Summiting Katahdin- I Am a Thru Hiker! - Appalachian Trail 2024 | Epic Adventures

7/10/24
The Birches Campsite to Baxter Peak
2191.5-2197.4 5.9 trail miles
4508 ft elevation gain
4606 ft elevation loss
Follow along as I thru-hike the Appalachian Trail.
Hope you enjoy my adventure.
#appalachiantrail
#appalachiantrail2024
#appalachiantrailthruhike
#atthruhike
#atthruhike2024
#atthruhikers
#backpacking
#adventure
#hiking
#maine
#baxterstatepark
#katahdin
#epicadventures

[@theoriginalkaro]

I would rather… just watch you summit! Those 5 millions steps were worth a million bucks when you touched that sign! Congratulations 🎉🎊 Well done!

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you so much. It was such an awesome feeling.

[@garyfaulhaber1289]

I knew you could do it! Many have tried, and many have failed. You did NOT fail!! I cried when I watched his summit post, so I know how you must feel. So glad for your friendship with Nickels. You both will always have this bond. He sent me the picture of you at the sign, and I'm not sure if he shared with you what I said. I said tell him I said congratulations, and ask him " would you rather hike back to Georgia, or would you rather just go home". I think we both know the answer to that one! Great following you on your journey.

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

He did tell me. That was funny! Yes, we both know that answer!! I need the rest. But I’m already thinking about what’s next. I’ll say more about that when I do a wrap up video in a few days. In the meantime I’m waiting to hear from my sons to see if either or both want to join when Nickels and I go to a Phillies game at the end of the month. Met lots of good folks on trail but he’s one of the best!

[@MrA1582000]

Well, first time I watched your channel, I got emotional with you. Love when a fellow human reaches a dreamed of hard goal. Best of everything.

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you so much. It was a great experience. And now I’m thinking about what the next one will be

[@nickelsontrail]

Congratulations Photos! You had me tearing up again at the end there🥹

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

I left out the part about 250 yds from the sign when I was blubbering like a baby! 😭

[@melshea2276]

Awesome! Thanks for the epic videos! Happy Trails Photos!😊 Bacon Wrap

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thanks BW! And thanks for all you do to support the hikers!

[@jeanfrost5452]

Congratulations Epic!

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you!

[@thegreatexaggerator9077]

Congratulations Photos! Well done, what an emotional roller coaster the AT can be, I know you were struggling in early Maine. Hope you enjoyed that cherry pie, I know I savored my Whoopie pie and Moxie. Thank you for bringing us along with you, the AT is in my thoughts every single day of my life, and I love to relive those memories! Peace and blessings to you and your family!

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you!!

[@carrieryan5475]

Congratulations, John! You and Nickels deserve a Phillies game together!

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Yes we do! 👍🏻 ⚾️

[@donnalogan7386]

Congratulations. I have so enjoyed your journey. Welcome to the group of Thru Hikers! Signage

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thanks so much!!

[@tomrooney9361]

Congrats!!! Fantastic accomplishment!

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thanks man. See you soon hopefully

[@redbirdct]

Congratulations on completing! I know you were struggling through the Whites so I'm very happy for you that you overcame that and made it through to the end. I got goose bumps watching you take your final steps and touching the sign. Great work!

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you. I knew the conventional wisdom is “after 80% of the miles, you still have 80% of the work”. I just didn’t appreciate it enough. But I got through it. And felt better afterward when other much stronger hikers I know told me they struggled there too

[@Fallline79]

Awesome

[@jennifercoscia6048]

Congratulations! What an accomplishment!

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you!

[@kevincook3033]

John !!! You did it !! You’re awesome and such an inspiration to see. Congratulations and well done your mom, gram and Bob would be so proud !! Cherish the ones closest and let’s go Kilimanjaro !! Thanks for filming

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thanks Kev. I thought about all of them a LOT in the finals days and on the final climb. I felt their support. I’m thinking about what the next Epic Adventure will be. That one is definitely on the list to consider!

[@bobfalcey470]

Wow, John, you did it. Congratulations! An incredible accomplishment. I’ve enjoyed the videos along the way. Let’s grab lunch when you’re back in town.

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Sounds great!

[@judithbrown3623]

Thanks for sharing your thru hike. Congratulations on your summit. Beautiful day! 🎊🎆

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you!

[@jeffreysr.trought2650]

John Congrats on your incredible accomplishment!! I began watching your channel as you were wrapping up your MD-NY tuneup. I felt connected as I'm about your age, grew up in Moorestown and now live in Northcentral PA. I backpack in The PA Wilds region and will never have an opportunity to do the AT. You're an inspiration for us old guys that enjoy hiking. If you have an opportunity to post a video that summarizes your adventure with highlights and lowlights, I would enjoy it!! Enjoy your retirement!! JT Jerseytown, PA

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thanks very much. I am definitely going to do one. Just need a few days to get my thoughts together and also catch up on a few things at home. Hit the “bell” on the channel and it will send you a notification when I post it. Thanks so much. Moorestown is right next to my hometown of Cherry Hill!

[@cyndirowland7873]

Aww such sweet victory ❤

[@ronaldmittelman2054]

Congratulations and thanks for letting us follow you along the way. I'm emotional for you.!!! Awesome achievement.

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you. It was quite the experience!

[@michaelr148]

Bravo, Photos. It has been such an inspiration following your adventure doing something I could never imagine even attempting. Your perseverance and adaptability, and your ability to accept tough times with a sense of humor are attributes I've admired in you since we were kids. You are more amazing than you know. ❤

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thanks brother!! Love you

[@charleskallal5544]

Congratulations class of 2024!! Amazing!! Thank you for sharing all your videos and sharing your heart!

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you.

[@drjmckool]

Nice! congratulations! God willing I will be finishing my 11 year section hike and summiting the Big K on August 10th -- less than 3 weeks from now -- I can imagine your emotion! I can only hope that we have clear views like you had! Way to go and thanks for sharing some insights!

[@melshea2276]

Katahdin beat me up in my early 20’s! Thanks for taking us up!😊

[@sheilamcconnell6606]

Love the video.... wish I had caught you sooner!!!! Awesome job❤️

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you!

[@MrTitanTopper]

Congrats!

[@jwsnma]

Great adventure!!

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

With all the ups and downs, it really was great. Thank you

[@gkookies1254]

Congratulations John!

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you!!

[@jeffdeluca9089]

Congratulations

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you!

[@denisemoore1069]

Congratulations Photo!!! Enjoyed taking this journey with you. Hoping to get out there next year. Can't wait to see Is next for you. You are an inspiration for me.

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you! I’m mulling over what the next Epic Adventure should be.

[@CraigDutterer]

Congrats

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you!

[@cathyhall1338]

Congratulations! Well earned.

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you!

[@missys6719]

Congratulations🎉

[@galejones5870]

Congratulations! I am so happy for you!! Must be an incredible feeling!!! Now get some much needed rest and body recovery!!!

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you! Will do!

[@melshea2276]

R.I.P. sleeping pad!😊

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

🤣🤣🤣

[@PatriciaSullivan-em3uq]

Congratulations ⭐🌲

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you!

[@Katseye_Photography]

Wow. WOW!! What an enormous accomplishment. I only found you recently (through following Stick the Eagle, Nickels and Frizzle, actually…), but I have really enjoyed your journey. You have been inspirational to me personally, as I have ambition to do a thru hike but am concerned about whether I will be “too old” when I am able to spend the time it takes to do it. Your hike has been a Masterclass. Thank you for the extra effort is must have been to post your hike. Truly amazing. Congratulations!!

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you. Those are great hikers to follow. It was SO great to get to see Nickels the night before I summited. Stick is going to get it done soon. I think Nickels may go back out and hike with him! Put your mind to it and you can do it.

[@nickelsontrail]

Yes, I hope to join Stick when he finishes Maine this summer. I hope to vlog that trip as well!

[@Katseye_Photography]

@@nickelsontrail This warms my heart and put a huge smile on my face! I’ll definitely be following along. :)

[@lordmarkholling9444]

Congrats, John. I have enjoyed following you on your epic journey. Look fwd to your post hike thoughts.

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you. I’m definitely going to do one. Just need a few days to get my thoughts together.

[@lindatipton413]

Congratulations that’s totally totally awesome. Pure awesomeness! I get emotional every time I see one of my through hikers that I watch and follow make it is a very emotional time. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thanks. I didn’t film my super emotional moment about 250 yards from the sign. It was just too much. But in a good way.

[@BrianTabor-j1s]

Its yours to keep forever!! Be proud.

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you. 🙏🏻

[@chrisc8999]

Congrats!!!!!

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you!!

[@sulj3373]

Congratulations Photos! Great Nickels came by. You about caught up with them to summit. I saw him and Frizzle did Knife’s Edge. And Captain Jack. Yikes.You’re right about skipping the WYR. Those pies must be a northern thing. Shame about the group hanging at the sign. But you got a good pic of you. Great job. So emotional to even watch all the KZbin thru hikers summit. 😊❤

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you! It really was a great surprise to see him. We’ll See each other in a couple weeks for a Phillies game for sure. I saw Capt Jack that night at the AT Hostel in Millinocket and had breakfast with him this morning! He starts his YoYo hike tomorrow

[@sulj3373]

@@JRooneyPhotos1He’s from about 20 minutes from me. I didn’t realize he’s doing a yoyo. I know he missed the Smokeys.

[@nickelsontrail]

​@@JRooneyPhotos1 Best record in baseball! Can't wait!

[@wanttogo1958]

Is Capt Jack filming his journey south and posting on KZbin?

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

@@wanttogo1958yep!

[@blazenarihtar2108]

Congratulations!!

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you!

[@richardfioravanti4914]

Congratulations on your great accomplishment.all the best from saugus.mass.

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you so much !

[@OBloveslife]

Congratulations 🎉. What an amazing adventure. Thanks for sharing. Thanks for the updates on Frizzle and Nickles. Cpt Jack also did the knifes edge. He still has some make up sections to do. Hardest part of that for him will be getting there. ☺️

[@joetteschulte9182]

Great job! Will miss that Philly attitude and voice.

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Until I come up with the next adventure… 😎

[@ChampagneSister]

Well, you can be sure I’ll be watching. As much as I would love to see what’s going on with the grandchildren. I love so dearly today I want to go back and talk to my PAPA! And I want him to see what a wonderful life I’ve had and how much he had to do with that. Congratulations

[@shelbienapier]

Congratulations! I hope to do a thru hike someday.

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

You should!

[@candlela1]

Congratulations😊

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you!

[@kevinkane890]

Congratulations "PHOTO " Thanks for all the nice videos .. Your Hard work has payed off !!!

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thanks!!

[@kathygalofski6154]

Yea! Congratulations! 🎉👏🤗🫶🏻👍👣

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

🍾😎🙏🏻

[@user-oh9qm6ys9q]

Holy cow, I was crying, I was hooting and hollering and I was crying some more... I am so proud of you and for you on this major life accomplishment! I look forward to more since I cannot imagine my coffee in the mornings without your videos! Wow, Wow, Wow!!! Prayers continue as you readjust to everyday life after the AT. I have read that depression can be an issue. Please take care of you!! Marsha You are the fourth hiker I have followed to finish. Jaru, 5-Stack, Capt Jack and "Photos" Congratulations to all.

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you very much! Keep an eye out for my wrap up video in a few days or so, one of those other hikers will get a mention… and I have read a lot about the post hike depression. I’ll mention that too. I THINK I have a good way to avoid that.

[@Deb-mi1qx]

Congratulations 😊👣👣👣👣👣😊

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thanks!!!🙏🏻

[@mink5]

Geez, John, you had ME tearing up. Such an emotional day for you. WHAT an accomplishment, one that can never be taken away from you. Congratulations. All the best in your future adventures, don't let this be the end of them. I suggest the Tour du Mont Blanc next.

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thanks. It was way more emotional than I thought it would be. This definitely is not the last adventure. I’ll say a little more about that in the wrap up video I do in a few days or so - after I process all the thoughts and emotions I have about the whole journey

[@DonSipher]

You make me believe that I can finish the trail at my age.

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

The day after I summited and several of us were having breakfast a hiker joined us we hadn’t met. He is 71 and was starting his SEVENTH thru hike!

[@DonSipher]

@@JRooneyPhotos1 Good to hear. I am now 69 and will have NH-ME and all south of Damascus VA to do in the coming years. Will wrap up VT soon and have some rocks to do in Pennsylvania this year.

[@kathygalofski6154]

You did fantastic! So glad we were along til the Epic Adventure was over. Enjoyed watching your determination, perseverance and fortitude. Well done Photos! 🎉👏🥳 looking forward to your next Adventure.

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you! I’m thinking about what’s next…

[@helenkaannies]

Congratulations! Well done. 🎊 🎉 Now I think I am going to have post follower depression. 😊

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Ha ha! Find some SOBOs who are just starting. Or also follow Captain Jack Goes Hiking. He is turning around now and doing a YoYo back to Springer Mtn! He’s crazy…

[@wanttogo1958]

Captain Jack’s channel is “Captain Jack Takes A Hike”.

[@catherinehicks8771]

woohoo......well done John. you stayed the course and kept ahead of the bubble. CONGRATULATIONS

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thanks 👍

[@LauraBlahusch]

Dude. You absolutely rock. I was 😭 on your approach. And when you touched that sign 😭🙌🏻😭🙌🏻😭🙌🏻. I am a puddle….and so dang happy for you. Congratulations!! So PCT or CDT next??🤣

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thanks! I was blubbering about 250 Yards from the sign. Had to stop and collect myself so I was t sobbing when I got there with all the kids around! I’m thinking about what the next Epic Adventure will be. I don’t think I’m ready to commit to another thru hike. But I have some ideas…

[@LauraBlahusch]

@@JRooneyPhotos1ooooo can’t wait to hear!!

[@ASAC85]

That was incredible. Watching you touch that sign gave me a sense of satisfaction; I can’t even imagine how you felt. You are a champion !!! Beat wishes John. Looking forward to your AT recap video.

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you. I’m still trying to figure out all the feelings. Give me a few days or so to process the whole journey and I’ll definitely put something up to try to sum it all up

[@brucesmith9144]

Would you rather: hike north bound or south bound on the AT? You’re now an expert to answer that question. Congratulations!! 🎉🎊

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Good question! If I was in tip top shape and had been doing some mountain training I’d go SOBO and get the hardest stuff done first. But if I was in the shape I was when I started I probably wouldn’t have made it SOBO. A big downside to SOBO also is not finishing with the amazing views on Katahdin

[@HikerAL1946]

Great job - congratulations to you. You overcame all the obstacles and finally finished the AT. Great fortitude on your part. Thanks for all the video's and your willingness to share your candid feelings about the trail.

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you. It was sort of therapeutic to be able to vent many times to the camera and get it out of my system so I could press on. I’ll share some more thoughts about the whole thing in a wrap up video in a few days - after I take it all in.

[@laurenab]

Congratulations John 'Photos', it has been wonderful following your thru hike. Thank you for sharing. I'll miss your WYR's!

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you! I’ll do WYR’s on future adventures. This won’t be the last one!

[@duckypam]

🎉🎉🎉👏👏👏👏

[@danidaskam1027]

Muy bueno! 😃 Well done! Thanks for taking us along. It was an awesome ride. Man, what an accomplishment.

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Well played!! Love it. Thank you.

[@JerseyGypsy]

Excellent! Thanks for sharing your epic journey! Congratulations 🎊🎈🎉🍾

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you!!

[@nanettesmall436]

Congrations!!! You did it!!! That is a great accomplishment!!!

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you so much!!

[@melshea2276]

Super Congratulations to you! Awesome achievement!😊

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you so much!

[@WearyHiker-jo4wn]

Congratulations! Really enjoyed your videos. Thanks for posting.

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you!!!

[@theresagonzalez7739]

Congratulations and thank you very much for sharing your videos! It was an amazing journey

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you so much! And thanks for following!

[@crm857]

Congratulations. You did it. You are a real inspiration..

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you. And thanks for following along

[@sherryllustig7236]

congratulations!!! thank you for sharing this journey

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you! And thanks for following along.

[@themichaelfindling]

When the grandkids ask you to tell them a story , well now , aren’t they going to get the story of a lifetime !

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Yes they will! And I’m gonna find some more adventures to tell them about too

[@themichaelfindling]

When you make it back to Fairfax City , give me a heads up so I can buy you a beer at your buddy’s place . Mike

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

@@themichaelfindling I was hoping to get down there for a big show they are having on 7/27. But that’s the night Nickels and I are going to a Phillies game. I’ll get down there soon

[@themichaelfindling]

Looking forward to meeting you at Earps for a drink sometime. I just watched your hike review . Really good commentary on the difficulty of the trail and the cross section of people you’ve met . You are a tuff son of a gun

[@melshea2276]

Would you rather sleep in a tent for another month, or go fishing whenever you want?!?!😊Bacon Wrap

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

🎣🎣🎣

[@lynelljansen8057]

It seemed a bit disrespectful how that one girl just sat there and wouldn't move so you could get a good picture. Buy I don't know the circumstances, but I would have gotten up and moved away and gave you your time. congratulations 🎉

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

They were just young and clueless. But it worked out alright

[@elizabethmague9198]

Congratulations 2024 AT hiker “Photos”. You are AWESOME! We absolutely loved following your journey. Thank you for taking us along and sharing all your beautiful photos and your wonderful reports. 🏆👏🏼👏🏼🥾⛰🥾⛰

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thank you so much. I appreciate the kind words and all the support! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@lindablack7438]

Congratulations

[@JRooneyPhotos1]

Thanks!