STUMBLE - Northbound On The Appalachian Trail

[@libraryofash277]

I am almost finished now. The hiker who talked about his emergency surgery to remove the tumor in his brain really struck me personally. His words along the lines of "I felt like if I just stayed there/laid there it was going to get me. I was going to die." I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease last year that was also sudden vision loss and at first thought to be a tumor. What I have is so rare there are no cures or true treatments so they give us what they can. Medicines used for cancer patients and such. They have to weaken your body to stop it from self harm. I am attempting my through hike 2025. My attacks have been monthly for all of 2023 but this year we are hoping for a reprieve, and I am training my weak body all year to get as close to physically prepared as I can be. Anyway, I have really enjoyed this journey through your eyes and the people you cross paths with along the way.

[@LionessHiker]

I am in remission from a slew of autoimmune disorders and losing my eyesight as well. Not taking any prescriptions. Started with keto diet, moved to carnivore and feel better than I have in the past twenty years. Just some food for thought.

[@deandobbs2727]

I felt the same way watching the whole video! I’d love to hike the AT as well!

[@Forgiven7x70]

Jesus is the way the truth and the life pray to him for healing Jesus will hear you if you call upon is name 🙏✝️❤️🕊️ repent and put your faith in Jesus John 3:16 John 14:6 John 3:3 Roman’s 10:9

[@cwb3251]

Amen.

[@Kari-bb3rm]

I hope you make your goal. That man touched my heart too!

[@realeyesrealizereallies6828]

Wow, nice job Slim Pickenz...That was fun to see..I did the trail in 1994--2004--2014--And I start this year in April, every ten years, and I highly recommend that schedule..It's a different experience every time, in a different phase of life...Great vlog...

[@jakemosca6587]

Thanks for that comment

[@beachmom2001]

Wow! That’s so awesome that you have gone every 10 years. You could make a really great vlog!

[@ihatesnickersTSD]

He looked like he was lying honestly lol

[@NappingNomad]

The upbeat vibe of the video, the guitar playing, the flutes, the views, all of the little cool places no one shows, man what a documentary. By far my favorite. I'll be watching this to amp me up for my 2025 NOBO. Nicely done.

[@jakemosca6587]

You got this. Feel free to send me a message anywhere with any questions leading up to your hike.

[@dougtaylor7724]

This is easily a top 5 AT video. A mix of truth, humor and pain. Nice job Sir.

[@jakemosca6587]

Thank you Doug! Really nice of you.

[@Bill_tyler]

Yes it is ~ cave man

[@mistytrails11]

Listened to your podcast episode and now im back to watch again! Still the best Ive seen, Walking Home was my fave and now it takes second! ~Queen of ❤s nobo23

[@joshlowe7011]

This is definitely one of the best trail docs on KZbin. Great job!

[@FloridaGirlAdventures]

Your videos like going home :-)

[@TheTessaris]

I can totally see your transformation over the journey. Super incredible and thank you for sharing!!!

[@jakemosca6587]

Thanks so much!

[@WalkingwithWendy]

Your attitude immediately changed when you decided to hike without Jeremy. Isn’t it interesting that bad influences are still prevalent when we are adults and we have to make the decision to stay away from them. By the way, thank you for making this film. I absolutely loved it! And congratulations on your achievement!

[@jakemosca6587]

Thanks for the comment and yes, I agree!

[@barbarabugg2321]

One of the best documentaries I’ve seen. I liked that you were so authentic. Whatever you end up doing next in life, I hope it includes your skills in documentaries and music. You have real talent with both. God Bless

[@nox1994]

One of the best AT docs ive seen! Loved your music and humor, thanks for taking us along on the adventure!

[@viadharmawheel]

Yes, one of the best. Thanks!

[@jakemosca6587]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@343jwright5]

Outstanding video brother. I live in flat ass 🌽 field Indiana. I’m lucky enough to travel to the Smokies twice a year and love to hike. I’ve hiked very small sections of the AT to see Charlie’s Bunion and Mt. Cammerer. To have hiked the whole AT from Georgia to Maine is quite the accomplishment. 🫡 You’ve already accomplished probably the most physically and mentally demanding thing you will face your entire life. And you’ve joined a brotherhood that I doubt hands out ‘participation trophies’. You’ve earned it! Congrats.

[@jakemosca6587]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@jodynic7]

Incredible job! Such a unique perspective and approach to documenting your journey. Thank you for sharing. 2023 thru hikers are amazing and faced so many challenges: smoke from wildfires and torrential downpours in New England. Well done. May the experiences and wisdom of the trail carry you a lifetime.

[@movinondownthetrail]

Great video! I hung out with Campfire Pete around Neels Gap and Danny Boy in the Mollie Ridge shelter area and off and on other places along the miles I made which was only into Pearisburg. Heading back to Springer in 11 days to try again. - Movin’ On

[@somedavehikes]

Thanks for bringing me back!

[@RavenHikes]

Great job! Thank you for sharing the laughs, the struggles and the realness. What an amazing accomplishment. I think the struggle and stumble is part of the journey and definitely life changing.

[@mistytrails11]

Thankyou for creating this beautiful documentary! It was such a true depiction of all the beautful misery and joy we went through!! #atclassof2023

[@Havoc_Unlimited]

Thanks for this! Great work, and good humor. I section hiked Georgia in March of 2023. Was awesome seeing some familiar places in the beginning. Can’t wait to get back out there.

[@coconutchips3289]

as a pa local, to hear you say that pa is testing your limit to insanity, brings me immense amounts of pride.

[@k.flydesign498]

Thanks for shearing Jake. This is absolutly in my top 5 favorit hiking videos! Just awesome

[@craftbeercavalier]

Nope here. I was Nobo and a few days ahead of you. I hike a lot with Danny Boy and Lucky Colleague. I had met full milk early on as well. I was even given trail magic by bagel and her family at their home. Great watching and reminiscing you film. What a trail. It'll forever be a part of us

[@jakemosca6587]

Dang! Would’ve been cool to meet ya! Look me up on Instagram let’s chat!

[@Hoont93]

I don’t backpack but this video makes me want to try it out! Sick shovelhead tattoo aswell!

[@jakemosca6587]

thank you! It was done by Dave Borjes

[@rachelszem]

This was hilarious and heart warming and lovely to watch!! This brought back so many great memories! It was great meeting you on trail! Keep making beautiful videos, dude! 😊

[@ellenmathias67]

I thru-hiked in 2016 and this brought back sooo many memories... you really captured the essence of the trail. Made me cry. Amazing video.

[@southerntrekker]

One of the best AT videos I’ve seen! Great job!!

[@jakemosca6587]

Thanks for watching!

[@mxpxskater99]

Congratulations on your thru hike!! I think I met you in Pennsylvania. I’m the one that left the trail magic beers at 1:06:51 😂 Excellent video, I’m glad I watched the whole thing! Brought back wonderful memories from my thru hike. Congrats again! Mongo AT class of 2021

[@jakemosca6587]

No way!!! Those were the BEST beers I found on the whole trail! So needed right then & there! You brought me so much joy in a time of rock hell. Are you on Instagram? Hit me up @jakemsca would love to hear from u.

[@justinlee9678]

Love it my dude! It was a pleasure to cross paths with you during this incredible adventure. -Mountain Crusher

[@Countrygirlgirt]

Watching from Florence S.C. Great job. I really admire you and great job on the trail.

[@bloubrown802]

Hi neighbor, fellow Sumterite here!

[@alexanderweaver7066]

Congratulations on a superb accomplishment. I was glued to my tablet for the entire hike. Well done.

[@jakemosca6587]

Thanks so much!

[@MsKaJuNtLc]

Wow this was an amazing adventure! Thankful you shared it with us!

[@bugnurddesigns5268]

Thoroughly enjoyed this. Brought back a lot of great memories of my thru hike in ‘05 and long section (GA-PA) in ‘00. Especially that little part where you talked about Baltimore Jack (RIP). I hiked a bunch with him in 2000, absolute legend.

[@jakemosca6587]

Wow that’s so cool! Wish I could have met him. Saw a few interviews & he seemed really cool & introspective. If you’re on Instagram get in touch with me there! My handle is in the description 😁😁

[@user-vo6li4vs2i]

Jaaaake! Fortune Cookie here! So awesome to see this video - hope you are well. I think I last saw you in Franklin and then you turned on the speed. I summited on September 23. I often wondered if the guitar made it all the way.

[@jakemosca6587]

Oh my!!!! What a sweet comment to find! Definitely get in touch with me on social media would love to see that summit pic! Send me a message!

[@JustCuz6]

Great documentary! Brought back so many memories and I enjoyed seeing many of the folks I met along the trail.

[@WeRoamtheUnknown]

Hey man ! Great documentary!! I feel this is the most realist view from a hiker . You didn’t make it look east . You showed us the “ suck “ , you cussed, no filter , the good and not so good parts of what it’s like to be solo hiking . The best part was sprinkling in comic relief when you got down . Question for a noob . Could you do a real life cost breakdown video ? How much you spend on food , logging, entry fees, passes , gear and all that ? Would be nice to know and great content. Thank you for sharing and inspiring me !

[@jakemosca6587]

I can totally do that. I’ve been thinking of doing a gear video so I can probably add that in there at the end. Thanks for watching & commenting! A quick cost idea would be to plan to spend 1k$ per month. Gear can be expensive depending on how comfortable you want to be.

[@OffBelay_]

excellent thanks for sharing your adventure with us

[@nightelfbane12]

THE SMOKE SHOP IN HOT SPRINGS >>>>>>>>>>>>> I remember finding a bottle of wine there labeled "Purple Cowboy". I said, "this will give me the worst hangover of my life". I was right. A hiker named purple haze saw me the next morning and offered me a massage. She told me things about myself even I didn't know.

[@jakemosca6587]

lol!

[@stevenfrost6545]

The only thing hikes I had ever done, Mt. Kadahdin and Mt Washington when I was in high school (53 years ago). I wish now I had the fortitude to complete that dream of completing the Appalachian Trail! The beauty of nature and the connection with life, that's what Appalachian means and hiking, is a test of patience and observations. Thanks, Slim Pickins ,enjoy loved the hike with you!

[@jakemosca6587]

My absolute pleasure! so happy you enjoyed it

[@IncogneetoVintage]

I’m only 30 minutes in and I feel like I’m on that trail with you. When you are elated, I feel your happiness. I’m breathing heavy when you’re on a steep or skinny trail almost as if I’m afraid for your safety. However, I just met you yesterday and I know you made it through. So far, this is an exciting documentation of your experience! Your music really compliments the atmosphere, I loved the one song in the cave early on. Okay, back to watching…

[@jakemosca6587]

Thanks so much for checking it out! Was great meeting you!

[@AT-Bluebird]

Loved your video! I hiked with StrangeBird a lot of the trail, and just thought the world of him. Glad you included him. 💙🐦

[@deandobbs2727]

Enjoyed going along! I admire your courage. I’m curious as to start date and finish. Be well

[@jakemosca6587]

March 23 - August 14th

[@maureencastor]

Hey...I was watching your vid on KZbin this morning and when you found trail magic in NJ I was floored when I saw my (and my son's) friend flipping burgers. He sent me this pic.

[@jakemosca6587]

That’s so cool! Thanks to them bigtime!

[@baskets8429]

Love the videos One of my favorite AT documentaries that’s for sure

[@sneakjake]

Stuck inside on a cold winter day in Wyoming and watched this. Freaking awesome! Thanks for sharing your journey and keeping it raw and real! Need more of that in this world of glitter glam, sponsored influencer hikers. I enjoyed every minute of this film.

[@triatheletewolf7279]

Loved your video. That guy you met early on and gave you tips for begging for food, he's a known resident, as in he lives along that section of trail (I'm sure you know that now, LOL) But, you must have missed the spring at Whitetop Mnt in VA. We camped by that spring and it is a 2" diameter pipe that looks like an open fire hydrant, it blew water downhill for about 15' at it's peak. All night long, I kept wanting to go out there and cut if off. Me(61) and my friend (81) and our female hiking partner (58) will complete the trail next year as section hikers (8years in the making). At this point we are in NH and will finish that and a good part of Maine this year. We are shooting for a June '24 summit of Katahdin. Cheers, and I hope you have recovered, mentally and physically

[@rodan57]

Oh man what a great video! WOW you’re a great singer too… kinda blew me away honestly! Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦

[@DavidGarcia-ss4tq]

Hey Slim Pickens, Awesome job on the doc. We crossed paths just outside off Pearisburg at some Trail Magic for a few minutes before my shuttle picked me up. - Machéte

[@jakemosca6587]

Hey bud! Thanks for tuning it! It was great meeting you 😁

[@dnel3530]

Amazing video and love how you carried your acoustic guitar along the way and played Dueling Banjos for the cows. I live in NC and what an epic journey!

[@-ChrizB-]

Great job. Of all the videos I’ve seen of the through trail, this was shown in its truest form and brutally honest. Highly inspirational.

[@frankdutman]

Nailed it. Best single video summary I’ve seen. Thanks for sharing and happy trails,where ever they may lead you ✌️.

[@Smokeonthetrail]

It was great hiking with you man. I remember that moment and trying to get that photo. You stay easy

[@JustCuz6]

Good luck getting back out there Smoke!

[@elizabethmague9198]

Thanks for sharing your adventure with us. It was great!

[@OfficeofSpoofedAffairs]

I watched the full video and enjoyed the whole thing. At first, I thought just guy doing a thru hike. Then I found the video of why you did it. I lost my great grandfather to alzheimer's. Thank for all that you did.

[@jakemosca6587]

Thank you for mentioning that. I left it out of this video for my own reasons but I raised almost $9,000 dollars for the Alzheimer’s Association. I’m sorry for your loss.

[@EricaShay8]

1:39:39 THE MOUSE PEED ALL OVER MY TENT, TOO!!! Love ya slim! Happy we got to share to misery together.

[@lynlandham3779]

Excellent video. Thanks for sharing and for the hard work of production.

[@jakemosca6587]

Means a lot, glad you enjoyed it!

[@JiuJitsuAdventureGuy]

Great video, awesome adventure. Thanks for sharing. 😎

[@jakemosca6587]

Glad you enjoyed it!! Thanks!

[@DinoH8sU]

Good for you man what an adventure you inspire me !

[@wwomannc4834]

Great journey! Thanks for sharing! You kept it real and love your personality and keep singing!

[@margaretleehightower3073]

Most Incredible AT I’ve ever seen…thank you for sharing this and being the bright light that you are….🫶😊🙏

[@jakemosca6587]

Thank you, Margaret!

[@melissarose6447]

My family and I just met you and your family on the trail in Maine, congratulations to you all! ❤

[@jakemosca6587]

So cool! Thanks for watching the video and it was great meeting you guys!

[@kellymccarter6032]

Love your personality, thru the good and bad. You kept it real. Congratulations slim Pickens. Hope to see more from you in the future.

[@koolaid3879]

Excellent video! One of the best I’ve seen. I thru hiked in 2005 and this brought back so many memories. My favorite part was the PA “rock fuck!” Thank you for sharing!

[@jakemosca6587]

Hahaha! So glad that you enjoyed that little blurb of rock hate lol

[@MaryGilmour-ui6sp]

👏 awesome ! Thank you for sharing your journey and feelings. Congratulations 🍾🎈🎉🎊 great job!

[@taytracy4253]

At 7:20 that guy good for him man you can just tell he's out there living his best till he can't

[@shanel3091]

Thank you for sharing with us your adventure on the trail absolutely beautiful

[@jakemosca6587]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@walterwright8926]

So glad I stumbled across this video, thank you for capturing it what an awesome accomplishment.

[@derickkopff1314]

Thanks for sharing your adventures. Congratulations and good luck going forward. The hike is over, your journey continues. Food for thought… the Camino Frances.

[@mikehopkins4725]

Wow! Don’t know what to say….. You’re bad ass! What an adventure! 😊 Happy Trails Bud….. 🍻

[@ericf.7669]

Planning my trip for this spring. Thank you for the video.

[@jakemosca6587]

Good luck Eric! I have my gear video uploaded if that interests you. I cover everything I brought & give a couple extra tips… it’s on my channel. Shoot me any questions you may have as well!

[@margieameye4754]

I LOVE this video!!!!!!! Best full length doc I’ve seen! I’m a LASHER from Wildwood NJ !!!! Wish I had run into you out there because you are real AF and hilarious!!!!!! the best part was when you met your mom on the other side of the bridge at the Delaware water gap. I actually cried lol.

[@jakemosca6587]

Aw thanks! We were all crying in that moment when they picked me up. I was so happy to see them! We live in NJ too! I play music almost every weekend somewhere nearby me. My Instagram is @jakemsca where I post shows. We’re playing in Middlesex this weekend, would be great to meet you!

[@margieameye4754]

I work in the nightclub industry in North Wildwood, and have for 30 years. Maybe one day your bands will make it down this way.

[@StumbleOutdoors]

Great job and thanks for sharing! Hope to have my own story to tell in a few more years!

[@paulst4523]

Awesome! I have to get out there. Thank you for sharing, it meant a lot to me.

[@markgardiner6174]

Amazing video man! So happy to have been apart of eachothers journey

[@petermarshall582]

Wow, that was one the very best videos that I have seen. Thank you

[@xnk_art]

wow! this was fantastic! you capture the trail in such a real way. I'm sorry for all your foot pain. You had to have passed me at some point as I was hiker number 767 in the beginning haha. Met Seaweed down at Standing Bear! Also met Hydrator! and I appreciated your bear box joke :)

[@cadethecatfish]

Welcome to your new life Slim. Catfish AT 2022 here, and I’m so grateful to reminisce this wonderful journey that I had a few years ago through you! Save some money and get on the next one bubba. Come to CDT 2025 SB !!!!

[@jakemosca6587]

Thinking of possibly a CDT SoBo this year in June but music has been going really well here in NJ so it’s a tough call.

[@backtothecardboard]

Great Documentary! Thanks for sharing your AT experience.

[@jinxhikes3021]

That was awesome! My favorite bit was the segue of the stream crossing and the rain drops on the water. I fed quite a few of the hikers from your video, but somehow missed you in PA at my weekly trail magic. Can't catch them all. :D

[@swervinaroundamerica6881]

Pretty cool video Slim. Great job! It’s crazy how we were all so close (distance wise) on trail but have total different experiences and stories. -Blue

[@jakemosca6587]

Hey blue! Thanks for the comment bud! I appreciate it!

[@RainWHW]

Powerful! Watched it all. Very inspiring!! Thank you. What an accomplishment. Cheers to you brother. I’m 51. Considering doing this….your “movie” has been a large motivator. Thank you

[@noahrichardson466]

This trail doc is the best one by far! You actually seemed to enjoy yourself.

[@jakemosca6587]

Haha sometimes! It was definitely tough. Thanks for watching!

[@Adjacentbalance]

I really enjoyed your documentary. Very genuine, very good. Thanks for sharing!

[@jakemosca6587]

Thank you very much!

[@VictoriaGomez-rf2qw]

This was so good! Such a big beautiful experience you shared with us! I can’t thank you enough!!

[@jakemosca6587]

So glad! Thanks!

[@newlexness]

Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@Drummondmbf100]

Nice documentary. I love watching people's adventures on the A.T., as I will never be able to do this myself. 🌄

[@blu5307]

Great video! I really enjoyed every minute of it! Thank you for sharing your journey. ❤️

[@jmcnallyua]

Very awesome video that you made of hiking the Appalachian trail one of the best and I have to say that this video you made has made me strive for hiking the whole Appalachian trail since I have been on the Appalachian trail now twice but never got to complete my goal of hiking the whole trail but like I said this video is pushed me to want to do it thank you for posting this video for all of us to enjoy

[@jakemosca6587]

I hope you get the chance to. Such an incredible experience.

[@TrailHandBill]

Great video. Great sense of humor. Prayers for everyone.

[@jakemosca6587]

Thank you!

[@steelydan2022]

You have an incredible singing voice...and thank you for sharing your journey.

[@jakemosca6587]

Thank you so much!

[@steelydan2022]

@@jakemosca6587I was born in Trenton NJ...spent many summers with cousins in Tom's River, Seaside Heights and Island Beach State Park. The best memories of my life.

[@TravisWalkerExperience]

Currently watching this, on the PA part and I agree 100% with you about the rock hell. I’m a day hiker and I’ve been on some trails that could get f*cked. 😂 but I still did them. Great video bro. Comical and entertaining.

[@jakemosca6587]

Hey thanks so much! Right on!

[@KimberlyClever]

Great video! I've followed many, many thru-hikers and this is by far, one of the best ones I've seen! Looking forward to following you on your journey!

[@jakemosca6587]

Thanks Kim!!!!

[@firnatine67]

Thanks for sharing. We could use more people with your attitude and outlook on life in the world.

[@keepitmovingmom]

Great video! Looking forward to hitting the trail in March

[@envman67]

Absolutely loved this.

[@DanteWanders]

Absolutely my favorite AT ThruHike video. Superb. Fun, amazing music, humor and honesty. Thank You.

[@jakemosca6587]

Wow, thank you! The music was brought to you by myself & other 2023 thru hikers 😁

[@RonaldBrock-qs1uf]

Great video. Thanks for a dose of reality. A brand new unused day awaits all the Strange and interesting people you shared with us.

[@shadyberero6809]

Fantastic video. By turn it's heartwarming, funny, engaging, really interesting - great mix of lovely scenery, inspiring committment, insight into the "mechanics" of your epic hike. Thanks for sharing this.

[@marambula]

About to watch this fully on a tv instead of my phone. Can’t wait to see your work.

[@marambula]

solid! great hike.

[@TheChantybb]

Amazing documentary! I really enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@beachmom2001]

Great video! Got a sense of the trail, the scenery and the difficulty, and the culture. I'm in NY not too far from the trail. Really loved following along. Congratulations!

[@jakemosca6587]

Thanks so much!!

[@danielplainview4587]

The whippoorwills woke me up in VA too. Gotta love em.

[@MrReymoclif714]

Mourning Doves in Europe.

[@davebryer6133]

Great editing job of a damn long walk. Although I started to worry for your liver, lol. Congrats on completing the journey.

[@drcuffman]

Great video! I hope to do it one day. We have a produce stand in our city called “Fresh Pickins.” My grandfather always called it “slim pickins” and laugh when he said it.