What a great and inspiring video, Bravo!!! Im a retired combat medic who was sitting in the couch depressed and hating life when God guided me to this hiking comunities. My life is different now and I’m truly grateful and full of joy, energy and hope. Many of your videos helped me achieve some must needed goals. So, thank you for sharing your journey Sir!
I was hiking early morning along a section of the Arizona Trail when I pulled up your comment. It made my day and reinforced the real reason I have this channel. I’m inspired by your story, and all of us have lived a part of your story to some degree, especially the part of resolving to live and find meaning in the outdoors. My friend, you are among friends here. I hope my friend Dwayne comments here, and please check out my video from “Hell to Hope.” It’s about a combat vet who made a decision to turn the trauma of war into a greater good. Happy Trails!
I’m heading to the Appalachian Trail on Feb 1. I set a goal when I was 16 and I feared if I didn’t go soon I would allow life to get too busy. I bought the ticket to ensure accountability. Since then I’ve started hiking shorter distances, multi-day gear shakedown hikes. I added a gym membership last month to start lifting and continuing to condition for the hike. I’m changing my diet to better feed my body and I’m excited to hit the trail. Thank you to all the trail maintainers who have cleared a safe path after Hurricane Helene.
@ absolutely! The advice in this post was absolutely gained via life experience. I could tell right away these are words of wisdom from someone who has learned the hard way
Loved the poem at the end and as always, your cinematography. Thanks for the time you take to edit your videos, tell your story, and inspire us to keep getting out and exploring! There is nothing like being out in the wilderness where only feet can go. Happy New Year and here's to so many more adventures!
Thank you Maureen. It’s been a journey and I’m thankful for all the cool people such as yourself who encourage me. I am excited every time someone shares their plan for adventure. Happy New Year, and the trail beckons!
Thank you for another inspiring video. I have my first solo hike scheduled for spring 2025 in the UK. I'm not wild camping, but it's 86 miles through some beautiful landscape.
At 62, I’m going to achieve my lifetime dream of thru hiking the PCT this summer. My hike will look a bit different from most people’s, but I’m hiking every step of the PCT.
Thank you. One day you might write your own. On my channel, I have a poem titled I wrote called “To Live Wildly.” I wrote this while climbing the Sierra passes during my PCT hike in 2022. It helped motivate me during the ascents.
Thank you for the great inspiring video sir. I had total knee replacement on my left knee in nov, only 58 yr, and I am chopping at the bit to get back on trail. Always love your videos, keep sharing your experience and knowledge. I am thinking about doing a thru hike in 2026. Probably the CDT, so have time to be in shape and all set. Thanks again for this video.
I have shifted from running competively to hiking as I am getting older. My goal is to thru hike the AT in 3 years, when my youngest child graduates. I am hiking as much as I can, including summitting Katahdin twice. Working on gear selection and will start practicing hiking with a heavy pack this week.
I think this video was made just for me. Family obligations keep me from any long distance hikes at the moment, but this too shall pass. I must diligently prepare and be ready when the opportunity appears!
I understand. Everything I mentioned in the video I have experienced firsthand. I realize baby steps matter, and that moving toward your goal regardless of personal circumstances is a good way to go.
Love the Poem- was introduced to his works in 1960 as a Boy Scout when they were read around the campfire- I regularly read from his complete works yet today- nice touch to your video
Thank you so much for this great video! Your words are wise! I used to let setbacks and obstacles stop me in my tracks. Over the past several years, I've embarked on the baby-steps path, and the daily choices and efforts, no matter how small, are really paying off. I'm getting closer and closer to committing to a long hike! I have many obstacles and I am not letting them stop me, I am creatively babystepping around them :) Thank you for sharing positivity and inspiration! Happy New Year!
My hope is that as you take these baby steps, the universe conspires to help make your dream happen. Advancing confidently in the direction you are passionate about is the way to go, in my opinion.
You have my attention, and Im going to try it. Thank you... so glad I came upon this... PS .. Im going to watch the Robert Redford movie again, A Walk in the woods . which I like, for my inspiration.
@ I must say, you’ve produced a lot of content that has provided me additional inspiration to do this thing in 2025. This video alone, talking about how the universe just may line everything up, resonates so strongly.
@ Thanks Glen. All of the issues and principles I mentioned in the video I’ve either dealt with or learned through experience. I’m glad the universe quote resonates with you. I’m hoping it all works out for you.
What a great and inspiring video, Bravo!!! Im a retired combat medic who was sitting in the couch depressed and hating life when God guided me to this hiking comunities. My life is different now and I’m truly grateful and full of joy, energy and hope. Many of your videos helped me achieve some must needed goals. So, thank you for sharing your journey Sir!
I was hiking early morning along a section of the Arizona Trail when I pulled up your comment. It made my day and reinforced the real reason I have this channel. I’m inspired by your story, and all of us have lived a part of your story to some degree, especially the part of resolving to live and find meaning in the outdoors. My friend, you are among friends here. I hope my friend Dwayne comments here, and please check out my video from “Hell to Hope.” It’s about a combat vet who made a decision to turn the trauma of war into a greater good. Happy Trails!
I’m heading to the Appalachian Trail on Feb 1. I set a goal when I was 16 and I feared if I didn’t go soon I would allow life to get too busy. I bought the ticket to ensure accountability. Since then I’ve started hiking shorter distances, multi-day gear shakedown hikes. I added a gym membership last month to start lifting and continuing to condition for the hike. I’m changing my diet to better feed my body and I’m excited to hit the trail. Thank you to all the trail maintainers who have cleared a safe path after Hurricane Helene.
Wow! What a testimony. Please share a pic of your start to my Facebook page, AKWild1. You're such an inspiration.
This video is tremendous. Not only for older hikers but for anyone with adversity in life.
Yes, I'm glad you could see that. The principles I spoke about I learned the hard way, and through experience throughout my life.
@ absolutely! The advice in this post was absolutely gained via life experience. I could tell right away these are words of wisdom from someone who has learned the hard way
Loved the poem at the end and as always, your cinematography. Thanks for the time you take to edit your videos, tell your story, and inspire us to keep getting out and exploring! There is nothing like being out in the wilderness where only feet can go. Happy New Year and here's to so many more adventures!
Thank you Maureen. It’s been a journey and I’m thankful for all the cool people such as yourself who encourage me. I am excited every time someone shares their plan for adventure. Happy New Year, and the trail beckons!
Thank you for another inspiring video. I have my first solo hike scheduled for spring 2025 in the UK. I'm not wild camping, but it's 86 miles through some beautiful landscape.
Dani, that sounds like an awesome adventure. I hope you share a few highlights with us.
"..or pickle ball." That's hilarious! LOL!! Thanks, AK. Best laugh today.
Thank you. Maybe I should apologize for saying smoking is a bad habit.
At 62, I’m going to achieve my lifetime dream of thru hiking the PCT this summer. My hike will look a bit different from most people’s, but I’m hiking every step of the PCT.
That sounds awesome. I hope you keep us informed of your adventures. I have an AKWild1 Facebook page where you could share pics. Happy Trails!
Loved the poem, I am going to memorize it and make it my battle cry
Thank you. One day you might write your own. On my channel, I have a poem titled I wrote called “To Live Wildly.” I wrote this while climbing the Sierra passes during my PCT hike in 2022. It helped motivate me during the ascents.
Thank you for the great inspiring video sir. I had total knee replacement on my left knee in nov, only 58 yr, and I am chopping at the bit to get back on trail. Always love your videos, keep sharing your experience and knowledge. I am thinking about doing a thru hike in 2026. Probably the CDT, so have time to be in shape and all set. Thanks again for this video.
The CDT is quite the through hike. I wish you the quickest healing, and that everything falls in place for your thru hike. Happy Trails!
I have shifted from running competively to hiking as I am getting older. My goal is to thru hike the AT in 3 years, when my youngest child graduates. I am hiking as much as I can, including summitting Katahdin twice. Working on gear selection and will start practicing hiking with a heavy pack this week.
That sounds like an awesome plan. Climbing Katahdin also sounds like a good way to make memories and keep the dream alive. Happy Trails!
I think this video was made just for me.
Family obligations keep me from any long distance hikes at the moment, but this too shall pass. I must diligently prepare and be ready when the opportunity appears!
I understand. Everything I mentioned in the video I have experienced firsthand. I realize baby steps matter, and that moving toward your goal regardless of personal circumstances is a good way to go.
Thanks AK, great poem and the video is a great inspiration, thank you. All the best for 2025, see you on the trail 🙂
Thank you, John. Perhaps one day our paths will cross, no pun intended.
Love the Poem- was introduced to his works in 1960 as a Boy Scout when they were read around the campfire- I regularly read from his complete works yet today- nice touch to your video
I read Robert Service in my 20s, and his stories along with Jack London's, fortified my desire to move to Alaska. Service still resonates with me.
No longer a Cheechako are you
@ Nope. Lost that state long ago.
Great words to motivate us! Love the poem 🙂 thank you
Thank you for watching and for appreciating my poetry digressions.
Your video really resounded with me. The only thing that is holding me back is myself.loved the poem, thanks.
That’a true with all of us. Glad you enjoyed the poem.
Thank you so much for this great video! Your words are wise! I used to let setbacks and obstacles stop me in my tracks. Over the past several years, I've embarked on the baby-steps path, and the daily choices and efforts, no matter how small, are really paying off. I'm getting closer and closer to committing to a long hike! I have many obstacles and I am not letting them stop me, I am creatively babystepping around them :) Thank you for sharing positivity and inspiration! Happy New Year!
My hope is that as you take these baby steps, the universe conspires to help make your dream happen. Advancing confidently in the direction you are passionate about is the way to go, in my opinion.
@@akwild1 Thank you!
@ My pleasure. Thanks for watching!
You have my attention, and Im going to try it. Thank you... so glad I came upon this... PS .. Im going to watch the Robert Redford movie again, A Walk in the woods . which I like, for my inspiration.
That was an enjoyable movie. The books by Bryson is good, too. I also liked the movie Wild.
very inspiring and some very nice photography.
Thank you. I love learning about videography and I’m striving to get better shots. Happy Trails!
Great video! It looks so beautiful!!❤❤❤
@@weekendhikeraz Thank you. Yes, some very pretty country.
Thank you very much 😊
My pleasure. Thank you for watching!
I LOVE IT!!!
Thanks Glen. I look forward to hearing how your plans are working out.
@ I must say, you’ve produced a lot of content that has provided me additional inspiration to do this thing in 2025. This video alone, talking about how the universe just may line everything up, resonates so strongly.
@ Thanks Glen. All of the issues and principles I mentioned in the video I’ve either dealt with or learned through experience. I’m glad the universe quote resonates with you. I’m hoping it all works out for you.
Including the pickle ball comment, this video is beautiful. :>)
Thank you, Peter. Yes, I just had to take a swipe at the latest fad. It's always a good idea not to take my jokes too seriously.
👍👍