The Adventure Begins | Appalachian Trail 2024 Thru-Hike Day: 1

[@WalkingWombat27]

You are a very likable guy….fun to watch. I’ll be following along. Happy hike!

[@sticktheeagle]

Glad to have you along, thank you!

[@kristalann1973]

Beautiful day to start your adventure! New Sub here Stick…looking forward to following along with you! Happy Hiking!

[@sticktheeagle]

Welcome aboard!

[@shelliebrassler4430]

Happy to have come across your videos! The first time we hiked the approach trail after ALL the steps I had to stop at Frosty Mountain to camp! I was disappointed but that’s all I could do! You’re doing great. Keep hiking and keep it safe. Looking forward to your journey! 🥾

[@sticktheeagle]

There’s been times I’ve been disappointed in my progress too. But that’s ok. We just keep moving forward.

[@KrizAkoni]

So cool meeting the wickedpissah! You’re going to have a good time.

[@sticktheeagle]

Sure will! Everything is cool out here!

[@single-handed3673]

A great start to the adventure/journey . I thought that pack looked heavy. Jack & Bobs weigh-in was heavy as well, Bobs pack was 50 lbs. They shed a lot, and got the weight way down. You will have to mail some things home. Please do that sooner then later. Other then that, your hike is going good. Thanks for sharing!

[@sticktheeagle]

Yup! Lots going back at Mountain Crossings! Big changes coming looking to get this weight down. Jacks pack weighed in at around 23 pounds last I saw him weigh it! That was a terrific improvement!

[@chaosncheckt9356]

Bryan, wow big day but seriously, you need to shed some weight. Carrying 45lbs is insane so might I suggest when you reach Neal's Gap you perhaps get a cabin and go through your gear and send some stuff home. You have hundreds of miles to go so no sense in injuring yourself early with too much weight. I did laugh a bit, my wife reminded me that standing in our living room last year with my AT pack loaded, weighing 28lbs I said; "28lbs is nothing, too easy". Ron my shuttle driver said "hahahaha 28lbs is too much", then when I reached Neel's Gap my body said "dude, 28lbs is way too much". So, long story I sent home about 5lbs of stuff that I had because as my son said " Dad, you packed some of your fears". The adventure begins

[@chriskelly6559]

He's got too much food, guaranteed.

[@chaosncheckt9356]

@@chriskelly6559You are probably right and hiker hunger hasn't stuck.

[@grantfator]

Add more weight!!! Make it a clean 50 and develop those muscles!!!

[@sticktheeagle]

Definitely waaaay too much food, more than I needed and you are right; hiker hunger has not kicked in yet. At trail magic today we all nibbled on some things here and there and the people are like, “The southbounders would have gobbled up every morsel here!” I have a plan to shed a lot of weight at MC. Doing a big switch of gear. You are right; I thought it wasn’t a big deal. Well now, three days in, it’s a big deal!

[@MrTitanTopper]

Good luck! Let’s do this! 👍🏻👊🏻👏🏻🙏🏻⬆️

[@sticktheeagle]

Yes, let’s! We are doing this together!

[@billprice6458]

Yeah, You're going to thrive out there.

[@sticktheeagle]

I think so too!

[@wildflowersadventures]

Great first day! You already know about the weight, so I’m sure you’re sorting that out. We’re cheering you on, Stick!! Let’s gooo!

[@sticktheeagle]

Thanks so much

[@whereisdavetoday9979]

I’m so excited for you!

[@sticktheeagle]

Thank you for sharing in the excitement!

[@pleok08]

Monday, February 26th: Good hiking weather! You got this! Weight might be a concern! Good luck! Happy Trails! Ross08

[@sticktheeagle]

Yes, weight is a bit too much!

[@pleok08]

Sunday, February 25th: Good luck and God speed! You got this! Happy Trails! Ross08

[@sticktheeagle]

Thanks

[@alicial6072]

wow I pick a hiker or two to follow every year, coincidence is i picked you Bryan and lovetohikenewengland, i subscribe to both your yourtube channels last week, great seeing you both together

[@sticktheeagle]

Wow, that is amazing! What a cool coincidence. Thanks for your support!

[@UntakenTrails]

You're right that you definitely just think of one step at a time. Don't overwhelm yourself with the total distance ahead. Just enjoy the moment of what the trail brings you today. 425 stairs. Yikes! It's great that you're already meeting people on the trail. Have a great time!

[@sticktheeagle]

Yes! Thinking too far ahead plays with the mental. I love the people I have met so far!

[@GreenDragonHostel]

I like how you showed the very beginning of the trail. You are making a great video blog.

[@sticktheeagle]

Thanks so much! It is a treat to have you comment. I’ll have to come visit near Hiwasee

[@wingmanhoy3999]

Congratulations on a very successful beautiful 1st day of making special unforgettable memories to be cherished in the future, love all the moments, all the very best health and happiness

[@sticktheeagle]

Definitely unforgettable!

[@jeffstone28]

Great trail video, y'all. I noticed how you picked up the southern y'all right away. I'm waiting to see if you will be pronouncing Appalachian the southern way lol, and I hope you do, at least until the Mason-Dixon Line!

[@sticktheeagle]

Haha! So funny! I didn’t even realise I was doing that!

[@jeffstone28]

@@sticktheeagle I'm like that too. I naturally pick up the local accents but some people never lose their original accent.

[@realeyesrealizereallies6828]

"Taking it slow, one step at a time, is always the fastest way to achieve your goals"--Me..You've got a nice window of weather for your beginning, it's even nice up here in the Adirondack Forest NY..You sounded like me on my horse on that approach trail..Click clacking along..LOL..Good luck Stick Man..

[@sticktheeagle]

Thank you! That was the hiking pole I was dragging behind me as I filmed. So thankful for this amazing weather to start!

[@Elizabeth-pt4bv]

Excellent job on day one. So excited for you.

[@sticktheeagle]

I so appreciate that.

[@lastone8896]

Congrats on the start Your test walks and camping all come into play now you'll be fine at your own pace

[@sticktheeagle]

They sure do! Yes, we can’t rush this.

[@PatriciaPoli-op9yq]

You are adorable and will be fine to watch your progress! Good job. One step at a time!

[@sticktheeagle]

Thank you so much!

[@mikes7654]

Those waterfalls at around 11:30 into the video are beautiful ! Excellent job Day 1 ….

[@sticktheeagle]

They are! I really enjoyed it!

[@lilyappleton1257]

Sooooo proud of you friend 💛

[@sticktheeagle]

Thanks!!

[@clm2417]

So excited to follow along. Wishing you an incredible and epic journey. ❤

[@sticktheeagle]

Thank you so much!!

[@appalachianwanderseeker]

Yay! Great start! Looking forward to tomorrow’s video.

[@sticktheeagle]

Yes, an amazing first day!!

[@bearanoia673]

Doing a little catching up on your channel. We didnt know about you until we saw you in Bandit's video. 🐻🌲

[@sticktheeagle]

Who is Bandit? Not sure I know him

[@TheChantybb]

Congrats on a great first day!!! 🎉🎉🎉

[@sticktheeagle]

Thank you!!

[@sadiewiggles1]

So happy to see that your journey has started! Excited to follow along. Safe travels!

[@sticktheeagle]

Thanks so much!

[@markviers998]

Looks like great weather for your start, enjoy!

[@sticktheeagle]

It was! So thankful for that

[@JMP77117]

Wow! You have amazing knowledge of the trail! Hope all is well

[@sticktheeagle]

Thank you kindly

[@dwayne5698]

Stupid question but I assume "Stick the Eagle " because you made Eagle Scout? Congratulations if so!! So looking forward to following you!

[@sticktheeagle]

Yes that is the reason! Thank you, glad to have you!

[@stephanieaston7178]

You know what’s absolutely hilarious? My husband’s nickname used to be “Stick”, and he had friends that he goes way back with whom still call him Stick when they contact him.

[@jeannedial2824]

Looking forward to following you thru the AT.

[@sticktheeagle]

Thank you!

[@1024Pete]

Cheers to your confidence and enthusiasm. Wishing you peace and good fortune. Happy Trails!

[@sticktheeagle]

Thank you Pete!

[@twonky007]

Exciting start!

[@sticktheeagle]

Sure has been!

[@lovetohikenewengland1748]

Nice meeting you. You got this!!

[@sticktheeagle]

It was really fun! I hope that your hike is off to a great start!

[@thesunshinesyndicate981]

Good luck and God bless you!

[@sticktheeagle]

You too! Thanks!

[@amynapier3551]

You've got this. Enjoy the journey. #ATStrong

[@sticktheeagle]

AT strong! Let’s do this!

[@robertm9119]

Having a great first day beginning. Keep thinking, have fun, you're doing good, go at your own pace.Blackritz

[@sticktheeagle]

Yes! Thank you!

[@aarononeill1031]

Hey Bryan! I think it's awesome that you're documenting this whole adventure. I'll for sure follow along and whenever you get up into Shenandoah/WV let me know if you need any supplies! -Aaron

[@sticktheeagle]

Wow, thanks Aaron! I wanted to document it so that I would always have a way to remember it! And the support I have gained while doing it is more than I could have imagined!!

[@Judy-fi7ce]

Hi Stick, congrats on your first day accomplishment! What an exciting journey you are on! If you have concerns about your registration, maybe get a shuttle or hitch back to the registration building and look into it. Just a suggestion. Nice video. Take care.

[@sticktheeagle]

Thanks! I do think all is fine there, I was just having first day doubts

[@gwendolynmacaluso775]

I enjoy your video. I love watching as I learn so much. One day I am going to hike the AT

[@sticktheeagle]

Yes you will. And I found too that watching hiker blogs really helped to prepare! But there are also still some things that you won’t learn until you are out here. Just come out here and make it happen. Rooting for you!!

[@collegedad8656]

Great start. Hike on👍

[@sticktheeagle]

That's the plan!

[@mathfan0918]

Great start! Hopefully you'll get that weight down soon as you eat up your food. That day hiker who said Georgia was the hardest part -- I wouldn't believe that. It is true that you don't have your trail legs yet. But even with that consideration, I think the hiking in New Hampshire and Maine is harder. I'm glad you got to climb some of the stairs -- that's part of the overall experience!

[@sticktheeagle]

Yes, I’ve heard many say that those two are the hardest states. In Georgia, the only factor is that we are still getting used to this whole thing.

[@mikekoerner1614]

Very excited for you! You’re doing it! Following from maryland. Hope to see you on the trail when you get up this way.🥾

[@sticktheeagle]

I hope so too! Thanks so much for the encouragement!

[@dantethegreat]

happy trails buddy! read your entry in Riga shelter!

[@sticktheeagle]

Wow!! That was my shakedown hike! Great brand new shelter there! Happy trails!

[@Andy-Mesa]

Say it with me now: a-mi-ca-lo-la I think it would've been good for you to have had a pack shakedown, but you'll get rid of things soon enough.

[@sticktheeagle]

That I will!! It would have put me back on Day 1 and they don’t have the things to trade out like they do at Mountain Crossings. Yes, still getting the pronunciation right. I did say it with you, as you asked.

[@chrisnolin7103]

You ARE a likeable guy! I will "stick" with you! You're very positive. And that's a great thing for a thru-hiker! But you also seem strong enough for some news that is counter to what you heard about Georgia! Georgia is not the hardest state. Not even close. Maine is the hardest state, IMO, followed by NH, VT, NY, PA and VA. Georgia is so short and easy. It might even be the easiest state, except for Tennessee and, Maryland and West Virginia. So much trail magic in Georgia. So much support. You're basically a minor celebrity in the southern states. In New England, you're almost literally trash to the people who live there, with exceptions of course. Exceptions who I hope you meet.. This isn't intended to discourage, but really just to steel the nerve of someone who, as far as I can tell in your video, actually has the resolve to do this whole thing.

[@sticktheeagle]

Thank you so much!! Yes, I agree from watching other thru hikers videos that Maine is probably the hardest state! But Georgia your body is still getting used to the hiking every day so it is easy to doubt yourself mentally. I think that is part of what makes it hard for many people.

[@chrisnolin7103]

@@sticktheeagle Georgia is only hard because you haven't seen the rest. It's a bit like Plato's cave allegory (but just a bit). Like, you don't know what you don't know. You know? 😊

[@chrisnolin7103]

Not to dismiss what you said about the mentality of Georgia. Except I kinda did, sorry about that. But thru-hiking, if it's anything, is real. So to be real, Georgia is freaking easy.

[@jellybeanhikes9581]

You got this i did the pct and at plus others u got it

[@sticktheeagle]

That is awesome. If I keep enjoying the AT this much, PCT and others could be next!

[@lilyappleton1257]

I was going to ask you if you got a Passport. Glad to see you did.

[@sticktheeagle]

I did! I’m getting the stamps now but forgot all about it at Amicalola.

[@denabutz4559]

Maybe you should look into being a forest ranger that seams like something you might like with all your scout training and now all the hiking. Don't forget to show some of the wild life

[@sticktheeagle]

That does sound like a perfect job. I will try to capture wildlife but I haven’t seen any yet!

[@vivianhelt8860]

I am looking forward to your journey. But seriously 45 pounds is gonna kill ya. Bartman did a 40 pound pack. Good luck, take your time and enjoy ❤

[@sticktheeagle]

Thankfully I’ve got it below 40 now.

[@CloverHikes]

10 lbs sounds about right. A liter of water weighs 2.2 lbs and you should allow 1:5-2lbs per day for food.

[@sticktheeagle]

Haha no shelter or anything

[@dannytanner8725]

be sure show your camp set up we enjoy see that part

[@sticktheeagle]

Sounds good, I will! Thanks for the request.

[@anthonymauro7419]

Ur so cool I look up to u

[@sticktheeagle]

I appreciate it; that means a lot!

[@denabutz4559]

Don't forget to have fun and make some new friends you need a drown to show the falls and sorownding areas

[@sticktheeagle]

Drone = too heavy Yes I am already starting to make new friends and connections! Love that about this trail.

[@paulkhanna1]

29 pound baseweight! If you have any money left in the budget for gear beyond pairs of shoes, replace that heavy gear and send home anything that doesn't have at least two uses. Get a pack shakedown asap. I know you're young and you can carry 50 pounds on your back to Katahdin, but you don't have to.

[@larsharaldselvteitlnning2901]

just my thought, I'm not an expert at all and trying to get my base weight downwards, kinda struggling to understand how they get all the stuff in their small backpacks to, but I know from looking at thru hike vlogs and hiking a little and doing beginner mistakes, that 29lbs is way to much.

[@sticktheeagle]

Trying to cut wherever I can!! I could not replenish everything at once… but I am still taking some steps to reduce it.

[@paulkhanna1]

I get it. You can always get a shakedown at Neel's gap. Looking forward to your next video! @@sticktheeagle

[@punkrocker1984]

Hey brother, good job! Please consider reducing your pack weight to at least half of it. Also there is too much stuff hanging out of it, it definitely makes things way harder for you.

[@sticktheeagle]

Thanks for the tips! I am making some huge cuts on Day 4!

[@chriskelly6559]

You're not a pack mule, lose some stuff. Trail is hard enough with 24 lbs. Sending good vibes, take care, Crackerjack.

[@sticktheeagle]

Yup! I’ve realised that now!

[@chrisnolin7103]

Man come on. That's your mom, right? Lily's your mom. It's ok, KZbin loves to see family!

[@sticktheeagle]

Nah man, she’s a friend about my age. Definitely not my mom.

[@chrisnolin7103]

Sorry dude. Clear she wasn't just a shuttle driver. Crush it!!!

[@sticktheeagle]

@@chrisnolin7103 That’s the plan!

[@denabutz4559]

I hope u don't get mad at me for giving tips and questions

[@sticktheeagle]

Sure won’t!

[@suemoore1965]

👣💕 YOU WILL DO AMAZING AMOUNTS OF MILES

[@JIMMYCFC]

Yeah this dudes going missing. 😂

[@sticktheeagle]

Ok

[@michaelsavard1144]

95% is psychological. The rest is just in your head.

[@sticktheeagle]

So true!

[@denabutz4559]

Lol are we being shown stuff over and over

[@sticktheeagle]

Just because I love nature a lot and feel like I need to share it