Hiking Picos De Europa (my first failed trip)

[@jacobsladder3619]

I really overestimated my abilities and underestimated this hike! With a few more days of hiking budgeted, it would have been possible. If you are planning to hike the Picos De Europa, book the Refugios well in advance and plan for one stage per day. The views are worth it and you'll appreciate them more than just trying to crush miles like I was. I learned some great lessons on this hike and failing this hike will result in future successful trips. Thanks for watching!

[@terryjackson7244]

This appeared to be a true live and learn experience. It’s obviously your call to say whether it was a failure or not but that could only be in the most literal sense. You continue to consciously test yourself in ways that few people even consider doing. I’m so proud of you and hope we get to see you later this month.

[@jacobsladder3619]

Thank you for the message 😊 Are you coming to Florida? Unfortunately I think I’ll be in the ne through most of October. Don’t think our paths will cross this time.

[@sonajero25]

Thank you for sharing your experience so transparently. That terrain is hard indeed.

[@jacobsladder3619]

Thanks for watching!

[@seansixfive]

Great effort. Also very brave to recognize your limits and to share your final thoughts. I really hope it helps people. I live in the north of Spain and regularly go to Los Picos. In recent years the number of rescues has multiplied. Not sure if people are using apps and totally underestimate the demands. There are parts where 1km could take three hours or more. So glad you made it down safely and have some great memories. Too many never return.

[@jacobsladder3619]

It was a humbling experience for sure! I did have a garmin in case of emergency but thankfully didn’t have to use it. I gained a new respect for trails those last couple days and am going to plan much better in the future. Lessons learned!

[@seansixfive]

@@jacobsladder3619 I”m using Gaia App to plan routes and have the Spain full Topo map to layer on top for extra info. Keep in mind the biggest killer in the mountains is hypothermia. Always good to think if you did have a mishap, could you maintain your body temperature for the night. Staying well hydrated also helps you to maintain clarity of mind. Enjoy your future excursions.💪

[@j.mantis7619]

Looks grueling, but man, it looks epic!

[@jacobsladder3619]

Exactly right! I didn’t get to show most of the hard parts because I needed both hands and it was too dangerous to keep going up and down.

[@stevenrozansky530]

I am surprised they didn't have rope drops on the steeper climbs. I am happy that you could experience many beautiful places over the last 4 months. I am also glad you are coming home safe.

[@jacobsladder3619]

Ropes would have been helpful but there were always good rock holds. It was just really steep!

[@mkuziv1]

Ditto Can't wait to see you and hear all about it. Your videos and memories will last you a lifetime. Thank You for brightening all of our days. The absolute best medicine is watching these incredible challenges you have chosen. Good for you. God is So very Great Proud to call you my family...... Love Cousin Mark

[@jacobsladder3619]

Thank you Mark!

[@mkuziv1]

@@jacobsladder3619 You have been an inspiration to us ALL. When adversity in life and challenges come our way that you should prepare and work hard and the reward is knowing what your limits are. All of our family that have passed are cheering you on as well. John, Beverly my Mother and Father Bette and Michael Dara and my brother Michael are out there with you on EVERY ride making sure that you are safe.......😊 It gives us older folks the inspiration to get thru the adversities of everyday life. I only see bigger and better things for your next chapter in life. You are a truly remarkable young man reaching for his dreams........ Oh to be that young again....... You come from some really STRONG people that endured allot in their lives and I just know they would be cheering you on as you go the distance..... Once again Thank You for sharing your adventures with us all......it really has meant allot!!!!!!

[@jacobsladder3619]

Thank you for the message Mark! I will think about them more on future trips 😊

[@Dee78584]

Great vid. This loop was on my list of potentials next year, but the more I've looked into it the more I'm having second thoughts as I plan to take a friend who's not done anything more than a couple days thru. It does look amazing but I don't really want to be red lining it. I'd love to try this someday though, maybe allow for a good amount of time as you've said. Thanks

[@jacobsladder3619]

Wise decision. There are many smaller loops that can be formed here. It would even be possible to do out and backs for a one nighter at a Refugio. Or train your friend up for the full thing!! It’s no joke though in those higher altitude Boulder fields. One thing I regret in this video is not showing more of the hard parts. When really hard stuff is happening I stopped filming to just focus

[@relaxingsilentfilms-LosAngeles]

congrats Jacob on the content.. very similar style to Kraig Adams and Harmen Hook. keep up the great work. we have done similar style videos of Europe and Canada.

[@jacobsladder3619]

Thanks for the high praise. I wish mine were 10% of kraig Adam’s. But we all have our own style and it’s always developing. Will check your vids out

[@relaxingsilentfilms-LosAngeles]

@@jacobsladder3619 safe travels! we are subscribed!

[@anxomillaraveiga9404]

Very nice video

[@jacobsladder3619]

Thank you!

[@pepito9862]

Good motivation for me going there in 2 weeks. Ready for faillure ! :)

[@jacobsladder3619]

Have fun and stay safe!

[@pepito9862]

@@jacobsladder3619 Oh I will, if the condition are not good enough the backup plan is doing 2 weeks of via ferrata in northern Spain :)

[@jacobrozansky1535]

@@pepito9862 great second option! I was astounded by the culture and people in North Spain. Wish I got to explore spain more on the trip. You gotta try the chorizo and orujo

[@picos.europa.experience]

Hi, Picos de Europa is definitely a unique place, with innumerable challenges. Thank you for sharing your experience and the importance of failure to succeed. I would like to have a conversation with you about this experience if possible, thank you, regards

[@jacobsladder3619]

Hi, thanks for watching! I’d be happy to chat sometime. Email me at [e-mail]