Marissa, I think you were talking about Kip Redick. He wrote a book called "American Camino: Walking as Spiritual Practice on the Appalachian Trail". As much of an outdoorsman as I am, I'm not much for "finding myself" in the woods. I feel like my spiritual identity is summed up in my relationship with Christ and there is no need to philosophize that, other than focusing on how His Word says I ought to identify with Him. I think authors like Redick are focused on looking inward to find our own strength and understanding, whereas the Bible gives clear and concise direction on where we should go to "find ourselves." I like this quote, “Christian selfhood is not defined in terms of who we are in and of ourselves. It’s defined in terms of what God does to us and the relationship he creates with us and the destiny he appoints for us. God made us who we are so we could make known who he is. Our identity is for the sake of making known his identity.” Especially those last two sentences. Anyway, I will quit living up to my trail name and just say that I am glad you had that experience and I cannot wait to follow your thru hike. Be careful and God bless.
I would agree with you! While he had some interesting stories, his approach to the trail (as well as his spirituality) is not my own and I didn't quite resonate. Interesting to hear his perspective, but not something I'm taking with me.
Great that you were able to go to this event and I agree that $20 for a free event and a night’s camp is a bargain IMHO. You’d pay $25 in some places in 🇬🇧 just to camp with your tent. Also good that you read the comments of others but still chose to form your own opinion and go along and it sounded like you got a lot of positivity from it ready for your start date. I always think that you mental state is really what get’s you through these challenges (unforeseen injuries aside). All the best❤😊
Have you ever tried those stretchy cord-lock shoelaces? I have a lot of foot and knee problems from the Army and they seem to work well for me. Then again, I've never done anything nearly as extensive as a thru-hike.
I agree completely. I have been climbing, caving, hiking, backpacking and other outdoor activities for longer than I can remember. But I will never forget the first time I rappelled over a cliff. It just isn't natural to lean back into thin air with a 1/2" rope being the only thing securing you. Second nature after the first couple of times but definitely didn't seem like the right thing to do at that moment!
Good decision to attend Trail Kickoff. I'll bet there were great speakers with tons of experience. Heed all of that - especially regarding pack weight, food consumption, and gear. Rob at Outdoor 76 is truly a foot expert, lots of knowledge there. Def hike the shelters when you start; give your body to adjust and build those trail legs. Depending on your shoes, you may need a resupply box with replacement trail runners. Not a lot of options on the trial, so you may consider as I did, having a box with new shoes mailed to you every 500 or so miles. Best of luck.
My wife and I were also at Trail Day. So sorry we missed you. We live in N. GA and subbed to your channel. We have lots of questions, but will save for later in your hike. If you don’t mail yourself supplies, then what’s the plan? Cheering you on!
And in response to Tommy, I intend to stop in town every few days to resupply on food. Plenty of options for the most part! Places that are more limited, I might have my mom send boxes to supplement.
I’m so glad for your summary of the kick off (gateway days?) it was very informative & if you had recorded it would have been much too long or editing might have made it odd. You did an excellent job. So glad you got to talk w/ Rob, the foot guru. And, glad you discovered your problem & shared that. I too bought inserts for practice & now will be observant of this. Each person makes decisions dependent on their needs. But, as a 63 yr old woman that’s wanted to do this for about 3 yrs (going next yr) life is so short so anytime you can spend your youth doing adventures do it! I wish you’d have gone to the other 2 days of events instead of work. As you age & work, change jobs & do life. The times you could have done things instead of work you’ll remember. I worked so many weekend overtime & 12+ hours. I was young & still could burn the candle at both ends but really wish I’d done a bit more play & knowing I could have but chose money over fun I regret. At least I’m a young heathy retired 63 & now enjoying my time wisely😊
Hey there! I was looking at Rissa’s vlog and saw your comment! As a 60 something gal myself. Your advice is spot on! I worked to support myself, picked up any overtime I could,but hind sight being 20-20…it is true…life is to be lived, so grab those adventures when you can!
It was an excellent time and I'm so glad I went. I totally understand not prioritizing work, but that's how I'm making this thru hike happen! I have a little more money I would like to save up before hitting the trail, but in a few short weeks I will have six months of adventure ahead!
Thanks for the shout out! You weren't awkward at all when we met you, we were just glad to make the connection. This was also our first time at AT Gateways and I agree that the Saturday schedule was great for future thru hikers. Bear canisters for the win. I love mine. Keep the videos coming!
I grew up in North Florida and started hiking sections of the AT in 72’. I have always pronounced and heard it pronounced the same way you do. Just different colloquial pronunciations I supposed depending on where you were raised.
Really good summary and perspectives of the weekend. It was a cool collection of hikers past and future. This was my 1st time attending this event and found it extremely useful as I prepare for my attempt. Despite vlogging for a while, I also had difficulty with this event and likely won’t put a video up. Thanks for the shout out and see you out there! 🤓
Rissa you can dehydrate in your regular kitchen oven. Also many dehydrators are inexpensive. Its the freeze dryers that are costly. Try it for fruit snacks for an easy recipe…when you feel like you want to. ❤🥾🥾
Saturday, March 09th: AT Gateways = formerly AT Kick-Off. Tent City = $20.00 per night. Top of the falls bringing back rappelling memories. Nice video. Thanks for sharing. Good luck! Happy Trails! Ross08
May I recommend an original song written about the mountain wilderness? DON'T GO UP TO THE MOUNTAIN TOP WITHOUT ME (C)2006 james monahan original songs.
It was back in June 1971 .The place was Netherland Colorado. Up in the mountains, and there was a tribe of drugged up hippies who did not want us there. It was very frightening 🫣 . The police did find fingers and toes in their pockets. Thank you for visiting our music channel. Please share our true story with your many friends.
Trying out a new pair of Merrell didn’t les them so tight working out so far so good. First time in trail runner’s. Working up the mileage per day. Up to 8 after my knee replacement surgery less than two months to start date. Hope to see you out on the trail. Been also following Fortune on the trail should check him out
Still starting early April? Trying to start early May you have a lot of elevation change for the first part or the trail to the Smokies 46000 to 47000 up and down. Smokies are 20000 or so. Roan Mountain is where I crashed and burn last year. Start off slow I’m working out every day till May did 100 miles last 12 days hope to do more next 12. Get out every day and walk it don’t work trying to get in shape on the trail. You don’t do a marathon with out work out for months. We do the best we can hope to meet
You'll certainly benefit starting with more daylight and taking your time in the beginning with lower mileage. It's not a race, so enjoy. Also, I grew up in CT and pronounce Appalachian the same way you do.
Hi, thought I’d add a comment here if it helps. The main reason for clearing up after dogs, particularly in parks and elsewhere where public are, is the risk of diseases like toxicara, which can cause blindness. Carnivore poo is more toxic than herbivore poo, which is little more than accelerated compost. 👍 But what DOES get me is those people who bag the dog poo and then leave it! Animals then could eat the bag and die, better to flick the poo into the undergrowth and let it rot.
Funny how a slight change like tying your shoes can affect pain in the feet. I 100 percent feel adding an insole is wrong unless you are having problems with what the shoe came with... many people try to extend the life of their shoes to save money and it is not wise to save money there... get a new pair of shoes....shoes don't just wear out on the soles, the insoles and side support wear also. Never try to add a insole on top of what the shoe came with... you will blister up the tops of your feet. One other big problem AT hikers get themselves into is switching to zero drop shoes, and getting achilles tendon pain... the brand is usually Altra's, but others make zero drop shoes. Altra's have a great big wide toe box, but it takes years of wearing to stretch the achilles tendons ....you got a lot of great advice at the event...most of my adult hiking was in the White Mtns of NH... and I learned early on Vibram soles on any pair of shoes makes you less likely to slip...most brands of shoes today will offer a line with a Vibram sole. Good luck on the diet selection.... from all the thru hikers I have followed, sugar becomes a mainstay... it's a crappy diet, and many like the ramen bomb.... noodles and instant mash potatoes. They also get creative with tortillas stuffed with everything imaginable. A once a day freeze dried high calorie meal like MTN House is advisable, but the price of doing that restricts hikers on a budget. You are probably one month into the trail and doing just great... you got this ! ua-cam.com/video/OAf33JBLDWk/v-deo.html You can add any meat to the meal...not just spam..
I'm actually starting in April! I actively avoided Altras because of the zero drop, but I did like the idea of a wide toe box so I went with Topo. They have both heel drop and zero drop options to choose from and they have a wide toe box and the Vibram sole. Happy with them thus far!
I appreciate your candor and sincerity.
I’ll be starting in Feb ‘25 before the kickoff. Thanks for the overview of the event and advice.
Oh SO excited to see you getting closer to your start date! LOVE your personalty and enthusiasm! Have fun and looking forward to your journey!
Thank you so much!!
Lots of great info! When will your AT videos start? Best of luck!!😊
My AT videos will start in late April. Hate to keep everyone waiting! Right now I'm wishing I was starting already!
Marissa, I think you were talking about Kip Redick. He wrote a book called "American Camino: Walking as Spiritual Practice on the Appalachian Trail". As much of an outdoorsman as I am, I'm not much for "finding myself" in the woods. I feel like my spiritual identity is summed up in my relationship with Christ and there is no need to philosophize that, other than focusing on how His Word says I ought to identify with Him. I think authors like Redick are focused on looking inward to find our own strength and understanding, whereas the Bible gives clear and concise direction on where we should go to "find ourselves." I like this quote, “Christian selfhood is not defined in terms of who we are in and of ourselves. It’s defined in terms of what God does to us and the relationship he creates with us and the destiny he appoints for us. God made us who we are so we could make known who he is. Our identity is for the sake of making known his identity.” Especially those last two sentences. Anyway, I will quit living up to my trail name and just say that I am glad you had that experience and I cannot wait to follow your thru hike. Be careful and God bless.
Great comment, Preacher. So nice to read such a depth of insight.
@@mb692100 Thank you for those kind words. I'm no scholar, just a sinner saved by grace. God bless.
Well said brother.
I would agree with you! While he had some interesting stories, his approach to the trail (as well as his spirituality) is not my own and I didn't quite resonate. Interesting to hear his perspective, but not something I'm taking with me.
Very interesting info on insoles. Glad you attended and shared about AT GATEWAY. I missed your full pack on this hike
I bet you had a great time!! Sounds like a great experience. Kara's a great person and friend, and her candles are fantastic!
Yes! She's awesome!
Great that you were able to go to this event and I agree that $20 for a free event and a night’s camp is a bargain IMHO. You’d pay $25 in some places in 🇬🇧 just to camp with your tent. Also good that you read the comments of others but still chose to form your own opinion and go along and it sounded like you got a lot of positivity from it ready for your start date. I always think that you mental state is really what get’s you through these challenges (unforeseen injuries aside). All the best❤😊
Have you ever tried those stretchy cord-lock shoelaces? I have a lot of foot and knee problems from the Army and they seem to work well for me. Then again, I've never done anything nearly as extensive as a thru-hike.
Repelling, the first step is a real rush I'll never forget! The leanback emotion is unexplainable! Coyotes are everywhere!
I agree completely. I have been climbing, caving, hiking, backpacking and other outdoor activities for longer than I can remember. But I will never forget the first time I rappelled over a cliff. It just isn't natural to lean back into thin air with a 1/2" rope being the only thing securing you. Second nature after the first couple of times but definitely didn't seem like the right thing to do at that moment!
Yes, I wasn't really nervous until the moment I leaned back. And then I was questioning everything😅
Good decision to attend Trail Kickoff. I'll bet there were great speakers with tons of experience. Heed all of that - especially regarding pack weight, food consumption, and gear. Rob at Outdoor 76 is truly a foot expert, lots of knowledge there. Def hike the shelters when you start; give your body to adjust and build those trail legs. Depending on your shoes, you may need a resupply box with replacement trail runners. Not a lot of options on the trial, so you may consider as I did, having a box with new shoes mailed to you every 500 or so miles. Best of luck.
My wife and I were also at Trail Day. So sorry we missed you. We live in N. GA and subbed to your channel. We have lots of questions, but will save for later in your hike. If you don’t mail yourself supplies, then what’s the plan? Cheering you on!
Yes, so thankful for everything I learned that weekend! I am planning on having my mom send me trail runners as needed!
And in response to Tommy, I intend to stop in town every few days to resupply on food. Plenty of options for the most part! Places that are more limited, I might have my mom send boxes to supplement.
It's great that you went to this event. It sounds like it was very helpful and energizing.
I’m so glad for your summary of the kick off (gateway days?) it was very informative & if you had recorded it would have been much too long or editing might have made it odd. You did an excellent job. So glad you got to talk w/ Rob, the foot guru. And, glad you discovered your problem & shared that. I too bought inserts for practice & now will be observant of this.
Each person makes decisions dependent on their needs. But, as a 63 yr old woman that’s wanted to do this for about 3 yrs (going next yr) life is so short so anytime you can spend your youth doing adventures do it! I wish you’d have gone to the other 2 days of events instead of work. As you age & work, change jobs & do life. The times you could have done things instead of work you’ll remember. I worked so many weekend overtime & 12+ hours. I was young & still could burn the candle at both ends but really wish I’d done a bit more play & knowing I could have but chose money over fun I regret.
At least I’m a young heathy retired 63 & now enjoying my time wisely😊
Hey there! I was looking at Rissa’s vlog and saw your comment! As a 60 something gal myself. Your advice is spot on! I worked to support myself, picked up any overtime I could,but hind sight being 20-20…it is true…life is to be lived, so grab those adventures when you can!
It was an excellent time and I'm so glad I went. I totally understand not prioritizing work, but that's how I'm making this thru hike happen! I have a little more money I would like to save up before hitting the trail, but in a few short weeks I will have six months of adventure ahead!
😅 born and raised in Tennessee and we also say appa-lay-shun. I never really heard LATCH until I got on UA-cam 😂 speak your own culture. ❤ no shame!
Happy to hear from another southerner who says the same!
Thanks for the shout out! You weren't awkward at all when we met you, we were just glad to make the connection. This was also our first time at AT Gateways and I agree that the Saturday schedule was great for future thru hikers. Bear canisters for the win. I love mine. Keep the videos coming!
Thank you! Great meeting you, and I think I've been won over with the bear can!
I Almost went to the AT gateways event, but since the weather do was dicey, I opted out. Wish I had gone now!
Definitely recommend going! There's always next year!
Based upon your pre trail videos, I’m very much looking forward to following your AT adventure. You’re doing a great job.
Thank you! I so appreciate it!
I grew up in North Florida and started hiking sections of the AT in 72’. I have always pronounced and heard it pronounced the same way you do. Just different colloquial pronunciations I supposed depending on where you were raised.
Absolutely! Just so weird that I live an hour and a half away from people who say it differently!
Really good summary and perspectives of the weekend. It was a cool collection of hikers past and future. This was my 1st time attending this event and found it extremely useful as I prepare for my attempt. Despite vlogging for a while, I also had difficulty with this event and likely won’t put a video up. Thanks for the shout out and see you out there! 🤓
Great meeting you! Hope our paths cross this fall!
I think your doing awesome on the camera and that was some knowledgeable information you shared I hope your hike goes wonderful and safe 🚶♀️🥾🥾⛺🔥🌞💪
Thanks so much!
Rissa you can dehydrate in your regular kitchen oven. Also many dehydrators are inexpensive. Its the freeze dryers that are costly. Try it for fruit snacks for an easy recipe…when you feel like you want to. ❤🥾🥾
Maybe one day!
Saturday, March 09th: AT Gateways = formerly AT Kick-Off. Tent City = $20.00 per night. Top of the falls bringing back rappelling memories. Nice video. Thanks for sharing. Good luck! Happy Trails! Ross08
May I recommend an original song written about the mountain wilderness?
DON'T GO UP TO THE MOUNTAIN TOP WITHOUT ME (C)2006
james monahan original songs.
Just gave it a listen! I love the melody, but it has me questioning my solo adventures😅
It was back in June 1971 .The place was Netherland Colorado. Up in the mountains, and there was a tribe of drugged up hippies who did not want us there. It was very frightening 🫣 .
The police did find fingers and toes in their pockets.
Thank you for visiting our music channel.
Please share our true story with your many friends.
Trying out a new pair of Merrell didn’t les them so tight working out so far so good. First time in trail runner’s. Working up the mileage per day. Up to 8 after my knee replacement surgery less than two months to start date. Hope to see you out on the trail. Been also following Fortune on the trail should check him out
I've seen some of Fortune's videos! Good job making it up to 8 miles post op!
Still starting early April? Trying to start early May you have a lot of elevation change for the first part or the trail to the Smokies 46000 to 47000 up and down. Smokies are 20000 or so. Roan Mountain is where I crashed and burn last year. Start off slow I’m working out every day till May did 100 miles last 12 days hope to do more next 12. Get out every day and walk it don’t work trying to get in shape on the trail. You don’t do a marathon with out work out for months. We do the best we can hope to meet
You'll certainly benefit starting with more daylight and taking your time in the beginning with lower mileage. It's not a race, so enjoy. Also, I grew up in CT and pronounce Appalachian the same way you do.
Yes, so thankful for that extra hour of light at the end of the day now! I have heard that up north this pronunciation is more common.
Thanks for the Great video!
Nice video. No need to apologize for the videos just being about your experiences and impressions. That's why we are here
😊 I appreciate it!
Sorry I missed you at AT Gateways. I was there for most of Saturday morning and hoped to run into you.
Oh no! Sorry to have missed you and I hope you had a great time!
FWIW, it makes me mad that horses can poop with wild abandon on trails. Why don't their people have to pick up their poop like dog people do?
I feel ya! That would be quite the load to pack out though 😅
Hi, thought I’d add a comment here if it helps. The main reason for clearing up after dogs, particularly in parks and elsewhere where public are, is the risk of diseases like toxicara, which can cause blindness. Carnivore poo is more toxic than herbivore poo, which is little more than accelerated compost. 👍 But what DOES get me is those people who bag the dog poo and then leave it! Animals then could eat the bag and die, better to flick the poo into the undergrowth and let it rot.
Funny how a slight change like tying your shoes can affect pain in the feet. I 100 percent feel adding an insole is wrong unless you are having problems with what the shoe came with... many people try to extend the life of their shoes to save money and it is not wise to save money there... get a new pair of shoes....shoes don't just wear out on the soles, the insoles and side support wear also. Never try to add a insole on top of what the shoe came with... you will blister up the tops of your feet. One other big problem AT hikers get themselves into is switching to zero drop shoes, and getting achilles tendon pain... the brand is usually Altra's, but others make zero drop shoes. Altra's have a great big wide toe box, but it takes years of wearing to stretch the achilles tendons ....you got a lot of great advice at the event...most of my adult hiking was in the White Mtns of NH... and I learned early on Vibram soles on any pair of shoes makes you less likely to slip...most brands of shoes today will offer a line with a Vibram sole. Good luck on the diet selection.... from all the thru hikers I have followed, sugar becomes a mainstay... it's a crappy diet, and many like the ramen bomb.... noodles and instant mash potatoes. They also get creative with tortillas stuffed with everything imaginable. A once a day freeze dried high calorie meal like MTN House is advisable, but the price of doing that restricts hikers on a budget. You are probably one month into the trail and doing just great... you got this !
ua-cam.com/video/OAf33JBLDWk/v-deo.html You can add any meat to the meal...not just spam..
I'm actually starting in April! I actively avoided Altras because of the zero drop, but I did like the idea of a wide toe box so I went with Topo. They have both heel drop and zero drop options to choose from and they have a wide toe box and the Vibram sole. Happy with them thus far!
Well some one told my if you can smell poop you already stepped in it , I'm just saying that's what I was told , you have a blessed day and God bless
Luckily I think I avoided it!