Appalachian Trail 2020: Episode 3 - The First 100 Miles

[@marklarson596]

Viewing your videos is part of my self care in this time of COVID self-isolation. Thanks for posting.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Glad I can help 😂

[@crodproductions0420]

Last year I took my older two children on a section hike from Springer to Fontana Dam. The day we climbed Albert it was raining so hard. Watching this brought me back to that day and that feeling of pure happiness once we reached the top and saw the tower. The rain stopped and the clouds parted to let us see what we had accomplished. Thanks for letting me relive that moment. Franklin is a great little town with a great vibe I look forward to getting back.

[@ChicaandSunsets]

Darwin - it was our pleasure to have you at our hostel and be a part of your Anniversary Hike. Thanks for highlighting us and our new hostel adventure! You’re the best. 💙 Love, Chica & Sunsets (PS - when are you coming back with Snuggles???).

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Love you guys! Thanks so much for letting me capture your story. ❤️❤️

[@Icefy_YT]

Honestly, I was never really interested in backpacking/thru hikes, just car camping. But watching all your videos and seeing the joy you’ve gotten from it, it’s convinced me to go out and buy some gear and get out there. I love that you aren’t biased towards any one set of gear either, you let us choose what’s good for us, while informing the pros and cons of everything and what works for you. Just wanted to say it means a lot and you’ve convinced 3 guys from Utah to start backpacking and get out into our beautiful mountains. Thanks, and I’ll continue watching all your vids. Keep it up.

[@varmooo]

This is therapy. The trail, the music behind the scenery, the people. So so relaxing.

[@KimberlyGreen]

0:42 "I haven't seen anybody on trail, for like, _hours_ ..." Foreshadowing 😥

[@ViajeniBree]

I miss the outdoors, the wind and the greens. It's so nice you still have videos to upload during this madness. I'm also motivated to continue editing my travel backlogs.

[@sweepingdenver]

Darwin makes 100 miles look like a five minute stroll in the woods behind the neighborhood park. He's super humble about his level of fitness but it's damn impressive, and inspiring!

[@gratefulhikes]

Loved the Q&A the other day, but this is what I really enjoy watching. Let's hope we can all get back on the trails soon. Thanks for the videos Darwin...

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Glad you dig em' Michael! Wait until you see who next week's Special Guests are 😉

[@jimwagner6260]

I did mine in 1991. Looks the same but different. Thanks for the memories. The people that I met on trail really were angels.

[@virginialong6399]

Ahhh Chica, was so pumped when you said Chica and Sunsets!!! A thru hike has been an idea that I just thought how badass and transformational that could be. So I got the my first book Chicas on the Appalachian Trail, which has lead me down the rabbit whole that is the Appalachian trail. Learned about you (Darwin) and a few other thru hikers. Love watching and feeling like we are walking with you. Thank you for all that you do.

[@ChicaandSunsets]

Virgina - so sweet to hear this, thank you so much! -- Chica

[@rackzau]

I love the shift to include the others' stories. Keep giving us the stories it reminds me of the community vibe and shows how we can make an adventuring life work...and the many different ways it takes form. Loved the ending... Thanks for the pick me up today!!

[@texashikeaholicsadventures]

Chica and Sunsets are two or our favorite people on KZbin!! Thanks for sharing this!!

[@ChicaandSunsets]

Texas HIKEaholics ❤️

[@donnienewman9141]

I'm just copying what everyone has said. Everything about this video was great. For a novice like my wife and me, when we do go to the AT for a section hike (last year was our 1st), we see things an meet people that we watched on someone else's video and this makes it so cool for us. Thank you Darwin! I hope we can meet Chica and Sunsets ourselves.

[@AdventurePlusMe]

I love the way you tell a story in this series and how it reflects on your first thru hike!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks! That's what I was going for 😬❤️

[@David-nu6zp]

2012 lots of people! Started 4/22 by front flipping into the stream on the approach trail accidentally lol! You‘ve probably answered many questions to first thru hikers. Thank you for that! Probably seen the fireplace. Can’t believe it’s cemented in now! Missing the conversations in the shelters. Thanks for bring me back. Go get those miles!

[@juliehunt900]

Ahhhh these are making me cry! Chica and Sunset's place came highly recommended (Tribute;) but they were already closed by the time I got into Franklin. As I got my head around what was going on in the world, I left the trail outta Franklin the next morning... heartbroken, but happy that I experienced the Trail Love, and still hopeful:)

[@jeffs6229]

Loved following Chica and Sunset's journey! Great showcase of their new hostel!

[@bobmcelroy7289]

Like a host of others, I really appreciate the new style. My folks live in Franklin, great town! I tease my folks that I saw their property before they did. Love that area! Take care, enjoy the scenery, and the folks you meet! Loving the comparisons of then and now. Praying you can find supplies and routes and good tramily! Safe travels, embrace the suck! Haha

[@jaykraemer8106]

I’m loving all these slow pans, with this music. I’m so peaceful after watching this.

[@marshallsandum3651]

Every trail your Cinematography gets better and better. Keep it up.

[@richeiler881]

Wow thanks Darwin..as always great stuff man... Loving seeing this part of our NOGO this year.. Makes me us misty to be home.. and off trail watching this.. Cica and Sunsets love you guys.. we had a great stay with you.. WE can't wait to get back on trail and make our blue 2020 AT tags real... VIntage Hikers..

[@comiccat4650]

I'm planning my first hike for next year summer around Loch Lomond, about 39 miles, 11 hours split on 2 days and if that is only half as beautiful as the AT, I'm never leaving scotland again!

[@hikehunter9572]

Chica & Sunsets are super great people. I visited the hostel as they were finishing it up in Oct 2019. They have a great place. Thanks for this post, I like the 30 to 40 miles around Franklin.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Amazing Couple those two! ❤️

[@guylachine5703]

Wow! These AT videos are really good. You’re really capturing a lot of the experience.

[@fredtucker9236]

Great to hear Chica and Sunset's conversation about their experience about how they created their hostel.

[@danmcmahonfilms]

It's like watching your favorite show, but knowing its about to get cancelled.. :(

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

😕

[@tomwillard7251]

You are crafting a masterpiece of a series. Your editing, music, story line, and feeling you convey on your hike is absolutely brilliant. I know I have been critical of you in the past (remember the famous trowel video? :) ) but I respect you Darwin and I respect the heck out of what you’re doing. Thanks for creating your videos and sharing them with us.

[@angellynette8258]

I’m so glad your videos came up on my page. Love them.

[@kevincoolest4321]

Was supposed to do my first thru hike this summer in the PCT, but probably will not. Hopefully we can all still get out there this year and hike some. My soul needs it.

[@georges3242]

I enjoyed the the video. I hike a little on the Lone Star Trail but never tried any long distance. I note that you only use one pole. I normally only use one pole for creek crossings and balance on uneven terrain. Two poles only for a heavy pack.

[@Esteban3g]

This is awesome, I love their story and what they have done! Great video Darwin!

[@tomlamiam]

What an awesome story. Thanks Darwin for capturing + sharing.

[@suburbanhiker5975]

ANOTHER great upload from you! Always a pleasure to watch your stuff.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thank You Sir! 🤙

[@suburbanhiker5975]

@@DarwinOnthetrail To be sure, you are doing the work. We're just enjoying it... THANK YOU!

[@dcba3210]

Am I the 1st person to watch this video again? Wow! Watching all the way from Himalayas(Everest region). Thank you for inspiring me to upload more videos from Himalayas. Keep up the great work. Much Love all of you ❤🙏

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

NICE!

[@jasonmears4393]

Cool video Darwin. I hope you get to finish your section hike of the A.T. real soon. Really enjoyed your videos. Keep up the great work.

[@aggyMI]

Thanks for still putting these videos out, it's much appreciated 👍🏽👊🏽🙏🏽

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

You always produce enjoyable and informative videos Darwin. Thanks

[@BlueRidgeHiking]

Really like the reflection mixed in with the new video. I also like how you brought in your friends from the hostel. They seam like awesome people.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks! Wanted to branch out on how I make trail videos 🤙

[@BlueRidgeHiking]

@@DarwinOnthetrail well you did a good job at it!!! Do you edit by yourself or do you have help? I think it would have taken some time and thought to piece it together like that.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

One Man Show!

[@BlueRidgeHiking]

@@DarwinOnthetrail That's impressive!! Especially with all the content you put out. You do a really good job at it.

[@trailtrashoutdoors8173]

The AT is by far our favorite place...from the views to the memories that place holds so much for us. Hope you enjoyed your hike!

[@eckythump8318]

G’day mate, I would like to say a big thanks to you, for the content you have been sending out, during this event. It’s a great distraction to come home and escape, from seeing people at their worst, to be able to sit with a beer and be entertained with your videos. Keep up the good work mate. To you and your family, stay safe and hug each other often.

[@skipandcherieadventures116]

Your slowing down with reflections and memories of the AT are among the very best videos you have done!

[@ianbritton7534]

My Thursday night, doing the recycling and watching Darwin on the trail.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

That sounds eventful 😂

[@trytheoutdoors]

Thank you. A beautiful vibe.

[@steveh994]

Thanks for the update on the garage sale. Please keep us updated.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Absolutely love the stories you shared 😍 Amazing video, brother

[@matthewdalsanto5735]

Reminded me of when we used to have lunches as kids in the old fire tower in our local State Park. Thanks for sharing. Keep on keepin' on dude!

[@ryegibs]

The AT is such a magical trail. To be honest, I've only section hiked a portion of it on the long trail conjunction, and some of the Shenandoah area. That alone has been enough to spark a desire to walk the whole trail! I hope you can pick up right where you left off Darwin!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

It really is a Magical Place. I felt it in 2015 & again this year. It never really goes away ❤️

[@kodywoodward3172]

I love the style of these new videos! Thanks for the content.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

If you liked these videos, chances are you would like the Film I made last year... Thanks for the Support

[@Mr.PetePrice]

Very Cool! I've never thru-hiked, but I've been section hiking since 2005. Some sections muuuuuch longer than others. LOL The first couple of sections I ever did just happened to be sections during a time of year, time of the week that were non inclusive of thru-hikers. I can remember going a couple of days and not seeing people. Because of that, it made the AT seem like such a faraway place which made me feel right at home. I'll always remember seeing parts the AT for the first time and saying to myself "This is not something that can be downloaded, or shared with pictures. You can only experience it by earning it." Kind of a prideful thought I suppose. Like most of us, can't wait till we get the all-clear to go out again. I can only imagine how thick and full of wildlife the AT must be right now.

[@tucsonwilly]

Yea!!! Something to watch. I want to be out there now! Safe travels

[@geneo3654]

I would definitely say the music fits your feelings , sad but appropriate .

[@jasonpettit9984]

Very beautiful Darwin,thanks for sharing this with us

[@briar35981]

Great production sir. Always enjoy your content. Thanks for your work and inspiration

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks Kevin!

[@erichighsmith7299]

Just a few minutes into your video... hiking alone. Welcome to my life on the PCT 2020. I hike nearly everyday, al day completely alone.

[@FrozensAdventures]

Finally having some time to catch up on my favorites. Man you give me inspiration to get better at my filming style. Nice reliving a part of the AT, shame you had to go back home due to COVID

[@juliefrechette7562]

Love your videos of your anniversary hike. They are very touching ☺

[@HM-gk3rq]

Loving this series... very calm mood. Felt the commercial in the middle was jarring tho. Totally get that it’s your job. Don’t mind watching ads at beginning and end but find the ones in the middle disrupt the flow.

[@rimonagale1625]

Beautifully made video. Interesting too.

[@gil3272]

Hi Darwin. I really enjoy your new edition/story telling approach and skills. It's definitely good to see a bit less your face (even if we like it :-) ) and more of the scenery and the other people. Makes it more complete and representative of the experience. Maybe a bit more shots at camp ? The moments with off-voice work great by the way. The live Q&A with guests is great ! Super cool how you participate building this strong community. Thanks for your work and passion.

[@chrishyde7798]

Great video, Darwin! Thank you.

[@WanderingMonkHikes]

Darwin, I have to say it’s good for my spirit to see you breathing hard on those climbs. In my mind, you’re like this tireless horse that blazes across the trail. It’s a little intimidating. 😆 All the best, Wandering Monk ✌️

[@villafoo]

This was so relaxing to watch and listen to. Keep on hiking my friend 🙂

[@KnivesM]

Super sweet video, Darwin! Keep it comin!

[@james24799700]

Brilliant, I love your channel man.... inspired me to hike again, change my mental health outlook. Great content. Many thanks for all you hard work and effort....

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks for the support James!

[@outdoorswithmagnum]

Well done video good sir!! Well done!! Well done!!! :) A great friday night watch!

[@gringo3009]

Great couple, great friends you have there!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Yeah. Their not too shabby 😉

[@trailgoodsco]

Man it's been good to see you out there even if it got cut short brother.

[@littlethislittlethat456]

Hi, I enjoyed this. I so much want to stay with Chica and Sunsets. I have it planned but I'm waiting for the trail to open back up. I delayed 60 days and now have plans to start 5/24/20. I'm still hoping. My biggest fear is how a 2020 thru-hiker will be viewed in the future. Will they be outcasts, outlaws, accepted, not accepted, dissed on, held up high? These are my concerns. John from MI

[@varmooo]

If they start sports at the end of May I don't see any reason why you can't start again. You don't need to worry about your rep because you came off the trail and stopped as instructed.

[@mathiaswagner7003]

Inspiring! This video makes me wanna hike!!

[@edfarthing]

Love your video - and YES it is a huge climb up Albert Mountain :). I'm in NC and love the AT from GA to VA :). NC and TN have some amazing sections!!! Love Franklin, NOC and Robbisnville south of The Smokies and Hot Springs is one of my favorite places ever :)

[@Shaky_Hands_Powderworks]

Great video as always. Background guitar music deserves its own shout out.

[@youngheart1065]

This is Awesome! You damm near had me weeping!

[@anthonysmith7280]

your stuff is awesome Darwin, thanks for sharing. keep on hammering brother -

[@DamonSeriously]

Such a shame that you had to get off the trail! The first 3 videos were great, more ‘mature’ than your previous ones (if I might say so). Looking forward to see you back out there. Stay stafe!

[@Caveman_OS_Hiking]

How many extra miles do you think you hike setting up the camera to walk past it and then going back to get it? Thanks for putting in the extra steps, love your videos.

[@robbyirwin4846]

dude I'm so happy that your out there cause with everything going on , I'd give anything to be!! hope you have an excellent hike!! and hope for more video content, stay safe 🤙

[@shananigans_outside]

Will you pick up where you left the trail? After this pandemic

[@MichalOlender]

I've always wondered, since I'm a lone wolf type of person/walker, would I enjoy AT or other trails with a lot of people? For me it's a way to get away form people and civilization, a meditation and free therapy, I guess I'd have to try it some day.

[@udmbfckx2916]

Eerie, Foggy, Cloudy, Drab & Gloomy Atmosphere you were hiking in....maybe it's a sign of the times. Regardless, you were enjoying it still.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Sign of the Times? Nope... That's just every day in GA & NC on the AT 😂

[@driftwood4458]

We are curious folks Darwin. Can you share more about Snuggles? What she does while you’re hiking, interests and such. Does she meet you at supply points? My wife and I are opposites and it has worked for nearly 50 years of marriage. I long distance hike, long distance bicycle tour, and kayak. She is into literature, arts, speaks French and is just smarter than me.

[@WannabeAlpinist]

Darwin, your videos have inspired me man! I have started filming and am so excited to share my future content with KZbin! Keep it up brother!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Excellent! Can't wait to see what you create! 🤙

[@WannabeAlpinist]

@@DarwinOnthetrail Thanks brother! I do mostly mountaineering/ice climbing videos at the moment!

[@Wraith35]

Beautiful video Darwin!

[@terrydebord7878]

The Parking lots are all closed , I was at Springer mt. on Monday and had to park on the side of the road.

[@blazbasic6694]

I really like the music in the video. What is it?

[@phredqwatson]

Nicely done Darwin

[@lenoredisman3192]

I see u carrying your camera on your shoulder backpack, how safe is that and what device r u using?

[@MarkGoesHiking]

Love the pace of this video. Were you hiking slower than normal!l? Love the flash back pics and discussion. Can’t wait to see more of your trail vids.

[@MiaMeezy]

Loved the Q and A. This is so surreal for you I'm sure!

[@robertbarnes6047]

I still catching up on videos. Will you be getting back on the trail??

[@markscott4059]

How are liking the new canon camera? Video quality looks fantastic...

[@joshsoutdooradventures2071]

Nice! Film the triple crown!!! That's my favorite section!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Didn't get that far this year 😕

[@joshsoutdooradventures2071]

It's ok! Maybe next year! I was gonna do the Standing Indian loop trail we ended up going to the Linville Gorge. Maybe this summer I will make it.

[@PearlyJarrett]

Are you planning on hiking the Colorado trail if things open up?

[@ethanlanglot9006]

What do you think of the gossamer gear G4-20?

[@ethanlanglot9006]

Only 126!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

🤷‍♂️

[@Bushmanschool]

Another great video bro. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks Brother!

[@andymci3246]

darwin this film has such a good flow

[@underdogontheappalachiantr9646]

Chica n Sunsets place looks amazing..two great people I hope to cross paths with..

[@Mike-fp1kp]

The folks from the hostel mentioned the Camino. Have you ever thought of doing the Camino de Santiago? It seems magnificent. Anyway, these have been the best videos you've ever done. Keep up the amazing work!

[@DudleyDoRightontheAT-thruhike]

Great video. Brings back great memories. How far did you get before Covid-19 knocked you off?

[@mathews0618]

Do you ever feel sad that you can’t have your first thru hike experience again?

[@ThiknChewy]

Honestly, I'm just sad that I can't keep going 🥺. Self explanatory.

[@paulfinneran4244]

It's bittersweet