PART 5 Linville Gorge FINISH GRAND LOOP with the Hickery Brothers

[@michaelplesch]

There are no words to fully describe the joy you have given me, AGAIN! while watching your video. Well sir, maybe two words...Thank ye!

[@shugemery]

Still re-living that trip. So fun.

[@nohill4climber]

Just want to say thanks Shug. Thanks for taking the time, on the trail and at home to produce all of this. Time is precious, the Gorge is precious, and the Hickery Brothers are smelly, but leaving a great legacy. You guys should be paid for boosting tourism in the area. It was great to see you both again. Ken

[@shugemery]

You know it is our joy and pleasure. What a chore…..

[@joesneon]

WOW SHUG!!!just a fantastic series!!! i really enjoyed it!!!WHOOOOOOO BUDDY!!!!

[@TripleAAA53]

Nasty BLISTER Shug ...TRANSFORM those boots into FIREWOOD! Peppermint PATTIES ...MMMMM GOOD GOD gots to HAVE ONE!! Thx Shug for the weeklong adventure!!

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

That is a really beautiful area. Great vid as usual Shug. Great job with the series for this trail. Thanks for taking us along for the ride brother.

[@shugemery]

Glad you enjoyed our fun.

[@paulwastaken]

nice ... a thoroughly enjoyable series. I enjoyed every minute! thanks guys.

[@shugemery]

We did too……thanks so much.

[@Brknma]

Shug i've been watching your videos for a couple years now. You're the reason I became a hammock camper, and I've learned A TON from your videos and the forums as a result. Thank you! But, the one thing that I love the most about your videos is how you always have such a blast while you're out, you're always so excited. Keep doing your thing my friend!

[@shugemery]

I am always having a joyful time out there….I feel like a 14 year old. Thanks.

[@Dabobeans]

That was a very fun series of videos to watch. Thanks for taking us along.

[@shugemery]

Mucho thanks.

[@AtamDardon]

I'm really glad that I ran into one of your videos a week ago. Your videos are an absolute blast to watch, the enthusiasm is infectious. Which, for me, couldn't have come at a better time. I used to go camping with my family and boy scouts when I was growing up. Somewhere along the line, I lost touch with my love of being out in nature. Went camping with my brother a few weeks ago and realized what I've been missing out on. Needless to say, I've been looking around for places to go hiking and watching your videos have given me some really good ideas.

[@shugemery]

Halfsquatch Thankee and Whoooo buddy. I had a two year period in my life where I did not backpack and realized my soul needs it for a full and happy life.

[@AtamDardon]

***** I can totally understand that.

[@rmt0523]

I always look forward to your videos. You are the Best "videotographer" on KZbin IMHO. It's a joy to watch you and Hickory have a blast on the trail. Excellent stuff. Keep on making the vids and blazing those trails. Be safe, Be healthy my friend.

[@shugemery]

Many thanks for that. I do try to make it look goodly.

[@Bradyvilleboy]

Better than anything on television.

[@shugemery]

Bradyvilleboy .Bradyvilleboy Whooooo Buddy!

[@trextrextrex]

Bradyvilleboy .Bradyvilleboy By far.

[@elbosausage]

awe inspiring trip...i think im going camping now! thank you hickery brothers! woooo buddy!-gary/texas

[@goose45015]

I like your vids shugemery you make me laugh keep them coming. You sure go to some really nice places.

[@HanaleiSurfrider1]

Arigato, Shug-san ... for letting us come along with another fun adventure with the Hickery Brother, this time in the Linville Gorge Grand Loop Tour. Always upbeat, a lil crazy and lots of fun with you two goofballs on the trail. Mahalo for sharing your adventures with us all !!

[@shugemery]

The best part is that it is our only time we spend together all year s the joy is big.

[@Wingman115]

Great Gorge Jig at the end.. You boys are a hoot! Great times.

[@shugemery]

Truly…we were over-joyed.

[@RTR104]

11:58, winced and laughed at the same time, LOVE THE HICKORY BROS. Keep'em coming guys.

[@shugemery]

The word ripe took on new meaning))))

[@elrondain]

Awesome trip. I hate to see it come to an end. I love watching your videos. I cant wait to get down to the gorge with my son.

[@MWDAdventures]

watched the Linville Gorge marathon last night with the kids and to be continued was killing us... Glad we didn't have to wait long.

[@Patriot36]

Congrats on your Grand Loop guys! That's a really neat accomplishment and no easy task. Best thing of all is that you didn't it together as friends. Some day when you can't do this anymore, You'll enjoy the memories. Just wanted to say that I enjoy the mini gear talks, about the overquilt, underquilt protector and other gear. Even though you've featured your gear throughout different videos, I sometimes forget and enjoy the discussion.

[@shugemery]

Field reports are the best and most fun. You are right on doing it with a great old friend. That time is too valuable to spend time with those that may drag one down

[@mat-ventures]

Loved the beautiful sky and the Rocky fly-by with the camera at 7:45

[@shugemery]

Yessir.

[@pierre-built724]

Making me excited for summer to come. I hope 20 years from now my friends and I are close enough to do something like this.

[@shugemery]

Me too! Live it now.

[@atommachine]

4.03 Best Whoo Buddy yet ;) Great trip , thanks for sharing enjoyed em all!

[@shugemery]

I liked that too.

[@SlickNick024]

Awesome video my friend! I Bellevue it's one of your best. I love that section of the big ditch. It certainly rewards the effort. Thanks for sharing Shug! It really was an epic adventure!

[@shugemery]

I am bowing here…. Hate that fire going on in the Gorge right now.

[@vDC2me]

Thanks for the pleasant escape from the cold hikeless January days here in Michigan.

[@shugemery]

Thankee and Whoooooo Buddy)))))

[@EatCarbs]

Another great video.. wooo buddy. Thanks for sharing your trip... looks like a great place.

[@markleblanc291]

I love your friendship!!! Great video!!

[@shugemery]

Friends for going on 50 years.

[@PrimalOutdoors]

Looked like a real great time. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@shugemery]

Yessir…thanks!

[@Robjmar7]

watched the whole trip again.......very nice

[@BrantleySmithNC]

Fantastic series! Wish I could have done it with y'all. Thanks for taking the time to put this together.

[@shugemery]

Whooooo Buddy….a fine time and thankee.

[@underthecarolinasky2363]

Hey from good old Coulwood! This was THE MOST entertaining episode lol! I'm sure I woke my wife up across the hall a few times laughing. Really enjoyed it. Spent some time in the Gorge last weekend. Can't wait to go back!

[@shugemery]

The Gorge is Magic!

[@underthecarolinasky2363]

It sure is!

[@vagabond-yj8pn]

Nice very nice! Thank you for sharing.

[@mbfoutdoors]

Great adventure! Really enjoyed the coaster ride.

[@shugemery]

I'm glad you did. Fun to film.

[@TomsBackwoods]

Awesome series Shugster! Thanks for sharing!

[@shugemery]

Appreciate that.

[@RasBuyaka]

i LOVED this series!

[@shugemery]

We loved doing it. Sorry it is ended.

[@1timby]

Shug you ever get the chance to get to WV, my old stomping grounds, to hike at Cooper Rock's state park. You won't regret it. Miles of great trails & lots of history. As always thanks for taking us along. Great vids

[@foghornlh7592]

Shug you make an old Marion boy home sick. Thanks for your videos. Took the whole trip with you. Well, all but the stink and torn up legs.

[@shugemery]

Haaaa…I miss the stink and am picking my scabs!

[@texaslonestarrider]

Thanks for taking me along!

[@shugemery]

Good you could come….

[@rls303]

The Hickery Brothers, living life to its Fullest, Thanks to both of you for taking us along to such a Beautiful place :))

[@shugemery]

If your gonna do it….over-do it!

[@MeetMeOutside]

Top notch ! Great stuff ! Peace

[@tfranks4]

As I laided in my hammock on a beautiful 34 degree starlit night on the east side of Looking Glass Mountain last night, here in WNC, I couldn't help thinking, "I wonder if Shuge has released Part 4 yet" Oh yes Part 4 and 5!

[@shugemery]

I felt ya' feller…sounds like a good night.

[@MidTnOutdoors]

Brother love your video trips keep on hiking.

[@shugemery]

Oh….I/We will. Thankee

[@tommyisrel]

Love your Vids. I was troop 82 out of Christ Presbyterian church Charlotte NC. Keep the Videos coming man. take care of that Knee. Later

[@shugemery]

Troop 51 here. Good dang days.

[@RallohE]

Well sire ... that be a beautiful wrap up to an amazing hike for the Hickery Brothers! Thanks many times over for sharing it, looks of belly laughs and good times for sure! Glad you fellers can make the time to have these trips. Most excellent Shugrow and Hickery! Just sad to see it wrapped up ... got a blooper reel?

[@ncmulligan]

Love the video partner!!! Hope to see you in the gorge one day....

[@shugemery]

ncmulligan Listen for the Hickery Brothers song)))

[@brutusman12345]

Another awesome vid.

[@mat-ventures]

"Hot-dogs and hush puppies for my sore knees", at 2:10 haha! :) Loooved the cup floating and spinning at 5:59!

[@shugemery]

The best carolina hot dogs!

[@rbo420444]

Woooo buddy ! Awesomeness !

[@shugemery]

Ready to go back!

[@rbo420444]

I hear that ! Wish I was still there. It is pretty warm in Florida though lol.

[@jjdubuyou1976]

Now that's brotherhood!

[@shugemery]

Truly…..

[@Butchrknife]

Great stuff Shug!!!! From the GNW.

[@shugemery]

Thankee…GNW?

[@slackerbelmont]

I liked this video.

[@CampfireTalk]

Those views from Shortoff Mt. are simply GREAT. I've never hiked the Linville Gorge, but feel like I sort of know it because of you & Hickory. There are some spots in the Cumberland Plateau in TN that look very similar to the LG. Mighty fine trip, already on my way to numero 6!

[@shugemery]

Best views of the Gorge I think! Thanks James. We are blessed.

[@DigitalCard]

I agree, better than anything on TV. lol funny funny.

[@shugemery]

DigitalCard Whoooooo Buddy and thankee.

[@fauxtoh]

Cheers, Hickery Brothers!

[@shugemery]

A Cheery cheers to you too.

[@tjdad13]

Did I see Scrapple on your breakfast plates??? Scrapple was born here in Philadelphia, I loves it!

[@shugemery]

It is Livermush. Sorta like a spicier darker Scrapple.

[@tjdad13]

Gotta try that!

[@BDMOutdoors]

That was a great vid series. Hope the recent fire hasn't done too much damage though. Wasn't able to get into the area over Thanksgiving as it was closed off due to the fire. Looking forward to spring as I want to hit that area as well.

[@shugemery]

I thankee. The damage was not as bad as we thought it would be. But still some.

[@jamie7378]

Thanks for sharing.

[@shugemery]

Our pleasure and joy.

[@mat-ventures]

Loved the "We got the stink" dance at 11:50, but in no way I would put my nose under your armpit! Whhhhooooo buddy! Oh! And I just noticed: IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY TODAY! (May 14th 2019) Bonne fête and Happy birthday Shug!

[@shugemery]

Merci

[@nunnyboy]

Congratulations on completing the loop! That's a great achievement. Would love to see a video of your camera gear shug, what you use for editing etc. Hickery Brothers are top notch! You guys got any merchandise? T-Shirts?

[@BackpackingAdventures]

The up, over, around, off and on the rock filming made my knees shake. Felt like I was there, well done, well done. Also, if I send $1.00 to each of you would you promise not to dance again? :) just kidding my friend, life is grand! Dance on.

[@etsisk]

Hey Shug, didn't know you were a fellow Tar Heel! All that Minnesota stuff just fooled me, though thinkin' about it I should have realized that you seemed to talk normally! :D I'm fixing to try my hand at the Mountain-to-Sea Trail and will edge along the side of the gorge until I cross the river and head up again... your videos have given me an idea of what to expect - thanks! See you on HF!

[@shugemery]

Born in Ireland but my Dad was from SC and moved us to Charlotte. Mom is Irish. Have a terrific trip for sure.

[@etsisk]

***** well, with my grandfather's name James Kelly Sisk, you know I have family traceable back to Ireland! I might join up with the next Frozen Butt Hang, depending on when it is - I don't know beans about winter camping, but I reckon I will by the time that's over with! And it'll give me some confidence about my late winter start for the AT!

[@rezjrprod]

Pure awesome serious

[@shugemery]

…and serious fun. Thankee.

[@Pawoodsman]

Whooo buddy!

[@shugemery]

Aye)))

[@topper627417]

Mr Shug......could you show us you get all that stuff in a small pack....

[@shugemery]

Check my Shug's Backpack Load videos…it shows.

[@JSD3530]

Cheerwine, a N.C. tradition. However, i have to stop by the Old Sautee store here and have at least two of them before mosyin on to Helen.

[@shugemery]

I can find them up here in MN from time to time. A real treat!

[@JSD3530]

They are quite delicious.

[@ATStrider]

Shug love the videos. I grew up in Morganton and hiking the gorge is where I cut my teeth backpacking. Question for you. How did you get from Brushy Ridge trail to Jonas Ridge trail? Also how did you get from Jonas Ridge trail over to Little Table Rock trail? I have hiked the lower loop where you can cross at the Spence Ridge footbridge. I would love to do this grand loop but am not sure of some of the trails you used. BTY Louses has the best breakfast in the world.

[@shugemery]

We did the Gulf Contour Trail from the Falls to Red North Trail to cut over to Brushy Ridge then back on Red North then we hit several trails up to Jonas Ridge over to Ledge Trail around Hawksbill then the Ledge Connector Trail to Spence that cuts over to Little Table rock Trail. Hickery spent 3 days figuring out that NE end of Gorge and we still get twisted there.

[@danwatts8002]

Awesome trip series! Where did you get your camp chairs?

[@shugemery]

We got them at Amazon…Stansport stool. 17 ozs.

[@Gabbos]

Ive been wondering, what does ole Hickery do for a living? We dont know very much about him.

[@shugemery]

EMT and carpenter.

[@lgodwin63]

He’s the Maple King!

[@m00nsplitter72]

In ancient animist cultures is was common for Man to 'acquire' characteristics of certain animals (e.g. lions, bulls, bears, etc.) by ingesting, or adorning themselves with, part of that totem beast. After watching your hilarious antics with Mr. Hicks I wonder if you both might have some protection from bears for strangely similar reasons...

[@shugemery]

+M00nsplitter But cougars loathe us! I scare wolves....kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXunp4prpdKimM0

[@stonybrokebushcraf]

Thank you guys

[@shugemery]

Our joy.

[@bradchapman1231]

Thanks Shug. We are planning on 4 days, but will have a 5th day built in, just in case we want to lolly gag and take more time. Darkbyrd at LG.net has been a real help, as well as your vids.

[@1asphaltcowboy]

Shug, I gotta different kind of question . When you fly down here to N.C., how do you fly w/ your backpack? Do you put in a box or what? My Brother a I are going out west backpacking, and have never B4 !! Thx abunch

[@shugemery]

I put mine in a suitcase…..checked luggage.

[@bahnzo84]

Shug, what camp chair/stool were you lugging around with ya?

[@shugemery]

Stansport Stool.

[@bradchapman1231]

So, did you do the loop in 4 hiking days, and come out on the 5th day, or 5 hiking days, and come out on the 6th day? I'm planning a trip there this fall, and just wanna know how to plan. Can the loop be done in 4 hiking days? Thank, and great vid!!

[@shugemery]

We took 5 days to do it. No rush for us as we had 8 days to hike around in the Gorge. You could for sure do it in 4. Start early everyday and study your maps well.

[@MWDAdventures]

Are you still using the mora knife or did you switch to something else?

[@ToddCArnold]

Hey Shug, where can one get a map like the Hickory is using at 3:33 in the video????...Thanks!!!

[@shugemery]

At linvillegorgedotnet. Best maps out there. The Nat Geo map is useless for real detail.

[@Jradeckjr]

Great looking country down there. On your Hudson River, is that a regular size? If so, is it long enough for a 6 foot tall person? Seems the top quilt makers recs vary on when to get the long version. I've never owned a top quilt so wasn't sure how many inches over your actual height is needed. Thanks!

[@shugemery]

It is the long and I am 6'. Gives me a bit more pull-up room.

[@tigerragfishingteam6480]

Mmmmmmm, Livermush!!!! Neat old Ramcharger Hickery has there! Shug, what boots were you wearing to rub that blister? I'd guess something stiff but seems like you are usually wearing something lighter? Great vids as usual!

[@shugemery]

Those are Salomn 4D GTX. Very comfy on the foot....blisters aside. They were fairly new. They support my arches way better for all day walking.

[@tigerragfishingteam6480]

***** 10-4, I know a lot of my hunting buddies really like those Soloman boots. Hope they break in for you with no blisters in the future. I'm always curious as to what boots folks are running. Reckon it could be the goretex causing a soggy foot and helping form the blister? I know I have that issues mid summer with some of my stiff soled goretex boots (really mountaineering boots rebranded in muted colors as hunting boots). I try to go with a non-membrane boot in the summer if it's warm. I do have odd feet though. Thanks again for the entertaining video's!

[@rigidpsycho]

You and your Spam singles. Can't make too much fun of you though. I'm getting ready to eat some of my mom's Spam casserole

[@shugemery]

M-m-m-m-m-m-m)))))

[@rigidpsycho]

I'll send ya the recipe on HF

[@shugemery]

rigidpsycho I appreciate that goodness.

[@ncmulligan]

Shuge where did Hickory get that map?...

[@shugemery]

ncmulligan linvillegorge.net

[@rivercarson5763]

Has anyone ever had cashew fruit? Its sweet and tangy with a texture that holds its juice really well so that every bite is plump and slightly crisp. Only problem is it numbs your mouth sorta like it was stuffed with cotton.

[@jodylowe8476]

what did the truck do to you guys anyway?

[@shugemery]

It side-eyed us~~~~~

[@jodylowe8476]

@@shugemery Surely there was alcohol involved.

[@guyfihi]

Ain't it grand to tie on the feed bag at a decent restaurant after a long hike. Throw caution to the wind 'cause you earned it. Sodium content-don't matter, 1500, 2500 mg, bring it on. Cholesterol--clog up those arteries. Sugar content--go into diabetic shock, it doesn't matter.

[@shugemery]

Oh yeah…….food is life. We were stuffed but earned it. Had to sit in the car and pant a while after.