DON’T MISS ! The Latest Breaking Thru Hiker News and Status Updates for the Appalachian Trail

[@MinaS-dp6zf]

Ramdino, I hope your hand is healing well. Prayers for a speedy recovery . I hope you can have your heater fixed soon!! Thank you for all you do! Take care 😊

[@thearkansashiker]

Dang Brother! So sorry you got injured. Thank God for modern medicine. Surgery, anesthesia and recovery can take a lot out a person. I’m amazed that you were able to get a video out so soon after surgery. Speaks volumes about your dedication to your channel and the AT community. Hang tough.!

[@Ramdinohikes]

Appreciate the kind words, and yeah, it was a long day!

[@DarrellSampson-s9m]

Thanks for all the information you bring us. Hope your recovery is quick.

[@jwmab]

Hey Ramdino! Thank you for all your support! I have moved my date up to the first week of February.

[@Ramdinohikes]

yeah i updated you on my log in support list

[@jwmab]

@@Ramdinohikesthank you 😊

[@fortmountaingroundpounder]

The GA / NC mountains are the most beautiful early summer, especially with thunderstorms rolling in on distant ridges… however, if you’ve ever hiked the southern Appalachian mountains in the snow, the experience is epic!!!!!

[@Ramdinohikes]

Yes, I have to agree with you there!

[@TheAntHill184]

Will continue to pray for you friend. Keep us updated on how you’re doing. You’re appreciated. FINISH WELL!!

[@olddudeonthetrail72]

Currently not accepting high fives 😅 Thanks as always for the video!

[@AT-Bluebird]

Sure good to meet you in SC, Ramdino! I’m so glad you weren’t hurt worse than you were. I’ve been praying for you! Thanks for everything! -Bluebird~ 💙🐦

[@Ramdinohikes]

Thanks for the prayers Bluebird, I appreciate it! Great to meet you in the real world too

[@ybuzzdry]

So glad ur back, recover well

[@bettyjorodgers8552]

Praying for you and what you do for the hiking community. Blessings

[@Ramdinohikes]

I really appreciate your kind words! It's the support from people like you that keeps me motivated to share the latest updates.

[@suehancock5573]

Hi Ramdino ! So glad your wrist is all fixed and I hope it heals completely and fast! 😊. Sorry about your heater during these cold temperatures 😢. Here in New Jersey we are having snow tonight and then the polar vortex will move in and bring us temperatures as low as 4 degrees and with highs only in the teens 🥶🥶🥶🥶. Thanks for all the information you give our hikers! I’m sure they appreciate it! Take care and I hope the pain goes away soon! God Bless and say hello to trail boss for me! Hike On! 🏕️🥶🥾🧗🏼‍♂️🇺🇸

[@Ramdinohikes]

Thank you so much for your prayers and kind words!

[@BlazedNFused]

Thanks for the update Ramdino - a great one to catch prior to my Approach start on 1-24. Your episodes are always chock full of valuable news and I’m grateful for the level of dedication and effort you put into such a high caliber delivery. I had considered that my trail name may end up being Mountain Hardware with all the spacers, rods, and screws in my spine. But after seeing your surgical photo, you may just want to consider the name change for yourself! 😂 Get healed up soon, prayers are lifted up for you for that reason sir.

[@Ramdinohikes]

Haha, Mountain Hardware is a solid name! Just remember, if you start carrying extra screws, you might just end up fixing everyone else's gear on the trail.

[@wanderingmycophile]

Sorry to hear about your fall. Praying for fast recovery! Thanks for all your work, updates, and all your work for the community

[@Ramdinohikes]

Thank you for your prayers!

[@cheetahontheat1038]

Ramdino, Appreciate the entire update, but especially the mention of our town of Erwin and Uncle Johnny’s. Most importantly, you are spot on about the AT economy and encouraging hikers to HIKE. I’m rebuilding UJ for the hikers. The business owners in Erwin, the shuttle drivers, and my employees think about hikers every day and what we can do to make their experience great. There are always challenges on the trail. It’s different this year. Everyone needs to be careful, but let’s get out there and HIKE. It’s good for our mental and physical health, it’s good for small town economics, it’s just good. Of course, be careful. This is an adventure and it might be the most unique Trail experience in decades. Get out there and hike, tell your stories, be resilient, prove your strength to yourself. Happy Trails, Cheetah Owner Uncle Johnny’s SOBO ‘21

[@wildflowersadventures]

Hey Cheetah! Bear and I will be there to support you and UJ’s this year. We understand the seriousness of supporting businesses devastated by Helene and we’re honored to do what we can to give back.

[@acausedelle1547]

Cheetah! I passed through on a section hike last year. Just wanted to say thank you for all you do.

[@Ramdinohikes]

Thanks Cheetah for commenting. I hadn't had time to track down your contact information and was gonna ask you exactly what you already answered. That's great perspective coming from somebody who is starting over due to the storm

[@danielkutcher5704]

Starting early in the cold and snow forces you to carry more insulation and equipment, like snowshoes, which, in turn, slows you down, increasing the number of days spent hiking between resupply points, which increases the number of meals that must be carried, which increases the weight, which slows you down, etc. etc. ad nauseum. Over the years, completing the Trail in sections, I have learned to avoid extremely low temperatures and the likelihood of snow (and, worse, ice) storms. March is a good month to start. I started April 1st, 2023, and only had a few days of temperatures in the low-mid 20s in the GSMNP. An injury in the south held me up a week, having me hike in 90 degree heat, high humidity, and scarce drinking water. I skipped the middle miles and blew my knee out in New Hampshire, ending my hike. Tinker, section hiker 1980-something to 2022. DNF thruhike, 2023. Age currently, 71. 2026 thru???

[@Ramdinohikes]

Tinker, you certainly got the miles. you have nothing to prove with a thru hike but good luck anyway

[@glendarobison-ub1dy]

Thank You for all you do.

[@BucksMom218]

The military academy is in Gainsville Georgia. Very cool challenge coin! Thanks for what you do! Hope your wrist heals soon! 🥾🥾⛺️🥰

[@Ramdinohikes]

You are very welcome, I hope to be back out there soon!

[@gypsygirlhikes]

Thank you, Ramdino! Sending healing blessings and prayers your way.

[@Ramdinohikes]

Thanks so much, I appreciate it!

[@sticktheeagle]

Interesting that they are talking about not replacing some bridges. Some of those fords could be dangerous.

[@Ramdinohikes]

absolutely stick i wonder if they're just using that as an excuse not to have to go to the effort and expense to do so

[@MJG70]

Glad to see you back at it! I will never understand the need to start the AT is January. I'll take the heat over the freezing cold, ice and snow. LOL

[@Ramdinohikes]

Thanks for your support! Starting the AT in January definitely has its challenges, but some hikers love the solitude of winter trekking.

[@kmichaelp4508]

Riverside is in Gainesville Georgia

[@sallys2423]

For boys in grades 6 through 12.

[@johnbofinger395]

Riverside Military Academy is in Gainesville, GA according to Google

[@susietopspin]

Gluten……😂. Thanks Ramdino. Happy trails.🤟🏻🥾🏔

[@atypicalhiker]

Really good info. Getting ready to put some money into trail businesses pockets tomorrow. Cold weather ahead.

[@KrizAkoni]

You’re ready - see you out there! 👊👊

[@Ramdinohikes]

That’s good to hear, go support them!

[@lindatipton413]

Thanks for your updates Ramdino. ❤❤❤❤❤ and continued prayers for you and all the hikers. 🙏

[@Lovesracing19]

So glad your surgery went well. Hope you got your heat fixed. Thanks for all you do. Safe travels.

[@Ramdinohikes]

Thank you, I appreciate that.Got it fixed the next day and it was a very cheap repair thanks a lot for the well wishes

[@KrizAkoni]

Hope to be out there soon…everyone stay warm!

[@danielkutcher5704]

27:51 Yessir! I caught the bug just shy of the SNP in Virginia. It didn't help my anniversary "vacation" back home.

[@Judy-fi7ce]

Hi Ramdino, Glad your surgery is behind you and wishing you a speedy recovery and relief from pain. Bless those trail maintainers and all the work they're doing to clean up the trail after Helene. So good that you can put in a word for the merchants and business owners who need the hiker traffic to keep their businesses afloat. We're in the deep freeze here in Wisconsin with temps below zero until Wednesday, when it will go back up to the 20's and 30's which is normal for us and will feel like a heat wave. Take care.

[@Ramdinohikes]

Hey, thanks a ton! Yeah, those trail maintainers are rockstars! Stay cozy over there in Wisconsin; we’ll be sipping hot cocoa while you’re bundled up!

[@rachelkarcher2565]

Thanks Ramdino, approach trail for the win!

[@Ramdinohikes]

Appreciate that, thanks for watching!

[@mtadams2009]

Thanks for the information and I am sorry about your injury. I wish you a speedy recovery.

[@Ramdinohikes]

Thanks so much, I appreciate it!

[@nevertrusttheman]

Thank you so much for your info!! I've been wondering what the NFS was doing with all the trees down. Wouldn't it be great if we could harvest that wood and help hurricane victims around the trail rebuild!

[@billseay6399]

Hey thanks again love the information keep on humping

[@Kari-bb3rm]

Greetings from East Tennessee!!Thank you, Ramdino for all the information! Prayers and hoping for your quick recovery 😊

[@Ramdinohikes]

Thank you for your kind words and support. It means a lot!

[@MegaTroyhamilton]

Thank you. I had planned to go nobo this year. Then my son got sick with a terminal illness. I'll be there in spirit. Enjoy yourselves

[@Ramdinohikes]

So sorry to hear that, thinking & praying for yall.

[@danielkutcher5704]

Ramdino, I was praying for your surgery while having my hernia assessed. We're in the same boat but at least we're headed for the same port, praise the Lord. My replacement knee is coming along. If I ever meet you on trail, we can swap surgery pics 😋.

[@Ramdinohikes]

Will do, all the best for your recovery

[@AlkyCeej]

I just got my visa approved, coming from the UK and fully intend to do the classic NOBO, starting 20-25th April (tbc)

[@jeanettepugh6017]

Dang! Hiking in snow and ice is exhausting. Be careful.

[@underdogontheappalachiantr9646]

Speedy recovery !!!! Underdog

[@fortmountaingroundpounder]

Ramdino is the Big Dog in the AT community! He’ll have his own news crews and studio in no time!

[@Ramdinohikes]

I don't know about all that but I do my best and hope to do better in retirement

[@rebeccacook7924]

Thank you ❤️

[@johnnylindsey2561]

How come you didn't mention Capt jack ?

[@williambranham6249]

@@johnnylindsey2561 I haven’t heard his name in 20plus years. What’s he up to?

[@Ramdinohikes]

So Captain Jack has not been sending me updates and I typically don't update a hiker unless I hear directly from them as they may not want to be featured on my channel and the information may be inaccurate

[@JanalynVoigt]

Downed wood rots, yes, but that enriches the soil and creates nurse logs for the next generation of trees. I believe it also provides shelter for animals. That's a lot of downed timber though. Hopefully, when they harvest it will be with discretion.

[@robertdesrosiers4743]

passin thru will be back looking for sassafras jim and rooted along the way

[@Lucitt13]

My start date was 3/1. Then due to work shutting down for Christmas and new years and the winter snow storm hit us here. I missed 3 weeks of work. Should be starting 3/22. Very few people starting that day too. Hope you heal fast and correct. Thanks for you updates and time.

[@Ramdinohikes]

Good luck on your hike. It's exciting to have people starting in the late spring.

[@AndrewDavis-xx2ce]

Epson salt baths and a few visits to the deprivation tank would really help. Thanks Ramdino!

[@Ramdinohikes]

What is a deprivation tank what about an anti gravity chair

[@AndrewDavis-xx2ce]

@Ramdinohikes i never heard of gravity chair. The deprivation tank is a tub filled with high concentration saltwater, so you float on your back in complete silence. Also you could find an indoor swimming pool to rehab

[@jsweevil]

Im doing a flip flop but was planning on it way before Helene, so my plans haven't been altered because of whatvghe ATC said. I'll be saving a lot of my splurge money for when i hit the Southern third, where they can use it the most, though.

[@iainnicholson4399]

I love 20 mins from the AT in Western NC near the Tenn border. It's dangerously cold here. 17° for the high 5° for the low. Be aware and be very careful

[@Ramdinohikes]

Thanks for the heads up! That's extremely cold

[@ltanderson7916]

Lots of good update information, thanks!

[@Ramdinohikes]

Glad you found it helpful.

[@OG-PapaDude]

I attempted to start my hike last week heading SOBO from Daleville. I made it as far as Andy Laine. I'm back in Oklahoma now and will be back in March.

[@AndrewDavis-xx2ce]

The crossing in NH should be replaced with a new bridge!

[@cindykester6102]

Thanks!

[@Ramdinohikes]

Thank you for watching! Your support means a lot!

[@wildflowersadventures]

Great video! Thank you! 🙏🏼

[@Ramdinohikes]

You bet!

[@nevertrusttheman]

I use a great CBD salve from Steve's goods out of Colorado for my frozen shoulder and it helps a lot with the pain! Mullein is also a great anti inflammatory natural plant all over our area!! Take care and I'll send ya some of i can!!!

[@musingwithreba9667]

Best of luck to all the hikers starting now with the polar vortex as hiking companion! Be safe!

[@november151956]

Riverside Military Academy a.k.a. Riverside Preparatory Academy, is located in Gainesville, Georgia.

[@valane178]

Hope your pain easiest up soon and you can get your heater fixed before it gets too cold. Is Fresh Grounds real name Tim Davis? Wanted to donate thought Venmo but wanted to make sure it was going to the right person. Thank you for your report....Winkle

[@jinxhikes3021]

Yes, that is his real name!

[@Ramdinohikes]

Yes, Tim Davis is Fresh Grounds.

[@Jerrylance-d6n]

mt man here watching 👍👍 thank you for the update keep up the good work

[@Ramdinohikes]

will do

[@amyzimmerman7306]

Riverside Military Academy is in Gainesville, GA

[@Ramdinohikes]

Thank you very much for that information

[@walterlangston4484]

Hiking in the deep snow and cold is not easy beed doing day hikes close to were I live but will be on the AT in March for a section hike

[@Ramdinohikes]

March on the AT? You'll either be a snow ninja or a mud monster-either way, it sounds like a blast!

[@mhe8545]

Beautiful snow here in WV but dangerous cold. Be careful out there.

[@JonHeidrick]

Sad news about the Stumble Inn closing, one of the nicest hostels on the trail and one of the best breakfasts. Front Royal experience will not be the same.

[@Ramdinohikes]

Yes, I was sad to hear that too.

[@cheri7828]

There is a Riverside Military in Gainesville, GA.

[@Ramdinohikes]

Oh cool! I had no idea there was a Riverside Military there.

[@ZrenzZ]

I wonder how many people got into hiking from covid then when on AT thats why had big 2022

[@jsweevil]

Glad I'm not starting until April.

[@OG-PapaDude]

BTW, a new hostel is opening in March at Catawba, VA, Huckleberry's Hostel. I met him while staying at 4 Pines last week. Looks like it's gonna be a great place to stay.

[@Ramdinohikes]

That is awesome to hear. Thank you for the information.

[@darrylgabritsch9110]

How is your hand after surgery?

[@Ramdinohikes]

much better

[@SearchingForSuchness]

OMG... that river crossing looks dangerous!

[@jamesbailey9838]

Soooo..... will we ever know what the official mileage of the AT is this year?

[@Ramdinohikes]

I requested that information last week from the ATC along with some others have not heard back

[@bleucarolina]

Minute 3:06. Is that from Farout? That looks like good info.

[@Ramdinohikes]

no that's from an online weather site

[@donnalogan7386]

Thank you! Signage

[@josephspruill1212]

I’m starting nobo AT mid FED. I had family member pass so I put off two weeks for that. So things are already happening out the blue and I’m not on the trail yet!

[@Ramdinohikes]

I'm really sorry to hear about your loss. It's understandable that life can throw us unexpected challenges. Just take your time and focus on what you need to do right now. The trail will always be there when you're ready.

[@josephspruill1212]

@@Ramdinohikes it’s really crazy how life can throw a curve ball. Just look at the weather this year.

[@cindykester6102]

👍🙏

[@Ramdinohikes]

Totally blown away by your generosity and support thank you so much for that.

[@cindykester6102]

@@Ramdinohikes We appreciate what you do SO much! Enjoy your content. Prayers for speedy healing w your wrist! My background is in PT, so got a chuckle from your surgery (hardware) pic. Feel free to message me if you have questions on rehab. (or with your planter fascia issues)

[@Tinkerplace]

Yes! I totally get the "southern accent", I'm from NC - I just go ahead and spell out words, to save people from misunderstanding, 😂

[@Ramdinohikes]

Yeah try doing it with one hand lol

[@JamesLove-d4w]

From a media outlet Federal help for Creeper Trail is to be on the way.

[@billevans9231]

All those trees down kinda kills hammock camping .

[@lindamoon8981]

You have good reason to feel down. Christy lost her mother and many of us are fearful about the future because of the recent election and today’s inauguration which I refused to watch. We all need to lift each other up and keep on doing what we can to promote justice and freedom for all. We can’t give up. As you say so eloquently at the end !of each video, get outside, connect with people, spread joy, stay hopeful !

[@Ramdinohikes]

Thanks for watching and for commenting. I do try to keep politics out of this channel and stay positive and just enjoy the community and the trail.

[@larryosselborn9009]

Get off trail because of very cold temp is best and as for money that why not today got off trail because he ran out of moner back in 2021 I think

[@jasonaustin1038]

The ATC.......when the pie gets too big, corruption always creeps in. I'd like to see the "MISC. EXPENSES" account for the ATC. Cause ya know it exists! Wonder how many "dry cleaning" "lunch for the office" "weekend gas" "work cell phone bill" receipts are attached to it?

[@Ramdinohikes]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! It's important to have discussions about transparency in organizations like the ATC. Your perspective is valued!

[@wanttogo1958]

I think you are not informed about the accounting process government employees have to follow to be reimbursed for travel and work related personal expenses. I have never worked for the ATC or Dept of Interior but did work for and within the Dept of Defense and can tell you that what you describe does not happen. That doesn’t mean there aren’t a few who might blatantly lie about an expense but receipts are required and the person making the approval decision does not work for or report to those who make the claims. It’s a tightly controlled process for obvious reasons you allude to but a very large percentage of government workers are about doing what’s right and being good stewards of tax payer dollars. I know the popular trend is to brand government as inherently wasteful at any level but my experience tells me that is not the reality at the employee level.

[@jasonaustin1038]

@@wanttogo1958 Hahahahaha, a nice diatribe. Thanks for doubting my experience with your opinion. Rhetoric is fun.

[@billevans9231]

Air lift it out with helps, all you need is riggers

[@4potslite169]

The Appalachians can be gorgeous in snow, but I hope all those who are leaving or already out there are making smart decisions and staying safe. Better to leave for a bit if u have to and come back, than to injure yourself and leave for the season (or worse!) it’s more impt than ever to have an abort plan and to let others know where you’re at. We’ve lost enough people to climate impacted weather already! The most impt lesson you’ll EVER learn about thru hiking is when to check your expectations and ego and be open to adaptation.

[@MrWarrendoyle]

soundbite "enjoy the ATC" ? You might want to edit that.

[@Ramdinohikes]

yeah i'll put that in the blooper reel warren

[@swreames1]

Why would you start your nobo in the middle of winter. Really can't enjoy it to me.

[@jwmab]

@@swreames1 I weigh the 🥶 against the bugs and mosquitoes…. 😉

[@danielkutcher5704]

Starting uber-early doesn't guarantee an early exit, but it sure helps it along.

[@patticarey9016]

I agree. Doesn't seem like the ideal time to start

[@williambranham6249]

My wife and I started in Feb 2004. The reasons: almost nobody on trail, shelters are empty, no bugs, very few rodents, as well as other things. We found it easy to get a hitch into town because I think the locals feel sorry for winter hikers.

[@jhayft0703]

Cuz they want to. You don’t have to watch them or agree, but they will hike their own hike.

[@michaelpreddy5514]

👍

[@richardross7219]

Studies pay lots of money to consultants who then take care of the people in power.

[@nevertrusttheman]

And you better be careful with those stupid prizes!!!

[@paulmarshall7328]

Lots of stupid out there. I mean look around.

[@riverrat82]

Log skidders will tear the woods up. Loggers don’t go back and fix it either. I have seen it first had in some NF land where tornados went through in KY. The winner is the logger selling the timber. Wildlife loves fallen timber no matter how bad.

[@BMR_Kismet]

The ATC needs to stop over stepping their boundaries on the AT. 🫤🤨. Like you said they can't legally shut the AT Down. PERIOD. If I want to Hike a section, I'm gonna Hike it! (Which I've done a couple of times already.) Especially when there's No Hurricane Damage.

[@JaruWalks]

Yeah, the ATC has no jurisdiction over the AT. Only the federal and state authorities do, NPS, NFS, state parks, etc. If ATC pretends they do, then it’s no different to those cringey police impersonators who get busted on KZbin.

[@surfandstreamfisher5749]

the "fish" stinks from the head on down! Marra needs to go!!

[@Ramdinohikes]

💯

[@lindatipton413]

Thanks for your updates Ramdino. ❤❤❤❤❤ and continued prayers for you and all the hikers. 🙏

[@cindykester6102]

Thanks!

[@Ramdinohikes]

Thank you again