40 Miles On The Centennial Trail. Black Hills, South Dakota. Mt. Rushmore, Bison & Destroyed Feet.

[@waltbrim5897]

Looks like a great hike. Went to Mount Rushmore when I was a kid, never saw it up close because I fell asleep, and mom and dad weren't about to wake the little monster up. For your feet try walking around barefoot and or with a very minimal shoe or sandal as often as you can to strengthen your feet. It's helping for my feet. Also as mentioned below get a ball(hard) and freeze one of those 12-16oz water bottles to roll your feet on. It feels great.

[@robpelton]

I walk barefoot a lot. My feet are pretty strong. That’s why this whole thing became such an issue. I just may have to try an “on-trail” foot care regimen. Thanks Walt!

[@trailheadjunkie]

Get yourself a message ball for your feet 🦶 good to relieve pain after a your next long hike ✌🏽

[@robpelton]

I have one! Never found it super as useful as I want it to be.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Great video Rob! Well done. Crow

[@robpelton]

Thanks Crow!

[@Jenfuu]

Great video, and totally get having to stop because of feet hurting. Hope you still felt proud of your accomplishment!

[@robpelton]

The side of backpacking most don’t see. These videos usually show all the good stuff. Haha. Thanks for watching Jen!

[@Jenfuu]

@rob pelton I totally get it. Last year I fell hard on a bog board on the 100-mile wilderness, and we had to end our hike. I was really dissapointed. We are looking to do the centennial trail this year or at least a portion of it. Looking forward to watching more of your content! Thank you for sharing!

[@jschroeders]

Altra Olympus 4. 33mm stack height, great traction. I'm a heavier hiker also and love this shoe.

[@robpelton]

I’ve heard good things. My buddy Miyagi used them in the Grand Canton & loved them.

[@mutestyles]

@@robpelton I'm 236 lbs. I love the the Olympus 4's. They win out over the Hokas for me because of the width of the sole. Although i like them both

[@drokoutdoors]

Love your guy's dedication....I haven't been out once this year, I suck.

[@robpelton]

Get going! It’s waiting for you.

[@christopherallington2754]

Get some Hokas for that cushy, well cushioned ride. I’m about 225 and have a previous knee injury and have no pain with my Speedgoats!

[@robpelton]

I’ve heard good things!

[@nalonabrato8900]

There’s certainly no shame in playing it safe (and smart).

[@robpelton]

Agreed, but I always feel I let myself down. Ugh…thanks for watching!

[@Z4raggs]

JUST found your channel and LOVED your video. Good trail videos are everywhere, and you captured all the good stuff...but your honesty and willingness to show the reality of a great hike hitting the skids (the dark underbelly of backpacking) is what warmed my heart. How could I not hit those Subscribe and Bell buttons? You've given me helpful information for planning my CT hike this coming summer. One question though as I couldn't find the date of your hike, other than "6 months ago" on KZbin. What date did you start from the southern terminus? Thanks for an awesome video!

[@robpelton]

Hi Janet! Thanks for the king words. I do have my fair share of struggles out there. Sometimes I feel like the only one. Haha. We were there the 1st week of June. Goodluck on the CT and thanks for watching!

[@Z4raggs]

@@robpelton Thanks for the reply. Since I suffer in cold, I'm thinking maybe late June will be great for me. Thanks again!

[@safromnc8616]

I hear you on the pacing - I have like one pace which is fairly quick, but it takes me about 2 miles or so to get my air/breathing right, then I'm good. So, it would be smart to ease into those first few miles but....that never happens. It also helps if I start out fairly flat or rolling. Nothing worse than starting out w/a climb for me... Shoes - I can't do Altras at all...I've heard good things about Hokas & Topos but no experience w/them. I've been wearing Salmings for a bit. Another thing I have found that helps are shoes w/a rock plate...GL Sore feet just suck... Hope you both are doing OK

[@robpelton]

Exactly. Start slow and get the legs & lungs warmed up. I did settle on a pair a new shoes. We’ll see how it goes. Thanks for watching!

[@Ontrail82]

I’m finally catching up on KZbin videos! Nice trip! I’ve been wanting to get out there but timing just never works. Sweet vid tho! 👌🏼

[@robpelton]

Let’s go!

[@BackpackingWithJason]

That scenery never gets old. So beautiful out there,even in the rain 😁

[@robpelton]

I love it. Looks like you did too!

[@BackpackingWithJason]

@@robpelton I did!!!

[@Hikingwith_Christina]

Look up Topos. I can't wear lone peaks anymore. Made my Achilles act up this February. With alreany tight calf muscles zero drop too much of a stretch . I need that up heal on shoes to hike.

[@robpelton]

Ooh…you should follow my “Shoe Saga”. Haha.

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

I would have helped you with pace brother. Haha. Hiking with the beet farmer and stretch is impossible. I love this trail so much! Enjoyed every minute dude....except the Birthday story. 🤣🤣

[@robpelton]

We shall trek together again soon good sir.

[@cabinvibeetsystore9094]

New sub! Liked 😀🙏😄😃😇

[@robpelton]

Thanks for the support!

[@chuckwagn4192]

🤣🤣🤣 I still laugh at the story!!!

[@robpelton]

So good! Haha. Or not.

[@tomfranta5495]

Slow but sure... That works. Great video. Love the trail.

[@robpelton]

👊🏽

[@anitab.2114]

Just thinking here....... I hike 3 miles everyday and the soles of my feet are skin and bones even though I am overweight, 200+ pounds, My feet are not perfect. On the soles of my feet, I do have a "protective layer" of callus, like a layer of leather, which is not causing me any problems, .........so I have no experience with blisters; but my sister has thick meaty padded soles like you can't even see her bones and she is very prone to blisters no matter what type of shoes or socks she wears. She always get blisters even just from walking around at the mall.

[@tpcltcclc]

Beautiful. What month did you hike this trail?

[@robpelton]

Early June. I’m headed back out in May to finish! Thanks for watching!

[@jonesy369]

Superior hammock? No more Ridgerunner? You’ve come a long way from that REI hammock in Maine! Thanks for the vids

[@bluefire025]

ha that was my question. i just did the opposite, i went from a dutch chameleon to a dutch banyan. definitely found the bridge hammock to be more comfortable.

[@robpelton]

Oh I still have and love the RR!

[@kristalann1973]

I love The Centennial Trail🌲I’ve been slowly section hiking it alone…great video per usual Rob…you definitely did the right thing by listening to your body not worth a long healing/lasting injury! I love The Legion Lake section I know that big rocky hill lol I laughed out loud when you said, “Well let’s do 10 miles in this shit.” I prefer NOT hiking in rain also! I’m looking forward to hiking The Lake Sheridan section soon! Midwest Backpacker always in Beast Mode!!!

[@robpelton]

I have 80 miles left! I’ll get it done. Thanks for watching!

[@rungavagairun]

Were you cold soaking on this trip?

[@robpelton]

Hell nah. Lol.

[@petescharber8567]

Really enjoyed this video Rob, I can really relate to you through this one. First 10-12 miles is my max and I don’t even try to push beyond that. And it is essential to travel at party pace and soak it all in. Being a proud 200 pounder myself, I have tried a bunch of shoes. Salomon GTX have been good to me. Brooks Cascadia have not been good to me. I am going to try the Hoka Speedgoats this season. I have worn Hokas for street shoes for years and they have been great. Lastly good call on bagging the BRT for now. I just got back from Caribou Rock Trail and did some of the BRT. It was still damp, super muddy and the mosquitoes were the worst I have ever experienced!!

[@robpelton]

Thanks Pete! I mean, I could lose 30lbs. I’ve also said that for the last 15 years. Haha. I did settle on a new pair. Vid out soon! The BRT is still on the list. Thanks for watching!

[@petescharber8567]

@@robpelton I am planning to through hike the BRT this fall - assuming it dries out some. Actually planning to start at McFarland and go west to skip the far west 14 miles or so which is and overgrown mess.

[@SignalOutdoors]

That place looks epic! I would have been dragging as well. Lol You still did a crap ton of miles and have some new stories to tell. Those bison would make me a bit edgy. 😬 Great vid, keep up the great work. ✌️

[@robpelton]

So good. Get out there! The bison are Dailey divine provided you keep your distance.

[@markcummings6856]

Nice trip, loved it. What were the water carries on this whole trail? Love to have you over to the Adirondacks of the Northeast someday! It is a unique, rugged of a beauty.

[@robpelton]

The wate mr weren’t bad. I had 2 750ml bottles and had no issue with water. There may be some dryer stretched further up the trail, but I’ll know when I get back there! I’d love to head east. Never hiked any of it!

[@j3hikes444]

completed a few sections on the AT (NJ, NY and CT)a few months back and rocked the Hoka speedgoats. they felt great on 12 mile days and did extremely well on the slick rocks on rainy days. definitely taking them back to knock off MA and VT in October.

[@robpelton]

Awesome! That’s what I like to hear! Thank you.

[@mikeghost7788]

Sometimes bailing is the best thing to do. Better than causing something long-term. Really think I'm gonna try this trail next summer. Hope this finds you well my friend. Also, did Jeremy plan this trip?

[@robpelton]

You should! So different. You’ll love it. Yes, Jeremy planned it. Haha.

[@ghostrunnerco6791]

other than the distasteful artwork this place seems legit

[@robpelton]

Not exactly “leave no trace”. Haha.

[@ghostrunnerco6791]

lol