Appalachian Trail 2024 - An Irishman’s First impression of Pennsylvania

I have now walked more than 1,200 miles since leaving Springer Mountain in Georgia. In this video, I arrive in Pennsylvania which is mostly feared/disliked by thruhiker due to thn rocky terrain.
Also, if you’d like to support my videos, I have a support page on which viewers can “buy me a coffee” as encouragement for the time and effort I put into making these videos 🙏 ko-fi.com/derekcullen

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thank you for watching. This is my support page. Thank you so much to the kind folk who ‘buy me a coffee’ as encouragement for the time and effort I put into making these videos while walking the trail🙏 ko-fi.com/derekcullen

[@stepbystepworldwideministries]

I know you don't want this hike to end. Well, I believe I can speak for all of us, we don't want your hike to end either. You have captivated us with every video. You have invited us to share this journey and we are there with you Derek.

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thanks so much for the kind words. That said, I will certainly looking forward to a looooong rest after this one :)

[@marylynch951]

Beautifully said Derek You are an inspiration May God continue protecting you always ❤❤

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thanks so much and god bless 🙏

[@ShuttleAT60]

Beautiful, lyrical and very Irish. The trail lifts you and you lift the trail. This is the best AT video I have seen out of hundreds. Be at peace and safe, yours Shuttle.

[@michelelapham1215]

I never imagined when I first started watching you that I would see you walk through states in my part of the US.😊 It is so wonderful to hear your thoughts about the areas you travel through and to see you walk the streets in Pennsylvania as you walked the streets in Ireland and hear your insights. I was just in southern Vermont in the National Forest where the trail passes through and knowing your footsteps would soon be there just made me smile. What a beautiful video and all the more endearing as your footsteps bring you closer to my stomping grounds! Yes, change while hard at times, is important. It is what keeps our lives expansive, interesting, challenging and wonderful.❤

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

This is such a lovely comment to read. Thank you for the kind words and I am honoured to know that it makes you smile to think I am walking the trail :)

[@mushercdn]

Best time of the day for a Derek Cullen video is first thing in the morning .... Thanks for the video.

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Awwww thank you!

[@lynnmcguire2742]

Your stoicism is to be admired, Derek, with the heat and midges! And your message of being flexible in the face of change is so on point for what humanity is going through right now. Best not to fight change but use it's momentum to manifest the kind of life we want! A beautiful one! Loved that you held the sunbeam in the palm of your hand. Truly inspiring!❤

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thanks very much and yes, the sunbeam was a lovely moment for me when I saw it 🙏

[@annemariewharton2797]

So heartwarming to watch you embracing the beauties and difficulties of the Trail and growing in stature and wisdom every step. It’s much greater than I imagined ❤.

[@of6204]

What a funny ending! Even a wall of rock won't stop this Dubliner. Keep 'er lit Derek, onwards and upwards

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Haha the only thing that will stop me finishing what I started is an injury ;)

[@missys6719]

I look forward to your videos every week. So glad you found some new friends to hike with.

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thanks so much for letting me know and yes, I am starting to meet some other hikers that are doing similar miles each day 🙏

[@philipbis128]

LETS GO IVY! PHIL FROM QUEENS HERE!!! LOVE THE CONTENT :D

[@bluemoondew]

Take good care of your feet!! Another adventure, then another, then another. Life is exactly what we make it 🌀🦋

[@linden614]

There you are with that wonderful storyteller's voice and vision. Thank you for the peek into your ever changing world and mind. Be Well!

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thank you for these kind words of encouragement 🙏

[@BucksMom218]

I absolutely agree w the first thing in the morning feeling alive…and I take my dog out into my woods, and thank the earth for having me another day! 🥰🥾🥾⛺️

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

That’s one of the things I’m missing…. a little dog :)

[@lorrainevandebrook5007]

What a great video!! You are such an inspiration! Lovely scenery.. I know Pennsylvania well and it is beautiful! Keep enjoying your trek. Those rocks look intimidating..

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thank you Lorraine !

[@jeancawley3413]

Another very entertaining video Derek. You are doing an amazing job, keeping up with every challenge, taking it all in your stride. Hope you get over those rocks..I'm sure you will. Stay safe 🍀💚🍀

[@MJS2376]

God grant us all the serenity to accept what we cannot change, Courage to change the things we can, and The wisdom to know the difference. Much serenity to you! Thank you for sharing in the beauty of our fair United States! 🎉

[@rickysantiago2182]

Derek , I like watching you , your insights are very interesting, Rick from Delaware !!!!

[@brendanhayes4472]

Derek- the only thing constant is change. We only need to allow ourselves to be present to experience what is possible.

[@DavidHerndon-s7n]

Beautifully said!!!

[@tresannrn8454]

Derek, your videos are beautiful with your words are beautifully timed. Pennsylvania trail, and the trail thru Virginia, both, get their fair share of dislike. Pennsylvania is too rocky and VA is too long. The parts I’ve hiked have been lovely. I guess thru hikers are dealing with many things.. I just want all to love all of the states and what they offer. Thank you for taking us along. Be safe!✌️🙂❤️

[@ubermike412pgh9]

❤️🙏❤️ I told you the best is yet to come :-) You are helping me with my life struggles as well. :-)

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

I sorry to hear of the struggles Mike. Keep going and thank you 🙏

[@Pj.explores]

Acceptance makes life go easier, even when the circumstances are difficult. Thank you for the reminder. Keep moving forward! ❤

[@marylynch951]

Well said and I agree 💯 ❤❤

[@patbrougham9929]

Wishing all strength, patience, and appreciation to you, Derek.

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thank you Pat!

[@rubyjackson5630]

You're doing a great job!! Your family and friends back home must be very proud of you!! Have you ever thought about getting a small bar if soap to take a dip in the still waters of the creek to get refreshed? I come from a big family and that was our favorite thing to do in summer time was go swimming in the creek 😊 Safe travels and congratulations on 1000 miles, what an accomplishment!! Hike on ❤🙏🚶‍➡️🚶‍➡️🚶‍➡️

[@MaineUSA]

Always an awesome video. Thank you 🙏

[@annemariecollins6388]

Thank you Derek. Love your video.

[@LomanB]

Damn! those rocks at the end! - Best of luck Derek!

[@jimtobinynwa]

Another great episode in your walk. Looks like a rocky challenge ahead. Ádh mór ort Derek.

[@RyansNextAdventure]

Love your videos Derek, some beautiful words as always. I think I really needed to hear those words toward the end of the video today, thank you. Loved the snake inside a tree, terrifying but I nice bit of nature at the same time 😊 keep battling over those rocks and stay strong my friend.

[@elainetiller3241]

Hello you! I hope you can find relief from the heat. We're in a crazy heat wave in VA. Virginia is for Lovers ❤!

[@Woodthrush]

Watching from my tent just south of Boiling Springs. Saguaro is a nice guy. I met him the same time I met you...just north of the Shennies. Very Happy Trails! - BirdNerd

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

And it was lovely to meet you too. Thanks so much and happy trails 🙏

[@usmchky1]

Excellent video. Sharing it with others. Semper Fi

[@Patrick-vk7kx]

Hi Derik Mayo man here. Hopefully you’re doing through up state pa that’s where the real nature is. Gods country. Good luck 🍀 on your journey

[@robbysimpsonradio4830]

My kin hail from county Cork. They came through Ellis Island and trudged the trail to the Appalachian mountains. The oldest and wariest on our planet. You can feel it in the wind and beneath your feet You are a wonderful adventurous soul. The best to you

[@michaelburke248]

Hi Derek, you have reached rocksphila . All is well. Summer is here. Enjoy.

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thank you Robby and yes so many came through Ellis island. All the best to you too 🙏

[@missys6719]

I had to go back and listen to the last 3 minutes a few more times. Thank you for your words of wisdom. I really needed to hear that as I am entering a new season of my life.

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

My pleasure and I love that you rewatched the video missy 🙏

[@paulgoodman2924]

This made for a wonderful Sunday morning. Thank you!

[@gwendolynmacaluso775]

Enjoying your videos. Yes things do change like one season to the next

[@tammylee6342]

Love, love, love this! Another fabulous video!!! Thank you!!!

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

My pleasure and thank you for watching 🙏

[@karenheaton1077]

New subscriber here, love watching your travels on the AT! The comment at the end of this video was epic 😂 safe travels!

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Haha it WAS the trail Karen…thanks so much and welcome to the channel 🙏

[@marydoyle7350]

Another engaging & inspiring episode of your AT challenge. I loved the Famous Five & Enid Blyton books too. Thank you

[@corbin7020]

Been loving watching your journey! Yet another amazing video. Just got back from Ireland and hiked part of the Wicklow Way. Also had to try that Knorr Pasta Parmesana that I’ve seen in your past Ireland videos. Pretty good stuff lol

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Nice one Corbin. Haha it’s hardly a gourmet meal but hikers can’t be choosers !

[@joannthomas1911]

You are a wonder in the best possible way. “Surely this can’t be the trail”. Safe travels

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thanks so much…it was indeed the trail haha

[@user-TLC]

Made me smile at the end,lololz,but i have faith in you,ul get over and thru and around that big pile of rocks,u got this,grin!

[@jenniferwilliams4447]

Hello you! 😉. Well done Derek, yet another raw, heartfelt video. I was once told by someone that I had great admiration for. "If you don't like a thing then change it". Sometimes it's not that simple, but good advice just the same so TY MS for your words of wisdom. 😉. ❤❤❤

[@Dublin12158]

Great video Derek

[@jpickle4982]

Love listening to your perspective about the AT. What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger that is for sure. Lol Happy Trails

[@littlebuddyFilms]

Pennsylvania is a beautiful state! So neat that you like it! It is my home state… love it too!

[@TheBridgeToYou]

Thanks for taking us on your adventures Derek! The rock maze looks so strange amoungst the trees 😮 Hope Pennsylvania keeps you energised and grounded ❤ Love from Dungannon in the North 🇮🇪 to you in Duncannon 🇺🇸

[@rondawil2845]

We were made to share ourselves with others...so glad you are getting to share 😊.. Blessings and safe trails 🙏

[@billybaroo5445]

Profound as always, Wonderfully entertaining cinematography. Rocksylvania will be tough, but you will look back from the 'Whites" and Southern Maine and laugh! Keep embracing the journey & Happy Trails.

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Haha maybe! I’ve been doing a lot of meditating while walking on these rocks !

[@Lovesracing19]

Beautiful video. Safe travels.

[@petermartin5581]

You are some man Derek, very impressive, keep going.

[@margf.6773]

As usual, another great video. A bit of Buddhism in it - "the only constant is change." thank you.

[@CraigDutterer]

I am from PA, Duncannon has a lot of charm compared to the Harrisburg suburbs. IMO Wind gap east is the rockiest with those jagged, ankle busting types but varied habitats as you head into NJ. Take a zero day in the Del Water Gap if you can.

[@anghart8622]

I just love u as a human being ! There would be nothing better than a chat and a cuppa

[@jimmyjenkins9240]

Change is our only constant.

[@conifermorze2273]

Your videos always bring a smile

[@kingrafferty]

Welcome to Pennsylvania. Safe travels.

[@bsweatt4927]

It is wonderful to see America through your eyes and to watch and listen to your personal growth and healing. Can't wait to hear from you on the other side of that rock wall!

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thanks so much. I am now on the other side of that wall….where there are millions more rocks haha

[@ihikefar]

The trail in all the other states is just a training ground for New Hampshire and Maine. I almost threw in the towel in New Hampshire. Persevere. The greatest mountain awaits! Advance North! Spokes, AT Class of 2009

[@maureenp7082]

A lot of hikers, sadly, quit in the Whites.

[@Dorvi1]

My parents lived in Duncannon. I saw signs for the Trail. 😄

[@anvilbrunner.2013]

Some class Guru talk there. 👍

[@horsedog713]

Derek- Love following your AT hike. Your now well past where I got off trail in 2023. So I enjoy seeing what I’ve missed. Keep going Lad! On another note, I’ll be in Dublin in September, but have heard of the Wicklow Way. Thinking of hiking that in the future. Do you know of it?

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thanks so much! Yes I have hiked the wicklow way maybe ten times. Check out the first few videos of my most recent walk around Ireland…that is the Wicklow way.

[@horsedog713]

@@DerekCullenOutdoors So having had time now on the AT, how does the Wicklow way compare to the AT in terms of terrain and elevation change? I’ll be 73 years young. You think I could hike the Wicklow Way?

[@daggy1778]

HELLO YOU.....good to see you........I learn following.................Limitss are there for challenge...........not as a border.....................take care of you my friend..................Blessings and Greetings from Daggy,Kiel,Germany☘☘☘

[@mraworland]

Beautiful opening soliloquy ❤

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thank you !

[@YTusercomment]

Pennsylvania is a pretty great State, regarding scenery. I have visited there 3 times on Fly fishing trips. There is good Trout fishing to be discovered in and around the area of Boiling Springs, PA...of which you will soon be seeing as the AT routes right through there.

[@bruceosborn744]

We are also following the journey of @MollyRoseOutdoors as well as yours, Derek. She looks to be a few days behind you from some of the scenery on your videos and hers. Maybe you two will connect. You might enjoy hiking together. Keep going and keep posting. Love the videos and the inspiration.

[@dawnseely1013]

Yup - That'd be those PA rocks greeting you front and center 😂. Hopefully by now, you're beyond them!

[@JOHNHMATTHEWS1]

Courage to Change sounds like living today for the Best. Create a Dream like Ben Gravy the surfer NJ via Reading, Pa. Hope to meet you in NJ. Jimmy the Juiceman

[@wagnerswagner496]

Bravo

[@bethhodges2014]

That’s what the Yogis say, daybreak most auspicious powerful time of the day for spiritual practices, like hiking through the woods, ran into a very nice Englishman hiker not certain if he was speaking English though, accent very thick, carry on Swami. Happy Trails . 😎

[@vodonnell1]

Good advice, get up each morning put one foot in front of the other and keep going.

[@YTusercomment]

Wow....could really see those flies buzzing around your head. There's another gentleman, whose Thru-Hike I follow....he also doesn't like the head net while hiking, but will wear it when he stops on trail. They do make head nets of a lighter color than black...maybe try one of those and will "lighten up" your view.

[@themichaelfindling]

My boss told me on the day he hired me “everything is subject to change “, and after 10 + years , no truer words have been spoken .

[@paddyo3841]

❤

[@thecrankyyankee5114]

“The bugs are intense” - Of course they are - isn’t that camping? In tents? 😂😂

[@bethhodges2014]

Found out later the hiker is from Wales not England. He likes his pints, though a little too much.

[@MachasDaughter]

Mosquitoes - they are the worst. They are attracted to the carbon dioxide you are breathing out. You'll deal them through to Maine. Having come back from Ireland this past week, I did appreciate the lack of mosquitoes in your fair country. :)

[@BruceEllmaker]

💞

[@5555filly]

Sounds of buggs can make one buggy cedar oil is a good natural alternative

[@goodwaterhikes]

😎✌

[@bethhodges2014]

Pennsylvania where hiking shoes go to die

[@Jenjared]

Wait until Pulpit and Pinnacle Rock

[@dougcarroll9623]

It’s the trail and stop calling me Shirley big up from nyc “drogheda”

[@AnthonyTyson-ym5gs]

Merci 4 SharN Lyve 4evr Compadrez