Quitting A Fastest Known Time - Sheltowee Trace Trail Thru Hike

[@billysherlin6589]

Glad you liked the halfway marker I made for the trail. Definitely a hog nose snake

[@CampfireTalk]

You seemed so much happier once you let go of the FKT. Gorgeous section here as well.

[@GODOFROCK22]

CampfireTalk Agreed!

[@jsweevil]

Hog nosed snake. They are harmless but they put up one hell of an act. If you had scared it, it would have played dead. Tongue sticking out and everything!

[@JupiterHikes]

Oh wow thank you!! I have a rule not to get too close to any snake but now I kinda wish I got a little closer for a better photo at least

[@jsweevil]

@@JupiterHikes Yeah I was confronted by one years ago and I freaked out and unfortunately people tend to kill them. They will act like a rattle snake and shake their tails next to dead leaves to make you think it is a rattler, it will flare it's neck out enough to look like a poisonous snake and REALLY flare it out to almost look like a cobra or something. If all that fails they will turn over on their back and stick out their tongue and even give off a foul odor to make predators think it is dead. They are funny snakes and really should be given an Oscar for their performance.

[@jhonyermo]

AKA "puff adder", "blowing adder", "flathead", "spreadhead", "spreading adder" or "hissing adder".. • Ran into my first one in Pensacola and had the same reaction as you did. But their is an African snake called a Puff Adder that is deadly Poison.

[@jsweevil]

@@jhonyermo Yup, the African one luckily isn't in the US though.

[@joshhaugh1]

Yup, Eastern Hog-nosed Snake. They mostly eat toads!

[@KimberlyGreen]

I'm glad you changed emphasis early on from FKT to pleasure. You got to enjoy the 2nd half more because of that wisdom.

[@Cropsykills]

At the End of July, I'm doing my first solo weekend hike on the Sheltowee Trace NRT to Cave Run. 36.5 miles and I can't wait. Thank you for hiking my beautiful state of Kentucky.

[@TheMountainMatt]

Stumbled across your channel👍🏼. Haven’t been out east hiking.... yet😉. Great work brother!

[@dirtribbonaddiction]

About a year or two ago I discovered the huge mega cliffs and unique rock formations of the Cumberlands. I was hooked! Even though the Smokies are in my backyard, I will happily drive 100+ miles to hike sections of the Cumberland trail...everytime! I absolutely love it! I started my own lil channel to showcase these awe inspiring rock formations! I am really considering thru hiking the Sheltowee next yr. You're channel was my go to for info on this hike.

[@sietskevandiejen9774]

I need to say, I'm jealous. Not only that you are on that beautiful trail.. but also that you can keep your shirt that white. I can't even do that if I would stay home. Also good job by taking a little more time to enjoy! Thx for sharing!

[@1717jbs]

Looks like a scenic trail. Thanks for sharing.

[@nathanrieck2112]

Lol that happened to me on the PCT. I hitched into Cabezon and went to the In N Out and then to Taco Bell and hitched back. It wasn’t until later that I remembered that I wanted to buy more snacks and stuff at the gas station

[@elizabethingram9784]

That trail looks so beautiful.

[@turnerpower]

Looks Beautiful! The rocks formation reminds me of the Orzak Highland Trail

[@JupiterHikes]

the OHT is high on my list of things I want to do!

[@richardjones2627]

Great video of the Trace. I live in KY and have bicycles through parts of the Trace in London, KY. You have also walked thru the hiking/ climbing meca of the Red River Gorge region. During the late Spring into the Fall, this region is packed with all kind of day hikers, weekenders and climbers. I'm so glad you enjoyed your hike through Ky.

[@viniciuskranmachado242]

Dude, your videos inspire me a lot!

[@wanttogoplaces]

Yeah, he makes you want to go out and enjoy this beautiful nature

[@chrisbenitez6548]

"I've crossed this river 3 times, I should only have to cross it once." Wait till you get to the Gila on the CDT. You're gonna love it!

[@greysilverback3924]

Cool rock outcroppings! Must have been a haven for the indigenous people.

[@jasonsoutthere7733]

That was lovely, how someone left those tires there. Such love!

[@JamieHanks]

It was a. Eastern Hog-Nosed Snake. Super cool, and it freaked me out the first time too

[@felipecastellon4740]

I was the 200th like. I win a prize yaay! Haha. Anyways. I recently hiked with an instructor of the Sierra club that I met on the trail. I told her that I was planning on doing the PCT. She said, "Why, you'll always be in a hurry and not enjoy the trail." Glad you decided to smell the roses, or green stuff. Cool video. Thanks for sharing.

[@flashmanv3260]

Tough break on the FKT, it's always a trade-off trying for a record vs enjoying the hike a little more. Seems like you are enjoying the trail, so it's a win no matter what. Looks like a great trail, I have not been that area before. Thanks for sharing

[@LJHowardPhoto]

Gorgeous scenery on that trail. I put it on my list of trails to hike someday.

[@Smokeybeesnatural]

That portion of the state never disappoints!

[@rudekperezacupuncturist]

That trail looks beautiful, glad you are now just taking time to slow down and enjoy it more. Seems like you are carrying extra weight with your tarp, so many rock ledges.

[@IAmWhatevaUSayIAm]

BTW, I got a little chuckle out of the first minute of the video where you explained going out of your way.. My longest day on the FT was 19 miles. I got turned around just past the Dam in Rodman and walked in a big circle. I did about 3 positive miles that day. No map... 😣

[@bradhassler1]

Beautiful area, great job on your videos. Some real interesting water crossings, and all is good.

[@justalurkr]

I'm glad you let go of the fkt and made the conscious choice to enjoy the trail.

[@DebCampos]

I totally agree with slowing down and enjoying that beautiful trail!! Awesome video 😊😊👍👍🏞️🏞️!!

[@ThomasGapinski]

Looks beautiful up there. Thanks for sharing.

[@seesfractals2462]

Always happy to watch your videos. Thanks for sharing

[@AJKPenguin]

Love that KY Route 77 bridge between Powell and Menifee Counties.

[@rickfromvirginia]

Another awesome video! Keeps getting better! Thanks as always for sharing!

[@IAmWhatevaUSayIAm]

Love watching you man. Your enthusiasm is contagious! Start training tomorrow for the AT. 22 Mile days On the Florida Coast. Beach packing 30 lb. Always looking for advice and anything you can suggest for a Sub 100 on the AT would be tremendously appreciated. Keep inspiring!

[@JupiterHikes]

I actually was just talking about sub 100 n reddit so ill just copy paste that here lol I will eventually do a video about this, if you're a sobo maybe before you leave even "It's very realistic but you will have to resign yourself to this. Not many others will be on that pace, so knowing before you begin that you have this goal and it's very easy to be side tracked should help you avoid being side tracked. You sound fit so no problems there. I did the AT in 91 days and here's some things to consider. Sobo was right for me since I could start slow in maine and new hampshire, and the second I hit vermont it is noticeably easier the entire rest of the way. regardless of direction or how you feel I would start slow anyway, let your feet toughen, strengthen, and your metabolism to pick up. After a while you will become a machine, a tired machine, but one that is less likely to get injured. I didn't often stay in town long, ever. While most are taking zeros you'll be needing to nero. This works for me mostly but sometimes it can be not fun to be passing up the party. I set little goals for myself, Vermont in 5 days, or the smokies in 2, 100 mile wilderness in 3, or of course between each town, knowing exactly where I was going and how long it should take. night hiking I did a lot of, not everyday did I wake at the crack of dawn or have a fast day so it was extremely beneficial to get that extra 2-4 miles in the evening. I enjoyed this, and considered it bonus. Some nights were really late, but even years later I still do about an hour extra each night in all my solo hiking. my game was to always catch up to the next hiker, once I did I would try to catch up to the next, and so on. I didn't know these people but there's always someone ahead. A great moral boost as well to say hello and chit chat briefly. Great way to meet the entire class as well. At your pace there will be a lot of people you will only see once, most people. There probably won't be a trail family for you. I personally really enjoy the solo aspect but that may be a downside for most. Leaving a cool group or a cool person will be hard at times, but get a big smile on and remember what you're doing. Lighten your pack, I don't know if you mean 25lb total or 25lb base but given the goal, your focus will be on hiking more so than camping. So certain luxuries can be left behind in order to make the hiking more comfortable, and stress free for your body. Generally I would roll into camp, and go to sleep and didn't need or care for or was too tired to use some stuff others carried. the stress of a deadline can be a lot, so consistency is key. better to do those 20s than to have wildly high days followed by wildly low days and trying to catch back up. much like night hiking, if you can taking advantage of the early morning hours, rising before the sun is the best thing you can do. Even if you go slow all day you'll easily hit your 20+ and won't feel like you're behind which is a common feeling when waking up late and hiking into the night. I may frame some of this as negative but I feel that's because most wouldn't really enjoy this kind of hike. I really wouldn't have had it any other way, and if I did it again I would be going for under 90. I didn't feel like I missed anything I would have actually wanted, but instead had the exact experience I sought out. For those who know, know. There is a growing community of lighter and faster so who knows maybe you'll find friends but I felt it would be good to talk about some of the possible realities. As always before you go months in advance be training training training, and getting used to your gear as best you can in the worst conditions you can find locally. Better to learn near home than on a 3 month hike across the country. In the end 100 days isn't really that hard or out of reach."

[@IAmWhatevaUSayIAm]

@@JupiterHikes thank you! I hadn't considered a couple of the points you made. I think one of my biggest struggles will be breaking my feet in. I tend to blister easy. Definitely going to take some extra measure to prevent it. I did 14-19 Mile days on the FT in March with 50lb. Wasn't really in a hurry and obviously by my pack weight I didn't know much about hiking. Honestly, I didn't even have a map lol. After watching your gear reviews among others I've got my estimated base weight down to 16lb. If you were to do a Sub 100 Sobo (I was planning Nobo), when would you want to leave Katahdin? I'm thinking May..? Also, I've heard that descending some of the White mountains Southbound is very difficult. What areas do you recall being the toughest/steepest?

[@JupiterHikes]

@@IAmWhatevaUSayIAm I would leave early august, you may run into colder weather in the deep south but considering you're going for 100 days it won't even sort of be bad. if you think the hike will take longer start a couple weeks earlier, but the earlier you start the worse the weather and bugs during the hike. starting earlier would also mean more people vs catching up to the crowed later.

[@IAmWhatevaUSayIAm]

@@JupiterHikes very good points. The fall in the South wouldn't be bad at all. I guess that program would actually keep the temperatures more consistent than Nobo starting in May. Would also translate to less gear change ups. I really appreciate your input. I have a good bit of thinking and logistics to dig into now..

[@alisathomas7144]

Please inform us about cell signal or lack thereof and what carrier. ty. Love these videos!

[@nickel0eye]

Just on the Sheltowee between Cumberland Falls and Mouth of the Laurel last weekend, wonder what the trail was looking like for you, was totally washed out for me!

[@dabaird12]

The southern half of sheltowee is by far the best as you know now👍😁🇺🇸

[@AJKPenguin]

The trails and the local roads are basically all routed to meander with the river and have quite an amount of crossings.

[@AJKPenguin]

For example, KY Route 15 is quite squiggly.

[@bumpstaggers4177]

Beautiful trail.

[@surfandstreamfisher5749]

I think the locals are telling you the truth. south of you is big south fork, beautiful place! talk about rock formations, twin arches is pretty neat. thanks for the video, I've enjoyed this journey! be safe, hike on!

[@ombudsmanwilson2665]

thinking of winter hiking this trail

[@jhonyermo]

Hell YES to Frogg Toggs. Jacket and Poncho and HAT. Cool, you said 'screw it.' Mox nix, it does not matter one iota.

[@bP-yr3po]

Ive had 2 of those frogg toggs hats and can't find one that doesn't fit like a tourniquet. have you had that problem?

[@FOLLOWINGWALKERSWORLD]

Best vid yet of your trip! 👍

[@iwazzabadboy1982]

Wise choice...great video

[@Collins0566]

Did you loose that trekking pole you were carrying?

[@100_zwe]

Did you see any other hikers on this trail?

[@JupiterHikes]

I saw only 1 other thru hiker, I passed a second thru hiker some point while night hiking, two section hikers, and only a small handful of day hikers. It blows me away more don't hike this trail given how beautiful it is!

[@markcummings6856]

Cool video. So, what’s your point about forgetting what you wanted at the truck stop?🤔

[@JupiterHikes]

That was my one planned resupply point, so I was out of food, was in a place that sold food, and totally forgot to buy any after being mesmerized by junk the deli sold

[@markcummings6856]

JupiterHikes Ah, mesmerized! Gotta watch that! 😝

[@tonyhanke7715]

Weird snake indeed! Someone please comment if you know what the heck thst was... Jupiter, sorry about the fkt... but you look a ton happier now.

[@backtothefrontier2923]

Eastern Hognose is my guess. (third edit: I think its a hognose, pointed nose and relatively small body) Comment farther down says its a "Puff Adder" That may be correct; oh, Puff adder is an alternative name for the Eastern Hognose Snake

[@andyveres3982]

Yeah boyyyyyyy!!!

[@professorsogol5824]

From the University of Kentucky Dept of Forestry website kysnakes.ca.uky.edu/snake/heterodon-platirhinos Click through the images showing variations in coloring, etc., One of them looks similar to your snake and even you yourself noted some hog-like features to it. And it occurs to me that a Fastest Known Time effort is by its very nature incompatible with making KZbin videos. All the time you spend setting up the camera and going back to pick it up after filming something is time and distance lost.

[@jhonyermo]

That snake was a "puff adder", "blowing adder", "flathead", "spreadhead", "spreading adder" or "hissing adder". NOT the Deadly poison African Puff Adder.

[@christopherch7307]

👍😎👍

[@c3920]

You live in Florida, if you are surprised by a snake then everyone should be!

[@lukasmakarios4998]

I never understood the competitive impulse to FKT a trail. I always thought that the whole point of hiking was to enjoy the trail and being outdoors. So yeah, take your time and stop occasionally, just to smell the roses. You don't have to be so hardcore.

[@JupiterHikes]

With a very short window of time away from work I felt like it would be a nice challenge to do the whole trail in that frame. Beyond that though it's nice to try and push myself sometimes, I find I always learn a lot more than if I were taking it easy

[@jhonyermo]

Need some HYOH Kryptonite? If that is the way Justin enjoys his hike, WTF HYOH and perhaps consider to STFU?