Episode 92: It Could Be Worse | PCT

Day 223 - Even if it's cold and I'm soaking wet, even if it is non-stop raining, I walk on. If you are overweight and looking for some motivation to start walking, even if it's just a couple hundred feet... then here is your sign. I used to weigh 400 lbs at the beginning of this year and I'm around 300 lbs right now. I hiked 12 miles in this weather. Twelve miles! If I can do it, you can do it.
My Links:
/ secondchancehiker
/ secondchancehiker
/ secondchancehiker
Filmed on an iPhone XS Max.

[@edwarddemedeiros3607]

You may not be a king by title, but noble of mind and heart...for sure!

[@grinch5x04]

Definitely don't let anyone make you feel bad for hiking your own hike and wanting to spend time with Nessa. We are just spectators cheering you on, but this is your life, your health, and your happiness. So glad you are having these amazing experiences and living life to the fullest. Hike on, brother. Love watching your videos and your awesome achievements.

[@CaminoDreams]

Awesome job Corey, keep on trekking as we are all along for the continuation of your journey... we believe in you!!

[@hikingwithbellix2554]

Keep it up!!! You’re doing amazing!!! It is very inspiring watching your accomplishments!!! I wish you the best of luck on the remainder of your travels!!! With that being said, I just have some tips. If you already know, awesome, but if there’s anyone on your channel new to hiking I think this will be helpful information. 😊 But staying warm and staying positive are important for any trip. Always carry an extra pair of clothes that way you can get warm when you stop. It doesn’t have to heavy just something dry. When you’re hiking, one way you can stay dry is by keeping that pesky hood on before you get wet. With the hood off or being put on after you get wet, you’re just introducing water drainage down your back which causes you to ultimately get cold. Also rain pants or a rain skirt will be super helpful at keeping your lower half dry as the wet plants brush along your pants or bare legs. Hypothermia is not a good thing to get. Finally as someone mentioned before, having a warm meal makes all the difference for moral! It does add weight but it warms you up and cheers you up.

[@joansommerfield8419]

By the way, hot chocolate can be made with almond milk and not cause the lactose problems. Add a dash of cinnamon for good measure.

[@fuzielectron5172]

Followed from the beginning, 223 days on the trail!!! Incredible journey. Please get a garbage bag and do whatever it takes to keep that quilt sleeping bag dry, stick in a long sleeved thermal underwear set, wool socks, gloves and a beanie or balaclava. It doesn't have to be freezing to get hypothermia, that sleep system and the ability to light a fire is your safety net. The only suck I'm prepared to embrace is carrying the extra weight.

[@80winds70]

Thanks. You have provided ongoing motivation for me to start walking and to get outside and do things instead of sitting and eating. Trying to kick the diet soda thing as well.

[@SecondChanceHiker]

You can do it, I was addicted to diet soda so bad! Even on trail in the beginning all I would do is think about drinking diet soda. I used to drink them by the 2-liter bottles and that’s everyday. For me, it was really an intense re-wiring process that happened overtime and I can honestly say that I appreciate water so much now, especially with ice! 😎 Just start doing whatever you can... few extra steps... few more cups of water... it all adds up! You got this!! 💪🏼😎

[@plien2184]

👍👍❤️ Great plans! Good luck with the change, you won't regret it 🍀🍀🍀

[@oxxnarrdflame8865]

Get a stove. A hot meal and drink is a real moral booster.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello my hiking friend, thank you for sharing another great video. I've heard some great reports about Trout Lake. You're to be commended for your perseverance. I can understand a drivers reluctance on picking up PCT hitches. This far along the PCT most of the guys have beards and look like Sasquatch, very scary. All the best to you and the little Bee. Be safe out there. 🤗

[@davidcox9115]

Enjoying your journey!! Keep on keepin on second chance! Word of advise.always keep a dry bag , pair of dry clothes! Always!! Even if its more weight! Could save your life! Enjoying every video!

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Thanks man, appreciate the advice! 💪🏼

[@mcbarb79]

I am a Washington native and thus has been one of the coldest falls in years. Stay safe

[@antheablackmore5838]

Your vlogs have been the best thing all summer ! Just wish I’d seen you back in January when you started. To say you are an inspiration is a total understatement ....you are a sensitive, determined and brave man who we have had the privilege to watch your metamorphosis into an extraordinary man ! Not only have you found love with Little Bee you’ve found love from many of us eagerly waiting each episode of your journey, I can’t thank you enough for all you have given so freely ❤️🦶❤️🦶

[@davemiller251]

Someone said, 'Suffering is temporary, quitting is forever!"

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Right on! Makes you appreciate the little things more too. 💪🏼😎

[@TheDotDetective]

@@SecondChanceHiker Youre too far in your goal to even think about this babe! I'm waiting for the video in Manning Park love! Love you so much!

[@garypeterson3628]

"Pain heals, chicks dig scars, glory lasts for ever" Shane Falco (Keanu Reeves) , The Replacements.

[@JoLy1967]

Well said 👍❤️

[@lorilandberg9099]

Hey Second Chance, I met you at the REI in Tacoma. It’s really great to see you “enjoying” our neck of the woods. It really is pretty here. I hope things are going well for you. I look forward to seeing more videos. Like RedGreen says, “We’re all pulling for you, keep your stick on the ice!”.

[@ericbischoff218]

I know I'm repeating what everyone else is saying, but your transformation since Campo has been awesome to watch. Keep it up because you are an inspiration to a lot of hikers. And you are almost there!

[@4rampart619]

Dude, when ur 60yrs old, with lil B and a bunch of lil Bs and 2nd chances at ur side...remember this moment. YOU did this man!!. Next year I will try to do the JMT, everyone says nahhh..i say look at 2nd chance!!! Push on bro!!!

[@karenhyland7896]

Il sub to support you 😀

[@christopherconnelly6912]

Glad to see ya still moving. Welcome to the Pacific Northwest. I live in the Cascades in Oregon. I was born here and have lived most my 47 years in them. The rain is always cold, but the woods and views are breathtaking. Worth it.

[@Jojo-in1wx]

You are so brave to be out and about so late in the season. Thanks for sharing your adventure. It’s inspired me to get a sleeping quilt and be determined to get in the Colorado back country next spring.

[@laurar430]

I grew up in Washington. It's lovely. I live in California now. Lovelier. I wish you warmth.

[@kellyjohnson3617]

Welcome to WA. The huckleberries are pretty much done now. And the rain in WA is brutally cold. I grew up in Vancouver on the Columbia river which is the wind surfing capital of the world. So you are right, wind would be worse. You are really inspiring me to do a section hike of the pct in WA. I have bad knees but if you can do it, I can too.

[@SecondChanceHiker]

You should! It’s very beautiful, I think Goat Rocks was one of the best so please don’t miss that one, totally worth it!! 😎❤️

[@kellyjohnson3617]

Goat rocks is exactly what I’ve been looking into.

[@elysemanns8304]

I feel for Corey, I've lived here all my life and I just returned from hiking the peninsula. 35 degrees at night had me questioning my hobby choices 😂 epic trip and always worth the miserable moments! You can't get warm if you're never cold!

[@corinneharmon7415]

Leavenworth is one of my favorite places to visit!!! Glad you guys went!

[@barbaranneboyer7997]

hi there sorry our west coast weather is not treating you well. l live on Vancouver Island BC the weather here is the same as where you are. WET with stunning views. as well. You two BEE safe!!

[@mrsla100]

You need to get a stove! Nothing better after a day of hiking in the cold than a hot meal! And hot oatmeal in the morning to warm up! I think 9*(amazing what freezes at 9*, my prescription nose spray for one) is the coldest I’ve hiked in, well snowshoed/backpacking. 10 ft of fresh, powdery snow, quite the adventure. Any rate, being able to eat hot food really did help with the hypothermia. Cover your head, and as others mentioned, pack liner! A trash compactor bag works!

[@aeropilot4419]

Marti M yeah, agree ... no stove hiking in WA in Sept/Oct is a no no ... I carry one day hiking this time of year, or a vacuum flask of tea. Always.

[@stonehill27]

I'm from Sweden and we have same conditions in northern parts called Lapland. In mid/late september weather change quickly to colder temperature, rain and snow.

[@elund408]

reminds me of growing up in Oregon.........Learn from this and next time be prepaired. more food, a stove and a spork. You loose most of your heat through your head, always have a hat, a beanie you can sleep in is a double win.

[@beeveedee9355]

I'm with some of the others...it's worth the little bit of added weight, and safety!, to pack a stove and a change of clothes. Heck, cut the bottom off a soda can and burn hand sanitizer for fuel when you need it. Just be smart and safe!

[@georginaparker3681]

Another inspirational episode. Ughh, there's nothing worse than having to put on cold, wet clothes, especially socks and shoes! Keep warm (& as dry as you can) Love watching your journey x

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Thank you, Georgina! 🤗❤️

[@judywallace9009]

Glad Little Bee found you Cory! You two are rock stars!🤗💕

[@tannaclark]

Another wonderful video. Keep smiling and as others have said, bring a change of clothes! How miserable. Hope you are all warmed up now and dry. Take care!

[@monamorgan8614]

Child you really should have prepared better, I pray you don’t get sick. 🙏🏼 Becareful❤️

[@nickp.2432]

Stove, tarp! Add fire and you would be more comfortable. Good to see you are still continuing your wonderlust. Wonder on!

[@sherrikinney6633]

I’ve been waiting for a video. Good to see you are still trekking.

[@garypeterson3628]

So many wonderful comments below. I feel anything I would like to say would bring on a copyright infringement. You have endeared yourself to so many. So much love. Hike on. I can hear Marty Feldman now, "It could be raining"

[@ladybughomer]

I am enjoying your continuing adventures. Some of the comments here astonish me. Being in the public is not for the faint of heart. However the kind comments outnumber don’t they? You’re brave SC!

[@dianep2283]

I got to say, ur so much farther ahead and acclimated to thru hiking than when you first started. I was watching the videos you posted on your last vlog, it clearly shows how much you've learned and grown in your abilities to handle what the trail dishes out at you. It's appropriate to say in this case, hike your own hike, and be patient with yourself, and continue to embrace the unknown. You will learn what you don't know by doing. Enjoy what time you have left w/Little Bee, learn by watching other vlogs, and try to hike the rest of what you plan to hike with others if possible, especially if the conditions are new to you. You'll be fine, carry more stuff, plan ahead, you're doing great, and are inspiring others.

[@spurgecochran2738]

I use gortex over socks, with my hiking socks during wet weather hiking, they work great!

[@akashazza9994]

You are so right, Washington is cold and wet. Once it starts to rain, it's winter here. #pacficnorthwest🤣✌️P.S. we always pack clothes for all seasons 😜

[@akashazza9994]

Leavenworth is a cool town. Your getting close to Canada!!😜

[@SecondChanceHiker]

We really enjoyed Leavenworth!!! 🤗

[@SandCrabNews]

Outer layer -- wind blocker -- at least block the wind. Get out of wind, and if possible make a fire. Inner layer -- insulation Next to skin -- dry wicking

[@edshelnutt1347]

Good to see you with your sense of humor intact. Just pick 'em up and put 'em down. :)

[@majcherj1]

Next hike, maybe get wool socks. Wool retains its insulating properties, even when wet. Learned that from white water rafting. Makes wet feet stay as warm as dry feet.

[@TheDesertwalker]

I wonder about getting enough fiber on the trail. This may seem trivial, but the last thing I would like to be is cold, wet & plugged up.

[@susanolson3611]

Without warm, dry clothes and plenty of food in Washington, your hike will be torture.

[@iametoh]

Good work, you’re still doing it ^^

[@angelakm6753]

Excellent - I remember when you took DAYS to hike 12 miles :)

[@spiketv549]

"It could be worse" just doesn't sound great! ;) As much as I love hiking and camping, I have to admit that my stomach didn't growl seeing that you were eating a cold mix of hot food with your fingers! ;) You have SO much fortitude. Sending love!

[@alinalemanska6837]

If you put the guilt in a plastic garbage bag in the backpack , it should stay dry from rain when hiking. And if you add a light sleeping outfit that you only use for sleeping you should have a dry night. And if you use a small plastic moving mattress cover (Uhall sells them) and put mattress pad, guild and yourself in it to sleep, it should keep you dry at night and the quilt. Extra 2 or 3 lb to cary, but will keep sleeping quilt dry at night and trap body heat in. Prayed for your and Little Bees safety today.

[@KimberlyGreen]

This video title makes me think of Monty Python's Life of Brian. 🎵"Always look on the bright side of life ..."🎵

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Hahaha!!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXu4mZ-IpKd_bq8

[@KimberlyGreen]

@@SecondChanceHiker Bingo!

[@Aaron-cz5tz]

@@KimberlyGreen I always look for your comments and will miss you Second chance and Little bee too!

[@rosiecotton8343]

😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@musingwithreba9667]

Hey Cory, I know this is a long time off, and you've been off the PCT for over a year now, but did you ever sort out whether it's a gluten problem you have or ??? I have celiac disease, and I'm a weekend warrior kind of hiker and I make my own recipes for dehydrated foods for the trail. I also know for a fact that some packaged hot chocolate brands do indeed have gluten in them (why...who da fuh knows!?) so I use cacao powder, powdered coconut milk, and some coconut sugar when I make hot chocolate. With a shot of whisky, if there's some at hand ;) Happy trails!

[@SecondChanceHiker]

I think it’s celiac disease, everything points to that, but its my guess. it’s gotten a million times better, especially I just watch what I eat and I am perfect! 🤗

[@musingwithreba9667]

@@SecondChanceHiker that's good. As long as you know what makes you sick and stay away from it, you're golden 😎

[@phishndad]

It’s getting late into the year. Looks like you won’t have time to hike the high Sierra section. Do you have any plans to come back next season and hike the sections you missed? I really hope you get to experience the high Sierra as I believe it is the most unique and beautiful stretch of trail.

[@joansommerfield8419]

Did Little Bee’s visa situation get resolved? Missed any update. Do whatever it takes to keep your sleeping bag, etc dry. Surely there must be a cover for backpacks. Even a heavy trash bag might help. Being wet and cold is miserable.

[@monamorgan8614]

It’s Lactose in milk that might bother you. Gluten is in wheat and a couple other grains I think.

[@SecondChanceHiker]

That might be it, I know gluten messes my stomach up pretty bad but I might be a little lactose intolerant too!

[@Elena-er7zp]

Second Chance Hiker Dairy can mess up people’s digestion, lead to inflammation and increased mucus production. Give up dairy for a month or two and you’ll see a difference!

[@raylamascus2296]

Good job.

[@Paul-kx7gh]

Just like UK Hiking You know you can handle Cory💪💪 😌

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Yeah besides being wet is blah(not fun) it really isn’t to bad.

[@mignondaymond7038]

Hot chocolate upsetting your tummy could be the casein in the milk and chocolate. You could try using dairy free choc and milk and see if it's any better.

[@coryoverstreet865]

Leavenworth is an awes9me town! You should see it at Christmastime 🎄! Y’all look great! Hike On 🥾☮️.

[@MrCast08]

you can do it just be careful and don't get sick...

[@rimonagale1625]

Glad you met up with Little Bee. Hope you enjoyed some good hot food & drinks. 💝

[@johnmca5643]

I'm confused..... I thought you were southbounding from Stevens Pass to Snoqualmie Pass. I'm obviously wrong if you're in Leavonworth. Glad you made it out of Section J.

[@SecondChanceHiker]

I southbounded first 2 days with the goal to reverse northbound to hike out with LittleBee. I had 2 choices to keep solo hiking after 7+ months on trail or hike out with my girlfriend to a romantic German town. Easy choice right? 🤗❤️ the crazy thing is people still give me hate for this choice.

[@SinMore]

@@SecondChanceHiker well, I think it is just awesome that you went to a romantic German town with Little Bee!

[@johnmca5643]

You made the correct choice....😃👍 Girlfriend Littlebee comes first. I southbounded section J and ran into Littlebee on August 1 about 12 miles north of Snoqualmie Pass. She was northbound. We talked for a short time. As she walked away it click who she was. I said 'bubblebee' and she looked back. I said her name incorrectly....😞

[@elysemanns8304]

I thought the same!! Looks a lot like the alpine lakes area.

[@elysemanns8304]

Leavenworth is an amazing town!! Go to the little chocolate factory!

[@robertrockwell7581]

you can do it , you can make it , you will be warm .

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Thank you, yes Washington wow the weather is ahhhhh

[@nalonabrato8900]

I can’t stop wondering why you didn’t pack a spoon or a change of clothes in the Pacific Northwest. Scary! I lived in WA for 8 years and kept blankets and warm clothes in my car trunk year around. Don’t do that anymore please. Also, use a pack liner. Sorry for scolding you, I’m mom to eight children and grandma to eleven. Just thinking of your well being. 💗

[@Cgh432]

He needs to be scolded

[@majcherj1]

i’m pretty sure he lost his spoon. He hasn’t been eating with his hands the whole hike.

[@allenbishop9154]

@@majcherj1 he lost his spoon some time back and don't know why he never replaced it

[@Jim-nq9el]

Because he's learned absolutely nothing in months on the trail.

[@TroutWest]

Because he's probably filming this on the trail, then staying in a nearby motel.

[@halibut1249]

If you can find dry wood, or split wood to expose the dry wood, BUILD A FIRE to warm yourself up and if you have time dry your wet clothes & shoes. You'll feel so much better for the effort.

[@willardwooten9582]

If Washington can't give you the weather we can at least give Little Bee a taste of Germany in Leavenworth . I have cheered from the start but now you must realize why everyone was so worried about the mileage . It's our Septembers are nice down low but you get into the Cascades it's a new ball game being wet , cold wet , windy freezing rainy cold then the snow .

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Washington is beautiful and I enjoyed hiking parts of it but I agree, very dangerous in the colder weather.

[@tomnoyb8301]

Followed since day-one. Wanted to see if the trail could restore one's trim health? Other's seem to experience about the same; 20% weight loss and a seemingly temporary health improvement? Haven't seen a single person lose their desired 50% and have any hope of becoming permanently thin and healthy?

[@SecondChanceHiker]

It has to be a lifestyle change. the biggest thing is if I go back to my old life then I am doomed. I have to return home with the same mindset that exercise and healthy food choices is my way of life.

[@SecondChanceHiker]

I would drink almost 4 liters of diet soda a day before I left this was the biggest addiction I am proud I have stopped. I was very unhealthy. Oh I just hiked 20 miles, now imagine in January it took me 6 days to hike 20 miles. No way I want to go back to my old habits so I will try hard not too 💪

[@tomnoyb8301]

@@SecondChanceHiker - Good luck my friend. What's the plan? Another trail?

[@4-SeasonNature]

I always want hot food in cold weather.

[@kreynolds6424]

Its crazy how far you have come, Leavenworth Wa CONGRATS.. Maybe snuggle at night its been really cold & get B some food... 💦

[@shauna5466]

Certainly makes you appreciate the small things in life, like dry socks and a little fire.... Come to think of it, can't you make a fire, dry your things out & get warm. People who thrive in the bush have to do that....

[@SinMore]

Auw, you and Little Bee are the cutest.

[@SandCrabNews]

It's a good time to SOBO San Diego.

[@allanfifield8256]

No hat or knit cap in this weather?

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Nope! It wasn’t as cold as February on the PCT! The weather was just “ meh” not very fun. No matter how many hikers I met we all had one thing in common that day... nobody was dry.

[@Woods_Hiker]

glad you met- up with little b like you planned and got to go to a german- themed town. If you let her wear your shoes does that mean you wore your camp shoes/clogs?

[@HikeRx]

Are you lactose intolerant?

[@tanyaweller309]

Leavenworth looks pretty.

[@kathybaker958]

Tea time!

[@Ericidryfly]

Cory just think you might be seeing some real German Towns in the near Future🤔🤔🤔🤔👍👍👍

[@plien2184]

I love Germany, his people, nature and food! Great neighbor country to have and visit ❤️

[@jamesthornton3339]

Hike your hike Corey, you are doing great. Don't let people on here discourage you, I hope they mean well, but some people can't help but come off as an asshole. Be well friend, we're pulling for you!

[@plien2184]

Amen

[@4-SeasonNature]

Add some clothes and keep them dry for night wear.

[@stonehill27]

A thin synthetic (or mixed with wool) underlayer (kit) with long sleeved shirt and pants can be good option.

[@brycehines19]

U MUST have a dry pack ur in WASHINGTON please both of u DRY PACKS OH an a little taste of GERMANY lol love u too safe safe what about her VISA u havent said 70 an 30

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Update on that coming soon, just waiting for Little Bee to say. ❤️

[@talkstorytarot]

This looks like the area mike Lawrence slipped and broke his ankle.

[@Cgh432]

Lil bee stung by a bee hope she's okay try to keep moving for warmth horrible putting on wet cold clothes

[@antoniabaker7770]

Lactose

[@TJStellmach]

Just imagine how bad it would be to get attacked by a cold, wet bear.

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Haha haha made me laugh so hard, haha, well done Tim 😂

[@plien2184]

🤣🤣

[@TJStellmach]

@@jhonyermo nonsense, the meteorite would be warm.

[@elainemarkey3429]

Wow. You look like a real mountain man. Did you see that movie with Robert Redford? You’ve got that look! Doing great. Can’t wait to see how your journey ends. You’re playing your cards very close to your vest. 🤣

[@SecondChanceHiker]

I don’t think I have ever seen that movie but I’d love to. I actually saw a movie with Charleston Heston called “The Mountain Men.” Thats a good one too! Have you seen that one?

[@elainemarkey3429]

Jeremiah Johnson is the Redford movie. It’s one you’ll want to check out when you leave the trail. You’ll relate. Haven’t seen the Heston flick. Take care.

[@rethastoneking4680]

Second Chance Hiker would love to see more of Leavenworth.....it looks like an amazing town...so beautiful ! How long did you stay there ??

[@susanolson3611]

🙂

[@rozswartzett180]

When you get back to civilization in your life, check out Dr. Fung videos on KZbin.

[@tukysweden8110]

🥾🌧💦👍🔜🌞🏁

[@hilaryyoung5290]

Naked and afraid lifestyle 😆

[@Kevin54888]

Yummy!

[@SecondChanceHiker]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2XEgpx8lqiimpo

[@madratter]

I don't understand why you don't have more clothes now that it is cold.

[@SecondChanceHiker]

It was cold but no where close to being dangerous cold and I would have just got the other set of clothes wet as well. If I redid it I would do it the same. February now that was a super cold wet month. I didn’t meet any hiker that was dry and happy that day. Everyone was wet and wanted to get to town. They call it type 2 fun for a reason. 🤗💪

[@stonehill27]

Cory, maybe you set a record with 7+ months on PCT . Very long time anyway, I'm very impressed.

[@cabbking]

Sounds like you are lactose intolerant . The chocolate is made with dairy.

[@markviereck4547]

Canned chicken is one of the worst things I’ve ever tasted. My dog wouldn’t eat it.

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Little bee absolutely loves it too! Perhaps need to change brands? Always great seeing your comments Mark 🤗

[@Ivor_Nastyboil]

I don't understand why you are still doing this. You just whine the whole time. Give up and go home

[@jilleyfish]

Ivor Nastyboil rude!!

[@judithvaught3430]

Phyllis Delia ...I like your reply Phyllis D. Ivor Nastyboil is as kind and intelligent as his name implies....giving up and going home is no doubt what he would do....because that is what losers do! Cory is no loser!! Thousands of good people are cheering him on.....Cory is a winner. Unlike you IN....you probably didn’t even begin.....still sitting at home alone....