Hi you, I was SO pleased to see there are some more videos from you in the last 3 months, you have been missed. You are on my top five favorite trail vloggers--very interesting, entertaining and so funny! I am very sorry to hear you've had some big losses recently, I know what that's like, being a long time resident of Paradise CA (a fire burned down most of our town in 2018). I appreciated your comment about "losing a future". That's a loss I hadn't thought of before.
Wow, thank you! I'm not sure what else to say other than that - except that your comment has made my day and made me smile :-). Yes, things were a little rough for a while, but my goodness me I feel like a new person right now and I'm so excited to keep going! That's what nature does to us, and for us. But we all need to take the time to make that connection. And that's the key phrase actually "take the time". Certainly, when you suffer loss, you do lose a future, one that you had been visualizing for some time. But, if you give yourself that "time", a new future starts to appear, and it's likely going to be better than the one you had thought of before. Happy trails, and I hope to meet you out there one day!
Thanks for posting this Stewart - you captured many of the sections of the trail that we hiked 2 years ago. So nice to have met you once again this past weekend out by Lake Louise. Wish you much health and happiness and many hikes. Steve (and Elvis)
Thank you Steve! It was wonderful to see you guys again as well and I can't believe the coincidence can you? Crazy world! Have a wonderful rest of your summer :-)
Really enjoying your video. I love the WCT! Had plans to do it again or the North Coast trail, but my health had other ideas. Hopefully next year. Thanks for another great video.
Oh gosh good luck with your health! That's the one thing we all have to count on isn't it? Plans are wonderful until the night… I will be thinking of you and hoping all the best. I also thought of doing the one in the future on this trip but after being on the beaches for six days I decided I had enough of the same scenery ha ha ha. The north coast trail however, would be immensely rugged and very rewarding and it certainly is on my bucket list. I hope you'll keep watching and keep in touch and maybe one day we can do a video together :-)
Thank you for sharing, I always watch your videos during the winter time so I can keep my spirits up until the summer time. Your video doing the south boundary trail was very inspiring. My brother and I ended up doing the south boundary trail last year and loved every minute of it. We were very thankful for your insights. Its amazing to me how therapeutic being outside can be, some time to think and collect ourselves, I'm glad you shared your thoughts as well. Hopefully we run into each other on the trail someday
Gosh, thank you! The South Boundary is AMAZING. Certainly in my top 3 for sure. And that time with Evelyn is irreplaceable. And thanks also for you kind words. Sharing is just fun my nature and we all benefit from talking and spending time out in wild places. Such a helpful thing! Hope to run into you as well!!
Love this video , love all of your videos ! Thanks for sharing :) There is no better place to grieve loss than on the trail . It helped me through the death of my son and this summer I completed the SCT in his honour and after years of struggling with the loss of him , after that trip I finally feel like I am at peace .
Oh my gosh, I don't know what to say. The losses I was processing are nowhere near what you've had to process. Nowhere. We all have our challenges in life but they are very very minimal compared to what you have just shared. I will agree that the trail and the woods are the place for us to go and heal. It doesn't matter how big or small the loss, or how traumatic our trauma is, nature heals everything. I am so happy to hear that you are healed and doing better at this point. The loss and the hole left in you from it will never go away completely. But you will always know where to go to heal further. As will I. I hope you will keep in touch and I thank you so much for sharing this with me.
I’ve never backpacked a day in my life and I did WCT this past July. I watched your earlier videos in preparation and this one brought back some great memories. You’re definitely right the trail has a way of helping you work through things in life. The plan is simple one step in front of the other, but man sometimes that one step can be the hardest. But you’re always moving forward which is a good metaphor in life. Great video and I loved all of the hiking trips you took this summer. Take care!
Oh my gosh, do you mean this is your first hike ever?? That's amazing!! oh and thank you for your kind words. And I agree completely - this time in nature with a simple focus is the answer to many ills :-) I do hope this will be your last backpacking trip, it's a fantastic way to spend time! Thanks again :-)
@@HowestheHike Haha yes, first hike ever in my entire life and I did it in 6 days vs the usual 7- I’d probably not do that again! I went with a friend who’s done WCT before and is an experienced hiker/backpacker. It was tough but I loved it and I’ve been bitten by the backpacking bug! I look forward to getting out again next year.
Thank you for sharing such deeply personal thoughts. I once again enjoyed seeing a place that I will never be able to see in person. I recently read this unknown quote " I'm unsure which is worse the shock of what happened or the ache for what never will." My hope is that future hikes continue to bring you peace, joy and the wonders of Nature.
Well it's been my pleasure to be honest with people, and my great pleasure to read such amazing comments like yours :-) and that quote is bang on. The "ache of what will never be" is perfect!! Thank you again for your very kind words, I will continue to walk 1 foot in front of the other searching for peace joy and the wonders of nature :-)
Hey man, I resonate a lot with what you said during the deep thoughts segment. Thank you for sharing, it can be hard for me to put words into perspective and you did just that.
Thanks for sharing your journey :). My partner and I had completed our first west coast trail hike just a handful of months following you (mid September 2023). Always a pleasure to see how the trail experience is for others.
Hey man. Happy Fathers day. Just want to say thank you for posting these videos. Thanks for being so honest too, because I can relate to the therapy-by-nature. Im headed to Vancouver Island in a few weeks to have my much needed therapy session.
Thank you so much! I had a wonderful Father's Day week seeing two of my amazing daughters. They have turned into such wonderful young people it makes me so proud. I will always be honest and I'm not afraid to share that here with our little community. I think it's important that we are honest with one another because it offers us all support. And I thank you, and everyone else here for support. It really does mean a lot. Enjoy your therapy session my friend! Enjoy it and savour it - for it is a blessing :-)
Iam a somewhat new viewer watch your hike with Joey last year and enjoyed your version. Hills and valleys my friend hills and valleys. Thats what it all about. Its all about how you handel the trail ( of life of course) wow iam deep today lol Seriously your video's are Sensational thanks for all your hard work and always happy trails 😊😊 .
Welcome! I still think of that amazing 10 days with Joey. An epic trip! And deep is good. Reflection is good. Finding the trail is rewarding. Glad to have you here and hope you keep in touch!
I never tire of seeing the West Coast Trail, thanks for the great video. On one of your videos you commented how important it is to hike a trail if you can, as you never know when you won't get that chance again. (Natural arch hike/blue creek?) My daughter, her friend and her Mom and I had become avid hikers, and in 2021, one month before our Brazeau Loop hike, I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Back country hiking was done for me. But from that time, your hiking videos helped get me through my darkest days. I cannot thank you enough, and I hope there will be more to come in the future.
I can't thank you enough for this message. And I'm sure you've heard any of the things I'd like to say right now about your condition, your strength, and of course wishing you well. I do feel all of those things, but I'm sure at some point words are just words. My point is quite simple, you inspire me as a human being. You really do. And I thank you for sharing this with me. You've made my day/week/month/year. Please please please keep in touch OK? I would love that. And I will keep thinking of you this summer as I spend the most time on the trail I've ever been able to spend. I really will :-)
Thanks so much for posting this. My daughter is doing the WCT solo for the first time and it was reassuring to see it done. I am a therapist and liked the therapeutic angle too. Wishing you well in healing from your losses.
Thank you so much for the comment and for sharing all of that! I'm sure your daughter will do awesome on this hike and have a wonderful experience that enriches her life. And thank you for the personal comments - things are much better now thanks to time, space, supportive family and friends and of course, nature - as a combo they are wonderful healers!
Delightful video. Thanks for sharing. God bless and guide you in this new chapter. Hope the load is lighter three months later may God provide peace, comfort and wisdom.
How wonderful to read his kind words! Yes, the load is much lighter three months later and I'm looking ahead to positive and wonderful things :-) God bless you and stay safe :-)
I was in the same position as you 8 years ago Stu. Lost job and marriage within a month of each other. Churchill said if you’re going though hell, keep going. But it sounds like you have a path towards resolution and acceptance and that’s all any of us can ask for. It will get better. Enjoying your “summer of Stu” videos. I’m off to the winds in 3 weeks and these are putting me in the zone! Keep putting one foot in front of the other🏴☠️
Thank you SO much for sharing and for the kind words. I really appreciate it very much. One step at a time... but things are certainly better than they were, that's for sure. And - jealous of the winds! Wow - enjoy!!
There is nothing quite like getting lost in the woods to find yourself again. Take time to heal Stuart and make time for the little things that bring you joy, because they all add up. Watching your videos has always been a form of “me time” when I can’t get out on the trails. So I hope you know and realize that you still have all of us and we sure do enjoy being with you on your adventures. Looking forward to the next one. ❤
I couldn't agree more. And I will take the time necessary, but truthfully it's coming on quickly now that I've been spending time in the woods. And comments like yours and those of others here, have really helped me a lot. It's scary to share things on a TH-cam video, you never know what's going to happen. But the support I received from you and others has been nothing short of outstanding and I love our community. Keep enjoying your "me time" and maybe someday we can walk some trails together. More to come!
Thanks for sharing Stu. I watched your prior videos and did the trail twice now since following your lead. I hope all is ok with you and I'm sure you'll get back on your feet soon. I love your videos. Many thanks, Marty
Hey Marty! So glad you've done the trail a couple of times it's amazing isn't it? And thank you so much for your kind words. I'm certainly already back on my feet and I will keep walking toward the next adventure. I appreciate your support very much, and I'd love to see you on the trail someday soon :-)
Great video stuart! You have a talent making these videos. I selfishly Look forward to You hiking the wct again its always a great watch!! I hope everything works out for you, im sure it will. Mike & lisa - from camper bay 2018
Well that's very kind of you. And I remember you guys! Isn't that amazing, how we remember each other after five years at this point? I hope you both are well and I hope to run into you on a trail someday very soon :-)
Thank you for sharing. Brings back a flood of memories from when my son and I did the trail last summer, along with an amazing group of people. All of whom we met on the trail. I completely agree with you Stu, the trail offers more than just a physical challenge and amazing scenery; It provides for the opportunity to rejuvenate and re-centre. Wishing you all the best.
Thank you for the comment! Hiking with your kids is amazing isn't it? The memories will never ever stop coming back to you. And it will be funny what triggers one! I'm certainly on the upswing now thanks to the walking in the woods and comments like yours and everyone else's here in our community. I appreciate them so very very much. Thank you. Onward and upward and on to the next trail :-) hope you will keep in touch!
Stuart, it's always great to see a new video from you. I always up vote before I watch because I know your video will be worthwhile. Hang in there. Those of us who know you only from your videos are pulling for you.
I really do thank you for these kind words :-) life has improved substantially since walking this trail and I plan to keep moving for the whole summer! I appreciate the support very much and expect that at some point soon I won't need it myself, and can turn and support others again : stay tuned!
I recognize that tent spot at Michigan. You are making me want to make another trip. You seem to find more crowds than me, I shared Cribbs with one other family when I hiked. I feel the same about hiking. I’m not really the poetic type, but it does clear the head great.
It's the premier spot for sure! When I hiked it in May 2018, I hardly saw anyone most days/nights. 2019 was busier and last year was crazy! Even so, still lots of alone time on the trail to let nature clear the mind...
Thank you so much! I do appreciate it very much. Yes, the trail is such a good therapy and I can't wait to be back out there very very soon over the next couple of weeks :-)
The steam donkey you're showing on day 2, right after you show the chairs at Valencia Bluffs...that's on the leg between the trail head and your first campsite.
I’m so sorry for your loss 😢 thank you for sharing about it on this video. Nature is a wonderful place to go for a refresh. Keep making the videos, I’ll probably never do the West or East coast but I really enjoy seeing what they are like. God Bless you as you grieve 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you! I appreciate your kind words very very much :-) nature is indeed wonderful and part of who we are as humans. We end up losing sight of that sometimes I think in our busy world, but every time I need to re-center myself that's where I head . It's always been that way for me and I hope for you as well :-) Life is back on the upswing since I've recorded this but I know there always will be challenges and that nature will always be there for me. God bless you as well my friend and I hope you will keep in touch :-)
I would love to see that as well! But they have their own lives now on opposite costs and I'm happy for them. We are still very close even though we are in different places most of the time :-)
Great video again, always so enjoyable. So sorry to hear you are going through some very difficult times. Hang in there. You are so right, physical activities such as hiking, or biking for me can certainly help to improve your mindset. Take care of yourself. Cheers
Thank you so much! I do love making the videos and once in a while I do share some personal things. I appreciate the reception very much! I think hiking certainly does improve things, and I'm feeling 1000 times better already. Onward!
Thank you so much for both of your comments! Very kind and much appreciated. Life is much better now after a summer of backpacking! I feel like I did 25 years ago! Onward and upward :-)
Thank you for creating this video, I went with my school just a few days before you for my first time, same direction as well, this video has brought me so much joy, that I can relive that feeling again, I will never forget the memories I made during that experience.
Thanks for the comment Davey! You and I still need to get out on the trail some day don't we? Hope things are going very well for you in the centre of our glorious country :-) hope to see you soon.
Good to see you out on the west coast trail again Stuart. Sorry for your loses, hoping things get better for you soon. Sending a cosmic hug from Alberta.
Great to hear from you! And thank you, it was wonderful being back in that amazing place :-) We all have losses and we all process them in our own way. I really do appreciate your comments of support very much. Things are on the upswing now thanks to mother nature and the support of you and everyone here in our small little community. I received the cosmic hug as I am here in Alberta myself right now! Cheers :-)
We missed seeing you at Pachena Point Lightstation. We have made significant changes since the last time you visited so next time (if there is one) please don't pass us by! Also, from your hike in the 90's do you have any photos from back then? - The Pachena Point Lightstation Keepers.
Thank you so much for the message! I'm super sorry I missed you this time and the work you have done!! I've always loved it there and have been jealous of your garden!! Hope you have a wonderful summer :)
Sounds like I missed bothering you on this trail by a week! That's a great bridge, isn't it? (And a great video.) Hope you're doing better since you hiked it. Nothing is ever perfect but this is the best therapy in this mortal world.
Well you would not have bothered me at all! Glad you were out there early in the season. I think it's just a wonderful time to experience the trail without all of the other stuff going on. Things are much better for me now, thank you so much for thinking of it. Nothing is ever perfect, I agree, but this is absolutely the best therapy we have. I'm looking forward to more all summer, and hope for you the same!
Great video … I watched it to the end. Thanks for sharing your experience. Sorry to hear of your life tribulations. But as someone who struggles with mental health issues myself, I totally get the therapeutic value of “the trail.” T minus seven days until my trek, followed by the North Coast Trail later in July. 🏕️
Really Liked your video! We are booked to do the WCT in mid September and I had 2 questions: - Any tips on pegging tents on the beach? - Any suggestions on rain gear?
Thanks! If you go back and look at my 2018 solo hike you'll see I was using a two person semi freestanding tent. I had to use driftwood, logs, rocks all kinds of things - but it's possible. For my rain gear, I use a Gore-Tex jacket with pit zips. I don't use rain pants on the trail, I use a rain kilt or rain skirt depending on your gender. These basically wrap around you and when used with gators will keep you perfectly dry but a whole lot cooler than rain pants. Feel free to reach out to me directly if you have any other questions!
That segment where you opened up about your life was the most moving and captivating moment I’ve seen in any hiking video. You had me in tears man-it was beautifully said. You’re a great guy. The world has a way of unpredictability twisting and turning, and as long as you keep doing what you’re doing, you’re bound to experience unforeseen adventures and welcome new people into your life. There is no better therapy than truly connecting with nature. This is yet another great video. All the best.
That's very very kind, Mike, thank you so much for saying that. I really really mean it and appreciate it. Here we are in the midst of winter, and I am itching for my next "therapy session" ha ha! I hate wishing time away, but let's go spring!!! :-)
@@HowestheHikeStu! I’ve now seen this video about ten times haha! As well as your other west coast trail hikes. I’m heading there on Saturday and desperately watching these for logistics. Super helpful, so thanks again!!
My pleasure! And thank you for your comment. This was May 2023! Pretty amazing weather and I love hiking that early in the season because everything is still pretty fresh and pristine.
Beautiful forest! Having never done any coastal backpacking, this was an intriguing video to find and watch. Thank you for the in-depthness of it. Unlike FB, there are only thumbs-up/down icons, need a "care" icon on this one. So sorry to hear about your losses, very courageous of you to open up about them, and publicly no less. Yes, IMHO, the "holes" they leave may/will never fill in totally, but being open to what the future brings and all the wonderful new experiences and memories to come, that hopefully help to soften the losses, and add to the collections of good experiences and memories of life (just my $0.02, if it can help some...i don't know if i explained that very well...) Anyway, looks like this hike was one of hopefully many more in your future.
It is a gorgeous spot, and thank you so much for the kind words! It was quite a year, and I'm glad to be on the other side of it. That said, I sure had a lot of great backpacking adventures and a really positive summer. Thanks for watching, and for the comment, hope to see you out there!
Great video. Sorry about your losses. I feel the same way about being out in nature, it is very therapeutic. I hope things turn around for you. If not, you could always pursue a career as a singer. That was a pretty good rendition of Styx, Come Sail Away. Thank you for sharing your video and your thoughts.
Well I've always threatened to start some sort of 80s cover band, but I'm not sure this was a very good audition ha ha ha! But great lyrics aren't they? Losses come and go, but we have to persevere and move forward. I am very lucky to be able to hike these amazing places and search for peace and clarity. And I'm even luckier that I can share them a little bit with others. Onward!
@@HowestheHike keep the good vibes, peace and clarity coming… I have always enjoyed your videos from the North boundary with Joey to this latest edition of the West Coast Trail.
So sad to hear about the woman that passed away here in Canada at bear lake so young. Be safe stu 🙏 nice wat u said about God's big ocean and boat. And when u zoned out and stopped talking I could feel that and u made me cry. I'm so sorry for you and I hope you keep ur head up God bless you. Bear poop 💩 scary happy u got to camp with out seeing it. !!!!!
Yes that was a terrible incident. Her roommate had been posting on various forms that I am involved in asking for information. And we always know that when those types of posts go up the likelihood of a good ending is not great. And thank you so much for your kind words. They mean a great deal to me, more than you know. I have felt a connection on my end as well with everyone's wonderful comments including yours and I have to say how much I appreciate them very very very much. Everything is on the upswing at this point But I am glad that you and everyone here has been part of that process. Thank you!
I should have mentioned: "Chez Monique"'s was open and selling burgers when I came through (and like I said, this must have been the week after you). They'd done a bit of work even since your video. I didn't interrogate the woman on what her relationship was to the late Monique. But she sold me a burger. Weird times!
Wow, I think I may have seen a picture of someone serving a burger on Facebook. Did you post that to the group? I think there will always be a opportunity for someone in that spot. I don't know the local politics but do suspect that may have something to do with how things changed so quickly after Peter passed. Although a simpler explanation might just be that his daughter decided it was too hard for her emotionally to carry on given everything that she has lost. I think the really cool thing is having these memories, stories and connections with a place and with a family. I value that and I think it's amazing. So, I would love to see someone else pick up the torch and build the same memories going forward!
My daughter and I enjoyed this video adventure. I can relate to your thoughts on devastating loss as my wife passed away a month ago today at age 61 after a long hard struggle with a rare cancer. Tough girl. She faced it bravely. Watching, care giving and sharing in her suffering was the biggest challenge of my life and that of our daughter who did all she could for her mom. Two sons also watched the struggle. Cancer basically stole her away. It took our future but I think on the line that the mortal human body cannot contain all that we are. We did so many adventures so lived our family life quite well. Looking at the big picture of life and the many photos I can review so many of them are filled with smiles, laughter and her mischievous loving humor. My kids and I continue to do adventures each weekend enjoying life as she would wish it to be. So good advice....to keep going on those hikes where peace and beauty abound.
Bryan, I want to thank you for sharing this with me. I have to say that what I have gone through this year is not in any way comparable to what you have had to endure. Cancer is indeed a thief and an unfair one with little rhyme or reason for how it chooses those it takes. It sounds to me like you have a wonderful family and will be able to draw strength as you continue to process this from each other. In my own small crisis, I have found that time has been helpful, but that the amount of time required to make progress has been surprising. I hope for you all that the time required is shorter. And I also hope that you will take solace as I did in the beauty and comfort of nature which has healing powers for all who grieve. Please do keep in touch and know that I will be thinking of you and your family.
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Oh brother, the trail has healing powers. It’ll help you find some peace and clarity.
It certainly does. It's a very very special place it was immensely helpful to me!
Hi you, I was SO pleased to see there are some more videos from you in the last 3 months, you have been missed. You are on my top five favorite trail vloggers--very interesting, entertaining and so funny! I am very sorry to hear you've had some big losses recently, I know what that's like, being a long time resident of Paradise CA (a fire burned down most of our town in 2018). I appreciated your comment about "losing a future". That's a loss I hadn't thought of before.
Wow, thank you! I'm not sure what else to say other than that - except that your comment has made my day and made me smile :-). Yes, things were a little rough for a while, but my goodness me I feel like a new person right now and I'm so excited to keep going! That's what nature does to us, and for us. But we all need to take the time to make that connection. And that's the key phrase actually "take the time". Certainly, when you suffer loss, you do lose a future, one that you had been visualizing for some time. But, if you give yourself that "time", a new future starts to appear, and it's likely going to be better than the one you had thought of before. Happy trails, and I hope to meet you out there one day!
Thanks for posting this Stewart - you captured many of the sections of the trail that we hiked 2 years ago. So nice to have met you once again this past weekend out by Lake Louise. Wish you much health and happiness and many hikes. Steve (and Elvis)
Thank you Steve! It was wonderful to see you guys again as well and I can't believe the coincidence can you? Crazy world! Have a wonderful rest of your summer :-)
Really enjoying your video. I love the WCT! Had plans to do it again or the North Coast trail, but my health had other ideas. Hopefully next year. Thanks for another great video.
Oh gosh good luck with your health! That's the one thing we all have to count on isn't it? Plans are wonderful until the night… I will be thinking of you and hoping all the best. I also thought of doing the one in the future on this trip but after being on the beaches for six days I decided I had enough of the same scenery ha ha ha. The north coast trail however, would be immensely rugged and very rewarding and it certainly is on my bucket list. I hope you'll keep watching and keep in touch and maybe one day we can do a video together :-)
Thank you for sharing, I always watch your videos during the winter time so I can keep my spirits up until the summer time. Your video doing the south boundary trail was very inspiring. My brother and I ended up doing the south boundary trail last year and loved every minute of it. We were very thankful for your insights. Its amazing to me how therapeutic being outside can be, some time to think and collect ourselves, I'm glad you shared your thoughts as well. Hopefully we run into each other on the trail someday
Gosh, thank you! The South Boundary is AMAZING. Certainly in my top 3 for sure. And that time with Evelyn is irreplaceable. And thanks also for you kind words. Sharing is just fun my nature and we all benefit from talking and spending time out in wild places. Such a helpful thing! Hope to run into you as well!!
Love this video , love all of your videos ! Thanks for sharing :) There is no better place to grieve loss than on the trail . It helped me through the death of my son and this summer I completed the SCT in his honour and after years of struggling with the loss of him , after that trip I finally feel like I am at peace .
Oh my gosh, I don't know what to say.
The losses I was processing are nowhere near what you've had to process.
Nowhere.
We all have our challenges in life but they are very very minimal compared to what you have just shared.
I will agree that the trail and the woods are the place for us to go and heal. It doesn't matter how big or small the loss, or how traumatic our trauma is, nature heals everything.
I am so happy to hear that you are healed and doing better at this point. The loss and the hole left in you from it will never go away completely. But you will always know where to go to heal further. As will I.
I hope you will keep in touch and I thank you so much for sharing this with me.
I’ve never backpacked a day in my life and I did WCT this past July. I watched your earlier videos in preparation and this one brought back some great memories. You’re definitely right the trail has a way of helping you work through things in life. The plan is simple one step in front of the other, but man sometimes that one step can be the hardest. But you’re always moving forward which is a good metaphor in life. Great video and I loved all of the hiking trips you took this summer. Take care!
Oh my gosh, do you mean this is your first hike ever?? That's amazing!! oh and thank you for your kind words. And I agree completely - this time in nature with a simple focus is the answer to many ills :-) I do hope this will be your last backpacking trip, it's a fantastic way to spend time! Thanks again :-)
@@HowestheHike Haha yes, first hike ever in my entire life and I did it in 6 days vs the usual 7- I’d probably not do that again! I went with a friend who’s done WCT before and is an experienced hiker/backpacker. It was tough but I loved it and I’ve been bitten by the backpacking bug! I look forward to getting out again next year.
LOVE it. Congrats and keep going! SO much to see and explore :)
Thank you for sharing such deeply personal thoughts. I once again enjoyed seeing a place that I will never be able to see in person. I recently read this unknown quote " I'm unsure which is worse the shock of what happened or the ache for what never will." My hope is that future hikes continue to bring you peace, joy and the wonders of Nature.
Well it's been my pleasure to be honest with people, and my great pleasure to read such amazing comments like yours :-) and that quote is bang on. The "ache of what will never be" is perfect!! Thank you again for your very kind words, I will continue to walk 1 foot in front of the other searching for peace joy and the wonders of nature :-)
Hey man, I resonate a lot with what you said during the deep thoughts segment. Thank you for sharing, it can be hard for me to put words into perspective and you did just that.
Thanks so much for the comment and the kind words! I hope all is well with you as you walk the trails :-)
Thanks for sharing your journey :). My partner and I had completed our first west coast trail hike just a handful of months following you (mid September 2023). Always a pleasure to see how the trail experience is for others.
My pleasure! And congratulations completing the WCT!! If you're anything like me, it won't be your last trip there :)
Hey man. Happy Fathers day. Just want to say thank you for posting these videos. Thanks for being so honest too, because I can relate to the therapy-by-nature.
Im headed to Vancouver Island in a few weeks to have my much needed therapy session.
Thank you so much! I had a wonderful Father's Day week seeing two of my amazing daughters. They have turned into such wonderful young people it makes me so proud.
I will always be honest and I'm not afraid to share that here with our little community. I think it's important that we are honest with one another because it offers us all support. And I thank you, and everyone else here for support. It really does mean a lot.
Enjoy your therapy session my friend! Enjoy it and savour it - for it is a blessing :-)
Iam a somewhat new viewer watch your hike with Joey last year and enjoyed your version.
Hills and valleys my friend hills and valleys. Thats what it all about. Its all about how you handel the trail ( of life of course) wow iam deep today lol
Seriously your video's are Sensational thanks for all your hard work and always happy trails 😊😊
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Welcome! I still think of that amazing 10 days with Joey. An epic trip! And deep is good. Reflection is good. Finding the trail is rewarding. Glad to have you here and hope you keep in touch!
I never tire of seeing the West Coast Trail, thanks for the great video. On one of your videos you commented how important it is to hike a trail if you can, as you never know when you won't get that chance again. (Natural arch hike/blue creek?) My daughter, her friend and her Mom and I had become avid hikers, and in 2021, one month before our Brazeau Loop hike, I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Back country hiking was done for me. But from that time, your hiking videos helped get me through my darkest days. I cannot thank you enough, and I hope there will be more to come in the future.
I can't thank you enough for this message. And I'm sure you've heard any of the things I'd like to say right now about your condition, your strength, and of course wishing you well. I do feel all of those things, but I'm sure at some point words are just words. My point is quite simple, you inspire me as a human being. You really do. And I thank you for sharing this with me. You've made my day/week/month/year. Please please please keep in touch OK? I would love that. And I will keep thinking of you this summer as I spend the most time on the trail I've ever been able to spend. I really will :-)
@@HowestheHike You are so very kind, I look forward to your next video!
Thank you!
Great vid, love it!!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!!
Thanks so much for posting this. My daughter is doing the WCT solo for the first time and it was reassuring to see it done. I am a therapist and liked the therapeutic angle too. Wishing you well in healing from your losses.
Thank you so much for the comment and for sharing all of that! I'm sure your daughter will do awesome on this hike and have a wonderful experience that enriches her life. And thank you for the personal comments - things are much better now thanks to time, space, supportive family and friends and of course, nature - as a combo they are wonderful healers!
Thanks for sharing, all the best for you. ❤
Thank you!
Delightful video. Thanks for sharing. God bless and guide you in this new chapter. Hope the load is lighter three months later may God provide peace, comfort and wisdom.
How wonderful to read his kind words! Yes, the load is much lighter three months later and I'm looking ahead to positive and wonderful things :-) God bless you and stay safe :-)
This is an absolutely beautiful trail. Good medicine you chose there.
It really is!
I was in the same position as you 8 years ago Stu. Lost job and marriage within a month of each other. Churchill said if you’re going though hell, keep going. But it sounds like you have a path towards resolution and acceptance and that’s all any of us can ask for. It will get better. Enjoying your “summer of Stu” videos. I’m off to the winds in 3 weeks and these are putting me in the zone! Keep putting one foot in front of the other🏴☠️
Thank you SO much for sharing and for the kind words. I really appreciate it very much. One step at a time... but things are certainly better than they were, that's for sure. And - jealous of the winds! Wow - enjoy!!
There is nothing quite like getting lost in the woods to find yourself again. Take time to heal Stuart and make time for the little things that bring you joy, because they all add up. Watching your videos has always been a form of “me time” when I can’t get out on the trails. So I hope you know and realize that you still have all of us and we sure do enjoy being with you on your adventures. Looking forward to the next one. ❤
I couldn't agree more. And I will take the time necessary, but truthfully it's coming on quickly now that I've been spending time in the woods. And comments like yours and those of others here, have really helped me a lot. It's scary to share things on a TH-cam video, you never know what's going to happen. But the support I received from you and others has been nothing short of outstanding and I love our community. Keep enjoying your "me time" and maybe someday we can walk some trails together. More to come!
Thanks for sharing Stu. I watched your prior videos and did the trail twice now since following your lead. I hope all is ok with you and I'm sure you'll get back on your feet soon. I love your videos. Many thanks, Marty
Hey Marty! So glad you've done the trail a couple of times it's amazing isn't it? And thank you so much for your kind words. I'm certainly already back on my feet and I will keep walking toward the next adventure. I appreciate your support very much, and I'd love to see you on the trail someday soon :-)
Great video stuart! You have a talent making these videos. I selfishly
Look forward to You hiking the wct again its always a great watch!!
I hope everything works out for you, im sure it will.
Mike & lisa - from camper bay 2018
Well that's very kind of you. And I remember you guys! Isn't that amazing, how we remember each other after five years at this point? I hope you both are well and I hope to run into you on a trail someday very soon :-)
Thank you for sharing. Brings back a flood of memories from when my son and I did the trail last summer, along with an amazing group of people. All of whom we met on the trail.
I completely agree with you Stu, the trail offers more than just a physical challenge and amazing scenery; It provides for the opportunity to rejuvenate and re-centre.
Wishing you all the best.
Thank you for the comment! Hiking with your kids is amazing isn't it? The memories will never ever stop coming back to you. And it will be funny what triggers one!
I'm certainly on the upswing now thanks to the walking in the woods and comments like yours and everyone else's here in our community. I appreciate them so very very much. Thank you.
Onward and upward and on to the next trail :-) hope you will keep in touch!
Good to see you out on the trail again, Stu. Nothing like West Coast Trail therapy. Stay strong.
Thank you my friend! And yes I agree :-) the therapy is the best available!
Appreciate you being so open! Really makes you stop and reflect.
Another great video, all the best going forward!
I appreciate that! Thank you!!
Stuart, it's always great to see a new video from you. I always up vote before I watch because I know your video will be worthwhile. Hang in there. Those of us who know you only from your videos are pulling for you.
I really do thank you for these kind words :-) life has improved substantially since walking this trail and I plan to keep moving for the whole summer! I appreciate the support very much and expect that at some point soon I won't need it myself, and can turn and support others again : stay tuned!
I recognize that tent spot at Michigan. You are making me want to make another trip. You seem to find more crowds than me, I shared Cribbs with one other family when I hiked.
I feel the same about hiking. I’m not really the poetic type, but it does clear the head great.
It's the premier spot for sure! When I hiked it in May 2018, I hardly saw anyone most days/nights. 2019 was busier and last year was crazy! Even so, still lots of alone time on the trail to let nature clear the mind...
Great video Stu. This is definitely a bucket list hike for next year for me.
You should!
Glad to see you back on the trail. I also find walking and being in nature good for my mental health. Great Video !
Thank you so much! I do appreciate it very much. Yes, the trail is such a good therapy and I can't wait to be back out there very very soon over the next couple of weeks :-)
The steam donkey you're showing on day 2, right after you show the chairs at Valencia Bluffs...that's on the leg between the trail head and your first campsite.
Gotcha. I never tire of seeing that old thing!
Thanks for sharing your journey. Great voice by the way. Cheers
My pleasure. And, haha - thanks!!
Enjoyed the video brother. Hopefully the other aspects of life are looking up for you. I appreciate your deep thoughts and insights. Hang in there.
Thanks you so much. Things are much better than they were in early May. Time and trails work magic!
@@HowestheHike So good to hear. Take care and cheers brother.
Thank you!!
I’m so sorry for your loss 😢 thank you for sharing about it on this video. Nature is a wonderful place to go for a refresh. Keep making the videos, I’ll probably never do the West or East coast but I really enjoy seeing what they are like. God Bless you as you grieve 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you! I appreciate your kind words very very much :-) nature is indeed wonderful and part of who we are as humans. We end up losing sight of that sometimes I think in our busy world, but every time I need to re-center myself that's where I head . It's always been that way for me and I hope for you as well :-)
Life is back on the upswing since I've recorded this but I know there always will be challenges and that nature will always be there for me. God bless you as well my friend and I hope you will keep in touch :-)
@@HowestheHike glad to hear you are doing well. Where are the girls? I’d love to see them with you on the North Boundary trail in Jasper.
I would love to see that as well! But they have their own lives now on opposite costs and I'm happy for them. We are still very close even though we are in different places most of the time :-)
Wow. Thank you for sharing. How are the bugs?
Bugs in May are almost nonexistent most years. It's one of the reasons I hike very very early in the season!
Great to see you again Stuart. Here’s to finding some peace and comfort out in nature. Hope to run into you hiking in Alberta one day.
Thank you! I've been there most of the spring, and I will be there for most of the summer. I hope to run into you as well :-)
Great to see another video of yours Stuart. Always a pleasure. Hang in there. Cheers!
Thank you kindly!!
Stu, two more points. I loved the "styx' singing..and I am hiking the Nootka Trail on the west coast in July if you're bored and want a new hike ...
I do love me some good Dennis deYoung! And thanks for the invite. Why don't you PM me your dates and maybe we can chat!?
Great video again, always so enjoyable. So sorry to hear you are going through some very difficult times. Hang in there. You are so right, physical activities such as hiking, or biking for me can certainly help to improve your mindset. Take care of yourself. Cheers
Thank you so much! I do love making the videos and once in a while I do share some personal things. I appreciate the reception very much! I think hiking certainly does improve things, and I'm feeling 1000 times better already. Onward!
Love your videos Stu, love your vulnerability even more. Hope you've found your path forward🙏
Thank you so much for both of your comments! Very kind and much appreciated. Life is much better now after a summer of backpacking! I feel like I did 25 years ago! Onward and upward :-)
Thank you for creating this video, I went with my school just a few days before you for my first time, same direction as well, this video has brought me so much joy, that I can relive that feeling again, I will never forget the memories I made during that experience.
That's awesome! So glad you all got out there to experience nature and this amazing example of it!! Hope you'll keep backpacking!
Sorry for your loss my friend, but good to see, as with any ailment, you walking it off. Thanks for sharing your Dash!!! - Davey.
Thanks for the comment Davey! You and I still need to get out on the trail some day don't we? Hope things are going very well for you in the centre of our glorious country :-) hope to see you soon.
@Howe's the Hike Yes we do! Until then keep the content coming!
Yes!
Good to see you out on the west coast trail again Stuart.
Sorry for your loses, hoping things get better for you soon.
Sending a cosmic hug from Alberta.
Great to hear from you! And thank you, it was wonderful being back in that amazing place :-)
We all have losses and we all process them in our own way. I really do appreciate your comments of support very much. Things are on the upswing now thanks to mother nature and the support of you and everyone here in our small little community.
I received the cosmic hug as I am here in Alberta myself right now! Cheers :-)
We missed seeing you at Pachena Point Lightstation. We have made significant changes since the last time you visited so next time (if there is one) please don't pass us by! Also, from your hike in the 90's do you have any photos from back then? - The Pachena Point Lightstation Keepers.
Thank you so much for the message! I'm super sorry I missed you this time and the work you have done!! I've always loved it there and have been jealous of your garden!! Hope you have a wonderful summer :)
Sounds like I missed bothering you on this trail by a week! That's a great bridge, isn't it? (And a great video.) Hope you're doing better since you hiked it. Nothing is ever perfect but this is the best therapy in this mortal world.
Well you would not have bothered me at all! Glad you were out there early in the season. I think it's just a wonderful time to experience the trail without all of the other stuff going on. Things are much better for me now, thank you so much for thinking of it. Nothing is ever perfect, I agree, but this is absolutely the best therapy we have. I'm looking forward to more all summer, and hope for you the same!
Great video … I watched it to the end. Thanks for sharing your experience. Sorry to hear of your life tribulations. But as someone who struggles with mental health issues myself, I totally get the therapeutic value of “the trail.”
T minus seven days until my trek, followed by the North Coast Trail later in July. 🏕️
Thank you! And I hope your hikes offer you some amazing "therapy". In the north coast trail! Now I'm very jealous of that :-) have amazing hikes!!
Really Liked your video! We are booked to do the WCT in mid September and I had 2 questions:
- Any tips on pegging tents on the beach?
- Any suggestions on rain gear?
Thanks!
If you go back and look at my 2018 solo hike you'll see I was using a two person semi freestanding tent. I had to use driftwood, logs, rocks all kinds of things - but it's possible.
For my rain gear, I use a Gore-Tex jacket with pit zips. I don't use rain pants on the trail, I use a rain kilt or rain skirt depending on your gender. These basically wrap around you and when used with gators will keep you perfectly dry but a whole lot cooler than rain pants. Feel free to reach out to me directly if you have any other questions!
That segment where you opened up about your life was the most moving and captivating moment I’ve seen in any hiking video. You had me in tears man-it was beautifully said. You’re a great guy. The world has a way of unpredictability twisting and turning, and as long as you keep doing what you’re doing, you’re bound to experience unforeseen adventures and welcome new people into your life. There is no better therapy than truly connecting with nature. This is yet another great video. All the best.
That's very very kind, Mike, thank you so much for saying that. I really really mean it and appreciate it. Here we are in the midst of winter, and I am itching for my next "therapy session" ha ha! I hate wishing time away, but let's go spring!!! :-)
@@HowestheHikeStu! I’ve now seen this video about ten times haha! As well as your other west coast trail hikes. I’m heading there on Saturday and desperately watching these for logistics. Super helpful, so thanks again!!
Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm glad they helped :-) hope you have an amazing hike!
Great Video . Thanks for your insightful comments.
Thank you!
@@HowestheHike If you ever in need of a backpacking partner out west. Im in.
Email me any time! channel name @ iCloud
Thanks for sharing your experience. When or what month did you do it. Thank you again.
My pleasure! And thank you for your comment.
This was May 2023! Pretty amazing weather and I love hiking that early in the season because everything is still pretty fresh and pristine.
Beautiful forest! Having never done any coastal backpacking, this was an intriguing video to find and watch. Thank you for the in-depthness of it. Unlike FB, there are only thumbs-up/down icons, need a "care" icon on this one. So sorry to hear about your losses, very courageous of you to open up about them, and publicly no less. Yes, IMHO, the "holes" they leave may/will never fill in totally, but being open to what the future brings and all the wonderful new experiences and memories to come, that hopefully help to soften the losses, and add to the collections of good experiences and memories of life (just my $0.02, if it can help some...i don't know if i explained that very well...) Anyway, looks like this hike was one of hopefully many more in your future.
It is a gorgeous spot, and thank you so much for the kind words! It was quite a year, and I'm glad to be on the other side of it. That said, I sure had a lot of great backpacking adventures and a really positive summer.
Thanks for watching, and for the comment, hope to see you out there!
Great video. Sorry about your losses. I feel the same way about being out in nature, it is very therapeutic. I hope things turn around for you. If not, you could always pursue a career as a singer. That was a pretty good rendition of Styx, Come Sail Away. Thank you for sharing your video and your thoughts.
Well I've always threatened to start some sort of 80s cover band, but I'm not sure this was a very good audition ha ha ha! But great lyrics aren't they? Losses come and go, but we have to persevere and move forward. I am very lucky to be able to hike these amazing places and search for peace and clarity. And I'm even luckier that I can share them a little bit with others. Onward!
@@HowestheHike keep the good vibes, peace and clarity coming… I have always enjoyed your videos from the North boundary with Joey to this latest edition of the West Coast Trail.
Thank you!
So sad to hear about the woman that passed away here in Canada at bear lake so young. Be safe stu 🙏 nice wat u said about God's big ocean and boat. And when u zoned out and stopped talking I could feel that and u made me cry. I'm so sorry for you and I hope you keep ur head up God bless you. Bear poop 💩 scary happy u got to camp with out seeing it. !!!!!
Yes that was a terrible incident. Her roommate had been posting on various forms that I am involved in asking for information. And we always know that when those types of posts go up the likelihood of a good ending is not great.
And thank you so much for your kind words. They mean a great deal to me, more than you know. I have felt a connection on my end as well with everyone's wonderful comments including yours and I have to say how much I appreciate them very very very much. Everything is on the upswing at this point But I am glad that you and everyone here has been part of that process. Thank you!
learned you are an Opera Singer and have a radio background
Yep! Been a crazy life so far :)
too much amazing so beautyfull and adventurer movie very nice movie this is whole of only god makings
It is a stunning place, but we can never have too much amazing beauty! It connects us with our spirit.
I should have mentioned: "Chez Monique"'s was open and selling burgers when I came through (and like I said, this must have been the week after you). They'd done a bit of work even since your video. I didn't interrogate the woman on what her relationship was to the late Monique. But she sold me a burger. Weird times!
Wow, I think I may have seen a picture of someone serving a burger on Facebook. Did you post that to the group? I think there will always be a opportunity for someone in that spot. I don't know the local politics but do suspect that may have something to do with how things changed so quickly after Peter passed. Although a simpler explanation might just be that his daughter decided it was too hard for her emotionally to carry on given everything that she has lost. I think the really cool thing is having these memories, stories and connections with a place and with a family. I value that and I think it's amazing. So, I would love to see someone else pick up the torch and build the same memories going forward!
So sorry for your troubles, but your choice of "medicine" can't be faulted. All the best to you.
Thank you so much! And I agree, this is certainly the best medicine :-)
My daughter and I enjoyed this video adventure. I can relate to your thoughts on devastating loss as my wife passed away a month ago today at age 61 after a long hard struggle with a rare cancer. Tough girl. She faced it bravely. Watching, care giving and sharing in her suffering was the biggest challenge of my life and that of our daughter who did all she could for her mom. Two sons also watched the struggle. Cancer basically stole her away. It took our future but I think on the line that the mortal human body cannot contain all that we are. We did so many adventures so lived our family life quite well. Looking at the big picture of life and the many photos I can review so many of them are filled with smiles, laughter and her mischievous loving humor. My kids and I continue to do adventures each weekend enjoying life as she would wish it to be. So good advice....to keep going on those hikes where peace and beauty abound.
Bryan, I want to thank you for sharing this with me. I have to say that what I have gone through this year is not in any way comparable to what you have had to endure. Cancer is indeed a thief and an unfair one with little rhyme or reason for how it chooses those it takes.
It sounds to me like you have a wonderful family and will be able to draw strength as you continue to process this from each other. In my own small crisis, I have found that time has been helpful, but that the amount of time required to make progress has been surprising. I hope for you all that the time required is shorter. And I also hope that you will take solace as I did in the beauty and comfort of nature which has healing powers for all who grieve.
Please do keep in touch and know that I will be thinking of you and your family.