Tonight, I'm lying in my hammock at Low Gap Shelter on the 3rd night of my AT NOBO watching ER on another thru-hike! Honestly, watching your AT hike reminded me of how much I'd wanted to do a thru. I can't thank you enough for that.
Recovery! Recovery! I am so glad you stress that. So important. I really liked seeing the reflective side with that chill guitar music. I do aspire to hike miles like you do. Some of this section reminded me of Georgia AT. Enjoy your journey! Every step. Be well look forward to the next one.👻🙋♂️
I’m loving following you on this hike. You are killing it mileage wise each day. I’m guessing you went thru the rock garden today, ouch. Tomorrow you have a fairly steep climb up stairway to heaven, then onto Mt Cheaha. The restaurant and general store are great, should have anything you might need. The hotel rooms are nothing special but it sure beats the shelter in bad weather. If it’s a toss up between staying in the Cheaha rooms or the hotel in Heflin, I’d stay at Cheaha. Keeping fingers crossed you get good weather for the views from Cheaha and McDill.
Nice series of videos ER. Although it is hard to hear about 70 degree weather; when the two day snowstorm blows through we’re looking at 11 below up here in the mountains of Vermont. The Pinhoti sounds mighty sweet!
Yesterday I stumbled into camp exhausted. I slept like a baby for 9 hrs and woke up feeling energized. It's amazing what a solid nights sleep can do to rejuvenate the body and mind. That lack of water was making me nervous..lol. I got off in Franklin today to duck out that system. There is a flash flood warning here too.
The videos I've seen of the Pinhoti Trail remind me a lot of the Ouachita Trail. The terrain, trees, and scenery (and all those danged rocks) are quite similar. One of the common problems on the OT is that water sources can be unpredictable. January/February and July/August are just stinking dry! A good source one week may be a mud hole the next if there's no rain. Maybe the lousy weather the next few days will help with the water supply. Hike on!
The thing about the Pinhoti is that there is a lot of ridge walking and switch backs so unless you hit a valley which sometimes seems like forever the water is scarce. From Adams Gap to past cheaha state park can be very dry unless there has been rain.
Here’s a trekking pole tip... slip one pole thru the strap of the other one to create a sort of cradle. Prop the cradle against the tree with the bottom ends spread apart. This should prevent the poles from ending up on the ground. This is especially useful with smaller trees or posts. Thanks for sharing your hike.
Love seeing you back on trail ER! When I was dealing with Lyme in 2017 I watched all your AT videos. I spent 6 weeks in bed (unable to stand/use my legs for 8 of those days) during the worst of it. Your videos kept me focused on getting back outside and doing the things I love. A lot of things I learned from you I used in the planning of a JMT hike that I hoped I would be healthy enough to actually do in the future. In August of 2019 my 14 yr old daughter and I spent 23 amazing days on the JMT walking through the Sierra. It is an experience we will never forget. From standing on the summit of Mt. Whitney to getting that famous shot on top of Half Dome, it's burned into our memory. Thanks for sharing your journeys. They have a huge impact on people.
You know, a brave man might have kicked that stick out from under that overhang if he thought he could outrun the ensuing avalanche! ER, you're doing great man! Big miles! Awesome, just awesome!
My granddaughter Taylor hiked this trail with me a couple years back she still tells everyone I was trying to kill her. We also winter hiked it we started the day after Christmas. Water was a problem then too. Enjoying this hike with you . I'm glad you are able to document it.
Days are starting to get longer - nice run today. Thanks for the clarity on the drops - that thought never crossed my mind. Stay dry (or at least warm).
You are rocking the trail! Just hard to imagine the heat at this time of year . . . wow. So right about stress caused by running low on water. Hope you are out of the dry spots for the remainder.
Love your positive attitude. Your an interesting dude. Yeah enlightened quilt, duplex, arc blast ...it doesn’t get any better. I will be watching your journey and you seem to be so grateful for everything. Thanks for putting me in a great mood. Sheila Vancouver BC🇨🇦
Decent weather, great sunrises and sunsets. May not have to worry too much about water if you get those flooding rains. Rained all night , all day and still raining here in west Tennessee. Headed your way I'm sure .
Fellown NC native here. (Not very far from you at all.) Thank you for sharing your journey. Being an introvert as well you've got me rethinking my AT start date in the future to start earlier than the bubble. Keep on keeping on brother.
My GG Mariposa hauls water weight so well (I shortened the tall pocket to make them equal on both sides) but after the AZT the back was white with salt from me sweating. I broke a stick in my ZPacks Arc Haul and went ten days with broken pack. Not fun. So I’ll stick with Mariposa. For now. The ULA Circuit is good too but the Mariposa seems more comfortable for my low back issues. Hike on!
Hey ER, love watching your vids hopefully myself and a buddy will do the AT in a few years. What camera/phone do you use, as well as what editing software?
Aloha Terry E. I thought I was the only Elrod that did/does thru hiking. Long or short ones. Gonna be interesting following EARLY RISER with this storm system crossing the eastern portion. I enjoy your trail walking ER.
The section you are in is where I decided frameless packs weren't worth it. Sweaty back, and I had to carry 4-5 litres of water after Bulls Gap. I actually found where someone had dropped multiple bottles of water going up the hill after the Talladega Creek bridge, had to snag those bad boys as I couldn't get down to the water at the creek.
Great day on the trail with awesome weather. That is a good point to make about using a different dropper bottle from the one provided for water treatment. I could see that being an easy thing to miss and end up mistreating water.
Beautiful morning shots. Yeah the stress of not knowing if there is water does play on your mind. 72 degrees lol. Come hike in Florida with me. Enjoying your trip ER! 👍👍👍
Fantastic day on the trail! You nailed the AT trail design. It would have gone straight up and over those rocks. Laughing! I planned my hike a couple of days using erroneous Guthook comments while on the AT. Frustrating but.....got to deal with what you have. Thinking back, I should have commented more. Stay safe with the potential storms heading your way. Keep Hiking!
Take care of those legs. The videos are great. Just getting into backpacking and am happy to have run across your trip. Wish I could accomplish those kind of miles. Good luck and happy trails.
Pushing the miles every day. Looks like you've had some decent weather. You may have a couple of wet days ahead, but it always clears off. I think you've been blessed with more spectacular sunrises in short time than in the same early time frame on the AT. Keep the narrative coming. Almost looks like a lot of the early trail (non-road walk) is an old roadbed or wagon trail.
Tough day. Loving following along. Cheers from PA. I just stumbled on your channel when you did the gear video for this trip and now I am hooked. Great stuff.
Man, you're sounding tired and I noticed your gait isn't smooth. From the many miles or from the blisters? I'm obviously behind on videos, so I'll try to get caught up this morning.
Yep, that's Alabama! Experience all four seasons in one day while hiking from alligator infested swamps to rattlesnake covered, rocky crags. I'm just glad the government and that other organization, who's name escapes me now, saved all this wilderness. The pulpwood industry has raped and ravaged quite a bit of Alabama's old growth forest along with ignorant developers whos buildings now stand vacant and or abandoned. But I still believe Alabama is the most beautiful state, but then again , I am prejudice! LMAO!!! Hope you made it to Heflin high and dry and in one piece.
Wow, there are very few more rewarding moments on the trail than a gorgeous sunrise like you captured today! Amazing, man!! By the way, how have you liked the EE quilt the first few nights? Will be very interested to see how it works for you on this hike.
It must be a lot harder to know about water, camping spots, etc., when it's not a major long trail like the AT. How frustrating it must be when Guthook is so reliable on the major trails.
Monitor the rain coming Wednesday evening through Thursday evening , calling for flooding conditions with 2"-4" of rain. I know you just started but would be a good time to take a zero. Be careful out there !
Adam,. I don't check Facebook much. Can you message me in Instagram? Walking in this morning planning on riding out the weather at the hotel. Might get a Lyft from the trailhead if one available.
I noticed on Guthooks only a few people have left comments. I suspect others will greatly benefit from the accurate intel you Leave in the comments section
Tonight, I'm lying in my hammock at Low Gap Shelter on the 3rd night of my AT NOBO watching ER on another thru-hike! Honestly, watching your AT hike reminded me of how much I'd wanted to do a thru. I can't thank you enough for that.
Keep rocking it!!! Ibtat is supposedly working at Neel Gap now. Tell him I said hello!
I passed there yesterday morning and didn't see him. A retired Ohio Air National Guard 1N4 guy saying here tonight told me to tell you, "Hi."
Should I plan to bring extra water on the pinhoti??
Excellent video. Surprised it’s so hot in February- Good information on the water sources.
Good video again. thanks
Looks like that is a good trail for hammock hanging. I will remember that. Thanks for your great info and honesty ER.
Recovery! Recovery! I am so glad you stress that. So important. I really liked seeing the reflective side with that chill guitar music. I do aspire to hike miles like you do. Some of this section reminded me of Georgia AT. Enjoy your journey! Every step. Be well look forward to the next one.👻🙋♂️
Thanks AG!
I’m loving following you on this hike. You are killing it mileage wise each day. I’m guessing you went thru the rock garden today, ouch. Tomorrow you have a fairly steep climb up stairway to heaven, then onto Mt Cheaha. The restaurant and general store are great, should have anything you might need. The hotel rooms are nothing special but it sure beats the shelter in bad weather. If it’s a toss up between staying in the Cheaha rooms or the hotel in Heflin, I’d stay at Cheaha. Keeping fingers crossed you get good weather for the views from Cheaha and McDill.
Rock garden was terrible!. Store at Cheaha rocked. Heading into Hefflin today. Keep.sending any trail intel you have. Love it.
Nice series of videos ER. Although it is hard to hear about 70 degree weather; when the two day snowstorm blows through we’re looking at 11 below up here in the mountains of Vermont. The Pinhoti sounds mighty sweet!
Happy Hump Day hope you are having a great day with plenty of water.
Yesterday I stumbled into camp exhausted. I slept like a baby for 9 hrs and woke up feeling energized. It's amazing what a solid nights sleep can do to rejuvenate the body and mind. That lack of water was making me nervous..lol. I got off in Franklin today to duck out that system. There is a flash flood warning here too.
I am going into Hefflin for the same reason. Your wife come get you or.you staying in town?
@@EarlyRiser71 No. Franklin is a couple of hours from our house. I'm out of the "home zone" ..lol. I'm staying at the Microtel.
Good info. Wow, 25 mile days. Thanks for sharing. Hike~On~~>
Great though on trusting Guthook comments!! Really enjoying these videos. Happy hiking!!
The videos I've seen of the Pinhoti Trail remind me a lot of the Ouachita Trail. The terrain, trees, and scenery (and all those danged rocks) are quite similar. One of the common problems on the OT is that water sources can be unpredictable. January/February and July/August are just stinking dry! A good source one week may be a mud hole the next if there's no rain. Maybe the lousy weather the next few days will help with the water supply. Hike on!
Your so right about water commence. The PCT water angels have saved sooo many hikers over the years. Keep up the good job ER. 💃⛺️🥾
The thing about the Pinhoti is that there is a lot of ridge walking and switch backs so unless you hit a valley which sometimes seems like forever the water is scarce. From Adams Gap to past cheaha state park can be very dry unless there has been rain.
It was wet this past week. Tons of water, even up top. I was amazed.
Here’s a trekking pole tip... slip one pole thru the strap of the other one to create a sort of cradle. Prop the cradle against the tree with the bottom ends spread apart. This should prevent the poles from ending up on the ground. This is especially useful with smaller trees or posts.
Thanks for sharing your hike.
ER...can you outline what your end-of-day recovery routine consists of? Thanks for sharing!
I’m I seeing white blaze?? I have no recovery plan. I guess I should get one. Putting in lots of miles. 👍👍
Love seeing you back on trail ER! When I was dealing with Lyme in 2017 I watched all your AT videos. I spent 6 weeks in bed (unable to stand/use my legs for 8 of those days) during the worst of it. Your videos kept me focused on getting back outside and doing the things I love. A lot of things I learned from you I used in the planning of a JMT hike that I hoped I would be healthy enough to actually do in the future. In August of 2019 my 14 yr old daughter and I spent 23 amazing days on the JMT walking through the Sierra. It is an experience we will never forget. From standing on the summit of Mt. Whitney to getting that famous shot on top of Half Dome, it's burned into our memory. Thanks for sharing your journeys. They have a huge impact on people.
Awesome story!!
Following..Press on ER..stay strong..R.
You know, a brave man might have kicked that stick out from under that overhang if he thought he could outrun the ensuing avalanche! ER, you're doing great man! Big miles! Awesome, just awesome!
72, full sun and NO leaves on the trees--that is hot hiking. Pretty sunrise and sunset though!! Is the trail as empty as it seems?
72 feels great when doing yard work...feels like 100 when climbing big hills 😉
Thanks 😊 ER
Hey ER, I am so glad to follow you. Pinhoti is on my short list of non-AT hikes I am considering. Keep on hiking! Awright!
I Enjoy what you do and how u go about your day hikes! I appreciate all of your videos. Push on safely!
My granddaughter Taylor hiked this trail with me a couple years back she still tells everyone I was trying to kill her. We also winter hiked it we started the day after Christmas. Water was a problem then too. Enjoying this hike with you . I'm glad you are able to document it.
shields down in February, good to see you back on trail
Days are starting to get longer - nice run today. Thanks for the clarity on the drops - that thought never crossed my mind. Stay dry (or at least warm).
You are rocking the trail! Just hard to imagine the heat at this time of year . . . wow. So right about stress caused by running low on water. Hope you are out of the dry spots for the remainder.
Tough miles on this day. Keep it up ER!
Love your positive attitude. Your an interesting dude.
Yeah enlightened quilt, duplex, arc blast ...it doesn’t get any better.
I will be watching your journey and you seem to be so grateful for everything. Thanks for putting me in a great mood.
Sheila Vancouver BC🇨🇦
Decent weather, great sunrises and sunsets. May not have to worry too much about water if you get those flooding rains. Rained all night , all day and still raining here in west Tennessee. Headed your way I'm sure .
Fellown NC native here. (Not very far from you at all.) Thank you for sharing your journey. Being an introvert as well you've got me rethinking my AT start date in the future to start earlier than the bubble. Keep on keeping on brother.
Just pick good stealth camps. The shelters are the worst.
Enjoying the journey ER. Thanks for bringing it....Hyk-On~ 💪👍👊
I reckon I need to do more Alabama hiking. It looks interesting...
My GG Mariposa hauls water weight so well (I shortened the tall pocket to make them equal on both sides) but after the AZT the back was white with salt from me sweating. I broke a stick in my ZPacks Arc Haul and went ten days with broken pack. Not fun. So I’ll stick with Mariposa. For now. The ULA Circuit is good too but the Mariposa seems more comfortable for my low back issues. Hike on!
Marriposa is a great pack. So comfortable!
Hey ER, love watching your vids hopefully myself and a buddy will do the AT in a few years.
What camera/phone do you use, as well as what editing software?
S10+ and Power Director. I still have the grandfathered app. It a dumb subscription now.
@@EarlyRiser71 thanks man, I'll ck it out. I'm running the Note 9
Aloha Terry E. I thought I was the only Elrod that did/does thru hiking. Long or short ones. Gonna be interesting following EARLY RISER with this storm system crossing the eastern portion. I enjoy your trail walking ER.
The section you are in is where I decided frameless packs weren't worth it. Sweaty back, and I had to carry 4-5 litres of water after Bulls Gap. I actually found where someone had dropped multiple bottles of water going up the hill after the Talladega Creek bridge, had to snag those bad boys as I couldn't get down to the water at the creek.
Wow! Some luck right there. Yesterday past Cheaha was amazing. My favorite hike ever.
Be safe out there with the storms coming in
Great day on the trail with awesome weather. That is a good point to make about using a different dropper bottle from the one provided for water treatment. I could see that being an easy thing to miss and end up mistreating water.
Beautiful morning shots. Yeah the stress of not knowing if there is water does play on your mind. 72 degrees lol. Come hike in Florida with me. Enjoying your trip ER! 👍👍👍
You are about to have plenty of water coming from the sky. Hike on brother. Great vids.
Your positive attitude is what I needed last year on the AT. Im bringing it with me when I go back this year
Sounds like a rough day but a rough day on the trail is better than a good day at work! Keep grinding it out!
You only carrying 1L of water on you?
Yes. Chug one carry one except during some of these dry sections.
Fantastic day on the trail! You nailed the AT trail design. It would have gone straight up and over those rocks. Laughing! I planned my hike a couple of days using erroneous Guthook comments while on the AT. Frustrating but.....got to deal with what you have. Thinking back, I should have commented more. Stay safe with the potential storms heading your way. Keep Hiking!
I complain a lot but then don't put comments in Guthook either.
Beautiful hike. Great advice as always. Appreciate the vlog of your journey brother.
ER whats the flow of hiker traffic like on the Pinhoti? Seeing many people?
Zero hikers. I love it!
Take care of those legs. The videos are great. Just getting into backpacking and am happy to have run across your trip. Wish I could accomplish those kind of miles. Good luck and happy trails.
Great video. ✌️
what are you filming with ?
S10+
sometimes it does not pay to pass-up a water source. I hope you recover your feet from the rocks! a few views today!
Once you get to Adams gap, you should find a lot more water north of Adams gap.
Tons yesterday!!! Loved it.
Enjoy your journey. I'm jealous.... this spring I'm going to get out as much as possible
Pushing the miles every day. Looks like you've had some decent weather. You may have a couple of wet days ahead, but it always clears off. I think you've been blessed with more spectacular sunrises in short time than in the same early time frame on the AT. Keep the narrative coming. Almost looks like a lot of the early trail (non-road walk) is an old roadbed or wagon trail.
Tough day. Loving following along. Cheers from PA. I just stumbled on your channel when you did the gear video for this trip and now I am hooked. Great stuff.
I might have missed you saying, do you use Injinji liners? Lifesavers along with yes...Recovery.
Thanks ER,
Man, you're sounding tired and I noticed your gait isn't smooth. From the many miles or from the blisters? I'm obviously behind on videos, so I'll try to get caught up this morning.
Many miles.
Yep, that's Alabama! Experience all four seasons in one day while hiking from alligator infested swamps to rattlesnake covered, rocky crags. I'm just glad the government and that other organization, who's name escapes me now, saved all this wilderness. The pulpwood industry has raped and ravaged quite a bit of Alabama's old growth forest along with ignorant developers whos buildings now stand vacant and or abandoned. But I still believe Alabama is the most beautiful state, but then again , I am prejudice! LMAO!!! Hope you made it to Heflin high and dry and in one piece.
That was raw ER...loved it
Heat tablet....:-)
HIKER TIP: BEWARE the Guthook D'bags.
Oh by the way was glad to see noone had pulled the stick out from under that rock. Gotta good laugh on that.
Wow, there are very few more rewarding moments on the trail than a gorgeous sunrise like you captured today! Amazing, man!! By the way, how have you liked the EE quilt the first few nights? Will be very interested to see how it works for you on this hike.
It must be a lot harder to know about water, camping spots, etc., when it's not a major long trail like the AT. How frustrating it must be when Guthook is so reliable on the major trails.
Monitor the rain coming Wednesday evening through Thursday evening , calling for flooding conditions with 2"-4" of rain. I know you just started but would be a good time to take a zero. Be careful out there !
Made a comment of your FB page. Let us know on your eta for Heflin. City knows you are coming.
Adam,. I don't check Facebook much. Can you message me in Instagram? Walking in this morning planning on riding out the weather at the hotel. Might get a Lyft from the trailhead if one available.
PUDS... "c'mon Maine!"
I do remember that.
I noticed on Guthooks only a few people have left comments. I suspect others will greatly benefit from the accurate intel you
Leave in the comments section
ER....are you still doing the St. Jude donations from the money you raise by monetizing UA-cam videos?
Not anymore. Money goes back into the channel since I will be unemployed soon.
I can dig it. I'll still support you bro. Loved watching your AT thru and digging this Pinhoti hike so far! Best wishes.
I guess we found out why you got flooded off the trail. It’s your own damn fault talkin about how there’s no water on the trail! 😜
There is no doubt!!! ;-)
Enjoyed another cool video. Don't you just love those comments....ughh.