I’m Looking for Somebody I’ve Lost - Appalachian Trail 2024

We enter the Smoky Mountains National Park as we cross the 200 mile mark of the Appalachian Trail. This video is the 5th episode which was shot over the course of maybe 4 days. Thank you for watching! PS. I also post regular short updates on my Facebook page ‘Derek Cullen Outdoors’.

[@BicheBug1996]

Derek i have followed a lottttt of peo0le doing the AT trails i live vicariously through you all as i am feeling stuck and depressed with my life i am a caregiver to my disabled child and would love to be out there in the world enjoying MYLIFE 😢 the interview with that dad who trying to find himself again after the loss of his son truly hit me !,, This by far is the most rewarding AT hike i am viewing .Your soft demeanor and encouraging words to us while you hike 🙏🏽🙏🏽prayers to my soul,,, tye way you stop for that few seconds to ask us if us viewing is ok ❤ GOOD LUCK ON THE REST OF THE JOURNEY AND GIVE THE HIKERS WITH YOU ESPECIALLY THAT DAD A HUG FROM ME DOLLYMOLLETT❤❤❤

[@musingwithreba9667]

Hugs to you ❤ I was a caregiver for my mum for the last few years of her life. It's very taxing, a lot of people don't understand just how much.

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thank you for this beautiful message and encouragement. Sending you strength at this difficult time and hoping you know in-full that in caring for your child, you are living a life of great meaning and purpose ❤️

[@DollyMullet]

​@@DerekCullenOutdoors You made me tear up with that thoughtful words ❤❤❤ by the way I am all the way in Trinidad and Tobago❤❤ I really wish I can get out there and live my life😢😢😢😢

[@DollyMullet]

​@@DerekCullenOutdoorsHey where are you not seeing update on your hike

[@margf.6773]

You are a true philosopher.........you inspire me.

[@marysorb6464]

Godincidence....... for sure. God bless and safe travels...

[@conifermorze2273]

Brings tears of joy and love -wonderful to see in this wounded world we are now living in-there is true hope for us all

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thank you for this lovely comment. Happy to hear you enjoyed the video so much 🙏

[@DaleRogers-zi2vz]

Derek, Thank you so very much for being you and creating this documentary. Bennett is my son and I am deeply delighted and moved to the core to be able to see my son and you all on this incredible journey. I really appreciate your thoughts and talents in creating this window into an adventure that seems impossible for most of us. Thank YOU! ~Dale

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Ahh thank you so much Dale and Bennett is in his tent just next to me here as I write. Really appreciate these kind words and expecting we will go all the way together this year 🙏

[@Tzippi]

Wow. I’m so happy you popped up in my feed. What a wonderful human you are! The gentleman’s story is amazing, but the way you brought his story out was simply incredible. ❤

[@stevewaterhouse3025]

Tzppi, same

[@DogsTrossachs]

What an adventure. So glad you found your people, and addressed loneliness. Thanks for sharing

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

My pleasure and thank you for watching ☺️

[@bluemoondew]

Beautiful. Just beautiful and bountiful and warm and deeply connecting. Please give all the best to Lee for sharing his story and for his continued positive dedication to those he loves and lost. I lost my daughter to an accidental drowning in 2024. My heart hears him clearly. Keep up the good work Derek. I can’t wait to see the documentary you put together when all is said and done on this journey 😉

[@EarlyRiser71]

Loving your style, bro! Just wonderful. 🤘🕓

[@anghart8622]

You and your awesome group simply make me smile

[@suzannamlambert]

I ❤ John O’Donohue’s writings. I ❤️ your video blog. I ❤️ your energy & your mind. Merci beaucoup for your beautiful sharing ✨🙏🏼

[@suemoore1965]

So much emotion with this group and I love it 💕❤

[@maureenp7082]

There are no coincidences. I am glad you have such a great tramily. The constant smile on your face is proof that you're where you're supposed to be. ❤

[@dawnseely1013]

A word: peaceful. Thank you for documenting exactly the way you do. Beautiful land. Beautiful people. Genuine. Uplifting. A joy. Happy trails, until next time.

[@anghart8622]

I’m not ok but ,I’m working on it .These videos you make have brought calm and peace thank you !

[@nialloutdoors]

❤ to Lee. He's a strong man to be dealing with 14 years of heartbreak like that. Those are 3 heavy things he's carrying with him, way beyond their physical weight. I hope this journey is healing him as much as it seems already "heart getting better" 💪 Happy Trails to you all ❤

[@Magooej22]

Amazing Derek. And there are no coincidences. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@Carolsite]

I sometimes forget how diverse and beautiful America is. Thanks for the reminder!

[@Ac0mpUsmEntIsY]

I really like the bits and pieces of philosophical thought that you insert into the day. It is especially nice when you add a personal reflection or story that gives philosophy a context and renewed relevance.

[@jimtobinynwa]

Derek, your skills as a documentarian gets better every episode. It is also comforting to know that your travelling companions are such lovely people.

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thanks so much Jim 🙏

[@nojabhere]

Everything happens for a reason 😊

[@LynnStAubin-od5qe]

Derek I hope you don’t mind me borrowing your “GOOD” philosophy. I don’t always check with myself to see if I’m good. You and your tramily are a breath of fresh air on this journey. Thanks for sharing.

[@Maureen.walkdontrun]

Hey Derek, I’ve been flip flopping your adventure. You remind me a little of my son who is 40. When he started high school in grade nine he was not part of the cool crowd and not part of the jock crowd. The first day at lunch the cool and jock kids took off for the mall. My son was left behind with a handful of others he hadn’t met before they were misfits in a way. Four of them have become lifelong friends once they looked around the room and agreed to hang out. The crazy part is my son was barely an average student and the other kids were extremely gifted but he graduated high school with honours and I credit the positive influence of his friends. Life is good. Take care, I’m loving your journey.

[@RowanBlake]

I am going to start saying your "all good" mantra in my life. ty for sharing your journey with us.

[@Loman-B]

Jeeez... Head good, body good, feet good, Heart's getting better." Food for thought. How did we all come together. Misfits, you are not! Hugs.

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thank you. I do believe we are misfits but only for the fact that we do not “fit in” with the conventional - a good thing ;)

[@Loman-B]

@@DerekCullenOutdoors Darn right Derek. I know where I'd rather be!

[@vinneyH]

Great video derek . The camaraderie between you lot is great. Would love to see yous all finish together ...

[@lisamonalisahikes]

I so wish I was on trail this year. Thank you for sharing your journey

[@ijblessjourney]

Love your videos! Thank you

[@cumberlandquiltchic1]

Im so thankful that you are sharing your amazing adventure! What a beautiful trail family you’ve all been given! You do an amazing job at putting your videos together! Amazing! I think sometimes we can think it’s just us, who is lost in life. We are all on a journey and at times have massive events to deal with and hills go climb. We are not alone. I lost myself also, when my husband died 11 years ago. We lived in a national Park on a barrier island with no bridges. I had to give our home to the government because it was a life estate for his life. So I can hear, where you are in my back yard, in the smokies of NC. It’s been a journey, but still not fulfilled with a purpose of hears next. Still wandering… you encourage me. 🥰

[@lindamalcovsky]

Magical ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@geraldinekelly3325]

Derek ye are not misfits, ye are amazing and looks like you have found your tribe 🥰

[@gwendolynmacaluso775]

I am loving your videos

[@auzzieaustin4946]

Hey Derek, just binged the first 5 episodes of your AT adventure. I've been catching a few snippets on Facebook along the way, but watching from Episode 1 where u were feeling lonely to where you are now, making friends and building some special relationship is amazing to see. Listening to Phil's story (sorry if i got his name wrong my memories terrible) story at the end, its clear hearts are mending and hearts are growing. Loving the insight and looking forward to the next installment. Peace brother ❤

[@scenicroute8643]

The trail truly provides. A few years ago I went through a rough time and decided to do a section hike and met the people I needed to help me process my thoughts and emotions so I could go back to normal life. Thank you for creating and sharing your journey

[@kudlakp]

You are an amazing story teller! Thanks for taking us along.

[@jboone7805]

You guys should be the holy rollers!

[@RobDuffyMusic]

incredible stuff out of you Derek. Snake would have had me up all night. Some man! Looks like the craic! Great video!

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thanks very much Rob 🙏

[@anniedavis4569]

So so powerful and great emotion from all of you. It’s making me want to get out there and find myself too as there’s a lot of soul searching out in nature. Hoping Lee will find himself again. Thank you Derek for showing us your way home

[@juliaschram9824]

Thank you for sharing your heart!

[@musingwithreba9667]

What a beautiful video. Heartbreaking, and yet heart lifting at the same time. You're very right of course. It's no coincidence. The trail provides.

[@patd8063]

This is your best work yet! The AT experience you are having is amazing. Thank you for sharing it with us. ❤

[@eamonnpeppard3669]

I just think you're inspiring as hell, and I love your mindset... Keep truckin kid, you're playing a stormer ☘️👏👏👏

[@Pj.explores]

God and the Universe have a plan, about which we know very little, but play an active role in. ❤The AT is good medicine. In Appalachia, we call the rhododendrons mountain laurel. You’re also seeing wild phlox, the wee little wedding bouquet style flowers and trillium.

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

I agree. Thank you

[@mushercdn]

A great adventure told by a gifted story teller. I 'm hooked for the duration. Thanks for the video.

[@francisday3187]

Thank you for making this video. So beautiful and profound. 🙏

[@ozarkadventures6968]

What a heartwarming video this week! Thank you for sharing. I am so enjoying your group!!

[@nsdis]

Watching your videos is so calming and touching for me. Thank you!

[@lynnemurphy114]

All is grand in my world..love watching your journey 💚

[@zever4ever]

Derek, been following for a long time. There were a handful of views watching you in your tent in the rain in Ireland and now thousands. Well deserved mate and always moving content. I was really moved when you paused to ask if we were OK. I really needed that question put to my face right now in my life. Wish I were there with you all.

[@lisasander4005]

I met two of your AWESOME trail mates today, Holly and Amelia, at the coffee shop in Hot Springs. So very grateful to have shared 2 hours of my life with them. Love to all of your group! I'll be following you! 💚💚💚

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

They told me about you Lisa and they absolutely loved talking with you 🙏🙏

[@valeriecarter836]

Derek, I do not believe in coincidences, everything happens for a reason. It's very evident how at peace you seem to be right now and that is great. I am happy you are not alone, it suits you. They seem like a lovely group of genuine people. I am loving following this journey. Stay safe xx Val

[@paddyo3841]

All good ❤

[@colmobrien8904]

Really enjoying your journey with your new friends, great to see the comradery

[@galelascala105]

My friend Ben! Wonderful to see him

[@5555filly]

Love the sound of laughter ❤

[@SpongeBrainSquarePeg]

Thank you for these videos! Such beautiful country

[@lynnmcguire2742]

You've captured such a broad range of stunning moments and emotions, Derek, both heart wrenching and heart warming. You are so right, it is no coincidence and I'm so happy for you to be experiencing this joy. Each step, every choice each of you made throughout your lives brought you together. It really is miraculous! :)

[@padraigocobthaigh1770]

Derek the answer to your question about how you guys all came together at the beginning of the AT is simple......The Lord works in mysterious ways. Best video yet because you're glowing in the contentment that this whole experience is giving you.

[@EddieJoe55]

Derek, I could easily watch a week-long miniseries trail video of yours straight through! Terrific videography brother!

[@spongebob8663]

Judging by all these comments Derek,your far from being alone.An absolute inspiration ✌✌

[@angelacronin184]

So beautiful❤. What an experience!

[@helenwallis5914]

This was such a beautiful episode. Thank you for sharing

[@christinabourke4854]

What a great vid Derek! So lovely and heartfelt. I hope all your crew make it to the end together. Some people really have a lot to deal with in their lives. I'm hoping they find some peace within themselves. Looking forward to the next one! 💚

[@jonm4989]

I’ve only recently found your channel Derek. I’m really enjoying your AT journey. This episode was especially lovely due to the open interviews with your hiking buddies. Keep up the good work and best of luck to you all for the remainder of the trail.

[@TheBridgeToYou]

Simply beautiful ❤

[@shannondenny3259]

Loving this whole adventure, that snake tho!

[@TiffanyCarter-gs6io]

What a beautiful bunch ❤

[@100Noddy]

💜

[@michaellegear]

Great video! It looks amazing. I don’t think you guys are misfits…..I think you are each living an authentic life unlike most of us “roboting” through our days. Definitely not a coincidence you all met…..meant to be in some way we don’t yet understand. Keep walking and enjoy every moment.

[@philiposullivan5555]

What a beautiful video, great to see enjoying it so much

[@EricCrowe-pf7oi]

Utterly heartwarming

[@paulsmakingmovies1451]

Beautiful

[@nancybishop4888]

❤

[@teresareddy3538]

Great video Derek.Thanks

[@Herefords]

God brought you together.

[@petermerlehan7478]

What a adventure ❤

[@CabOnTarget]

Fantastic stuff.

[@johnparis9960]

Awesome!

[@RoseW-ge2cm]

❤ “what a life”❤

[@charliem5332]

If coincidence, maybe its just good for us to know that there are like minded people out there waiting to meet us. All we need to do is get out there.

[@goodwaterhikes]

😎✌

[@thegoodwaymatador]

"Misfits aren't Misfits among other Misfits."

[@HikingWithCam]

Great video. You can’t tent near the shelters in the GSMNP?

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Only if there are no spots in the shelter. Some shelters also have no spots nearby :/

[@HikingWithCam]

Thanks. I hope to be hiking that section in 2027 :)@@DerekCullenOutdoors

[@JamieMacNeil]

“Ourselves alone”. Not trying to be political whatsoever, but with that accent and those soliloquy’s it reminds me of hearing the English translation of Sinn Fein growing up in Canada years ago, I assume you grew up south of the troubles though. Very good job you make of these.

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

I hear you. Thanks very much 🙏

[@blloodstone8762]

Is that luke sital i hear

[@Sailor14223]

☘️💚

[@anvilbrunner.2013]

Ar dt'us

[@karlmurray2225]

Episode was well worth waiting for Derek. Beautifully & simply put together. Did bring a tear to my eye. I don't agree with your misfits interpretation. Your group are just a bunch of very lucky people. Keep having fun. Look forward to your next episode.

[@DerekCullenOutdoors]

Thanks very much Karl. I appreciate the kind words 🙏