$1K Budget Appalachian Trail Thru Hike Day 1-2, Magic Mushrooms & Waterfalls

[@EarlyRiser71]

OK, this makes me jealous as hell. Good luck on this awesome journey. Some folks think hiking the same trail multiple times would be repetitive and boring. I feel the opposite. It's just like playing a golf course over and over. It's never the same course twice. On these long trails, you get different weather, different views, and different people. Doing the CT two years in a row was incredible. It felt totally different every step of the way.

[@pinello007]

Like to see that you still cut your clips right after you have turned around to pick up the camera! A trademark!

[@MrsJoyism]

Wonderful that you’ve recognized you were suppressing your emotions, and you’re working on it. There’s a lightness about you that I haven’t seen before. Given the nature of thruhikes, I’m surprised you didn’t already go through this process before. You must have been really, really good at suppression.

[@gat569]

These early traumas are in many many people. But separation from your original family can be big. We adopt core beliefs about ourselves as child-rationalizing defense mechanisms. When one has core beliefs like "i don't belong," or "I have no value," or, "I have no value (to my family/others/no one wants me) so why should I exist at all...?" ... then you can see how that leads to all sorts of suppression, self hate, possible poor coping mechanisms, looking for others to lift us up. Psychedelics especially with good guidance can show us the pain, the beliefs, pull them away/off to the side, so that we can then identify with the untainted real self observer of all that in all it's glorious oneness who is not those other things. And then it's a process of making that manifest in all areas of our life - integrating that powerful internal experience of self with our external relationships, environment, work, etc.. The chakras open, the heart can open, love can flow in and flow out (it has to go both ways, the heart is a flow-through). I hiked the AT in 2000. I appreciate you Quadzilla!!! You are inspirational! I sooo want to see those paths again!

[@Dankbudzz]

The overall happiness and appreciation for nature earth and everything around when you take mushrooms 😌

[@JaredandTasha]

i know you're big on protein intake, so I have a cheap tip to share. If you find any McDonalds along your way, you can buy their Quarter Pounder patties individually for $1.50....and it's high quality meat unlike their "double cheeseburger" patties. For just $6 you can walk out with a pound of cooked, salted, quality beef 😅

[@RC-qf3mp]

Define “high quality meat”? McDonald’s is garbage.

[@deannefalise2784]

You can buy big patties from Wendy's too but they're around 2.60 each in Arizona. Might be cheaper out there.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

My local McDonalds will not do this. Some others I have been to will no longer sell unsalted fries. Some will not even put an extra meat patty on any sandwich. Ronalds place is a changin'.

[@zach430]

Soy curd rocks too

[@JacobNorthrup121]

facepalm.. I saw this on Reels and later went to McDonalds and got 4 burger patty's because that's what I needed to hit my macros. I was confused why the clerk double checked I wanted the smaller patty's I didn't realize it was lower quality meat lol!?

[@edwardfullerton9569]

Jack, so happy to see you back on the AT. Happy trails!

[@moyashisoba]

That dip in the waterfall looked so nice. I'm already hooked to the new series. And dude, I'm following you for such a long time now, I'm proud of you starting to work on your emotions, the biggest step is done. The imagination of you being hurt for such a long time is heart breaking. If you like hugs I'm sending you a big, strong and long hug. Take it whenever you need it.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Thanks a ton!

[@richardross7219]

Good video. Those stairs are tough. Please becareful of the ticks. 7 years ago this Tuesday, my wife died from a tick bite. Use permethrin. A money saving tip is to get a fuel saver. It will let you get partial fuel cans from hiker boxes and use them to refill your fuel canister. I've seen guys make 4 full canisters from a hiker box. If you can handle the extra weight, buying some things in bigger quantities will save you money. Very clever technique putting the pot lid under the pot to hold it. Happy Trails. Good Luck, Rick

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Died from a tick? Jeez sorry to hear!

[@richardross7219]

@@QuadzillaHikes Thanks, we had 7 others in our area die from tick bites that year. I just got over another tick illness in April. Martha and I met in 1977 while I was an Army Engineer 2LT and she was an Army Nurse CPT. Being her fiance saved my life because the doctors were just going to let me die. Good Luck, Rick

[@mrjones8256]

GO! GO! QUADZILLA!

[@kristymoore7052]

I love the way you stated pain. I experienced that. One period my knee hurt, next my shoulder then my back then my foot., repeat.

[@CanCanHikes]

I LOVE that you’re doing this now. And a May start for a thru hike is my jam. Happy Trails!

[@matthewfurst1577]

Great to see you on the trail again, are the mushrooms in the budget or is that extra LOL Have a great hike and keep us up to date. Peace

[@WholesomeVince]

We ran into you in Stehekin during your tripple crown attempt. I can remember being so happy to see you I had to immediately offer you a lemon tart which I bought at the bakery. Just wanted you to know, I still think about that lemon tart from time to time.

[@Truth-Seeker75]

If I find myself hiking with Quadzilla, first I’m going to pat myself on the back if I can keep up even for a day, then I’m going to embarrass myself and pepper him with about ten thousand questions while I stare longingly and evaluate my unlived life. Happy to hear about your emotional journey as well.

[@markapuan]

I ran into him crossing around Garnet Lake when he did his CYTC. Didn't know it was him till I saw his videos. Had a quick exchange, I think he knew I was a bit scared crossing this narrow tree bridge. The look on my face probably said it all.

[@Truth-Seeker75]

@@markapuan I figured he’d be done by now because he’s been on the trail for at least 10 days in at this point. New product - face airbags?

[@Bibs123]

I love your hiking and your search for peace. I hope you appreciate and love your adoptive parents, provided they were good to you and loved you. It's a hard thing for them as well. I have two adopted kids that I love more than anything on this earth and I am determined to give them the absolute best life possible. I will go to any length to do the best I can for them and to give them everything their birth parents couldn't. Just something to think about.

[@ihikeporkies]

So wonderful you recognized your suppression of emotion and have decided to move on. For me, I hope one day you will also recognize you do not need magic mushrooms to appreciate the beauty and wonder of a forest. Looking forward to your journey north. Thanks for sharing.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Wait...what? Please examine why you would ever urge another person to alter their lifestyle to better match yours. Challenging your own beliefs every single day is the true path to freedom.

[@ihikeporkies]

@@geraldhenrickson7472 You are right.

[@swoz_]

13:20 the trip is going GREAT

[@SheriffGuyBuck]

Can’t wait to watch this one and see if you can do the magical 1000.00 thru hike.

[@felixfelucci6955]

Good luck on this new adventure, looks like a great start :D Really like your concept of trying more affordable gears on such a long trail. I've been using a 3f Ul pack for about 3 years now (with frame), the value is difficult to beat IMO. Same for the Lanshan, great tent for the money. Sold the 1Pro for a 2 nonPro for more space + double-skin.

[@danielstoddart]

Oooh, instant subscribe! Hits me where I live...AT thru-hike, ultralight, May starting date, and on a budget. I'm in SE Asia this year, so it was cool to see the new Amicalola Falls Lodge; they had just broken ground on the new construction last time I was there.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Where at in SE Asia? I'll be going back there next year

[@danielstoddart]

@@QuadzillaHikes The Philippines. I'm an experienced thru-hiker. Check out the mountains of Panay, the nearest city is Iloilo. There is a small but vibrant hiking/mountaineering community here.

[@gettyhike]

its amazing how different the approach looks with all the greenery. i thought it was maine for a sobo until the arch popped up lol. happy trails!

[@QuadzillaHikes]

So different right!

[@jackd6129]

Just changed the course of my life. Thanks for that ❤

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Wonderful!

[@Chingadera]

Jack , you have a really good sense of funny stuff. I saw a short video of what hikers are typically thinking as they meander along . This person was cussing up the trail and down , it just cracked me up . Maybe it was the accent that did it ? Oh that was classic !

[@BarbequeJo]

cant wait for a review on all the gear.

[@danielbarron5165]

Dude, loved the philosophical reflections, non duality and emotional intelligence. Didn't expect it, new to your channel but excited to join the journey. Thanks

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Welcome aboard!

[@jasonhildebrand1574]

@@QuadzillaHikes its a minor thing, but all of your playlists are in reverse chronological order, thus it makes it hard to binge watch everything all at once. Can you re-sort or rebuild the playlists with the oldest videos at the top, and the newest ones at the bottom?

[@musingwithreba9667]

Best of luck on your emotional journey. The magic mushrooms may even help with that. And will make the trees and waterfalls seem extra pretty 😉

[@garyclayton3760]

Awesome I met you in 22 on the AT I was on my thru hike Looking forward to your journey

[@mogain9258]

I really enjoyed this video and look forward to the next one.

[@nickwoo2]

Gotta get some toe socks. I used them in japan and didnt get a single blister.

[@markapuan]

They are god send!! I use them at work at my event days, where I walk about 12 to 18 miles on those days.

[@acma200]

hey man, let me know when you get to blacksburg, va. you are more than welcome to grab some shelter and food here.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

I appreciate it!

[@db.mc2]

Hi Jack! 👋🏻 Hope you're doing well my friend 👊🏻👍🏻 God Bless 🙏🏻 Appreciate you 🫶🏻 Happy Memorial Day 🫡🇺🇸

[@maguiremk]

Wow, you said so many things that hit me right where they needed to

[@dingobigboy]

I hiked the entire trail and spent less then $600.00. That was back in 1982.

[@MikeLasruk]

Dude your a beast, this is amazing. Every time you do something I'm constantly impressed. Though, I'm trying to understand the costs. Monthly recurring of your cell phone plan and food, Then the one time cost of cell phone, shoes, clothes, gadgets, all your gear and misc. If you complete the AT in less than 2 months I don't see how this is under $1,000. That's incredible. I'd like to see a cost breakdown for all these items. Food, cell phone and shoes gotta be at least $800.

[@tactia3219]

$1k only for food. Gear and clothing does not count.

[@Oldsparkey]

I jazz up my Ramen with some Dehydrated Vegetable soup mix from Harmony House Foods. About three (3 ) Tablespoons of the soup mix and two ( 2 ) tablespoons of their dehydrated Cabbage along with a slash of Hot Sauce makes a really good meal. They are located in Franklin N.C.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Oo sounds great

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

I admire anyone that can spend the night in a shelter. I do not like them one bit so...I always sleep elsewhere...even when against the rules. I need my sleep also. Thanks for the video.

[@gregharmon3797]

Great to see you back on the trail

[@Foghorn77]

This is gonna be fantastic.

[@malte3421]

I've tried the same foam pad on the weekend for an overnighter and it was a bit thin on hard compacted soil at a campground. I was definitely tossing and turning all night, just like you.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

I'm either getting used to it or getting more tired, but sleeping good!

[@malte3421]

@@QuadzillaHikes Glad to hear it's working out for you!

[@venkatinator]

Looking forward to the gear reviews! Especially the backpack!

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Working well so far, not too waterproof but also not totally not waterproof. Shoulder straps hurt first few days but I'm used to it now

[@rayspicher9902]

It's awesome to see you doing so well, I remember the little kid I was in cub scouts with. And I'd imagine the reason you're getting tired more easily is because you're approaching 40. LOL

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Hah good point, I am feeling old now with all these 20 year Olds

[@Bigplantsandsprouts]

Definitly solidifying yourself as hiker gold. Physically, mentally, and spiritually. *Checkout the giant petrified trees 🌲

[@HenrySylvester01]

Big miles, bigger smiles! Lovin’ it 🤙

[@jasonvail7679]

Oh man, I’m so happy for you 🍄🍄🍄 enjoy

[@jordanmilner6025]

cracking up here quads.. keep up the 1g microdose, teehee. Also found myself aiming for duffy camp spots, deep in the woods to make the pad actually comfortable. goodluck with the HOKZ jeeeez

[@Chingadera]

God bless and blissings to you Jack . Good on you !

[@jroseme]

"Extra, Extra 3D" Perfect marketing for shrooms lmao! I'm really excited about this series, and loving the vibe so far.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@michaelcrossey3532]

I love you, and the commentors!

[@Alex_Coolen]

Great footage!

[@Wanderinginthewilds]

Magic mushroom's are great 👍👍

[@malcolmkogut]

I found Penis Envy on the trail. The other hikers were decimating the patch but I managed to get maybe two grams. It wasn't enough to see the cosmic serpent, green lady or machine elves but it was . . . what it was. The whole day was a blur.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

What were they growing in? I'm not confident enough with my fungi ID skills to pick any in the wild

[@malcolmkogut]

@@QuadzillaHikes You mean substrate? I don't know but I do remember the ground was covered with pine needles and desiccated oak leaves. Actually, when they were pulled out, they had tiny pebbles and lichen on them. I use iNaturalist to identify stuff. I think there are liberty caps around the farms of VT. Two other mushrooms you'll find on the trail are Chicken of the Woods and Lion's Mane. I think both are high in protein.

[@Outdoorleben]

Love your Content❤ Happy trails from Germany😊

[@RowanBlake]

tytyty for showing me all that skin lol Now Im gonna be happy all day :P

[@nullislandlife]

@quadzilla, is that Pyro at 3:30 from the PCT who used the small JanSport backpack?

[@QuadzillaHikes]

That's him!

[@dumbcrumb879]

What shoes did you end up going with?

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Using used la sportiva right now

[@SmokeyDukems]

Oats&Honey clusters from dollar general. Cheap, 270 calories and 4.5 servings

[@diannadarling699]

Nice video… looking forward to these… cheers

[@pawelkapica5363]

So what was your total gear weight on this one with the budget gear. I must have missed that in the gear video.

[@jamesking9941]

How long do the shrooms last? What great idea. I love looking at bark.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Microdose you'll feel the effects for 3-4hrs

[@Chingadera]

So cool , hang in !

[@GrilledTofu]

So exciting!!

[@chriskelly6559]

That's a grand per month right? That was my budget, with 2G for emergencies.

[@ylylenjoyer5903]

here for the start probably not here for the end :D

[@catbryonysynnove9076]

Electrolyte powder and chia seeds!!

[@campingwithcruz5808]

Just found your site

[@viadharmawheel]

No bad vibes intended, but it did make me feel better when QZ stated the steps kicked his ass. I had minimal gear and it was real rough for me.

[@emersonmiller5827]

So fun

[@HorizonHikes]

Are you planning to try for a faster daily mileage to save more money? Lol we all know how fast you can finish the AT but idk if you want to book it quite as much as last time

[@QuadzillaHikes]

90-100 days this time :)

[@bridgetrunshikessurfs]

Question, did the price of those mushrooms come out of the 1000😅

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Haha they are not in the budget 🤣

[@noname15822]

One minute talking about psychedelics. Next minute: "woahhhh this tree bark is like extra 3D" 😆

[@QuadzillaHikes]

🤣

[@guillaumevermaut5225]

is the backpack comfortable ?

[@frankynodots]

How is the budget gear holding up?

[@SuniSydeOfShade]

I must be not seeing the coupon code

[@LionessHiker]

Nope. I don’t see it either.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Oops it in the description now

[@ericwilson4553]

Sleepingo pad might be a cheap UL upgrade to sleep better. Are you doing $1000 for gear and food, or $1000 for each?

[@QuadzillaHikes]

1k for food gear is just keep it as low as I can while still having usable gear

[@RC-qf3mp]

Yoda on the trail this video… don’t forget that fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate…just sayin.

[@praktika1082]

Anyone else picking up footsteps in the audio? I'm listening on good noise-cancelling headphones and there's booming/bass-y audio artefacting which can be painful to the ear. It's as if the mic is being constantly jostled around.

[@gregharmon3797]

No

[@michaelcrossey3532]

Good you’re such a legend woohoo!

[@all-to-Him-I-owe100]

I know you can do this on a cheap budget, your mental and physical toughness is amazing. However, I wish you could change two things - better sleep system - no sleep is just no bueno, and better food. I know you know all of this though - you are certainly no rookie. Just please take care of yourself or else us viewers will start sneaking into camp and changing out your PB and ramen for some better/more nutritious food! 😂❤ I truly love a good personal case study - but you are too much of a phenom to waste!

[@JosephMiranda-tq2ni]

Have you every though of buying products like weight gainer to keep you through the day? lightweight lasts forever etc etc maybe mix with some powdered milk mmmm mhm

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Too much hassle mostly

[@DanielOutdoors]

Send one of those bars to me please !

[@DanielOutdoors]

@@csn583 In Norway you crazy????

[@nicholehikes]

I need some psychedelic chocolate

[@JohnBrown-vx3rx]

im curious about the fungus

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Details are in the description

[@christopherch7307]

👍🐿👍 awesome

[@timrodriguez1]

🤘🤠

[@justafrog5641]

Anybody else have experience buying from schedule35? I'm in a decriminalized state and would like to order, just don't want to cause trouble for myself in terms of employment etc.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

If itd adversely effect employment probably better of buying spores and growing your own

[@diannadarling699]

👋👏🧙‍♀️

[@chrisharmon5453]

🫶🏼👏

[@RamblingReason]

13:13 psilocybin will fix you 100% bro 👊

[@QuadzillaHikes]

😎

[@derdooshen1955]

normalize psychotropic hiking

[@viadharmawheel]

I don't think I have seen him so pumped to bond with a waterfall, yeah that stuff definitely affected him -- in a good way.

[@Michael-si9ci]

*There is an interesting guy currently through hiking the AT, and his catch phrase is* “And [location / event] is, in the bag! *It would be hilarious* if you stole his catchphrase a few times for the next several vids, arriving at a location or chronicling an event, you would say “And [location / event here] is, in the bag!”, (and you turn your head towards and close to camera as you do so. (His name escapes me at the moment.

[@garyblack2858]

His name is Fortune Adventures. Another.......in the bag! LOL

[@Michael-si9ci]

@@garyblack2858 Thx.

[@Too_Much_Too_Fast]

more than a microdose lol