I don’t know you and I always knew you were going to make it, what really surprised me is that Leo is still going strong wow!!! I have watch many videos of hiker with dogs and they never make it past Virginia so this is amazing! Congrats!!!
My heart was going out to you! That was a hard day🥲 I feel like your body was telling you to rest. I hope you were able to get some rest and that your next day was much better. God bless you! You are a fighter and your determination is so incredible!! That dip in the pond must have felt nice. Just wish the water was deep so you could relax and float a bit🥰😊
Very impressed with not only your determination but traveling all this way with Leo making sure he’s taken care of is amazing! What an adventure for you both. You should definitely be proud of yourself 💪
That transition is like when I leave my house in frankin/cherokee area of NC and go through the GSMNP up over Newfound Gap and down into Sugarlands. Lush green, trees, rushing water and rocks, quiet (except for traffic on main roads), flora and fauna. You come out of that park and there’s a line drawn. It opens up into no trees, pavement everywhere, stores, people, traffic, noise, lights, what a zoo! It son my back yard and I don’t go. I can hardly go in the park anymore, there’s no parking and so many people on roads. Anyway- that’s what that reminded me of.
Graston technique works miracles on my sore spots on my old feet. There is a device that breaks up fascia with a thick blade or can use a knuckle on the trail. Highly helpful to calm pain. I know you are going to break out the ice when you can in town. Comfortable feet are everything! Your fans are so proud of you for your tenacity and dedication to your goal. You know the ultimate why you are out there grinding out miles and inspire us with your strength daily to get it done! Safe travels to you and Leo and all the fellows out there as well!
Haha you made it thru that bog known as “mosquito hell”. I agree about the bug net. Little airflow underneath. How did we miss the Bistro Box in 2022? That looked amazing!!
Yes an amazing accomplishment! ❤❤❤❤❤ the green to brown transition was really cool. I have such a hard time eating and hiking on a full tummy. Ugh And as much as I love ice cream, it don’t like me! Bless your heart on the hurting feet. I have a bum heel spur on one of my feet and sometimes it flares up and it’s just awful. I feel your struggle. Your back and feet are so very important to hiking. Take care of yourself. You made it to the pond! You are one determined person.!!!
I forgot where I heard this, but somewhere I read or heard that when you thru-hike the AT, you go through three journeys: the first third of the hike is the physical - your body goes through changes to become stronger and faster, this is when you get your "trail legs," etc; the second third of the hike is mental and emotional - often encountered as "the Virginia blues." The third and final leg of the hike is spiritual. You change from within and your values may change. You deepen your relationship with God and/or your place in the world/universe. Looks like you're now entering that last third of your journey!
I know that exact mosquito bog you went through before getting to HW7. Luckily I went through after dark so I think the mosquitoes were less intense but everyone else said they had to run! lol
Do you know why the forest was so brown without any saplings? thats so strange. Oh and Ive been thinking about your lack of bear sightings . I think the bells on Leo are probably scaring them off.
What does Leo typically carry in his pack? It seems like he carries his pack very well. I will be hiking the Allegheny Trail thru West Virginia with my dog wearing a pack.
First get a Mountainsmith pack they are the very best. He carries his food, a puffy and a dyneema poncho. Some feet protection keeping it under 10% of his body weight
Benedict Pond: THE worst bugs I had on the entire AT thru in 1976. Trying to eat dinner in the dark and the bugs would fly into my mouth. Nirvana for no-seeums.
Your feet are everything on this hike. Please have your wife send you some cork massage therapy balls. Rawlogy makes them in various sizes. They will help your feet so much! Stunning images today!
Good. Just saw she is meeting you. Happy Anniversary! 🎉 I hope you do get some rest and enjoy your time together. I know you want to keep going but this is not a race. And you need to be able to enjoy the experience of your journey.
Michael…You were obviously in great shape before the hike due to your Jujitsu. Have you been able to MAINTAIN your weight? What about Leo’s health? KEEP ON KEEPING ON! 👍🏻👊🏻👏🏻🙏🏻⬆️
Thinking you may have had food coma from your meal.. I hate you have had such a challenging day.. put I commend you for pushing through…..does Leo get to jump in the water and cool off? Or does it make him too messy to climb into the tent? …. Thank you for sharing your day… Hike on..
🚶🐕🦺👟👟⛺🌞 I don't know you personally but I've had faith that you was going to make it the whole time happy anniversary to you and your wife what a switch from green to Brown hope you're feet get feeling better you and Leo stay safe and happy hiking 💯💪🏆
When you take a break take shoes and socks off. Let feet rest. Also try soaking feet in the water. Have you tried new insoles. Sorry feet are hurting😮😮
@@ISuckatHiking You are right. It is fuel. ANd you certainly need it burning 5 cals a day. It just caught you a warm day and you just needed a little more down time... See Ya in the Woods.
Sorry the feet are hurting. I can’t even imagine the pain each step. I suffered from foot plantar fasciitis for a year before I finally tried The Good Feet store and I can say that three years later my feet are great. Glad you had good food to help at the beginning of your day.
From Deli blazing to pond hopping 😊 living your best life! Love it!
Thanks
I don’t know you and I always knew you were going to make it, what really surprised me is that Leo is still going strong wow!!! I have watch many videos of hiker with dogs and they never make it past Virginia so this is amazing! Congrats!!!
He is more capable than me
My heart was going out to you! That was a hard day🥲 I feel like your body was telling you to rest. I hope you were able to get some rest and that your next day was much better. God bless you! You are a fighter and your determination is so incredible!! That dip in the pond must have felt nice. Just wish the water was deep so you could relax and float a bit🥰😊
Yes! Thank you!
That transition from beautiful green to brown was something!! Like black and white tv (in the old times) to color tv now. 😂
Very cool!!!
Thanks
Very impressed with not only your determination but traveling all this way with Leo making sure he’s taken care of is amazing! What an adventure for you both. You should definitely be proud of yourself 💪
Thanks
A lot of the hikers we follow have lower milage days as they get to the northern states and it gets harder and about time for a shoe exchange.
Thanks
Mama said there will be days like this 😊 its a lot of miles on those feet! Enjoy your time with your wife. Happy Anniversary to you both. .
I sing that song to myself a lot
That transition is like when I leave my house in frankin/cherokee area of NC and go through the GSMNP up over Newfound Gap and down into Sugarlands. Lush green, trees, rushing water and rocks, quiet (except for traffic on main roads), flora and fauna.
You come out of that park and there’s a line drawn. It opens up into no trees, pavement everywhere, stores, people, traffic, noise, lights, what a zoo! It son my back yard and I don’t go. I can hardly go in the park anymore, there’s no parking and so many people on roads. Anyway- that’s what that reminded me of.
Interesting
Graston technique works miracles on my sore spots on my old feet. There is a device that breaks up fascia with a thick blade or can use a knuckle on the trail. Highly helpful to calm pain. I know you are going to break out the ice when you can in town. Comfortable feet are everything! Your fans are so proud of you for your tenacity and dedication to your goal. You know the ultimate why you are out there grinding out miles and inspire us with your strength daily to get it done! Safe travels to you and Leo and all the fellows out there as well!
Thanks that means a lot
Happy Anniversary 🎉 and Happy Birthday to you and your wife. I hope it was a fantastic day.
Thanks so much
Haha you made it thru that bog known as “mosquito hell”. I agree about the bug net. Little airflow underneath. How did we miss the Bistro Box in 2022? That looked amazing!!
It's a mile off and I was told by some locals
Yes an amazing accomplishment! ❤❤❤❤❤ the green to brown transition was really cool. I have such a hard time eating and hiking on a full tummy. Ugh And as much as I love ice cream, it don’t like me! Bless your heart on the hurting feet. I have a bum heel spur on one of my feet and sometimes it flares up and it’s just awful. I feel your struggle. Your back and feet are so very important to hiking. Take care of yourself. You made it to the pond! You are one determined person.!!!
Thanks
❤Leo is my favorite AT hiking dog ❤. 🙏for your feet. Happy Birthdays and Anniversary to you and Kara.🎉
Thanks
I forgot where I heard this, but somewhere I read or heard that when you thru-hike the AT, you go through three journeys: the first third of the hike is the physical - your body goes through changes to become stronger and faster, this is when you get your "trail legs," etc; the second third of the hike is mental and emotional - often encountered as "the Virginia blues." The third and final leg of the hike is spiritual. You change from within and your values may change. You deepen your relationship with God and/or your place in the world/universe. Looks like you're now entering that last third of your journey!
Bringing it home
Bringing it home
Right now you look like a very intelligent Appalachian trail hiker with your big net
Thanks
I was excited for you to have all that delicious food, then the crash killed it. Stay safe. Love following you on your journey.
Thanks it does that
I know that exact mosquito bog you went through before getting to HW7. Luckily I went through after dark so I think the mosquitoes were less intense but everyone else said they had to run! lol
They were terrible
No pack liner? Have a great hike enjoy following your hike
Nope haven't had any problems without one
Super interested to hear about Flextail repel!
Going to find out
Massachusetts people seem super friendly and helpful - northern hospitality! Oh, and dumb question here, but do you have a trail name?
Master Splinter
Have to have sweat band while wearing bug net! Leo is awesome hiking partner!😊
Yes! Thank you!
Do you know why the forest was so brown without any saplings? thats so strange.
Oh and Ive been thinking about your lack of bear sightings . I think the bells on Leo are probably scaring them off.
It's his tags, maybe
It's his tags, maybe
Was there a spot outside of the swimming area you took Leo in? He must have been excited seeing all that water.
He has enjoyed it
What does Leo typically carry in his pack? It seems like he carries his pack very well. I will be hiking the Allegheny Trail thru West Virginia with my dog wearing a pack.
First get a Mountainsmith pack they are the very best. He carries his food, a puffy and a dyneema poncho. Some feet protection keeping it under 10% of his body weight
thank you for the info and suggestion! We have to take the best care of our hiking fur babies! Where do you get your freeze dried dog chow?
Benedict Pond: THE worst bugs I had on the entire AT thru in 1976.
Trying to eat dinner in the dark and the bugs would fly into my mouth.
Nirvana for no-seeums.
I went swimming there
Your feet are everything on this hike. Please have your wife send you some cork massage therapy balls. Rawlogy makes them in various sizes. They will help your feet so much! Stunning images today!
I have a ball
Good. Just saw she is meeting you. Happy Anniversary! 🎉 I hope you do get some rest and enjoy your time together. I know you want to keep going but this is not a race. And you need to be able to enjoy the experience of your journey.
Michael…You were obviously in great shape before the hike due to your Jujitsu. Have you been able to MAINTAIN your weight? What about Leo’s health? KEEP ON KEEPING ON! 👍🏻👊🏻👏🏻🙏🏻⬆️
We are both doing great
Bandana+bug net?
Trying to figure it out
Thinking you may have had food coma from your meal.. I hate you have had such a challenging day.. put I commend you for pushing through…..does Leo get to jump in the water and cool off? Or does it make him too messy to climb into the tent? …. Thank you for sharing your day… Hike on..
He has done some swimming depends on the time of day
LOl...Lets go rob a liquor store.... (Bug Spray) I never hike without it
They will never see me coming
🚶🐕🦺👟👟⛺🌞 I don't know you personally but I've had faith that you was going to make it the whole time happy anniversary to you and your wife what a switch from green to Brown hope you're feet get feeling better you and Leo stay safe and happy hiking 💯💪🏆
Thanks
When you take a break take shoes and socks off. Let feet rest. Also try soaking feet in the water. Have you tried new insoles. Sorry feet are hurting😮😮
I have it just is a part of the journey
Oh yeah, dairy and hot weather hiking never mix well. 😑 I could feel you pain. Very glad you made it through like a trooper!👍
No more mid day ice cream breaks!
Steak and Cheese A pound of fries..MilkShake? and you wonder why your sluggish?
Well...I thought it was fuel
@@ISuckatHiking You are right. It is fuel. ANd you certainly need it burning 5 cals a day. It just caught you a warm day and you just needed a little more down time... See Ya in the Woods.
Sorry the feet are hurting. I can’t even imagine the pain each step. I suffered from foot plantar fasciitis for a year before I finally tried The Good Feet store and I can say that three years later my feet are great. Glad you had good food to help at the beginning of your day.
It's just a lot of miles