Backpacking with Wild Ponies on the Appalachian Trail | Grayson Highlands in 4K

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-SCENE SELECTION-
00:00 Teaser
00:25 Theme Song
00:52 After Intro & Hotel Shenanigans
01:38 DAY ONE
02:37 Map Sequence
02:55 Beginning of the Adventure
05:55 Foggy Muddy Trudge & Pony Fur
06:44 A Special Snack
07:39 Misty Void Hike
08:02 Andrew's First Kung Fu on Adventure Archives
09:19 The First Ponies
11:19 Crusty Fungus
13:30 Unfamiliar World
16:00 Hiking to the Campsite
17:20 Cooking Dinner
19:15 In-tents wind
20:30 DAY TWO
21:03 Morning Dayhike
22:00 Disappointing Top & Spectacular Sunrise
23:50 Back to Camp for Coffee
24:40 Water and Ponies
25:30 Heading Out & Large Rock
27:40 Snack in the Woods
28:37 Fantastical Landscape
30:49 More Ponies
31:48 Beech Clones
32:54 Appalachian Trail
33:23 The Campsite Conundrum
36:25 Arriving at Camp
37:24 Flying Tent & Firemaking
39:17 Cooking Budae Jjigae
42:06 Eating Budae Jjigae
43:22 Evening Fire Relaxation
45:13 DAY THREE
46:12 Random Things
46:38 Heading Out
47:35 The Scales
49:00 Hiking Onward
50:51 Rocky Rest
52:03 Spicy Bean Dip
53:08 Familiar Woods Hiking
56:11 Cascading Rocks and Wise Shelter
58:37 Cards and Shenanigans
1:00:22 Setting up Camp & Dinner
1:02:41 Biscuits & Gravy
1:05:04 Nighttime
1:07:09 A Sixth Person??
1:08:39 DAY FOUR
1:10:21 Final Hike Out
1:12:40 Credits
1:13:45 Post-Hike Meal
1:16:48 Patreon Shoutouts
1:20:30 Secret Chainpunches
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-----------------------------­--------
All of the musical compositions or arrangements and footage in this video are original, and were composed, recorded, and captured by Andrew Lin, Bryan Lin, Robby Huang, and Thomas Sinard
Featuring drums by Nate Laguzza
Original content and music is copyright Adventure Archives (c) 2018

[@debbiepate3755]

New to your channel. Love you guys. I'm a 62 year old grandma, "Nana". Your videos are so interesting yet relaxing for me. Gives me a chance to see places with you that I've never seen or been.

[@ihaverandomlifevideos]

When I grow up, I want to be like Adventure Achieves.

[@davidschmude]

This may sound kind of dumb, but the thing that stands out to me about you guys is the communal feel of when you eat together. You're not afraid to eat out of the same pot, drink out of the same cup or use the same chop sticks. I know Robby, Bryan and Andrew are family. Not sure about Thomas and Nicole but to me, what I've described makes you a family in the truest sense. Thank you for another expertly crafted video.

[@richardshansky3040]

David Schmude agreed but i like to have my own cup of coffee when camping. I’m glad they wised up at dinner and served out to each person. Later on when you reached the shelter, you guys looked like you were purposely trying to touch each others’ food...a toast and handing each other their piece...call me an old fart but it just seems like a pointless risk.

[@joshuazweizig6223]

The group pose near the end with a certain individual is wholly underrated. It was unexpected yet... Exactly the sort of thing that hooked me into the 'old' Adventure Archives content. You guys always had less of a "Look at where we are" and more of a "Come see this place with us" ethos and this just has a grin on my face that's cheesier than Andrew's cooking.

[@joshuazweizig6223]

No. Seriously. I think I need to add to this. There are so many feelings and things that can be said about hiking, backpacking, and the struggles and interactions that goes along with it but all I can come up with to explain to people what backpacking, nay, adventuring is: "This."

[@CarloArcenal]

1. The way you guys treated Mike says a lot about the goodness in you. 2. The landscape and the horses is like a Mongolian version of Middle Earth. 3. As always it's great to see Nicole, AA's fifth 'Beatle'. 4. Great episode, can't wait for the next one.

[@stavio12]

Love this trip, one of my favourite episodes.

[@movingnaturefilms]

So beautiful of you to help Mike and then put him in the film. Community! :)

[@TailEnd88]

I have no idea what is so funny about Andrew pulling out massive amounts of tinder from his jacket, but I laugh out loud every time :] Good to see Nicole again. And she is right, Thomas is a sick puppy :P

[@christyj24]

Because of you guys, I went to Pictured Rocks in Michigan. Now we are going to VA to see the ponies!! Thank you for your fun and archives.

[@daleross9001]

Thats neat. Be safe 🐎🤠🐶

[@jjfjeff]

You guys adopted that dude at the end, that was literally cool.

[@MarkDouglasOutside]

I really enjoyed seeing five people in the group. More conversations, better stories and more fun to watch.

[@Silkstep]

It brings me Great Joy to see you all enjoyed the Packit Gourmet Jalapeno/cheddar Biscuits and Gravy on the trail. Yes, they are an Absolute Pain to make, but I have seen you-all bake bread on a rock and McGyver pizza on the trail, so I knew you could handle it, and they are worth the effort and mess, lol. I've found that just pan frying the biscuits shaped more like pancakes makes it easy to bake them all the way through. They don't need to be actually baked to fluff up well.

[@roaming_bob8591]

Andrew and the cards was priceless.

[@Retro64XYZ]

Just started watching your videos. I am subscribing because of how you just picked up some random dude and made him part of your group. I didn't expect to see that but the shot of you all walking through the fence area and there is a new member sold me. Good on you all!

[@midlifetravelers6151]

Not only is your tribe amazing cinematographers, movie editors, narrators, but you are amazing cinematic composers as well!

[@tiburonimbus]

Finally got around to watching it. So fantastic, as so many have stated, that AA invited a random stranger into camp. That's the hiking community, and as much as I've encountered it, it's always so refreshing to see. I had a time where I was kayak camping and paddling into a storm, to stop at a sandbar and have a random stranger invite me into his campsite because, "... no way should you paddle in that." He and his wife were having trouble starting a wet-wood fire, but I was carrying fire-starter logs with me on the yak. I love the hiking/backpacking/camping community, and that meeting strangers doing the thing that you love can be such a simple and rewarding experience. This got me in the feels.

[@dianapurdy7755]

I love Andrew and his knowledge of fungi and plants and just the way he is.

[@sbreezy0120]

You guys have some of the most aesthetically pleasing videos, great work!

[@bombslab]

Another awesome episode. Also, (being vague to avoid spoilers) how you guys treated the person at the end really says a lot about you guys. I will be a supporter for as long as AA makes videos. If anyone is reading this and wondering if the Patreon is worth it, it totally is! Commentaries and bloopers alone make it worth it.

[@DanVolkens]

InvisiblePXLS +1,000 AA deserves to be able to do this full-time if they wanted.

[@EXPLOREMOREFILMS]

Totally agreed!

[@ladybluegrass4173]

Love these shows!!

[@susannewcomer9614]

It is great when Nicole is part of the group. Also, the music was really great. I enjoyed the vocal effects and the musical variations on your theme music.

[@dmarkj22]

I’m loving the music in this episode!! It adds so much atmosphere.

[@kcapkcans]

This is the place that gave me the bug. I did a day hike here about two years ago. I'd done little Metro-Parks hikes and car camping before but wanted to see the highest point of VA when I brought my kids to the area for spring break. I was incredibly unprepared and looking back, quite stupid. Haven't looked back since, had some great solo hikes/packs since and love your channel because you guys do a lot of trips I can get to given our close proximity. Keep up the good work and congrats on the recent channel milestone.

[@mattbattaglia4213]

some of the best camping docs on netflix, definitely deserve many more views

[@12gaDefender]

it's like a super adventure with the entire crew!

[@4potslite169]

As a longtime hiker of the Graysons I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of your trip! Your spirit and enthusiasm is exactly why I spend so much of my time schlepping a 30lb pack uphill and sleeping in the dirt. Love you to pieces!

[@ericbrummel865]

Great episode, guys! Always fun to have Nicole join the party.

[@oldunion]

BEST filming yet, top notch, nice work Robbie and crew. The presentation is hands down far above 99% other backpacking channels.

[@catrionasmithers4105]

Loves Andrew's commentary about plants, trees, mushrooms, flowers, herbs, etc. Very much enjoyed. Thanks for the adventures, camping and equipment advice from your group.

[@michaelruhnke284]

I’ve been watching this channel for a couple months now. Last weekend I went on a backpacking trip to the Grayson Highlands. And I just now find this video and watched them stay in the exact same shelter I stayed in and walk the exact same trails I did. Wild.

[@walk-tall-hikes]

I think this is my favorite episode of your full-length one's so far. Mainly because of your gracious help given to a fellow hiker when Mike came along. I do hope he had the chance to watch your video and see himself. He has no idea how lucky he is to have been able to hike with you guys! There's a lot of people that wish they could be in his shoes!

[@aznpimp999]

Don't EVER change. YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!

[@shikhanshu]

heavenly place... there is nothing better than a brand new AA backpacking video

[@migilmonster8965]

"We've even got a picnic table!" Those words hit so hard if you've ever backpacked for a long time! 😂

[@alexandervalaris72]

I like how close you guys are with Thomas. He didn't even hesitate when sharing the same spoon.

[@JarredSutherland]

This was our backup location for the first time I went to Dolly Sods. I still haven't made it here years later, thank you for going to Grayson Highlands, I can't wait to get out there soon!

[@thepagemaster1436]

The parodies after the credits were cracking me up! Keep up the good work guy's.

[@seblepage]

Those sketches at the end are hilarious! So much fun watching this video of truly spectacular wilderness.

[@howardross2743]

Excellent! Nicely done. I could spend the whole day watching AA, and I think I'll do just that.

[@MsMelissa216]

Although My eyelids were heavy, I fought to watch to the end... ahhh the post hike meal! Always a perfect way to end the video. The comedy at the end of the videos is the the post hike meal dessert 🤣 Raw breathtaking Nature, Good friendships, laughter around a fire, coffee on a crisp morning while watching the sun rise with the smell of the fire in the air, it doesn’t get much better folks... ASMAR doesn’t compare to this satisfaction. Thanks for another great experience guys 🍄❤️🌲🥾

[@KathrynLee5456]

Just found your channel!!! So well done!!! Thanks for the message and humor and reminder of our United States' natural beauty value. We must protect it. Thanks 😊

[@donhirampick9778]

You guys make the best hiking videos on KZbin.Period.Really appreciate the great work.Watching from South Africa!

[@raystupka3823]

The music in this video is outstanding.You guys have grown in your ability so much from the beginning ...Love the music..

[@mk4195421]

The end of the video. Amazing.

[@roxannestarratt5803]

I love how you all share your food.

[@mattlloyd9054]

I dont live to far from here we are blessed in Appalachia with a very if not the most diverse flora and fauna in the world. Not to far from here is a place called the channels which is a top clinch mountain. It's an outcropping of sandstone that's been weathered for who knows how long but it's a labyrinth of slot canyons that's completely not expected for this area plus is amazing. Then theres the 3 magnolias that grow here that look let's say from the tropics. The big leaf, the frasier, and umbrella magnolias have leaves arranged in a circular fashion and are up to 2 feet across. They look so alien it's worth me typing all this, especially the big leaf one. I learned from this video that ponies are kept in the grayson highlands which is very unexpected as well!

[@davidwhyte4839]

A great video. Great to see how Mike was looked after by you guys, and how he was welcomed into the group.

[@Sunny74-]

I have enjoyed learning about hiking through all of your eyes. I have watched several of your videos but I must admit this one is my favorite 🤩. I found your channel in 2021. Looking forward to more content. I have been camping 🏕 since age 7 and still do. Never long distanced hiked before but you all sure do make it look like fun. Safe travels 🌲🔥🏕

[@DerekLieu]

Great episode! The fog was beautiful in its own way, and I love the wild ponies!!! 😍

[@ekimpp]

How about gourmet food!

[@jason_from_canada]

Always great to see Nicole! Beautifully shot guys! The post hike meal and shout outs were awesome! You're creativity is boundless! 👍

[@oldunion]

yes more girls on AA!

[@janetshepherd9062]

Who is Nicole?

[@briansamonas3805]

The Star Wars shout out was legit. You guys seriously rock!

[@12gaDefender]

as someone who has trekked GH and Mt. Rogers for many years... this vid is just awesome! loved seeing your perspective on it, and as always a proper production of a vid. BRAVO!

[@joeapple999]

Amazing as always, fellas! it's great to live vicariously through you all!

[@jonnyjpg_]

That transition at 10:04 👌🏻

[@jonnyjpg_]

Also, I feel like this is where Hideo Kojima got his inspiration for Death Stranding.

[@mmichaels5345]

Outstanding! So glad to see showcasing of little recognized jewels. What did Nicole do? Did she break some rule? "While we sat by the fire, Nicole gathered wood for the fire." Then she gets to try the biscuits last, then she gets relegated to a little stool at the end of the table. Found that a bit amusing. Great to see all five of you in one episode. Had to, just HAD TO try the Korean ramen! So I used pork ramen (18 cent kind) kimchi, mushrooms, hotdogs, spam, spinach, american cheese and not a sardine fan so used calamare in ink sauce. OMG! Best ramen EVER!!! It was so rich, I could only eat one bowl. Sure it would have been five stars out in the middle of nowhere around a campfire shared with friends. I had to opt for a kitchen stove. How did Brian keep from cracking up doing Yoda? "You. Will. Be." Keep 'em coming guys. Whereas many other hiking/backpack vids are all selfie-style, this is more cinema style. Love it!

[@nicolelynnslosser9363]

Lol!!! I didn’t break any rules! I collected wood because I enjoy doing so.. I wanted to be polite and let the guys try the food first.. and I sat at the end of the table, because clearly, I am the QUEEN. 😉😉😉

[@nickbristol3457]

This was great guys..and Nicole! You also treated Mike great which really does say loads about you. Enjoyed the endings too. Cool stuff and you are very good at it. Cheers!

[@JonathanS344]

Dude the production value for these videos are just too good!

[@micmagellan5689]

...thanks for another great and detaled adventure with my family's favorite mountaineers. Long anticipated theme music accompanied narration from the coolest botanist is always a pleasure. True to form watching yall stand around passing a single communal bowl... Always gets me.!?

[@jacobfurst1645]

Best video hands down - AMAZING B roll footage and great editing you guys!

[@colemanharkey4561]

Awesome video guys! I usually can't finish videos that are half an hour long, but when I'm watching your videos time slows down like when I'm in the outdoors. Thanks for giving me an escape from the hustle and bustle of my daily routine! Loved the location and the plant facts, maybe you'll come to Kansas someday. Keep up the great content/editing!

[@ethan5354]

"King of Virginia", haha ironic as our motto is Sic Semper Tyrannis Great video as always

[@tales4adventures976]

That stew was impressive...at 1st I was like idk 🤣

[@MichaelJones1130]

😲 This is the first video I have watched from you team (thanks to SBO for the recommendation), this is amazing!! I cannot wait to get to know you from past and future videos. Thank you for the work and time you put in, keep it up!! ⏰

[@saiba9050]

Thank you for putting the effort and sharing the experience to us.

[@kimkrajci7895]

These are the best shout-out videos EVER.

[@t.t.5324]

38:00 - lol. You guys are a great way to wind down the day.

[@airian4973]

I really like the merged fast motion time lapse and slow motion. Your film making skills have improved, very very good work!!

[@svelasco85]

Best episode so far... wow! You guys help me disappear from issues, stress, or any kind of issue that we have to deal with on a daily basis in every episode... but this one literally transported me to a happy place... thanks guys

[@uptrail7169]

I finally got the chance to watch the rest of your Grayson Highlands video. Great job with this video!👍 One of your best AA episodes! 😀

[@allthingsmusic3444]

Brian, your Yoda is pretty on point! I love that you and Andrew framed that whole Star Wars section shot for shot with the movie and nailed the cadence of the scene in the dialogue as well. Awesome! Also, I love when you guys bring Nicole out as well. You all make a wonderful and hilarious team.

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME TAG ALONG ! AWESOME ! BE SAFE!

[@rachellsn1791]

soooooo glad there are accurate subtitles on this! You guys are so detail oriented it’s astonishing !! Woohoo

[@thetinkerist]

That timelapse field walk at 22:55 is amazing! I mean, I love your whole production, but that was rwally really good!

[@Malgorbia]

First Nicole

[@edwinmonster90]

Awesome episode guys. Great to see everyone on this one, including nicole. Filmshots and music are great again!

[@ccgsales]

WOW ! @22:55 ! Combined time-lapse and slow-mo! Nice! When I first saw it I was like "If they're walking in slo-mo, that wind must be Sooo fast! :-)"

[@stevenfreebairn2553]

I know, that totally blew my mind! VERY cool effect!

[@AdventureArchives]

That's actually a type of shot we've been wanting to do again for a while. We did one like that in our first episode, but it doesn't look nearly as nice, haha. Thanks for watching! -Andrew

[@menomusicalbutmykidsare9116]

Love this video. I think this one has the best cinematography. A few new techniques.

[@Witchofthewoods.]

The AT is in my backyard basically and I never knew about the wild ponies of the trail. That's amazing 🐎 great footage! I'm also loving your original musical compositions 🎶🎵 beautiful.

[@pablocanizales7921]

i’ve been waiting and so excited for this episode and it didn’t disappoint. u guys r amazing pls never stop

[@Jaspor123]

Thanks as always for sharing your journey and giving us a glimpse of beauty from the Grayson Highlands. I've had this place on my list for a while and can't wait to get out there and experience it myself. I'm fortunate to be heading out with a group in a couple weeks on the same route you guys took up to Mt Whitney, and have been getting psyched re-watching your Whitney episode! Thank you for continuing to inspire your viewers with these videos that keep getting better and better.

[@ALventureniAngkol]

Another great one! Awesome place, things and people as always. 👌👌

[@keithrobertson1592]

My favorite episode so far. The song at 47:00 is awesome, absolutely love it, and my favorite shot is right at 33:17. Wonderful jobs guys!

[@susantuna3434]

i really hope your channel grow bigger the quality of your videos the narration and all the information makes me feel im there with you guys i love them

[@Janux83]

Congratulations for another outstanding video, dudes!! I love you all.

[@JLevant1]

One of my favorite episodes, with everybody together. So nice and so comforting to watch. Reminds me of my on younger life as a hiker and climber. Many thanks.

[@loonabella]

Awesome 👏🏼 been there many times and it’s one of our favorite spots too. Glad you fell in love with it as much as we did 💕😍🥰

[@darlingcat]

This is my favorite one yet

[@jtoutdoorsadventures6864]

Awesome, Awesome, Awesome!! Super excited about this video. As always amazing job with the video. Even better you got Nichole to go and keep you all in line. Awesome job. Thank you for sharing

[@Merbydoo]

This was fantastic! So good to see Nicole back being a bad ass with her huge pack. Those ponies were majestic! Loved that you guys play some cards too, cards and chess is a must for me camping :)

[@AdventureArchives]

Nicole always has a huge pack, she is definitely a badass! It was good we had the cards and frisbee too, didn't expect to have so much free time during this hike (Considering our usual habit of arriving at campsites when its dark lol)

[@AhilMohan]

Absolute masterclass! Every aspect.

[@DanVolkens]

@Andrew Kung Fu reference within 1:30. :D Not bad! You've outdone yourselves on this one, man. Beeeautiful place. Thank you for your passion, work and effort!!!

[@trailcat71]

You guys are masters at taking a place and capturing all the magic of the environment. Your video is beautiful! Thank you for all your time, effort and creativity.

[@michaelh9656]

The quaking aspen colony that Andrew mentions around the 32:00 mark is actually in Utah and it's called Pando! Lays claim to being the biggest organism as well as one of the the oldest. The trees are genetically identical and have a shared root system...overall they cover like a hundred acres, really fascinating bit of ecology! EDIT: Love the episode btw. Great stuff as usual. Grayson Highlands is the first place you've been to that I've also visited :)

[@dondale4520]

Just hiked the exact same path of the first leg toward Mt. Rogers on Memorial Day weekend. Great hike!!! Stayed at base of Mt. Rogers in awesome camping spot just shy of the wooden AT shelter. Premium location since it was 300 yards to the natural spring head and about 100 yards from the permanent metal bear box. On that note-found out that the trail was closed a few days after we had left because of a very smart bear helping itself to hikers food along main thoroughfare. The ponies came in droves and even invaded our camp one evening to try for any scraps that were left behind from dinner. Overall this is an amazing adventure and you guys did a great job of capturing the majestic feel of the area.

[@jkuefner4573]

Looks like a traditional after hike meal to me😆

[@rhiannonwarren2788]

omg the end with Yoda was absolute gold! great episode as always!

[@Melissa_939]

Such a treat! The scenery and music were especially beautiful this time

[@nick4897]

Great episode ! Always looking forward to the next adventure from you.

[@kckrye]

My favorite part was the very end where Bryan walked into Andrew's lethal air punches. He is lucky to have made it out of there alive. SHOW NO MERCY!

[@jamesrichter4915]

best backpacking channel on the tube!! hands down!!

[@Righteous1ist]

Experts say that spring is the worse time to go camping/backpacking/outdoors. It's because the snow just melted so everywhere is soggy. The weather is also unpredictable in high altitude during spring.