Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike Day 62...Can A 16 Year Old Hike Alone?

🥾 IN THIS EPISODE
Would you let your 16-year-old son hike alone without a parent?
Day 62
Start - Cross Ave, VA (mile 636.4)
End - Pine Swamp Shelter, VA (mile 657.0)
Miles walked - 20.6
Total Ascent - 4443.9 ft
Total Descent - 3,916.0 ft
Total Grade - 391.0 ft/mi
___
✅SUBSCRIBE
If you like the vlogs we are creating, take a moment and subscribe to our channel (the little red button) and tell your friends. We try to respond to every comment personally and do a special dance when you subscribe or give a thumbs up. Thank you.
___
🙏 HOW YOU CAN HELP
First, thank you for being here and sending all of your positive vibes to the universe for us! You are with us every step of the way by watching these vlogs, and we feel it.
Many of you have reached out wanting to provide trail magic, have us over for dinner, gift us a hotel stay along the trail, or donate to Largo’s ice cream fund. You can reach out to us at [e-mail] or donate via Venmo (Jessica-Sueiro). Thank you!
____
🌍JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY
/ worldtowning
We are grateful for the support shown to our channel, and we want to get to know you better. If you would like to support us in a greater capacity, check out our Patreon page and snag some cool swag. Interested in doing group adventures with our WCs in the future? How cool would that be? Of course, there is never any obligation to join our WORLDTOWNING WANDERERS community on Patreon. We will always continue to create great content and share it with you.
___
✈️ TRAVEL WITH US
If you like what you see on our vlogs, then you are in luck…we curate our own group trips to take you with us to far-off lands. 2025 trips are open for registration at worldtowningvoyages.com. We can’t wait to meet you.
___
🎙️WE HAVE A PODCAST
Join us on "The Why Matters" podcast where we discuss the thoughts of why we do what we do and how you can do it too.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
open.spotify.com/show/5skzqQu...
___
📞 LET’S TALK
So you want to travel for 2 months, a year, or indefinitely, but you have no idea where to begin with the logistics and beyond? Let us help. Set up a coaching call today. intro.co/JessicaSueiro
___
📬 JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER: Discover the stories behind the weekly vlog, what we have been up to, our future travel plans, and any new developments in our WorldTowning life. Sometimes, we even share our hair tips, but only when you beg us! worldtowning.us14.list-manage...
___
🎲 LARGO'S DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS GROUP
dicethrowers.com/
Embark on epic adventures in a world of limitless imagination, where your choices shape the unfolding narrative. Forge unbreakable bonds with a diverse group of comrades, as you collectively face mythical beasts, solve intricate puzzles, and unravel a gripping story crafted by both the Dungeon Master and your own creativity. Unleash your inner hero, immerse yourself in a rich fantasy realm, and experience the unparalleled joy of collaborative storytelling in our Dungeons and Dragons group.
The next group is starting soon. Check the link for availability.
___
⭐SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram / worldtowning
Facebook / worldtowning
Twitter / worldtowning
Blog www.worldtowning.com/blog
Newsletter worldtowning.us14.list-manage...
___
👕MERCH
Yes- We have Merch! - worldtowningvoyages.com/eleme...
___
🎶MUSIC (Title / Artist)
Music Courtesy of Epidemic Sound and artlist.io
___
📷EQUIPMENT
Check out our new Amazon page for our favorite filming equipment, travel gear, and books.
www.amazon.com/shop/worldtowning
*We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
#appalachiantrail2024 #appalachiantrail

[@hadleyduncan5087]

Hey Sunshine and Captain! Did I miss something? Are you off trail?

[@WorldTowning]

We are still on Trail. Will joined us for a few days and just got off trail this morning. We will pick up where we left off with the vlog in 2 days hopefully. He had a lot to catch up on. Thanks for checking in.

[@hadleyduncan5087]

@@WorldTowning Fantastic! That is great, I’m glad you had that time. I’ve been hiking and thought I missed something. You totally deserve some down time!!

[@stephanieaston7178]

I fully agree with letting him hike on his own! He can definitely do it! He’s capable, responsible and wise!

[@user-xp1ik8sz6s]

Largo would absolutely crush it! He seems very responsible and capable. The most growth comes from challenges. At least I think so. 💪

[@beckyraver7959]

Captain is such a stoic young man! Y'all have certainly raised him the "right" way! And now I know by watching y'all that there just might be a "right " way to raise children! What more could a parent want but for their children to be smart, funny, caring, to have a strong grasp on what they desire for their future and to have emotional intelligence ❤❤❤❤ bravo 👏

[@mlctallahassee]

There are so many stoic lessons on the trail! The dichotomy of control, voluntary discomfort, getting by with what you have in your backpack, and seeking wisdom. I just read a great quote that exemplifies their World Towning path. “If a man knows not to which port he sails, no wind is favorable."--Seneca His parents have taught him to know where he is going and the discipline to do the things necessary to get there. iBuen CaminoI

[@suecox8355]

If Captain can fly a plane, he can solo this trail. 🦋❤️

[@maryholter2971]

He certainly could do solo but having a buddy to be there in emergency situation would be prudent. Your videos are great!

[@kimtullier659]

you are not negligent! It's amazing. He could definitely do it. Go for it!

[@amandacross6773]

I can't believe I am caught up with videos!❤ I love watching your mother son adventure and that you would allow Captain to move forward on trail solo if needed, and that he knew the answer before you gave it.

[@stephanieaston7178]

My 5th anniversary is tomorrow! This is my second marriage. My first husband was narcissistic. Thank God for divorce, and for second chances at love! Thank God for this wonderful man entering the lives of my daughters and I, and Thank God for the sweet, beautiful warrior princess that we brought into the world together! I am truly blessed!❤️

[@kewmonette]

Mama Sunshine shines again! I adore your parenting styles. Our young need to be trusted to become confident, trustworthy adults. You and Will are wonderful parents.

[@WorldTowning]

thanks!!!

[@CityWalks]

Wow, so green and grown out. Must be humid. I can almost feel those cool dewy mornings. Also, cool to see the blazes are maintained. Love seeing the montages of detailed b-roll too. I think Largo could do the whole thing by himself, though I know how hard that would be as a parent. Good thing to think about. Keep on Steppin' guys. -H

[@WorldTowning]

Yep, I want to do it with him, but refuse to make him miss out if I can't go on at any point.

[@carolh.1787]

I love this! Largo reminds me of our son (who’s now 23). We trusted him early on in his teens and he demonstrated good judgement. And, scouting certainly helped him with this. He always packed his own suitcase (and sometimes forgot stuff 😅). When he was 17, he spent the summer on his own at a Dutch language summer camp with people all older than him. You’ve got to trust your kiddos so they can grow up to be independent adults!

[@WorldTowning]

love this

[@lmkwillow6395]

When I hiked 50 for my 50th bday, I met a couple that was doing a hike for their honeymoon. I thought that was so cool!!!

[@lorispeers7690]

We went to Europe with backpacks and a euro rail pass for 1 month, stayed in hotels, hostels, a private home in Salzburg and a tent on Lake Como! It was a great time! Married 42 yrs in August, just had my first grandchild!👍🏻💜😘 Adventures are important, you’re so right!👍🏻

[@kudlakp]

Great decision. Captain will be fine. I would make the same decision with my kid.

[@tlh91491]

You know him and his abilities better than anyone on here - from the perspective of having watched you both from the beginning of the trail he certainly seems more than capable - no matter what the consensus ends up being in comments - you alone get to parent your child - outside advice can be okay, but you get to make those choices

[@scottharris3611]

Damn this kid is lucky to have a Mom that introduced him to this so early in life. What a unique experience to start life. Thank your Mom for really setting you up to be a happy healthy adult. I wish my parents would have been like this.

[@WorldTowning]

Awh, thanks Scott, but he is a willing participant and could do this on his own at this point. I might actually be holding him back. ha.

[@nancywittendorfer5982]

I only wish there would be this level of commitment from many more parents. It's no one's business what you choose to do with your kids and I think it's great that you allow them to exercise the responsibility that you've shown them all these years. Love you sunshine, love you captain, Nan

[@rdgreeley]

Captain would be great, but I also think of this wonderful memory you are gifting each other!❤

[@jillhoola3653]

I just had a thought, I remember I had some skin issues and pimples when I was younger and I started taking garlic pills, boy they healed me pretty quickly and no more zits. Just in case you want to take some new supplements while hiking cos the diet is not too nutritious..no eggs, beef, things your body needs naturally.

[@WorldTowning]

thanks, cool idea

[@BethHughes-qe5jq]

I love your family bond! That is one reason this vlog is so inviting to watch. The viewer feels like they are part of your journey. And feel like we have a relationship with you. Hiking alone for largo! Your awesome parents! He’s a wonderful young man! Yea! For sure!

[@michelleostrowski1246]

Empowerment is the word I feel resonates out of the conversation about hiking solo at 16 1/2...staying authentic is one of my favorite things about you and I knew you and Will would have allowed him the option to continue (esp how he and Avalon were independent on the Camino and in other countries on busses and trains for solo experiences).😻 Hugs

[@OG-PapaDude]

Captain would have no problem hiking alone. Many Tubers, especially women, post their videos a couple of weeks after they recorded so that no one knows exactly where they are. Too bad you missed the sunset from Rice Field shelter. It's one of the best I experienced on the trail.

[@MrJerobona]

Largo, you should fly with your own wings! You should watch this teenage guy that flew around the world in a Cesna, Matt Guthmiller !!! Your parents will support you!

[@sheenarader6495]

Largo can do it! I have been following other hikers in PA, NH, Vermont and NY. The terrain is treacherously rocky, steep and looks dangerous! 😊

[@matthe9365]

Honeymoon spot would be to Nepal to trek and climb. Agree Largo looks competent and mature enough to hike alone if needed. Enjoy the journey.

[@RowanBlake]

I have seen many solo teen hikers. He seems fully capable of hiking solo. You know your child best.

[@kathleenmichalek3126]

Absolutely I would allow him to hike with the stipulations you mentioned. He has experience traveling which is a plus. My husband and I have let our kids do travel-like things. How else are they going to learn.

[@MarthaAbers]

Although I only know of Largo (and you, Will & Avalon) through these AT videos, Largo appears to be totally competent and capable of completing the trail by himself with very few if any modifications were you unable to continue for some reason. You guys are a joy to watch. Thanks for giving me this window into your hike and your lives. Much appreciated!🥾⛰️🌄⛺️🏞

[@funwiththefacklers8346]

The year we hiked a 17 yr old female was hiking the trail alone. Captain could do it along. We had a van shuttle driver tells us I would drop my daughter off anywhere on the AT vs any college campus. We all agreed. Love your videos keep hiking north.

[@marilynm5024]

Captain could definitely do ok hiking by himself. You raised him right. He's experienced alot. The difficulty would be you trying not to worry about him. My ideal adventure would be going on Natural Geographic learning boat cruise where the boat is small and they have biologists on board for teaching.

[@lorispeers7690]

I’ve watched Largo for years on video and have personally been on a trip with him, and I think he’d do great! I’d let him be my trail guide!👍🏻💜😘

[@WorldTowning]

Awh, thanks Lori and he has grown even more since the Camino group trip in Sept.

[@sherifudge563]

That sounds like a great back up plan, even overnighting some nights, I think he would be fine. A lot of people on the trail would help him out if he needed for sure..he has the Garmin..most people wouldn’t think twice about leaving a kid his age alone in the city, I would think twice about the city over the bush

[@leezannino371]

I have wanted to leave you a comment ever since I discovered you. I have been watching vlogs of the AT hikers for about 3 years and you are the BEST!!! The info you give and the positivity cannot be beat. I also admire the way you have taught your children to be so worldly. Why didn't I do this 40 years ago? I do have a couple questions. You hike in tanks and shorts. Are you not concerned about ticks? Or what are you doing to prevent them? PS. I enjoy your family so much I went back and watched your Camino. I was also so disappointed that I was unable to come to Trail Days to meet you--I was going to attend but family obligations happened. Best wishes I can't wait to summit with you.

[@WorldTowning]

Awh, thanks. That is a great compliment. I am concerned about ticks, they are plentiful. I do several tick checks a day and we spray our clothing with Permitherin every 6 washes. We plan to be at Trail Days next year. See you then.

[@issieanderson2083]

Go Captain,go! Based on what you and Sunshine have posted, you are more than up to going it on your own. Even better if you agree a budget in advance and have to stick to it barring emergencies. I reckon that you would make a lot of memories and finish even more mature than you are now. I did my first trip without my parents when I was 14 but that was in the 1970s.

[@logerfom]

Largo can definitely do it!

[@LJ-pp9wj]

The Crawford family (oldest 17 youngest 4) hiked the trail and someone actually called child protective services on them. They as a family worked together,each had a responsibility. Hiked thru blizzard and slept in a bathroom at one point. Vlogged entire hike and wrote a book. At the end of hike ATC would not let youngest Rainer hike to summit. Said it was too dangerous. This family ran marathons together and even left trail to run one and returned. The hiking community was so outraged the made a makeshift sign for them as they decided as a family if not everyone could summit, none of them would. Look up their vlogs or book “ 1,000 steps” came back after trail and did trail magic as a family. Lots of cool stories from the trail. Been watching for a while.

[@WorldTowning]

Read the book and loved it.

[@LJ-pp9wj]

captain is more than capable. You raised them well

[@jimscarlet]

You'd let a 16 year old walk the AT alone, a 16 year old? Of course it's the right thing to do, I only wish more of us adults would show our teenagers as much respect, and responsibility. Well done, keep on keeping on.

[@pcrice-lr2dn]

I have 2 friends that at the time where 16 ,their parents took them to Maine ,told them to call when they were ready to get off ,this was the kids choice,they hiked all summer till it was time for school to start they did real good,no problems ,they still talk about going back and finishing it together,one is an engineer the other a doctor. …..this was a case of knowing your children’s ability 🌿🍃

[@WorldTowning]

love it

[@earlybird4733]

Happy half way❣ ⛺🧘‍♀☕My newly 17 year old hikes so far ahead of me, I definitely would let him hike daily without me.I would sight see while he hiked. If l had a honeymoon for my soon to be 35 yr anniversary, I would travel the US for a year in a camper and drag my teens with me! Instead, we are doing 15 days in a truck with our tents, teens, and 2 dogs in the northern states! 🎉 I 🙏 your hike will always be safe and you and captain are healthy❣😎🎒🧀🐾 🦌

[@Ane_Rikke]

You (general, plural you - not you-you) give 16 year old people drivers licenses- and allow them into traffic on their own. But you have issues with sending them out in nature on their own? 🤭 (just fyi - age for drivers license is 18 where I live, and I would personally have no problem allowing a _capable_ 16yo to hike a couple of days on their own 🙂)

[@cindyjohnson1456]

My adventurous honeymoon would be skiing around Canada. We have been skiing there, but not for a couple of months. Skiing is freeing! You are alone on the runs but with others on the lifts and in the lodges. I would allow Captain to continue.

[@watchout694]

I love the idea that Largo might be able to do this on his own! But I would hope there would be more trust to let him go a week or more alone. To have the deep AT experience, IMO, it's not having someone bring you real food and sleeping in a car. I know, I know, "hike your own hike" and all but really...one of the deep experiences is being alone. Figuring things out, meeting people, seeing what you're made of. It's not the same if you get food brought to you and a car to sleep in. Part of the AT is doing the hard stuff to see if you can. You say you have service quite often so with a beacon you'll keep an eye on him every second. There's no doubt he can do it. Watch "Maidentrip" a movie about Laura Dekker who circumnavigated the globe alone before she was 16. Don't go hold his hand. He can do it. And he should vlog! Of course it won't be real time, but it would be a rich experience to remember. Self edit. Let it be raw and real. He can drop the footage when he has enough connection. A mom and her 10 y/o were hiking this year and mom did it herself. Lots of hikers do. It doesn't have to be a production...it can be 10-12 min. Keep it simple. I'm excited for him if he goes alone, but actually I'm hoping not simply because I want it to be a mom/kid thing❤

[@WorldTowning]

agreed, but it would be baby steps...days first, then a night here and there and then longer. Hopefully it does not come to that and I can continue with him.

[@suemoore1965]

YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING ❤

[@stephanieaston7178]

I’m a heart mom, so I always see the heart…. I once actually took a picture of a heart shaped puddle!😂💙❤️

[@heatherlambert8660]

I thought for sure you were gonna say that will would switch out with you if you physically could not continue I think Captain would do great and be successful no matter what he chooses. You are a wonderful mother.

[@lindalisettehiggins8028]

Sunshine, there is Decathlon in Canada. I live less than 2 km from there. I am not sure if they have the same options in meals.

[@WorldTowning]

They don't have that brand of food unfortunately. I looked online.

[@lindalisettehiggins8028]

@@WorldTowning yes, I personally went to store on Friday, their selection was very limited and the brand was yak express??

[@NessChat]

My 19 year old son is in the middle of walking the Bibbulmun track In Western Australia, he’s a little older than Largo and the track much shorter but I’m still waiting for that text message every day to know he’s ok . I’ll be joining him for 4 days soon . Will be thinking of you guys as I’m walking 😊

[@ajparks79]

You have totally prepared him to be on his own on the trail.

[@lets_go_see_]

Negative *** negative **** . You call that a knife? You call that a knife !!! LOL. i hiked Europe at age 17.5. He has the stamna and smarts.

[@dawnnichols76]

I hope you guys are okay! I keep checking back for a new video 🩷

[@WorldTowning]

Will joined the trail for a long weekend so he could not edit. Back soon

[@mlctallahassee]

I have no reservations about Captain continuing solo, if Sunshine is not able to continue. You and Will will be nearby if needed and the community of the trail is a back-up. Not to mention watching him and Av grow up over the years, I am confident that he has not only the ability, but the judgement to NoBoSoLo! Now, I hope that doesn't happen. I would love to have that experience with my kids or grandkids.

[@ItsMe-ex2vu]

Largo is mature enough to do it, no problem

[@ItsMe-ex2vu]

He is more capable than most, age doesn't matter at all

[@MollyM-pm9dz]

My parents let me go to Europe alone at age 16 before cell phones or long distance phone calls. I sent them a post card

[@MizSazz]

I think its very responsible parenting if that were to happen turning into a supported hike lets hope it doesn’t happen tho

[@lindablack7438]

Flew to Encinitas woke up in time to view video

[@suevernon368]

Have you ever read the book, Grandma Gatewood Walks? She was in her late 60’s when hiking the Appalachian Trail.

[@WorldTowning]

Not yet, but have it on my phone

[@watchout694]

I am really enjoying the trail with you. A little concerned that the miles aren't happening, but it's your hike. You're always asking what we want or want to see...how about less editing? What would it look like to not have music transitions? I love you, Will, so no negativity towards your editing. Just thought for the next 2 months a different kind of video and maybe the last 2 months a whole different kind of video. Just a thought. I hope I don't sound mean😢 I don't want to😊

[@WorldTowning]

Don't worry, we will make it in time. The miles are rolling off these days. We are close to half way, that's pretty cool. You don't sound mean at all, but he loves the music transitions so you can to see his more creative side. I like them too frankly/

[@sandrap3047]

Of course you would LET him finish the AT if you weren’t able to continue! However, I don’t think he would LET you park every night so he can sleep in a car with you! Maybe every few nights but not every night. He may be up for the town food every night though. He would do great hiking solo! I have no doubt & I have no doubt that you would support him hiking solo!

[@WorldTowning]

great suggestions

[@scottharris3611]

Next year at 1st day of school….. What did you do over the summer? “I hiked over 2000 miles and completed an Appalachian Trail thru hike.” What did you do? “Ahhhh I played video games all summer.”

[@WorldTowning]

Ha! So true.

[@geraldinemcgurk447]

I absolutely would let him walk on his own! Having worked with teenagers most of my life I see Largo as a very capable young man. In fact, I wonder if you shouldn’t let him go off on his own for a few days. I guess the problem would be that you would end up on your own, which I would worry more about. Or you could have a date night with Will while Largo walked on further. A baby brother, perhaps! 😅😅😅

[@ItsMe-ex2vu]

Hmmm, Mom or cheeseburger and slack pack every day.

[@ItsMe-ex2vu]

You need a first aid kit

[@WorldTowning]

we have a small one

[@loririchardson3547]

I feel Captain would crush it on his own if the need should arise. Question though if he really wanted to sleep on trail then in the car would you sleep in the tent with him

[@WorldTowning]

yes I would.

[@57dent]

Largo more than capable of hiking by himself. Why force him into slack packing? Id agree best to check with him daily but with todays cell phone coverage even a physical check could be skipped! (Assuming he did not want to slack pack!). The final segment seemed a little odd - Captain in a tshirt and sunshine looking like shes ready for a winter storm!

[@jamiejoyner5827]

Have I missed something? Where are you guys?

[@WorldTowning]

We are still on Trail. Will joined us for a few days and just got off trail this morning. We will pick up where we left off with the vlog in 2 days hopefully. He had a lot to catch up on. Thanks for checking in.

[@jamiejoyner5827]

Thanks! Happy trails!

[@Flipperwi715]

Should we be concerned with you both?

[@WorldTowning]

We are still on Trail. Will joined us for a few days and just got off trail this morning. We will pick up where we left off with the vlog in 2 days hopefully. He had a lot to catch up on. Thanks for checking in.

[@Flipperwi715]

@@WorldTowning So glad all is good.