gdt ep. 4 - dealing with loss [2017]

[@sindyseal5411]

The level of transparency you show in your videos is so refreshing. Thank you for your courage and openness. I’m so sorry for your loss. You’ve honored your grandmother beautifully here. We all are with you in spirit. The way you respond to nature reminds me of John Muir. The mountains are your home.

[@postie_]

"... and there's something a lot more beautiful in that than even this scene behind me." What a beautiful and poignant farewell. Condolences to you and your family, and thank you for sharing your journeys with us, as always.

[@Dubbin64]

Youve said before your camera is your diary, and its really apparent here. Thanks for inviting us strangers into your life to enjoy part of your adventures with you, for the ups and the downs.

[@backcountryagenda5507]

d

[@MattShafter]

John, sorry for your loss. Also, whether it's remembering Astro or Grandma, thanks for sharing all of your trip.

[@hazyperspective]

It's disturbing how many times your videos have made me tear up. Anyhow, sorry for your losses, both Grandma, and Neemor. I was really looking forward to this series with him too.

[@BackcountryForward]

The rawness in this video is so authentic. Thank you for sharing your journey... not just the one you took with your feet, but the one you took with your soul.

[@ethansedden]

You've got fucking balls man..... I've never seen someone so raw with there emotions. You motivate me to show my true emotions without caring what other people think. Thanks for that.

[@choude]

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. It's amazing how much you put of yourself into these and the vulnerability you're willing to share. I hope the world pays you back tenfold for what you've put out in the way of genuine human experience. Be well and hike on

[@treappling1]

My heart felt that you were seeing the most beautiful mountain you have ever seen at the same time your grandmother was seeing the most beautiful, majestic mountains she has ever seen.

[@NeemorsWorld]

💚

[@zr9115]

You are an artist, John. I appreciate what you give us in your videos. Beautiful goodbye to grandma.

[@lisaray6493]

Thanks for your authenticity, it is a rare gift. Coupled with your music choices and the gorgeous scenery, your videos have a beauty and depth that strike a pensive chord in me. I hope one day to be a peaceful sojourner on a long trail as you are. With gratitude, Lisa

[@MrPhins]

I've probably watched several hundred trail/backpacking videos. I can honestly say that not one has ever brought tears to my eyes...until this one. Subscribed and honored you let us in to share your life and appreciate the emotion and honesty.

[@burnindaylighthikers98]

Such a beautiful video you've just shared . Our hearts go out to you on the passing of your loved one. John, we are never alone. For 'He' is always with us, and close to the broken-hearted.

[@TheEarthycrunchy]

I’m very sorry for your loss. Your honesty is so beautiful.

[@rmoran113]

You are truly a genuine salt of the earth human....I’m sure your grand mother is proud...thx for sharing...

[@kokosamoa14]

Thanks for sharing John! This is one of the best pieces of content I have ever seen. I appreciate your talents and your willingness to share them with the rest of us.

[@Rotativo25]

This hit deep bro. I wish I would have had the opportunity to say goodbye to my grandparents. Thanks for sharing what you did. I felt it.

[@theheathenhiker7631]

An amazingly heartfelt video John. Thank you very much for sharing.

[@BrianStowell]

Been there. I lost my father in law about 15 months ago. Found reprieve and acceptance of the loss in the outdoors, which he loved just as much if not more. Your Gram is so proud of and excited for you to score your life the way it defines you best, just as she did for herself and your family. It's good to ride on the waves of pain and heartache, let it in fully, rather that pushing it aside. Appreciate the bad because it lets you appreciate the good that much more. The spectrum of human emotion is so vast and so wild. I hope you and the rest of your family find your peace with her lack of presence, but not lack of absence, in your lives. Dad is always with me when I'm outside, especially near the ocean. Your Gram will always be with you, too.

[@JoshGroves]

I just lost my grandfather this week. Last message I sent him was an early morning campfire picture from camping at Cottonwood Lake in Buena Vista, CO last weekend. I pretty much lost it watching this video.

[@backpackingrannie5088]

My deepest sympathy, my heart goes out to you. I know some time has passed, but always remember you will see her again. I know she was so proud of you 💜 I have to agree, the GDT is one of the most beautiful trails. I wish I could hike with others sometimes too. Never seems to work out, I guess I'm just a loner. Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@stevetoth5322]

Takes courage to open up to people you don't even know. Thanks John

[@chriskiim]

Beautiful shots, edits, and video! Thanks for taking us along with you for the ride! GDT looks AMAZING (been following your GDT vids). Also wanted to add--So sorry your loss to you and your family. Your sharing of emotions made me tear up as my grandmother also passed this year (it was the worst). I have been told it will take time, but I without fail cry just thinking about her...even now. I hope that your travels have since given (and continue to give) you solace during this time. Thanks for sharing. :(

[@elinblock]

Wonderful, John. You brought a lot of love & soul to this one.

[@JMS407]

It looks like your standing in front of a green screen. And after watching the whole video, thanks for sharing that raw moment John. Much respect for the honesty.

[@2323buster]

Such such such a good video John.

[@FieldTrip_Goes]

Another great video John. I must admit, I teared up a bit as you were saying your goodbyes to your grand mother. I really respect how open you are with your emotions in your videos.

[@edherbst706]

that delicate motor tune is so sweet! could listen to this for days!

[@ccmoonie]

Very touching and sweet tribute to your beloved Grandmother. I'm very sorry for your loss.

[@iBhackNu]

I lost my grandmother nearly twenty years ago and still think about her all the time. The sadness will eventually go away. It will be replaced by the beautiful memories you have of her.

[@lisaguard80]

Sorry for your loss. The Canadian Rockies is the most beautiful place in the world. Glad you got to experience that during a hard time. So much beauty all around to go with the memories and love in your heart.

[@ettennly]

I'm sorry for the loss of your grandmother. My grandma just passed a month ago and it doesn't seem like it's possibly been that long already. It sounds like she was a wonderful woman, even though the trail was not her place I'm sure she was proud of you for finding yours. We have a finite amount of time on this beautiful planet and I think you're spending yours pretty wisely. I hope to eventually make it onto trail but until then I'll enjoy your videos. Sending good vibes your way.

[@tinglu4929]

John, I've watch so many videos on you tube, to include most all or yours. All are great and informative. You really reveal so much of yourself in a way that I've never seen . Sorry for your loss and thank you for sharing such a personal moment with us.

[@cevalkyrie]

Much respect for your raw honesty in every video.

[@bwilliams3227]

You are a remarkable human being! Thankyou for sharing your journeys! Really..... thankyou!

[@thetrailhunter4469]

Great to finally see both sides to the split. Love following you both on your trails.

[@MarkFugel]

John...your grandma lives on in you...she must be very proud to have a grandson as loving and caring as you. Did she follow your videos? I'm sure you made her so proud.

[@1217850]

I know that wasn’t easy and for you to share it means a lot you’re a great man John! Hold her in your heart and she’ll see all you see My condolences to you and yours

[@Lue_Jonin]

My condolences. The trail and nature inperticuler can be difficult when deciding with loss of a loved one.... But imo is the absolute best environment for letting go and healing. ❤ ✌ 👣 Outstanding video John.👍

[@Ureyeuh]

There is no hiker on this planet who films their trips who keeps it as raw, real, and honest as John.

[@wdead]

beautiful video. beautiful life. beautiful soul. thank you for everything you share with us.

[@michaelb1761]

Another great hiking video. It made me tear up as well. Some times while out hiking, especially near the end of the day, I'll start to think about my grandfather who taught me to love and respect the outdoors. Then I remember the good times, like when he first taught me to fish, camping along a stream, playing cards, etc.

[@ChadWesselman]

Sounds like she holds a special place in your heart. Tough news to get while on the trail.

[@ryanyoungs8574]

John, i am truly sorry to hear about your grandmother. What you saod about her was beautiful. I am completely mind blown by the scenery out there.

[@stevep7785]

Thank you for this. It reminded me how much I loved being with my grandmother. I miss her.

[@PhoenixGenesis]

Sorry for your loss. I think hiking alone is the best. You always meet people along the way and you can go at your own pace. Anyway, if it wasn't for your inspirational videos, I probably would have never gotten out on the trail. Thanks.

[@Anita-ov3cj]

i lost my grandfather while traveling too. there is something in transience that makes life more understandable. thanks for sharing.

[@6767VegasVic]

Beautiful video. In every way. Your grandmother is in a far more beautiful place than the serenity you present here. Peace to her and you.

[@HovingtonInstruments]

Sorry for your loss on the trail. Hard to go ahead...

[@bcal5962]

Right on brother. You nailed this section

[@AllenGreen62]

John Z you rock! Thanks for portraying what some of us know. Hiking is more fun, healthier and cheaper than therapy. I (personally) try to look at it as they will always be with you in your heart mind and memories..... But it still hurts. Condolences bro.

[@randysmith6493]

Looks like many people have shared the same sentiment about how on these amazing adventures, you are willing also to leave your personal side exposed for all of us to relate to, through the joys and sorrows. Even though you may never meet many of us, we have had the honor know you more closely. Sorry about your Gram, and am wishing you eventually find that soul hiking partner, If that does not happen, don't be depressed about that, many of our souls are linked with you in this common joy of God's Physical expression, that we unwittingly call Nature. I will have a smile on my face when I see you on the trail. Peace.

[@mickkae3704]

Sorry for your loss and sadness John .. beautiful words in a beautiful place

[@gpk7683]

You are a good man John Z

[@hvacace3779]

Sorry for your loss. Your videos are inspiring. Keep it up!

[@mikerankin27]

my heart goes out to you John, thank you for sharing

[@CSLee-yu6ht]

It’s so tough, I lost both of my folks in 2008. I’m with you in spirit. Take Care Buddy

[@brycepickford1719]

Its a bit surreal seeing some familiar spots in your videos. Thanks for sharing such a personal moment and sorry for your loss.

[@carternewcomb2764]

I’m sorry for your loss. Just remember to embrace death as it is. Denial can be a dangerous thing.

[@carla5288]

I'm so sorry for your loss John.

[@josephchamberlain3681]

My heart goes out to you John.

[@tipstoes1079]

Ya got my big heart weeping wanted to reach through this vid and give u a hug I hope your better!

[@taumeinrad2097]

Wow, heartbreaking...that really moved me. My heart goes out to you.

[@BlueHighwaysTraveler]

sorry for your loss. thanks for sharing

[@curtiswhitwam1]

Awe inspiring. So sorry for your loss.

[@Teddy-fx6fx]

Sorry for your loss. Keep doin what u love.

[@astraealayne4724]

hey! great to see you are still a wanderer. your soundtracks have blended into the trail for me, thanks :) I carried my grandma's ashes with me on pct, as I always wanted her to see the amazing things I got to experience. I'm sure your gma is with you out there. we met briefly with Legend outside Tehachapi. you weren't gonna resupply, and only had a malt ball mass and bag of chips. I thought, wow! what a badass. haha. love your honesty.

[@Virus2.0-c5z]

Im really sorry for your loss, Keep moving forward...

[@amandav7431]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[@carlenebrennan]

Beautiful honesty.

[@swoo5117]

Sorry for your loss John. I know where your comingv from losses my grandma also,she was a strong and loving lady. Your gram is in a better place and will always be looking down on you remember that . Thanks for sharing 🌲🌲

[@dingbot2048]

Powerful stuff John, sorry for your loss.

[@khevinbeatsworkinwatterson1848]

Im profoundly sorry for your loss

[@tonyabrowninghikes]

I am so sorry for your loss.

[@Lokena1965]

Sorry for your loss John. 💜✌️

[@bretthikez6567]

The trail isnt the same for everyone...solo is the way to go sometimes....great editing dude

[@wmbiisurgeon9087]

Thanks for all that was in this video.

[@pap4539]

RIP Mrs. Z! She wouldn’t want you to be doing anything else John.

[@MrDiggityone]

Great video my friend. Raw emotion is great appeal with your channel. Thanks you!

[@richardstarbuck2079]

She'll be with you always. Not all is lost hang in there old man.

[@jscarpetta1]

The hiker in me heard "a cinnabon" every time you mentioned Mount Assiniboine.

[@J35h13]

Absolute gem of a video, lad.

[@carternewcomb2764]

Hey John! Have you ever thought about alpine climbing? Q&A

[@classicrockandcars]

Thank you

[@rogerc7972]

Fantastic. I think I'd be too overwhelmed to make any miles at all.

[@rogerc7972]

and my condolences, John.

[@Sheety33]

Amazing John, absolutely stunning work and film making. The landscape up north is just incredible and apparent from your visual series you are creating. Sorry for your loss. I can relate to your explanation of how the days seem much longer and full when spent outside rather than in the city or in town. Again, nice work👍

[@Cordellphoto]

Glad I found your videos man beautiful stuff

[@fbnc11]

That was... moving! Peace to you

[@GrantLaCorte]

This is a beautiful episode brother.

[@tubeyoutoon]

Hey John, I love your videos, man, they're awesome. We are all Eternal beings, wearing a body for a season to have an experience on a planet. Our bodies die, but our souls live forever. 🤙😇🖖

[@pm8446]

When does the hike end?

[@StickmanWilmingtonNC]

God Speed in your travels.

[@baskets8429]

Wgat a beautiful hiking trail ! Thank you

[@Matt8abus]

Amazing!

[@leslietoohey3499]

I am sorry about your grandma :(

[@gypsyhikermonica227]

Take care!

[@carlarice7313]

I love your videos they’re so awesome thanks for the great aventures

[@elliott5045]

Every time I watch one of these videos I feel the need to express how much I love it... by the end of this I’ll forget my goal to hike the AT and do this instead D:

[@grapenut709]

Always hardest on those we leave behind...nice video