Episode 2: My Worst Night In A Tent Ever

[@sylvanbonin49]

I've NEVER SUBSCRIBED to a KZbin channel before but I just did because this is wonderful. There aren't a lot of women making hiking channels anyways, and WOMEN SOLO LONG-DISTANCE is virtually mythical. I get the most amazed comments from other women when I'm out on the trail. I've been trying to encourage women I know to go solo. It's so empowering! I have literally NEVER encountered another woman by herself (here in Washington state) who was out for more than a single overnight. Day hikers and trail runners mostly. I love that you do this. Thank you.

[@nicolemayer1671]

That's so cool your bf isn't a hiker. Awesome to see folks from different roads of life introducing each other to different avenues :) Wish ya'll every happiness!

[@robopecha]

i was thinking the same thing! and also its cool to have a newbie perspective in the videos from time to time.

[@seanbrando_7456]

I have tears in my eyes....I just lost my trail buddy/best friend. His name was Kratoes and he was a 90 pound American bull-dog. He passed December 10th and I have never felt so alone in my life. He even slept on my bed more than half the time. No matter where we were, he stayed at my feet or kinda cuddled my knee until I woke up. He would paw me awake if I had bad dreams or if someone came to close he would low growl and paw. He was born in Feb. 2010 and died Dec. 10th 2020. Bone cancer. I have been so heartbroken that I haven't known where to start with another pooch--but thank you for this video. I know that there is a dog out there that needs my love and I need to find him/her. Thank's for the video Dixie. You really are a special gal--and your boyfriend is one lucky dude. Thank's for letting us meet him.

[@RodMurray]

Having lost my dog this year, who had to be euthanized due to cancer, taking in your adventure with a new dog is very therapeutic. I also watched your News video so no doubt, being with another dog after losing yours too, is a step along the way to restoring yourself. I couldn’t imagine that losing a dog would be so hard. It came between the passing of both my elderly parents this year. Getting outside though, works wonders on the soul, no matter what our loss may be. Keep hiking and helping others to find peace. Thanks!

[@stevesdaysoff2759]

Hello Dixie. The Stratospire Li is a good tent but you need to use the Easton pegs on the tension corners to get the best performance from the tent. The thin titanium pegs as you found out aren't stable enough to hold the tension. Really enjoyed watching. Love this channel. Atb Steve 👍

[@Live_Free_or_Die_a_KSU_Wildcat]

Have spent a few miserable nights camping in storms, mostly with Boy Scouts who often, let's say, have varying skill levels in ensuring a staked-in tent will get through a storm. One night in central Texas, we had a long and nasty T-Storm and in one case, a scout's tent collapsed. The Scout just didn't care so slept with the collapsed tent on top of him all night. Soaked... The same night another had a similar case to yours where the rain was coming off the fly and draining into the tub. When he woke up at about 2 in the morning there was about 4 inches of water in the tent. You can imagine the aftermath. Luckily it was warm enough that they weren't soaked and cold. Growth opportunities and memorable nights!

[@heathercoffman6945]

My house is quiet right now. I was all in on the hike with you. When Fancy was watching the distance and you said "treats" my dog barked and scared the heck out of me.

[@janetpattison8474]

Tooo funny! Thanks for sharing

[@georgeredbranch652]

True love, when one can laugh at their partners discomfort (head v.s. tree) . I really took to heart when you were talking with the lone hiker. "Have babies not been born, or couples met that will be married?" during the pandemic.? I have not thought about this year in that way. Thank you for keeping it real. Love from Tasmania.

[@jackvoss5841]

For Fancy’s wound, and yours too of course, I always carry neosporin when camping. Every day, every where - I carry a little, plastic case for contact lenses. In one side container is neosporin. On the other side is Bag Balm. Not large enough to really be a first aid kit, I call it a half aid kit. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying

[@johngrossbohlin7582]

I found that tying the tent line to the mid-point of a 18"-24"+ stick, laying the stick flat on the ground perpendicular to the line, and then piling rocks on top of the stick works pretty well in rocky areas. The more wind the longer the stick and the more rocks... Conceptually it's similar to using dead man anchors to pitch tents in snow or sandy areas.

[@beckyjay8073]

Thanks for the tip

[@jeffccr3620]

I was thinking the same thing John.

[@arthurrsaker8893]

You have good adaptive thinking skills buddy. A great strategy to keep in mind for the inevitable difficult pitch we will all face sooner or later. Thanx for sharing that valuable nugget

[@AlpacaMade]

Of all the episodes I've hopped, skipped and jumped through on your channel; hiking dog hits right on the sternum strap. Hoping to find and train hiking dog #2, having lost the Shepherd a little over a year ago right at the point where I could trust her off leash and recall was proofed. Thank you and your boyfriend for bringing Miss Fancy Mae out on this hike; made me smile😉👍🥾

[@alexs1243]

Love the video. Just a few small tips on puppy biz. 1. Do not attach a lead to the harness itself, that just creates incentive for them to pull. That creates agitation of the skin by itself. Especially a long line.just hook up to the collar. 2.to avoid hotspots like your pup had, it’s best to fit the harness as tight as you can make it fit and then take a notch down to loosen it to a point a finger can fit in the webbing. And ofc like with people, distribute the weight properly so the rig doesn’t flap about on her, if this one doesn’t give you the option to, just get a modular one. Don’t mean to come off condescending so sorry if I did, just sharing the info cause this stuff is my bread and butter. I learned the hard way now others don’t have to 😂 Holler at me if you need dog gear advice.

[@toneyjohnson8910]

I was glad you shared this part of your hike as it show's that even though you are hiking real life crops up from time to time. As a police officer I'm glad he treated you well. When you started taking your rain pants off I would have loved to have seen the officers face. I just ordered a map of the trail to start planning my trip. Can't wait for your next video.

[@sherpajeff]

18:00 the reason I prefer a free standing tent. Your determination on all your hikes is inspiring.

[@StarsAndSolitude]

It would be nice to see a video on how to plan a backpacking trip for newbies like your boyfriend because of the mismatch in experience. Thanks for showing the battle with the wind and rain. Even though I have over 500 miles under my belt, I still struggle in that type of weather and wonder if it's because I'm doing something wrong. Seeing this was reassuring.

[@scottChapman25]

@3:00 is one of my favorite places to camp! Nothing like the over look watching a sunrise with some coffee.

[@jctedsap]

I have a suggestion for tent spikes I just learned about from another site. Get some of the aluminum nails used to attach rain gutters. I am 60 and you keep inspiring me to get back into hiking. My last time with a backpack I was in the Boy Scouts. Hiked some after that but never with a backpack. Now I own several backpacks and just need to get to it.

[@Sailorlimabean20]

Tell me I am not the only one who thinks this was the best editing of any HW videos? I love every video and have been following since PCT, but this was just incredible. Good music choices, good cuts and screen choices. Fantastic!

[@jerrybailey6584]

Hate that so many trees are down. I have never seen as many trees down across central Alabama. Thanks for all the videos.

[@SuperMickeyr]

So happy to see Marty and Fancy Mae hiking with you. Marty got a few ‘firsts’ - overnight, hiking in the rain and night hiking. You can sure tell Fancy loves Marty. So sweet! Love your videos so much! Glad your Dad is better.

[@jimmyjenkins9240]

That’s awesome that Marty and Fancy Mae came out for a while! Fancy Mae is the spitting image of our dog, Lexi. Lexi is a rescue and the vet says mostly black lab, border collie. Smart, loving, stubborn. Beautiful fall colors on that trail!

[@geraldwald3473]

My favorite section of the Pinhoti, a rugged climb up to Cheaha SP. A little bit past this this area I ran into acorns so thick it was like being on ball bearings! You've given yourselves one great story to share with this trip.

[@codymcgee6999]

enjoying the footage of the pinhoti trail. looks like some tough country in areas. it was cool how you met the old man at the overlook, i love meeting people on the trail. Nice to meet your BF and see Fancy out there having fun. now lets see how long you use that tent.... stay safe on the rest of your journey. cant wait for the next one.

[@memathews]

That Tarptent looked pretty sweet. I carry three or for grocery store plastic bags, the kind with the built-in handles, and they are great for tying to a tent loop and either filling with small rocks or sand, or underneath a big rock or rock stack. The bags are super lightweight, free, and useful for many needs.

[@stog9821]

I’ve never been to Alabama and so know little about the state, but I imagined it being low lying, swampy and maybe some cotton fields. I did not expect this. The scenery is beautiful and looks well worth a visit. Live and learn.

[@joshuafindley791]

Gotta love all those blow-down, trail-break Alabama pine trees! I'll be honest, I got tickled watching you climb over all those trees and i can do that because I'm a fellow yella hammer and I've been there! I'm planning to do a thru on the pinhoti next year so thanks for the great info!

[@flysubcompact]

I call that part "Rock Hell" and "Stairway to Heflin". Good you got to see it misty up there. Did the adjoining Odum Scout trail on a misty morning once. The rocks almost glow and it feels other worldly in the mist.

[@jameshiggins-thomas9617]

The offset poles (of the stratosphire) does mess with your mind! I will say another thing to watch for is if you have uneven ground, the inner net tent will want to slide into the side of the shell. There are adjustments, but it's something to watch for in this model. I will say, though, that I had to set up in a thunderstorm and, when done, the interior was completely dry. Which was a very nice feature.

[@kattywampus3]

We just finished this section yesterday. I must say it was tough. It dampened our spirits a little bit but I am determined to go back and finish the other sections of this trail. Thank you for the videos you put out. I love watching them.

[@lydiaandnick]

This was so immersive! Cinematography was beautiful and you really have a keen eye.

[@mattdrums8341]

Carry line with you, there were trees all around you. Can't blame tent on choice of camp site or lack of pitching options. I camped in shingle with my stratospire li, carried wider pegs and put rocks on top of pegs not on top of the tent triangular straps on the corners where the mini triangular poles are. The pegs supplied with the li need a couple of back up options. 👍

[@rebeccaj5252]

Fancy seems to thrive on these adventures and it is so awesome to take the time to do these with her, it can only be for the good. Like any of us, she wants her cuddles and warmth...so sweet and sorry for MarDee's head, that sucks

[@robertfrost5020]

Securing tent pegs/guys. You can use the bag you put the tent in - fill it will rocks or even soil/sand and tie it to the guy rope. You can do this with anything even a t-shirt - if you tie one end in a knot and tie the guy rope to the other end.

[@forestplanemountain]

I think this may just be my favorite video of yours that I’ve watched so far

[@Chris_Martin707]

One good thing about the 2020 pandemic lock down. It allowed me to discover your channel, binge your videos, and now watch the videos as they are posted. This is another great one!

[@alangauld6079]

me too. a great find :-)

[@lindaselover2536]

I am watching your video, listening to the rain on the tent, and now, finally, we have rain hitting the roof, here in Northern California. This storm might be the signal that fire season is over. I will have to see if the ground got a good soaking under the trees. Good to see Fancy enjoying the trail. She is so cute in her sleeping bag. Sorry that you had so much trouble with your tents that night. Happy Trails.

[@letsramblewithrebecca7071]

Thanks for the Stratospire Li reviews and subsequent updates. I’m adding this tent to my list! 🥰

[@SCSlimBoiseID]

Wow. All you needed was a few shaky, breathless scenes of running through the woods, a bouncing flashlight spot wildly scanning across the ground, a few deep growling sounds, Fancy Mae frantically barking, Dixie screaming "Oh, my God - what IS that!!", and VOILA! Instant found-footage horror film, ala Blair Witch. Pretty cool. 25:35 If you were standing at that elevation in my neighborhood, you'd be 400 feet under ground. Pretty sure it's not snowing down there, but there IS a water table within that depth. You really have an eye for setting up a nature scene - quite breath-taking, much of it. Stay safe out there. Happy Trails.

[@Pack.Leader]

The patience of Job. I would have been defeated, dejected and weeping into my soggy pillow.

[@iviewthetube]

You reminded me why I like free standing tents.

[@markmoore5380]

Maybe a hammock.

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Good point-trade offs!

[@brianlukethomas]

@@markmoore5380 Yep, whenever I see uneven ground or rocks everywhere, I think, thank God I'm sleeping in a hammock tonight.

[@DG-ss1gc]

@@brianlukethomas ya well I’ve also been places with tons of flat ground and nowhere to hang my hammock (nowhere good at least, had to get creative)

[@danielkutcher5704]

Few poles (or none) require more stakes and extra line to tie off to rocks, roots, tent platforms, etc. Freestanding tents still need stakes in windy or heavy snow. Without using them in such conditions, you risk the poles being overstressed when the walls get pushed in, and breaking, and dome type tents don't work well without poles. I hammock or use a four season, single poled aerodynamically designed tent (Hilleberg Akto).

[@therealmichaellong]

Love my tarptent,9 inch Easton's are my peg of choice for all my tents all year round. Hopefully I will be thru hiking the A.T in Feb 2022.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@shegone911]

Thank you sweet lady for continuing to post. I have watched your channel since your first video. You don't know what it means to be able to escape today's realities by just tuning out and tuning in to your adventures. Thanks again!

[@stephenmcconnell7868]

This trail is about an hour from where I live. I may try this for my first overnight trip. Just getting into camping. Your VLog has provided me with so many ideas... and a lot of motivation. At 69 it will be an adventure.

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Yesss! Do it!

[@USMC6976]

I'm 69 also and everytime I go out to camp, I have been rained out and flooded. The only safe place from the water is on TOP of the mountain. I have been thinking of getting a hammock just so I don't wake up in a bath tub.

[@bethdivsalar6986]

You are encouraging me. I’m 66 and very inspired by your Vlog. I would love to try this.

[@Jaybird-oo3ih]

Love your vlog, the dog was inspiring. At the end she was like yesss the truck!! She was happy to be able to ride. 🙂👍

[@MrHerks]

Watching this in the middle of a snow storm here in Rocksylvania was a nice escape! Nice to see Ms Fancy Mae making an appearance :)

[@caaitlinbee]

Love seeing you hike with Fancy! Especially when she goes ahead and then stops to look back at you to make sure you're coming!

[@bluenetmarketing]

The dog seems to like the hiking, but she liked that warm car seat even better. She's definitely more domesticated than wild. Great video!

[@autumnmansfield1304]

If Fancy is anything like my dog at that age she need a 30 min power nap before she was whining to get back on the trail. My dog could walk for 8 hours a day when we would camp and never bat an eye.

[@CarolT55]

One of your best videos. Loved watching you beat all the blowdowns. You really shared more of yourself and it was refreshing. I love your dry sense of humor.

[@greifi7283]

Oh wow, this video is beautiful. The autumn colors and the music, I love it.

[@jtharrold14]

I've got the same Tarptent. It takes a while to get proficient at setting it up, but once you've got it down, its bombproof. I'd recommend cutting all the cords and installing longer ones for more versatility in your pitches. Ive been through windstorms and hail and plenty of afternoon storms in the Sierras with no problems now. In the beginning, it was really frustrating trying to get the pitch down. Happy Hiking!

[@Knubinator]

I know it sucked, but this video is kinda great in that sometimes things don't go your way, sometimes the storm is worse than you thought, sometimes you get wet. But you learn and keep going.

[@BeeGeeHikes]

I’ve missed your vlogs! You got the best hiking partners! You’re so right, 2020 didn’t stop life, we just adjust to it.

[@TangoOscarMikeN3WS]

Poor Fancy. I know the feeling. Did a day hike with our dog with a new harness. When we got back to the truck I took off the harness and he had a big sore. We felt horrible. He got extra love for the next week.

[@ashleyreisdorf2442]

I have a Pittie that gets rubbed raw from pretty much everything, so we got him and our other dog harnesses from Alpine Outfitters and he hasn't had an issue since! They are custom made for each dog and they aren't much more expensive than one you'd buy from a pet store! I highly recommend them

[@28105wsking]

So sorry for the awful night! But tomorrow night will be better! Fancy Mae has filled out so beautifully and seems bigger and much more confident. I don't think she's such a scardy cat anymore! Hope BF weathered the night better too!

[@bethdivsalar6986]

Dixie I empathize with your laughter when Marty fell. Our family “curse” is also laughing when things like that happen. Marty nice to see you out there.

[@tashainjena]

Same! Every time someone falls, me and my sister die laughing. We will eventually help you up, but we are gonna laugh.

[@megang9563]

Love the mention of Rocksylvania 😁....I am west of that area but have hiked sections. Currently signed up for the Rocksylvania Remix Frostbite Edition...300 miles from Jan to March.

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

BEAUTIFUL TRAIL GLAD YOU ALL MADE IT THROUGH THE ROCKY AREAS & I PROBABLY WOULD HAVE BUMP MY HEAD TOO WATCHING WHERE TO PLACE MY FEET FOR GOOD FOOTING ! BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! HOPE YOU BOTH & THE PUP HAVE A GREAT MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎅 🎄& HAPPY NEW YEAR TOO 🎉 GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS ON YOUR JOURNEYS NEAR OR FAR ! ENJOYED !

[@Mtnsunshine]

Lol....thanks for the sound journey with the tent. Nothing worse than a cold, wet night ....and tent leaks. 😰

[@tahoemike5828]

It's so nice to be back on the trail with you again.

[@davidbenner9929]

Dixie, Great video! I really enjoy all of your other videos (have watched about 30+ since 2017) and how informative they are but this one!!! It shows great beautiful scenery as well as tells the story of the trip. The realistic section of the tent in the rain was fantastic! My 11 year old daughter Lucy often ask me if you have actual videos of the hikes and here it is!! I'm trying to get her to desire to join me one day. On another note, thanks for sharing about your dad thru covid. Last week 12/9 I lost my backpacking buddy Richard to covid at age 55 (I'm 57) It was sudden, but included 3 difficult weeks in ICU that didn't end well. He left an 11 year son whos friends w Lucy. I look forward to getting back out there soon and your videos' this past few days have really helped!! Oh yea, thanks for including Fancy Mae!! Happy Trails!

[@johnalden5821]

"Good thing we aren't dry camping," she says, followed by two nights of rain and tent problems. Classic. I totally feel your pain, though. This is eastern backpacking: rocks, views, weather, more rocks, and more weather.

[@msdsez]

Nice to see you out and about again. That was a good one; just the right amount of adversity to accomplishment ratio.

[@DennisMathias]

Hey, Dixie, you know there was something special about the opening of this cast. Something about the music..eierieness dark video, moon. Wow.

[@JimCWoodard]

Thanks for once again sharing with us your hiking adventure. Love the closing view of the night sky. Looking forward to your hammock review.

[@bdmenne]

UHHHH, really lovely music with the natural elements + photography. just wow.

[@MyraHart1943]

Dixie! You went through those rock fields like a champ! They tore my feet up when I did that section in Sept. Good to see Fancy again and to meet your partner 😊 can't wait to see the rest of the trail xoxo

[@asmith7876]

"It's not funny." Yeah, it's kinda funny and anyone who has ever hiked or gone caving has hit their head! First and maybe his last hike? LOL Looked awesome to me! Most of the terrain made me happy to be a tarp and hammock guy. I've had my hammock set up in terrible storms, safe and sound under my tarp including cooking over a small fire. Great video. Lucky boyfriend.

[@NADRIGOL]

I have the Protrail Li with different but similar guy outs (not pitch-locks, but short multi-angle guys). I keep extra guy line with me which serves both to extend the guy outs for tent platforms, but also to tie around heavy rocks when in situations like that. My first lesson was similar to yours!

[@amonshumate4957]

My recently college graduated son is a blues guitar player and that work has disappeared. We have handed out kids a bunch of crap. It's good to see you back.

[@pcolapaddler]

Enjoy your videos. Glad to see the pup going on the adventure. We used to take our little Buddy with us on our kayak trips and other stuff. Great stuff.

[@AddictedToCrew]

Fancy sharing the umbrella is the cutest thing I've seen in a while, almost as cute as the snow zoomies

[@davidewise4516]

Meatier stakes are the key. I ditched the titanium shepherd hook ones as they are worthless in loose or rocky soil. I’ve been using the msr groundhog/mini groundhog style ones with no issue.

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

I have a mixture. I use some of both lol. Problem is in that particular corner I couldn’t get a stake to go all the way in the ground 😫

[@johneason6540]

Agreed, my stake of choice. Ill carry .5oz more just for that fact

[@davidewise4516]

@@HomemadeWanderlust yeah, I have a mix. Half are the tube aluminum type (Zpacks brand) and the other half are groundhogs. I gave up on the shepherd hook type as they often failed under load in various ground types. I also keep the guy lines attached and anchor them in with every set up (whereas I used to keep them in the stake bag as a "just in case" measure). I had some pretty heavy rain and wind nights on the AT this past summer and never had more than a tiny bit of water (from a little splash back at the corners) in my tent--and that was only after 2-3 days of steady rain and packing a wet tent each day. I am very pleased with the Stratospire's rain performance.

[@brianjernigan3621]

@@davidewise4516 Same here. I always stake out the extra guys from the top of the poles. If you leave the line attached to the tent it takes no time at all and is good insurance in case the wind picks up.

[@dansklrvids7303]

I think this was one of your best videos! Loved the dialogue in the darkness and the footage of the pooch.

[@HuskyMike]

Have the same tent and backpack with one of our huskies almost every time. Perfect size for us.

[@ruthcr8839]

I give you guys so much credit. Be safe and stay vigilant. 😘. The dog is adorable 🥰

[@MikeycatOutdoors]

You need to carry at least two 6ft pieces of spectra cord, tie a loop on one end, and know the marlin spike hitch knot to tie a stake anywhere you need on the line. Carry 4 msr spiral stakes since they're longer and less apt to pull out in mud or wind than the regular groundhog style stakes. The couple of ounces won't kill you and its worth the peace of mind. I need to crack out my new DCF double rainbow and compare it against my zpacks triplex.

[@HikingwithGus]

Dixie! Hope you are well! Poor fancy.... Gus had the same issues, I ended up dropping the coin on the Groundbird Gear packs, the harnesses are custom made to fit the fur baby. They actually use 7 different measurements. They really are great packs and Gus has not had one issue with them. Happy Trails! Oh and if NZ does not work out that invite to the Enchantment Lakes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area in Wa. State in Sept is still open.

[@michaelaparicio3182]

I'm still watching this. I wanted to post a comment before hearing what you say about the Tarptent. We have the one person version. Love it. Don't know how it compares with other brands. But it's our late spring and summer tent when Sierra backpacking.

[@michaelaparicio3182]

Oh no. I just finished it. So sorry! Some nights go like that. I'm okay when I anticipate problems. Then I contingency plan. But once I'm in my sleeping bag, if stakes start coming out, my go-to reaction is a yawp. We had a tent blow off the side of Mount Shasta once. Hopefully, it didn't turn the bo off backpacking.

[@lindatisue733]

Thanks for the video.I am happy you are still camping. Can't wait for April. Sweden; It would be warm enough to camp except itbeen raining since November 1. The fallen leaves have turned to a substance with the consistency of manure.

[@meinthewild]

Loved the beauty of the filmography on this one. Always luv all your videos and the great information you impart. I’m going camping and hiking for Christmas week in Pelham, AL - Oak Mtn. SP. with my Maizie doggo. Of course I sprained my ankle on Monday, but it’s not too bad and I can walk on it fine so it’s not going to stop me. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you and your family Dixie!!

[@estherwilson8154]

Fancy is looking so much more confident on trail compared to your section hike of the PCT! What a lil trooper!

[@MrAussieJules]

Being a guy whp does x country ski touring as well as hiking, ive gpt my eye on the HMG ultamid2. 535g for outer layer ( pyramid). Very tough in winds, unlike most tents. Absorbs no water . Lots of space. Can use inner as well. Expensive.... but used by some of the toughest hikers.

[@willbarton4508]

Sometimes I feel that I want to change out my freestanding tent for another type. Sorry for your experience. Guess that I'll have to reevaluate. It helps to see how others use their tents. Thanks for taking the time to show your journey.

[@jameshiggins-thomas9617]

Ugh .. leaves over rocks. I faceplanted a few weeks back walking a leaf covered, rocky trail (not quite as rocky as that section). I swear my dog was laughing hysterically. My face hurt! lol

[@andylevison]

I think this is your most cinematic video yet! Great variety of shots and excellent visual storytelling!! Way to go, Dixie!!!

[@scottm.4091]

I like all your close-ups of the little critters!

[@jayyoung2586]

I highly recommend you add more blaze orange. You need to be wearing enough (or have enough on your pack) that it can be seen from all directions at any given time.

[@keisha717]

I'm extremely pro-hunting and pro-2A, but you can't trust other hunters not to shoot you. Years ago I was hiking with a friend during hunting season when all of sudden his boot went flying 6 to 8 feet sideways with his foot still in it. He was taken for a ride with the boot. Turned out a physician thought he was an elk and shot him in the boot, despite my friend wearing an orange vest and orange hat. Half his little toe was shot off. The doctor refused to accept responsibility or pay for my friend's medical bills. The moral of the story is that if a hunter is shooting at you, shoot back.

[@mystuff1405]

Most "hunters" know nothing and have their finger on the trigger when they hear a noise in the woods. So, he's right. If you are in a hunted area you need to look like the sun.

[@1001RMJ]

@@keisha717 Thank god he was a bad shot!

[@musingwithreba9667]

@@keisha717 holy jumpin' maybe wear some orange boots too! 😳

[@johnkay6051]

Byron Sonne n

[@tedsamuels3203]

I love watching Dixies videos...Glad she found A sidekick....You two be careful out there

[@brianjernigan3621]

I LOVE my Stratospire Li. I don't have any trouble pitching it very quickly. I've never timed it but I'm sure if I focused on going as fast as possible it would be under 2 minutes. I follow the method that Tarptent demonstrates in the setup video for the tent on KZbin. I get a perfect pitch every time.

[@suetaylor5758]

Good to know as I was planning on buying one before I saw this video.

[@denniswilson7825]

Hi Dixie! It takes time to build up from the sedentary lifestyle most people lead. Hiking rest breaks are one of the best places to read and contemplate.

[@garyhog64]

Have hiked part of this section. The stairway to heaven was brutal and slow. Camped at the area where the Pinhoti intersects the Chinnabee Silent Trail. Nice spot. Hate that the weather was so bad, and you didn’t get great views at McDill Point. I’ve got to get back out there and do some more sections.

[@Paul0580]

McDill Point has never failed me for a great sunset. I've been blessed each time I hiked out there!

[@kevinocallaghan4649]

Could have tied to the tree on the windward side... still not sold on a single wall tent (camping in SE MS mainly- very humid! ) though I'd love the weight savings. Using an Eureka Suma 2 right now (3 lbs, 12 oz IIRC).

[@sfcdale]

I used a tarp tent notch on my 2014 AT thru and most of my 2018 PCT thru. (Zippers gave out in Washington) My experience with stakes was in the wind it pulls the end stakes hard. I was most successful when using 8" MSR ground hog stakes. And in the wind I would pile rocks on them. Also if camped on a slope keeping the hung bathtub floor under the tarp was always a concern.

[@tzavitz]

and that's why I like my freestanding tent. My first tent had guylines, and I was in a major storm one night where the tent billowed in, the billowed out and popped all the stakes and catapulted them into the night. I said "never again"....

[@asmith7876]

There's always the argument over whether a free standing tent is worth the weight. The answer is YES!

[@tannicapple]

The Pinhoti trail was my first over night backpacking trip and we underestimated it😂 even my buddy that I backpacked with that has been doing it awhile said it was pretty rough on him in some parts

[@stevepowsinger733]

Nice to see you on the road again but sorry about the difficulties. Merry Cbristmas from FL.

[@kimtbaker]

Thanks for leaving the issues with the tent stakes in the video. We can see that even you have a tough time sometimes.

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

I’ve definitely learned a lot of things the hard way. Hoping that sharing some of those lessons makes others more prepared in those same situations.

[@Sailorlimabean20]

I was also really glad to see Dixie’s pacing on rocks. I go incredibly slow and always feel silly when young dudes skip across like it’s nothing.

[@Karen-dq8nw]

@@HomemadeWanderlust Have you tried using a chockstone? I have read about this, but haven't tried it.

[@autumnmansfield1304]

@@Sailorlimabean20 It was Dixie saying that on the first day of the AT she did less than 10 miles that made me think I could get back into back packing.

[@traviseddy6447]

Hello

[@toxickittn7558]

Definitely love seeing hikes with your doggo. I wondered how people do that

[@bethanygreene8404]

We did a section of the Pinhoti in May!! We started where you ended in this video. :) It was beautiful!

[@jakezukowski4072]

Hey I just have to say you are the first .. for me .. and finest thru hiker on KZbin ... I have watched you’re vids for a while ... thank you ... and I own the same tent and love it but can’t sleep in in it with a long wide pad w/out my head and foot box hitting the mesh ... but tarptent is letting me swap it out for a double rainbow LI witch has a freestanding option you can use with you’re trekking poles ... gunna sound cheesy but you are the reason I have the courage to hike the pct ... you have a great outlook on things and I think that is the most important Piece of gear or you could have... you seem like good peeps and good luck to you on your future Trips… And life in general stay safe and healthy and thanks for the Inspiration...

[@cksparkster2862]

The fact that Miss Fancy went over instead of under the log means she has amazing spatial awareness to not just herself, but her pack too...Not something you see in most dogs.