Appalachian Trail 2020 Day 38

[@amcgee4879]

Keep hiking! Love following you and the guys on y'all's adventure!

[@wolfetrax6217]

Thanks again for sharing. Watching your vlogs is a huge stress relief during this crazy situation.

[@gregpontheat1833]

I appreciate it Wolfetrax 62!

[@wandawilloughby6052]

I just corresponded with one of the hikers that I met while doing trail magic and he said to let others know that he is having no trouble resupplying and that the restaurants are allowing you to purchase carry out. Some of the hostels are closed but otherwise all is well. He is ahead of you and doing 25-30 mile days.

[@patstreet6690]

Thanks for the walk thru of Damascus. 👍🏼👍🏼 My opinion is to keep heading north until you can’t get a resupply, place to stay, etc. So far grocery stores, Walmart, etc are changing hours to have time to clean more and restock at night but are staying open. I’ll be with you whatever you decide. Take Care and Stay Safe.

[@randellwoodard9682]

“Carry on my wayward son,” to coin a phrase! I’m here with you every night checking on you progress. I’ll be 62 in 2022 when I go and so far I like your pace!

[@Major-Steve]

Randell Woodard I’ll be 62 in 2022 as well. First I had planned to hike last year and turn 60 on the trail. But life kept getting in the way and I planned on hiking 2020. Then life got in the way and I had to postpone. Now I’ve been planning for 2021 thru hike at age 61. But now this virus is apparently trying to get in the way such that even if I can attempt a thru hike next year it might be so crowded that it sucks, or worse yet this shit might not even be over! They’ve been talking about 18 months! So now I’m wondering if putting it off yet ANOTHER year might be necessary! It troubles me greatly because at my age I won’t even be able to contemplate a thru hike but for a few more years.

[@pooleville]

Your enthusiasm and love for what you're doing is never boring. Congrats on your fantastic adventure no matter how long it lasts.

[@gypsygirlhikes]

I bet that smelled amazing walking through there with the fresh cut grass. Do what's best for you (and any family back home) while being responsible to and for others you encounter if you move forward. Only you can make that decision. We all support you regardless Jeep and wishing you the best my friend. ✌

[@trailtl5543]

Thanks for taking us for a walk through Damascus Greg, I enjoyed it! I so hope you can continue and this mess clears up soon. I'm like you, I love Virginia and all it has to offer. Hang in there guy, it's all gonna be good!

[@kierano5496]

thanks for the walk through of Damascus!

[@johncostello4833]

Hope u can keep going I followed u in 2018 too ... enjoy Virginia ... I live in PA and have hiked up to port Clinton ... years ago and do other trails in PA ... keep at it ... things will get better

[@michaelbutler4961]

Congrats on entering Va!! Awesome, keep up the good work. Hike~On~~>

[@karentierney7198]

love your positive attitude.

[@JerryBertelsen]

Good to see most places are open for you.

[@123WillieT]

Boring? A zero day in Damascus is infinitely more exciting than any work day. Great job with your hike and with your videos! Hope you stay safe and are able to continue ...

[@sandyspassions]

Follow your heart and do what you feel is best. This thing will turn around, hopefully sooner rather than later. Best of luck. Stay safe.

[@swatsullivan]

Best of luck. I think the hike will work out for you, but it may be a tough 3-4 weeks. I think you’ll be able to resupply but not sure about shuttles. Stay safe. Happy hiking!!

[@donaldstallings9610]

My heart goes out to you.Every night I look forward to seeing you and your progress. But do what's best for you. Life has a lot of twist a d turns so tomorrow is another day.

[@billgrant6270]

Praying for you and all the thru-hikers. I can't imagine having to make the decisions you are making. A thru-hike is a once in a lifetime opportunity and you got a 2nd chance at it. Wishing you all the best.

[@bettyjorodgers8552]

Praying for you all. Blessings

[@mkultrahikes]

Brings back old memories. Really appreciate the videos sir!

[@HDCrumbsnatcher]

In general, it's a good idea to keep winter stuff til you get past the Grayson Highlands

[@douglynch9012]

Good evening Jeep from Erwin,TN. I agree with you. I think in a couple of weeks we'll start to see things begin to turn around. It may be a challenge at times but I think it's doable. I'll be loading up hikers first thing in the morning and getting them back to the trail so you'll have company coming up behind you.

[@soaringeagleoutdoors]

I stayed at the Hiker's Inn in 2016 and it was nice, sorry it was closed. Glad you could get some TP and hand sanitizer. Still none to be had here in Colorado. You're probably safer on the trail as long as you can get resupply. If you can stay out two more weeks I believe you will know if you can keep going or not. Each state is doing different restrictions. Most states understand you have to keep food available so most restaurants at least have carry out or drive up with closed dining rooms. Dollar Generals will probably stay open. Be safe and Hike On!!

[@kirk9853]

Jeep, Looks like you will not have trouble finding grocery store resupply. Stores here are catching up with re stocking (toilet paper too lol) If Virginia is like most states you are out of luck for town food. I live in Hilton Head SC and all restaurants have closed. The ATC in Harpers is closed right now. I think your probably very safe while on the trail, trouble will be stopping in towns and hostels - hotels. Hate to see this slow you down. I remember you survived that snow storm in 2018, I know you will continue and persevere now. Stay away from too much contact with people and I can't wait to see that picture of you standing on the famous sign on Katahdin.

[@maxncathy44]

Best wishes, Greg

[@michelekay1115]

Glad to hear some optimism! Lot to weigh, for sure, but we all need to stay positive & find joy despite set-backs.

[@keithcarper8809]

You got to pet Garvey! I envy you more for that than your thru hike. If it was me, and it's not, I'd keep going. Limit town stays, avoid hostels, you have what you need on your back. Short supplies are panic driven. Grandma Gates it! To Pennsylvania and beyond!

[@sherpanc8644]

So glad you were able to find new superfeet inserts! Lots of rocks ahead .. you sure don't want to start out tomorrow with sore feet. And I'm happy to see your optimism restored. :)

[@gregpontheat1833]

😃

[@cottontalesfromthetrail5474]

I am shocked the restaurants are open. I am traveling down I 81S and everything is take out or drive thru only. I stopped in Daleville, Va and got take out at Three Lil Pigs. The hotels are open for sure. My concern for you is shuttles, hitches and hostels. From my perspective this thing looks like it is going to last much longer than everyone first thought. Press Forward and happy hiking Jeep!

[@JeffMeadowsOutdoors]

Hi Garvey! That's my buddy. His owner Brant painted alot of the murals you see. If you get a chance to go to Damascus and ride the creeper trail you would enjoy it. That's a happening town during the peak season for that. Take care friend!

[@gregpontheat1833]

Rode the Creeper a few years back! Loved it! Thanks Jeff!

[@williambranham6249]

The white dog you met in front of Adventure Damascus is Garvey. His owner is Brant. They have a YT channel 'Brant and Garvey' featuring hikes on the AT especially Mt Rogers area. Keep on truckin' Was resupplying an issue in Damascus?

[@billgrant6270]

I just listened to him on the Mighty Blue podcast. That's awesome!

[@wingmanhoy3999]

Your living it up high styling, awesome beautiful vlogging, hiking and town scene, all the very best.

[@JimBarrLive]

Good for you Greg - do what you gotta do. You got this.

[@littlethislittlethat456]

Thank you for the boringly interesting walk through Damascus. I could hear disappointment in your voice and I understand completely. This year was kind of the only year I could do a thru-hike and was supposed to start next week. Yesterday after the ATC notice, I moved my start date out 60 days in hopes that things will change. I'll evaluate again before 60 days. Everything in my mind points to 1) Protecting the people and towns who help hikers 2) protecting myself from a possible life changing illness (I am in the older category but healthy) 3) wondering if I will be able to get resupplies. I live by a large city and panic buying is clearing out shelves. Will it continue? I hope not. We are prepared to hunker down for quite a while so while others panic buy, we sit and watch and will buy supplies when needed. I wish you success in all you do and will continue to follow you. Only you can make the decision so do as I do and pray about it. I prayed for a sign but didn't expect something as drastic as this! Don't blame me! I'm just someone who has a dream about hiking the AT and I will do it; I feel it in my blood. John from MI

[@scottfarrar3441]

If you can start in 60 days...try starting farther NORTH...and then hike that section in the FALL after you finish Katahdin. I often feel bad for those starting in Feb/March/April as they are missing a beautiful time of year in the South. I'm a Section Hiker...1,100 miles under my belt...with half of those miles in the FALL.

[@littlethislittlethat456]

@@scottfarrar3441 Because I already had air, hotel and shuttle set up, I had to just move them out. If I start, I would still like to start at Springer and then hike halfway. My feeling is if I am making good time, I could somehow get to Katahdin, summit it and then start South to where I jumped North. I will have my hiker legs for Katahdin and experience the colors as I move South. I think it would work but need to figure out how to get from halfway to Maine. A lot hinges on this pandemic. I guess I could rent a car and drive up but I'll wait until the week before I start and take it one day at a time. Thanks for your concern and feedback. I truly appreciate it. John from MI

[@gregpontheat1833]

I wish you the very best John, whatever you decide to do!

[@1903A3shooter]

Never boring my friend. Nice look at a town I never have been to. I live 3 hours from Afton Mt. and stay around there. Take care. Dave

[@carolemayer8151]

Hey! Garvey, happy hiking dog. More miles than most hikers.

[@atmako1]

Hang in there brother...

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Wisdom. Take Care Greg

[@llo70422]

Great little town. Be careful out there Covid is happening. Take care and enjoy the trail. Sheila

[@frolege1]

0:25 Great name for a business "Blue Blaze Bike rental"

[@JCo295]

Gday from 🇦🇺 Be careful but keep going mate! All the best

[@davidcraig118]

Very entertaining video😎

[@carolcorson4805]

Your optimism is appreciated! Crazy/concerning times...who knew!?

[@OutdoorAdventureswithShawn]

👍❤️

[@phronsiekeys]

I hope you can keep going. Sure will miss you if you can't. It's easy for me to say, but I guess if I were in your shoes I'd keep going until I actually couldn't get what I needed. There's plenty of food and it just takes some patience dealing with the situation. The illness is very serious and we all need to protect the vulnerable but on the trail you are moving along and you can still go to town and not meet a lot of people. A lot of people with the same questions you have, I'm sure. You'll all figure it out and do the best you can with a weird and unforeseeable circumstance. For now, enjoy the time on the trail.

[@maxncathy44]

For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, like pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.

[@joesnotjoking]

I have a private bakery in back of that purple & yellow building across from MRO..

[@gregpontheat1833]

I wish I had known!

[@joesnotjoking]

Everything is made to order, unless I do a pop-up event. Gonna drop Magic off at MRO as the season creeps in a bit more. Also 7 Trails sells my cheesecakes by the slice.

[@tvtoms]

Aw, you didn't recognize a fellow AT KZbin star when he approached you. Too bad, I was hoping to spot Brant in his native environment. By the way, Brant is the wall mural artist.

[@jonschmitz7189]

Stay safe I just don’t know what to tell you about staying on or going off. Man what a dilemma.

[@joebradley270]

Garvey, Garvey, Garvey!

[@carriesparks8105]

Greg, we shuttle in Marion area, so when you get to Mt Rogers visitor center, use phone of side of building near front steps to call Jim Sparks 276-378-4781 or 276 783 2125. We'll bring you to town. No charge (so if Jim brings you to town, tell him I said NO CHARGE. ] Visitor center called us today to say the building is closed, bathrooms are closed and likely the gate at the road will be closed. Enjoy Damascus to Marion.

[@wandawilloughby6052]

I think for the next 3-4 weeks will be a challenge not only for you all but for all of America and then we will begin to climb out of this nightmare. Stay strong and keep going. There is a rainbow at the end of this storm.

[@audreyfbrown4515]

I have a question about the fuel canisters. How many meals will it approximately boil/cook?

[@mkiefer414]

Garvey! Wow -- bonus! I've been following your hike and enjoying every minute of it. The fact that your 2nd chance has collided with a pandemic...well, what can you say -- "gee, too bad; rotten luck "? Understatement of the century. I know full well the work and the preparation and the investment you've made to get to this point. I wish you the best. Be safe.

[@tomjones2202]

You can do it, :) Earl Shaffer did it,, without Hostels or anything else,,, Make other plans and keep going North. You're a true hiker so,,make the adjustments and keep going,,,,:) I love your videos!

[@alwayssomething4590]

Man I feel for you. I’ve been wanting to hike that trail since 1984. Back then they didn’t have all the support systems that exist today, like trail angels or lots of hostels, so it can be done. But the level of difficulty will increase. Whatever you decide I’m with ya. It’s your hike. I’ve only sectioned as far north as Hot Springs. Never Been to Damascus but look forward to seeing it and points north one day. Thanks for the vids. Wish you luck.

[@SandhillGuitar]

Use the postal service to send yourself some resupply packages and otherwise just avoid the towns. The trail is probably safer than the towns. Tough it out until April and reassess then. Yeah, it will be yucky to go that long with a shower. Learn to clean yourselves in camp each night.

[@jeffmorris739]

Greg. I thank you for talking about this subject. That being said what do you guys have to lose? I say go until you can't. You are all isolated so you won't get it. Just go until the fat lady sings. She may not! They are telling people to delay their starts but you guys are so far ahead you may never see anybody but SOBO's and day hikers.

[@bb1330]

Magical thinking will not work on this. The AT is not isolated anymore. LOTS of folks get on it all the time.

[@smokymountaindave-outdoora2124]

Greg, how long did it take you to get your trail legs under you?

[@gregpontheat1833]

Still working on that!!

[@richardross7219]

Continue like it is a tactical patrol. Decide how hard it will be to get rescued if things turn to crap. Carry an extra days food and carry on. There are reports that some stores and hotels are staying open. The feds seem to be thinking that this may last until August. The chinese have an unverified treatment somebody is evaluating outside of china.The more sunlight that you get the better. Good Luck, Rick

[@scottfarrar3441]

My advice would be for you to CONTINUE...until you physically can't go no further. The Gas Stations and Dollar Generals and Wal-Marts will remain open for resupply. As of now, Hotel/Motels are still open. Shuttles might become an issue but are not yet. This Coronovirus/COVID-19 issue is suppose to stabilize in 8 weeks...which means after Memorial Day things should ease up. Right now...you are probably in the safest place - in the woods...practicing Social Distancing...popping out every 4 days to resupply and go back into the woods. And to think...you thought you only had to worry about Norovirus...ha ha ha!

[@Justin-tp3lr]

Your probably safer in the woods. As far as state parks go. They are open and the fees to enter have been waived for now to allow people to get out and still distance themselves from what I heard this morning. This was taken from cnn.com.... The National Park Service (NPS) will no longer collect entrance fees at its parks that remain open during the coronavirus outbreak, the agency announced Wednesday. “I've directed the National Park Service to waive entrance fees at parks that remain open.18 hours ago

[@Arizona.Ranger]

Shelters are now closed too as of 3/20/20

[@Justin-tp3lr]

@@Arizona.Ranger I feel bad for the people on the trail. Some of them might not get the chance to take that time off again.

[@Arizona.Ranger]

@@Justin-tp3lr absolutely

[@jake2213b]

It is bad because place are closing down so no pay checks. I hear May and now Trump said maybe July before things get better. I would keep going but be very careful around new people. You can always go off anytime. I got to know a person who did the AT in the 90's. He said he went off for a month over his feet. Good Luck