Thank you 🙏. I am old enough to retire, but decided to keep working. I have congestive heart failure and five years ago a triple bypass. I enjoy watching and listening to you. I live in West Virginia. When my wife was alive, over twenty years ago, we use to tent camp and hike a weekend or a week when on vacation. We eventually got a small self contained camper. I never felt that was camping. Thank you for sharing, you help me remember good times. Please stay safe.
As a 70 year old backpacker who, thru physical issues, can no longer hike--I really appreciate your post. I love her videos and they do keep me in mind of all the incredible times I had hiking.
Hey Ricky, I’m a WV boy too. I’m 74, had a triple by-pass almost 4 years ago and started backpacking year after my op,getting into it very slow. I am a slow hiker the most time on the trail has been 10-12 days. I am an RVr too in my Wolf Pup, a lot in FL in the winter in wilderness areas and state parks. You can do this. It’s hard at times but start slow and you will really enjoy it.
I really liked this video. This reminded me of the way one friend worded the question of “why” was: “So you’ve spent hundreds of dollars to live like a homeless person for a week?” I said yes and showed him the pictures I took. Then I believe he understood because he went with me on my next saunter through the mountains and took his own pictures.
john Mullholand I admire your creativeness. I didn’t mention that was his perception. I’m kind of handy as well and most of my gear is self made so what looks like money is really spare time well invested. I’m not ultralight by any means (ALICE pack weighs 4 pounds empty but was $20 for new surplus a few years ago. My homemade tarp was made $0.90 a yard polyester and my own recipe waterproofing) but I can carry my stuff. I’m not a reenacter but when I choose to go light I use basically some of what you mentioned. A bedroll pack can carry everything anyone needs.
@john Mullholand well bully for you, but you're acting as dismissive and condescending as the people asking the questions Dixie just ran through. And some toxic masculinity to top it all off. You've got a lot of growing to do, no matter how old you are.
@@solchapeau6343 I called out toxic masculinity: John Mullholand attacked people as unmanly because modern gear is lighter weight. He said: 'Modern man is weaker, softer, and "less manly" than our fathers and grandfathers because of the "modern conveniences".' This is equating masculinity with strength, and calling all men today weak. It is toxic. Forced centrism like yours, saying both sides are wrong, is out of line when one side is acting with or inciting prejudice, bigotry, hatred, or malice. While John's comment was a casual, everyday put-down, it still requires opposition by people who care about tolerance, equality, and inclusion. And while my response was not driven by emotion, reacting emotionally to toxicity is not just allowed, it is appropriate.
Never done a long hike. Back in 1981 England, 3 days solo on Dartmoor was between 22 and 26 pounds pack weight. No phone, no GPS, paper map and compass. Public telephone usually within 3h walking, so just don't get lost, don't get injured. Only lethal hazards were exposure, blanket bogs and unexploded ordinance (nothing venomous, nothing with big claws). Lots of cold and damp memories, but a few great ones too. Your US trails are something else - I read of the AT back around 6th grade. I'll never do it, but wonderful to find this channel when you were doing the AT, and I've followed ever since... Thanks for letting the rest of the world share life on the big trails.
First, that background and the soft focus are stunning! I totally agree that generally, we are overstimulated. I go to the wilderness to find some peace and quiet. Also, I believe that we have generally become accustomed to smelling like a tarte’s boudoir. I find that more intolerable than B.O. honestly (perfumes give me migraines).
Thank you! I'm one of those weird bastards that just love being out in the middle of nowhere. My wife thinks I'm nuts but it is awesome. Love your videos. Keep them coming
When it's dead dark and the "noises" start, I question why i'm out there every time, freaking out and feeling like i'm about to die HAHA! But when I get home, I'm already planning the next trip and can't wait to get back out lol
All the time, even the times when I’ve been out at my grandparents house as a kid and having to stay outside in a tent. The night is just very instinctually frightening to humans and you can’t ever really completely get over it, especially if you’re all by yourself.
"Will we get attacked by monkeys?", this was an honest question i got when taking a lovely lady hiking in the pacific northwest when she was visiting from japan. I said no, but if you do see a 7 foot ape please do point it out!
Your Japanese guest was obviously not yet knowing all about the USA - but that was obviously vice versa, and your response might have scared that poor lady almost to death 🤣. Because in Japan and so many other countries especially in Asia people are used to deal with monkeys which are usually in the 3-4 foot range ... It is very common to ask that question before you go to highly frequented places or trails or tourist spots since there are sometimes kinda gangsta monkeys who "attack" people in a sense of approaching people and taking water bottles or food away. Usually, nothing happens to the people, but these monkeys sometimes grab also mobile phone, camera, goggles, jewellery or whatever else they can grab. That's why people want to be prepared and ask about the monkeys. No lady would take her most costly handbag to such a place, she wouldn't wear jewelly hanging from her neck, etc. - normal, simple and easy precautions.
I gets confusing when you mix backpacking and (thru)hiking. Where (thru)hikers are backpackers there's a lot of backpackers that aren't thru hikers. So for instance getting food from nature including fish and squirrels and therefore take less food but bring some fishing line and for instance a rat trap would be a YES for me. I also teach how to make traps from nature. We still backpack and hike going from place to place but without a fixation on distance per day. We find places with water being a stream or a lake and that's where we camp cleaning ourselves, doing laundry, catch fish and cook, do dishes, etc. Even people traveling a country or even continent going from hostel to hostel by foot or whatever means of transport still use a backpack and are backpacking. So where your title is correct about the thru hike your words are inconstant. I have NO problem with keeping myself and clothes clean and foraging with what the forest or jungle has to offer, just because I don't have that fixation on distance per day.
I have just started day-hiking (2 months now) and have five hikes under my belt. I learn more each time and gain more confidence. I love it. I am going on a 9 mile hike tomorrow in Shenandoah National Park. Eventually, I will do some overnight/camping and longer hikes on the AT. I am hiking my hike. There is nothing like being outdoors “alone” close to nature. Thank you 🙏 for sharing your experience.
Dixie,, You are the through hiking Guru ,, If anyone needs to find an answer to a long hike situation ,, who ya gonna call ?? Why HW Dixie of course !! ...lol.. Have followed you since the beginning of the AT ,, and have never regretted a minutes watch... Have enjoyed your video's and all the talks of trail and outdoor related life.. You have inspired so many people to get outside and move not only their feet,, but their Spirit...The Q&A's are mostly from folks maybe planning a hike or just curious ,, but I do enjoy hearing what they are. ...You are the first in my viewing of these types of videos to take such an amazing interest in the small creatures of the lands ,, with the butterflies ,, insects of all types in amazingly creative captures ,,not to mention the larger animals met face to face...As a through hiker extraordinaire....You are the Best.... 'til next time ...... ..... Stay Safe and God Bless.....
Nice discussion and sound advice. Re: who does and does not carry a firearm, I might have said, "Some do, some don't." It would be up to a bad guy, then, to decide how much risk was acceptable. Kind of like a yard sign I've seen a few times around here: "These premises are guarded by 12 gauge shotgun 4 nights per week. Guess which 4." Someone who is intent on doing you harm will probably try it, regardless, so that leaves it up to each person to decide how much resistance they are willing to put up.
Yeah, "what is normal" is totally dependent on society. Which is so silly when you see that from the "outside" when doing something different. :) But I do find that realization to be an enrichment, you suddenly know way more to cope with things as you're the only one that can solve them, etc. The question asked "whyyyyy?" has just more to do with being scared to let go of the regular security. The smell, you just get used to it and then that's normal. :)
I'm a 6'2, 205 Lbs, semi-athletic man, I carry a gun, a knife and a PLB. People still think I'm crazy for backpacking alone. I can only imagine what people think about a poor helpless woman (sarcasm) walking through the woods by herself.
Great response to folks who don't understand solo hikes. I've section hiked 1/2 the trail on my own 2 feet. I try not to be alone. I am glad to hear that even Dixie, a charming soul fields the same question. Only once, years ago did I pick up a partner, a recent HS graduate and a runner. That was great, but nowadays I move at a modest 10 mile, 62 year old pace. Strangely enough, 22 mile days in PA make your feet hurt. Most 10 mile days in MA did not. Save downhill roadwalks, vitamin I erases the throb. Broadleave paths are kinder than rocky Mt scrambles.
I am personally NOT a fan of baby wipes, but I do appreciate those who pack it out if they pack it in. Part of my infantry background is a value system whereby hygiene is only neglected for prolonged periods by dirtbags. Sadly, I've heard stories whereby young grunts in recent decades are no better than many dirtbag hikers, but it was not always that way. I can get as dirty in a day as any other backpacker, maybe even more than most with wood processing, firemaking, real cooking, etc., but just as those things are part of daily life in the bush for old school style travelers, so is cleaning up. From hair to feet, shirts to socks, everything gets washed as needed. For large items, like a sleeping bag/quilt a coin laundry center in town works best of course, but there's absolutely nothing commendable about a few hikers stinking up an entire restaurant dining room, when a little effort and forethought can solve most of the problem.
I went on a camping trip in Wyoming in 2011 where we foraged, fished and hunted for all our food. It was just 4 of us. Our less experienced camper (but experienced hunter) shot an elk pretty close to the campsite. Still too far away to reasonably bring it to the campsite using our available resources, WAY too much food for all of us, impractical to field dress. We managed to field dress it and get the meat out in time to donate to a local food bank w/ the help of some friends we called, but it put everyone at risk having the smell close to the campsite and dressing it took a lot of time. Squirrels are rather practical as they're single serve, bountiful, easy to trap/kill, dress in a minute or two, and are rather tasty with minimal seasoning. Obviously I have A LOT to learn about hiking culture. But if you're in survival mode and need a meal, squirrels are your best bet.
Hey Dixie, I too am enjoying the Alabama sauna while I prep hike for an AT section hike. Your channel has been very helpful as I reinvent my gear to lighter versions I bought 8+ years ago. Thank you for your cheerful insights. It occurs to me that backpacking and traveling in 3rd world countries (8 times to Nepal) is similar in nature. It boils down life into the essentials and for me, it helps me to not stress about 1st world problems as much. War Eagle! Class of '79
Hey Dixie, I just want to let you know that using talcum powder is not a good idea for women because it can contribute to ovarian cancer. My great aunt died from ovarian cancer when she was in her sixties and it was really devastating. The doctors said that her using talcum powder was a major contributor to causing the cancer. By the way, I love your channel. I have learned so much from you and am trying to plan some multi day trips in Glacier National Park and Yosemite National Park. Your insights have been absolutely invaluable. Thank you for doing this!
To add to the gratification, actually seeing your progress while you are walking and realizing that yes, you walked all that distance all by yourself WITHOUT using a car. It feels amazing
!!! I swear that being in the wilderness is better than any antidepressant! When I'm out there my anxiety virtually disappears. My weird nervous ticks and teeth grinding stop completely. It's zen.
Being outdoors is amazing for mental health but please, people, don't say it's better than pills or it's REAL medicine: this strengthens the stigma and fear people encounter when trying to get a prescription for their illness. There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking medicine for poor mental health, and dismissing any treatment as stupid, wrong, weak, or bad for you is harmful and arrogant. It kills people. Literally. This happens every single time the topic comes up, so I guarantee someone needs to see this message. Good intentions can have bad consequences. Share your love of the outdoors without putting other people down.
Hi Dixie always love all ur vids.Always fun and informative.Not a backpacker but,Hunt, camp canoe,Kayak.Hope people checkout ur great content.Grab a piece of the outdoors when ever u can,u won't b sorry.Frequently takes a little time to let nature seep into you.To get the hustle and,bustle out of you, and get on natures clock.Keep up the great work.Be safe and enjoy yourselves out there.
Just finally subscribed. Dixie, you are such a natural at this, it's truly a joy to see that you have a new video posted, since I've watched all of your other ones already! Thanks for the entertainment, the commentary, and the really fun video. And keep up the awesome work.
I have been asked why are you walking. A few years ago, my wife and I decided to walk around the coast of Malta. There is no recognised coastal path around the Island so we made it up as we went along. One day we stopped a local and asked if we could get to a particular town via the coast. His reply was, take the bus, we said we wanted to walk it. His reply, its quicker by bus and its cheap. He even offered to give us the bus fare, if we couldn't afford it. We thanked him for his kind offer, bid him farewell and had a great days walking.
It's been many years since I've gone backpacking, but the "what do you do" question in some ways reminds me of sailing, as opposed to going by motorboat. We see motorboats flying by, on their way "to where the fun is" (according to us, anyway) whereas, we are already "where the fun is" since, every day on the water can be different. Lots to see, lots to do. And speaking of "being afraid" of whatever, somewhere in all our "stuff", there is a photo of a travelling companion and I, somewhere on the Bruce Trail, sleeping mostly "al fresco" under a tarp/lean to arrangement. She was petrified. I had not packed a tent, as we were only going for a couple days, and the weather was going to be hot and dry. It took some convincing, but being able to look up at the stars at night was well worth it.
Loving it Dixie! Always entertaining and useful information and presented in a "non-judgemental" and non-patronizing way. You are the voice of experience and of understanding the transcendent nature of hiking. One question. I see that 10 people did not like this video. Do you have any way of understanding why some people don't like this video? I guess in life there are people who just don't like things, but I don't understand. Technical issues? Don't like a southern accent? (Barbarians!) Object to a rational approach to carrying guns? I fail to see their problem and am just curious if there is a way to say to those who check thumbs down, why don't you like this? Can I change something? Just curious. But for the 1,500 + of the rest of us, hike on Dixie! We love the videos and look forward to your/our next journey! Cheers, Tortoise (Slow but Sure)
I would love to have a backpacking tent. My first hike was with my father at Wildcat Hills outside Gering Nebraska with my father 50 years ago. I did alot of day hikes in Wyoming years ago, but as a single father of two daughters it was hard to find time to hike. The girls are now grown up and living in other states. So now I make the time to hike the beautiful mountains of the High Uintas and the canyons of Utah.
I hike to my parking lot (about 50 yards), yet I love you videos and sort of hike by proxy by imagining it's me out there on an adventure. You have no idea how healing that is to me. Thanks for sharing
In WV we eat squirrels but I haven’t in years. Hiking it’s much easier to have a good dehydrated meal fixed up with some boiled water. Yum! Love the lasagna one! Another great video Dixie and love the humor.
I guess squirrels are just the closest to nature that most people get. Seems they forgot about deer and never knew about wild berries. How sad. But how wonderful to see your videos and the beautiful scenes of nature behind them! Thanks!
Thank you for your thoughtful answers to questions I’ve dismissed long ago. I now recall my apprehension when going on my first 2 day 10 mile hike as a Cub Scout so long ago. I thought this is what Daniel Boone must have felt. Diff subject: any plans for the 300k subscribers milestone? I hope you and Aaron regularly discuss the “making a living at this” issues. ❤️
You have been a huge inspiration to me and my husband. We hiked 5 days on the AT a month ago! We enjoyed it so much we are going to hike a bit more this fall of the AT. Thank you for your well thought out videos. Gina in lights
The squirrel supply would dry up pretty quickly if hikers ate them. If it's an emergency situation of course, you can visit a local town with a hardware store and buy a squirrel trap. While you're there, buy a jar of peanut butter to use as bait (squirrels love PB), and a candy bar. On returning to the trail, throw away the trap and eat the candy and PB.
As Steve McQueen once said, "I would rather wake up in the middle of nowhere, than in any city on earth." Always a treat to see your videos. I have been hiking and backpacking for over 50 years and have never felt the need to carry a firearm with me, even though I grew up in the southern Appalachians.
Dixie you answered my questions. I will be starting day and section hiking and hope to do the AT in a couple years. Will retire then and plan to hike and see more of our country by foot. Love, love, love your channel.
Why? Why not! And, I love the. Moment about trying not to melt in Alabama in August. I live in SE Alabama and I swear you can cook outside in the summer here with out a heat source. I love the channel and love hearing the perspectives from a females point a view. As well as the very credible gear reviews. Keep up the good work and keep hiking.
Squirrel is delicious. Easy to clean. Lots of meat on the legs, and meat on the back and ribs makes for a delicious squirrel pot pie!✌️😎 Spending time in nature is a major stress relief for me...so peaceful and relaxing!👏👏🙏😷
Lol Dixie I almost choked on my Bourbon about hunting squirrel on the A.P. I enjoy going on a catch and cook hike 2 or 3 days max bringing minimal gear but not on a trail hike 🤣😂😂😂. Love the content girl from your neighbor to the east. Ps. so looking forward to the fall 95 degrees in the woods 🥵🥵 right now 🤭🤢 I don't think I can handle my own stench. Stay safe my your feet never blister.
Was a different time back then. I grew up and lived in Chicago for almost all my life, shy 1 year. 1950-2020. We as kids use to sleep at North ave. Beach. ......less then a mile from cabrini green Apts. Never ever a problem. Try that today. Proje it's torn down, most of the area gentrified. Million dollar plus homes. I don't advise it. Always carry.
Near the very end of a strenuous 3 day hike in Grand Teton NP about 300 yards from the parking lot. Family of 4 (typical tourists in sandals and in typical ummm tourist shape lol) we were asked if we’ve seen any moose. Replied “yeah! yesterday about 20 miles that way” :::::points at mountain range:::::: they asked if we thought they’d see any up this trail lol. Ummm maybe?...
Yes we came from nature and we came from the woods, doing what you do is very grounding, the human body, In the mind, needs to be grounded. Love your videos I love your enthusiasm, you inspired me to start backpacking a little bit, and walking trails which I never used to do. I like camping but I never walk trails LOL so I’m doing that now.
@@johnmare849 That may be the main point. Taking a gun on a hunting trip is totally normal. In most other cases the weight may be a deterent - especially if a person does not expect to need it.
Hey Dixie! Another Great BP Topic and Advice. Always Learn something NEW from YOU 😊! Nice Beautiful Spot y'all Chose for Filming this weeks Episode. Thanks Dixie ♥️👏
I would carry a small fishing pole and I fish for native trout back-country, using shoreline bait I find under rocks. Sometimes I forage watercress and arrow root and blueberries and stuff, but mainly because my pack is less than 20#, not much in it.
Thanks again Dixie for the info. and entertaining video... Love the thumbnail... Squirrel 🐿️... How about Opossum... I understand that it's considered large game in some states !!! BTW, my family is all from N.C. 😎
I have a question! I'm sure this is something thru-hikers do, but nobody ever seems to talk about it. Do thru-hikers take zero days on trail just because they feel like it? I know if you're sick or exhausted or the weather is just way too bad you might have to, but what if you just find a beautiful spot and you think "Yanno, I want to enjoy this for awhile before I keep going". I know there's usually a bit of a time crunch, but it seems a shame to not stop and take it all in sometimes! Do thru-hikers do that very often?
How about a somewhat middle-of-the-way question for you, Dixie? How is cell coverage in US mountain areas? I imagine you probably get fairly decent coverage throughout most of the AT (except the sections in the northernmost states, I guess), but I can't imagine that you get any service during a big part of the PCT and the CDT. Down here, which by the way is Bulgaria (Southeast Europe), cell coverage is pretty spotty in mountain areas, so I tend to simply turn my phone off when I start a trail, to save on battery life. You mentioned that you used a phone app to navigate, but from my experience, you need a pretty solid device here, as otherwise your battery will run out very quickly. I find that having a reliable GPS device is the best way to go for navigation (always carry a spare set of batteries, of course), and I see you have one in your latest videos. Of course, I suppose one of the reasons for colder temperatures here is that we have a typical continental climate, very similar to what you have in Montana. Again, out of curiosity, how low did temperatures go in California's Sierras at higher altitudes (say, in the 8,000-11,500 ft range), during day and at night? I always wondered whether you didn't feel very cold in your single-wall tent during the PCT at these high altitudes, but then I figured that it may be somewhat warm during summer, given that the Sierras are in the mid-30 degree N range, and they get a lot of moderating climate influence from their proximity to the Pacific. I guess you did feel cold in the Cascades in the autumn, but they have a climate resembling what we have here in Eastern Europe at the same time of the year, so it would be understandable.
My experience is limited to part of the Sierra Nevada. Was there last time this year in June. I had 3 out of 15 nights a bit below freezing, but normally positive Celsius temperatures, while my highest camp site was at 12.000 ft (aside Muir shelter, no freezing). No cellphone service at all, but it was the most remote area. I used a cellphone in airplane mode, a power bank and a small solar panel (180 g power bank, 110 g solar panel). I always had plenty of power, including a separate camera and an inReach. Cellphone was running 24 h as I used it as an alarm too.
😂enjoyed this! In creede, co now resting and a lady pulled a wagon to me last night with a filthy egg crate mattress top and pillows😂 I explained to her distance hiking and that my pack contained everything I needed to sleep. She couldn't quite understand and left the wagon near the baseball field where Im camped🤣
I so totally miss being able to "pop a squat" where ever when I am in society. LOL I love not having to worry about a nasty public bathroom. Ahhhhh..... I went to the Outerbanks a few weeks ago with my Summit Mount Rainier series water proof roof top tent with Annex. I used a 5 gal bucket lined with a compactor bag & compost and believe it or not they do make lids that are toilet seats that snap onto the buckets.
Don’t melt! Come back to KY. The weather here has turned very comfortable all of a sudden. Afraid of the dark? What about the moon? I’ve heard of people being afraid of the moon. There is even a word for it, Selenophobia. Stay safe out there! 🤗
Another question - What allows most folks to take part in a multi-month trail adventure? (in other words, how do folks afford to do this? I would assume they have no home (and mortgage) to return to? - And no regular, recurring financial obligations? - Perhaps I am naive, (or just have been programmed to live the 8-5 routine, but I have always been curious how so many can afford to do this) - Surely not everyone that does this is independently wealthy? - Thanks.
Non-hiker: "What about crazy people in the woods?"
Thru-hiker: "Dude, I'm walking 2000 miles. I AM the crazy people in the woods. "
Thanks
I love this so I comment.
Best question I was asked on my AT thru hike was by a boy scout about 12 years old. "Does your mother know you're doing this?"
Lol!!!
Gary Owen You godless heathen what would your mother think of this?
Awww
Does she?
Yes. She knew.
Thank you 🙏. I am old enough to retire, but decided to keep working. I have congestive heart failure and five years ago a triple bypass. I enjoy watching and listening to you.
I live in West Virginia. When my wife was alive, over twenty years ago, we use to tent camp and hike a weekend or a week when on vacation. We eventually got a small self contained camper. I never felt that was camping. Thank you for sharing, you help me remember good times. Please stay safe.
As a 70 year old backpacker who, thru physical issues, can no longer hike--I really appreciate your post. I love her videos and they do keep me in mind of all the incredible
times I had hiking.
Hey Ricky, I’m a WV boy too. I’m 74, had a triple by-pass almost 4 years ago and started backpacking year after my op,getting into it very slow. I am a slow hiker the most time on the trail has been 10-12 days. I am an RVr too in my Wolf Pup, a lot in FL in the winter in wilderness areas and state parks. You can do this. It’s hard at times but start slow and you will really enjoy it.
Dave Holcomb thank you for the encouraging words. 😀
Taken any hikes lately? Hope you try it as taking it slow and being well prepared, can be very enjoyable. Good luck!
@@UncaDave small walks near my house to start.
Dixie, you should know that you've motivated me to be a trail Angel...thanks
I've thought about doing that too
i live in a town on the AT and do what i can
Me too!
@@MajesticSkywhale what town is that. Shit im tryna get a job off the trail
Best thumbnail photo ever
Your answer about fear is very compassionate. Thank you.
I really liked this video. This reminded me of the way one friend worded the question of “why” was: “So you’ve spent hundreds of dollars to live like a homeless person for a week?” I said yes and showed him the pictures I took. Then I believe he understood because he went with me on my next saunter through the mountains and took his own pictures.
john Mullholand I admire your creativeness. I didn’t mention that was his perception. I’m kind of handy as well and most of my gear is self made so what looks like money is really spare time well invested. I’m not ultralight by any means (ALICE pack weighs 4 pounds empty but was $20 for new surplus a few years ago. My homemade tarp was made $0.90 a yard polyester and my own recipe waterproofing) but I can carry my stuff. I’m not a reenacter but when I choose to go light I use basically some of what you mentioned. A bedroll pack can carry everything anyone needs.
@john Mullholand well bully for you, but you're acting as dismissive and condescending as the people asking the questions Dixie just ran through. And some toxic masculinity to top it all off. You've got a lot of growing to do, no matter how old you are.
@john Mullholand I'm sorry for triggering you, but thank you for providing a better insight into your delightful personality.
@john Mullholand I'm calling out bigotry and you're calling me names.
@@solchapeau6343 I called out toxic masculinity: John Mullholand attacked people as unmanly because modern gear is lighter weight. He said: 'Modern man is weaker, softer, and "less manly" than our fathers and grandfathers because of the "modern conveniences".' This is equating masculinity with strength, and calling all men today weak. It is toxic.
Forced centrism like yours, saying both sides are wrong, is out of line when one side is acting with or inciting prejudice, bigotry, hatred, or malice. While John's comment was a casual, everyday put-down, it still requires opposition by people who care about tolerance, equality, and inclusion.
And while my response was not driven by emotion, reacting emotionally to toxicity is not just allowed, it is appropriate.
Never done a long hike. Back in 1981 England, 3 days solo on Dartmoor was between 22 and 26 pounds pack weight. No phone, no GPS, paper map and compass. Public telephone usually within 3h walking, so just don't get lost, don't get injured. Only lethal hazards were exposure, blanket bogs and unexploded ordinance (nothing venomous, nothing with big claws). Lots of cold and damp memories, but a few great ones too.
Your US trails are something else - I read of the AT back around 6th grade. I'll never do it, but wonderful to find this channel when you were doing the AT, and I've followed ever since... Thanks for letting the rest of the world share life on the big trails.
Thumbnail level: epic.
Came here to say more or less that...😂😂😂🏆
#clickbait #hilarous #govegan 😂
Ultralight_jerk shtuff
Only reason I clicked
First, that background and the soft focus are stunning!
I totally agree that generally, we are overstimulated. I go to the wilderness to find some peace and quiet. Also, I believe that we have generally become accustomed to smelling like a tarte’s boudoir. I find that more intolerable than B.O. honestly (perfumes give me migraines).
Thank you! I thought it was a pretty place even though it was hotter than hades 😂
@@HomemadeWanderlust it was SUCH a pretty place! thanks for going the extra mile :)
I agree with you! We can clean our bodies but our bodies are all natural and using perfumes and soaps isn't!
Thank you! I'm one of those weird bastards that just love being out in the middle of nowhere. My wife thinks I'm nuts but it is awesome. Love your videos. Keep them coming
When it's dead dark and the "noises" start, I question why i'm out there every time, freaking out and feeling like i'm about to die HAHA! But when I get home, I'm already planning the next trip and can't wait to get back out lol
Even when I camped with boy scouts, 20+ people, I did the same. "What is that sound? Is something going to eat me?" then can't wait to go again.
Sun Hat haha exactly! I think it’s a healthy fear and one that we’ll never lose
All the time, even the times when I’ve been out at my grandparents house as a kid and having to stay outside in a tent. The night is just very instinctually frightening to humans and you can’t ever really completely get over it, especially if you’re all by yourself.
Danger makes us appreciate being alive. ✌🏼
I love it when Dixie is talking and she kind of sings the last sentence
"Will we get attacked by monkeys?", this was an honest question i got when taking a lovely lady hiking in the pacific northwest when she was visiting from japan. I said no, but if you do see a 7 foot ape please do point it out!
Your Japanese guest was obviously not yet knowing all about the USA - but that was obviously vice versa, and your response might have scared that poor lady almost to death 🤣.
Because in Japan and so many other countries especially in Asia people are used to deal with monkeys which are usually in the 3-4 foot range ...
It is very common to ask that question before you go to highly frequented places or trails or tourist spots since there are sometimes kinda gangsta monkeys who "attack" people in a sense of approaching people and taking water bottles or food away. Usually, nothing happens to the people, but these monkeys sometimes grab also mobile phone, camera, goggles, jewellery or whatever else they can grab. That's why people want to be prepared and ask about the monkeys. No lady would take her most costly handbag to such a place, she wouldn't wear jewelly hanging from her neck, etc. - normal, simple and easy precautions.
You have served the hiking community quite well - I love your channel
My moms biggest thing with me hiking is “but you’ll be alone!!!” Like, yeah, that’s the whole point.
Thanks Dixie for always making beginner videos. Basic questions are not basic to newbies!
I gets confusing when you mix backpacking and (thru)hiking. Where (thru)hikers are backpackers there's a lot of backpackers that aren't thru hikers.
So for instance getting food from nature including fish and squirrels and therefore take less food but bring some fishing line and for instance a rat trap would be a YES for me. I also teach how to make traps from nature. We still backpack and hike going from place to place but without a fixation on distance per day. We find places with water being a stream or a lake and that's where we camp cleaning ourselves, doing laundry, catch fish and cook, do dishes, etc.
Even people traveling a country or even continent going from hostel to hostel by foot or whatever means of transport still use a backpack and are backpacking.
So where your title is correct about the thru hike your words are inconstant.
I have NO problem with keeping myself and clothes clean and foraging with what the forest or jungle has to offer, just because I don't have that fixation on distance per day.
I have just started day-hiking (2 months now) and have five hikes under my belt. I learn more each time and gain more confidence. I love it. I am going on a 9 mile hike tomorrow in Shenandoah National Park. Eventually, I will do some overnight/camping and longer hikes on the AT. I am hiking my hike. There is nothing like being outdoors “alone” close to nature. Thank you 🙏 for sharing your experience.
Squirrel. It not just for breakfast anymore.
One way to shut the little bleepers up, anyway.
I like squirrel
Only if Mountain House has squirrel....?
Agree! Fixed right with squirrel gravy, it’s the best. Only you need a mess of’em!
It's the other white meat.
Truly a 10/10 thumbnail lol! 😂
Dixie,, You are the through hiking Guru ,, If anyone needs to find an answer to a long hike situation ,, who ya gonna call ?? Why HW Dixie of course !! ...lol.. Have followed you since the beginning of the AT ,, and have never regretted a minutes watch... Have enjoyed your video's and all the talks of trail and outdoor related life.. You have inspired so many people to get outside and move not only their feet,, but their Spirit...The Q&A's are mostly from folks maybe planning a hike or just curious ,, but I do enjoy hearing what they are.
...You are the first in my viewing of these types of videos to take such an amazing interest in the small creatures of the lands ,, with the butterflies ,, insects of all types in amazingly creative captures ,,not to mention the larger animals met face to face...As a through hiker extraordinaire....You are the Best.... 'til next time ......
..... Stay Safe and God Bless.....
Nice discussion and sound advice. Re: who does and does not carry a firearm, I might have said, "Some do, some don't." It would be up to a bad guy, then, to decide how much risk was acceptable. Kind of like a yard sign I've seen a few times around here: "These premises are guarded by 12 gauge shotgun 4 nights per week. Guess which 4." Someone who is intent on doing you harm will probably try it, regardless, so that leaves it up to each person to decide how much resistance they are willing to put up.
Yeah, "what is normal" is totally dependent on society. Which is so silly when you see that from the "outside" when doing something different. :) But I do find that realization to be an enrichment, you suddenly know way more to cope with things as you're the only one that can solve them, etc. The question asked "whyyyyy?" has just more to do with being scared to let go of the regular security.
The smell, you just get used to it and then that's normal. :)
I'm a 6'2, 205 Lbs, semi-athletic man, I carry a gun, a knife and a PLB. People still think I'm crazy for backpacking alone. I can only imagine what people think about a poor helpless woman (sarcasm) walking through the woods by herself.
She's a smart lady
Great response to folks who don't understand solo hikes. I've section hiked 1/2 the trail on my own 2 feet. I try not to be alone. I am glad to hear that even Dixie, a charming soul fields the same question. Only once, years ago did I pick up a partner, a recent HS graduate and a runner. That was great, but nowadays I move at a modest 10 mile, 62 year old pace. Strangely enough, 22 mile days in PA make your feet hurt. Most 10 mile days in MA did not. Save downhill roadwalks, vitamin I erases the throb. Broadleave paths are kinder than rocky Mt scrambles.
I am personally NOT a fan of baby wipes, but I do appreciate those who pack it out if they pack it in.
Part of my infantry background is a value system whereby hygiene is only neglected for prolonged periods by dirtbags. Sadly, I've heard stories whereby young grunts in recent decades are no better than many dirtbag hikers, but it was not always that way.
I can get as dirty in a day as any other backpacker, maybe even more than most with wood processing, firemaking, real cooking, etc., but just as those things are part of daily life in the bush for old school style travelers, so is cleaning up. From hair to feet, shirts to socks, everything gets washed as needed. For large items, like a sleeping bag/quilt a coin laundry center in town works best of course, but there's absolutely nothing commendable about a few hikers stinking up an entire restaurant dining room, when a little effort and forethought can solve most of the problem.
I went on a camping trip in Wyoming in 2011 where we foraged, fished and hunted for all our food. It was just 4 of us. Our less experienced camper (but experienced hunter) shot an elk pretty close to the campsite. Still too far away to reasonably bring it to the campsite using our available resources, WAY too much food for all of us, impractical to field dress. We managed to field dress it and get the meat out in time to donate to a local food bank w/ the help of some friends we called, but it put everyone at risk having the smell close to the campsite and dressing it took a lot of time. Squirrels are rather practical as they're single serve, bountiful, easy to trap/kill, dress in a minute or two, and are rather tasty with minimal seasoning. Obviously I have A LOT to learn about hiking culture. But if you're in survival mode and need a meal, squirrels are your best bet.
Hey Dixie, I too am enjoying the Alabama sauna while I prep hike for an AT section hike. Your channel has been very helpful as I reinvent my gear to lighter versions I bought 8+ years ago. Thank you for your cheerful insights. It occurs to me that backpacking and traveling in 3rd world countries (8 times to Nepal) is similar in nature. It boils down life into the essentials and for me, it helps me to not stress about 1st world problems as much. War Eagle! Class of '79
It's the accent...that's why they're asking about squirrels. LOL!
Hey Rocky! Watch me pull a hiker out of my hat!
@@fredderf3207 Did u just take the hat off?
@@xPumaFangx You might not get the reference, depending on your age.
Highfaluten.....lol....love her
Fred Derf - Bullwinkle‼️
Hey Dixie,
I just want to let you know that using talcum powder is not a good idea for women because it can contribute to ovarian cancer. My great aunt died from ovarian cancer when she was in her sixties and it was really devastating. The doctors said that her using talcum powder was a major contributor to causing the cancer.
By the way, I love your channel. I have learned so much from you and am trying to plan some multi day trips in Glacier National Park and Yosemite National Park. Your insights have been absolutely invaluable. Thank you for doing this!
As they say... you will remember every night you sleep in a tent, and forget every night you sleep in a motel room :-).
I wish I could forget all of my hotel stays
All that town food and the warm shower, Mmm. And the TV! I don't even watch TV at home ha
I forget neither :)
Harrison Spain , especially when you hear something sniffing outside of it. 😂
@@babiesfartingfire6007 Roll Tide
To add to the gratification, actually seeing your progress while you are walking and realizing that yes, you walked all that distance all by yourself WITHOUT using a car. It feels amazing
Dixie, you are a bright ray of sunshine. We love you.
I’m bipolar and have high anxiety, and always feel amazing after a backpacking trip or even a walk in the woods. Hug trees 😳 trust me.
I have anxiety too and get out in the woods away from people helps especially with what's going on right now.
Hiking is better than ANY prescription pad. Well done my sister.
The solution to depression is action - Yvon Chouinard
!!! I swear that being in the wilderness is better than any antidepressant! When I'm out there my anxiety virtually disappears. My weird nervous ticks and teeth grinding stop completely. It's zen.
Being outdoors is amazing for mental health but please, people, don't say it's better than pills or it's REAL medicine: this strengthens the stigma and fear people encounter when trying to get a prescription for their illness.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking medicine for poor mental health, and dismissing any treatment as stupid, wrong, weak, or bad for you is harmful and arrogant. It kills people. Literally.
This happens every single time the topic comes up, so I guarantee someone needs to see this message.
Good intentions can have bad consequences. Share your love of the outdoors without putting other people down.
So at 13:46, I thought the thunder was from my area and got excited to finally get a break from 100 degree heat.... but it was from the video. Dangit!
Lol, Sorry for laughing but I hear you.
Great video. Remember the only dumb question is the one not asked. You are doing great, keep up the good work. George from Texas.
Hi Dixie always love all ur vids.Always fun and informative.Not a backpacker but,Hunt, camp
canoe,Kayak.Hope people checkout ur great content.Grab a piece of the outdoors when ever u can,u won't b sorry.Frequently takes a little time to let nature seep into you.To get the hustle and,bustle out of you, and get on natures clock.Keep up the great work.Be safe and enjoy yourselves out there.
Just finally subscribed. Dixie, you are such a natural at this, it's truly a joy to see that you have a new video posted, since I've watched all of your other ones already! Thanks for the entertainment, the commentary, and the really fun video. And keep up the awesome work.
Nature has tremendous healing properties
Great video, thank you soooo much - tomorrow morning I'm going on my first backpacking overnight!
I have been asked why are you walking. A few years ago, my wife and I decided to walk around the coast of Malta.
There is no recognised coastal path around the Island so we made it up as we went along. One day we stopped a local and asked if we could get to a particular town via the coast.
His reply was, take the bus, we said we wanted to walk it.
His reply, its quicker by bus and its cheap. He even offered to give us the bus fare, if we couldn't afford it.
We thanked him for his kind offer, bid him farewell and had a great days walking.
It's been many years since I've gone backpacking, but the "what do you do" question in some ways reminds me of sailing, as opposed to going by motorboat. We see motorboats flying by, on their way "to where the fun is" (according to us, anyway) whereas, we are already "where the fun is" since, every day on the water can be different. Lots to see, lots to do. And speaking of "being afraid" of whatever, somewhere in all our "stuff", there is a photo of a travelling companion and I, somewhere on the Bruce Trail, sleeping mostly "al fresco" under a tarp/lean to arrangement. She was petrified. I had not packed a tent, as we were only going for a couple days, and the weather was going to be hot and dry. It took some convincing, but being able to look up at the stars at night was well worth it.
I miss neither the heat nor the humidity in Georgia! Thank God for a/c.
Edited to add: squirrels know what they did.
Regarding going #2 while hiking/remote camping, my buddy and I will state, "It's time to make like a bear..." LOL
Great list Dixie and I love how you prioritized them... WHY? is such a common question. Love your videos!
Great advice. 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
Loving it Dixie! Always entertaining and useful information and presented in a "non-judgemental" and non-patronizing way. You are the voice of experience and of understanding the transcendent nature of hiking. One question. I see that 10 people did not like this video. Do you have any way of understanding why some people don't like this video? I guess in life there are people who just don't like things, but I don't understand. Technical issues? Don't like a southern accent? (Barbarians!) Object to a rational approach to carrying guns? I fail to see their problem and am just curious if there is a way to say to those who check thumbs down, why don't you like this? Can I change something? Just curious. But for the 1,500 + of the rest of us, hike on Dixie! We love the videos and look forward to your/our next journey! Cheers, Tortoise (Slow but Sure)
I definitely appreciate my home after camping in thunderstorms! Great background sound.
Perfect timing on the thunderstorm.
I would love to have a backpacking tent. My first hike was with my father at Wildcat Hills outside Gering Nebraska with my father 50 years ago. I did alot of day hikes in Wyoming years ago, but as a single father of two daughters it was hard to find time to hike. The girls are now grown up and living in other states. So now I make the time to hike the beautiful mountains of the High Uintas and the canyons of Utah.
A mixture of Bicarb+Maize powder+Coconut oil +(Frankinsense) Choose the flavour, The oil stiffens at 24 deg, Warm it by body heat. Should do it.
I hike to my parking lot (about 50 yards), yet I love you videos and sort of hike by proxy by imagining it's me out there on an adventure. You have no idea how healing that is to me. Thanks for sharing
Great video, Dixie! I think you finished it at the right time. The creek behind you kept rising!
Love the thunder in the background while talking about, "where do you go to the bathroom?" How hilarious....
The picture with the knife and squirrel is adorable.
In WV we eat squirrels but I haven’t in years. Hiking it’s much easier to have a good dehydrated meal fixed up with some boiled water. Yum! Love the lasagna one! Another great video Dixie and love the humor.
10:45 I appreciate you for including "high fallutin" in your vocabulary.
I guess squirrels are just the closest to nature that most people get. Seems they forgot about deer and never knew about wild berries. How sad. But how wonderful to see your videos and the beautiful scenes of nature behind them! Thanks!
Thank you for your thoughtful answers to questions I’ve dismissed long ago. I now recall my apprehension when going on my first 2 day 10 mile hike as a Cub Scout so long ago. I thought this is what Daniel Boone must have felt.
Diff subject: any plans for the 300k subscribers milestone? I hope you and Aaron regularly discuss the “making a living at this” issues. ❤️
That pic of you with the squirrel was hilarious!
You have been a huge inspiration to me and my husband. We hiked 5 days on the AT a month ago! We enjoyed it so much we are going to hike a bit more this fall of the AT. Thank you for your well thought out videos. Gina in lights
Love your videos. Always informative and entertaining
Thanks 😊
The squirrel supply would dry up pretty quickly if hikers ate them. If it's an emergency situation of course, you can visit a local town with a hardware store and buy a squirrel trap. While you're there, buy a jar of peanut butter to use as bait (squirrels love PB), and a candy bar. On returning to the trail, throw away the trap and eat the candy and PB.
Dixie! Hope you and yours are healthy! Yes I'll eat squirrels!
Love the thumbnail 👌. I remember asking the hikers what they ate back when I was kid.
As Steve McQueen once said, "I would rather wake up in the middle of nowhere, than in any city on earth." Always a treat to see your videos. I have been hiking and backpacking for over 50 years and have never felt the need to carry a firearm with me, even though I grew up in the southern Appalachians.
My lady was inspired by your channel, went solo camping with a little hiking during the day and she ended up loving it!
You chose a great location for this video. And that thunder came at just the right moment
Good timing on the thunderstorm! Informative and entertaining as always. 😃
Love this! Thanks! So glad you kept going after the AT. You keep me inspired.
You and Aaron outdid yourselves on the thumbnail! ⭐️💥‼️
I love this squirrel question... oh my... you are the best. :)
Dixie you answered my questions. I will be starting day and section hiking and hope to do the AT in a couple years. Will retire then and plan to hike and see more of our country by foot. Love, love, love your channel.
Why? Why not! And, I love the. Moment about trying not to melt in Alabama in August. I live in SE Alabama and I swear you can cook outside in the summer here with out a heat source. I love the channel and love hearing the perspectives from a females point a view. As well as the very credible gear reviews. Keep up the good work and keep hiking.
Squirrel is delicious. Easy to clean. Lots of meat on the legs, and meat on the back and ribs makes for a delicious squirrel pot pie!✌️😎 Spending time in nature is a major stress relief for me...so peaceful and relaxing!👏👏🙏😷
Dan Ryan Karma!😂🤣😂
Squirrel used to be in Joy of Cooking. 🐿
Lol Dixie I almost choked on my Bourbon about hunting squirrel on the A.P. I enjoy going on a catch and cook hike 2 or 3 days max bringing minimal gear but not on a trail hike 🤣😂😂😂. Love the content girl from your neighbor to the east. Ps. so looking forward to the fall 95 degrees in the woods 🥵🥵 right now 🤭🤢 I don't think I can handle my own stench. Stay safe my your feet never blister.
Nature has definitely become my therapy!
Thanks for another great video! Enjoyed the thunder toward the end...hope you stayed dry. 🤣
Was a different time back then.
I grew up and lived in Chicago for almost all my life, shy 1 year. 1950-2020.
We as kids use to sleep at North ave. Beach. ......less then a mile from cabrini green Apts. Never ever a problem.
Try that today. Proje it's torn down, most of the area gentrified. Million dollar plus homes.
I don't advise it.
Always carry.
Near the very end of a strenuous 3 day hike in Grand Teton NP about 300 yards from the parking lot. Family of 4 (typical tourists in sandals and in typical ummm tourist shape lol) we were asked if we’ve seen any moose. Replied “yeah! yesterday about 20 miles that way” :::::points at mountain range:::::: they asked if we thought they’d see any up this trail lol. Ummm maybe?...
Yes we came from nature and we came from the woods, doing what you do is very grounding, the human body, In the mind, needs to be grounded. Love your videos I love your enthusiasm, you inspired me to start backpacking a little bit, and walking trails which I never used to do. I like camping but I never walk trails LOL so I’m doing that now.
Yeah, coming from Canada the gun question is absolutely crazy.
As a backpacker myself, from a weight standpoint it's absolutely crazy.
Do you hunt and fish on your backpacking trips.
@@johnmare849 That may be the main point. Taking a gun on a hunting trip is totally normal. In most other cases the weight may be a deterent - especially if a person does not expect to need it.
Do you hunt and fish on trail ,
@@johnmare849 if you're asking me the answer is no.
Great video! Only thing holding me back is camping at night alone. I'm 44 and not getting any younger so I definitely need to get over it. Thanks!
Great info as always. Thank you Jessica (Dixie) . Waiting patiently for my turn on the trail.
Hey Dixie! Another Great BP Topic and Advice. Always Learn something NEW from YOU 😊! Nice Beautiful Spot y'all Chose for Filming this weeks Episode. Thanks Dixie ♥️👏
I would carry a small fishing pole and I fish for native trout back-country, using shoreline bait I find under rocks. Sometimes I forage watercress and arrow root and blueberries and stuff, but mainly because my pack is less than 20#, not much in it.
Thanks again Dixie for the info. and entertaining video... Love the thumbnail... Squirrel 🐿️... How about Opossum... I understand that it's considered large game in some states !!! BTW, my family is all from N.C. 😎
I have a question! I'm sure this is something thru-hikers do, but nobody ever seems to talk about it. Do thru-hikers take zero days on trail just because they feel like it? I know if you're sick or exhausted or the weather is just way too bad you might have to, but what if you just find a beautiful spot and you think "Yanno, I want to enjoy this for awhile before I keep going". I know there's usually a bit of a time crunch, but it seems a shame to not stop and take it all in sometimes! Do thru-hikers do that very often?
How about a somewhat middle-of-the-way question for you, Dixie? How is cell coverage in US mountain areas? I imagine you probably get fairly decent coverage throughout most of the AT (except the sections in the northernmost states, I guess), but I can't imagine that you get any service during a big part of the PCT and the CDT. Down here, which by the way is Bulgaria (Southeast Europe), cell coverage is pretty spotty in mountain areas, so I tend to simply turn my phone off when I start a trail, to save on battery life.
You mentioned that you used a phone app to navigate, but from my experience, you need a pretty solid device here, as otherwise your battery will run out very quickly. I find that having a reliable GPS device is the best way to go for navigation (always carry a spare set of batteries, of course), and I see you have one in your latest videos. Of course, I suppose one of the reasons for colder temperatures here is that we have a typical continental climate, very similar to what you have in Montana.
Again, out of curiosity, how low did temperatures go in California's Sierras at higher altitudes (say, in the 8,000-11,500 ft range), during day and at night? I always wondered whether you didn't feel very cold in your single-wall tent during the PCT at these high altitudes, but then I figured that it may be somewhat warm during summer, given that the Sierras are in the mid-30 degree N range, and they get a lot of moderating climate influence from their proximity to the Pacific. I guess you did feel cold in the Cascades in the autumn, but they have a climate resembling what we have here in Eastern Europe at the same time of the year, so it would be understandable.
My experience is limited to part of the Sierra Nevada. Was there last time this year in June. I had 3 out of 15 nights a bit below freezing, but normally positive Celsius temperatures, while my highest camp site was at 12.000 ft (aside Muir shelter, no freezing). No cellphone service at all, but it was the most remote area. I used a cellphone in airplane mode, a power bank and a small solar panel (180 g power bank, 110 g solar panel). I always had plenty of power, including a separate camera and an inReach. Cellphone was running 24 h as I used it as an alarm too.
I like my squirrel stir-fried in garlic/olive oil, served with a Merlot:: Bold yet pensive. Mmmm... That's good Squirrel!
I love squirrel, especially with gravy and biscuits!!!
😂enjoyed this! In creede, co now resting and a lady pulled a wagon to me last night with a filthy egg crate mattress top and pillows😂 I explained to her distance hiking and that my pack contained everything I needed to sleep. She couldn't quite understand and left the wagon near the baseball field where Im camped🤣
I so totally miss being able to "pop a squat" where ever when I am in society. LOL I love not having to worry about a nasty public bathroom. Ahhhhh.....
I went to the Outerbanks a few weeks ago with my Summit Mount Rainier series water proof roof top tent with Annex. I used a 5 gal bucket lined with a compactor bag & compost and believe it or not they do make lids that are toilet seats that snap onto the buckets.
Are you Moxie from the 'Walking Home' documentary?
@@fredderf3207 nope my trail name is Countrygirl
@@moxiemckeldrey5486 OK. Thanx for the quick reply... what a surprise!
As for the squirrel hunting, there are also hunting regulations that usually require a license for that locality
I am not a hiker, but I love the outdoors. But, I also love your videos
Don’t melt! Come back to KY. The weather here has turned very comfortable all of a sudden. Afraid of the dark? What about the moon? I’ve heard of people being afraid of the moon. There is even a word for it, Selenophobia. Stay safe out there! 🤗
RJ Hikes the weather has been nice here too. We are in mid 70s today.
Great video. Just started hiking. Like on mile 25. Starting small and building up. Love your channel. Maybe I’ll see you on the knobstone trail.
Another question - What allows most folks to take part in a multi-month trail adventure? (in other words, how do folks afford to do this? I would assume they have no home (and mortgage) to return to? - And no regular, recurring financial obligations? - Perhaps I am naive, (or just have been programmed to live the 8-5 routine, but I have always been curious how so many can afford to do this) - Surely not everyone that does this is independently wealthy? - Thanks.
I get most of my information for backpacking by watching your videos. Thank you