Day 148 - Finishing Up (& the AT Yeets Peggy)

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[@swilliams2575]

Awesome finish! Thanks for including us in your travels. The geology lessons were a first in my years of watching thru hikers, and were very informative. Thank you. Enjoy retirement!

[@KrizAkoni]

What a wonderful way to conclude the hike…beautiful. ❤🥰

[@OBloveslife]

Why am I not surprised you carried a Coleman stove up to the firetower. And when you did that you had not intended to propose. Happy 13 years coming up Peggy and Dave Congratulations Dave on completing the trail. I hope your body is doing well. Look forward to hearing your thoughts about how you did the trail and what you might do differently. I love the NC sections of AT. Nice having them close by.

[@randywineke5416]

What a great way to end a thur hike. Nice touch. Wonderful AT hike. Thanks for sharing. Peace be with you. STAY SAFE and HIKE ON!!!

[@MrTitanTopper]

OFFICIALLY official now…CONGRATS!! What a terrific reason to save the BEST for LAST! 👏🏻 Thanks again for sharing your inspirational journey!!

[@semsem8290]

Great video and last hike day with your wife. Looking forward to any upcoming summaries, gear videos. Will go back and watch your entire hike with your insights, impressions. Tks.

[@mburke49]

So good to see you and Peggy. Fantastic conclusion to your 2024 AT thru hike. I smiled through the entire video. All the best to you and the family.

[@rcpinzonjr]

Congratulations on your completion of the AT! I have followed you since the beginning and was interested in every step of your journey. From your insight on geology, history of several areas, the photographs, train magic, trail angels and finally including your family and friends in the videos, it was amazing to see this journey through to the end. With the knowledge I have gained from you and others, I hope to attempt the same journey (maybe SOBO)in the very near future. Thanks again! Wishing you and yours the very best life has to offer! Live the dash!!

[@5StackHikes]

@@rcpinzonjr thanks you! Good luck with all of your future hiking endeavors.

[@pm5574]

Congratulations 🎉 Great job and Happy Anniversary❣️👏🏻😍🙌🏻 7-11 is my great niece’s birthday! I was just talking about you at the stairs (where I do my hiking 🥾🎒🌄🏕️training). Telling how I met you on my 1st day/spring section hike😄 “Hope” to watch more of your videos in the near future.❤

[@natalieseitz9543]

I truly believe that those who have a small section that they skipped or missed left to complete post thruhike do better with post trail depression. It’s a way to get closure, to adjust to the finality of the thru being done,and also a way to say ‘Good bye’ to an experience of a lifetime.

[@rockwren]

Grand conclusion to a Grand Adventure. Thanks for taking me along!!!

[@cathyparker6980]

So wonderful to see you. This vlog just made my day. I’ve missed your AT travels. Awesome you and Peggy could finish these 8 miles together especially with the sentimental history you have there. ❤ Please include us on any future journeys. God Bless You and Yours David. Thank you again for sharing your adventure with us. 🤗

[@5StackHikes]

Thanks! I appreciate all of your words of encouragement all along the way.

[@Aliceoberdorf]

Enjoyed your whole journey so much. This was a sweet ending for you and your wife. Thanks for sharing.

[@bradhassler1]

I really enjoyed following along. Happy belated anniversary !!!

[@bluegrassbodhisattva9839]

It was great seeing you today at Outdoor 76! Again, Congratulations on completing the Entire AT! Love this section cause it’s the first time I was on the AT and I can see Telico Gap from my deck now.

[@5StackHikes]

@bluegrassbodhisattva9839 It was good to meet you today. I will definitely see you again during a trail maintenance day.

[@ewokinthewoods]

Awe ❤ you sentimental you! Great story and way to finish the trail!

[@GeraldTurner-rz2pz]

Congratulations 5 Stack on your AT Thru-Hike. I watched all of your videos from the beginning. They were very interesting, and I learned a lot of geology and thank you for that. When I finished my AT thru hike in 2008, I was 62, and missed the trail and community very much. I have gone back to hike favorite sections of it many times. I am hoping I can do another thru hike next year. I'll be 78 and I have kept in good physical and mental condition so I can do it. My wife, kids, and grandkids support the idea. If I can pull it off, I plan to video and post the entire hike because most of my friends, and family have never been on the trail, and they will want to watch them. Thank you again, Kanati AT 08.

[@5StackHikes]

Awesome....hope you are able to return to the trail next year. Let me know if I can be of service. I plan to do some trail magic in the NC/GA line to the Fontana Dam area. My email is [e-mail]

[@GeraldTurner-rz2pz]

@@5StackHikes Thank you 5 Stack. As the time approaches, early February, I may very will reach out to you for some advice on the videoing side of things. I want to make it as interesting for the viewers, while taking care not to bore anyone. Thanks again.

[@quietjohnoutandabout6578]

Good to hear from you again. Wonderful loving way to end your AT hike. You are the man. Have a great retirement.

[@rkatufus]

What a lovely reason of why you wanted to finish your AT hike on that section. Thank you so much for sharing your hike.

[@wildeone1636]

I cannot believe you carried a double burner Coleman stove. That's love right there💕

[@jinxhikes3021]

I was so happy to see a new video pop up from you! Been waiting for the final chapter. :) When my friend and I hiked the southern end of the trail, we also skipped from Winding Stair Gap to the NOC. I'm pretty sure we will hike it sobo because when there's a 'sketchy' area, I prefer going up over going down to avoid sliding. Also, seeing Peggy slide off the side was just like watching my friend slide off the edge of the trail in the Smokies and go rolling down the mountain yelling, "I'm okay!" the whole time she went. Glad Peggy was fine! :)

[@5StackHikes]

Let us know when you guys are down this way. I enjoyed your PA Dutch chicken & waffles & would love to return the magic by helping with logistics etc.

[@jinxhikes3021]

@@5StackHikes Thanks so much! It will probably be sometime in 2025. This year's hikes will be me finishing Vermont and the two of us finishing Virginia this fall.

[@wingspread7869]

Peggy: "Best question ever." Perfect.

[@arionisonlineleeirlhookert3757]

Congrats on the completion of your thru-hike and anniversary!

[@jarnaginbaird]

🎉 Congratulations! I thoroughly enjoyed watching your journey. Your videos will be a reference for me if I ever thru hike the trail. I will also forever be using your rockiness scale. 😂 Enjoy your retirement!

[@MarshaWhite-s7s]

What a thrill, another video from 5-Stack!! I was experiencing withdrawal!!! I remain so proud of you and your accomplishment !! Please stay in touch and post when you can!! You are family, at least very dear friends!! Marsha

[@21Diddley]

That was beautifully romantic. Thank you so much for all of your AT videos. I've loved them.

[@vickietyer1611]

Thanks so much for taking me along on your hike!

[@melshea2276]

Congratulations on your epic journey! 😊Bacon Wrap

[@beckyleheny8636]

Congratulations on finishing the thru-hike. What a wonderful sentimental journey to celebrate the anniversary of your proposal! You had such a beautiful day! I wish you many more anniversary to come! We celebrate our 50th next month. Time sure goes quickly!

[@5StackHikes]

Thank you, & thanks for your support. Happy 50th!!

[@timbricker5493]

Finally someone else remembers the Group W bench reference...

[@Chrystalmiller1]

Great finish 🎉, we've missed you.

[@MikeyD-mo9qz]

Enjoyed watching your adventure. You made it look easy.

[@wandahale8118]

I don’t know if I remembered you needed extra miles to complete your journey. Congratulations on really completing your thru hike. A lot better day than that icy day you was to go through. So, how has post thru hike been treating you? Good to see you again. What a finish and on such a special, meaningful day. Congratulations.

[@5StackHikes]

@@wandahale8118 post trail coffee has been waaay better. I'm still working out what I'm going to do when I grow up.😃

[@dennisk905]

Congratulations. What a way to finish

[@bethhelfrich1227]

And she said yes!! What a wonderful way to celebrate and complete your journey! Congratulations...may you have many, many fantastic adventures together in the future!

[@DandyLight]

Excellent video of your Day 148. Big smile from me when Peggy said, "That's a wrap, people!" You did it, 5 stack, and 🎵you did it your way! Congratulations on the completion of your 2024 AT through hike...yes, 2024 was "the year" and you and Peggy finished it in style with a wonderful Happy Ending on a very appropriate meaningful day. My best wishes to you both and May God Bless your marriage with many delightful years and splendid adventures. I think hiking Slovenia's Julian Alps would be an awesome adventure for you two to start planning! I'm thankful the yeet episode with Peggy resulted in no injury....speaking of yeets....What is the difference between a sweet potato fresh out of the oven and a pig thrown off a balcony? One is a heated yam and the other is a yeeted ham!🙂 (Yes, that was a bad one. Did you know there is a Hall of Fame of Bad Jokes?) A mushroom walks into the Hall of Fame of Bad Jokes and says, "I'd like to submit a joke." The receptionist looks at him and says, "Listen, buddy, we have so many bad jokes here that I'm not sure we can squeeze yours in. It has to be exceptionally bad, let me hear it." The mushroom says, "So, a mushroom goes on a date with this girl and she says 'tell me about yourself' and he says 'well, I'm a fungi'. The receptionist says, "Yes, that joke is bad and overused, and it's just not gonna cut it, we can't put it in, we don't have mushroom." 🙂

[@5StackHikes]

Yeeted ham...love it!

[@gboltonatrail1099]

Congratulations 5 Stacks! Great way to finish your Thru Hike with even greater meaning! The back story and anniversary was cool, especially when we truly understand the sacrifices of our Significant others and how they become some an important part of our success on the Trail! Ease into the pace of life slowly (Like you are), and work to stay present in the everyday moments provided off trail!

[@DaveJosephs-k8e]

That's a nice touch to finish up at a special spot for you and Peggy! And that is a very nice section of trail: high elevation with great views of endless rugged mountains. May you hike with the sun at your back and a cool breeze in your face.

[@theresagreeley9761]

Happy Anniversary 🎉 perfect video!! Beautiful view. Thanks so much for sharing this with us. We all miss your videos. Stay safe 🏔️

[@mink5]

Loved the Group W Bench comment!!

[@tammyinman2335]

I really enjoyed watching your videos of your journey! Congratulations on the completion of your thur hike! You made it look easy, but we all know it wasn't! 😉

[@itguy11]

Love this! Good job Dave! Glad it was a nice day for you. Take care.

[@suehancock5573]

I was so glad to see you back on trail! 😊 Congratulations on finishing up today! Yaaaaa! You did a great job with your hike! Thanks for sharing the views, the flowers, and of course Peggy! What a wonderful memory for the both of you! 👍 Take care, God Bless, & Hike on!! ❤️🙏👍🇺🇸🥾🧗‍♀️🏕️

[@greggorsag9787]

Nice, peaceful end to a grand adventure. Had a little of the vibe of Sam at the end of Lord of the Rings: “Well, I’m back.” 🙂

[@marilynjohnson1782]

Big congratulations! I loved watching your hike and Peggy visiting you was the cherry on top. ❤

[@Hikearino]

Loved following your journey this year. Good mix of knowledge, humor and virtual companionship. Cheers to completing your thru hike. Go get a chocolate chip cookie - homemade of course.

[@5StackHikes]

Thanks! I will definitely get that cookie.

[@intotopei]

Great story! Congratulations!

[@patriciabarnhart1886]

A 2nd congratulations, sir, and meaningful finish👏❤️👏

[@martinthurlwell]

Julian Alps are awesome … you must go 🎉

[@Hikealittle65]

5 stack I'll miss your vids been watching since the begining .I was worried about you when you fell and hit your head on that shake down hike. Riding that bike back and forth to work really helped out. You did great we'll miss your daily vid .Hike on my friend😊😊

[@smidgen65]

Congratulations. A very touching finish.

[@christinetaylor4860]

Congratulations I'm so happy for you both.❤

[@donnalogan7386]

Sooo enjoyed your journey 😊 Signage 07

[@dannythecamper4186]

Good video with lots of good views, so let's keep on hiking 😊

[@jessejulian3875]

Enjoyed this video as with all your others. Viewed your entire journey. Really great. Have missed your videos. Great job. Thanks.

[@mtadams2009]

Now you are officially done. Congratulations you did an amazing job. Take care

[@sulj3373]

I forgot about your skipping until you showed the fall! I got behind on your later part of the hike. Glad Peggy didn’t fall too far. Looking forward to your future videos and gear review and what you would do differently. Wander Women Kristy and Annette did great videos on KZbin about their hiking Slovenian so check it out. 😊❤

[@5StackHikes]

Thanks, I will check out the Slovenia videos.

[@flowerpower1980]

First of all….congratulations!!!! Loved your journey, your humor and the way that NH and ME totally elevated your game. Would love to know your thoughts on the bug net jacket you had and if you ended up liking it?

[@5StackHikes]

I'm a bit undecided about the bug jacket. It definitely worked (it was treated), but even a light covering made it hotter. It was nice to have at camp at the end of the day. Most of the time, I got by with just bug spray. I also used a head net, but just a few times. I gave the head net to a south bounder during the last week. He seemed to be struggling with the bugs. Bugs were bad at times, but maybe not as bad as during other wetter years when I might have used the jacket more.

[@deborahfoster2850]

I have really enjoyed your hike. Congratulations

[@marciemann6810]

Group W Bench! love it

[@lindatipton413]

❤❤❤❤❤ I miss you hikin!!

[@schmitzcj]

Congratulations! What a great way to end the hike, and congrats on 13 years! As far as future content, any thoughts on other hikes?

[@5StackHikes]

No plans for any long thru hikes where I set out on my own. Peggy & I are looking at options for hut to hut, or village to village hiking, maybe this fall for a couple of weeks.

[@keithstewart2639]

Thanks. Congratulations That was cool saving that part of trail to finish . To kinda do the day your ask her to marry you

[@stevendavis6556]

Awesome way to finish your last section to complete your Thru hike. Do you have a recommendation on how to find a shuttle driver for different sections??? Hope to see you at a future trail days in Damascus.

[@5StackHikes]

@stevendavis6556 I usually look on the Farout app. Often in the comments for road crossings, there is shuttle driver info.

[@stevendavis6556]

@@5StackHikes Awesome...thanks for that info.

[@MaineUSA]

Congratulations

[@hope2someday691]

Hope 2 see more of you soon. Be careful with miss Peggy. She seems a little distant in this video. Maybe it’s the bright lights or??? Just an observation not meaning anything negative just hoping for the best.

[@gregharmon3797]

Great to see you Stacks, miss your humor

[@bettymerriman3422]

And the circle is compl!

[@bethhelfrich1227]

Final review of best chocolate chip cookie on trail?? Maybe a future vlog?

[@5StackHikes]

Well, I'm going to need more samples to help me make this decision. It could be a years-long process.

[@bethhelfrich1227]

@@5StackHikes I think I like your careful and deliberate research style... I will wait for the results.🍪

[@gregharmon3797]

Hey Stacks, how much hiking/backpacking did you do before you started the trail?

[@5StackHikes]

Since 2016, I have gone on backbacking trips usually for a week in the spring and another week in the fall. I have a local trail I go to fairly often for short day hikes.

[@darrengarlough5121]

Congratulations 5 stack. Probably won’t talk to you again, I feel like I got to know you even if it was just through utube.

[@5StackHikes]

Thank you!

[@johnparis9960]

Awesome to see more content from you. Thanks again for sharing.