Thank you for sharing your adventures with us. The beauty of the wilderness is absolutely breathtaking. Looking forward to seeing new adventures in the future.
As I have gotten older my backpacking has changed a lot. I want to carry less weight and do less miles. For the last few years I have been doing a lot of day hiking and multi day car camping trips. I like to have some comfort items but still love the remote camping. I started backpacking 18 years ago and long cross- country road trips/camping since I was a young kid with my family. Still love and yearn to be on trail for sure. Thx for sharing! I always Look forward to your vids. ☮️😎🏕️
Thanx for showing us around VVR Mike. I haven’t been there in the better part of 20 years. The shower used to be off the store with entry on the inside. Nice to see they have a new building and three showers!!! Backpacking/Hiking has to be fun or why do it. I did a four day out of Tioga and that was perfect. Not to long and not to short.
Thanks and yes I’ve been pushing too hard because of all my pct thru hiking experience but there’s no reason for that…. I’ll be making them a more enjoyable distance and difficulty level in the future! Cheers
Mike, always enjoy your videos. Thanks. My 2 cents worth . . . yes, we are all getting older (I am 69) - so long as you still can find joy in backpacking - hike a bit slower and shorter miles. Get up a bit later and get into camp earlier. Do the trips that you enjoy the most - even if they are repeat trips (nothing wrong with that). You had a LOT(!!) on your backpacking/hiking calendar for this summer - maybe too much? [The spirit was willing but the flesh was weak - lol] I don't think the age thing - in your case - is the main issue . . . I feel that maybe 'burnout' is a bigger factor. You have done a lot of serious backpacking the past 8 years. Time to dial back a bit and do some shorter trips? You will work it out. Again, really enjoy the trips. Thanks.
Thank you and I agree with everything you said. I’m burnt out and need a break. Less miles per day especially when more difficult hiking like the Sierra and go to places I really love… just need a short break from it so I miss it…
Right on about the changes in our bodies thus changing the way we hike/backpack. We used to do long overnight backpacking moving from one camp daily. Now we base camp. We hike into an area, set up and do day hikes the entire week we’re camping. The Sierra lends itself to this as there are so many incredible sights once you’re in the backcountry. So much more enjoyable.
Yes that’s the exact style I think I’ll be leaning towards. Would to start fishing and incorporating that into my hikes as well. Set up a base camp for a few days to explore and fish then hike to a new location. Thanks again! Cheers
I'll be interested to hear your thoughts on hiking and getting older. I just turned 69 and feel your pain. I've had to scale way back on the type of trips I do and how many miles a day I can go.
Thanks Rich and yeah it’s a simple matter of not pushing myself so hard and making them more of an enjoyable length and difficulty level for sure. Cheers
Thanks, Marmalade! What a beautiful place. And Happy, Happy Belated Birthday! 🎂🎉. Yep, the whole purpose of hiking and being outdoors is to have fun, so if you decide to change course, that is perfectly OK. It is all an adventure, no matter which direction you take.
Thanks I appreciate that and yeah I just want them to be more enjoyable and not so painful and sore. My last pct thru hiking experience has me still in that mode killing myself but there’s no reason for that! I’ll be doing my best to make them more fun and enjoyable! Cheers
I’m probably one of the older hikers now at 74. I know this has been said many times, “You have to hike your own hike”. I’m in really great shape, but at the same time I’m not a 30 year old in his prime backpacking years. I have substituted multi day high mileage trips with shorter overnight or two day trips to my favorite spots. And, day hiking has been my go to activity to stay in trail shape. I have used your day hike videos to scout some of the trails in SoCal. You made the absolute right call to end your trip. I hope to see more videos soon… 👍
Hey great hearing from you and thanks so much. Yes just because I’m still able to do bigger miles doesn’t mean I enjoy it like I used too. Yes less miles and going to more places I really love and enjoy are what I will be gravitating towards for sure. Thanks for your insight and wisdom!
Thank you for the tour of VVR. It has not changed much sense 2014... I can relate to the issues of getting older. Equipment has gotten better and lighter though and that has helped me be able to enjoy long section hiking. I gave through hiking a try but found it left me with a pour taste in my mouth. I much prefer hiking 10 to 20 miles a day and enjoying the trail and getting to spend a few days in resupply towns to get to know the history and people is a lot more rewarding. Long day hikes and remote camping on long rode trips is also great. The world just looks different at 2 to 3.5 miles per hour. Travel stimulates your mind and your body and keeps you young. I really enjoy nature and getting back into the backcountry were you don't hear traffic noise, but I may be a little broken... I really enjoy all your content and can't wait to see where your future journey takes you. Here's to a great 60th year of walking this earth. Happy belated birthday. ❤😊
Hello Anita and thanks for that. Yes I am leaning towards less mileage per day and more enjoyment. The athlete in me somewhat enjoys the challenge of thru hiking and seeing what I am capable of but mostly until I am on trail long enough to get my trail legs I’m suffering and pushing myself needlessly too hard to the point where I am not enjoying it as much as I’d like so changes are definitely coming. Thanks for your wise input
@anitasimmons3599 trust me I know it’s hard. I was mad at myself for doing the high sierra trail in 6 days and pushing myself so hard for absolutely no reason… hard to enjoy it when I’m so sore and exhausted
@@MarmaladeOutdoors It was definitely a process for me, but after years of working and cramming vacations into a few weeks a year, it was hard to slow travel even after retirement. I am finally realizing when school is in session week day camping is uncrowded and really relaxing. It is the perfect time to see the state parks and historical sites. You are still working so it will definitely take you longer to shift into enjoyment and slower travel and backpacking. I love your day hikers, but maybe slowing down on those is a good first step.
@@anitasimmons3599 you’re very right, for me I’m a bit burnt out on backpacking so right now I’m in Idaho visiting friends but am leaving in the morning and heading east to see Montana, then down through Wyoming then into Utah and will be visiting national parks in those states and just working my way back to San Diego. All but one night I’ll be camping free in blm/dispersed camping so not backpacking lol. I’ll have knocked off idaho, Montana & Wyoming of the new states I wanted to see along the way
Hey Mike, Older hiker here, 65…. I’m not fast and still dream of completing JMT. Next year will be my attempt. Thanks for VVR tour. On my list to visit. Keep making content!
I'm glad you got to experience Kaiser Pass Road. Amazing drive. Did your driver point out Mono Hot Springs? It's right by that green bridge you drove over. I was wondering wondering if you'd take Tioga Pass back to Mammoth. Worth the extra time it takes to get through Yosemite. Looking forward to next video. For me, I just turned 61 (my bday just a few days after yours). At this point with my recurrent health issues I think section hiking is the way for me on the PCT. But, I'm still hoping I can work up to 20 mile days or so, so I can hike long sections. I want to know what it feels like to get trail legs! Going to just let my body be the guide. I appreciate all your great videos. They help keep me motivated! I've got something in the works for early November. Stay tuned!😁🌻💛
Hey there happy birthday fellow Virgo! lol yes our driver mentioned it (the hot springs) but we didn’t stop for anything lol. Being on trail for long periods of time is really tough anyways so section hiking is a great way to get your fix but not be out there forever. I liked how you did it when your husband supported you along the trail with the van. You only have to be out there short periods of time before you see him and you don’t have to sleep in your tent every single night… just seems ideal
@MarmaladeOutdoors It was a great way to do the trail and I hope to do more sections that way as schedule permits. Unfortunately, we're not totally retired yet...but working on it.😁
@@SonyaBayham I totally understand. Thank you for watching and all your supportive comments. I’m starting the long journey back home from Montana and I’m hitting some national parks so those videos will be around whenever you decide to come back. Take care. Cheers.
Thank you for sharing your adventures with us. The beauty of the wilderness is absolutely breathtaking. Looking forward to seeing new adventures in the future.
Thanks so much and I definitely agree. There is so much beauty and things to see out there!
As I have gotten older my backpacking has changed a lot. I want to carry less weight and do less miles. For the last few years I have been doing a lot of day hiking and multi day car camping trips. I like to have some comfort items but still love the remote camping. I started backpacking 18 years ago and long cross- country road trips/camping since I was a young kid with my family. Still love and yearn to be on trail for sure. Thx for sharing! I always Look forward to your vids. ☮️😎🏕️
Thanks and yes I’m leaning more towards what you’re speaking of. Less miles especially with tough terrain and car and dispersed camping for sure!
Thanx for showing us around VVR Mike. I haven’t been there in the better part of 20 years. The shower used to be off the store with entry on the inside. Nice to see they have a new building and three showers!!! Backpacking/Hiking has to be fun or why do it. I did a four day out of Tioga and that was perfect. Not to long and not to short.
Thanks and yes I’ve been pushing too hard because of all my pct thru hiking experience but there’s no reason for that…. I’ll be making them a more enjoyable distance and difficulty level in the future! Cheers
Happy Birthday!!!
Thank you Sonya I appreciate that!
Mike, always enjoy your videos. Thanks. My 2 cents worth . . . yes, we are all getting older (I am 69) - so long as you still can find joy in backpacking - hike a bit slower and shorter miles. Get up a bit later and get into camp earlier. Do the trips that you enjoy the most - even if they are repeat trips (nothing wrong with that). You had a LOT(!!) on your backpacking/hiking calendar for this summer - maybe too much? [The spirit was willing but the flesh was weak - lol] I don't think the age thing - in your case - is the main issue . . . I feel that maybe 'burnout' is a bigger factor. You have done a lot of serious backpacking the past 8 years. Time to dial back a bit and do some shorter trips? You will work it out. Again, really enjoy the trips. Thanks.
Thank you and I agree with everything you said. I’m burnt out and need a break. Less miles per day especially when more difficult hiking like the Sierra and go to places I really love… just need a short break from it so I miss it…
Right on about the changes in our bodies thus changing the way we hike/backpack. We used to do long overnight backpacking moving from one camp daily. Now we base camp. We hike into an area, set up and do day hikes the entire week we’re camping. The Sierra lends itself to this as there are so many incredible sights once you’re in the backcountry. So much more enjoyable.
Yes that’s the exact style I think I’ll be leaning towards. Would to start fishing and incorporating that into my hikes as well. Set up a base camp for a few days to explore and fish then hike to a new location. Thanks again! Cheers
I'll be interested to hear your thoughts on hiking and getting older. I just turned 69 and feel your pain. I've had to scale way back on the type of trips I do and how many miles a day I can go.
Thanks Rich and yeah it’s a simple matter of not pushing myself so hard and making them more of an enjoyable length and difficulty level for sure. Cheers
Thanks, Marmalade! What a beautiful place. And Happy, Happy Belated Birthday! 🎂🎉. Yep, the whole purpose of hiking and being outdoors is to have fun, so if you decide to change course, that is perfectly OK. It is all an adventure, no matter which direction you take.
Thanks I appreciate that and yeah I just want them to be more enjoyable and not so painful and sore. My last pct thru hiking experience has me still in that mode killing myself but there’s no reason for that! I’ll be doing my best to make them more fun and enjoyable! Cheers
I’m probably one of the older hikers now at 74. I know this has been said many times, “You have to hike your own hike”. I’m in really great shape, but at the same time I’m not a 30 year old in his prime backpacking years. I have substituted multi day high mileage trips with shorter overnight or two day trips to my favorite spots. And, day hiking has been my go to activity to stay in trail shape. I have used your day hike videos to scout some of the trails in SoCal. You made the absolute right call to end your trip. I hope to see more videos soon… 👍
Hey great hearing from you and thanks so much. Yes just because I’m still able to do bigger miles doesn’t mean I enjoy it like I used too. Yes less miles and going to more places I really love and enjoy are what I will be gravitating towards for sure. Thanks for your insight and wisdom!
Thank you for the tour of VVR. It has not changed much sense 2014... I can relate to the issues of getting older. Equipment has gotten better and lighter though and that has helped me be able to enjoy long section hiking. I gave through hiking a try but found it left me with a pour taste in my mouth. I much prefer hiking 10 to 20 miles a day and enjoying the trail and getting to spend a few days in resupply towns to get to know the history and people is a lot more rewarding. Long day hikes and remote camping on long rode trips is also great. The world just looks different at 2 to 3.5 miles per hour. Travel stimulates your mind and your body and keeps you young. I really enjoy nature and getting back into the backcountry were you don't hear traffic noise, but I may be a little broken... I really enjoy all your content and can't wait to see where your future journey takes you. Here's to a great 60th year of walking this earth. Happy belated birthday. ❤😊
Hello Anita and thanks for that. Yes I am leaning towards less mileage per day and more enjoyment. The athlete in me somewhat enjoys the challenge of thru hiking and seeing what I am capable of but mostly until I am on trail long enough to get my trail legs I’m suffering and pushing myself needlessly too hard to the point where I am not enjoying it as much as I’d like so changes are definitely coming. Thanks for your wise input
@@MarmaladeOutdoors I will worn you it will take time to break the thru hiker habit, but it is definitely worth the effort...
@anitasimmons3599 trust me I know it’s hard. I was mad at myself for doing the high sierra trail in 6 days and pushing myself so hard for absolutely no reason… hard to enjoy it when I’m so sore and exhausted
@@MarmaladeOutdoors It was definitely a process for me, but after years of working and cramming vacations into a few weeks a year, it was hard to slow travel even after retirement. I am finally realizing when school is in session week day camping is uncrowded and really relaxing. It is the perfect time to see the state parks and historical sites. You are still working so it will definitely take you longer to shift into enjoyment and slower travel and backpacking. I love your day hikers, but maybe slowing down on those is a good first step.
@@anitasimmons3599 you’re very right, for me I’m a bit burnt out on backpacking so right now I’m in Idaho visiting friends but am leaving in the morning and heading east to see Montana, then down through Wyoming then into Utah and will be visiting national parks in those states and just working my way back to San Diego. All but one night I’ll be camping free in blm/dispersed camping so not backpacking lol. I’ll have knocked off idaho, Montana & Wyoming of the new states I wanted to see along the way
Hey Mike, Older hiker here, 65…. I’m not fast and still dream of completing JMT. Next year will be my attempt. Thanks for VVR tour. On my list to visit. Keep making content!
Hey that’s awesome! Slow and steady… take your time and enjoy it!
Happy birthday, Mike, I love VVR. Thanks for the video. Pizmo Paul.
Thanks Paul I appreciate that. It was my second time there and I agree it’s an awesome place! Cheers
VVR. Deja vu. 👏. Feeling “Sierra” homesick watching this. I can relate to ur backpacking comments.
Vvr is an awesome stop!
I'm glad you got to experience Kaiser Pass Road. Amazing drive. Did your driver point out Mono Hot Springs? It's right by that green bridge you drove over. I was wondering wondering if you'd take Tioga Pass back to Mammoth. Worth the extra time it takes to get through Yosemite. Looking forward to next video. For me, I just turned 61 (my bday just a few days after yours). At this point with my recurrent health issues I think section hiking is the way for me on the PCT. But, I'm still hoping I can work up to 20 mile days or so, so I can hike long sections. I want to know what it feels like to get trail legs! Going to just let my body be the guide. I appreciate all your great videos. They help keep me motivated! I've got something in the works for early November. Stay tuned!😁🌻💛
Hey there happy birthday fellow Virgo! lol yes our driver mentioned it (the hot springs) but we didn’t stop for anything lol. Being on trail for long periods of time is really tough anyways so section hiking is a great way to get your fix but not be out there forever. I liked how you did it when your husband supported you along the trail with the van. You only have to be out there short periods of time before you see him and you don’t have to sleep in your tent every single night… just seems ideal
@MarmaladeOutdoors It was a great way to do the trail and I hope to do more sections that way as schedule permits. Unfortunately, we're not totally retired yet...but working on it.😁
I am taking a social media break. Blessings to you.
@@SonyaBayham I totally understand. Thank you for watching and all your supportive comments. I’m starting the long journey back home from Montana and I’m hitting some national parks so those videos will be around whenever you decide to come back. Take care. Cheers.
Hello My friend! Thanks again for your vids!
Hey so glad you enjoyed all of these… I really enjoy making them!
@@MarmaladeOutdoors 🤗🤗🤗 You have my full support!! Let the fun times continue!!
Happy Birthday 🎊 😊
Thank you so much!
Hey Mike, great video, looks like you had a relaxing time (and B-day) at VVR. Very cool you got the ride back to Mammoth!
Hey there and yeah it was a very relaxing birthday and yes got lucky on my ride for sure!
I started backpacking 8 years ago. I feel 15-20 miles a day now is really hard.
We started at about the same time and I agree. No reason to beat ourselves up physically if we’re not actually thru hiking? Cheers!
62 and born in 62!
That’s so funny but I thought the same thing. I thought I was the only one to think that way lol. You’re pretty sharp!