hey, ER! i'm a sophomore in high school and plan to graduate college a semester early to hike the AT! every morning, i wake up and watch your video from the previous day as i'm getting ready. it really keeps me motivated throughout the school day and reminds me of the things i can do once i get through school. thank you for bringing us along with you!
I don't know what is weighing on you right now but I can hear it in your voice and tell it in the way you are talking that something is there. I know NONE of us deserve to know what it is, if you are dealing with personal stuff, well that is personal. I just want you to know that you are making a difference in my life. I just want you to feel the positivity I have for your journey on the trail. You have this physically, you are killing it physically, just keep using us "tools" with any thought processes you want to talk about. We are here for you!
I just came by to say how much I look forward to your daily videos. Your positive attitude and gratitude throughout your hike is inspirational. I really enjoy how you stop and take in all the beauty the trail has to offer. I've had a rough couple of months and your videos have really inspired me to get off of my phone, leave the house, and get outside. I look forward to watching you climb Katahdin. Keep up the great work man, and good luck the rest of the way.
Bigfoot used to do his near-zero town stops...by rolling in about noon, checking in to his overnight place, doing his resupply & laundry and the Wifi uploads. Then staying the next day till about noon AND still averaged 15-20 miles for each day.
Man, I got lucky to not have to feel with much B&M there. Just about everyday that I finished hiking, especially late, I would use about 3 wet wipes and try and clean my body and get rid of some of that nastiness. But, to your point, I made the decision in future thru hikes to carry 3 pairs of shirts and boxers. It got really old putting on wet, cold clothes every morning. So I will be using one pair for camp, and rotate the other 2 pairs each day to give them a chance to dry out. I think I smell New England from here bro!
Hey ER, love the vlogs and you are doing GREAT on all levels . Interesting details on food , weather, clothing, mental and physical health and philosophy. Your thoughtful introspection is moving and thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings. All of us send our positive energy and love of hiking your way. I am from NC too so I know the feeling of being up north.We are with you man!
It is so cool how we can be on your hike with you almost in real time. So many others have to save their little films and wait for WiFi to download. Thank you so much. I am on the west coast otherwise I would be figuring out a way to provide trail magic as repayment . You rock it Early Riser.
Woo! Go, ER! Go! You are correct that we have red-cockaded woodpeckers in NC (especially near your hood). Their range is mainly the southeast, but they are federally endangered d/t habitat loss via longleaf pine community degradation. They are mostly white & black with a small red streak along their caps (cockade is an old-timey word for flair on a hat). Just a little biology to start your day! Thanks for sharing your trek!
Good morning ER! I'm finally getting back out there after two weeks of kids visiting/being sick/traveling, etc. My last hike was 13.5 miles. Don't think that's gonna happen today but now that I've watched this video I'm definitely motivated to get back out there and start walking again. You talked about how the community keeps your sails filled and keeps you pushing north, well you and the other thru hikers I'm following definitely do that for me so thank you! Hope you're having a good one out there today! BTW, I'm just like you in that I much prefer to hike in the cold vs the heat. I've even decided to do Springer thru the Smokies this fall and then start no later than March 1 where I left off so that I can not only get ahead of the bubble a bit but so that I can take advantage of the cooler weather and finish before the worst of summer. The heat will probably be my biggest challenge out there, along with trying to stay fueled without eating sugar and refined carbs (they cause me terrible inflammation). I've been sugar free since early December and it's completely turned my health around and changed my life. In fact, I wouldn't be planning my thru hike right now if I hadn't given it up. It won't be easy but I'm determined to hike the trail without eating any refined sugar. I know you're thinking "C'mon man!" haha but if I don't find a way to do it the inflammation will definitely take me off the trail. Hope you're having another great day WOTP!
Red cockaded woodpeckers are jewels of the south! From South East Texas to just north of VA. There are other ones out in that area...similiar in size would be a downy, hairy, or maybe a sapsucker. If it's face and head were totally red, then as you mentioned, you probably saw a red headed woodpecker! Beautiful Scenery! Great video!
Howdy ER. Today you may reach my June 1 starting point...the Appalachian Trail Railroad Station at mile 1448.9. It is about 400 miles until the Whites. The intel I'm most interested in is the difficulty of the terrain, quality\access of the water sources, and places to resupply (access to towns). Of course you already talk about this kind of stuff. Just keep doing what you're doing :) I've also been watching Bigfoot's videos on this section and making notes. Thanks for the research.
Thanks for addressing my concern on camera. I assumed you had something figured out, but I also know that is something that can easily be overlooked. I am thoroughly enjoying your videos. Keep up the good work, as I know you will. Maybe one day I will make it out on trail. Good hiking and God bless.
Hot dang...took me three days of pretty much constant viewing but I finally caught up with this latest installment (yup, discovered your adventure and vlog just recently, round-about thru Hiker Trash on FB). Thank you and happy trails, ER_71 (and Mrs. ER). So impressive, and so much great information. Be with you from here up to Katahdin.
The trail on the rock wall that you filmed is from the time when iron mining was done in that area, and this was part of rail track serving the mines. The nearby town of Cold Spring (now a very quaint and scenic river town) was once the main foundry, and supplied much of the artillery used by Union forces in the Civil War.
ER - I really enjoy your videos and am learning a lot. You probably already know but make sure Mrs. ER gets a parking pass ahead of time at Katahdin Stream campground in Baxter State Park. Take it from someone who has climbed Katahdin 14 times in his life, it will be an awesome Exclamation point to your journey. Keep on truckin !
.....the smaller woodpecker is the Downy @ 6 inches and the larger is the Hairy @ 9 inches....the Pileated get huge @ 17 inches plus and are unmistakable ....cheers
Early Riser ime early rising myself watching day 71 at 5:04am Friday. Hoping Redd Mage is watching your vids to see what he had to put up with later in his hike thru. Its almost time to activate the afterburners, but keep them on reserve right now, doing a great job brother, its a one-way trail for you now and that's north, Tally-ho.
Lookin and sounding strong E.R. keep on W.O.T.P.!!! You The man! Yes, I agree Gary and Cindy. Probably a Pileated Woodpecker. Large and cone shaped red head with white striations along side of head and neck area. Rare these days. Saw one last week on Abrams Falls trail.
Hey ER, you are doing a great job! If you are going alcohol stove, woodgaz-stove makes a "fancee feest" stove that does not need a pot stand. You can use a little piece of foil for your wind screen. He also sells little brown flip top caps that go on the top of a bottle of Heet (methyl alcohol and plentiful in the northeast) so you don't have to carry a secondary container of fuel (just keep it in the Heet bottle). You were talking about it the other day so I wanted to pass this along to you. 24g and takes about 1.5oz fuel 6 min to boil. Let all the positivity from these comments below be the wind in your sails. Deuces--Turk
I was in the Army when they first started issuing camelbaks and it made a huge difference in keeping me hydrated. But it's definitely hard to keep track and bottles are easier.
Thanks for the tips on the bladder need to reconsider and order some aqua mirra from campmor used the tabs before will trying the mirra instead less weight thanks Rock on man almost there
keep on keepin on ER. man your making great time ...thanks again for all the info..and think i'll grab me a cherry coke and a Snickers.... today...your kickin the trails butt....Maine!!! your on your way !!! 2Cool!! Duse's!!
You can clean the threads and rim and cap of your smart bottle with the clean water (treated) in the bottle if you have a ok clean cloth. They used to teach that in the service with the canteens.
Hope you had a good night's sleep. I loved when you walked on the stone wall. It was pretty . Hope you fins more cherry cokes soon Please Stay Safe and God Bless, Whitestar
When you're on a journey like this and hit a low point. You just have to realize that, the amount of time spent hiking the trail is nothing compared to the 70 plus years you will live in your lifetime. So just enjoy this time spent on trail knowing you have years to come doing whatever you want after the trail.
Butterfield Trail Devils Den AR. 14 miles this May 6th with the wife. Looks like awesome weather too. Prepping for the AT in the near future. Going to Dunkin' Donuts in honor of your hike after. Glad you're enjoying the bread up there. Family owned Mansfield Bread Company in 1860's Springfield,MA for over 80 years. Enjoy New England. It's a beautiful place. People are harsh due to the hard weather.
Katia and I are getting ready to head out for training. We needed our ER pep talk first. Today we are climbing Swallow Cliff stairs in Willowbrook, IL its an old toboggan run - 127 limestone steps at about a 60 degree angle. Serious workout, and a 10miler after.
Low points: often best getting through the lows...to go into it, and just wait in it for a while. The lows have purpose, what lies there is often a vision for what we do next. An accepting steadfast spirit in the lows, is usually the quickest and best way through.
You're getting up into the Walmart free zone, in fact you may not see another until you are up in the White's at Pinkham Notch. Resupplies at the local grocery store start getting expensive as well as hotel stays, but hey, when in Rome...The end of your day today should have some footage of nice green cow pastures welcoming you into Connecticut, sure feels good on the feet:-)
Gary White There is a walmart I think a lot of people miss in Pittsfield, MA. I hitched there pretty easily from Dalton. And there's one in Rutland, VT.
Flat can be deceiving! I'm in W Central IL where it is flat. Visited family in Tennessee a while back and took my road bike. Went on a group ride with folks from Tennessee who said it was a relatively flat route. That was mountainous for me! Nothing flat about it. Up and down, up and down. Wore me out!
Its adds some weight but an you can carry 4 or 6 ounces of Isopropal alcohol (90%) and a saturate a rag with it, rub every where. You will be clean and cool . The rag will be pretty nasty but it makes you feel great when you can't bathe.
Good info in this video. Lots to do with your daily routine. I.e. Your hygiene, sleeping bag clips. Water choices. Get some Maxim coffee packets they're great.
I know this is probably out of your capabilities on the trail but I use smart water bottles but my husband drilled a whole in the top of the lid and I forced a tube in all the way to the bottom of the bottle. the hole is just big enough for the tube so I haven't had problems with leaking. Suction builds up but I just hold the bite open to equalize the pressure after I sip. sometimes I blow a little air in if the bottle gets misshapen. I can pretty much tell how much water I have by how hard I have to suck. The bottles fit perfectly in my Osprey's pouches. Easy access to refill.
Hey brother! I had hoped to catch up to you in PA and switch you out with a quilt with the dee rings, but it just wasn't in the cards. Looks like you got good work around. Adapt and overcome!
Got some decent views coming up in CT/MA. I plan on doing some miles in CT over the weekend. Hope to see you out there. But if I don't see you, keep your eyes peeled for a cherry coke. And bring some tick spray, they're everywhere this year.
Thanks for sharing the journey!!! Watching all the thru hikes this year it would seem that food, hydration and electrolytes make a BIG difference in mood?? I have lost count on how many times someone has come up short in their 3-5 day resupply and starts rationing a day or two out from their next resupply and the tremendous affect it has on their mood. I guess the best example I know you have watched was Reddmage on his hike to Waynesboro. And, then I compare it to your hike today. You listed all the intake you had today to start your hike (very little coming from your food bag) and your mood while hiking in this video. I was looking at rocks most of your hike, but, surprisingly you didn't mention them once until the very end. All this really surprised me considering you did over a marathon and Reddmage was struggling to do 8-10 miles a day trying to get to Waynesboro. Does that mean the new shoes you got with the shanks are making a big difference? Or, is it that your getting the calories, protein, etc. your body needs and just don't care? Or, is it that you have walked so many rocks now that your feet are getting conditioned to them (ie. like building a callous up)? Just trying to understand all the variables that affect the mental part of the hike. Stay safe, have fun and hike on....
Mike, this is what I like to ponder as well. I think it is a combination of most factors and variables you listed. Shoes...big difference!!! Feet don't hurt untill around mile 23-25, even in PA. Food, eat all freaking day. Today I consumed 2500 calories before 1000. But electrolytes are the key. Most hikers I have met don't use or know about the benefits. I cycle my littler water bottle 1 electrolyte, 1 plain all day. Hot days like today, more electrolytes. It is the key to so many functions it's hard to have one conversation about it. I did get used to the rocks, in fact, I miss them a bit. Would trade flat rocks for NY all day long. 😁
THIS is a very smart (thoughtful) question. I appreciate it AND the answer. I'm a section hiker, and I usually average 14-18 miles/day. So, ER71 journey is totally different than mine. My hikes usually end before I get to the "hiker hunger" stage, so I'm always wondering how you monitor intake, calories, and other nutrition. Thanks!
Hey ER every get a taste for a good ole Cheerwine for your soda fix? Watching your video, catch BOJ sandwich, and Cheerwine. Keep pushing.....See many Hammocks along the trail? That is my favorite way to camp....got new REI ladder style Hammock.
The trail will provide. like trail magic, good people, shelter etc, but I think the biggest gift it will give you is change. Do you feel the trail has changed you a bit ?
Here's a question, and not that I want you to do this, obviously, but you've had so much support from your followers. Could you do this from Springer without Vee Logging (or without any social media)? Love the video. WOTP!!
Bladders didn’t work for me. One reason….i couldn’t see how much I was consuming. Two spillage or rupture inside my bag due to tube wear and tear. Three, sucking air and getting gas that made me nauseous. Four, time consuming to pull it out of your bag each time. I tried it out during a section hike and found that two one liter bottles worked better for me. But as always do your own testing and HYOH.
ER, You`ve had quite a few days of rain. How much of a hindrance is the rain getting the inside of your tent wet during setup? I`m considering a Hilleberg tent, which has the inner tent already assembled inside the tent fly; is it worth it? Ice Ager
From the store: Cherry coke (no brainer), then I thought honey bun, then sour patch worms (which my daughter really loves). How do you rate the "farm" socks now? Have they worked out as expected or better ? How has the gear you started with holding up? (Tent)
Hey, ER, enjoying your video trek. Question, and I hop you haven't already answered this one: Given your inclination to go to bed early, have you had any problems with hikers arriving at camp spots later in the day rousting you out from a dead sleep? BTW, if you haven't read it before, you should take a look at Scott Peck's The Road Less Traveled. He touches on a lot of the stuff that has become the theme for your hike - ego, discipline, love, etc.
A couple of late arrivals when I was sleeping in a shelter. Made me not happy, so no more shelter sleeping unless weather requires it. I will definitely check out your suggestion.
Boot Blouse bungee to make the quarter bounce??? Thanks Sarge. I would give most anything to be able to get out here and hear those rascals (turkeys) just at the crack of dawn start up, right after the first owl lets loose. You do have an amazing morale support group going here. If everyone that attempted the trail had this, there would be far fewer giving up I bet. Cherry Coke, Honey Bun, Sour Patch was my guesses. Got one right. I am going to have a serious let down here after your final debriefing. Thanks again for the effort.
I guessed cherry Coke, honey bun and either banana or snickers. Someone else asked about after the trail for your channel. Was curious myself. Hopefully some post trail vids for gear, maybe tips and tricks you picked up along the way. Seems like it just got started easy for me to say cause your the one walking it, now coming down the home stretch. I've become an ER junky. What will I do without my fix? LOL. Keep up the good work my friend.
We have several species in Tennessee. The most common and smaller are the red headed. The pileated woodpecker is unmistakable. Up to 24" tall and makes a frightful sound. It can scare you half to death in the woods.
Here's a poll I'd like to see the community answer - To date, what is your favorite ER quote/philosophy? I need to think about it. For Reddmage, it's "The AT is hard - possible, but hard...and if you don't quit, you get to see stuff like this..."
Can't believe I made it through the Army without ever hearing Shields Down. But to chose a favorite quote is too difficult, because everything is just Ah-mazing.
Early_Riser_71 ...Ill def be looking like that in about 2 months time...lotta bugs where I am...lol. Im allergic to mosquitoes so I always need to wear those nets...lol 😩
I just thought that towards the end of yesterdays video you had decided to start filming using Fung Fu settings. :) Keep moving forward with your PMA. Positive Mental Attitude....Be sure to use Kung Fu settings if the Matrix tries to creep in.
E.R & community., I want to do Trail Magic in PA. What would be your top 5 items? I am thinking of a hike in away from towns and roads. Somewhere thru hikers would benefit best by a resupply.
So new to all this. Just found you a few weeks ago. Planning an AT hike in two years. What guide book are you using? Love watching your hike. You're doing amazing.
Er morning going on trail 2019 want to go ultralight ,backpack got me wondering how about zpack arc haul have that air space between my back and pack what you think, WOTP love it helping me alot for my journey thanks you BEAST
Check out a Guy named Lanny Bassham, mental management. Just his history and story will impress. He's written many books. Alot of what he teaches one can use in every day Life. I'm sure I'll be using his teachings on the trail when I get there. WOP
ER I completely agree with your sentiments on the smart water bottle vs bladders. "Source" brand sells a kit on Amazon to add a straw and bite valve on to your smart water bottle. total penalty is 1 ounce plus the attachment to your ruck. I think you'd love it. I did a review of it on my TH-cam channel. "Miyagi on the Trail". I think you'd love it, it's a game changer. Happy Trails, fist bumps ~ Miyagi
Hey ER...i did not catch it, but did you make the tube systen for your sawyer or did you buy it? thanks for the great videos!! Have you even thought about whats after Katahdin?
Hey ER i was out on the trail again today (Saturday) and the bugs were awful. I've never used the net. Would you recommend it and how well can you see thru it?
If you are going to meet up with your wife again, my sister and boyfriend own a 12 acre AirBnb property 0.2 miles off the trail in Cheshire, MA. I believe the headline on their Airbnb listing is "19th c. Renovated Barn."
Gone From My Sight I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side, spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other. Then someone says, "There, she is gone." Gone where? Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast, hull and spar as she was when she left my side. And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port. Her diminished size is in me--not her. And, just at the moment when someone says, "There, she is gone," there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!" And that is dying......
here is a question for you or everyone. When I started on the AT I was told you don't pick your trail name / someone you don't know has to give it to you on the trail.
doesn't have to be someone you don't know. If you come on trail with a name, someone may change it and it's up to you how you call yourself from there on.
This is how I figure the trail name, if your a brand new hiker and doing the AT and don't have a trail name, then by all means let someone give you a name. I got my trail/nickname while in the Marine Corps. While I'm not yet a thru hiker I am a seasoned hiker and been doing it my whole life, I'll be going by Dutch while on the trail...HYOH!! Believe that!!
The problem is i require more water than 2 liters a day. i sweat like a pig going to a Luau so my water needs are different. I am more inclined to do a 3 liter camel than water bottles.
hey, ER! i'm a sophomore in high school and plan to graduate college a semester early to hike the AT! every morning, i wake up and watch your video from the previous day as i'm getting ready. it really keeps me motivated throughout the school day and reminds me of the things i can do once i get through school. thank you for bringing us along with you!
Abigail Flowers That's so cool.
That is awesome Abigail...and I live the name.
I don't know what is weighing on you right now but I can hear it in your voice and tell it in the way you are talking that something is there. I know NONE of us deserve to know what it is, if you are dealing with personal stuff, well that is personal. I just want you to know that you are making a difference in my life. I just want you to feel the positivity I have for your journey on the trail. You have this physically, you are killing it physically, just keep using us "tools" with any thought processes you want to talk about. We are here for you!
I just came by to say how much I look forward to your daily videos. Your positive attitude and gratitude throughout your hike is inspirational. I really enjoy how you stop and take in all the beauty the trail has to offer. I've had a rough couple of months and your videos have really inspired me to get off of my phone, leave the house, and get outside. I look forward to watching you climb Katahdin. Keep up the great work man, and good luck the rest of the way.
Bigfoot used to do his near-zero town stops...by rolling in about noon, checking in to his overnight place, doing his resupply & laundry and the Wifi uploads. Then staying the next day till about noon AND still averaged 15-20 miles for each day.
Man, I got lucky to not have to feel with much B&M there. Just about everyday that I finished hiking, especially late, I would use about 3 wet wipes and try and clean my body and get rid of some of that nastiness. But, to your point, I made the decision in future thru hikes to carry 3 pairs of shirts and boxers. It got really old putting on wet, cold clothes every morning. So I will be using one pair for camp, and rotate the other 2 pairs each day to give them a chance to dry out. I think I smell New England from here bro!
Retired Navy here, been following you all along. Enjoy the videos every morning.
Hey ER, love the vlogs and you are doing GREAT on all levels . Interesting details on food , weather, clothing, mental and physical health and philosophy. Your thoughtful introspection is moving and thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings. All of us send our positive energy and love of hiking your way. I am from NC too so I know the feeling of being up north.We are with you man!
Whole heartedly agree with your water bladder-smart water bottle comparison. Look forward to your posts.
It is so cool how we can be on your hike with you almost in real time. So many others have to save their little films and wait for WiFi to download. Thank you so much. I am on the west coast otherwise I would be figuring out a way to provide trail magic as repayment . You rock it Early Riser.
doing great ER! see you on the trail in the 100 mile wilderness.
I get hungry every time I watch your videos. Always talking about food. Love it!
Your upbeat attitude is refreshing to see and hear, even on the downer days. Makes me smile. Ruck up and drive on :)
Just wanted to say Thanks again for sharing your Hike...I so enjoy my morning coffee & ER Keep turning pages, you're doing so awesome!
Woo! Go, ER! Go! You are correct that we have red-cockaded woodpeckers in NC (especially near your hood). Their range is mainly the southeast, but they are federally endangered d/t habitat loss via longleaf pine community degradation. They are mostly white & black with a small red streak along their caps (cockade is an old-timey word for flair on a hat). Just a little biology to start your day! Thanks for sharing your trek!
Good morning ER! I'm finally getting back out there after two weeks of kids visiting/being sick/traveling, etc. My last hike was 13.5 miles. Don't think that's gonna happen today but now that I've watched this video I'm definitely motivated to get back out there and start walking again. You talked about how the community keeps your sails filled and keeps you pushing north, well you and the other thru hikers I'm following definitely do that for me so thank you! Hope you're having a good one out there today! BTW, I'm just like you in that I much prefer to hike in the cold vs the heat. I've even decided to do Springer thru the Smokies this fall and then start no later than March 1 where I left off so that I can not only get ahead of the bubble a bit but so that I can take advantage of the cooler weather and finish before the worst of summer. The heat will probably be my biggest challenge out there, along with trying to stay fueled without eating sugar and refined carbs (they cause me terrible inflammation). I've been sugar free since early December and it's completely turned my health around and changed my life. In fact, I wouldn't be planning my thru hike right now if I hadn't given it up. It won't be easy but I'm determined to hike the trail without eating any refined sugar. I know you're thinking "C'mon man!" haha but if I don't find a way to do it the inflammation will definitely take me off the trail. Hope you're having another great day WOTP!
J A, I think that is a very doable plan and I will, for one, will be pulling for you and cheering you on! You go, girl! You can do this!
Marvin Simons Thank you so much! 😊
Red cockaded woodpeckers are jewels of the south! From South East Texas to just north of VA. There are other ones out in that area...similiar in size would be a downy, hairy, or maybe a sapsucker. If it's face and head were totally red, then as you mentioned, you probably saw a red headed woodpecker!
Beautiful Scenery! Great video!
Howdy ER. Today you may reach my June 1 starting point...the Appalachian Trail Railroad Station at mile 1448.9. It is about 400 miles until the Whites. The intel I'm most interested in is the difficulty of the terrain, quality\access of the water sources, and places to resupply (access to towns). Of course you already talk about this kind of stuff. Just keep doing what you're doing :) I've also been watching Bigfoot's videos on this section and making notes. Thanks for the research.
Thankyou for sharing your journey with Me! I hike every chance I get and in between I get to hike with you. Thankyou
Thanks for addressing my concern on camera. I assumed you had something figured out, but I also know that is something that can easily be overlooked. I am thoroughly enjoying your videos. Keep up the good work, as I know you will. Maybe one day I will make it out on trail. Good hiking and God bless.
Will Wood aka following red beard was the original Appalachian trail vlogger I know. this takes that to a whole new level.
Hot dang...took me three days of pretty much constant viewing but I finally caught up with this latest installment (yup, discovered your adventure and vlog just recently, round-about thru Hiker Trash on FB). Thank you and happy trails, ER_71 (and Mrs. ER). So impressive, and so much great information. Be with you from here up to Katahdin.
I like the sail analogy. So as the old nautical saying goes: "I wish you fair winds and following seas".
"Widg"
The trail on the rock wall that you filmed is from the time when iron mining was done in that area, and this was part of rail track serving the mines. The nearby town of Cold Spring (now a very quaint and scenic river town) was once the main foundry, and supplied much of the artillery used by Union forces in the Civil War.
ER - I really enjoy your videos and am learning a lot. You probably already know but make sure Mrs. ER gets a parking pass ahead of time at Katahdin Stream campground in Baxter State Park. Take it from someone who has climbed Katahdin 14 times in his life, it will be an awesome Exclamation point to your journey. Keep on truckin !
.....the smaller woodpecker is the Downy @ 6 inches and the larger is the Hairy @ 9 inches....the Pileated get huge @ 17 inches plus and are unmistakable ....cheers
Early Riser ime early rising myself watching day 71 at 5:04am Friday. Hoping Redd Mage is watching your vids to see what he had to put up with later in his hike thru. Its almost time to activate the afterburners, but keep them on reserve right now, doing a great job brother, its a one-way trail for you now and that's north, Tally-ho.
Lookin and sounding strong E.R. keep on W.O.T.P.!!! You The man!
Yes, I agree Gary and Cindy. Probably a Pileated Woodpecker. Large and cone shaped red head with white striations along side of head and neck area. Rare these days. Saw one last week on Abrams Falls trail.
Hey ER, you are doing a great job! If you are going alcohol stove, woodgaz-stove makes a "fancee feest" stove that does not need a pot stand. You can use a little piece of foil for your wind screen. He also sells little brown flip top caps that go on the top of a bottle of Heet (methyl alcohol and plentiful in the northeast) so you don't have to carry a secondary container of fuel (just keep it in the Heet bottle). You were talking about it the other day so I wanted to pass this along to you. 24g and takes about 1.5oz fuel 6 min to boil. Let all the positivity from these comments below be the wind in your sails. Deuces--Turk
I was in the Army when they first started issuing camelbaks and it made a huge difference in keeping me hydrated. But it's definitely hard to keep track and bottles are easier.
Glad to see you're doing well. Keep up the good work.
I said cherry coke, honey bun, and sour patch kids! you'll have to pick some up at the next stop! Keep going ER you are an inspiration to us all!
Love the bug net , you think of everything...lol
Thanks for the tips on the bladder need to reconsider and order some aqua mirra from campmor used the tabs before will trying the mirra instead less weight thanks Rock on man almost there
keep on keepin on ER. man your making great time ...thanks again for all the info..and think i'll grab me a cherry coke and a Snickers.... today...your kickin the trails butt....Maine!!! your on your way !!! 2Cool!! Duse's!!
You can clean the threads and rim and cap of your smart bottle with the clean water (treated) in the bottle if you have a ok clean cloth. They used to teach that in the service with the canteens.
morning coffee and ER video man you are doing some miles take care out there
Saying hi from New York. I wish I could of met u on the trail. Working during the time u going thru new york. Glad u made it.
Good Morning ER 71
Keep your eyes open as you cross into CT by the kiosk for a little T.M.!
Thanks bro. Hope it is still there in the a.m.
Happy Friday!!! Have a good one out there
Wow great idea u and wife enjoy keep on keeping on
Hope you had a good night's sleep.
I loved when you walked on the stone wall. It was pretty .
Hope you fins more cherry cokes soon
Please Stay Safe and God Bless,
Whitestar
Good morning ER71 from Erwin again. Have a great day.
When you're on a journey like this and hit a low point. You just have to realize that, the amount of time spent hiking the trail is nothing compared to the 70 plus years you will live in your lifetime. So just enjoy this time spent on trail knowing you have years to come doing whatever you want after the trail.
Butterfield Trail Devils Den AR. 14 miles this May 6th with the wife. Looks like awesome weather too. Prepping for the AT in the near future. Going to Dunkin' Donuts in honor of your hike after. Glad you're enjoying the bread up there. Family owned Mansfield Bread Company in 1860's Springfield,MA for over 80 years. Enjoy New England. It's a beautiful place. People are harsh due to the hard weather.
Katia and I are getting ready to head out for training. We needed our ER pep talk first. Today we are climbing Swallow Cliff stairs in Willowbrook, IL its an old toboggan run - 127 limestone steps at about a 60 degree angle. Serious workout, and a 10miler after.
Low points: often best getting through the lows...to go into it, and just wait in it for a while. The lows have purpose, what lies there is often a vision for what we do next. An accepting steadfast spirit in the lows, is usually the quickest and best way through.
You're getting up into the Walmart free zone, in fact you may not see another until you are up in the White's at Pinkham Notch. Resupplies at the local grocery store start getting expensive as well as hotel stays, but hey, when in Rome...The end of your day today should have some footage of nice green cow pastures welcoming you into Connecticut, sure feels good on the feet:-)
Gary White There is a walmart I think a lot of people miss in Pittsfield, MA. I hitched there pretty easily from Dalton. And there's one in Rutland, VT.
Great points on the water.
Flat can be deceiving! I'm in W Central IL where it is flat. Visited family in Tennessee a while back and took my road bike. Went on a group ride with folks from Tennessee who said it was a relatively flat route. That was mountainous for me! Nothing flat about it. Up and down, up and down. Wore me out!
Its adds some weight but an you can carry 4 or 6 ounces of Isopropal alcohol (90%) and a saturate a rag with it, rub every where. You will be clean and cool . The rag will be pretty nasty but it makes you feel great when you can't bathe.
You got this! Keep pushing!
Good info in this video. Lots to do with your daily routine. I.e. Your hygiene, sleeping bag clips. Water choices. Get some Maxim coffee packets they're great.
You know you are getting close to the end, when you and Mrs. ER are planning your trip home. G
When your leaving new York I'd like to hear you say " hey forgetaboutit" in your southern drawl !
I know this is probably out of your capabilities on the trail but I use smart water bottles but my husband drilled a whole in the top of the lid and I forced a tube in all the way to the bottom of the bottle. the hole is just big enough for the tube so I haven't had problems with leaking. Suction builds up but I just hold the bite open to equalize the pressure after I sip. sometimes I blow a little air in if the bottle gets misshapen. I can pretty much tell how much water I have by how hard I have to suck. The bottles fit perfectly in my Osprey's pouches. Easy access to refill.
Hey brother! I had hoped to catch up to you in PA and switch you out with a quilt with the dee rings, but it just wasn't in the cards. Looks like you got good work around. Adapt and overcome!
All good. I appreciate it though. Quilt is working great.
Got some decent views coming up in CT/MA. I plan on doing some miles in CT over the weekend. Hope to see you out there. But if I don't see you, keep your eyes peeled for a cherry coke. And bring some tick spray, they're everywhere this year.
Found two so far crawling on me.
Evening ER, keep an eye out, heavy storms moving in, big batch stretching from W.Va through Pennsylvania. Heavy rain, hail, winds.
Thanks for sharing the journey!!! Watching all the thru hikes this year it would seem that food, hydration and electrolytes make a BIG difference in mood?? I have lost count on how many times someone has come up short in their 3-5 day resupply and starts rationing a day or two out from their next resupply and the tremendous affect it has on their mood. I guess the best example I know you have watched was Reddmage on his hike to Waynesboro. And, then I compare it to your hike today. You listed all the intake you had today to start your hike (very little coming from your food bag) and your mood while hiking in this video. I was looking at rocks most of your hike, but, surprisingly you didn't mention them once until the very end. All this really surprised me considering you did over a marathon and Reddmage was struggling to do 8-10 miles a day trying to get to Waynesboro.
Does that mean the new shoes you got with the shanks are making a big difference? Or, is it that your getting the calories, protein, etc. your body needs and just don't care? Or, is it that you have walked so many rocks now that your feet are getting conditioned to them (ie. like building a callous up)? Just trying to understand all the variables that affect the mental part of the hike.
Stay safe, have fun and hike on....
Mike, this is what I like to ponder as well. I think it is a combination of most factors and variables you listed. Shoes...big difference!!! Feet don't hurt untill around mile 23-25, even in PA. Food, eat all freaking day. Today I consumed 2500 calories before 1000. But electrolytes are the key. Most hikers I have met don't use or know about the benefits. I cycle my littler water bottle 1 electrolyte, 1 plain all day. Hot days like today, more electrolytes. It is the key to so many functions it's hard to have one conversation about it. I did get used to the rocks, in fact, I miss them a bit. Would trade flat rocks for NY all day long. 😁
THIS is a very smart (thoughtful) question. I appreciate it AND the answer.
I'm a section hiker, and I usually average 14-18 miles/day. So, ER71 journey is totally different than mine.
My hikes usually end before I get to the "hiker hunger" stage, so I'm always wondering how you monitor intake, calories, and other nutrition. Thanks!
Keep your sails full sir!
Hey ER every get a taste for a good ole Cheerwine for your soda fix? Watching your video, catch BOJ sandwich, and Cheerwine. Keep pushing.....See many Hammocks along the trail? That is my favorite way to camp....got new REI ladder style Hammock.
you are on a roll....
The trail will provide. like trail magic, good people, shelter etc, but I think the biggest gift it will give you is change. Do you feel the trail has changed you a bit ?
Here's a question, and not that I want you to do this, obviously, but you've had so much support from your followers. Could you do this from Springer without Vee Logging (or without any social media)?
Love the video. WOTP!!
Bladders didn’t work for me. One reason….i couldn’t see how much I was consuming. Two spillage or rupture inside my bag due to tube wear and tear. Three, sucking air and getting gas that made me nauseous. Four, time consuming to pull it out of your bag each time. I tried it out during a section hike and found that two one liter bottles worked better for me. But as always do your own testing and HYOH.
ER,
You`ve had quite a few days of rain. How much of a hindrance is the rain getting the inside of your tent wet during setup? I`m considering a Hilleberg tent, which has the inner tent already assembled inside the tent fly; is it worth it? Ice Ager
From the store: Cherry coke (no brainer), then I thought honey bun, then sour patch worms (which my daughter really loves).
How do you rate the "farm" socks now? Have they worked out as expected or better ?
How has the gear you started with holding up? (Tent)
Hey, ER, enjoying your video trek. Question, and I hop you haven't already answered this one: Given your inclination to go to bed early, have you had any problems with hikers arriving at camp spots later in the day rousting you out from a dead sleep? BTW, if you haven't read it before, you should take a look at Scott Peck's The Road Less Traveled. He touches on a lot of the stuff that has become the theme for your hike - ego, discipline, love, etc.
A couple of late arrivals when I was sleeping in a shelter. Made me not happy, so no more shelter sleeping unless weather requires it. I will definitely check out your suggestion.
Boot Blouse bungee to make the quarter bounce??? Thanks Sarge. I would give most anything to be able to get out here and hear those rascals (turkeys) just at the crack of dawn start up, right after the first owl lets loose. You do have an amazing morale support group going here. If everyone that attempted the trail had this, there would be far fewer giving up I bet. Cherry Coke, Honey Bun, Sour Patch was my guesses. Got one right. I am going to have a serious let down here after your final debriefing. Thanks again for the effort.
ergot57 , lol.cherry coke, honey bun and Sour Patch Kids with my guess is also
er those pages are clicking by. Take care. I really enjoy the vedios.
I guessed cherry Coke, honey bun and either banana or snickers. Someone else asked about after the trail for your channel. Was curious myself. Hopefully some post trail vids for gear, maybe tips and tricks you picked up along the way. Seems like it just got started easy for me to say cause your the one walking it, now coming down the home stretch. I've become an ER junky. What will I do without my fix? LOL. Keep up the good work my friend.
elviswawa Me too. :-)
Pileated woodpeckers, maybe???
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pileated_woodpecker
We have several species in Tennessee. The most common and smaller are the red headed. The pileated woodpecker is unmistakable. Up to 24" tall and makes a frightful sound. It can scare you half to death in the woods.
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red-headed_woodpecker are the ones I see most in KY.
Here's a poll I'd like to see the community answer - To date, what is your favorite ER quote/philosophy? I need to think about it. For Reddmage, it's "The AT is hard - possible, but hard...and if you don't quit, you get to see stuff like this..."
"do you know what I like better than flat, that is LOTS of flat"-ER somewhere in Virginia I think.
"Shields down" without a doubt.
Can't believe I made it through the Army without ever hearing Shields Down.
But to chose a favorite quote is too difficult, because everything is just Ah-mazing.
I haven't heard him say "Shields down" lately...it might have caused him to "lawyer up" lol
“Life is good...Go find your own journey and quit talking yourself out of it. Life is now!”
looking like a lamp there with your bug net...lol.
Haha, didn't think about it like that. Always enjoy the female perspective.
Early_Riser_71 ...Ill def be looking like that in about 2 months time...lotta bugs where I am...lol. Im allergic to mosquitoes so I always need to wear those nets...lol 😩
I just thought that towards the end of yesterdays video you had decided to start filming using Fung Fu settings. :) Keep moving forward with your PMA. Positive Mental Attitude....Be sure to use Kung Fu settings if the Matrix tries to creep in.
Might run into you in CT over the weekend, I'll have a Cherry Coke with your name on it.
E.R & community., I want to do Trail Magic in PA. What would be your top 5 items? I am thinking of a hike in away from towns and roads. Somewhere thru hikers would benefit best by a resupply.
When you get closer to Maine look for Whoopie pie's they are awesome definitely give you that sugar buzz you love
You had me at whoopie, and pie
So new to all this. Just found you a few weeks ago. Planning an AT hike in two years. What guide book are you using?
Love watching your hike. You're doing amazing.
Pam Bainum AWOL's AT Guide
the short woodpeckers...under 4 inches that look like red headed woodpeckers are actually downy woodpeckers
Wonder the historical reason for that rock wall? Very cool place for the trail.
jonnken f
Good to see the flag!
What are you doing with your food at night? How often do you hang it?
Er morning going on trail 2019 want to go ultralight ,backpack got me wondering how about zpack arc haul have that air space between my back and pack what you think, WOTP love it helping me alot for my journey thanks you BEAST
Yep, I think that is a good choice.
Where do you plan on stopping Saturday?
ER, how`s your new footwear working out? Are you able to dry them out at night? Ice Ager
Check out a Guy named Lanny Bassham, mental management. Just his history and story will impress. He's written many books. Alot of what he teaches one can use in every day Life. I'm sure I'll be using his teachings on the trail when I get there. WOP
ER I completely agree with your sentiments on the smart water bottle vs bladders. "Source" brand sells a kit on Amazon to add a straw and bite valve on to your smart water bottle. total penalty is 1 ounce plus the attachment to your ruck. I think you'd love it. I did a review of it on my TH-cam channel. "Miyagi on the Trail". I think you'd love it, it's a game changer. Happy Trails, fist bumps ~ Miyagi
Hey ER...i did not catch it, but did you make the tube systen for your sawyer or did you buy it? thanks for the great videos!! Have you even thought about whats after Katahdin?
Made it and loved it. I bought the connectors on Amazon though I think.
Thanks! Envying what you are doing...still about 6.5 for me...torn btw. AT and PCT. Following you all the way! Thanks!
Hey ER i was out on the trail again today (Saturday) and the bugs were awful. I've never used the net. Would you recommend it and how well can you see thru it?
With mine, it is better in camp than walking. I just endure the suck while moving. Damn gnats.
Dude an eight ball would not even dust those hoovers.
You can take the boy out of Georgia, but you can't take Georgia out of the boy. :)
If you are going to meet up with your wife again, my sister and boyfriend own a 12 acre AirBnb property 0.2 miles off the trail in Cheshire, MA. I believe the headline on their Airbnb listing is "19th c. Renovated Barn."
Thank you.
Gone From My Sight
I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side,
spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.
Then someone says,
"There, she is gone."
Gone where?
Gone from my sight. That is all.
She is just as large in mast, hull and spar as she was when she left my side.
And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me--not her.
And, just at the moment when someone says, "There, she is gone," there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!"
And that is dying......
here is a question for you or everyone. When I started on the AT I was told you don't pick your trail name / someone you don't know has to give it to you on the trail.
doesn't have to be someone you don't know. If you come on trail with a name, someone may change it and it's up to you how you call yourself from there on.
This is how I figure the trail name, if your a brand new hiker and doing the AT and don't have a trail name, then by all means let someone give you a name. I got my trail/nickname while in the Marine Corps. While I'm not yet a thru hiker I am a seasoned hiker and been doing it my whole life, I'll be going by Dutch while on the trail...HYOH!! Believe that!!
How is the Nemo Tensor air mattress working out for you? Any negatives? I'm seriously considering purchasing one.
Wondering the same thing!
zero complaints. Love it.
Turkey dinner?
Where in God's name did you get that bug hat?? :)
The problem is i require more water than 2 liters a day. i sweat like a pig going to a Luau so my water needs are different. I am more inclined to do a 3 liter camel than water bottles.
Cherry Coke, Honeybun, Sour Patches...or whatever they are called.