Benton MacKaye Trail 2021: Episode 3 - Trail Magic & Injuries

[@AsTheWheelsTurn]

that lady in the beginning that hooked you up with some trail magic was such an absolute sweetheart. reminds me of my mom, that is exactly how she always is. she just loves to meet people and fill their bellys up with good healthy things and have a little conversation.I love her.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Amazing people out there!

[@DadsBackpackTrip]

Glad you made the smart call, and tough call, to respect your body. The older I get the smarter it is to quit when it starts to hurt. Thanks for being a positive role model and for sharing your cinematography skills with the world Darwin. Here is to a speedy recovery!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Well said! Thank You!

[@toml.5513]

The best hikes are the ones where you get home safe. Godspeed getting back on the trail healthy!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

TRUTH!

[@therealbennybraden]

Wise decision brother! Listening to your body will never lead you wrong. Once again, great video!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Damn Straight! Thanks for all your help my friend! ❤️

[@RandomPerson1]

Really glad you're listening to your body! The trail will always be there. Thanks for letting us follow along, Darwin!

[@dachshund1245]

I also love your attitude about the whole thing. A great role model for the outdoor and hiking community.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

I appreciate that! ❤️

[@takinghomethetrail9158]

What a tough decision. It's important that injuries are talked about because not everything goes as planned

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Nah... It wasn't really a tough decision. Not my 1st & won't be my last 🤙

[@DerTintinfish]

No need to apologize for safe and smart personal decisions. Listening to your body is key, it only talks to you when it’s important! Thanks for bringing us along. Loved this mini-series.

[@Away.Aweigh.A.Way.]

I hate it for you, man, but knowing when to quit is a mark of wisdom. Side note, my wife and I watched your film on the AZT last night and it was outstanding. Anybody that hasn’t watched it yet needs to go do that straight away. Get better soon dude!

[@lsjohnson20]

Smart move, my man. Way to think long-term and shut it down. You saved this year and possibly arthritis in years to come. Thank you, as always, for inspirational, honest, positive, and wise content.

[@markhamadventures]

Appreciate you putting out this video! Kind of a reminder that you’re human and can be injured like the rest of us and that it’s important to listen to your body instead of stubbornly plodding along. Something new that not many hikers capture on KZbin I don’t feel like! Looking forward to the other hikes from you this year!

[@MandieSandersRamblingMandie]

Such a bummer, but for sure the smart decision. Better to listen to your body and cut one hike short than miss an entire season. Currently planning my own Benton MacKaye trip and I've really appreciated your videos! Here's to a quick recovery!

[@paintman7709]

I hiked the BMT in two sections. I saw only 4 people before the smokies. Once you get in there it is people everyday. Love the videos! Speedy recovery 🙏

[@28105wsking]

I really admire you for giving up something you went through so much effort for. That is hard! But a wise decision. At 73 with two bad knees and two iffy hips from carrying too much in Nepal for two years, I can tell you, it does not pay in the long run to push it thru real injury.I think you are therefore a very good example for all of us of self-discipline and wise decisions, even when things don't go your way as planned. It happens! The trail will always be there and you can finish it later.

[@kathycasey9153]

Can you imagine pulling up to do trail magic and finding Darwin sitting on the bench!!!!!!! Awesome.

[@jdm87]

I hope you feel better fast man! Its not fun calling something early due to injury but you have to take care of yourself first before tackling something big. You're still an inspiration to a ton of people!

[@kenf1075]

Yogi bear did love those picnic baskets.

[@Cinnamonster83]

Dude, I love watching your videos they have helped find my passion for the trail agAin. When I was younger I did trail work for several years and it was the best experience of my life, you helped me find this passion again. THANK YOU DARWIN!!

[@myglorialife7395]

That trail magic sounds amazing. Life is good when the best of people shines through.

[@monarques93MrGollum]

Sorry for your injury and your fail on trail... You are one on my best inspirational guy for hike, me, little french hiker, blocked by C19 in my parisian appartment lol... Hope to go on trails very soon, but we have your videos, and it's good for mental!

[@JohnHikes]

I have hiked the Foothills Trail, the Bartram Trail, the AT, the Pinhoti Trail and the Benton MacKaye Trail. the BMT was my favorite for the reason you just mentioned when I stopped your video. No one hikes it. If you are a solitude hiker like me, the BMT is your best bet. Wishing you a fast recover brother.

[@alexmarchica5264]

Again its always sad to hear about a journey ending abruptly. Thanks for sharing it with us regardless. And as always killer music choices!

[@journeyoflovelight]

Michigan Angels thank you.. Sorry you had to end the hike. Hope your healing well. Peace- Melanie

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

❤️🔥❤️

[@mothhater5134]

Sorry to hear your hike was cut short. Enjoyed following along, and at least you finished your other recent trails like the Colorado Trail. Get better soon man.

[@Erezd85-q6d]

Pita, humus and an egg, very common israely sandwitch... im taking it on every hike. Nice

[@glenndorsey9068]

For what it’s worth. I’m a 73 year old backpacker and the #1 lesson I’ve learned over the years is to fit your expectations to the reality of your body. Could it be that 25 miles day after day isn’t in the cards anymore??

[@justinhillpac]

Ahh man, sorry to hear about the knee pain. I work here in TN as a physician assistant in sports medicine. Knee injuries are no fun, especially in someone like you who relies on your knees for all those miles! I was really enjoying this series and have been binging your other videos. Injuries are not fun but sometimes part of the game. I hate telling players they have to sit out. It's awesome you have the experience and knew it was time to pull out. I wish you the best and hope you heal up quickly! Can't wait to see more of your awesome content in the future!

[@SgtSpartyOutdoors]

Hate seeing you have to get off the trail for injury reasons but I also love seeing a big name hiker showing people there are things more important than finishing, and that getting off trail doesn't make you a failure.

[@chesiedengun]

Take this time to heal. Prayers for a speedy recovery. Love you 💕💕

[@jimmac1953]

tore my ACL about 20 years ago and going down hill felt the same ... really hurt. Did have surgery and knee is solid. Best of luck and be healthy and safe. We need you doing your thing and let us follow !

[@whatkjsaw4461]

Wishing you a speedy recovery! I totally concur with... ‘the trail always provides,’ its uncanny, but so wonderful.

[@chloestuck]

Good call listening to your body. I’m going through my first pregnancy, feeling all kinds of new aches/pains in my body and missing hiking a lot. I’m still walking around to stay in shape but can’t wait to get back on trail. I hope the rest of your hikes this year go smoothly!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Congrats! ❤️

[@zacsmith525]

Heal up Darwin, hoping for a speedy recovery. Good call on stopping. Looking forward to some of your other projects, on and off the trail!

[@kathysmith477]

So sorry it didn't work out like you had planned, but thank you for taking us along on the journey. We look forward to seeing you healed and stronger later in the season.

[@WittAllen]

Sorry about the injury. Hope you fully recoup and are able to spend some more time out here in beautiful Tennessee!

[@robyngomillion2309]

Well done Darwin. I applaud your choice for the bigger picture.

[@cdorneden]

Thanks for sharing, knowing possible indicators for injuries helps us fellow hikers

[@bradclifford295]

Shoot, I need to pay more attention and not go so long in between watching your videos. I mountain bike at both the Pinhoti trail and the trails around thunder rock campground all of the time. Would have been happy to bring you some trail magic as well. Love that you got hooked up.

[@fawngroves936]

Thunder Rock is in my home county! You were right beside the Ocoee River - home of the 1996 Olympics!

[@epb1874]

Just a thought, maybe consider taking 2 pairs of insoles and swapping them out each evening. That way both pairs get even wear throughout the entirety of the hike. If one pair is defective you'll notice sooner rather than later because of the daily comparison, and get a new pair at a resupply. Thanks for sharing your journey and best of luck on your next adventure.

[@pineapplemedic5498]

Just finished listening to your first podcast, it was very eye opening. Keep doing what you love!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@TreexHugga]

Where did you listen to it?

[@pineapplemedic5498]

@@TreexHugga Spotify

[@TomyHovingtonHiking]

Really smart to get off to allow yourself to heal. I have been dealing with leg issues for the past 25 years after having both my legs broken.. I know exactly the pain you are describing as I personally felt it quite often. It’s one of the reasons why I do section hikes, it allows my body to recover and I can get back out again. Really hope you get better soon and that can tackle your season... 🤙🇨🇦

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

It definitely gets harder to bounce back the older you get 👍

[@bushcraftsurvivalslovenia5241]

Sometimes in order to move forward, you have to stop first or even take a step back. listening to your body and making a decision based on that was good. I liked the 3 videos of this trail very much and I'm glad you put them out in spite of not finishing your hike. Great content and all the best to you and may you recover fast - or i guess, I hope your knee is already doing much better since the hike :)

[@robertgullickson8758]

Put together very nicely! Good choice of music for this video. I’m sorry for your injury but you know what’s best for your body. You have a lot of work ahead of you. Rest up and be careful. Hoping you will be striding again soon.

[@herbhometales8255]

Respect, man! Thanks for sharing your process. Taking care of your body is so important! Enjoyed the views.

[@nesw360]

A real shame, but you made the right call; too many people might try and tough it out, whilst doing greater damage to their bodies. Also, showing a real example of this sort of sensible decision-making (from noticing the knee issue, keeping an eye on it, then making the decision to leave) is really valuable in itself. All the best mate!

[@dachshund1245]

I had to do something similar half way into my ski season due to a knee injury. It was the only season that I could ski as much as I wanted but had to call it short even though my ambitions had other plans. Long story short I was able to ski 6 weeks later. Good choice Darwin you are experienced enough to know this was the right decision but it never hurts any less to walk away from something you are so committed to.

[@MrDara1952]

Very cool to just observe your body and call the hike. Safe hikes for the rest of the year.

[@PrettyHikes]

“Yogi-ing” and “Power thing”. I learned so much from this video 😂 Hope you are well! Injuries are no fun.

[@JesseB-pl9pg]

Yeah, Darwin is a f-ing mooch is what I've learned

[@justalurkr]

I'm stunned you went that far on it and glad you eased up. That's beautiful country.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

I tried 😂

[@ChadGrayOutdoors]

I am far from a high mileage hiker. I get pain usually about 15 miles into a hike which keeps me from being able to pack on a lot of miles. The pain takes the fun out of a hike. Great decision on throwing in the towel.

[@auswalker7865]

Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Darwin. You made the right decision.

[@DidierMelki]

take good care of you Darwin. These things happen and we all need to listen to our bodies

[@rogervancleave8670]

Sorry you had to end your trip but really excited to see some of the scenery at Reliance. Next time your back in the East TN area, bring your bike and enjoy some of the phenomenal bikepacking routes we have.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Will do! ❤️

[@wanderingacademic9827]

I'm really sorry about the injury! But it was a good decision, which will allow you to continue hiking throughout the year. Wish you a speedy recovery.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thank You!

[@jamesking4225]

That’s what is so great about the Benton Mackaye ,it’s not clogged like the AT . You can actually walk on last years leaves in most spots.

[@OldPackMule]

This video was a quite a roller coaster. Sorry to hear that the knee ended this trail adventure. Hope it heals quickly so the rest of the year goes as planned. Amazing that an insole could do that. This old mule (thankfully) has not had that issue but also hasn't pushed anywhere near those miles or the speed you thoroughbreds can do.

[@oned6264]

Caltopo, guide books & compass. Hike mostly in the Northeast US. Always good to know the compass skills.

[@Harry_the_Heir]

When i saw your announcement a while ago about how you had to get off trail, i was bummed for you. i know you were excited to push yourself and im sure it was a bummer of a choice. but i think its so important you showed this , you're sharing with us that its OK to get off trail. i once bailed on a short, three night overnight because the weather was just too wild. i felt super let down and that i should have just pushed through. the lesson that it's not a failure, stuff just happens is a hard one to learn. Congratulation on getting out to do what you love, and looking forward to future adventures!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Always love showing the Real side of doing things like this. Too many folks over saturate & over romanticize things like Thru-Hiking. Only ever showing the good days. 🤙

[@robslagle]

thanks for being smart and calling it when you needed to... Hopefully it'll heal up without surgery and you'll get to do the other trips that you've planned.

[@czr323]

Sorry to hear about your hike. Thanks for sharing all of your adventures even if they’re not the best.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Sometimes the "Misadventures" make for better memories 😉

[@b.g.2626]

Your honesty is great. I learned something from this video.

[@etonnorad9]

I have had to cut my hikes short to because of injuries. you have lived another day enjoy it you will hike again. Happy Trails

[@eloslaconia]

I haven't heard the term Cackalacky(and Calinky as well) for more than 30 years.Stay strong Darwin.

[@nemesisnight08]

I think Jason Sudeikis revived it when he portrayed Biden on SNL not too long ago 😅 Now we can't stop saying it

[@eloslaconia]

@@nemesisnight08 Thanks Stephanie.

[@clairehimmel3370]

as a north carolinian I hear it occasionally but I wish I heard it more, it's a good term! :)

[@eloslaconia]

@@clairehimmel3370 Ι totally agree Claire.I wish I heard more the term Alabamy for Alabama.

[@willbarton4508]

Sorry to hear that you're getting off but a smart decision. Because I didn't do what was nessesary last year, Achilles tendon problem, I'm in a walking boot this Spring and probably won't be able to get much hiking in. Hopefully, You will be able to recover well. God bless.

[@terrythompson8676]

Really sorry to hear your knee is giving you grief. It's always the best call when you listen to your body and not your ego. Take care!

[@tonysommer2220]

Couple points. Thanks for sharing the wisdom on your decision making - important to see you’re not trying to iron man it. Second - I watched your coffee review, and I love the film structure of opening every day with “brewing” a cup of coffee. Be well. I enjoy your content and hope to hit the trail soon on training hikes.

[@aaronsimmons4675]

good call man! sorry to hear you won’t make it through this time around but sounds like you in a good headspace about it. glad you looking out for your body darwin! hope you get healed up all nice like soon!

[@JarodThurley]

Hope you make a good recovery Darwin. Thank you for sharing your hike.

[@muhamedyasin9078]

Hope you get better and still get to enjoy the rest of what you have planned for the year! Love your videos. Keep it up!

[@stephenashworth1951]

I enjoy the videos, injuries suck big time, I injured my knee 3500ish miles into the American Discovery Trail in 2017. Take it easy for a spell, hope you heal up soon!!

[@rosblackmore5422]

Thanks for sharing your videos Darwin, even when things don't go to plan. Good luck with the recovery 🙏

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Always! 🤙

[@commununityconsultant6029]

From Michigan here!!!! Michiganders are the best! I just ordered 2 pairs of the Altra shoes - can’t wait -

[@rickcoulon890]

Sorry and hope you heal quickly, I am on the BMT now just left reliance, Little Frog Wilderness is amazing! Your lucky to get some trail magic, quite a few of other AT and PCT alumni out here now.

[@TogetherinParis]

#1 Use BOTH of your hiking poles, especially downhill. Trauma can be cumulative. #2 Do fewer miles early in a hike. 10 miles is plenty first day, first three days. Slow in the beginning means slow! You had similar problems from overhiking on the PCT, remember?

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Gee, thanks for the “Pro Advice”. 👍

[@keithbassett3046]

Thank you for helping to teach us to make the right decisions, and not the ones we want.

[@TheTdwilson]

Get some rest and get healthy! I listened to podcast 001. You are a wonderful film maker and a compelling story teller. Do what makes you happy!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Glad to you dug the Pod!

[@Hobomountainwander]

I really enjoyed the Benton Mackay, withj partner. I am sorry you had to get off the trail due to injury. It was really great trail for solitude and we didn't see very many, as well.

[@allencrider]

I switched to a combination of acetaminophen and bromelain for pain when hiking. The bromelain actually assists the clearance of the inflammation while the acetaminophen doesn't hurt the stomach. Good luck healing your knee issue so that you'll be able to go out and do more long hikes this year!

[@christopherchan1776]

Glad you called it instead of trying to push forward injuring yourself more. Take your time healing we'll see you next time on the trail.

[@michelledapark]

Thank you so much for sharing your journeys with us, especially these kinds where things don't always work out. Tough decision, but the right one, I think!

[@tannerworkman3846]

Looked at that the same sign yesterday morning on my hike out of citico wilderness zone

[@buzzkillington4329]

All good man! Take care of yourself and heal up for the next trip!

[@lh4193]

That's really tough to have to cut the Hike short. All the best with healing and recovery

[@tashuwamustgray7220]

❤️ we'll see you soon bmt. Get well D' man!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

❤️❤️❤️

[@currentsupply]

Probably my favorite video of yours so far, feels real

[@tony7106]

Man I have freakishly high arches as well never bothered with inserts for it. Really make that big of a difference? Stay safe take care of #1 brother! Heal and recover lookin forward to your next adventures! No way could I do what you do so thank you for sharing.

[@Papatoole]

Darwin - I live in GA and the BMT will be my 1st thru hike in 2023. If you want, I can high five you on the trail while you blow past me brother!! Ha! I hope to see you on this trail one day.

[@sylviawinstead8799]

Did something bad to my knee on a hike and refused to listen to my body which ended me off the trails for close to 8 weeks! Good decision Darwin ❤️

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Great showing of wisdom Darwin. Hope your healing well. God Bless

[@philliphogan6727]

While you're in the area of Chatanooga you should do the Wall's of Jericho trail in Alabama, not that long of a hike but well worth it!

[@cameronvirrill6449]

Good decision, Darwin. You're still my hero, maybe more so, now. We're with you.

[@danielfloro1837]

Sorry you had to finish the trail early, but you made the right decision. Heal-up Darwin.

[@texasermd1]

Must have been that bounding leap over the camera on frame 1 that did you in... Seriously, though, bummed to see one's hike cut short but, as you said, it isn't the first and it won't be the last. Kule that you have peeps like Plug-it In to lend a hand when you need it. The podcast deal is pretty sweet as well. You're a multi-talented dude. Keep doing you and it'll all work out.

[@erick6715]

Smart move to take care of a injury than to let it get worse..... we’ll be pulling for your recovery..... great MIND.....BODY....SOUL VIDEOS

[@JTizz0]

Sorry to hear man. Hope you heal up quick.

[@GrottoGroveGroves]

Dude that my trail! live adjacent to it. this video starts out near me. my thing is to do the AT/BMT loop during the summers. enjoy!

[@gregmortonoutdoors]

Hopefully this will heal up and you won't need to get cut on. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

[@nikkiw7119]

Such a tough decision ... thank you so much for sharing this! The real. Beautiful video, as always.

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

6 days with no hikers is crazy!! I hope your recovery is swift Darwin.