Loved the soundtrack for the final ascent! So Scottish and epic and utterly moving! Bill and I have made a new friend in you through your journey. We know you and we know and admire your beautiful soul! Didn't miss a day of videos and didn't miss a day of praying for your strength and safety. God is good! Decompress and recover and keep us in touch. If you want to write a children's book, it would be a fantastic tribute and remembrance of yours and Leos adventure. Say thank you to Kara and your family for sharing this amazing part of your life so elegantly with us.
I just finished watching your entire journey. I waited til you were done to finally comment. First off thank you for your faith and sharing it with all those that have and will watch your channel. I am thankful to call you a brother in Christ. You are one of the most positive people on TH-cam. Your outlook on life and love of people shows. Refreshing this day and time. I am so thankful and blessed I found your channel and the way you showed the entire journey is inspiring. I have wanted to hike the trail since I was 20yrs old and I will be 45 in September. You have rekindled a fire in me to try and I hope to be a part of the ‘26 class of thru hikers. I have dealt with mental struggles for the last 10 years and my escape and where I feel closest to God is in the woods. So thankful for you and Leo, what an amazing dog. I look forward to all your future adventures. God bless you and your family.
I'm only a lowly section hiker but I've been section hiking the trail for 15 or 16 years now. You and Leo have inspired me to get my behind in gear and finish North Carolina, Tennessee and Maine. That's all I have left to do so thank you for your inspiration! And one last thing, I've seen so many people on the trail whose significant other would " never let me do a through hike" and I want to shout out to your wife what an awesome lady she is to love and support you through living out one of your dreams. I can't wait to hear what your next adventures are.
Congratulations. You’re the only TH-cam through hiker I followed this year. You were calm, and was able to make decisions clear minded. A great attitude and never letting challenges affect you is what got you to the summit AND with a dog no less!! Inspiring journey. Thanks for taking us along.
I’m just in awe. To record, edit and post videos, be responsible for Leo and all the physical and mental challenges, it’s just amazing. You are a strong and inspiring individual. Gods very best for you, your wife, and entire family.
What a great adventure, great great job! I’m a dog lover, can’t imagine the bond you and Leo have after this, what a trooper he is. Thanks again for the trip, dragging us alone. Again awesome job! What a wonderful wife you’ve got to support you the way she did.
Hi Michael! Congratulations on completing your AT thru hike. My husband and I watched every day and are so impressed with your strength and perseverance. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. We loved all of the gorgeous views along the way and especially enjoyed your summit video. We have hiked some on the AT, but not sure we could accomplish what you have. Looking forward to seeing more of your adventures! God bless ❤
I’ve followed you two this whole journey. Every morning when I get home from work I wait for the daily video to post. What a great team you and Leo are. I’m 59 years old 300 pounds and I’m sitting here crying like a baby for the 2 of you. I swear Leo is smiling in that sign picture . Congratulations!! Looking forward to more videos.
I went back and watched this a second time--first time with a small screen; second time with a full screen view. It was such a great video showing your emotions as you neared the finish of 5 months of adventures. I liked the music you added and the fact that you didn't speak. This made your journey up the mountain a reflective time anticipating the stop in front of the sign. I can't explain it exactly but it definitely was powerful. Hope you and Leo are not getting "antsy" not getting up and hiking the trails, but are enjoying the time with your wife on the easier trip back to Florida via car.
I just want to say thank you. Although it has been a dream and I have drawn inspiration from several influences in my life. It is you and Leo who have inspired me to stop just thinking about it and actually make a plan to thru hike the AT. Still a couple years away as I’m a single dad with obligations, I know with proper planning, it is not an impossible dream. My first step has been taken. And so begins my journey toward my journey. Very sincerely. Thank you!!
Thank you so very much for allowing us the opportunity to go along your journey with you❤❤❤❤ please hug your wife and Pat Leo on the head for me, please!
Well, I was a bit late to the party but it is absolutely wonderful being “better late than never” to that party. CONGRATULATIONS!!! 🎉🙌 I watched this day 151 video of you and Leo’s summit after hearing Ramdino mention your summit and seeing you meet up with Captain Jack (who I’ve been following this season). 🥾 I started with the summit episode but I hit subscribe right away and went back and have binge watched every single day of your journey the last few weeks. And oh what an awesome and inspirational journey it has been Michael!😊 I want to express my sincere gratitude for taking us along with you and for taking the extra time required to document your incredible hike. What a privilege to meet you, Leo, your amazing wife and two of your boys through this vlog. What a beautiful family! Your love of God, Family and others is evident. An outstanding testimony. ❤ You shared your love, compassion, care, concern and support to all you encountered along the way. 👍 Your bond with Leo and the care you provided him and his love and support for you are so touching. What a blessing you found each other. 🐕 I have been obsessed with the A.T. the last couple of years. I enjoy hiking but only hike short distances. I hope to be able to hike some portions of the A.T. in the future. Unfortunately it won’t likely be until I retire in a few years. I have come to the realization that I probably will never be able to physically hike the entire A.T. ( I am a grandma but no Grandma Gatewood 😂 …. At least not yet ). Thank you so much for letting me hike the trail in its entirety vicariously with you. 🤗 I only choose a few hikers to follow each year and your journey did not disappoint! This old Kentucky gal was duly impressed. God Bless you and yours Michael. I’ll look forward to following along on your future adventures. 😁 Now what to do with the extra hours I’ll have free each evening since my binge watching is over….? 🤔😬😆 It will be an adjustment. 😉 Many thanks again!
What else is there to say….Thank you for allowing us on this journey with you. This has been the best, most real, most informative, most honest, complete, touching and connecting documentation I have ever watched. Thank you for the connection. Thank you for the inspiration. You and Leo are amazing and I just want to wish you nothing but the best in all to come. Sincerest congrats and much love from the bottom of my heart. Simply outstanding!!!
Thanks to Leo for bringing you on his greatest walk. Michael, thanks for the journey and your excellent storytelling. Love from Australia and I think you no longer suck at hiking.
What a triumphant journey it has been. Man and dog have never accomplished more. Thank you Master Splinter and Leo for the countless hours of prime entertainment. You guys are an inspiration to us all. What a solid performance!!!.
My husband and I fell behind during vacation but have watched every single episode. So we’re just seeing this video. CONGRATULATIONS on your summit with Leo!
My hubby and I watched you all the way . We are sad not to see you hike the AT and the adventures you and Leo brought to us each morning for our coffee, but we are so happy for your accomplishment. Congratulations to you and Leo. We hope to see more adventures with you and Leo and your sweet wife. 🎉🎉🎉
Music & halo effect added to the magic of your final ascent. So fortunate that that sign support was perfectly placed for Leo's back feet. The mileage should include hiking back down Katadin. Not only have you posted faithfully, but you're the only AT TH-camr I've found that has acknowledged every single comment. Blessings to you both!
Congratulations!! I was crying alone with you, just amazing and thank you for showing alot of the climb and walk up there. It is amazing! Leo did excellent.
Congratulations on summiting! You and Leo became a part of my day, everyday because I have woken up you to you and watched you before I went to sleep (3rd shift) since you started your AT journey. I was so excited to see you make it to the end and I thank you so so much for taking us along with you and Leo. I can’t wait to see where the next chapter and trail takes you.
Love, love, love your choice of music for the end of this epic journey! It really captured the emotions of the hike! I would imagine that is the most intetionally slowest mile of the entire trail! You were amazing to follow! Thank you! Oh and welcome to your 50's, you'll be crying a lot!!! May God bless you and your Family on all your adventures! Its been a pleasure!😳🐻🤣😭🎉❤
Okay, where to start; All I can say is Absolutely Awesome! Many months back, a TH-cam vloger popped up called "I Suck at Hiking." I thought, what a weird name. I watched you and Leo prepare for and start your journey on day 0. I watched every morning as you posted while your viewers and subscribers grew. I watched you seem to almost give up many times, but you didn't. I watched your wonderful wife totally support you every step of the way. I watched when all hope looked lost and some amazing things happened or some amazing strangers appeared to help you on your way. I watched your smart Leo lead you up the trail just exactly like he knew the next step. I watched a man change and grow over the last five months. And I watched you thank us for taking the journey with you. Thank you for all the extra work you had to do vlogging this journey. Thank you for your excellent videos and photographs of this journey. Thank your wife for supporting you so wonderfully on this journey. (My wife and I have been married for 43 years - and I could have never gotten this far without her). Thank Leo for leading on your way. Thank all the trail angels for supporting you on your journey. And, thank God for giving you the ability to do this! Take care my friend. You have done something very few have done!
What a wonderful post you made here. This described exactly what I wanted to articulate. This through-hike is the most inspiring and yet soothing thing I have seen in recent memory.
Congratulations on becoming an official thru-hiker of the A.T. Your journey has been a pleasure to follow along and I hope the comments from your followers provided you energy. Continued blessings to you and your family.
The views are amazing. You sure got a great day to summit! Again know how blessed you are. Such beautiful music to finish on… this is the greatest video ever!!! Thank you so very much for taking us along. Congratulations!! I know I got very emotional for you and Leo also… you guys are an amazing team!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you & Leo for this wonderful journey. Your time with Leo doing this has been a time of healing for me. My husband and I have been active rescue folks for over 30 yrs. so Leo caught my attention right away when I was reviewing this year’s new thru hikers to follow. About 2 months into your hike we lost 3 of our senior dogs in quick succession. My blue tick hound, Sophia aged 19 was the first to leave , next was our little poodle, Chloe aged 16, the third was my best friend, Spike aged 15. Spike was a street dog but the smartest dog we ever had. We still have a 17 yrs. old shih tzu named Daisy. She is now pretty much blind & deaf. Our oldest cat , Hester, was the first to leave this group of pets. She had cancer for a second time and was just too old to beat the terrible C a second time. We do still have 3 more semi-senior kitties left. Daisy & the 3 cats will be our last pets because of our own senior ages. Anyway, Leo’s ability to do this journey has been a daily highlight & part of our healing. It was a pleasure to view from afar the hike you two have made & to meet your family along the way. Anyway, thank you from our hearts for your beautiful and honest journey. It has been a true pleasure.
I lost my 14 yr old black lab last October. It was time to let him go, but I still feel awful. Now I don't know how much longer I'll have my senior cat. I can't imagine what you've been through. I purposely chose Mike because he was hiking with a dog.
we helped begin 2 rescues locally and fostered for 30 plus years.. All our animals have always come from pretty sad situations so it’s been a wonderful journey for us to love them unconditionally and help them heal their souls and get back to a great health. We won’t foster at this point because our animals are older. My husband and I are both seniors and not sure what the future holds to be honest. Both of us have health issues we are dealing with also. We do continue to help financially support the rescues we help found so that’s really our only involvement at this time .
@dreamcatcherga I have a senior cat with a lot of health issues, so I definitely would not add a other pet at this time, so I understand your situation. I used to foster kittens, but my cat has never been the maternal type, so it would be to stressful for her.
Congratulations to you and Leo! You did it! And what a wonderful wife you have to have supported you throughout the journey. I have never followed a youtube through-hiker before. It was truly lovely way to start my mornings and I cannot tell you how much seeing your journey has meant to me. I can't even articulate why it meant so much to me to myself. But, it was something I looked forward to every day and I will greatly miss. But, you did it! You did it!
You're not crying... I'm crying. I've hiked the Hunt Trail and that 2-mile section before the gateway is brutal. But so worth it. I'm so happy for you and Leo for the journey you experienced together. If anyone's wondering, I lost it when Leo started wagging his tail at the sign, like he just knew. Thank you so much for taking the time to take us along your amazing journey!
Well done fellas!!! What a journey! Happy to say I've watched from the beginning and before and enjoyed it all. Give Leo big treats from us all and enjoy your rest and recovery. Yall have earned it
Congratulations!! I waited until I could watch this on my tv instead of my phone. So worth it! It's an amazing video of an amazing moment in your lives. God speed as you continue your journey in life.
Congrats on your epic journey with Leo,have been waiting all day to watch this! I feel like I’ve gotten to know you as a friend over the past few months. You’re a great man with family values that has so much joy in their heart and are willing to put in the extra effort to share❤ You’ve been a great inspiration to me to recharge my dream to thru hike someday and have seen how many others you’ve impacted on this channel. Thank you so much, God Bless you and your family. Can’t wait to see the upcoming videos.
I have never seen a video that showed the entire climb to the top (almost). That was absolutely beautiful, epic & moving. I just hope I don't freak out at the height when I get there..haha. I have such immense gratitude to you for sharing your journey with us. Thank you and HUGE congratulations to you and Leo. I'm looking forward to a post -hike gear review from my favorite gear-reviewer. Happy Trails.
CONGRATULATIONS 🎉🎉🎉🎉.. So happy for you and Leo!!! I have watched every day since you started and have absolutely enjoyed everyday. What an accomplishment for you and Leo. Respect and many blessings to you. Enjoy time with your wife and family and can't wait for your next adventure. Tell Leo ' good boy' and give him an extra treat.
Hi Michael and Leo! Congratulations on successfully completing your AT thru hike. My husband and I watched every day and are so impressed with your strength and perseverance. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. We loved all of the gorgeous views along the way and especially enjoyed your summit video. We have hiked some on the AT, but not sure we could accomplish what you have. Looking forward to seeing more of your adventures! God bless ❤
Congratulations what an incredible accomplishment. I have never really watched or followed anyone doing this. Thanks for sharing everything with us all
Congratulations to you and Leo. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. God bless you and your family and keep you ever in His care. A faithful follower from North Carolina.
Congratulations Master Splinter and Leo! You both did it, maybe you need to have a wrap up with Kyle...he didn't think Leo would make it as i recall. Hope to see more adventures in the future with the two of you. All the best!
Yeahhh!! 👏👏👏congratulations 100xs over. What an absolute honor to follow both you and Leo. The love, trust, dependency, and guidance you both needed and received from each other are truly inspirational. Thank you for all the added work you did to create the videos, edit, and upload. You had so much to worry about, especially for Leo, yet you always acknowledged us fans. You are such a blessing, and i wish you and Leo rest, but then plenty of future fun and love. Thank you, and may God bless you both, and also your family . Thank you, thank you. 🎉🪅🎊🥳👏👏👏🐕⛰️
Bravo to you and Leo for your triump of high achievement. Cheers to your victory over hardships and mishaps. Kudos to your determination and dedication. Thank you for vloging the full process of hiking to the peak of Katahdin. Truly a formidable challenge. At least, it was for me. Worse for me as I descended. I appreciate the gift of your vlog. I applaud your efforts👏🏻⭐ May your life choices bring you happiness. Happy Trails!
Just incredible. So life affirming. Found your channel through other hiker journeys this year. You had me hooked with Leo and the beautiful relationship you share. I’m crying for your accomplishment together and my own heart dog and hiker girl. She is no longer with me but so many adventures in the Whites and Maine, my happy place. Hug Leo for me and treasure him. He is one of a kind.
Michael and Leo, Congratulations on this amazing accomplishment! Michael, your transparency through this journey was a blessing to all of us. We witnessed the joys and challenges a thru hiker might experience. I started in the class of 2024, but had to end my hike due to knee problems, so thanks for being extra and showing us those blue blaze views I missed. I cried with you the last 10 minutes of your final ascent to the summit. I imagine words can't express the emotions you had. Currently wondering if you had to buy Leo a treadmill for home? 🤣
Congratulations on submitting Katadin. I pray I'll have equal success on my AT thru-hike starting in February 2025. My journey will be difficult, ad I'm legally blind.
Congratulations to you and Leo on finish the Appalachian Trail! It is quite the accomplishment and you should be very proud. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I'll miss watching it every day. I really enjoyed watching and wish you the best of luck on your future endeavors!
Thank you so much for sharing the ups and downs of your journey with us. I found your epic travel journey after I had foot surgery and was told “no weight bearing” for 12 wks. At 76 I’m not exactly a marathon runner but I was going nuts watching tv every day. Then I found your TH-cam videos - you were in the Shenandoah mountains then - and I’ve been able to virtually take A walk in the woods every day. So Thank you!
Love the red shoes. Been following you for the past month. I was born an hour or so away from Baxter State Park. Great to see you enjoy Maine. Congratulations on your journey.
I'm so thrilled for you and Leo! What an amazing job you did with all the editing and taking care of Leo and yourself. I can't wait to see pictures of him after he's groomed. Congratulations to you both, what an accomplishment! Rest and heal, I can't wait to see your next adventure 😊
congratulations Michael! i have watched every video daily since day one and it’s new soo amazing going on this journey with you and Leo! your such an inspiration to me and i’m sure many others and after all this time it feels like we are old friends! and on top of that you are indeed my brother in Christ and i’m so thankful for you!! i knew when i watched your first video that you guys would without a doubt make it to this summit and here you both are! it’s always been a dream of mine to hike the AT and maybe someday i will but you have given me the chance to experience it with you and for that i am forever grateful! i live in northwestern west Virginia and if your ever up this way and need anything please don’t hesitate to reach out to me! it’s sad to see this adventure come to an end but i look forward to your upcoming videos and i pray we can stay in touch! God bless you my brother!
Congratulations to Leo (and you!) on summit day. I had no doubt you guys would make it, none at all. Isn't that table land, after the false summit and prior to the true summit, grand? An enormous glacial scrape. It let you ease your legs and take in your surroundings before you make that last push to the top. You guys were great, I'll miss watching your journey. Hopefully you and Leo will do more that you'll share with us. Fair winds!!
So true that none of us walk alone. I felt such gratitude and sense of community when I submitted my thru hike in 2022…and that has stayed with me. May that realization stay with you as well as you celebrate this amazing accomplishment. Hearty congratulations!!!!
I have enjoyed watching all your videos of your hike through the AT. It has been beautiful. I like short hikes , but i would never make it on the AT. Thank you for taking us along with you and Leo.
Congratulations Mike & Leo!!! So impressive and amazing! Extremely happy for you! Going to miss your daily videos though & I guess Kyle @ Kyle hates hiking misjudged yours’ & Leo’s tenacity. Truly amazing journey.
Congratulations on a safe and successful through hike. Mt. Kahtadin is my favorite place in the US and I’ve been to the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Zion, and many other places. Probably because I lived in Maine for almost half of my life and have been to the top seven times myself. I’m too old now but I never pass up a summit video. You had perfect weather for your climb and that is not always the case. Happy trails!
I love when accomplishments and their moments aren't lost on someone. What you just did was an incredible mental and physical challenge! I can't imagine what you were feeling, but I saw the appreciation in your face. Congrats!!!!! You seem like a good man and I hope the blessing pour out on you. Thank you for 5 months of enjoyment. I've climbed Katahdin and the 48 4000'ers in the whites and they pale to what you've done. I wish you the very best Master Splinter (Michael) and Leo!
Michael - congratulations- we have really enjoyed your trek!!! My husband is an AT section hiker and an ADK46er - he hikes all the time and we watched your daily videos every night after dinner!!! Great job hiking your trek and sharing it!! The funniest part was when you started Katahdin and said your wife could have done it and my husband has hiked it and he said “just wait”! Haha. God Bless you and Leo!
HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH OF YOU!!!!!!! Our morning routine will not be the same without watching your daily adventures 😞 You did an awesome job with your videos allowing us to enjoy your adventure along with you. Leo is the one who originally drew us into your chanel as we are total dog people. We marveled every day at how that dog just followed that trail. He was clearly on a mission. Just curious, what did you feed him for the most part on trail??? Time to relax now and savor your accomplishment!!!!!!!
Brooooooo I’m SO happy for you and Leo! Congratulations THRU HIKER! You did! You both did it. I’ve enjoyed following your journey. Very well done Master Splinter and Leo. I hope and pray post-trail life is kind to you as you get acclimated back to the matrix. I’m sure you’re looking forward to getting back to your academy or gym too. Mat time is excellent therapy. Thank you again for inviting us along and God bless you brother.
Congrats! As a Floridian myself I can truly say that is an amazing accomplishment! I loved all the vblogs. What a beautiful day to summit. I'm super happy for you and Leo. Thanks for allowing us all to tag along.
What a fantastic finish for you and Leo! Gorgeous day, awesome views, and you and Leo on the sign! You are the furst thru-hiker that I gave seen who hiked without trekking poles. You made it look so easy. I'm sure it wasn't. Leo is not only a hiking dog...he is a Wonder Dog!Thank you so much for letting me tag-along and see so much Nature that I will never be able to experience. Enjoy your time with your lovely wife as you return home. Safe travels. Looking forward to whatever you put out for us next. I'll be here in anxious anticipation!
Loved the soundtrack for the final ascent! So Scottish and epic and utterly moving! Bill and I have made a new friend in you through your journey. We know you and we know and admire your beautiful soul! Didn't miss a day of videos and didn't miss a day of praying for your strength and safety. God is good! Decompress and recover and keep us in touch. If you want to write a children's book, it would be a fantastic tribute and remembrance of yours and Leos adventure. Say thank you to Kara and your family for sharing this amazing part of your life so elegantly with us.
Thanks so much
That was the best summit I've seen to finish the hike. Absolutely adorable.
Wow, thank you, that's quite a compliment
@@ISuckatHiking and I've watched dozens. Congrats to you guys!
Thank you for allowing us to come along on your journey. It’s been an honor to laugh, cry, and cheer along with you. Congratulations!
Thank you so much!
Congratulations to you and Leo! 🎉
I just finished watching your entire journey. I waited til you were done to finally comment. First off thank you for your faith and sharing it with all those that have and will watch your channel. I am thankful to call you a brother in Christ. You are one of the most positive people on TH-cam. Your outlook on life and love of people shows. Refreshing this day and time. I am so thankful and blessed I found your channel and the way you showed the entire journey is inspiring. I have wanted to hike the trail since I was 20yrs old and I will be 45 in September. You have rekindled a fire in me to try and I hope to be a part of the ‘26 class of thru hikers. I have dealt with mental struggles for the last 10 years and my escape and where I feel closest to God is in the woods. So thankful for you and Leo, what an amazing dog. I look forward to all your future adventures. God bless you and your family.
Thank you so much!
I'm only a lowly section hiker but I've been section hiking the trail for 15 or 16 years now. You and Leo have inspired me to get my behind in gear and finish North Carolina, Tennessee and Maine. That's all I have left to do so thank you for your inspiration! And one last thing, I've seen so many people on the trail whose significant other would " never let me do a through hike" and I want to shout out to your wife what an awesome lady she is to love and support you through living out one of your dreams. I can't wait to hear what your next adventures are.
Thanks
Every hiker matters!! Thru and section hikers!! It’s all tough!! ❤ keep hiking!!
Congratulations. You’re the only TH-cam through hiker I followed this year. You were calm, and was able to make decisions clear minded. A great attitude and never letting challenges affect you is what got you to the summit AND with a dog no less!! Inspiring journey. Thanks for taking us along.
Thanks
I’m just in awe. To record, edit and post videos, be responsible for Leo and all the physical and mental challenges, it’s just amazing. You are a strong and inspiring individual. Gods very best for you, your wife, and entire family.
What a great adventure, great great job! I’m a dog lover, can’t imagine the bond you and Leo have after this, what a trooper he is. Thanks again for the trip, dragging us alone. Again awesome job! What a wonderful wife you’ve got to support you the way she did.
Congratulations! What an amazing achievement.❤❤
Hi Michael! Congratulations on completing your AT thru hike. My husband and I watched every day and are so impressed with your strength and perseverance. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. We loved all of the gorgeous views along the way and especially enjoyed your summit video. We have hiked some on the AT, but not sure we could accomplish what you have. Looking forward to seeing more of your adventures! God bless ❤
What a beautiful day to summit!!!! CONGRATULATIONS to you and Leo...I enjoyed being part of your journey!!!!
Thanks so much
I’ve followed you two this whole journey. Every morning when I get home from work I wait for the daily video to post. What a great team you and Leo are. I’m 59 years old 300 pounds and I’m sitting here crying like a baby for the 2 of you. I swear Leo is smiling in that sign picture . Congratulations!! Looking forward to more videos.
Thanks
I went back and watched this a second time--first time with a small screen; second time with a full screen view. It was such a great video showing your emotions as you neared the finish of 5 months of adventures. I liked the music you added and the fact that you didn't speak. This made your journey up the mountain a reflective time anticipating the stop in front of the sign. I can't explain it exactly but it definitely was powerful. Hope you and Leo are not getting "antsy" not getting up and hiking the trails, but are enjoying the time with your wife on the easier trip back to Florida via car.
Thanks
I just want to say thank you. Although it has been a dream and I have drawn inspiration from several influences in my life. It is you and Leo who have inspired me to stop just thinking about it and actually make a plan to thru hike the AT. Still a couple years away as I’m a single dad with obligations, I know with proper planning, it is not an impossible dream. My first step has been taken. And so begins my journey toward my journey. Very sincerely. Thank you!!
Awesome make it happen
Thank you so very much for allowing us the opportunity to go along your journey with you❤❤❤❤ please hug your wife and Pat Leo on the head for me, please!
Will do!!
Well, I was a bit late to the party but it is absolutely wonderful being “better late than never” to that party. CONGRATULATIONS!!! 🎉🙌
I watched this day 151 video of you and Leo’s summit after hearing Ramdino mention your summit and seeing you meet up with Captain Jack (who I’ve been following this season). 🥾
I started with the summit episode but I hit subscribe right away and went back and have binge watched every single day of your journey the last few weeks. And oh what an awesome and inspirational journey it has been Michael!😊
I want to express my sincere gratitude for taking us along with you and for taking the extra time required to document your incredible hike.
What a privilege to meet you, Leo, your amazing wife and two of your boys through this vlog. What a beautiful family!
Your love of God, Family and others is evident. An outstanding testimony. ❤
You shared your love, compassion, care, concern and support to all you encountered along the way. 👍
Your bond with Leo and the care you provided him and his love and support for you are so touching. What a blessing you found each other. 🐕
I have been obsessed with the A.T. the last couple of years. I enjoy hiking but only hike short distances. I hope to be able to hike some portions of the A.T. in the future. Unfortunately it won’t likely be until I retire in a few years. I have come to the realization that I probably will never be able to physically hike the entire A.T. ( I am a grandma but no Grandma Gatewood 😂 …. At least not yet ). Thank you so much for letting me hike the trail in its entirety vicariously with you. 🤗
I only choose a few hikers to follow each year and your journey did not disappoint! This old Kentucky gal was duly impressed.
God Bless you and yours Michael. I’ll look forward to following along on your future adventures. 😁
Now what to do with the extra hours I’ll have free each evening since my binge watching is over….? 🤔😬😆 It will be an adjustment. 😉
Many thanks again!
Thank you so much!
What else is there to say….Thank you for allowing us on this journey with you. This has been the best, most real, most informative, most honest, complete, touching and connecting documentation I have ever watched. Thank you for the connection. Thank you for the inspiration. You and Leo are amazing and I just want to wish you nothing but the best in all to come. Sincerest congrats and much love from the bottom of my heart. Simply outstanding!!!
Wow, thank you!
Congratulations! Thankful to see you achieve your hike. Congratulations to Leo too! Blessings to you and your family. Thanks again!
Thank you so much!
Thanks to Leo for bringing you on his greatest walk. Michael, thanks for the journey and your excellent storytelling.
Love from Australia and I think you no longer suck at hiking.
Thanks
Congratulations, I have followed you from
The beginning. Not sure who I’m more proud of Leo or You!! I
Yay! Thank you!
What a triumphant journey it has been. Man and dog have never accomplished more. Thank you Master Splinter and Leo for the countless hours of prime entertainment. You guys are an inspiration to us all. What a solid performance!!!.
Thanks
Enjoyed following your journey. Thanks for sharing.
Our pleasure!
This is BEST summit of Mt Katahdin I’ve ever watched. Well done sir 🥲🥰
Thanks
My husband and I fell behind during vacation but have watched every single episode. So we’re just seeing this video. CONGRATULATIONS on your summit with Leo!
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My hubby and I watched you all the way . We are sad not to see you hike the AT and the adventures you and Leo brought to us each morning for our coffee, but we are so happy for your accomplishment. Congratulations to you and Leo. We hope to see more adventures with you and Leo and your sweet wife. 🎉🎉🎉
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Music & halo effect added to the magic of your final ascent. So fortunate that that sign support was perfectly placed for Leo's back feet. The mileage should include hiking back down Katadin. Not only have you posted faithfully, but you're the only AT TH-camr I've found that has acknowledged every single comment. Blessings to you both!
Thanks so much
Congratulations!!
I was crying alone with you, just amazing and thank you for showing alot of the climb and walk up there. It is amazing! Leo did excellent.
Thank you so much!
Congratulations on summiting! You and Leo became a part of my day, everyday because I have woken up you to you and watched you before I went to sleep (3rd shift) since you started your AT journey. I was so excited to see you make it to the end and I thank you so so much for taking us along with you and Leo. I can’t wait to see where the next chapter and trail takes you.
Wow, thank you!
Love, love, love your choice of music for the end of this epic journey! It really captured the emotions of the hike! I would imagine that is the most intetionally slowest mile of the entire trail! You were amazing to follow! Thank you! Oh and welcome to your 50's, you'll be crying a lot!!! May God bless you and your Family on all your adventures! Its been a pleasure!😳🐻🤣😭🎉❤
Awesome! Thank you!
Okay, where to start; All I can say is Absolutely Awesome! Many months back, a TH-cam vloger popped up called "I Suck at Hiking." I thought, what a weird name. I watched you and Leo prepare for and start your journey on day 0. I watched every morning as you posted while your viewers and subscribers grew. I watched you seem to almost give up many times, but you didn't. I watched your wonderful wife totally support you every step of the way. I watched when all hope looked lost and some amazing things happened or some amazing strangers appeared to help you on your way. I watched your smart Leo lead you up the trail just exactly like he knew the next step. I watched a man change and grow over the last five months. And I watched you thank us for taking the journey with you. Thank you for all the extra work you had to do vlogging this journey. Thank you for your excellent videos and photographs of this journey. Thank your wife for supporting you so wonderfully on this journey. (My wife and I have been married for 43 years - and I could have never gotten this far without her). Thank Leo for leading on your way. Thank all the trail angels for supporting you on your journey. And, thank God for giving you the ability to do this! Take care my friend. You have done something very few have done!
Thanks so much
What a wonderful post you made here. This described exactly what I wanted to articulate. This through-hike is the most inspiring and yet soothing thing I have seen in recent memory.
Congratulations on becoming an official thru-hiker of the A.T. Your journey has been a pleasure to follow along and I hope the comments from your followers provided you energy. Continued blessings to you and your family.
Thanks so much!
The views are amazing. You sure got a great day to summit! Again know how blessed you are. Such beautiful music to finish on… this is the greatest video ever!!! Thank you so very much for taking us along. Congratulations!! I know I got very emotional for you and Leo also… you guys are an amazing team!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
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Thank you for the views of this final part of y’all’s journey. I loved the kisses and hugs you two shared at the top! Awesome views for sure!
Our pleasure!
Congratulations Michael & Leo! Thank you for including us in your journey! Please give Leo an extra little hug for me! Safe travels home!
Thank you! Will do!
Thank you & Leo for this wonderful journey. Your time with Leo doing this has been a time of healing for me. My husband and I have been active rescue folks for over 30 yrs. so Leo caught my attention right away when I was reviewing this year’s new thru hikers to follow. About 2 months into your hike we lost 3 of our senior dogs in quick succession. My blue tick hound, Sophia aged 19 was the first to leave , next was our little poodle, Chloe aged 16, the third was my best friend, Spike aged 15. Spike was a street dog but the smartest dog we ever had. We still have a 17 yrs. old shih tzu named Daisy. She is now pretty much blind & deaf. Our oldest cat , Hester, was the first to leave this group of pets. She had cancer for a second time and was just too old to beat the terrible C a second time. We do still have 3 more semi-senior kitties left. Daisy & the 3 cats will be our last pets because of our own senior ages. Anyway, Leo’s ability to do this journey has been a daily highlight & part of our healing. It was a pleasure to view from afar the hike you two have made & to meet your family along the way. Anyway, thank you from our hearts for your beautiful and honest journey. It has been a true pleasure.
Thanks sorry for your losses
I lost my 14 yr old black lab last October. It was time to let him go, but I still feel awful. Now I don't know how much longer I'll have my senior cat. I can't imagine what you've been through. I purposely chose Mike because he was hiking with a dog.
Would you consider fostering?
we helped begin 2 rescues locally and fostered for 30 plus years.. All our animals have always come from pretty sad situations so it’s been a wonderful journey for us to love them unconditionally and help them heal their souls and get back to a great health. We won’t foster at this point because our animals are older. My husband and I are both seniors and not sure what the future holds to be honest. Both of us have health issues we are dealing with also. We do continue to help financially support the rescues we help found so that’s really our only involvement at this time .
@dreamcatcherga I have a senior cat with a lot of health issues, so I definitely would not add a other pet at this time, so I understand your situation. I used to foster kittens, but my cat has never been the maternal type, so it would be to stressful for her.
Congratulations to you and Leo! You did it! And what a wonderful wife you have to have supported you throughout the journey.
I have never followed a youtube through-hiker before. It was truly lovely way to start my mornings and I cannot tell you how much seeing your journey has meant to me. I can't even articulate why it meant so much to me to myself. But, it was something I looked forward to every day and I will greatly miss.
But, you did it! You did it!
Thank you so much!
No better feeling than shoes that fit perfectly & finishing an epic journey, most beautiful summit film, ever.
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Leo seemed just as excited as you were to finish the hike, loved seeing him wagging his tail on top of the sign!! Great job!
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You're not crying... I'm crying. I've hiked the Hunt Trail and that 2-mile section before the gateway is brutal. But so worth it. I'm so happy for you and Leo for the journey you experienced together. If anyone's wondering, I lost it when Leo started wagging his tail at the sign, like he just knew. Thank you so much for taking the time to take us along your amazing journey!
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Well done fellas!!! What a journey! Happy to say I've watched from the beginning and before and enjoyed it all. Give Leo big treats from us all and enjoy your rest and recovery. Yall have earned it
Thank you! Will do!
Congratulations!! I waited until I could watch this on my tv instead of my phone. So worth it! It's an amazing video of an amazing moment in your lives. God speed as you continue your journey in life.
Thank you so much!!
Congratulations! I followed you from the first week man it’s been exciting to watch! Epic achievement
Awesome! Thank you!
Congrats on your epic journey with Leo,have been waiting all day to watch this!
I feel like I’ve gotten to know you as a friend over the past few months. You’re a great man with family values that has so much joy in their heart and are willing to put in the extra effort to share❤
You’ve been a great inspiration to me to recharge my dream to thru hike someday and have seen how many others you’ve impacted on this channel.
Thank you so much, God Bless you and your family.
Can’t wait to see the upcoming videos.
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Congratulations to you and Leo! I was crying right along with you. Such a great accomplishment for you both.
Thank you so much!
I have never seen a video that showed the entire climb to the top (almost). That was absolutely beautiful, epic & moving. I just hope I don't freak out at the height when I get there..haha. I have such immense gratitude to you for sharing your journey with us. Thank you and HUGE congratulations to you and Leo. I'm looking forward to a post -hike gear review from my favorite gear-reviewer. Happy Trails.
Thanks coming soon
CONGRATULATIONS 🎉🎉🎉🎉..
So happy for you and Leo!!!
I have watched every day since you started and have absolutely enjoyed everyday. What an accomplishment for you and Leo. Respect and many blessings to you.
Enjoy time with your wife and family and can't wait for your next adventure.
Tell Leo ' good boy' and give him an extra treat.
Thank you so much!!
Hi Michael and Leo! Congratulations on successfully completing your AT thru hike. My husband and I watched every day and are so impressed with your strength and perseverance. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. We loved all of the gorgeous views along the way and especially enjoyed your summit video. We have hiked some on the AT, but not sure we could accomplish what you have. Looking forward to seeing more of your adventures! God bless ❤
Thanks so much!
Absolutely amazing episode man, masterfully filmed and narrated! Bravo 👏
Thanks so much
Congratulations what an incredible accomplishment. I have never really watched or followed anyone doing this. Thanks for sharing everything with us all
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Congratulations! Wow! What a feat! And to do it with your dog. What a strong pup. I enjoyed following along!
Thank you so much!
Congratulations to you and Leo. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. God bless you and your family and keep you ever in His care.
A faithful follower from North Carolina.
Thank you so much!
Congratulations to you and Leo! You did it! Nothing like touching that sign.
Yes! Thank you!
Congrats to you and Leo! Truely amazing. Leo now has unrealistic expectations on how long his daily walk should be😊. Best of luck in the future!
Thank you! 😊
Congratulations brother, what an amazing journey, and a very special “Good Boy” to Leo.
Thanks so much!
I have watched from the beginning. Thank you for taking me along with you and Leo. Congratulations .
Thanks so much
Congratulations to you and Leo! Thank you for sharing your epic journey. You finished strong! 💪
Thank you 🙌
Congratulations Master Splinter and Leo! You both did it, maybe you need to have a wrap up with Kyle...he didn't think Leo would make it as i recall. Hope to see more adventures in the future with the two of you. All the best!
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Congratulations to you and Leo. You hiked a great hike and hiked your own hike! Job well done!
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It’s really been a pleasure to follow your journey. Peace be with you
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C!ongratulations! Got teary eyed when you hoisted Leo up on the sign with you. Looking forward to your new adventures
Thank you so much!
Congrats to you and Leo. What an amazing journey. We enjoyed every min that weve been able to watch. God Bless
Thank you so much!
Yeahhh!! 👏👏👏congratulations 100xs over. What an absolute honor to follow both you and Leo. The love, trust, dependency, and guidance you both needed and received from each other are truly inspirational. Thank you for all the added work you did to create the videos, edit, and upload. You had so much to worry about, especially for Leo, yet you always acknowledged us fans. You are such a blessing, and i wish you and Leo rest, but then plenty of future fun and love. Thank you, and may God bless you both, and also your family . Thank you, thank you. 🎉🪅🎊🥳👏👏👏🐕⛰️
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Bravo to you and Leo for your triump of high achievement. Cheers to your victory over hardships and mishaps. Kudos to your determination and dedication. Thank you for vloging the full process of hiking to the peak of Katahdin. Truly a formidable challenge. At least, it was for me. Worse for me as I descended. I appreciate the gift of your vlog. I applaud your efforts👏🏻⭐ May your life choices bring you happiness. Happy Trails!
Thank you so much!
Well done , both of you! What a wonderful friend you have in Leo!
Thank you! 🤗
Just incredible. So life affirming. Found your channel through other hiker journeys this year. You had me hooked with Leo and the beautiful relationship you share. I’m crying for your accomplishment together and my own heart dog and hiker girl. She is no longer with me but so many adventures in the Whites and Maine, my happy place. Hug Leo for me and treasure him. He is one of a kind.
Awesome! Thank you!
Michael and Leo, Congratulations on this amazing accomplishment! Michael, your transparency through this journey was a blessing to all of us. We witnessed the joys and challenges a thru hiker might experience. I started in the class of 2024, but had to end my hike due to knee problems, so thanks for being extra and showing us those blue blaze views I missed. I cried with you the last 10 minutes of your final ascent to the summit. I imagine words can't express the emotions you had. Currently wondering if you had to buy Leo a treadmill for home? 🤣
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Congratulations on submitting Katadin.
I pray I'll have equal success on my AT thru-hike starting in February 2025.
My journey will be difficult, ad I'm legally blind.
You can do it
Congratulations to you and Leo on finish the Appalachian Trail! It is quite the accomplishment and you should be very proud. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I'll miss watching it every day. I really enjoyed watching and wish you the best of luck on your future endeavors!
Thanks so much
Hi Michael congrats to Leo and yourself absolute pleasure watching your journey lucky to find your channel atb Steve UK
Thanks 👍
That summit was moving
Thank you so much for sharing the ups and downs of your journey with us. I found your epic travel journey after I had foot surgery and was told “no weight bearing” for 12 wks. At 76 I’m not exactly a marathon runner but I was going nuts watching tv every day. Then I found your TH-cam videos - you were in the Shenandoah mountains then - and I’ve been able to virtually take
A walk in the woods every day. So Thank you!
Awesome glad I could help
Love the red shoes. Been following you for the past month. I was born an hour or so away from Baxter State Park. Great to see you enjoy Maine. Congratulations on your journey.
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Congratulations!!! Thank you for sharing your journey with us!
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Well I certainly didn’t expect to tear up! Something about a man and his dog doing epic things together!! Amazing and wonderful!!
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I'm so thrilled for you and Leo! What an amazing job you did with all the editing and taking care of Leo and yourself. I can't wait to see pictures of him after he's groomed. Congratulations to you both, what an accomplishment! Rest and heal, I can't wait to see your next adventure 😊
Thank you so much!!
A big congratulations to you and Leo! Great photo and amazing accomplishment!😊❤
Thanks so much! 😊
Wow; just wow! The two of you are amazing!
Thank you! 😃
Have to admit we both cried when you & Leo were taking your picture on the summit ❤️🐶
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Congratulations to you and Leo!! I loved following your journey, and I’m so happy for you both!
Thank you so much!!
Congratulations! I have followed you all the way man! Tell Leo I am proud of him!
Thank you! Will do!
congratulations Michael! i have watched every video daily since day one and it’s new soo amazing going on this journey with you and Leo!
your such an inspiration to me and i’m sure many others and after all this time it feels like we are old friends! and on top of that you are indeed my brother in Christ and i’m so thankful for you!!
i knew when i watched your first video that you guys would without a doubt make it to this summit and here you both are!
it’s always been a dream of mine to hike the AT and maybe someday i will but you have given me the chance to experience it with you and for that i am forever grateful!
i live in northwestern west Virginia and if your ever up this way and need anything please don’t hesitate to reach out to me!
it’s sad to see this adventure come to an end but i look forward to your upcoming videos and i pray we can stay in touch!
God bless you my brother!
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Congratulations 🍾🎈🎉! Loved seeing Leo on the sign at the end right next to you!
Thank you! 🤗
Congratulations to Leo (and you!) on summit day. I had no doubt you guys would make it, none at all. Isn't that table land, after the false summit and prior to the true summit, grand? An enormous glacial scrape. It let you ease your legs and take in your surroundings before you make that last push to the top. You guys were great, I'll miss watching your journey. Hopefully you and Leo will do more that you'll share with us. Fair winds!!
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Congratulations!!! I didn’t watch many of your videos but I sure celebrate your finish!!! 🎊 🎉🦮🥾❤❤
Thank you so much!!
So true that none of us walk alone. I felt such gratitude and sense of community when I submitted my thru hike in 2022…and that has stayed with me. May that realization stay with you as well as you celebrate this amazing accomplishment. Hearty congratulations!!!!
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I have enjoyed watching all your videos of your hike through the AT. It has been beautiful. I like short hikes , but i would never make it on the AT. Thank you for taking us along with you and Leo.
Thanks for watching!
Amazing!!! Congratulations to you and Leo! Very well done!
Thank you so much!!
Congratulations to both of you. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Thank you so much!
Well done to you both. I really enjoyed following your entire journey. It's been a joy to watch.
Thanks so much!
Congratulations! Loved watching you and Leo. Thanks for the journey.
Thank you! 🤗
Congratulations Mike & Leo!!! So impressive and amazing! Extremely happy for you! Going to miss your daily videos though & I guess Kyle @ Kyle hates hiking misjudged yours’ & Leo’s tenacity. Truly amazing journey.
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Congratulations!!! I have enjoyed watching every step of your adventure. God bless 😊
Thank you so much!
Congratulations on a safe and successful through hike. Mt. Kahtadin is my favorite place in the US and I’ve been to the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Zion, and many other places. Probably because I lived in Maine for almost half of my life and have been to the top seven times myself. I’m too old now but I never pass up a summit video. You had perfect weather for your climb and that is not always the case. Happy trails!
Awesome! Thank you!
I love when accomplishments and their moments aren't lost on someone. What you just did was an incredible mental and physical challenge! I can't imagine what you were feeling, but I saw the appreciation in your face. Congrats!!!!! You seem like a good man and I hope the blessing pour out on you. Thank you for 5 months of enjoyment. I've climbed Katahdin and the 48 4000'ers in the whites and they pale to what you've done. I wish you the very best Master Splinter (Michael) and Leo!
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Huge congrats. May the lifetime of effort and well wishes last you for eternity.
Thank you very much!
Congratulations! It has been fun watching you and Leo!
Thank you! 🤗
Wow ! Congratulations! Thank you for sharing your journey. It was fun to watch.
Glad you enjoyed it!
What a gorgeous day, thank you for sharing your journey!
Thanks for watching!
Incredible job to you and Leo! Loved watching and thanks for taking us along
Our pleasure!
Michael - congratulations- we have really enjoyed your trek!!! My husband is an AT section hiker and an ADK46er - he hikes all the time and we watched your daily videos every night after dinner!!! Great job hiking your trek and sharing it!! The funniest part was when you started Katahdin and said your wife could have done it and my husband has hiked it and he said “just wait”! Haha. God Bless you and Leo!
That is awesome!
Congratulations!! I have enjoyed watching your journey from the beginning til summit. Awesome job.
Thanks so much!
HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH OF YOU!!!!!!! Our morning routine will not be the same without watching your daily adventures 😞 You did an awesome job with your videos allowing us to enjoy your adventure along with you. Leo is the one who originally drew us into your chanel as we are total dog people. We marveled every day at how that dog just followed that trail. He was clearly on a mission. Just curious, what did you feed him for the most part on trail??? Time to relax now and savor your accomplishment!!!!!!!
Blue diamond food
Brooooooo I’m SO happy for you and Leo! Congratulations THRU HIKER! You did! You both did it. I’ve enjoyed following your journey. Very well done Master Splinter and Leo. I hope and pray post-trail life is kind to you as you get acclimated back to the matrix. I’m sure you’re looking forward to getting back to your academy or gym too. Mat time is excellent therapy. Thank you again for inviting us along and God bless you brother.
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Congrats! As a Floridian myself I can truly say that is an amazing accomplishment! I loved all the vblogs. What a beautiful day to summit. I'm super happy for you and Leo. Thanks for allowing us all to tag along.
Thank you so much!!
What a fantastic finish for you and Leo! Gorgeous day, awesome views, and you and Leo on the sign! You are the furst thru-hiker that I gave seen who hiked without trekking poles. You made it look so easy. I'm sure it wasn't. Leo is not only a hiking dog...he is a Wonder Dog!Thank you so much for letting me tag-along and see so much Nature that I will never be able to experience. Enjoy your time with your lovely wife as you return home. Safe travels. Looking forward to whatever you put out for us next. I'll be here in anxious anticipation!
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