So happy to see you again! I love the bird identification with their calls…adds a beautiful detail for us watching your hike…thank you and WLCOME BACK!!
Your smile is contagious. I have so many questions. 1) Were you assigned a section to patrol? If how long was it?) (2) Can you take your pup along with you? (3) Did you do overnights on your section? (4) Did you change sections with another RR during your time out there? Is your assignment from April to October? Lastly, people are gross!!! Who goes our with their dog and leaves the poop bag behind, geez and a diaper!!! Come on, people, do better!!! I am seeing the trail so differently this way. Thanks for sharing, very cool.
You are so kind, Elizabeth! (That's my middle name 💛). I love these questions - trying to think through if I can do them as part of a Q and A. That would be fun and they are great questions!
Congratulations on job! Fun to see trail in it's Winter nakedness. The only section of AT I did was that week if Shenandoah in 05' in mid to late March. Was able to see far then too as leaves had not presented yet. Fun to see some familiar .
Kara, I am inspired by your UA-cam videos. I’m about to retire and have wanted to hike the AT since I was about 22 and living in Front Royal. I hiked the area you are working in by myself this past summer to see if I could do it alone. I made did okay yet had a few bumps in the road. Excited you are in this area and giving back to the trail. Thanks for what you do. Hope I run into you one day.
Hi Kara! My friend and I were those first section hikers you met! It was so nice to meet you. I hope your job went well and that things are good for you.
Oh cool! Did Old Rag about a month ago which is somewhat adjacent to Skyland area, and in the northern section at Chester Gap, do occasional day hikes - I like it in the winter - probably unlikely to run into you but like to read the shelter books and see your messages...you do leave messages don't you? I donate to the Chestnut Society so I guess I'm a member, the leaves are very distinctive w/little pointy edges, seemed like a lot of burrs but I'd think they're chestnuts. You can see lots of Chestnuts just that they're resprouting stumps. There are a couple trees on the AT in PA - Michaux State Park right near the very center of the AT that are 7 or 8 inches in diameter: surprised me. Ran into a couple NOBO early October who I figure were the last two through-hikers who will be able to complete their hikes in a continuous path ending at Harpers Ferry "Puzzles" and "Dr Sriracha"
That's so cool! I love Old Rag. Thanks for the info about chestnuts! Another ridgerunner in that area (Michaux) told me he'd found a bunch. I ended up finding a ton more all along the AT in Shenandoah- there was a specific elevation they would just thrive in. Seems like they are doing all they can to come back. Happy Trails to you!
No way, that's so cool! I didn't see any bears until July, then I saw I think 3 until the end of the season. And a stealthy bear I never saw destroyed my tent, lol.
It's cool to see you again. I live near Shenandoah, so maybe we'll cross paths sometime. Also, you need what I call a grabber. It's maybe not as long as a trekking pile, but it has a mechanism that grabs stuff. I used to patrol an area, and it's so much nicer than having to touch everything. Can you explain how you or someone else determines what section of trail you walk? Are you always in Shenandoah? The whole park just seems like a lot for one person to cover. Anyway, happy trail running!
That’s a great idea - I’ll have to look into that! And yes, I applied to and was assigned to Shenandoah. There was another ridgerunner who was out for two months in the park (I was out for six). We would switch up north and south each week and do 50 miles per person per week. I do agree that it was a very long stretch for one person! Some stretches are a lot shorter - around 30 miles or so.
I was a volunteer in park (VIP) for Pictured Rocks Lakeshore in Michigan. I was always amazed at how little trash I actually had to pick up. But seeing this video brought back good memories of “making a difference “.
Oh wow, that is so cool! Thanks for your service to our trails. I actually didn't end up usually having that much litter as the season went on, I don't know if it had accumulated during the winter or what!
Thanks for sharing your journey as a ridge runner. You continue to inspire me to follow my dreams. I was trailhead Steward back home in the Adirondacks of New York. I provide Leave No Trace Information and tips for a successful backpacking journey.
Hey - that is so cool! That sounds alot like ridgerunning. I bet it was a really great job. Hope you are doing well and keep me posted about following your dreams - I love it!
That's a great question! I haven't ever Geocached but it sounds like so much fun! I actually never came across a geocache. Part of my job was to observe and teach Leave No Trace and so if I were to find one, I would have looked up the regulations in the park (I did just read they are not legal in the park). However, there is a great resource on the LNT website about geocaching responsibly in other areas! lnt.org/how-to-geocache-the-leave-no-trace-way/
@KaraKirtley Cool. Sounds like I missed you on that section during that time. I hiked it and met a tall, skinny female Ridge Runner in that section. I can't remember her name.
Oh my gosh, right?! I later wondered if it was the historic kind of trash I was supposed to have left out there... but honestly, who knows?! A crappy situtation 🤣 🚽
I love the Merlin app! Nothing better than listening to the birds from my kayak or in the middle of the woods.
It's such a great app, I'm glad you're enjoying it!
What a great thing to blog the trail from the perspective of a ridge runner. Best of luck on the job and keep them coming.
Thanks so much! I'm really enjoying sharing this experience, and I hope you'll continue to follow along! 💛
So happy to see you again! I love the bird identification with their calls…adds a beautiful detail for us watching your hike…thank you and WLCOME BACK!!
Thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. 😊 I had so much fun editing the bird part, I was hoping people would like it! 🐦
Merlin is the best bird app! It is especially helpful in the summer when the birds are hiding in the leaves. Happy Trails, Kara!🌈🌄
You’re right, Merlin is so awesome! Also, Wood Thrushes are the best!! Happy Trails to you too 😊
What a good video. Kara you seem to be super happy. This job is right in your wheelhouse. Peace love and hippie beads.
Thanks so much, I was super excited to be out there! Hope you are having an awesome day, David. :)
congrats on the job and thank you for taking us all along,
Absolutely! Thanks so much for being here :)
Living your best life. Good for you.
Thank you so much, Daniel!
You just seem so happy and content. Congratulations and happy trails! I was at Stony Man in Sept! Fun!!
Thanks! That's awesome, I hope you had a great time at Stony Man! I appreciate your kind words!
I've met a few ridge runners on my travels, all great people and you do noble work. Thank you.
That's so kind - thanks for those words! :)
We enjoyed meeting you too! Hope your season was great! Merry Christmas!Five-Oh
Hey Five-Oh! Merry Christmas! It was great meeting you on the trail!
Just awesome! What a great job. ❤
You're so kind - thanks so much for watching!
Your smile is contagious. I have so many questions. 1) Were you assigned a section to patrol? If how long was it?) (2) Can you take your pup along with you? (3) Did you do overnights on your section? (4) Did you change sections with another RR during your time out there? Is your assignment from April to October? Lastly, people are gross!!! Who goes our with their dog and leaves the poop bag behind, geez and a diaper!!! Come on, people, do better!!! I am seeing the trail so differently this way. Thanks for sharing, very cool.
You are so kind, Elizabeth! (That's my middle name 💛). I love these questions - trying to think through if I can do them as part of a Q and A. That would be fun and they are great questions!
Congratulations on being an AT ridge runner !
The bird id is really nice.
You are amazing and a wonderful inspiration 💚
I love your videos
Thank you so much for the encouragement, Blue Moon Shelly! I really appreciate it! 💛
Thank you for sharing! -Matador
Hey!! A celebrity watched my video. Thanks Matador, you're awesome!
Maybe I'll see you in April. Starting my flipflop at Rockfish Gap heading NOBO.
That's awesome! Best of luck on your thru hike and Happy Trails to you!
Congratulations on job! Fun to see trail in it's Winter nakedness. The only section of AT I did was that week if Shenandoah in 05' in mid to late March. Was able to see far then too as leaves had not presented yet. Fun to see some familiar .
That's so cool, it really is a special time of year out there! I loved seeing winter turn to spring then to summer, fall and winter again. So magical!
Looks like a great first day! For the same day I spent the whole day in front of a computer, I think you got the better deal! 😀
Ah dang, I've had many days like that! Hope you can get out on trail soon.
Kara, I am inspired by your UA-cam videos. I’m about to retire and have wanted to hike the AT since I was about 22 and living in Front Royal. I hiked the area you are working in by myself this past summer to see if I could do it alone. I made did okay yet had a few bumps in the road. Excited you are in this area and giving back to the trail. Thanks for what you do. Hope I run into you one day.
Thank you so much, you are so kind! I’m so glad you are enjoying my videos. I hope you are able to get back out there soon! 💛
Hi Kara! My friend and I were those first section hikers you met! It was so nice to meet you. I hope your job went well and that things are good for you.
Oh my gosh, that's SO COOL! I absolutely loved meeting you guys. Hope the rest of your trip went well!
Love your video!! Obviously you are well educated and thank you for not saying “anywayS” it’s anyway!!!!thank you 👍🏼😉
Thanks! I’m so glad you liked the video - aw thanks! I try my best to use proper grammar. 😊
Oh cool! Did Old Rag about a month ago which is somewhat adjacent to Skyland area, and in the northern section at Chester Gap, do occasional day hikes - I like it in the winter - probably unlikely to run into you but like to read the shelter books and see your messages...you do leave messages don't you? I donate to the Chestnut Society so I guess I'm a member, the leaves are very distinctive w/little pointy edges, seemed like a lot of burrs but I'd think they're chestnuts. You can see lots of Chestnuts just that they're resprouting stumps. There are a couple trees on the AT in PA - Michaux State Park right near the very center of the AT that are 7 or 8 inches in diameter: surprised me. Ran into a couple NOBO early October who I figure were the last two through-hikers who will be able to complete their hikes in a continuous path ending at Harpers Ferry "Puzzles" and "Dr Sriracha"
That's so cool! I love Old Rag. Thanks for the info about chestnuts! Another ridgerunner in that area (Michaux) told me he'd found a bunch. I ended up finding a ton more all along the AT in Shenandoah- there was a specific elevation they would just thrive in. Seems like they are doing all they can to come back. Happy Trails to you!
YES!!!! CONGRATS 🎉❤
Awesome, thank you so much!! :)
Rock Spring is where we saw our 1st bears!
No way, that's so cool! I didn't see any bears until July, then I saw I think 3 until the end of the season. And a stealthy bear I never saw destroyed my tent, lol.
@@KaraKirtley I remember you talking about the one mushing your tent! That's creepy!
That is so awesome of a cool job doing what you love and getting paid. Stay safe out there.
Thank you so much! It is a dream job! :)
I appreciate the insight!
Absolutely! Thanks so much for watching :)
It's cool to see you again. I live near Shenandoah, so maybe we'll cross paths sometime. Also, you need what I call a grabber. It's maybe not as long as a trekking pile, but it has a mechanism that grabs stuff. I used to patrol an area, and it's so much nicer than having to touch everything. Can you explain how you or someone else determines what section of trail you walk? Are you always in Shenandoah? The whole park just seems like a lot for one person to cover. Anyway, happy trail running!
That’s a great idea - I’ll have to look into that! And yes, I applied to and was assigned to Shenandoah. There was another ridgerunner who was out for two months in the park (I was out for six). We would switch up north and south each week and do 50 miles per person per week. I do agree that it was a very long stretch for one person! Some stretches are a lot shorter - around 30 miles or so.
I was a volunteer in park (VIP) for Pictured Rocks Lakeshore in Michigan. I was always amazed at how little trash I actually had to pick up. But seeing this video brought back good memories of “making a difference “.
Oh wow, that is so cool! Thanks for your service to our trails. I actually didn't end up usually having that much litter as the season went on, I don't know if it had accumulated during the winter or what!
I knew you was out there this year but didn’t see you on my many visits. Stonyman is one of my favs
Bummer I missed you, Mark! Yeah I love Stony Man!
awesome stuff
Thank you so much! 😊
Thanks for sharing your journey as a ridge runner. You continue to inspire me to follow my dreams.
I was trailhead Steward back home in the Adirondacks of New York. I provide Leave No Trace Information and tips for a successful backpacking journey.
Hey - that is so cool! That sounds alot like ridgerunning. I bet it was a really great job. Hope you are doing well and keep me posted about following your dreams - I love it!
@KaraKirtley It's similar duties, as we are educating and preparing hikers for a safe journey in the back country
Hi Kara! I saw you leave from home with Roan, were you able to keep her with you?
Hey Becky! I wasn't but I found an awesome person near the park to watch her! She loved it there!
Who camps at the shelters when you can sleep in the wayside bathrooms?
Ha ha. You really do have a point, they are very nice!
As a ridgerunner, what do you do if you if you happen upon a geocache.
That's a great question! I haven't ever Geocached but it sounds like so much fun! I actually never came across a geocache. Part of my job was to observe and teach Leave No Trace and so if I were to find one, I would have looked up the regulations in the park (I did just read they are not legal in the park).
However, there is a great resource on the LNT website about geocaching responsibly in other areas!
lnt.org/how-to-geocache-the-leave-no-trace-way/
Are you presently a Ridge Runner? I thought the season for Ridge Runners is over.
Hey Darryl! Thanks so much for watching! I was a Ridgerunner from April to October. With no Wifi - so posting now :)
@KaraKirtley Cool. Sounds like I missed you on that section during that time. I hiked it and met a tall, skinny female Ridge Runner in that section. I can't remember her name.
Is this in April or March?
Hey Jason! This video was shot April 21 of this year :)
@@KaraKirtley OK wow! Late blooming in the Shennies. I bet it was amazing.
Porcelain
Yes!! lol I finally remembered the right word...
It’s amazing the crap you find on trail. I think part of a toilet seat is right up there with some of the craziest Lol. Seriously though disgusting!!
Oh my gosh, right?! I later wondered if it was the historic kind of trash I was supposed to have left out there... but honestly, who knows?!
A crappy situtation 🤣 🚽