Appalachian Trail 2024 - I Thought About Quitting this Week

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thank you for watching this video and 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

[@patricek.466]

sent along.

[@garyeckard7952]

As an American, I have hiked the complete Appalachian Trail I understand your lonelyness !What you need is a (Wilson) You have something to talk to and it never talks back. I have followed you for years when I hiked the Dingle Way and discovered you on YoueTub Head good body good feet good all good now keep hiking

[@jimtobinynwa]

Derek, you're never walking alone, there are thousands with you always. 850 miles so far, well done.

[@angelagradney9537]

I love that, “ Walking home to my Self. On the Appalachian Trail.” You got that perfect

[@themichaelfindling]

You’ll never know the impact you’ve had on those around you . More lives to touch tomorrow.

[@meghanjones185]

Wonderful vid! What is it about the Irish and their beautiful story-telling ways? I wish I could have asked my great-grandmother from Cloyne, County Cork, Ireland! It is an honor to have you here on the AT weaving your Celtic truths through the emerald green forests of America. Sláinte! ☘️🌲💚

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Ah such a lovely compliment. Thank you. I actually walked quite close to Cloyne on one of my walks around Ireland. You can see there is a documentary about that walk on my channel. Thanks for being here 🙏

[@derekjohnmulvaney5989]

We suffer more in imagination than reality. Your doing great.

[@Lovesracing19]

Congratulations on 850 miles. I love your videos, the way you talk about the trail, the woods, the animals, and history. Please continue to walk the AT . Safe travels.

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thanks so much for this encouragement 🙏

[@networkg]

Your never alone on the trail, you're just hiking with your self for a while.

[@michelelapham1215]

Amazing video, Derek! Thank you for sharing your feelings as your journey the AT. You're never alone! We're all here with you in spirit supporting you and rooting you along! The time alone while unexpected, was good to bring you back to you.❤

[@missys6719]

You’ve been missed. Glad everything is alright!

[@mickcollins2746]

Hey Derek, I'd love to be able to say something profound to help you with your current feelings. But I think to write a quote or tell you to keep going would be flippant of me. So I'm going to tell you what your videos on this trip mean to me. I look at your videos and see amazing and beautiful scenery and nature, it reminds me of the beautiful country we live in and how I should be getting out more. I see you connecting with others on the trail, dare I say making friends. We convince ourselves sometimes in life that we are loners, we do need alone time sometimes. But deep down we are all in need of connection. I was once told on a training course for work that people who tend to be in a bad place in their lives have trouble connecting or trouble fitting into their groups. Since then I have had more focus on how important every connection I have in my life is. It is normal in my opinion to lose connection at times but if we stay open to the possibility of connection it will always come back. Your videos make connection for me too. I feel like I'm connected to you and all the people you bring into our lives. I invest time watching and I always love to read the comments and then maybe wish you well for the coming week. I love to see you doing well and I love to see you thrive in your connection to earth and the people around you. I feel it when you are not doing well. I wish you well for the coming week and will think of your connection to others coming back to you. Stay safe Derek and best of Irish luck to you 🇨🇮 it's Saturday morning here Derek, the local and European elections were yesterday and ireland won a European 4x100m mixed relay gold in athletics last night. We are on the up 🇨🇮 com on Ireland 🥰

[@linden614]

There is deep poetry in your sharing. I send you all the kindness as you walk. Thank you...

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

I appreciate this lovely compliment 🙏

[@daggy1778]

HELLO,YOU....................dear Derek.....you never walk alone...............even if not physically but mentally I am with you....and I think the others too...........Blessings and Greetings from Daggy,Kiel,Germany☘☘☘

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thanks so much Daggy 😊

[@elainetiller3241]

Thank you for the update ❤❤❤❤❤

[@Dublin12158]

Go forth young man…

[@lyndaalexander6582]

Hi Derek. So good to see you again! Please keep on hiking and don’t stop. We will be with you as long as you share your adventures with us. Be safe.

[@jimhenderson387]

I am SO glad you popped into my KZbin again! I was concerned I was no longer getting your videos. But maybe you just don't post as often as some. This is not a complaint. I'll enjoy your videos whenever I can! I'm 68 and I have lived in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, in the area of Shenandoah National Park, and I am learning things from an Irish guy about my home. Who could've guessed? Anyway, I predict you'll connect with a another tramily or maybe people from your own before too long. Thank you for your videos. You are a blessing!

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Haha great to have you back. Thanks Jim for the encouragement to continue talking about the mountains and history in this way 😊

[@billybaroo5445]

You're getting why the AT is such a special place. Hiking with a 'tramily' or going solo, each offers special times to cherish. ❤ Your editing style!

[@LeeMcN22]

Keep going Derek ynwa 😀

[@robertbates6057]

It was good to see Emilia again. Such a bright star!

[@lynnmcguire2742]

Lovely video, Derek! You always look at things from various perspectives. Well done for hanging in there!

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Cheers Lynn, I’m still here 😊

[@margf.6773]

I not only love the scenery, I really like the personal introspection you exhibit. Thank you.

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thanks so much Marg

[@maeveoc1]

Ankles Good - Knees Good = Body Good - Heart Good the rest is just keeping Head Good 👍

[@wagnerswagner496]

Love your journey and spirit. Cheers to you!

[@walkandtalkinnaturefordepr3357]

Arent we all just walking home. Yours is big.but still its a walk a walk home to a place you belong. From a place youve gone to. From a place where you are. To aplace you will be. Enjoy your walk. You will soon be home. Wishing you where in another place. Enjoy this place and the next. Be where you are. Not where your not. Your not where your not. You are where you are. And not for long. For short. Soon a new place. New people. New things. But today this place these things. Change is difficult takes time to adjust to think to realise what it is whats the difference what does it mean what must i do how must i change. Thoughts and feelings running through some are helpful some are blue. Things get better things get worse. An then a surprise and then we react. Its all a big muddle its all a big game look after yourself. Dont be discouraged no need for dismay. Its just what we needed its better this way. Its all for a reason. It had to be done. And maybe just maybe our time in the bob. So just keep on truckin and do what you can. Enjoy your experience of being a man.

[@joannthomas1911]

I love your positive outlook on the current situation. You are an inspiration. Especially loved the last scene with the deer and your comment… what a moment. So good

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

What a moment! It’s a privilege to get so close to them :) thank you

[@bridmills]

Great video Derek, while you are alone in the walking we are all with you, following along on your journey with you. 🙏🎶🕊

[@Wisegirl357]

Hi glade your well on the trail

[@rondawil2845]

All in your mindset... glad you got your head right.. blessings and safe trails 🙏

[@bonniemcminn1710]

So thankful you share and how deep - you’re hiking to yourself. Thank you for bringing us all along with you!

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

And I appreciate you being here, Bonnie 😊

[@shanetyrrell6069]

Keep her lit Derek

[@Ed-hz2um]

I am really enjoying your videos, Derek. Your philosophy and observations along the trail are quite inspiring. At age 86 I am past my days of long distance hiking, but you are allowing me to relive some of my treks of years gone by...even getting me out on short hikes and camping trips again. Body good, feet good, mind good, heart good. All good!

[@marydoyle7350]

The privy! I was so happy for you seeing that Deer. Sorry you've lost your hiking pals. 850 miles is amazing. So glad that your mind settled and that you have walked back to yourself again. I hope you managed to dry out your tent. Another great video. Thanks Derek

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Hey Mary! I did manage to get the tent dry…it will be wet again soon haha

[@angelacronin184]

OMG❤. You go, Derek!! Another wonderful episode! Well done! ❤️ good!

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed the video Angela 🙏

[@joankeefe-mt2gs]

Your videos- superb -and only surpassed by your introspection. Thank you !

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

That’s a lovely compliment. Thank you 😊

[@BicheBug1996]

Aweeee you are all alone sorry about your tramily🙏🏽🙏🏽keep safe keep you bear spray handy

[@kathrynrose5241]

🖐🏻 you’ve been sorely missed. Glad you’re back. I don’t see where I can send you a gift. There is usually a spot near the thumbs up button. Can you help. Congratulations on 850 miles. Stay safe❤️

[@MichaelJohn-wh8sl]

Keep going derek

[@musingwithreba9667]

Well, you've cycled all the waybacross Africa and walked all of Ireland by yourself, the AT should be easy enough! I know it's nice to share, but sometimes the opportunity for alone-time is a gift. Enjoy 😊 I love the turtle cameo ❤

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Haha a lovely little tortoise, thank you! It’s not the distance or the tiredness or the pain, it’s whether or not you are getting what you want/need from the experience :)

[@MacGiollaFhiondain]

I posted a comment about Bigfoot being synonymous in the Appalachian wilderness, wood knocks in the woods at night etc (and others on youtube who have documente), especially since I thought youd be interested in the links with Native American tribes in the area and their legends and myths of them to an extent, but was deleted twice. Anyway, these videos are quite amazing and it is refreshing seeing one of our own do something like this, its quite something. Keep up the great work ☘️

[@mushercdn]

There are always ups and downs in an adventure. When you are on a down, remember your subscibers that are vitually accompanying you. I look forward to your updates as I am sure others do. No pressure. Stop, or not, when you desire. But I 'm not ready! Thanks for the video. Glad you saw some wildlife.

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thanks so much. Always appreciate hearing from you and thankfully, the desire is still here 😊

[@PamMiller-xc2ys]

Derek..that was a wonderful video! I really enjoyed the history you shared. You amaze me how you can reach inside yourself & come out with positive thoughts! I'm sure everyone that has walked the AT have at one time or another thought about stopping.Scenery was beautiful & I hope Bob shows back up soon to help get you dried off. Continue safe travels & better weather.💚

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Cheers Pam. Yes every hiker out here needs to dig deep and probably a lot more than people talk about. I’m grateful to have created some optimism in what felt like a tough week :)

[@Magooej22]

Love this. You are truly in your element and it really comes across.

[@MichaelJohn-wh8sl]

Keep going derek and up mayo. Martin

[@gwendolynmacaluso775]

Walking Back Home to my self on the Appalachian trail. You got that right

[@yabbadabbadoo494]

When I'm struggling with things I remember the rule of thirds 1/3 of the time everythings great 1/3 average but grand 1/3 crappy and struggling It's in the bottom third where resilience and determination are forged. You won't have the good times without the bad and it makes them so much sweeter. (You know all this already I'm sure) Greetings from Ireland Derek and keep posting vids! Ill be in the Dublin mountains later on my mini hike.😊

[@Carolsite]

Beautiful thought at the end. I was thinking earlier in the video that you met those people in the beginning and it seemed like providence. Now they are gone you are gaining new insights. All is good--heart good!

[@bethhodges2014]

Beautiful video loved the music and photo and views of history. You’re doing great. Happy Trails

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thanks so much Beth 🙏

[@patricek.466]

I always love your reflections on the history & people that live where you hike. Do keep on keepin' on... We are in NH and the White Mts are not to be missed. You have friends here!

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thanks Patrice! Yes I will not be able to miss the big climbs later in the trip 🙏

[@ritazimmermann2918]

Peaks of Otter, you were in my backyard! Have fun and be safe!

[@stevelabombard1777]

Another great video. Some hikers say that hiking the AT really lets them find their true self. Keep up the optimism. If you want to meet some other hikers maybe take a zero at a hostel. I would think that there are some other hikers right behind you. Thanks for sharing your hike with us all. Hopefully see you up the trail

[@ShaleneMorse]

Way to go Derek for keeping on. There are great folks in front of you and those coming up behind you❤. This is your hike but finding your people make the memories!!!

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thank you shalene. Yes there are many great people out here and hopefully I can find one or two on the same pace and wavelength 😊

[@SHOE53]

One has to dig deep to hike the AT it's a physically and mental challenging to say the least, that was a beautiful video well done.

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thank you for the encouragement 🙏

[@dherself]

Good for you.

[@maureenp7082]

Keep on coming north! The best is yet to come...one step at a time. Watching from NH.😊❤

[@marylynch951]

Derek Don't give up Stay strong May God continue protecting you ❤❤

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thank you Mary 😊

[@jimrubyhike]

Awesome! Keep on truckin!

[@jenniferwilliams4447]

Hello you! That's good you did not quit Derek, if you had you would have been so disappointed in yourself. The company has been really good for you at the start of your walk and you will meet others too before the finish line I am sure. However, look at all the other walking adventures you have done already on your own! So no more talk of quitting. I think though, it's not a race, you don't need to push yourself through a pain barrier, maybe be a little kinder to yourself and rest a while. Let your gear dry out and give your physical and mental body rest too. As for me, I would have quit at the first snake or sign of spider. lol. Another good video. ❤

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Haha there are many snakes! Thank you for watching 😊

[@angelagradney9537]

You are seeing more of the country than most Americans.

[@kingrafferty]

Kept checking your channel. Glad to see you back. Congrats. Good vibes to Lee Pringles and Bennett.

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

I’m here 🙏

[@kathrynrose5241]

🖐🏻 you’ve been sorely missed. Glad you’re back. I don’t see where I can send you a gift. There is usually a spot near the thumbs up button. Can you help.

[@Glennthebuilder]

Seeing this made me smile tonight. Thank You for sharing your journey. Peaks of Otter(POO) are near my wife's family home. It is beautiful country.

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

My pleasure and thank you for watching. A beautiful area indeed 🙏

[@collegedad8656]

Hike on👍 We'll follow!

[@kmichaelp4508]

I hope you’re enjoying the states.

[@nLTwiGGy]

Derek, hang in there, you've been through way harder. I see a lot of optimism in you during this video. Views are looking great, by the way.

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Yes things started to look up after a difficult first few days. Thank you 🙏

[@annemariewharton2797]

Yes, a lovely moment 🌲🦌🌲. Great to see you getting along so well after the challenge of losing your friends. You’re able to control your thinking and see the positives. That’s strength! 💚

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thank you for watching Ann Marie 😊

[@marynadononeill]

I had a very difficult week camping/hiking in the Appalachians many years ago. Rain, cold even flakes of snow. Such a beautiful place. Something haunted present there. History?

[@WPA33SC]

After watching a few of your videos I never thought you would be one to quit outside of a trail ending injury. Hope you make it to Maine as I really enjoy your updates. The AT is unforgiving. Hard on your feet, back, and mind. Remember now though you have a fan base pulling for you. Happy trails.

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thank you for the comment! Yes everybody has a ‘why’ on the AT and these reason/s are essential in terms of wanting to keep going. My primary reason is talked about in the first episode of the series (to have meaningful relationships with a small handful of other hikers) and it would appear that fulfilling that ambition is extremely hard on this trek due to all the variables. Ie. When I am walking alone and without friends on trail, I am not experiencing what I came to experience on the AT. Hope that makes sense 😀

[@WPA33SC]

@@DerekCullenOutdoors That does make sense. I do remember you talking about your "why" in the first episode. Since at least 75% of the ones that start in Georgia never finish to Maine the odds that you would find someone with same temperament, pace, and goals as you your first few days were quite long. Not hard to find a reason to leave the trail. One thing humans do very well is adjust. As you move along nothing wrong with your personal reason to change slightly. To enjoy the wildlife and beauty of the landscape would be one. Sure you could think of many more. Happy trails.

[@michaelburke248]

All good, enjoying the journey.

[@lyndaalexander6582]

Thank you for pronouncing Appalachia correctly. I was born and raised in West Virginia which is the only state completely contained within the Appalachian mountains. We always said to people who pronounce it incorrectly “if you say Appalaycha then I have to throw an apple atcha!

[@angelagradney9537]

Happy you continue on your journey. I’ll give you a mantra; there’s nothing I’d rather be doing than this. No place I’d rather be than here.

[@anniedavis4569]

Such determination and pure grit Derek and I’m Hoping Lee and Bennett will feel better real soon. I love hearing your wisdom and seeing as all the wild animals in the woods ie the deer 🦌 and turtle 🐢 and 🐍 not so much. It’s one hell of a journey you’re on and would love to congratulate u at the end and put you up.

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thank you Annie. Bennet is still going but Unfortunately, Lee decided to bring an end to his walk on the Appalachian trail 😢

[@MachasDaughter]

After I saw that doe I thought to myself, ‘Derek’s not alone.’ Hey watch out for that wet weather. There are crazy storms down south that could be quite the challenge. 850… wow! Keep comin Derek. We’re cheering you on here in Maine! 🕊️

[@conifermorze2273]

---and Vermont

[@dianjane]

And Massachusetts

[@cbolife]

And Alabama

[@thumbsdownclips]

And Georgia!

[@RyansNextAdventure]

Going strong Derek, hiking with people is fun but I do find I miss a lot of the surroundings and don’t pay attention to nature as much. When solo hiking you absolutely connect more with your surroundings and are more immersed. Looks like you’re getting a good balance of both on the AT. Also I love the tortoise shot, very cool.

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

A lovely wee tortoise haha thanks Ryan. I have always enjoyed walking alone and think the best arrangement on a trek like this one is to have a couple of people who are doing the same distances so that you can meet up with the same people at the end of day. It’s not easy to have/find such an arrangement because there are so many variables 😊

[@anghart8622]

The beauty of you and that trail through your eyes makes it totally beautiful! I hope you continue on I love watching your point of views .

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

This is a lovely compliment. Thank you!

[@paulgoodman2924]

I was worried about you! Great to see you again. I truly appreciate your videos. Good luck to you!

[@Bibs123]

I am interested in John O. Donohue. Which book should I read first? Thank you for such wonderful videos. I think it's normal to want to quit. People say to never quit on a bad day. I think the key is to never quit based on emotion. I think it's also horribly counterproductive to think about how far you have to go to the end. Another hiker calls it trying to "swallow the whole watermelon." I wanted to quit some things in the military; when I did, I would set a goal to just make it through the day, if I still struggled, I would set the goal to just make it to the next hour. It's all psychology! You are a seasoned pro after your bicycle ride, so I'm speaking to someone that has done hard things as well. You are so thoughtful; it's as if I can see the thoughts on your face as they make their way out of you. It's amazing. You are an inspiration.

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Anam Cara is my favourite book of all time 🙏

[@vincentkayley6888]

Easy for me to say- Dont quit. Stay safe.

[@bruceosborn744]

So glad to see this episode, Derek. We were starting to think you may have had to abandon your hike. Keep going! Your nuggets of inspiration and wisdom are life-giving to so many of us who are hiking vicariously with you. Look forward to each installment.

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

And I always appreciate seeing you here in the comment section, Bruce 🙏

[@YTusercomment]

Seems you are more comfortable hiking with others and enjoy the engagement with people...nothing wrong with that...but don;t let the hiking in solitude bring you down. Those are YOUR perfect times to reflect and ponder your life and future decisions of your life path. I enjoy the bits of Appalachian history related to sites along the way that you incorporate...you're getting maximum benefit and education from the experience.

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thank you! Yes I have walked alone on all of my previous long distance walks. However, I specifically chose the AT so that I wouldn’t be walking alone and could perhaps have a diferent experience 🙏

[@ubermike412pgh9]

❤️🙏❤️

[@pshearduk]

Outstanding as always Derek, all so very poignant and inspirational. Thank you for bringing us all along with you on this walk, not only on the trail.. but a walk to find yourself. All the best from Yorkshire mate 🫡

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thanks so much Paul ☺️

[@Maureen.walkdontrun]

If that deer isn’t a magical sign I don’t know what is..

[@infob.r.c.7325]

You probably figured out that the tent needs new waterproofing sprayed on or tech washed in. Someone else on the trail had their tent fail in rain too. Msr knows about this issue. They maybe able to replace later for you. They changed somethings between your version and the current version. Reviews seem to indicate less issues now.

[@LomanB]

Interesting but perhaps unsurprising that time alone ultimately brought your focus back to self. There's a serenity to the timing of all this. I get the feeling you needed the companionship and peer support in the initial phases of undertaking such a massive trek - but destiny has ultimately deposited on on the track alone - and with a change in perspective, came a change in focus - which sound like you drew even closer to being in the moment - and when you did - there you were. Again Derek, I have no idea how you film, edit, narate and audio engineer such captivating stories, on the fly, on the AT. Incredible. Aside, a 330 calorie trail meal seems like not a whole pile of energy for the miles you are putting in - then again you don't need me to tell you how to such eggs. Think of Dory and keep walking!

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thanks so much for the thoughtful comments. The videos are a lot of work and yes, I agree and believe that everything which is now happening is an intentional part of the story ☺️

[@Woodthrush]

Peace, Blessings and Happy Trails, Derek 🕊🌈🌄🌸

[@5555filly]

Dont quit finish or you will be back

[@tammylee6342]

[@DougCrowder03]

Copperhead 🐍

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Indeed! Another hiker walked right past without seeing him 😮

[@DougCrowder03]

Your videos have inspired me to get out on the trail. I live near Roanoke. Going to start with the VA triple crown loop. Then maybe the Pearisburg to Daleville section. Would be lying if Copperheads and Rattlers weren’t near the top of my list of fears!!

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

@@DougCrowder03I’m not surprised with them being top of the fears. Thank you for sharing this with me Doug ☺️

[@krisday9250]

One of my biggest fears too. I feel better knowing that a Copperhead bite while painful, won’t kill a full grown adult. Just get medical attention for the pain. Enjoying your travelog!

[@minniesfishies3024]

@@krisday9250 Though can inflict a severe and lasting wound.

[@Loppy8]

I received a photo today from a small town in Maine that I know well. It is not far from Katahdin. They are running their annual “Black Fly Festival” at the moment. Not to worry though, it should be well over by the time that you get there. (Those midges are everywhere.) Best of Luck.🪰

[@johnmcgrail7623]

Derek,if you get a chance listen to the song "You'll never walk alone" by Rogers and Hammerstein.