Planning to hike Monadnock in two weeks, but I'm not sure how my stamina will be after covid earlier this month. Have you ever hiked up the less steep White Cross? Do you think it would be significantly less challenging to ascend vs. the White Dot? Also thinking about some of the lower trails such as Cliff Walk as alternatives to summiting just in case. Would you recommend any other trails in the park? Thank you for sharing your adventures!

Cool Channels! My Top 3 --> (1) Cody Townsend (2) Mediocre Amateur AND ... A little bit of bias here: (3) 14er Finisher. Check those out! Happy Trails Ya'll 🤠

How durable the fabric is? Looks weak!

Thank you for a wise, wonderful video. I'm so glad I found you!

Coming over here from LinkedIn, great video and really lovely message!

Even easier, on your trekology pole with the rubber top, use a T-nut. Use the ones with the little spikes. use a drill bit the same size as the outside diameter of the bottom of the T-nut and hammer the spikes down until the spikes do into the rubber.

My last solo trip started with me angry and irritable and it followed me all the way north on my drive and even into the start of my hike. The outdoors can be healing but we also can carry our mental burdens with us into the hills.

And what was that red electronic device strapped to your shoulder?

Great video how far was the bike ride from Appalachia trailhead to castle trail head and how did you get back to the bikes with the car? I assume you can’t drive your car on that fire road. How far did you have to hike to fetch the bikes?

From a therapist’s point of view, this is excellent…and very share-able.

I particularly love the “get outside” advice…even to just sit on your balcony…❤

I"m no stranger to anxiety and depression. I also have anger issues that I've dealt with through counseling. Prayer for the anxiety and uplifting songs for the depression (and the anxiety) really helps me. My goto music when depressed is classic hymns done in the style of jazz or Appalachian. Thanks for the video.

I've seen a few people stash their bikes and then go up to Franconia Falls.

Thank you for sharing this. It's not easy for people to talk about this. Especially men AND when we feel like we have no right to feel this way because we actually have don't difficult lives. I think the more we see other men talking about this is allowing us to have the availability to open up about it. And personally I feel hiking is one of the best physical activities that helps you cope with all of this stuff. At least for me. Good stuff man. Thanks!

This was so great, Ken 😊 Not only is this hike amazing (well done) but the message even better ! Thank you for sharing your experience and taking us along on your hike! PS: hiking saved me in many ways and I would love to tell you about it ❤❤

For me, having something planned in the future helps a lot. Something to look forward to. Of course I can’t go to Hawaii every weekend but hiking and backpacking fill in the gaps. Of course having things planned ups my anxiety so it’s a give and take for me. Board and depressed or sleeping in a tent with the bears 🐻 😂.

Ken, so, when you hang out your shingle, please call me first! Seriously, an incredible video for all, not just hikers. I wish you great happiness in your own journey and sense that more videos like this will aid and comfort many others. Cheers my friend, onward and upward, if that's your goal!!

Nothing helps me process my thoughts and emotions better than being on the trails.

So many good points here. I’ve suffered depression in the past and it can be hard. Therapy and meds got me through it. Your point about feeling your feelings is an important piece of advice. How you feel about your feelings is even more important. If you beat yourself up for feeling any sort of emotion (sadness, depression, even happiness) you’re just adding to your suffering. Better to acknowledge your feelings, not suppress them, and trust that it will pass can help you to heal.

I do think it is helpful to develop coping strategies and ways of changing your perspective through more productive self-talk. It would be good to have someone who is an expert in that area develop something that we could all use. The things we say to ourselves become the stories that create the emotions we experience. Change the story and change the emotion! Thanks for making this video!

Kudos on the vulnerability. These are conversations we need to be able to have openly, especially as men.

Glad you tossed the OV 😅

Recently went on an Alaskan cruise and wore my Highlander hoodie most days. Definitely versatile and warm but breathes nicely. Got the recommendation from your other video and couldn't be happier.

Go in January, crowd issue will be much less.

Great video. I’ve only done Boott Spur once down like 20 years ago - looks better going up instead. Your last 2 videos have such clear blue skies with incredible views. So awesome!

Absolutely gorgeous trip footage! My thoughts on the crowds at the top - and top of Whiteface in NY is the same - is that I celebrate the accessibility that these few peaks offer via roads. It was FDR who had the road and elevator built to the top of Whiteface to open up the magnificent vistas to people of all abilities (including himself). Yes these peaks get crazy crowded. But think how many people get the opportunity to experience the top of a mountain who aren’t able to hike one otherwise.

Well Ken, I wasn’t planning on a hike up Washington this morning, but there you were so off we went!! What a day to hike, but the summit was too crowded for me as well. Great trip, very fine photography as always, your trips are enjoyable, thanks you.

Once did the Mt Liberty/Flume loop, counterclockwise, down flume slide trail in a full on thunderstorm. Foolishly did not do my research on the flume slide trail pre-hike… Love the Whites! Thanks for the video!!

Guyot has the best sunrise. I always recommend it. And that hike down is no joke. The shelter is awesome too.

Did the Semi-Pemi with a group of Boy Scouts a few years ago. It was a terrific trip of 3 days, though with a late start we arrived at Mt Bond just after sunset. We did the trek along Twin Brook Trail to the 13 Falls campsite. The terrain of Franconia Brook Trail made it feel like a highway for the hike out.

Glad you hit West Bond. Some of the best views on the whole loop.

Where. Are your helmets? I can’t sub to such recklessness Bad example to the kids watching

Those hut workers have such a cool job! Do they get flown in every few weeks on a 2:1 schedule like oil rig workers or are they making this hike regularly, spending the weekends at home?

I did this same exact route clockwise a few years ago. One of the best trips I've ever gone on.

The 'coolest' thing about your video is getting the kids out into the mountains.

I did Mizpah Memorial Day weekend years ago. There were still some patches of snow from Pierce to Eisenhower. It was a great trip and some awesome people prevented me from a long walk back to my car. Also did Nauman one Thanksgiving. Great sunrise.

I once did Franconia Ridge in late May and got pelted with freezing rain/hail. I almost didn't pack my rain jacket but so glad I did last minute. The forecast for the nearest town, Lincoln, was "cloudy", even when I checked it on the mountain. I was never terrified or near death but understand how people end up in life threatening situations.

I like Mizpah, especially with that little library up above. My daughter was always fond of the Alphabet Game to pass the time on the trail - whatever keeps 'em moving!

Are there cheap 1/4" camera thread bolts? Go vegan

You missed the whole point of hiking Mt Monadnock. There is a lot of history with this mountain. There are plenty of trail with less people on them. I have hiked it in all seasons. Winter quite the experience. I have even camped in the State park during the winter. Well since you be back to hike, it will be one less person.

Looks like a great day. Wow it was crowded on top of Jefferson? Was that a weekend day?

This has to be one of the best reviews I have ever watched on KZbin! Thank you for this and keep them coming! Going to check Burgeon out right now!!!

How does the highlander compare to the Pemi?

I recently purchased the Senchi 90 hoodie with front quarter zipper. I like the zippered version because I can open the zipper and dump out excess heat. I can comfortably wear this up to 55'sh F when paired with a long sleeve base layer (maybe 60 if I open the zipper). Last week I did a section hike on the AT between Hot Springs, NC and Erwin, TN. I wore a lightweight Smartwool long sleeve base layer with the Sench 90 hoodie. The Temps were in the low to mid 30's. This system worked fantastic as long as I was climbing hills and working hard, but when I swung around the side of a mountain and was hit with strong winds (or stopped), I'd get a bit chilled. I thought this Senchi would have stunk after a day or two or hiking (not merino wool), but it actually held up quite well. I was pleasantly surprised. I love this mid-layer and is my go-to system until they invent something better.

I’ve got a Beyond the Trailhead alpha hoodie and it’s awesome!

Traductor español

Creo firmemente en Dios y en los míos también bendiciones 😇

Love Melanzana! However if you can’t handle making an appointment nothing wrong with second best.

Your first video (the "I hate mellies" video) on Burgeon clued me in on the company, and I've been waiting for budget to allow for months now...finally ordered my wife and I highlander hoodies this week. They arrived TODAY and I just got back from a 1-miler with the kids...they're AWESOME. I'm all in for Burgeon>Mellie. Thanks for spotlighting these local brands that we don't always find ourselves!

This sounds amazing! See them make it and bring product to the location to repair or replace... THAT IS SWEEEET! Best of luck to Burgeon, sounds like an amazing company!