I’m Here Because I Want to Build a Life I’m Happy With… | Appalachian Trail 2024

We cross the 300 mile mark of the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina. This video is the 6th episode which was shot over the course of maybe 6 days. Thank you for watching! PS. I also post regular short updates on my Facebook page ‘Derek Cullen Outdoors’.

[@EddieJoe55]

Me Irish friend, tis the BEST directed & edited AT videos on KZbin!

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thanks very much. I really appreciate this amazing feedback 🙏

[@charliem5332]

It's a privilege to get to choose your own suffering. That is so profound. I love it.

[@kathleeneverson]

I look forward every day to watching your videos of life on the trail. I feel like I am right there with you all, and enjoying every minute of the camaraderie - without the sore feet! Happy Trails! Kate from Canada.

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Haha thanks so much Kate. Really appreciate these kind words of encouragement 🙏

[@hilandmalt]

Geologically, the Appalachians and the Scottish Highlands were together about 300 million years ago. This was one of my more favorite videos, Derek. It’s nice to get to know some of your fellow hikers.

[@paddyo3841]

All my ancestors came over from Ireland in late 1880s …settled in southwest Pennsylvania Appalachia area …but they never forgot their roots and love for Ireland, my ultimate dream is to return to Ireland

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

You should definitely get over there Paddy 🙏

[@paddyo3841]

I’m praying on it brother ❤

[@DollyMullet]

​@@DerekCullenOutdoors Hey I was wondering been looking for a few days blessings

[@susancarey2388]

I am an Appalachian woman , my family came from Cork and Kerry in the 1700s . My husband is a recent immigrant from County Kildare , I too am walking the AT , in sections. I love your videos and I look forward to each new post. Welcome to America.

[@DollyMullet]

David this is by far the MOST BEAUTIFUL VLOG OF THE HIKING THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL ..THE THOUGHTS EXPRESSED ARE SO DEEP ROOTED AND MEANINGFUL you being a foreigner is also giving so much information as you hike along THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE PAUSES TO GIVES US THE EXPERIENCE OF BEING THERE TO ENJOY VIRTUALLY THE BEAUTY OF THE TRAILS AND FOREST

[@DartmoorPaul]

Your videos are truly inspiring and moving, Derek. The human story and journey’s that you capture are wonderful and sets you apart from other thru-hike vloggers that I have watched. It’s a joy to follow you. Happy trails.😊

[@margf.6773]

Very good video. Thanks.

[@MaineUSA]

You are amazing!!! You have a gift.

[@angelacronin184]

Awesome scenery! Love the relaxed chats/camaraderie! Amazing video! Derek so great of u sharing the AP with us!!❤

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Cheers Angela !

[@susanmacisaac260]

Thank you for including the Scots Irish diaspora in the Appalachian Trail story.

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

My pleasure. Thank you for watching !

[@troyjenkins3886]

My Moms maiden name is Sims.She is pretty sure some of her ancestory was Scotish/Irish.They called the Mountain home for years.Really enjoying your adventure,thanks so much for taking us along.

[@sonyafields5514]

I have so enjoyed your videos. You bring such depth to not only your experience of the Appalachians but also to the individuals around you. Thank you for sharing your journey with me. My family is from the Appalachians and I see a lot of them in your narrative. Looking forward to sharing more through your lens.

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

This is lovely feedback and lovely to hear. Thank you Sonya 🙏

[@goodwaterhikes]

Loving your the story of your trek north.

[@suemoore1965]

You sure make people think and talk 💕❤

[@ThomasFoy-qe7bd]

All the best for your adventure

[@Wisegirl357]

Proud of you

[@AleaheaZamaniego]

La Breithe Shona Duit!!!! My boss is Irish too and his birthday is on Sunday!! Anyways glad I stumbled across this page I've enjoyed your journey! You look so refreshed! I am currently in talks to hike the AT next year! 😁 Sending you all the strength and stamina you need to conquer Shenandoah! 💙

[@JOHNHMATTHEWS1]

Derek rock on, not sure if you are beyond Nutmeg State. I am a Jersey Boy. Enjoy your tenor of trail, glad I am checking out your videos. Blessings hermano, Vaya con Dios. Juiceman

[@BaltistaniBoys]

Absolutely amazing nice sound. Thanks for sharing your adventure. Guys I recommended you visit the himalayan mountains k2 and Nangaparbat view point from one place moses peak.add this sound in your bucket list

[@soggybottomhikes6915]

You have a knack for making great videos. The content is interesting and different.

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

I appreciate you saying/thinking so 🙏🙏

[@kudlakp]

You are an amazing storyteller!

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thank you very much !

[@WPA33SC]

Count me among the Scott-Irish with a good bit of German. Been enjoying your AT videos.

[@Carolsite]

I’ve had the chance to visit 3 of the presidential homes in Virginia--Washington, Jefferson, and Madison! Love hearing quotes from them! Great videos! Keep the heart good-you are smiling so much in these!❤

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

That must have been so interesting to visit them homes! Thanks so much 😊

[@Minnesota_Girl-m6z]

I enjoy watching your videos and that you show your trail tramily and the camaraderie you share with them. And the side conversation.

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thanks for letting me know. I love tying to pick up parts of these conversations 🙏

[@jaynegrow9156]

GREAT video! Love the scenery, love the comradery, love the different people you encounter along the way.

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thank you Jayne. They people make the videos for sure ☺️

[@jimhenderson387]

I keep repeating myself, but I love your videos! And I love your interviews and the wisdom and intelligence of your hiking mates. I'm also wondering if you have an artistic background. Or maybe a visual arts background. I'm betting you do.

[@cumberlandquiltchic1]

There is a KZbin channel Called , Celebrating Appalachia. Her name is tipper and she talks about the language, music, plants, cooking, gardening, everything appalachia life had and has to offer. Keeping the past alive. She also has a blog called, The Blind Pig and the Acorn. It’s a rabbit hole though,,,, maybe when you have a spare moment or when you get off trail. I think you’ll enjoy it. She lives near me here in the smokies. I have so many questions about what you do, did, home, etc. I see you’ve done a lot of traveling. Good for you!

[@sassipantsyoga5868]

🥰🥰🥰 The Blue Ridge Mountains will look even more blue as all of the leaves fully emerge. Lovely video!

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thank you. Yes it’s already starting to look very different 🙏

[@zoocare2]

Thank you Derek for another wonderful trail episode! I look forward to them. You and your trail partners are so inspiring. I suddenly have the urge to eat Pringles!😋

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Haha please have a Pringle! Appreciate the words of encouragement 🙏

[@rosekelleher1094]

Beautiful video Derek,you certainly met a fantastic bunch of fellow travellers, waking the Appalachian Trail.Have a wonderful day,God Blrss you all.

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thank you for watching Rose !

[@dianeforney420]

Excellent video! Loved the scenery, meeting your friends and hearing the history! Can’t wait for the next one! Tell Emilia hello from Illinois! Lindy Arnold’s daughter Diane. ♥️

[@michaelburke248]

Hi Derek. Great episode. The history of the AT related to Ireland is amazing. Loving the journey, all good.

[@erikabusser]

Emilia’s mom introduced me to your videos! They are amazing!! Thank you for sharing your journey! May God bless you as you endeavour to complete the entire AT!

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Ah lovely. Thank you so much for watching and for the blessing too 🙏

[@christinabourke4854]

Great video Derek! Fascinating about the Scots Irish too. You would make a great interviewer Derek! 💚

[@sonnywhelan9928]

Again another brilliant video did I miss you getting a trail name

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thank you sonny! I don’t have one ☺️

[@daggy1778]

HELLO,YOU, dear Derek...........................I am a german woman with german roots but my heart is irish....................so deep in my heart(perhaps in earlier life I was an irisch herbal witch).....................take care of you and Blessings and Greetings to all of you from Daggy,Kiel,Germany☘☘☘

[@musingwithreba9667]

The Smokys and the Blue Ridge got their name because of the blue tinged "smoke". It's very pretty. I used to live in NC in the foothills, (I'm from, and now live again in, Toronto) and we'd go driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway a lot, just to pull over at the over looks and take it all in 😊

[@robertbates6057]

Derek, I'm so enjoying your videos. Keep em coming. Rob

[@mickcollins2746]

Bob's back 🥳🇮🇪 great video Derek.

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Guess who’s back….bobs back 🙏

[@binflynn1]

It’s like a episode of big brother only outside and everyone gets on

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Haha thank you !

[@100Noddy]

💜

[@patmc2629]

Excellent

[@conifermorze2273]

Pringles--perfect!--one question-what do you do to keep ticks off? they are a big problem here in Vt-never were when I was growing up

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

We don’t worry about ticks and pick them off if they appear m. They are here and everywhere else and the only way to avoid them is to not go outdoors lol 🙏

[@conifermorze2273]

@@DerekCullenOutdoors same here-but I must admit I keep checking as I walk along

[@jimmyjenkins9240]

Your videos are like chapters in a very interesting book. You are a great storyteller. Using more than just words, you use the scenery, the animals, the grandeur and those marvelous questions to move the tale along…to develop the multiple story lines and characters. I find these vlogs fascinating and can’t wait for the next chapter! Thanks posting for us.

[@nualacostello1798]

Omg hi guys loveing this video

[@nojabhere]

Any News on Bigfoot? 😅 all jokes aside what a great series so far. Greetings from Cork

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thanks so much! I’ve heard some sounds out there at night but no signs of bigfoot himself 😜

[@anghart8622]

Do you guys share cooking ever when food is low and just see what you can come up with to feed u all

[@auzzieaustin4946]

Pringles ❤😂

[@galelascala105]

Hi Ben! Hug from your Other Mother. I can't wit to see your plant pics.

[@thegoodwaymatador]

Another great vid! You planning on being at Trail Days? Would love to treat you to a beer. -Matador

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Hey Matador! No plans to go to trail days…doesn’t sound like my kind scene to be honest lol

[@BruceEllmaker]

💞

[@sonyafields5514]

Also what type of camera are you using?

[@HawkeyeNikster]

You found the lizards!! 😊

[@HawkeyeNikster]

Great video!

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Yes this was a red salamander :)

[@johnparis9960]

Every time I watch your vlog I am emotionally moved and feel as if I am on trail . Thanks for sharing your dream. Peace ,Tuna

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

@@johnparis9960lovely to hear this. Thank you !!

[@belfastderry1546]

Derek tu parle français !?

[@paddyo3841]

I hate Pringles… the ultimate abomination of the potato chip…you must’ve been biting your tongue

[@jimmycorrigan4009]

all good derek