLEASE READ - I want to emphasis how wonderful the two group leaders from Valley to Summit were during this expedition, the whole experience was enjoyable and a good time was had by all. This was a first class guided hike by professionals and I very much appreciate that I was given the freedom to move at my own pace and take as many videos as I liked - 126 to be specific. I give my highest recommendations to Valley to Summit outfitters. Secondly, I would like to emphasize how challenging it was to film here. The lighting was terrible that day, and the treacherous icy conditions made holding a steady camera extremely difficult, not to mention potentially dangerous! While safety gear is provided by the outfitter it is still incumbent upon the individual to watch there footing and proceed safely. Another issue I had was completely my own fault; I filmed all of my shots in a 4:3 aspect ratio by mistake. In order to correct this, every image had to be zoomed in by 25% to fit into a 16:9 widescreen format. This made for quite an editing challenge, and I did the best here with what I had, with some shots not coming out precisely the way I had intended. All of that to say that the film came out alittle different than what I had envisioned but as I often say, you have to work with what your given, and these were the circumstances presented. Finally, I want to emphasize that access to the trail system is closed to the public short of anyone who is not an experienced ice climber with proper gear and permission from the park service. The only safe way to enjoy the Falls Trail system in the winter is through the outfitter www.valleytosummit.com/
Great film work nonetheless and thanks for sharing the outfitter link. Ricketts Glenn is on my hike list but I avoided due to icy conditions. This is helpful!
@@bradansworld thanks for watching and I am glad the video was useful to you. By all means if you get the chance to go there someday do it, earlier is better as the trails can be very crowded in spring summer fall.
I have been to Ricketts Glen many times, but never in winter. The frozen falls are incredibly beautiful... I especially enjoyed the clip of Glenogo (excuse spelling) Fall transitioning from summer to winter. Awesome! Thank you, thank you, thank you, Gator, for sharing this adventure with folks. You feed my soul.
I suspect that very few ever get to experience the Falls Trail in the heart of winter. I knew when I first found out about this guided hike that i had to do it if i was able to. It's my good fortune to be able to do these types of things and my pleasure to share them with others. The idea for showing a transition from winter to fall just kinda popped in my head during editing, and I think it came out pretty well. Thank you for your kind comment, Kate.
Thank you so much Nick and Rachel! Rickett's is a premiere destination here in Pennsylvania but very few ever have the opportunity to visit the falls in winter, this was a real treat and I had a blast.
My pleasure. It was super cool experience in person. Very challenging to film and I made some mistakes with my camera settings, but I think the video turned out pretty good. Definitely a sight to behold! 🙂
This was a real challenge to film but I think this is one of my best videos because it really shows a side of Ricketts Glen that very few get to see. Thanks for checking out the video, Debbie!
Thank you for sharing Ricketts in Winter. I would never attempt this and certainly appreciate seeing how breathtaking it is in winter. Beautifully filmed.
“Inspired” is a word that crops up on so many of the comments on your videos because of the truth behind it. Inspiration to go see nature. Inspiration to go on a new adventure. Inspiration to discover. Once again that inspiration sent us to Ricketts Glen using Valley to Summit for a trip to see this beautiful park during a different season and views you won’t get any other time of year. Highly recommended. Thanks as always for the inspiration you provide each week brother.
Cole! Great to hear from you buddy. I was on my way to another hike this morning when I saw your comment. You have quite the "inspirational" way with words yourself. Your comments have been some of the best motivation for me to continue getting out there, and I am always delighted to hear from you, thanks my friend.
Great to hear from you Andy! Ricketts seems to leave an impression on all those who visit, it truly is a special place. I feel very fortunate to have been able to see this unique aspect of the Falls Trail system, and happy to share it with others.
It is definitely a unique experience. Ricketts is beautiful in all seasons that's for sure, and winter has its own charm. Thank you so much for leaving a comment Hiking Outdoor Family!
Your right, this is a serious hike Ed, and the outfitter requested an extensive health waiver. As the lead guide explained, the cost and time to extract an injured individual could run well into the 10's of thousands. I suppose you could say that with great risk comes great reward. I feel fortunate and blessed to have been able to make the trip, and I appreciate your watching and commenting on the film, thank you!
Thanks for watching my friend! It is definitely a different type of vibe here in the winter. Quieter, and less vibrant, but still possessing a raw and unique beauty.
Walter, you are amazing! Because of your dedication (and stamina ) we get to experience something that many of us would never be able to experience in our lifetimes. Thank you for all that you do to showcase the beauty of Pennsylvania. You are a treasure to us all.
Very kind of you to say rbpat52. I get to do things that I love to do - hike and explore - and share that with others, feels like a win all around. It is one of the best aspects of this whole youtube experience for me knowing that I am able in some capacity to bring some joy to others with these videos.
Amazing, again! I have hiked at Ricketts Glen only once and have wanted to go back; I guess the long drive up there is my only excuse. Anyway, I had no idea that you could get a guided tour in the winter; what an amazing experience, especially with the temps we've had lately. I would never even have thought of it even though I do hike in winter. Awesome video and thanks for bringing it to us!
It was truly my pleasure to do this one. This was a bucket list item for me in terms of unique hikes and experiences in Pennsylvania. Appreciate your watching and commenting my friend.
This video is so timely! This ice hike has been on my bucket list for a few years, and this year we pulled the trigger and made reservations to go the end of Feb. Ricketts holds a special place in my heart. Loved the video.
That is so awesome, what a coincidence! When you say that "Ricketts holds a special place in my heart" I feel that on a personal level because I feel exactly the same way. So many great memories there and this was another one, thank you my friend, and have a great time, I know you will!
Walter great hike. Lisa and I met Chadd from Valley to Summit several years ago rock climbing in Milton, Super nice guy. Have always wanted to do his Rickett's Glen Hike. What a Beautiful hike. Love the frozen falls!! That trail in the summer is tough - on ice would be rough. Awesome video my friend!
Yes he is a very friendly and knowledgeable fellow, I was glad to have him for part of the trip. He actually had to join another group to assist with a hiker who was struggling halfway through the hike. I should have gave you a ring I was looking for a partner to do this hike with! Appreciate you for checking out the film and commenting, thank you Tony.
Just getting to see this video now! I love going down to Ricketts Glen. It's amazing no matter what season. I don't think I have the guts to make that hike in the winter though. I'm glad you did because you really captured some amazing footage of the place.
I've had the good fortune of being able to visit Ricketts in every season now, and each experience has been beautiful in it's own unique way. Truly is a special place that seems to leave a mark on all those who visit. Thanks for the lovely comment Kaitlin, I appreciate it very much!
So this was amazing. When you said you were going, I wondered how you'd find enough freedom on a guided hike to film like you film. It looked fantastic as usual, and I didn't notice the cropping to fix the ratio mistake. Might look for signs on a rewatch, but at first glance it was awesome. After last year, I swore I'd do one this year, but looks like I might have to push back again.... My kids play too many sports!
I was very fortunate that the guides were understanding and patient with me. As I have said in other comments, they really are a professional outfit and although they see the same sights on a regular basis they understand how unique it is to us first timers. I did have to work faster than I would have liked and wasn't able to get quite as close to some of the formations as I would have liked, but that is my only very minor gripes. Having done youtube now for a couple years also helped me alot to function within the group setting. It was important for me to be considerate of others during the tour and not infringe on anyone elses enjoyment so I stayed to the back of the pack as much as possible. All in all a great experience, hopefully you will get out there one day to experience it yourself!
How many adventures start with that all important predawn "fill er up". As usual, thanks for taking us along. Followed this up by rewatching "Thompsons Ghost Beach". Talk about a big sky! You did something there that I for one would love to see in all of your videos. In that video, you showed us on the map whereabouts in the state the vid was shot. Very helpful for those of us out-of-staters that would love to get some more geographical familiarity without having to reach for our devices. Gotta add kudos for how well you select music that really sets the table nicely for your excellent videography. Well done, my man.
Harry I want to say thank you for that feedback. I am constantly looking for ways to improve the content and I really appreciate that piece of advice. I really need more viewers to chime in and help make the channel better, the more engagement the better. As far as the ol" filler up - damn things are expensive in 2022! 100 dollars for a tank of gas and turnpike tolls !!!
That had to be a cool experience, no pun intended. I’ve never been to rickets, but I’ve been looking closely at it especially since the campground is now open year round.
Really? I didn't know the campground was open all year. I have been there many times since I was little. I remember driving up in 2005 during the tail end of Hurricane Katrina with my brother. We had a little tent, and by the grace of God the winds and rained slowed down just when we arrived a bit. Just enough to throw up a little tent, tarp, and even get a fire going. The whole campsite was a ghost town, I remember the Ranger looking at us funny and even a kindly camper with a trailer offering to shelter us for the night - probably the only other camper there. Somehow we made it through the night and the next day was beautiful. Ofcourse the price of gas shot up from 2 dollars on the drive up to 4.50 on the drive home due to damages to the gulf coast refineries. You used to be able to just drive up and find a nice spot to camp, now the place seems to be booked solid virtually all year. Sorry for the long answer but Ricketts holds a special place in my heart - if you have the opportunity to visit do it my friend, you wont regret it.
@@WALTERZOLNA I’m definitely spoiled these days. I like tent camping, definitely want to get back into it when the kids are older. Having the RV is just the easiest way for traveling with young kids.
Incredible!! This looks like an amazing experience. To compare what Ricketts Glen is like with the roar of waterfalls to the silence of the ice falls is astounding. This is such a unique adventure, I'm adding it to my bucket list. Thanks for highlighting the beauty of Pennsylvania in all seasons and allowing us to experience it with you! Can't wait to see where you take us next
Thank you Belle Woods! I was able to find some footage of Ganoga Falls from one of my previous visits and splice it into the scene there. What can I say, the magic of Hollywood, lol. It's so different between summer and winter there.
My wife and I have been watching many of your back episodes. Your cinematography is second to none. I can't believe you don't have more views. Have you considered changing the channel name to something like 'Gator Hikes'? It might draw more people.
Thankyou Scott for watching the videos, your support of the channel, amd your suggestion for trying to create growth. In a word, yes, I have thought about changing the name of the channel. I have thought incessantly about all manner of ways to get more eyes on my videos - it has been a point of great frustration for me - to not see the channel grow as quickly as I would like. That being said i choose to focus on the core reasons for doing the channel - personal growth, the joy of travel and exploration, mental/physical health, and to promote and encourage others. Although the channel is small, I have come across many amazing people and had many lifetime lasting experiences, and feel blessed and appreciative of the loyal viewers and subscribers who are part of the small community we are creating here. It is my hope that sooner rather than later the youtube algorithm will find me and give me a boost! For now I will continue to focus on creating quality content, work that I can be proud of, and just keep plugging away. Its not a bad name by the way, and at a minimum the idea of incorporating some type of key word such as hikes, hiking, adventure, into the channel name is something i am looking at very closely.
Hi Walter. We enjoyed your video. It's the only way we'll see Rickett's in the winter. Can you recommend a brand of ice grips for shoes? We're headed out hiking this week and last year it was icy where we're going. Thanks.
Thank you for that question. Ironically, after my hike on Shades of Death, I came to the sobering conclusion that I needed a better winter footwear setup myself. The crampons I wore in this video were provided by the outfitter, they are specifically designed for gripping and climbing ice. What yourself and I probably need is a good pair of micro spikes, somewhat similiar to soccer or baseball cleats. I am going to be doing some research into this in the next 24 - 48 hours. I will get back to you with what i come up with as soon as possible!
You were right alot of options, too many in fact. Based on my past experiences with gear, I tend to prefer higher quality items, although not necessarily the most expensive. Looks like the Kahtoola micro spikes that go for about 70 dollars are universally considered the best option. That's a bit pricey in my opinion but because i love to winter hike and can get onto some pretty dicey trails that is what I am going to go for. If that seems a bit much or your not sure how often you will use them than maybe the Yaktrax at 30 dollars are a better bet, although they seem to have some issues with durability. Let me know what you come up with!
@@WALTERZOLNA Thanks Walter. Since we don't go that often in the winter and mainly stay on level paths when it's icy I think we'll opt for the cheaper version. When you're old farts like us, (65&67), you have to watch the budget. Thanks for getting back. Happy Hiking. Gayle & Roland. ps. Heading to Raymondskill and a couple of others today.
there are some sweet shots in this and it's an awesome hike... BUT dude I really could have gone without the epic soundtrack in the beginning. This is a very subjective opinion, but personally, I hate when people act like their recreational activities are some epic feat, for the better of mankind. The guys who did Mt. St. Elias did the same thing and it just turned me off entirely. 14 Peaks did it well, but he genuinely did skyrocket the careers of the Sherpas he climbed with. I dunno, it's a personal gripe, but it's a winter hike, not the storming of Normandy Beach. If this was a rescue video, risking your life to save someone else, then sure, but a guided hike? It's a bit much. I'll say this, after the first song, you did a great job and married up some of that serene music with the beautiful frozen landscape shots VERY VERY well. I'm watching this to get some approach beta for some ice climbing today, so I sincerely appreciate the video... I just loathe the epic, dragon slaying music at the beginning lol. Anyway, thanks for the video, but maybe take the task a bit less seriously. Also, the most dangerous winter (and summer probably) day hike in PA would most likely go to Glen Onoko falls near Jim Thorpe. If that's something you're interested it, give the local rangers a call and see what the stipulations to access for it is. They shut it down a little while ago becuase it was too dangerous, but the last time I went (before I knew it was shut down), my wife and I ran into a park ranger, who asked us what we were planning on doing. I informed him of which ice climbs we were planning on hitting, and when he saw that we had the right gear and were taking it seriously, allowed us access. So, if that's something you're interested in, and you've developed your winter skills, that might be worth checking out, even if it's just to hike.
PLEASE READ - I want to emphasis how wonderful the two group leaders from Valley to Summit were during this expedition, the whole experience was enjoyable and a good time was had by all. This was a first class guided hike by professionals and I very much appreciate that I was given the freedom to move at my own pace and take as many videos as I liked - 126 to be specific. I give my highest recommendations to Valley to Summit outfitters. Secondly, I would like to emphasize how challenging it was to film here. The lighting was terrible that day, and the treacherous icy conditions made holding a steady camera extremely difficult, not to mention potentially dangerous! While safety gear is provided by the outfitter it is still incumbent upon the individual to watch there footing and proceed safely. Another issue I had was completely my own fault; I filmed all of my shots in a 4:3 aspect ratio by mistake. In order to correct this, every image had to be zoomed in by 25% to fit into a 16:9 widescreen format. This made for quite an editing challenge, and I did the best here with what I had, with some shots not coming out precisely the way I had intended. All of that to say that the film came out alittle different than what I had envisioned but as I often say, you have to work with what your given, and these were the circumstances presented. Finally, I want to emphasize that access to the trail system is closed to the public short of anyone who is not an experienced ice climber with proper gear and permission from the park service. The only safe way to enjoy the Falls Trail system in the winter is through the outfitter www.valleytosummit.com/
Beyond on all those obstacles, the production was still excellent.
Great film work nonetheless and thanks for sharing the outfitter link. Ricketts Glenn is on my hike list but I avoided due to icy conditions. This is helpful!
@@bradansworld thanks for watching and I am glad the video was useful to you. By all means if you get the chance to go there someday do it, earlier is better as the trails can be very crowded in spring summer fall.
That park is gorgeous covered in snow and ice. Wow.
It's amazing all four seasons. Very few get to see it in this way though...
Beautiful, truly a winter wonderland!
It was definitely a unique experience, yes I think " winter wonderland" sums things up perfectly!
I have been to Ricketts Glen many times, but never in winter. The frozen falls are incredibly beautiful... I especially enjoyed the clip of Glenogo (excuse spelling) Fall transitioning from summer to winter. Awesome!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Gator, for sharing this adventure with folks. You feed my soul.
I suspect that very few ever get to experience the Falls Trail in the heart of winter. I knew when I first found out about this guided hike that i had to do it if i was able to. It's my good fortune to be able to do these types of things and my pleasure to share them with others. The idea for showing a transition from winter to fall just kinda popped in my head during editing, and I think it came out pretty well. Thank you for your kind comment, Kate.
Wow that hike looked epic! All the icicles coming off the rock walls and the waterfall so beautiful! Winter Wonderland
Thank you so much Nick and Rachel! Rickett's is a premiere destination here in Pennsylvania but very few ever have the opportunity to visit the falls in winter, this was a real treat and I had a blast.
@@WALTERZOLNA your welcome!
A treacherous hike, nonetheless a beautiful, magical, frozen landscape. Thank you so much for sharing. Tread carefully.
Absolutely Joanne, it's my pleasure to show these places!
Awesome video and ice falls ❄️❄️❄️❄️
I had a great time there. Appreciate your checking out the film!
Wow! That was incredible! Thanks for taking us along on an experience that most of us will never be able to do ourselves. Fantastic video.
My pleasure. It was super cool experience in person. Very challenging to film and I made some mistakes with my camera settings, but I think the video turned out pretty good. Definitely a sight to behold! 🙂
just beautiful - i would love to see that in the winter. thank you for all your work!!!
This was a real challenge to film but I think this is one of my best videos because it really shows a side of Ricketts Glen that very few get to see. Thanks for checking out the video, Debbie!
Amazing , have been there in the summer , but to see it like this , is incredible!
Thank you, this was a really cool experience getting to see it all first hand. It's always magical at Ricketts Glen no matter what the season!
Thank you for sharing Ricketts in Winter. I would never attempt this and certainly appreciate seeing how breathtaking it is in winter. Beautifully filmed.
Thanks Mary, it was a real thrill and a challenge to film this, quite the experience!
@@WALTERZOLNA So happy your channel came up in my feed! Enjoying your adventures immensly!
Fantastic work man, amazing video with stunning editing.
Thank you my friend, I appreciate your taking the time to leave such a nice comment.
“Inspired” is a word that crops up on so many of the comments on your videos because of the truth behind it. Inspiration to go see nature. Inspiration to go on a new adventure. Inspiration to discover. Once again that inspiration sent us to Ricketts Glen using Valley to Summit for a trip to see this beautiful park during a different season and views you won’t get any other time of year. Highly recommended. Thanks as always for the inspiration you provide each week brother.
Cole! Great to hear from you buddy. I was on my way to another hike this morning when I saw your comment. You have quite the "inspirational" way with words yourself. Your comments have been some of the best motivation for me to continue getting out there, and I am always delighted to hear from you, thanks my friend.
Beautiful very nicely done
Thanks Bob I appreciate your kind words. it means alot to small channels such as mine to hear that positive feedback, thank you my friend!
I love that place. I can’t wait to go back. That’s really cool that we could see the falls in the winter time. Good job bud.
Great to hear from you Andy! Ricketts seems to leave an impression on all those who visit, it truly is a special place. I feel very fortunate to have been able to see this unique aspect of the Falls Trail system, and happy to share it with others.
Wow, this looks an amazing experience. Ricketts Glen looks incredible in the winter!
It is definitely a unique experience. Ricketts is beautiful in all seasons that's for sure, and winter has its own charm. Thank you so much for leaving a comment Hiking Outdoor Family!
The danger factor and skill you needed to film and edit with what you had, makes this an instant classic. Until the next trail safe travels to you.
Appreciate that Douglas, thankyou. Safe travels to you as well.
Those steps are no joke coved with ice. I see people struggle with them with no ice. Too bad you had a sunny day:( Thank you for the video!!!
Your right, this is a serious hike Ed, and the outfitter requested an extensive health waiver. As the lead guide explained, the cost and time to extract an injured individual could run well into the 10's of thousands. I suppose you could say that with great risk comes great reward. I feel fortunate and blessed to have been able to make the trip, and I appreciate your watching and commenting on the film, thank you!
super beautiful always wanted to check this place out in the winter!
Thanks for watching my friend! It is definitely a different type of vibe here in the winter. Quieter, and less vibrant, but still possessing a raw and unique beauty.
Walter, you are amazing! Because of your dedication (and stamina ) we get to experience something that many of us would never be able to experience in our lifetimes. Thank you for all that you do to showcase the beauty of Pennsylvania. You are a treasure to us all.
Very kind of you to say rbpat52. I get to do things that I love to do - hike and explore - and share that with others, feels like a win all around. It is one of the best aspects of this whole youtube experience for me knowing that I am able in some capacity to bring some joy to others with these videos.
Amazing, again! I have hiked at Ricketts Glen only once and have wanted to go back; I guess the long drive up there is my only excuse. Anyway, I had no idea that you could get a guided tour in the winter; what an amazing experience, especially with the temps we've had lately. I would never even have thought of it even though I do hike in winter. Awesome video and thanks for bringing it to us!
It was truly my pleasure to do this one. This was a bucket list item for me in terms of unique hikes and experiences in Pennsylvania. Appreciate your watching and commenting my friend.
This video is so timely! This ice hike has been on my bucket list for a few years, and this year we pulled the trigger and made reservations to go the end of Feb. Ricketts holds a special place in my heart. Loved the video.
That is so awesome, what a coincidence! When you say that "Ricketts holds a special place in my heart" I feel that on a personal level because I feel exactly the same way. So many great memories there and this was another one, thank you my friend, and have a great time, I know you will!
Walter great hike. Lisa and I met Chadd from Valley to Summit several years ago rock climbing in Milton, Super nice guy. Have always wanted to do his Rickett's Glen Hike. What a Beautiful hike. Love the frozen falls!! That trail in the summer is tough - on ice would be rough. Awesome video my friend!
Yes he is a very friendly and knowledgeable fellow, I was glad to have him for part of the trip. He actually had to join another group to assist with a hiker who was struggling halfway through the hike. I should have gave you a ring I was looking for a partner to do this hike with! Appreciate you for checking out the film and commenting, thank you Tony.
Just getting to see this video now! I love going down to Ricketts Glen. It's amazing no matter what season. I don't think I have the guts to make that hike in the winter though. I'm glad you did because you really captured some amazing footage of the place.
I've had the good fortune of being able to visit Ricketts in every season now, and each experience has been beautiful in it's own unique way. Truly is a special place that seems to leave a mark on all those who visit. Thanks for the lovely comment Kaitlin, I appreciate it very much!
So this was amazing. When you said you were going, I wondered how you'd find enough freedom on a guided hike to film like you film. It looked fantastic as usual, and I didn't notice the cropping to fix the ratio mistake. Might look for signs on a rewatch, but at first glance it was awesome.
After last year, I swore I'd do one this year, but looks like I might have to push back again.... My kids play too many sports!
I was very fortunate that the guides were understanding and patient with me. As I have said in other comments, they really are a professional outfit and although they see the same sights on a regular basis they understand how unique it is to us first timers. I did have to work faster than I would have liked and wasn't able to get quite as close to some of the formations as I would have liked, but that is my only very minor gripes. Having done youtube now for a couple years also helped me alot to function within the group setting. It was important for me to be considerate of others during the tour and not infringe on anyone elses enjoyment so I stayed to the back of the pack as much as possible. All in all a great experience, hopefully you will get out there one day to experience it yourself!
How many adventures start with that all important predawn "fill er up". As usual, thanks for taking us along.
Followed this up by rewatching "Thompsons Ghost Beach". Talk about a big sky! You did something there that I for one would love to see in all of your videos. In that video, you showed us on the map whereabouts in the state the vid was shot. Very helpful for those of us out-of-staters that would love to get some more geographical familiarity without having to reach for our devices.
Gotta add kudos for how well you select music that really sets the table nicely for your excellent videography. Well done, my man.
Harry I want to say thank you for that feedback. I am constantly looking for ways to improve the content and I really appreciate that piece of advice. I really need more viewers to chime in and help make the channel better, the more engagement the better. As far as the ol" filler up - damn things are expensive in 2022! 100 dollars for a tank of gas and turnpike tolls !!!
That had to be a cool experience, no pun intended. I’ve never been to rickets, but I’ve been looking closely at it especially since the campground is now open year round.
Really? I didn't know the campground was open all year. I have been there many times since I was little. I remember driving up in 2005 during the tail end of Hurricane Katrina with my brother. We had a little tent, and by the grace of God the winds and rained slowed down just when we arrived a bit. Just enough to throw up a little tent, tarp, and even get a fire going. The whole campsite was a ghost town, I remember the Ranger looking at us funny and even a kindly camper with a trailer offering to shelter us for the night - probably the only other camper there. Somehow we made it through the night and the next day was beautiful. Ofcourse the price of gas shot up from 2 dollars on the drive up to 4.50 on the drive home due to damages to the gulf coast refineries. You used to be able to just drive up and find a nice spot to camp, now the place seems to be booked solid virtually all year. Sorry for the long answer but Ricketts holds a special place in my heart - if you have the opportunity to visit do it my friend, you wont regret it.
@@WALTERZOLNA I think this was the first winter it was open. I wish gas was only 2$ a gallon. Had to be a rough night in a tent!
@@mountainsintomemories The things we do in our younger years, lol!
@@WALTERZOLNA I’m definitely spoiled these days. I like tent camping, definitely want to get back into it when the kids are older. Having the RV is just the easiest way for traveling with young kids.
Incredible!! This looks like an amazing experience. To compare what Ricketts Glen is like with the roar of waterfalls to the silence of the ice falls is astounding. This is such a unique adventure, I'm adding it to my bucket list. Thanks for highlighting the beauty of Pennsylvania in all seasons and allowing us to experience it with you! Can't wait to see where you take us next
Thank you Belle Woods! I was able to find some footage of Ganoga Falls from one of my previous visits and splice it into the scene there. What can I say, the magic of Hollywood, lol. It's so different between summer and winter there.
My wife and I have been watching many of your back episodes. Your cinematography is second to none. I can't believe you don't have more views. Have you considered changing the channel name to something like 'Gator Hikes'? It might draw more people.
Thankyou Scott for watching the videos, your support of the channel, amd your suggestion for trying to create growth. In a word, yes, I have thought about changing the name of the channel. I have thought incessantly about all manner of ways to get more eyes on my videos - it has been a point of great frustration for me - to not see the channel grow as quickly as I would like. That being said i choose to focus on the core reasons for doing the channel - personal growth, the joy of travel and exploration, mental/physical health, and to promote and encourage others. Although the channel is small, I have come across many amazing people and had many lifetime lasting experiences, and feel blessed and appreciative of the loyal viewers and subscribers who are part of the small community we are creating here. It is my hope that sooner rather than later the youtube algorithm will find me and give me a boost! For now I will continue to focus on creating quality content, work that I can be proud of, and just keep plugging away. Its not a bad name by the way, and at a minimum the idea of incorporating some type of key word such as hikes, hiking, adventure, into the channel name is something i am looking at very closely.
Hi Walter. We enjoyed your video. It's the only way we'll see Rickett's in the winter. Can you recommend a brand of ice grips for shoes? We're headed out hiking this week and last year it was icy where we're going. Thanks.
Thank you for that question. Ironically, after my hike on Shades of Death, I came to the sobering conclusion that I needed a better winter footwear setup myself. The crampons I wore in this video were provided by the outfitter, they are specifically designed for gripping and climbing ice. What yourself and I probably need is a good pair of micro spikes, somewhat similiar to soccer or baseball cleats. I am going to be doing some research into this in the next 24 - 48 hours. I will get back to you with what i come up with as soon as possible!
@@WALTERZOLNA Thanks, Amazon has a ton of them. It's hard to know which ones to get.
You were right alot of options, too many in fact. Based on my past experiences with gear, I tend to prefer higher quality items, although not necessarily the most expensive. Looks like the Kahtoola micro spikes that go for about 70 dollars are universally considered the best option. That's a bit pricey in my opinion but because i love to winter hike and can get onto some pretty dicey trails that is what I am going to go for. If that seems a bit much or your not sure how often you will use them than maybe the Yaktrax at 30 dollars are a better bet, although they seem to have some issues with durability. Let me know what you come up with!
@@WALTERZOLNA Thanks Walter. Since we don't go that often in the winter and mainly stay on level paths when it's icy I think we'll opt for the cheaper version. When you're old farts like us, (65&67), you have to watch the budget. Thanks for getting back. Happy Hiking. Gayle & Roland. ps. Heading to Raymondskill and a couple of others today.
there are some sweet shots in this and it's an awesome hike... BUT dude I really could have gone without the epic soundtrack in the beginning. This is a very subjective opinion, but personally, I hate when people act like their recreational activities are some epic feat, for the better of mankind. The guys who did Mt. St. Elias did the same thing and it just turned me off entirely. 14 Peaks did it well, but he genuinely did skyrocket the careers of the Sherpas he climbed with. I dunno, it's a personal gripe, but it's a winter hike, not the storming of Normandy Beach. If this was a rescue video, risking your life to save someone else, then sure, but a guided hike? It's a bit much.
I'll say this, after the first song, you did a great job and married up some of that serene music with the beautiful frozen landscape shots VERY VERY well. I'm watching this to get some approach beta for some ice climbing today, so I sincerely appreciate the video... I just loathe the epic, dragon slaying music at the beginning lol.
Anyway, thanks for the video, but maybe take the task a bit less seriously.
Also, the most dangerous winter (and summer probably) day hike in PA would most likely go to Glen Onoko falls near Jim Thorpe. If that's something you're interested it, give the local rangers a call and see what the stipulations to access for it is. They shut it down a little while ago becuase it was too dangerous, but the last time I went (before I knew it was shut down), my wife and I ran into a park ranger, who asked us what we were planning on doing. I informed him of which ice climbs we were planning on hitting, and when he saw that we had the right gear and were taking it seriously, allowed us access. So, if that's something you're interested in, and you've developed your winter skills, that might be worth checking out, even if it's just to hike.
I'm surprised you watched the whole thing, lol.
When did you do this hike in 2022?
This was filmed Sunday Jan 23rd
Thanks
Those steps are no joke coved with ice. I see people struggle with them with no ice. Too bad you had a sunny day:( Thank you for the video!!!