Not an expert hiker??? By turning around under the circumstances I think you prove the exact opposite. This is exactly the kind of thing new hikers need to see!
We all make mistakes but ultimately you made good decisions. The lack of reserve food was probably the biggest issue. I am 77 and hike almost daily. I carry enough emergency supplies to supply an army. Sometimes the life you save is someone you meet on trail who is in trouble. Anyway, don't beat yourself up. You are a huge asset to the hiking world.
Maidstoneplantfqrm8079, what would you do if you got a migraine during a winter hike and couldn’t see but couldn’t really stop and rest until it passed because you’d get too cold?
I would start by pushing the Enreach. I carry a zero-sleeping bag and would crawl in and stay put until help arrived. Certainly, the blind issue could give me problems as close as a hundred yards from my house. @@Lindsey-qp8yo
Postholing sucks! I love how you wrapped this video up by focusing on the positives. 😊 You winter hiked for 4 hours in the Whites, quite admirable IMO. This was a great example of understanding the circumstances, and making a safe decision accordingly. 👏
bailing is definitely a big part of getting winter 4Ks. it took me four tries to summit the Tripyramids in winter; broken snowshoe, extreme cold (-20F) and "just not feeling it" are valid reasons to turn. the mountain will be there.
You say you are not an expert hiker, but you are a wise hiker. No summit or trail completion is worth the risk of injury or worse. Thanks for "normalizing" it, and it encourages others to see is ok to say "enough!".
I think it's very good to have some videos that show how important it is to turn back when conditions warrant. I think you made an excellent decision on this!
Watching the video warmed my heart. Seeing the beautiful scenery of winter hiking and the process of overcoming unexpected difficulties made me once again feel the courage and charm of solo travel. Snowshoes would have been necessary for trekking in the snow, but the sight of the white snowy landscape as a background was as beautiful as a painting. The video showing moments of becoming one with nature was truly healing. Best video. We support you from Korea as well. I wish you a safe hike. ❤❤❤
The first time I did Moosilauke via Benton it turned into a white out when we broke the tree line and had to turn back. When I did it again in the spring I realized we had made it half a mile for the summit! I still don't regret turning around. Live to hike another day!
When you said you left your energy bars at the car, I was crossing my fingers hoping you’d turn around. With so few hikers out there in the winter, decreased daylight, the cold, and how quickly weather can turn, I am glad you called it when you did. Thank you for sharing and being open with us!
You are the best! Getting comfortable with bailing when the conditions go south is a valuable skill. I’m a goal oriented person and struggle with that. I get summit fever and push myself. I don’t regret turning back anymore. The trail will be there tomorrow.
Hi Taylor, thanks for sharing your trail adventures. I enjoy watching them. A successful hike is one you make it back home from w/a smile on your face from the wonderful experience of being outside. 😊 G.
I had a situation where I was hiking solo in Adirondacks High Peaks Wilderness intending to summit Mount Colden. I came to junction just past Avalanche Lake and followed where it said to go. Then there was an arrow sign and I followed that, saw a few more trail markers, and then the trail just seemed to vanish. It was late November and late in the day. I realized the smart decision was to just turn around and go back the way I came instead of trying to find where the trail continues.
Agree - showing that a hiker needs to assess the situation as the conditions progress is essential and by the many rescues that must be made in the mountains, there is always room to spread the wisdom to others. Thanks for your honesty.
Definitely enjoyed it! It's more important that you enjoyed your hike and felt safe and comfortable doing it. Not making it to the intended goal is a mental game - where we tend to be super hard on ourselves. But knowing (and in your case - showing others) that it's okay to turn around and be able to find & relish in the positives is the best! We all learn from our mistakes and grow as outdoor enthusiasts - the main thing is to know that there's another day to adventure and to err on the side of safety!
I enjoyed this video. Thanks for sharing what you learned. For a trail like the Carter-Moriah Trail it's great to have snowshoes with televators (heel lifts) for ascending the steep sections. They take the stress off your calf muscles and they're like having a whole other gear. I love my heel lifts. Sometimes that trail can have ice poking through and in some steep spots, so snowshoes with aggressive traction really help. I like my MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes. Even though I'm 6'3" my snowshoes are just 25", which is really helpful navigating the steeps. My first winter I had 30" snowshoes, which is much too long. Hope you get out more. I love winter hiking.
Your a smart hiker and Im so glad so many of us can be reminded that its ok to turn back, by this video!! Glad you had those two donuts, haha thankyou!
I think you prove that you are an expert hiker because you are a smart hiker. You know when trail conditions warrant turning around. Good example! And great focusing on the positive!!
What a beautiful hike! Thank you for showing us how to make sensible decisions. I especially like how you showed us your thought process in turning around so you wouldn’t be hiking in the dark. Loved your positive points at the end.
As you are aware, we do not have 4000 footers in Ohio but I still enjoyed your video. I have also wondered about how you dressed for a winter hike so thanks for the list of equipment and clothes that you use. You give so much practical advice on safe hiking that these type of videos should be watched by less experienced hikers.
You’re the most down to earth person and It’s one of the reasons I love watching your videos. There’s enough ego driven people in the world. I too made the mistake of hiking in the snow and sinking for miles and when I went to REI they laughed and told me to get snow shoes 😅 when you figure out which ones are good for summiting let us know!
Don’t beat yourself up about turning back - it’s much smarter to follow that instinct than ending up needing rescue! Glad you still get out there, much braver than I am with winter hiking 😅
Feeling sick and down today. The weather has been so bad between the rain and wind. Seeing you get outside made me feel energized. Thanks for the great content!
Wow, "normalizing" safety over hiking goals......Such an important message! Especially since another hiker died of hypothermia in the Whites the day you posted this. So sad to see people sacrificing their lives for 'recreation'. Stay safe Taylor.
Bravo for demonstrating good sense! this is something I teach to all the newbies that I have the pleasure of guiding into nature. There have been too many losses and rescues in the Whites lately because hikers didn't make a similar self-assessment and decision. You are an experienced hiker that realizes that there is always something new to learn, especially with extreme weather conditions or different topography, location, etc. I truly appreciate your honesty in sharing your experiences.
Smart hikers remain hikers. Stubborn compulsive hikers become statistics. Thanks for again showing hikers the correct way to think . But, develop a checklist to have with you to prevent forgetting items as you get excited being there and anxious to start. Don't beat yourself up. Remember, it is better to try and fail safely then not trying. You'll do it the next time.👍👍👍for sure!
Donuts are 100% fine fuel for a hike, IMO. The first time I ever climbed Mt. Washington, the most seasoned hiker with us just grabbed a family size box of Cheerios and a spoon on his way out the door and that box of Cheerios was his fuel for the whole hike.
Good video. I like the fact that you list the gear and clothing to all your videos. I liked in this one you commented on how the clothing worked out for you for this hike. I always wondering when watching peoples you tube videos how the gear and clothing they use workout for them. Thanks again.
Does NH have rules about snowshoes? For example, in the High Peaks Region of the Adirondacks, NY - hikers are required to carry snowshoes in the winter months. If you're not carrying them you can be fined! Your husband is correct, it's important to show the mistakes that can get made when hiking and also sharing the importance of turning around if needed. Even the most experienced hikers can end up in situations that require turning around or even needing help!
If you are going to snowshoe up mountains with steep inclines, get snowshoes with lifters. That way your foot is flat while the snowshoe is inclined. I have a pair of MSR snowshoes with lifters and it makes inclines a lot more fun.
When i heard about that hiker who died in the whites this past week who was from New Hampshire and no one could get to him, i was so worried thinking about how you were probably hiking too. So glad you trusted your gut and didnt try to just stick it out. Thoughts and prayers for his toddler and family dealing with his tragic death
Should have brought a tobbogan, lol. Glad you turned back and are safe. Ramdino's news about the frozen hiker is eye awakening. I like my camelback insulated water bottles. They keep my water cool in sumer and doesn't freeze in winter. I use them working as a bicycle courier and the bottles being outside on my bike for numerous hours without freezing in candian winter is awesome. Idk but some of the snowshoes i see here have crampons spikes attached to the area under your foot. I guess if the mountains you're doing are steep you want those. And an ice axe. And a course on how to use both.
Turning around tells me that you were out there, giving it a try, in the first place...getting outside is the most important part of the story!!! That's an underlying theme to Taylor's videos...and a very important reminder for all of us.
This was a great video you are so transparent & show good judgement & your humanity. I look forward & often see your video come up on my viewer and I try to make sure I can watch it uninterrupted. Keep posting & I would enjoy hearing about the different type & uses for them. ❤😊
I dont think there are such things as rigid hiking plans, or there shouldn't be at least. I like planning routes with options, and when I get to a spot to decide, right, left, up, down, when I'm physically there i know a lot more about the current situation than when in the planning stage. So many accidents happen when people make the wrong, unsafe choice. Thanks for being an example of being smart, and staying safe.
I love your vlogs. So real and helpful. I admire you even doing winter hikes. I’m in GA where it was 11 degrees this morning. I hate leaving the house!
There is a little smile I notice people make when they come upon a view or just pause and take in their surroundings on a hike. I tell people if they are unaware they make it to watch TH-cam hikers, and you'll see it. I could see it when you were re-capping in the car, talking about just being outside. To me, stay or leave, take 2 steps or 20,000, it's all just about taking in the environment and season.
Your videos are very helpful; I appreciate you including the great lists. One problem I have in winter is keeping my feet (and hands) warm, so I’ll definitely be doing some research based on the links you provided. Wise decision to turn around. Glad you made it home safe and got a substantial meal after the donuts!
Lesson learned is do not get in a hurry don’t get excited, take a little extra time before you leave your base double check your pack and pockets for everything you need. Also two is one and one is none. Prior Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance! Good thing is you got outside! And turned back!
Glad you turned around when you did and glad you are trying to normalize that. Far too many people forget the goal is not to summit the mountain but to actually return to the trailhead safe and sound. The mountain will still be there another day. :)
There has been more than one hike that I started on, then eventually said “nope!” and turned around and headed back. Never regretted any of those turn arounds.
I've hiked solo in the winter a few times, having completed the 48 but like you less than 10 in the winter. I always pick good weather days, always bring my snowshoes (MSR Evo Ascents, great for winter in the whites) if the reports are 6 or more more inches of snow on the ground, and always bring an extra PB+J. I commend you for turning around when the conditions warranted snowshoes. It is really is quite rude to ruin the tail for everyone else by post holing.
👍Great job! You realized that you made mistakes, assessed the risk and chose to go back. A pleasant hike can turn into a disaster for anyone, particularly in winter. Better to walk out than be carried out.
The most expert and smartest hikers know when NOT to hike. I tell myself that the goal is not to summit, but to get home safely and that the mountain will always be there for another day. Not putting other lives in jeopardy trying to save me because I had too much pride to turn around is always on my mind as well.
I am so glad you turned around. Stay safe!!! After hearing about the "expert" hiker who passed away in the Whites a couple days ago, I was so scared for you. You can always get to the top another day when you have another day. Safety, safety, safety!
I went for the top of Bigelow and had to break trail in snowshoes. It was tough, didn’t make plan A, B or C. Set up tent , spent the night and came out in the morning. I had fun anyway! 😊
You gave it a try. That was very good. Everybody is human and makes errors. Thanks for the video and you are right, better to be safe. Check out those snowshoes for hiking up hill. Stay well and be safe.
Taylor you are just too honest! You know that opens you up to criticism in the comment section... Not from me of course lol...Awesome vid as always kiddo! 🥰👍👏🏻❄️🥶
Great content. I really appreciate you sharing the real experience, unvarnished. It’s rare, and very valuable. I plan to do my first winter hike this year (starting small) in the ADK, and I’m learning a lot.
Taylor we love all your videos, your 1 of the baddest hiker around, but when you go out in the winter you really need to prepare for the worst, heavy mitts, baffled parka, balaclava, bivy,ect, be safe girl !! Thanks for your hard work on your videos!! Stan midcoast maine
Excellent learning opportunity for all. You bring up the situation of the "stubborn hiker" who won't turn back under adverse conditions. Peer pressure is another factor that can lead to untoward outcomes--even in a group of somewhat experienced hikers, climbers, etc. Read accounts of avalanche incidents--they often start out with "an experienced group of climbers, skiers, etc. who had all been to avalanche school. . . ." I wouldn't consider someone to be an seasoned climber unless they had turned back at least once on a summit attempt. Thanks for the post.
Your making me feel so much better! I went on a hike today and got to the trail and forgot my boots. Wore slides for a 5 mile hike. Easy hike but, won't do that again!
Going for it would have been a near death hike. I relied on others once to ensure the food was in the canoe barrels. All the meat was left in the car. They also packed the night before. I have a checklist before I leave house and car. Just like a pilot I go over the list to ensure I have everything.
Hello Taylor, like you said you had a great time outside, one note I make a homemade MRE Keep one in all my bags all the time and you’ll always have food if you forget what you pack I also have small food packets for my dog included in that MRE have a great day.
I really enjoyed watching this video. The hike looked so pretty and you seem to have a talent with filming your Vlogs and editing etc... As it is Summertime here in Australia and hot, it made me feel cooler.😅 I also love your other channel as well. ❤
Thank you for normalizing turning around! It needs to be fun and safe, live to hike another day. Making in a shitty park and I run out of daylight energy, water or willpower- I’m turning around and nobody would think a thing about it but for some reason when you’re on the side of a mountain it’s tabu to turn around !
Rookies don't have hiking binders. Great video! I've been thinking about trying winter hiking and seeing you turn around in this video honestly was encouraging. I've had that stubborn mindset you mentioned in the past, but i think enjoying the journey and not focusing on the summit is a much healthier and safer mindset.
I’m not an expert either. I’m working on the NH4K grid. I love winter hiking! You are going through a very smart analysis! Love your attitude and your priorities!
I looked it up on alltrails because I hadn't heard of this mountain and was going to put on my list for next Spring and yeah it says on alltrails it's a 6 hour hike and that's not in the snow
Had an interesting encounter on Moriah, many years ago. Hiked up the Rattle River Trail to the summit and didn't see anyone else, that day, until I got to the top of the mountain. There were four college-aged kids on the summit, taking a little break. I took the same break, having a little lunch and some snacks. I took a stick of pepperoni from my pack; one of the kids said, "Hay, mister, is that pepperoni?" I said, "Yeah, it is - - you want some?" Well, those four kids were on me like a pack of dogs, in a heartbeat. I couldn't cut it up fast enough. We didn't finish it, but came pretty close. After some chatter, we parted ways, them going north and I going south, to the Stony Brook Trail and down where my wife was waiting in the car. It was a fun time on the summit of Moriah. Why is it important? It's important because I remember it, in detail, all these years later. Those kids must be in their fifties, now. Be well, stay safe. 🥾
Ed Viesturs, first man to summit all the 8K meter peaks without using suplemental oxygenhas the best quote - Getting to the top is optional, getting back down is mandatory. Safety first.
Not an expert hiker??? By turning around under the circumstances I think you prove the exact opposite. This is exactly the kind of thing new hikers need to see!
You learn on every outing. After 60 years of hiking I still learn.
We all make mistakes but ultimately you made good decisions. The lack of reserve food was probably the biggest issue. I am 77 and hike almost daily. I carry enough emergency supplies to supply an army. Sometimes the life you save is someone you meet on trail who is in trouble. Anyway, don't beat yourself up. You are a huge asset to the hiking world.
Maidstoneplantfqrm8079, what would you do if you got a migraine during a winter hike and couldn’t see but couldn’t really stop and rest until it passed because you’d get too cold?
I would start by pushing the Enreach. I carry a zero-sleeping bag and would crawl in and stay put until help arrived. Certainly, the blind issue could give me problems as close as a hundred yards from my house. @@Lindsey-qp8yo
I read on WMUR about the 37-year old experienced hiker who perished this past week in the Whites. 😔 I’m glad you turned around, Taylor.
Chris Roma. Hiked the 48 4000 footers, the AT, the CDT and the PCT (2X). Formed his own guiding company in NH. Seasoned hiker to say the least.
@@Jimmie2429 Thank you for those details, Jimmie. RIP Mr.Roma
Postholing sucks! I love how you wrapped this video up by focusing on the positives. 😊 You winter hiked for 4 hours in the Whites, quite admirable IMO. This was a great example of understanding the circumstances, and making a safe decision accordingly. 👏
bailing is definitely a big part of getting winter 4Ks. it took me four tries to summit the Tripyramids in winter; broken snowshoe, extreme cold (-20F) and "just not feeling it" are valid reasons to turn. the mountain will be there.
You say you are not an expert hiker, but you are a wise hiker. No summit or trail completion is worth the risk of injury or worse. Thanks for "normalizing" it, and it encourages others to see is ok to say "enough!".
I think it's very good to have some videos that show how important it is to turn back when conditions warrant. I think you made an excellent decision on this!
Watching the video warmed my heart.
Seeing the beautiful scenery of winter hiking and the process of overcoming unexpected difficulties made me once again feel the courage and charm of solo travel.
Snowshoes would have been necessary for trekking in the snow, but the sight of the white snowy landscape as a background was as beautiful as a painting.
The video showing moments of becoming one with nature was truly healing.
Best video. We support you from Korea as well.
I wish you a safe hike.
❤❤❤
The first time I did Moosilauke via Benton it turned into a white out when we broke the tree line and had to turn back. When I did it again in the spring I realized we had made it half a mile for the summit! I still don't regret turning around. Live to hike another day!
I always enjoy tuning in to see what your up to and enjoy the scenery regardless of what happens. Safety is is number 1 priority!!!😊
When you said you left your energy bars at the car, I was crossing my fingers hoping you’d turn around. With so few hikers out there in the winter, decreased daylight, the cold, and how quickly weather can turn, I am glad you called it when you did. Thank you for sharing and being open with us!
You are the best! Getting comfortable with bailing when the conditions go south is a valuable skill. I’m a goal oriented person and struggle with that. I get summit fever and push myself. I don’t regret turning back anymore. The trail will be there tomorrow.
Every hike has lesson, no matter how far or how often you go. Learning is good and you definitely made the right ones. Happy trails🤘🏻🥾⛰️
Hi Taylor, thanks for sharing your trail adventures. I enjoy watching them. A successful hike is one you make it back home from w/a smile on your face from the wonderful experience of being outside. 😊 G.
I had a situation where I was hiking solo in Adirondacks High Peaks Wilderness intending to summit Mount Colden. I came to junction just past Avalanche Lake and followed where it said to go. Then there was an arrow sign and I followed that, saw a few more trail markers, and then the trail just seemed to vanish. It was late November and late in the day. I realized the smart decision was to just turn around and go back the way I came instead of trying to find where the trail continues.
Turning back was the smart thing to do. I've done the same on several hikes for various reasons.
Agree - showing that a hiker needs to assess the situation as the conditions progress is essential and by the many rescues that must be made in the mountains, there is always room to spread the wisdom to others. Thanks for your honesty.
Definitely enjoyed it! It's more important that you enjoyed your hike and felt safe and comfortable doing it. Not making it to the intended goal is a mental game - where we tend to be super hard on ourselves. But knowing (and in your case - showing others) that it's okay to turn around and be able to find & relish in the positives is the best! We all learn from our mistakes and grow as outdoor enthusiasts - the main thing is to know that there's another day to adventure and to err on the side of safety!
You are so right Taylor! Hike your hike! Enjoy every step! There is always another day and another hike!
I enjoyed this video. Thanks for sharing what you learned. For a trail like the Carter-Moriah Trail it's great to have snowshoes with televators (heel lifts) for ascending the steep sections. They take the stress off your calf muscles and they're like having a whole other gear. I love my heel lifts. Sometimes that trail can have ice poking through and in some steep spots, so snowshoes with aggressive traction really help. I like my MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes. Even though I'm 6'3" my snowshoes are just 25", which is really helpful navigating the steeps. My first winter I had 30" snowshoes, which is much too long. Hope you get out more. I love winter hiking.
Your a smart hiker and Im so glad so many of us can be reminded that its ok to turn back, by this video!! Glad you had those two donuts, haha thankyou!
I think you prove that you are an expert hiker because you are a smart hiker. You know when trail conditions warrant turning around. Good example! And great focusing on the positive!!
What a beautiful hike! Thank you for showing us how to make sensible decisions. I especially like how you showed us your thought process in turning around so you wouldn’t be hiking in the dark. Loved your positive points at the end.
Chet’s a good dude. Great perspective and support. Another great video. Thanks for sharing.
Taylor, a good one and you show your intelligence by going by your feelings and not making foolish mistakes
As you are aware, we do not have 4000 footers in Ohio but I still enjoyed your video. I have also wondered about how you dressed for a winter hike so thanks for the list of equipment and clothes that you use. You give so much practical advice on safe hiking that these type of videos should be watched by less experienced hikers.
Thank you for being realistic with your hiking journey, and sharing it with us.
You’re the most down to earth person and It’s one of the reasons I love watching your videos. There’s enough ego driven people in the world. I too made the mistake of hiking in the snow and sinking for miles and when I went to REI they laughed and told me to get snow shoes 😅 when you figure out which ones are good for summiting let us know!
You are the best! Love your genuineness and honesty!
Don’t beat yourself up about turning back - it’s much smarter to follow that instinct than ending up needing rescue! Glad you still get out there, much braver than I am with winter hiking 😅
Feeling sick and down today. The weather has been so bad between the rain and wind. Seeing you get outside made me feel energized. Thanks for the great content!
Keep the good hiking up and down safely
Wow, "normalizing" safety over hiking goals......Such an important message! Especially since another hiker died of hypothermia in the Whites the day you posted this. So sad to see people sacrificing their lives for 'recreation'. Stay safe Taylor.
You are a very wise hiker; thanks for keeping yourself safe.
Bravo for demonstrating good sense! this is something I teach to all the newbies that I have the pleasure of guiding into nature. There have been too many losses and rescues in the Whites lately because hikers didn't make a similar self-assessment and decision. You are an experienced hiker that realizes that there is always something new to learn, especially with extreme weather conditions or different topography, location, etc. I truly appreciate your honesty in sharing your experiences.
Love all of that!! Outdoor time + sun + felt like winter. Awesome 😊
Thank you for always keeping it real!! Glad you are home safe!
I love that you show your mistakes! So refreshing.
Smart hikers remain hikers. Stubborn compulsive hikers become statistics. Thanks for again showing hikers the correct way to think . But, develop a checklist to have with you to prevent forgetting items as you get excited being there and anxious to start. Don't beat yourself up. Remember, it is better to try and fail safely then not trying. You'll do it the next time.👍👍👍for sure!
Donuts are 100% fine fuel for a hike, IMO. The first time I ever climbed Mt. Washington, the most seasoned hiker with us just grabbed a family size box of Cheerios and a spoon on his way out the door and that box of Cheerios was his fuel for the whole hike.
Good video. I like the fact that you list the gear and clothing to all your videos. I liked in this one you commented on how the clothing worked out for you for this hike. I always wondering when watching peoples you tube videos how the gear and clothing they use workout for them. Thanks again.
Love this video and I really love that you are normalizing being safe. No ego. Just the love of the outdoors and enjoying it wisely!
Does NH have rules about snowshoes? For example, in the High Peaks Region of the Adirondacks, NY - hikers are required to carry snowshoes in the winter months. If you're not carrying them you can be fined! Your husband is correct, it's important to show the mistakes that can get made when hiking and also sharing the importance of turning around if needed. Even the most experienced hikers can end up in situations that require turning around or even needing help!
No rules about snowshoes in the Whites, no.
If you are going to snowshoe up mountains with steep inclines, get snowshoes with lifters. That way your foot is flat while the snowshoe is inclined. I have a pair of MSR snowshoes with lifters and it makes inclines a lot more fun.
When i heard about that hiker who died in the whites this past week who was from New Hampshire and no one could get to him, i was so worried thinking about how you were probably hiking too. So glad you trusted your gut and didnt try to just stick it out. Thoughts and prayers for his toddler and family dealing with his tragic death
This is good timing considering the news in the past day or so.
I think your ability to think rationally proves that you are an experienced hiker!
A good learning experience.
Try cross country skiing for the winter it is great cardio.
Should have brought a tobbogan, lol. Glad you turned back and are safe. Ramdino's news about the frozen hiker is eye awakening.
I like my camelback insulated water bottles. They keep my water cool in sumer and doesn't freeze in winter. I use them working as a bicycle courier and the bottles being outside on my bike for numerous hours without freezing in candian winter is awesome.
Idk but some of the snowshoes i see here have crampons spikes attached to the area under your foot. I guess if the mountains you're doing are steep you want those. And an ice axe. And a course on how to use both.
Thank you for posting these videos. I hate turning around but I’ve had to more than once. It’s nice to see turning around doesn’t make me a failure
Turning around tells me that you were out there, giving it a try, in the first place...getting outside is the most important part of the story!!! That's an underlying theme to Taylor's videos...and a very important reminder for all of us.
Thank you for thinking it out and making the right choice. Respect.
This was a great video you are so transparent & show good judgement & your humanity. I look forward & often see your video come up on my viewer and I try to make sure I can watch it uninterrupted. Keep posting & I would enjoy hearing about the different type & uses for them. ❤😊
I dont think there are such things as rigid hiking plans, or there shouldn't be at least. I like planning routes with options, and when I get to a spot to decide, right, left, up, down, when I'm physically there i know a lot more about the current situation than when in the planning stage.
So many accidents happen when people make the wrong, unsafe choice. Thanks for being an example of being smart, and staying safe.
I always enjoy your blogs. Please keep doing them when you hike. 😊
I love your vlogs. So real and helpful. I admire you even doing winter hikes. I’m in GA where it was 11 degrees this morning. I hate leaving the house!
There is a little smile I notice people make when they come upon a view or just pause and take in their surroundings on a hike. I tell people if they are unaware they make it to watch TH-cam hikers, and you'll see it. I could see it when you were re-capping in the car, talking about just being outside. To me, stay or leave, take 2 steps or 20,000, it's all just about taking in the environment and season.
Your videos are very helpful; I appreciate you including the great lists. One problem I have in winter is keeping my feet (and hands) warm, so I’ll definitely be doing some research based on the links you provided.
Wise decision to turn around. Glad you made it home safe and got a substantial meal after the donuts!
Following your hikes are always fun and interesting, no matter the length. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself.
Good hiker wisdom here. Thank you for sharing your experience!
Lesson learned is do not get in a hurry don’t get excited, take a little extra time before you leave your base double check your pack and pockets for everything you need. Also two is one and one is none. Prior Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance! Good thing is you got outside! And turned back!
Glad you turned around when you did and glad you are trying to normalize that. Far too many people forget the goal is not to summit the mountain but to actually return to the trailhead safe and sound. The mountain will still be there another day. :)
There has been more than one hike that I started on, then eventually said “nope!” and turned around and headed back. Never regretted any of those turn arounds.
Also - I loved that you turned around - well done and SAFE!!!
I've hiked solo in the winter a few times, having completed the 48 but like you less than 10 in the winter. I always pick good weather days, always bring my snowshoes (MSR Evo Ascents, great for winter in the whites) if the reports are 6 or more more inches of snow on the ground, and always bring an extra PB+J. I commend you for turning around when the conditions warranted snowshoes. It is really is quite rude to ruin the tail for everyone else by post holing.
It's such a good feeling when you nail your clothing 😀!
It is a great video. Shows us it better to have the right equipment to have fun hiking/climbing. Better to be safe than get hurt.
👍Great job! You realized that you made mistakes, assessed the risk and chose to go back. A pleasant hike can turn into a disaster for anyone, particularly in winter. Better to walk out than be carried out.
The most expert and smartest hikers know when NOT to hike. I tell myself that the goal is not to summit, but to get home safely and that the mountain will always be there for another day. Not putting other lives in jeopardy trying to save me because I had too much pride to turn around is always on my mind as well.
The backdrop for the LMNT commercial was breathtaking, and although you didn't get to the top, the views along the way were simply beautiful.
I am so glad you turned around. Stay safe!!! After hearing about the "expert" hiker who passed away in the Whites a couple days ago, I was so scared for you. You can always get to the top another day when you have another day. Safety, safety, safety!
Great video! Learning from real-life experience and making good choices for safety's sake. Thanks.
I went for the top of Bigelow and had to break trail in snowshoes. It was tough, didn’t make plan A, B or C. Set up tent , spent the night and came out in the morning. I had fun anyway! 😊
You gave it a try. That was very good. Everybody is human and makes errors. Thanks for the video and you are right, better to be safe. Check out those snowshoes for hiking up hill. Stay well and be safe.
Taylor you are just too honest! You know that opens you up to criticism in the comment section... Not from me of course lol...Awesome vid as always kiddo! 🥰👍👏🏻❄️🥶
Beautiful day for a hike 😉 Love the views ❤
Great content. I really appreciate you sharing the real experience, unvarnished. It’s rare, and very valuable. I plan to do my first winter hike this year (starting small) in the ADK, and I’m learning a lot.
Taylor we love all your videos, your 1 of the baddest hiker around, but when you go out in the winter you really need to prepare for the worst, heavy mitts, baffled parka, balaclava, bivy,ect, be safe girl !! Thanks for your hard work on your videos!! Stan midcoast maine
You say you are not an expert hiker, but you are a smart hiker !!
I always enjoy your videos. You are sensible and stay safe no matter what the conditions. Oh ya brave too. 😊
Thank you.
I have recently found your channel and am grateful for your generous sharing.
good to see you taylor say hi to mom
Good for you, Taylor. A constant learner & perpetual inspiration.
Excellent learning opportunity for all. You bring up the situation of the "stubborn hiker" who won't turn back under adverse conditions. Peer pressure is another factor that can lead to untoward outcomes--even in a group of somewhat experienced hikers, climbers, etc. Read accounts of avalanche incidents--they often start out with "an experienced group of climbers, skiers, etc. who had all been to avalanche school. . . ." I wouldn't consider someone to be an seasoned climber unless they had turned back at least once on a summit attempt. Thanks for the post.
Glad that you turned around. If you didn't see the other hikers do you think you would've later after seeing the deeper snow?
New Saucony boot!!
Your making me feel so much better! I went on a hike today and got to the trail and forgot my boots. Wore slides for a 5 mile hike. Easy hike but, won't do that again!
Going for it would have been a near death hike. I relied on others once to ensure the food was in the canoe barrels. All the meat was left in the car. They also packed the night before. I have a checklist before I leave house and car. Just like a pilot I go over the list to ensure I have everything.
Hello Taylor, like you said you had a great time outside, one note I make a homemade MRE Keep one in all my bags all the time and you’ll always have food if you forget what you pack I also have small food packets for my dog included in that MRE have a great day.
I really enjoyed watching this video. The hike looked so pretty and you seem to have a talent with filming your Vlogs and editing etc...
As it is Summertime here in Australia and hot, it made me feel cooler.😅 I also love your other channel as well. ❤
The fanny pack reminds me of Jupiter forgetting half his food when he set out on the TRT! Happens to the best!
4 hours outside! Sounds wonderful.
Nice hike, good decisions. Awesome time outside in the nature.
Loved the video, great advice and positivity!
Thank you for normalizing turning around! It needs to be fun and safe, live to hike another day. Making in a shitty park and I run out of daylight energy, water or willpower- I’m turning around and nobody would think a thing about it but for some reason when you’re on the side of a mountain it’s tabu to turn around !
Rookies don't have hiking binders. Great video! I've been thinking about trying winter hiking and seeing you turn around in this video honestly was encouraging. I've had that stubborn mindset you mentioned in the past, but i think enjoying the journey and not focusing on the summit is a much healthier and safer mindset.
I’m not an expert either. I’m working on the NH4K grid. I love winter hiking! You are going through a very smart analysis! Love your attitude and your priorities!
I looked it up on alltrails because I hadn't heard of this mountain and was going to put on my list for next Spring and yeah it says on alltrails it's a 6 hour hike and that's not in the snow
Your complexion is amazing, you're gonna look like a kid when you're 100! That mountain air must be great for your skin :)
Had an interesting encounter on Moriah, many years ago. Hiked up the Rattle River Trail to the summit and didn't see anyone else, that day, until I got to the top of the mountain. There were four college-aged kids on the summit, taking a little break. I took the same break, having a little lunch and some snacks. I took a stick of pepperoni from my pack; one of the kids said, "Hay, mister, is that pepperoni?" I said, "Yeah, it is - - you want some?" Well, those four kids were on me like a pack of dogs, in a heartbeat. I couldn't cut it up fast enough. We didn't finish it, but came pretty close. After some chatter, we parted ways, them going north and I going south, to the Stony Brook Trail and down where my wife was waiting in the car. It was a fun time on the summit of Moriah. Why is it important? It's important because I remember it, in detail, all these years later. Those kids must be in their fifties, now. Be well, stay safe. 🥾
Ed Viesturs, first man to summit all the 8K meter peaks without using suplemental oxygenhas the best quote - Getting to the top is optional, getting back down is mandatory. Safety first.
Nothing like being up on a trail in the Whites! Thats where my daydreams take me.