3 Days in the Pilot Wilderness | 100 YEAR OLD HUTS

I spend 3 days in the Pilot Wilderness exploring 100 year old huts and struggling with my anxiety as I bump into more people than anticipated.
Tin mine Huts and the Cascade Hut.
Anxiety nearly won the day, but we did it!
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Thanks everyone!

[@Levelz31]

In the caverns of your being, a deep well of solitude stirs. It's not a hollow loneliness, but a yearning for the quiet whisper of your own soul. The outside world, once a vibrant tapestry, becomes a relentless march on the path you're not taking. Each figure passing by feels like a wave crashing against the shore of your introspection, a reminder of the connections you've momentarily set aside. It's a bittersweet ache, this need for separateness, a necessary shedding of the social skin to reconnect with the core of who you are.

[@TheSillySwagman]

Wow. I could read that over and over again. Beautifully said. Thank you for sharing 🙏

[@trudiswanson9855]

Sweetly beautiful.

[@Peakoilcompany]

@@Levelz31 wonderful!

[@dorknuckle]

@@TheSillySwagmanindeed. I read that over and over …

[@jae4807]

Beautifully said ❤

[@lifesgood874]

Some of the things you say bring me truly to tears...nothing sad, just overwhelming resonance & emotions. Thing is, I'm a woman and find it quite terrifying to be out bush, even on just a suburban hike. Thank you so sincerely for sharing your adventures. I'm so grateful to be seeing these beautiful places through your eyes 🙏🏼

[@TheSillySwagman]

Oh that’s really special that my videos can have that effect on you 🙏 thank you 😊 I really do think a lot of us feel the same way, especially in modern society

[@anthonymitchell6764]

He definitely has an amazing way with words. There actually some of my favourite times in the video when his thoughts become words ❤

[@Alex-zs4vb2lt5c]

Not sure what is terrifying, most snakebites actually happen in urban areas than in the bush, they are more likely to feel cornered in your backyard and you are more likely to be poking through hiding spots with your hands in the garden. Plenty of bushwalking clubs if you do not want to hike solo and they are open to everyone. I see many women when I hike and have hiked with many so I don't really understand that part... humans used to spend most of their time outdoors and many still do. Based on statistics, you really should feel more afraid when you are sitting in a car. Being outside ("forest-bathing", for example) is known to be good for our mental health (if not simply for vitamin D3) and I don't think it only works for just people like myself and Silly Swagman who generations ago would not have been seen as eccentric or outdoorsy or bushies or whatever. Yes, suddenly seeing a snake much closer than I expected slither away does make my heart jump and leap backwards sometimes (an irrational fear instilled in me as a child because eastern browns were common in our backyard but should have been taught to me as respect for these beautiful animals) but the bush as a whole is not terrifying, it is a none-too-subtle reminder that we are human beings rather than human doings. Part of our environment and not hiding from it, enjoying the present moment as we were always supposed to do

[@ElentiyaKaltain]

Men like you don't happen very often Mattsy, your creativity, wit and humour is so unique. Never forget how rare a precious a gift you are to this world

[@TheSillySwagman]

Oh thank you 😄 I really appreciate that. Very lovely and kind thing to say. 🙏🙏 Thank you for the support

[@MissSassy79]

Yes! 💓

[@louwallace4139]

After owning my home all my life to becoming homeless and having to give up my beautiful children… I can only describe my experience as shock drop. Life that I always knew will never feel the same. I can appreciate your perspective of hermit life and simplicity. You are not alone there.

[@trudiswanson9855]

❤ Yep. Never alone 👍

[@TheSillySwagman]

An important reminder that everyone is facing their own battle in one way or another and at varying scales and levels. The hermit life 💪

[@meturns4666]

Don't give up faith mate , often the view from a deep drop looks impossible, reach in small steps for what you can get , every milestone becomes a victory. You got there once, fight and take back what you deserve , wishing you luck and positivity .

[@Fiona_Chasing_Light]

Such a beautiful part of the country and those howls were deeply melancholic, so I appreciate how sad they made you feel. Kind of fitting I suppose, in a metaphorical way - mournful cries from the wilderness that I hope can survive into the future. There's a peculiar challenge to riding the roller coaster of seemingly contradictory emotions that push and pull - especially the tension between seeking solitude and finding comraderie with others (in the right settings). I'm over a decade older than you and still can't lose my ticket to that show ride. I'm glad you decided to share this video and I suspect you really edited out a lot of the more probing, or deeply ponderous bits of your monologue for the sake of your viewers but I hope you realise you don't have to. A lot of us do relate through our own experiences of anxiety. Fascinating though, how you find the nomadic lifestyle has really spoken to you. I grew up fairly nomadic (military family, then we travelled in a caravan for a few years as a family) and it's stayed in my blood. My (other) push-pull anxiety is around wanting to find "home" somewhere, but never feeling quite like I have arrived "there" yet. Anyhow, I think this was a great video and I'm glad you felt ready to edit it together to share. For most of it you looked pretty darned happy - I don't ever want to lose a sense of adventure, and thankfully haven't yet. Be wel Mattsy!

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thank you for that, Fiona 🙏 That’s interesting you saying that about being quite nomadic with the family when you were younger and that push/pull to find somewhere to call home. We weren’t nomadic in that sense but we did do a lot of road trips and they’re by far my strongest and favourite memories, I wonder if there’s a link there. One funny thing I’ve found is that I often have a lot in common with people who really like to drive, like long drives, for the sake of driving even. I can only assume that’s because of whatever is going on inside their head and act of driving, moving between places takes away some of the worry or whatever it might be, because you’re busy doing the only thing you need to worry about doing right now, controlling the car and getting to the destination. Odd thought but there you go haha! Always appreciate your comments and feedback Fiona. I hope you find a place to call home or find a way to free yourself of that push and pull maybe. Thank you! 🙏

[@trudiswanson9855]

Loved the heart ( depth?) in your comment. Totally 👍❤

[@TheBeardedBushranger]

Haha sorry about not answering the phone mate! At the time I was fishing in the high country and had no reception .. I thought I heard your voice carry across the mountain though 🤣 Cracker vid!

[@TheSillySwagman]

Hahaha! Too funny mate 😂

[@craig2795]

Was the phone call like the fishing. Ah but you should have seen the one that got away? 😂👍

[@TheBeardedBushranger]

@@craig2795 Actually I caight nothing on that trip haha

[@jarrodmarshall152]

I have the same roller coaster in my head. Often I avoid getting myself into social situations and am happy to be in my own company, but at the same time find myself wanting to be with others and wishing I were a more outgoing person. I do enjoy time meeting new people on the occasions I do, but as you did revert back to my usual self afterwards. It’s like it drains me in some way. I think for me it’s partly a lack of confidence in myself especially in groups. From watching your videos I can see you have a great outgoing and humorous personality so I would have never thought you would have a similar problem. Glad you shared the video mate. Keep on doing what you love mate, I hope one day I’ll be out there doing the same.

[@jackcockerall]

Thanks for sharing Mattsy. Your content is always honest and genuine, and that's really important to see these days. Keep sharing the highs and lows, we appreciate them both. ❤

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thanks a lot Jack. I will remember that. I appreciate you watching and leaving some feedback too mate. 🙏

[@michaelsheppard6486]

You are a classic Mattsy love your honesty I've had depression most of my life and find that of recent times a few people talk about it but not many. Great to hear you tell some of your story and your antics and funny actions and the beautiful wilderness that you take us to helps everyone Just as you I get enjoyment from the mountains, rivers and streams and the solitude of being out there I'm looking forward to watching other videos of yours. Take it easy as that man said

[@bugsy7436]

Thank you for sharing. I mostly fight the fight in silence, but it is nice to know my thoughts are not unique to myself, and I'm not alone. I love all your videos. They frequently make me smile and laugh out loud.

[@andyprice4696]

Mattsy, I am glad you’re in a place where you are feeling calm and peaceful. I have always enjoyed your content. Beautiful scenery. Always thought provoking. History with some comedy and some bush philosophy. I also find it really cool to see Australian winter time as I sit here in the sweltering heat of the North American summer. You’ve done it again! Glad I got to go along for the walk. Hope all your vids see the light of day. They are all worth sharing for their own reasons. Appreciate your creativity.

[@mareef9617]

Love your words... Very poetic. The bush is a powerful healer.

[@jeanie7369]

Thankyou for deciding to share this video, I can relate to so much of how you were feeling in so many ways. It made me feel as though I am not alone in the way I think. So thankyou for that. And the scenery was absolutely spectacular, I would love to explore that part of this beautiful country of ours. Awesome video, can’t wait for the next one 😁

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thank you Jeanie. And of course you’re not! As much as it feels like it sometimes. The brain just likes to throw curve balls and overthinking at us for fun I think. It’s such a beautiful part of Australia out there in Kosciuszko that’s for sure!

[@Peakoilcompany]

Really nice one Silly. Something much more open about you in this. I felt for you, as someone who has also struggled with anxiety, as they call it, which I recognise as fear, in me. Thankyou for the video, and the time for my partner and I to enjoy your spirit, in a place I haven't been yet, and to reflect on what you revealed in yourself, and its presence in us too. I recently watched a video @giantcheerio about her partner and her crossing the border into Iran on bicycles. I found a similar humanity in her openness about her struggle with it too, as she deals with the bewilderment of culture shock. Safe travels. You keep getting better and better at this.

[@TheSillySwagman]

Ahh yes I know the channel, I will have to pop that on tonight! And yes, fear is a good name for it, but it is quite random at times. Starting these videos has definitely helped me understand it and myself a little better that’s for sure. I’m glad you guys got something more out of it than just the nature escape this time round. 🙏

[@tinab5194]

So glad you decided to upload this, really enjoyed it as I do all your videos, love the humor and the vulnerability you share with us, thank you. Can definitely relate to that need for solitude but also need for connection. Thank you

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thanks Tina, I’m glad I did too. I really wasn’t going to! Thank you for watching and for leaving a lovely comment, it’s very much appreciated 😊

[@outdoor_mac]

Bloody ripper, great video mate.

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thanks brother! 😎🤙

[@mikegregory5620]

Love your honesty on mental health and your outlook, You are not alone with the thoughts you have and it's OK to crave your own company at times but also so important we connect others to continue our own growth. Enjoy!!!

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thanks Mike! I appreciate it mate. I definitely agree that it’s very important to connect with others for the purpose of self growth but speaking for myself, I have a very social life and heading out into these places is my attempt at disconnecting for a moment, so that’s certainly not the issue for me. But yep, definitely not healthy to just lock yourself up inside your house everyday to avoid social interactions, that’s for sure. Thanks for watching and for the feedback mate 😊🙏

[@mikegregory5620]

@TheSillySwagman I have my anxiety motto of 101% - When you are at 100% of your coping level and you get that crushing anxiety feeling and you feel that you want to give up then you push the 1% more and you find that a new life exists beyond your mental boundaries, you discover that life, freedom and growth begin at 101%♥️

[@TheSillySwagman]

Haha I love that actually, that makes total sense. Thats a really helpful motto. Thanks for sharing mate, it could help any number of people who read these comments, so we appreciate it 🙏

[@ericchilver9113]

Sounds like you’ve been looking inside my brain mate. ….all is as it should be, is how I see the world after I’ve spent time out the back pastures like that…top notch Mattsy🇦🇺👍

[@TheSillySwagman]

Haha yeah that’s for damn sure, mate. I’m sure too many people can relate to

[@jeffrobertson2263]

Man I’m sooo jealous!! Bloody awesome trip mate 👍

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thanks a lot mate!!

[@leithmurray736]

I’m appreciating your KZbins more and more. Your filming locations Your warm and joyful personality , mixed with your in depth thoughts are making your work a must see. Brilliant

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thank you so much! I’m glad you’re enjoying the adventures and my ramblings 😄 thanks for watching 🙌

[@markpollard8247]

Thanks for sharing! This was an amazing video, and we're all for your thoughts and processing. Great work.

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thanks a lot Mark! I appreciate it mate 🙏🙏

[@PerspectiveAustralia]

So glad you were courageous enough to share this adventure. I understand being torn between peace and solitude, and time with others. It’s a long game that’s for sure. The area you explored was truly magical. We’d love to explore there one day~Nicole

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thank you Nicole. Yeah, sometimes you just have to take it as it comes and roll with it 😅 And yes, you have to! It’s stunning out there

[@francisday3187]

A wonderful video Mattsy. Thanks for making and sharing, and keep fighting the good fight. 🙏👍

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thanks a lot Francis! I certainly will 💪 Hope you’re well too mate!

[@699hazard]

The fresh air and those views are good for the soul. Thanks for sharing mate!

[@nanslife]

I love the sound of the Currawongs they always, always remind me of camping and the bush.

[@TheSillySwagman]

Definitely in my three favourite sounds from the bush 😄

[@R-Dub_]

Wonderful video mate, thankyou for providing this beautiful content, you're an amazing person Matty and it's a pleasure watching your videos. I hope you're doing good bro. Much love from the UK. ❤

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thank you very much! I am doing well, thank you 🙏 I appreciate you saying so mate. I hope you’re well too!

[@cordellkent4790]

Love your work M@c. Your lessons in philosophy resound in your environment.

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thanks a lot mate, I appreciate that 🙏🙏

[@SamClarkPhoto]

Great video Mattsy. Good on you for openly talking about how you feel. There needs to be more of it in our society.

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thank you Sam! I agree 🙏

[@georgianasstudio]

You are a fantastic mentor for young men to be real about their emotions. You’re a terrific bloke!

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thank you! I hope so. 🙏 I appreciate you watching 😊

[@damo.77]

Really enjoyed this one mate, i do enjoy all your vids but this one in particular.The way you present yourself and your thoughts really hits and resonates with me in a way thats hard to explain. I reckon those howls are more likely wild dogs than dingoes, i see and hear them pretty much every time im up there. Keep doing what your doing Mattsy.

[@kate-hybrid]

another awesome hike to a place i've not been, thanks! Always appreciate your infectious enthusiasm and raw honesty ... don't change a thing

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thank you Kate! I shall not! 🙌 thanks for watching 😄

[@nit3938]

Wooo coming to Tassie!!🎉 you always explore such beautiful locations can’t wait for you to come down to my neck of the woods!

[@TheSillySwagman]

Just need my filming license and we’re on 😅

[@stevetaylor9456]

Another bloody masterpiece mate. I hear and understand all your words. Laughter and tears all at once. Be safe out there my friend.👍

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thanks a lot Steve, I appreciate it mate. Thanks for watching 🙏

[@AARRRRRRRON]

Awesome video Mattsy, absolutely solid! Enjoy your trip down to Vic mate, keen to see your next video. Stay safe legend 👌🏽

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thank a lot brother! I appreciate it 😄 Keen to rip into some tassie goodness 🙌

[@AARRRRRRRON]

@@TheSillySwagman I was in Tassie 2 winters ago camping on the west coast, gets cold down there mate! Smash some of those hot choccys 👍🏼

[@paulformaioni37]

glad i found this channel, great video and wise words spoken

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thank you Paul 🙏

[@mikePNW]

You're a straight up inspiration Mattsy! Love ya mate!

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thanks a lot Mike!

[@anthonymitchell6764]

Mate that was honestly fabulous Thank you 🙏

[@TheSillySwagman]

Ah man, thank you so much mate 🙏🙏🙏

[@waynemcmillan5970]

Great video Matt thank you.

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thank you mate 🙏

[@budget-adventure]

Thanks for sharing man well worth it.

[@Isxiros100]

Another great video. Reminds me i need sime time out in the bush again. Thanks

[@craig2795]

Loved this one Mattsy. Really starting to see it come together for you 👍

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thanks a lot Craig! I appreciate it mate 🙏🙏

[@andrewiverach659]

Great vid matey. Hope you enjoyed that -13 morning in Tassie the other day. Looking forward to your adventures in Tassie.

[@TheSillySwagman]

Hahaha thanks mate 🤣🤣 Always! Can’t wait to start some filming

[@GordonPavilion]

Loved this. Thank you for sharing this.

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it mate. Thanks for watching and for taking the time to drop a comment 😄

[@peterhendriks9778]

Good video mate & stay strong

[@richieanker]

So I finally decided to jump into your channel mate, it kept popping up in my recommendations, I love it, you are a natural, you have a great personality, i can relate to your thoughts etc, and it is great to follow along on your adventures

[@TheSillySwagman]

Hey mate! Ah man, thank you. I’m glad you weren’t disappointed 😅 I really appreciate you taking the time to leave that feedback. 🙏 Thanks for coming watching! Should hopefully have some Tassie content up soon 💪

[@maccasadventures4235]

Thanks for the video mate!!

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thank you for watching!

[@serenepeacefulrelaxingmusi3874]

Thank you for sharing your quest for the peace you can really only find out in the natural world, where stories of yesteryear still reign supreme. How beautiful! 😀 All that peace tugs at my heartstrings.

[@TheSillySwagman]

A beautiful place that’s for sure! Watching the footage as I did the edit made me want to go back there so much haha Thanks for watching 😄

[@aaarcs8895]

Sling and Drink! Have not heard that for a while. Thanks Mattsy. Awesome vid mate

[@TheSillySwagman]

Hahaha something about doing that shuffle with a pack on just made it pop up in my head 😂😂 Good times hey haha Thanks for watching mate!

[@benjrandles0]

Beautiful stuff mate

[@daffman1]

Enjoyed this video Mattsy, love your open honesty and the fun banter along the way! Looking forward to some Tassie ‘nature emergencies’. Keep up the great work Mattsy 👍⛰️🏕️

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thanks a lot mate I appreciate it 🙌 Bring on the tassie wonders!

[@thejulesfather]

Good work Matty. Glad you pushed through brother.

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thanks a lot mate!

[@hutchinsonsadventures4678]

new to the channel love ya work, cheers Kev and Crissy

[@anndebaldo7381]

Love your videos and your thoughts...I get your yearning...peace away is precious! ATB to you! Until next time...

[@TheSillySwagman]

It certainly is isn’t it 😊 Thanks for watching! ATB to you too!

[@michaelellert4982]

Brilliant mate, just brilliant. Thank you

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thanks mate!!

[@JakeHollibone]

Mate thanks for sharing such a great episode ❤

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thanks a lot Jake! I appreciate it mate 🙏

[@harryridley2714]

Cheers matey and thank you again 🙏🏼

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thank you mate!

[@damedavidfrith55]

Thanks for sharing,and glad u more happy now 😊

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thank you very much 🙏😄

[@leighreeve4229]

Great video, thanks Mattsy

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thank you! 🙏

[@amyofmelbourne]

I have PTSD and what you said about living in a house feeling like you're trapped really resonates. I'm so glad you have been able to leave those trappings behind and that you're finding peace and joy in nature. It's a beautiful journey to watch ❤

[@bobclark4994]

Thanx for the vid! I stayed in Cascade hut 25 years ago with a mate of mine. Next day we did the big drop down to the Murray River. Great trip. My mate recently passed away so this brought the memories back.

[@TheSillySwagman]

Ah mate, I’m really sorry to hear but I hope the video at least stirred up some fond memories of you and your mate sharing some incredible time together in a beautiful part of the world. I hope this hut survives many more years to allow people to have the same memories to look back on. Thanks for watching Bob

[@cookscatapults]

Thanks For the Adventure.....From your friends in NE Georgia...

[@LundysWildcampBushcraft]

Great video mate nice bit of history in a stunning place atvb Jimmy 😎😎👍👍

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thanks mate! It is such an amazing place and so much history scattered around the area

[@Amanda-ei7oc]

Wow!! I came to watching your channel through Scotty's Gone Walkabout. Have loved your adventures together. Always makes me laugh :) I always love your poetic take but this video, man it got me! For 4 years I have battled, at times, debillitating social anxiety and panic attacks. I am pleased to say I have come a long way and life is a lot easier now than it was but everything you said resonated with me 100%. Thanks for sharing such a personal experience with us. Helps to know we are not alone - although being alone in the bush is sometimes part of the cure ;)

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thank you Amanda! And I’m sorry to hear that but I’m happy to hear you’ve come a long way! I guess as we get older it’s easier to identify the triggers and when they begin and just acknowledging it can be held the battle sometimes. I’m glad the opening up about it is helping people not feel quite as alone as they may have. Thanks for watching 😊

[@rusty1816]

Keep up the good work mate I love your videos. Keep strong good job

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thanks a lot Rusty! I appreciate it mate. I certainly will 💪

[@gaddo666]

Thankyou for sharing man, for a moment of solace I put my feet in your shoes an pretend I'm their, amazing

[@EamonWanders]

Nice relaxing video mate. Can relate about the socialising on the trail stuff (or even just in reality). I think it's normal we fluctuate in terms of enjoying/not being up for socialising, no biggy! Cheers

[@TheSillySwagman]

Yeah absolutely hey. I have questioned it a lot since whether a lot of it had to do with the simple fact that I was also out there to film. Just that extra anxiety layered on top of not being able to create what I set out there to do. Definitely bit of both. Thanks for watching man!

[@OnCountryWithMick]

Love it Matsy. Beautiful area, The Wildlife is always amazing, I know what you mean about having seen things before but always being in awe of them like it is your first time, Black Cockatoo's is one that always amazes me. Brilliant old huts too, they would be awesome to see and learn about, stepping back into the old world. Those Demons in your head can be a hard battle that's for sure but being outdoors sure does do wonders to help combat them and it is strange how seeing a person can feel so good when you are escaping from everything.

[@TheSillySwagman]

Stunning area and yes! The black cockatoos always give you that feeling don’t they. It’s funny. Such amazing creatures. And not wrong, I can’t imagine never heading out into places like that. Thanks for watching as always Mick 🙏

[@unfi6798]

Great Yowie country. Lots of traffic, two & four legged. Looking forward to Tassie. Be safe mate.

[@TheSillySwagman]

Yeah plenty of traffic hey! Thanks mate. You too!

[@benjaminlucas22_22]

2:06 well put and with no nonsense too

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thanks mate

[@rodgeorge7244]

Another great vid Mattsie the high country is a magic place and a place every Australian should visit.A hike to Round Mountain would be great to watch for your viewers.

[@TheSillySwagman]

I couldn’t agree more mate. Spectacular part of the country. I’ll note that down! Thanks for watching mate 🙏

[@ironbrothers607]

Beautiful country and great video mattsy, 😊👍

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thanks mate!

[@Bassinthehereandnow]

Great stuff dude! 👌🏾👌🏾

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thank you! 🙌

[@colinmilky]

Dunno if it helps or not mate but you aren’t alone! Thanks for sharing! I can relate with everything you said!

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thanks mate! Yeah I think it definitely helps and it helps others watching and reading the comments know that most of us deal with something to some extent 🙏

[@davidunderwood9863]

Loved it.

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thanks mate 🙏

[@bradpacker8370]

Thanks mate 👍

[@Stevej2013]

What a great video Matsy. Thank you. We all fight our demons daily bro. Sometimes they get the better of us, and other times we win. Take care mate and keep getting out in nature. it's healing.

[@TheSillySwagman]

Ain’t that the truth brother 🙏 Thanks mate. Take care of yourself!

[@christopherpleb8693]

congrats on 18k dude!

[@TheSillySwagman]

Woah, when did that happen haha! Thanks a lot mate! 🙌🙌

[@eddieintheoutdoors]

Nice one Mattsy!

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thank you so much mate! 🙌🙏🙏 I appreciate it brother

[@Nurr0]

Thank you for the video, and for early access for Patreon folks. I'm oversharing I guess but I was diagnosed with Autism & ADHD in adulthood (on top of anxiety etc etc) and I can really understand the frustration and difficulty of wanting to go out and get away from civilisation only to bump into a record number of people even on a 'quiet' trail. And the conflict between being thrown off by that while also getting small bursts of enjoyment from some interactions, and trying to appreciate little moments you would definitely be thankful for if they were planned or happened at another time... I don't know where I'm going with this but I can relate to the rollercoaster/reverting to being a hermit. It seemed like you were apprehensive about sharing this one but it turned out great and you needn't be. Hope your permits come through soon and you're somehow staying warm in this weather.

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thank you so much for sharing that. I think it only helps everyone, yourself included. The mind is a complex thing and I believe a lot more of us are dealing with one thing or another than we care to share, but some dealing with much more too of course. It can be a real grind at times just trying to get through it but I have found that the more I share my experiences the easier it has become for me to go through those moments. Less alone or less in my own head I guess. I really appreciate your support and for everything. 🙏🙏

[@Rych76]

I love your enthusiasm and your philosophy. Greetings from Germany.

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thank you! Hello to you in Germany 🙌 🍻

[@herbsmith6871]

Very cool my friend😎

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thanks Herb!

[@Aussiehomestead1965]

Stand out or Fade out. That is so going on a T-shirt 😂

[@meturns4666]

Gidday Mattsy , great video buddy , awesome photography. Thx for sharing your mind battles , they creep up on us all at the best of times , old brain influences mate , ptsd. Part of beating it is acceptance. .. Breath my friend, it gets better.. About to catch your Chris Bamman interview, like yourself another great person , with similar eye to land attention.. Cheers mate stay well , all the best ..

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thanks a lot mate! You’re absolutely right about acceptance. Since starting this channel I’ve really had a chance to hear my own thoughts out loud while watching the footage back and it’s really given me a way to identify some of the things that occupy my head and it has definitely helped me to accept it and just roll with it that’s for sure. I think that’s why it’s important to just talk about it, saying it out loud kind of takes away the strangeness of it I reckon. Rather than it just sitting in your own head feeling like a weirdo 😂 Thanks for watching and for the feedback mate 🙏🙏

[@meturns4666]

​@TheSillySwagman I mentioned I served , 126sigs. Have demons , but 5 years or so ago I finally found a psychologist I could chat with and relate. Identifying, accepting, forgiving and knowing, it has settled my crazy world of alcohol and drug addiction to a calm rhythm, very few lows but now soo many highs .. Believe my friend. try n chat more with guidance. Brains are all beautifully confusing for a reason, no exceptions.....

[@nikkicoombs3337]

Brings back memories of doing the AAWT last year. I absolutely loved it.

[@TheSillySwagman]

Amazing! I’d love to do the whole thing one day

[@brentanderson1130]

Nice vid my dude

[@fletchdad8755]

That was a mournful howl towards the end !

[@TheSillySwagman]

It sure was hey… did not like it

[@Lee-astrololee]

Getting away from it all, is just the best!

[@TheSillySwagman]

It sure is!

[@mattpearce4099]

Three words only.....Brilliant....Just BRILLIANT.👏👏👏

[@TheSillySwagman]

Haha thank you so much mate!!

[@daniellobb7995]

Dude, I have those same anxieties when solo camping. I tend to hide out and go into my shell a bit. But once you have a chat you realize that most people out here are doing it for the same reasons as you. Glad you uploaded this one mate. Was nice to know others feel the same as I do around strangers.

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thanks mate. Yeah of course they are and I appreciate that. It’s such a bizarre feeling though the way hits you. Best thing to do just stop thinking about it and crack open some trail mix and see if they want any I guess 😂

[@sailingseriously2035]

Love your work Mattsy. Ian

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thank you Ian! 🙏

[@bthompson2792]

Bloody Ripa mate 👍🏼

[@PeachyFlyFishing]

Lovely spot mate, gorgeous country up there. Though I can't for the life of me understand how you can walk past all of those beautiful streams without a fly rod in your hand! 😆

[@nanslife]

The Cliffy shuffle.

[@TheSillySwagman]

Haha that’s it!

[@allbushnocraft3031]

nice mate 👊

[@kurts64]

Good on you for deciding to share this mate. You bloody legend 🤝👍💪🇦🇺

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thanks brother! 🙌

[@Rob.Parsons]

Yep I could live in those huts for sure. Looked like gods country. Good vid mate.

[@TheSillySwagman]

Absolutely mate. As could I. It really is 💪

[@spacejumanji5266]

Readout enjoyed this video, beautiful scenery and words.

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thank you mate! Such a beautiful area

[@alexdangerjarman1994]

Totally feel the same as you about meeting people in the bush. The first few times is pleasant and then my social battery gets low and I don’t want to see anyone. It’s a constant battle but it’s nice to know someone else goes through it too mate.

[@TheSillySwagman]

Ah mate, that’s it hey. The social battery drains very fast out there when you go for the solitude haha

[@Ruin0rRapture]

Its interesting that you nearly didnt make the video (although I understand). I actually really enjoyed the rawness of this experience. As an anxious person I can totally relate to a lot of the feelings that came up. Its also uplifting that you acknowledged them and persevered anyways. Another beautiful edit, thanks for sharing your adventure!

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thank you very much mate 🙏 I appreciate that. Yeah sometimes you can feel a bit stuck but I do always find the best thing to do is just commit to moving forward in one way or another and making the most of something even if you’re not feeling quite up to it, it helps get you past the strange moment you’re having. Thanks for watching and commenting too mate 🙏

[@PatriciaCampos-lk3sj]

Hello again from Oregon, USA. The singer I was looking for is the one from your video where your beautiful dog Fango makes an appearance. Thanks again!

[@TheSillySwagman]

Hey mate! Ah yes, that’s actually a friend of mine. She doesn’t have an album or anything out on Spotify so you can’t really look her up. She’s a teacher so it’s not her full time gig unfortunately! Haha Lovely voice isn’t it!

[@PatriciaCampos-lk3sj]

@@TheSillySwagman Hello again Mattsy, The song from the video I'm referring to is the voice of a man. The song talks about working 9-5, let's get out out of the city, one day we can look back and so on. The song is playing at the very end of your video while beautiful Fango and the cows are in the background. However, your female friend's voice is also a lovely voice. Your choice of music is wonderful. Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. Love.

[@tr33tr33tr33]

Sometimes my insomnia gives me a wee perk. Seeing your vid gave me a happy boost, never disappoints 😊