Many travails, but you got this! I love it when you finish a long, demanding hike and you get the realization that nobody and nothing can take away the achievement. It'll be one more in the books.
I think following your instincts is a good one! 😁 And sleeping close to the death sometimes better then the living! 😀 Hope you made it out on you 10th day! All the best! Kaat
Thanks for documenting your trip! The long trails in the midwest don't really get much love since they are overshadowed by the big ones out west and east. You are crazy for hiking here during the warmer months! I don't even think about backpacking here until the leaves start falling and insects die off. Your mental fortitude is admirable! If you are ever looking for another thru hike in the midwest, check out the Ozark Trail or Ozark Highlands trail. Both of them are almost entirely single track and go through some great national forest.
Thank you! I can’t imagine how much worse an earlier summer hike would have been. I didn’t realize ozark trails were two separate trails. I had heard of highlands. I will look into them.
@@MellowPotato they’ll “link” much sooner because the Norfolk Lake section into Tecumseh, MO is slowly being constructed, but completed through Missouri seems like it’s super slow. The big issue is lack of supply options along it keeps hiker numbers down which reduces interest in donating to it. I want to hike the OT and have to figure out food primarily.
Maybe the River to River FB page will inspire a River to River Hiking Club and volunteer trail maintainers. There is some nice country on this trail. Happy tramping!
There is a River to River Trail society. They put out a nice pdf guide in 2018. I saw one trail maintainer when I was out there, but he was on the equine side of things and had no idea hikers did the trail.
I live 17 miles from Gaeden of Gods and my wife and I section hike the AT. Not sure how your posts popped up but glad it did. Thanks for sharing you believe in God. Not much of that anymore. I know it said you moved to Midwest from Texas but what state did you move to.
Another potential gear solution for sketchy water sources is the Water-to-go bottle with attached filter. It's very similar to the Befree system except that the two bottle choices are rigid plastic and the filter for each incorporates an activated charcoal element along with a filter that is as effective as the Sawyer choices. The activated charcoal element will reduce, if not completely remove, some heavy metals and organic contaminants. I just learned about this water filtering system recently but it has been around for about 10 years and I think originated from the UK. Apparently its particularly popular in the UK where many of the trails pass through agricultural land and so the water contains runoff that could include chemical and animal residue. Amazon sells it and there is a USA website too. Becky the Traveller did a good review about her use of it. She hikes a lot in the UK. See the link below. Grayl has a solution too but I believe it is heavier than the Water-to-Go solution. I haven't used either of these solutions but instead use an activated charcoal filter with a short piece of tubing to attach to a filtered bottle of water that I am not comfortable drinking because of the downstream location from which I took it. The one I like is the carbon element for the Platypus Gravity Works filter system. You can buy the carbon filter on Amazon. Just search for Platypus Gravity Works Carbon Element. www.beckythetraveller.com/water-to-go-bottle-filter-review/
You seem to be super sketched out on a lot of water sources. That is what the water filter is for. Pre-filter with a bandana or buff to keep the larger particulates out.
On video it does not seem a big deal; but when off the track or uncertain if on track, it’s frightening for everyone. Does the Garmin Mini have a navigational function. If so it’s step by step. It’s just a hassle to learn and set up the track-or it would be fir me. On that poorly groomed poorly marked trail it might be less hassle than 30 minutes of terror, anger or frustration., That trail seems to have brilliant and beautiful signage where it’s least needed-maybe that’s politics not hiking? Dead people are quieter and nobody alive hangs out there
I was able to use the navigation in my phone via the Avenza app. It worked when I had no service. I could see where my location was in relation to the trail. I have no idea how people do this trail without the app.
Please don't do that againg. Although I have to say that it was very brave what you did, but at the same time dumb. I don't mean to insult you, but it was very risky. Please don't do it again!
I truly do appreciate your genuine concern. I also can't help myself but to rebuttal and say that we are capable of being brave and smart at the same time. I trust my instincts and decision making abilities, and prefer to take a bit of risk. I also appreciate that the drive to the trailhead is statistically riskier than being on trail.
This is like a TV show with cliffhangers and everything.
Really have enjoyed watching these videos. I’ve learned a lot as I prepare to thru hike this trail myself.
Love Giant City Lodge, best all you can eat fried chicken dinner
I totally understand feeling safer on the trail than the road, stay safe and follow your instincts you’re doing fine.
My wife’s family is from that area. You were correct to be circumspect toward the people down there.
Always trust your gut feeling about people and situations. Thanks for the videos
Many travails, but you got this! I love it when you finish a long, demanding hike and you get the realization that nobody and nothing can take away the achievement. It'll be one more in the books.
It’s fun watching you explore this trail! Even if it’s not your favorite lol. Thanks for sharing it!
I think following your instincts is a good one! 😁 And sleeping close to the death sometimes better then the living! 😀 Hope you made it out on you 10th day! All the best! Kaat
Awesome hike! Thanks for sharing your experience
Thanks for documenting your trip! The long trails in the midwest don't really get much love since they are overshadowed by the big ones out west and east. You are crazy for hiking here during the warmer months! I don't even think about backpacking here until the leaves start falling and insects die off. Your mental fortitude is admirable!
If you are ever looking for another thru hike in the midwest, check out the Ozark Trail or Ozark Highlands trail. Both of them are almost entirely single track and go through some great national forest.
Thank you! I can’t imagine how much worse an earlier summer hike would have been. I didn’t realize ozark trails were two separate trails. I had heard of highlands. I will look into them.
@@lazyextremist3119 Eventually they are suppose to link up and form a 700 long trail. But that is decades away from happening unfortunately
@@MellowPotato they’ll “link” much sooner because the Norfolk Lake section into Tecumseh, MO is slowly being constructed, but completed through Missouri seems like it’s super slow. The big issue is lack of supply options along it keeps hiker numbers down which reduces interest in donating to it. I want to hike the OT and have to figure out food primarily.
Gone Girl with Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike was partially filmed at Giant City Lodge.
Great miles today take care of those feet. Oh you are very brave camping in that grave yard I don’t think I could do that.
You are a brave one. The boneyard was a nice Halloween touch. Interesting to see how the trek comes out. Stay safe!
Way to go getting so close. Hope you can tame the blisters. Hang tough!
Maybe the River to River FB page will inspire a River to River Hiking Club and volunteer trail maintainers. There is some nice country on this trail. Happy tramping!
There is a River to River Trail society. They put out a nice pdf guide in 2018. I saw one trail maintainer when I was out there, but he was on the equine side of things and had no idea hikers did the trail.
I just ordered some injinji socks! Super excited! I'm hoping to do the river to river next year 2021.
Awesome! The River to River Facebook page has a wealth of information, with folks sharing their trip stories too. I hope you have a great trip!
Absolutely on the humans on the roads being more dangerous than animals on the trail. Always trust your gut.
I live 17 miles from Gaeden of Gods and my wife and I section hike the AT. Not sure how your posts popped up but glad it did. Thanks for sharing you believe in God. Not much of that anymore. I know it said you moved to Midwest from Texas but what state did you move to.
Currently in Missouri.
Another potential gear solution for sketchy water sources is the Water-to-go bottle with attached filter. It's very similar to the Befree system except that the two bottle choices are rigid plastic and the filter for each incorporates an activated charcoal element along with a filter that is as effective as the Sawyer choices. The activated charcoal element will reduce, if not completely remove, some heavy metals and organic contaminants. I just learned about this water filtering system recently but it has been around for about 10 years and I think originated from the UK. Apparently its particularly popular in the UK where many of the trails pass through agricultural land and so the water contains runoff that could include chemical and animal residue. Amazon sells it and there is a USA website too. Becky the Traveller did a good review about her use of it. She hikes a lot in the UK. See the link below. Grayl has a solution too but I believe it is heavier than the Water-to-Go solution. I haven't used either of these solutions but instead use an activated charcoal filter with a short piece of tubing to attach to a filtered bottle of water that I am not comfortable drinking because of the downstream location from which I took it. The one I like is the carbon element for the Platypus Gravity Works filter system. You can buy the carbon filter on Amazon. Just search for Platypus Gravity Works Carbon Element. www.beckythetraveller.com/water-to-go-bottle-filter-review/
Interesting. I've never heard of it. Thanks for sharing the review link!
@@lazyextremist3119 you're welcome.
Your Jesus comment is Gold 🏆.
🦋❤
You seem to be super sketched out on a lot of water sources. That is what the water filter is for. Pre-filter with a bandana or buff to keep the larger particulates out.
My guess you finish tomorrow, that looks like one tough trail.
I don't blame you for wanting to finish i would to
On video it does not seem a big deal; but when off the track or uncertain if on track, it’s frightening for everyone.
Does the Garmin Mini have a navigational function. If so it’s step by step. It’s just a hassle to learn and set up the track-or it would be fir me. On that poorly groomed poorly marked trail it might be less hassle than 30 minutes of terror, anger or frustration., That trail seems to have brilliant and beautiful signage where it’s least needed-maybe that’s politics not hiking? Dead people are quieter and nobody alive hangs out there
I meant to say the cemetery was a good choice.
I was able to use the navigation in my phone via the Avenza app. It worked when I had no service. I could see where my location was in relation to the trail. I have no idea how people do this trail without the app.
While it's couragous to hike alone...there is always a benefit to a companion.....it is what is...dangerous...
Please don't do that againg. Although I have to say that it was very brave what you did, but at the same time dumb. I don't mean to insult you, but it was very risky. Please don't do it again!
I truly do appreciate your genuine concern. I also can't help myself but to rebuttal and say that we are capable of being brave and smart at the same time. I trust my instincts and decision making abilities, and prefer to take a bit of risk. I also appreciate that the drive to the trailhead is statistically riskier than being on trail.