Gear Malfunction, Trail Magic, & Big Black Snake on the AT

I'm now getting into the grove and the trail has become routine for me. Trail Magic has also become more common. I also saw one of the largest snakes yet on the AT.
I began my hike in the middle of March 2024. Some of the audio is poor because once I got off the trail, I learned I had some copyright issues. I'm currently trying to re-edit them so I can finally publish them before I leave to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc this year (2025),

[@williamking4316]

Enjoying following your journey from the very beginning. Prayers for safe hiking! Thanks for carrying us along!!

[@LeonaSultz]

I just found your channel. So my husband and I will follow you on your journey. Stay safe and keep warm.

[@carriesparks8105]

I like the pix you share of the little things in nature. The green plants at about 14:30 is false hellebore. Enjoying your videos. Still cold in SW VA so seeing those green fields, tree buds plus the snake seemed strange to me. The snow we got in early January is still laying on is places because it has been too cold for it to thaw.

[@knowingdog]

@@carriesparks8105 this was my 2024 hike. I will be hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc this year.

[@debraoliver505]

I love Big Bald Mountain! Been up there many times as for several years I lived in the ski/golf resort down the mountain from there at Wolf Laurel!

[@williambranham6249]

The section you featured today was my first hike on the AT. I knew nothing about the trail other than the name. An outfitter in Charlotte got me started. He did a great job. I went with a friend. He got stung by a yellow jacket at Lovers leap . Our goal was to get to the fire tower, camp , then hike to the next road crossing and hitch back to HS. When I got to the tower I collapsed; only about 6 miles. The next day I could barely walk and my muscles were so tight when we got home I stayed in bed a full day. I was 40, overweight and sedentary. Lesson learned.

[@knowingdog]

@@williambranham6249 yes. The trail has many lessons.

[@notquiteultralight1701]

Hey I know these vids are almost a year old that you’re releasing now but I just have to say…. You are so incredibly refreshing to watch and listen too! Your attitude and enthusiasm is just so refreshing… that’s all I’ll say. Take care and I hope you have some cool plans for ‘25! NQU

[@knowingdog]

@@notquiteultralight1701 yes. I plan to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc this year.

[@notquiteultralight1701]

@@knowingdogvery cool!! Hey I was also wondering about the Smokey’s. I’m very claustrophobic and cannot sleep in shelters because of snoring and smells. Since I’m a hammocker, do you think it would be possible to duck off the trail somewhere and throw my hammock up out of view from anyone that would bother?

[@knowingdog]

@@notquiteultralight1701 actually, I don’t think hammocking would be a problem at most campsites because it has less to impact on the ground. Plus, I noticed others pitching their tents. And, the first place I stopped in the Smokies didn’t even have a shelter. I think the important thing is to keep in mind leave no trace.

[@notquiteultralight1701]

@ yep yep!! LNT is no problem for me. Thanks for getting back to me on this. I absolutely cannot stand the thought of being packed in one of those Smokey dirty SNP shelters!!! Crammed in there with 9 other dirty butts after a long day of rain hiking!!!😝

[@melshea2276]

Happy Trails from the “Ottada Way Cafe “ Bacon Wrap😊🏔🏕👍👍👍👍✌️

[@robertschillo1952]

I see you use a poncho. I do too. I believe you do not overheat quite as badly as with a rain coat because air can get in from the bottom. Do you find that to be true and also does it wet out as quickly as a rain coat?

[@knowingdog]

@@robertschillo1952 and it covers my backpack.