The Appalachian Trail Relic That Changed My Life

[@papac8509]

Nice reflection video, and congrats on all you’ve accomplished! I’m 65 now, and from a very early age I eliminated “I can’t” from my vocabulary (As much as possible). I retired 5 years ago, and since then I bicycle’d 60 miles on my 60th birthday, climbed Mt. Adams, hiked the Grand Canyon R2R2R, hiked the Wonderland trail around Mt. Rainier, and done a few PCt section hikes, and numerous other smaller hikes. Summited Rainier in my younger days, so that was already crossed off the list. Thanks for all the inspiration, and knowledge over the last few years Darwin. See you on the trail..

[@dcruz233]

I really like nostalgic and sentimental you are. It really shows how much you love life.

[@ofthenearfuture]

Thanks for making this video about your story and spreading this message... I'm at a crossroads right now and really need to will my new life into existence, so thanks for giving me some hope and confidence to do so.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Glad it helped! You got this! 💪

[@Lizinthewild]

I’ve always loved being outdoors, but never went on enough hiking days much less backpacking trips. Earlier this year my sense of adventure awoke once again, and I started deep diving into backpacking/hiking videos. I am so grateful for the knowledge you share with us all! Thank you for this amazing reminder that we truly can do whatever we set our minds to.

[@stattravels8109]

You and your wife have to been some of the originals!!! Love the story!!!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thank Ya!

[@zenleeparadise]

You made me cry. I'm moving out of hell soon and plan to start hiking all the time like I used to when I lived by the AT. You're so inspiring. Hit me at the right time.

[@6millionLiesRememberHolodomor]

Based, you got this, champ!

[@thruthebiblewithmicey]

What a fun find! I've been watching your channel since I decided I wanted to become a backpacker. I have enjoyed watching you grow and mature, cheering from behind my laptop screen when you chose to take a break from KZbin because you knew what you needed for your well being. Then cheering again when you came back stronger and revitalized. You are such an encouragement. You don't just talk the talk. You walk the walk. Thanks for all you do!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks for always watching and supporting my journey, Micey! ❤️

[@MrPhilipBallard]

Darwin - We need a 'Best Pizzas on the Trail" every now and then. I miss your food commentary.

[@jon210478]

You dreamt it and made it happen, kudos there bro.

[@nickname6747]

Found your channel in 2020 during the lows of Covid and it set me off discovering other KZbinrs along the way - something I'd never really looked at much before. Since then, we've backpacked, bikepacked, and returned from visiting Arizona earlier this month - we're both US national park geeks now. Thanks, man.

[@amay7457]

I might not be your typical follower. I camp but I’m not a hard core backpacker or hiker, and riding a bike is literally scary for me. We planned a long weekend backpack trip one time years back and that is when I found your channel. The trip fell through the day before due to someone in the group having a medical emergency, it got the planned again but then COVID happened, but I fell in love with your content, which has helped me take a more minimalist view and slim down my camping and travel packing mindset. I encourage myself with mantras like ‘Backpack Rules’ (do I really need or does it serve more than one purpose, light and layers) & when things go sideways I encourage myself with ‘Embrace the suck,’ and where was Jet Boil/Snow peak stoves all my early days of camping. In addition, A year and a half ago my work/wellness provider hosted a vision board exercise. I thought I was just being crafty and creating a poster that I plopped on my dresser, but six months later I got choked up when I realized I was putting plans in place that aligned with my vision board goals. There is great power in reflecting and articulating one’s true goals, the subconscious makes the commitment for us as and guides our conscious decisions, like you mine didn’t always manifest exactly as outlined but still did in a different way and how cool is that? I’m now restating my vision board and looking to build on my goals to see what I can achieve next. Thank you as always for great content. :)

[@dogbark100]

I think this video nails what I have loved about some of my backpacking trips, the fact that you have time to reflect and make new meaningful goals for yourself. I’m more likely to stick to a goal that I come up with on a backpacking trip than anything else!

[@joshscott9905]

Thanks for the positive message Darwin! I've got a few big goals in mind I'd like to accomplish within the next 10 years (hike the TA, travel more with my wife, build a cabin) and I'm going to will those into existence!

[@karlaalatorre]

As always, thank you for being an inspiration for many of us. I went from not been able to walk due to some spine issues, to thru hiking the JMT. While been in bed I watched your PCT videos over and over again wishing that one day I could be there, someday. I even got a backpack on one of your giveaways in 2021 that I used for my TRT thru hike. 😊

[@shawnjacobs4111]

I've watched many of your videos and always enjoyed them, but this one made me subscribe. Wow! Truly inspirational. Thanks Nic.

[@herbhometales8255]

Kudos! When the bug bites you gotta follow it! You’ve inspired and educated so many of us. We’re based in NW Arkansas so have access to some amazing trails. Pulled our kids in. Made this generational…my grand daughter now takes our great grandson backpacking 😂 When I was little we lived in S California.. we hiked Yosemite and John Muir, would climb Whitney , hike the San Gabriel’s… Mom took us to so many National Parks.. hiked Grand Canyon in the fifties. Still hiking, still loving it.. dad used to call it having the “ Fiddlefoot” or “ you de ring” Thanks so much for sharing!❤ keep on inspiring!

[@takingawalkadventures]

backpacking and hiking and just spending time in the outdoors have really changed my life for the absolute better.

[@KimberlyGreen]

This feels a bit like a celebration high-five to past Darwin. "Hey buddy. We did it. Dreamed big and crushed it!"

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

❤️❤️❤️

[@sylviawinstead8799]

I have been following you since 2018 I believe and up until now. I trust so much of your suggestions and I trust your opinions. You are the only one I actually follow only because I love your hiking trail videos and how you care about helping people get the most out of their hike I love that you made a company that offers custom-made products that offers a better hiking experience. So glad you choose this path 👍🏽

[@walterkeane3380]

Lol. Years ago, I got all the gear you recommended. I have gone hiking and will again. I'm sending my son to Outward Bound in early June, but maybe we can make this event. You have had a huge influence on me. Best.

[@ASquires-wc8ii]

Been watching your videos since the beginning. You have done great things! Thanks for all of the information you have shared with us.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks for always watching! ❤️

[@OneEyeHikes]

Awesome reflection Darwin. I’m 63 and have pursued outdoor adventure for decades. Your channel has been a good inspiration and with solid info. I have a book coming soon… “Losing Sight Gaining Vision, One Man’s Journey to the Colorado Trail. My trail name is “One Eye” so connect the dots to the title haha. Thanks again!

[@relicthered]

Simply inspiring. Keep being amazing!

[@kristymoore7052]

Not hard to see where the name “Evolved” came from. It’s amazing what a trail experience makes you excited about. I’m 61, a weekend pack packer at best and completed the JMT NOBO this past summer. I now want to share with everyone over 60, I did it and you can to. So here I go….

[@gregoryfarris4801]

Congratulations. Did it in 4 trips. 2nd trip did Whitney, out a Portal. Finished JMT when I was 66. 2022 was my last trip was Casa Vieja, Redrock, Jordan Hot Springs, I was 78.

[@kristymoore7052]

@ thanks for that, you are my inspiration to keep doing more!

[@allenstratton5399]

Thank you for that!!!!! your a great inspiration to not just me but the community as a whole. I hope to meet you on trail someday

[@chefcocoasadventures8794]

I have followed you from day one of your first KZbin posts. And still with you. Thank you for 10 years, and much advice on gear and trails. To 10 more years. 🎉❤

[@joespctwalkabout4944]

Watching your PCT videos and having you respond to a question I had really helped me when I started my PCT section hike journey in 2019. So glad that you made the decisions that you made. Knowing your background was interesting to me. Your videos continue to help and inspire me as I look forward to my 2025 PCT journey.

[@TXMEDRGR]

It been fun and educational following your adventures for the past few years, thanks.

[@shopayne]

Ahh darwin. You were and are a very influential person to me. I am currently in japan walking the ohenro 88 temple pilgrimage. Its my first big trek and always use the motto, enjoy the adventure, embrace the suck. Thanks darwin for all your hard work and inspiration 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@girlgonefishing6563]

your past memory is my future push to get out and do it! Thank you!

[@debsmith7050]

It's been a wonderful journey for me too Nic! Thanks for taking me along 💙

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks for always watching & supporting Deb! ❤️

[@Wakeup314]

Amazing journey. I’m definitely looking forward to Highlander

[@Toots807]

Thank you for the reminder. I needed to hear that,

[@ppalom2245]

The AT really gave you a jump start. Nice evolution. Do you have any project going (or info) that we can help with to help restore the trail that gave you your start? With all the hurricane damage, I’m sure you’re involved in something to help out and influence more people to help any way we can.

[@wolfeadventures]

I don’t think most people including myself realize how important setting goals are. This is a fantastic example of their power Darwin.

[@seansmith1422]

Thank for sharing Darwin, that was fun

[@MalindaTamlyn]

Nice thoughts! All so true. Think it, plan it, do it!

[@rman713]

Great message, you’re an inspiration

[@antiricergt]

I’m beside Knoxville TN close to the Smokey mountains. Born and raised here. Never hiked the Smokey’s tho. Im planning my 1st trip to tellico.

[@NonstopMission91]

Thank you Nic 👊🏻

[@nate-beard]

Awesome. Thanks for sharing!

[@brushbum7508]

Good Evening ! Definitely a Memoir & THANK YOU. Happy Thanksgiving. TAKE CARE..

[@wylde-lyfe]

Hence the name, Darwin, (Theory of Evolution) from your trail experiences..... love it, makes more sense now.

[@DavideTravelli]

Great video. I am a fan but rarely comment. I also don’t come from money but I have been cycling around the world since 2015.

[@susietopspin]

Cool video and inspirational. Happy trails.🤘🏻🥾⛰️

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Happy trails to you too & Thanks for watching! 🤙

[@ann-mariejensen2623]

Great message of our ability to steer toward our dreams.

[@saundersnecessary]

Thank you!

[@mycycling3448]

I love you man

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Love you too buddy! 🤙

[@dennissnyder6330]

That's what's up dude I like that

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

🤙

[@cynthiaberry2019]

Thank you!!!!!

[@bertnerny]

Congrats and thank you.🎉👍🏼

[@WhiteGE]

Have you ever heard of the Infinity Loop, on Mt Rainier? Might be up your alley, if you’re ever looking for an epic.

[@Iron-Outdoor]

Nice said! thanks for sharing

[@tiger2too18]

During Covid lockdowns in Amman, Jordan, in 2021,I stumbled on YT ers Darwin n Dixie. I binge watched these videos looking for 2nd hand adventures. I planned a bike packing trip of Jordan Trail but a car almost hit me and I have a titanium radius bone support! Moved to S Korea for a teaching job. Plan on hiking CT this summer but a job move to who knows where yet may prevent this. Possible jobs in Atlanta(AT) , Katmandu ( Everest Base camp ), Auckland ( Te Areora), Santiago ( Andes) . Get out there and try to hike wherever you are. God bless you n your family. Phil

[@rman713]

YOU CAN DO ANYTHING!!! Love me some key and peele

[@mobilewintercamp7515]

With all your activities in life, backpacking, bike packing, pack rafting,mountaineering, biathlon,decathlon or whatever atholon competition you’ve done, have you considered fat tire biking in snow? Camping , bake packing or adventure racing on one? I just bought one, I’ve mountain biked for years, winter camped backpacking and on snowmobile. I plan on bike packing on cross country ski trails in Maine, by Sugarloaf and Bigelow preserve, some short course racing too.

[@AkinaLOL]

I struggle so much with this whole idea. I have a strong need to escape the life I live now and I have a wish to experience life and really live it. I watch so many backpacking videos and I love the thru-hike ones the most, I want that, I think I need that. But I am worried about even trying, I'm scared I would be too weak. I've failed everything I've ever started in my life, education, relationships, and I don't trust my mind or my body to be able to do this. I don't have much in my life and I'm scared I would just waste the money I would need to invest to even start out. I do go out just over the day but it's not enough, the world is a sick place and I can't stand to stay in it and need a longer break away from it. I really don't know where or how to start trusting myself.

[@sherrierifenberg2199]

Sweet! TY!

[@baothiletran-ef8zn]

thank you

[@johneason6540]

Yep, when it's important enough to you. It will happen.🎉

[@WolfCat8922]

Are you going to the Adirondack mountains this winter to hike or snowshoe? It would be awesome to see a hiking video filmed there.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Hadn't planned on it... but, you never know 😉

[@nicholaslafferty3928]

Just learning to snowshoe and live at the foot of the Adirondacks and that would peak my interest ;)

[@debbrelph6133]

love the video!!

[@gerrylake]

Meeting yourself 10 years later. How neat.

[@rya7642]

Thanks for sharing

[@richardfiske]

Great video….so true👍👍👍🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@JoachimMilan1]

I actively dislike the sentiment that "You can do anything you set your mind to". People each have their own limitations and just sheer bad luck. Not everyone can"Just do it". However, I also think people can sometimes struggle to estimate the cost of just trying out stuff. I therefore seek to discard the "Just do it" and instead go with "Just try it"! Makes starting something less scary.

[@1z1zmike]

Congratulations!🙏🙂

[@skyblue-lb9kr]

Great retrospective, beautiful work! Yes! There is a real synergy that forms momentum from self-discipline! Been w/ you and Snuggles all along......btw, i need a perfect thermal hiking skirt for the PNW with handy, well-constructed pockets! any interest?? :)

[@johnblack9499]

Great video 🙂

[@jguhe91LH]

Thanks man

[@alanwatson3367]

Good on ya brother

[@KeetSeel]

We can certainly see the evolution of the beard :D

[@scout06171]

I still have my old iPhone 4 too.

[@CRXluvr]

great video

[@donnydread7631]

🙏🏻

[@coasternut3091]

Gotta tell you, I had wondered for a while what uour actual name was. Nic was never one of my guesses

[@dagnolia6004]

go outside! this is what we ALL need.

[@adamshani3049]

Good man.

[@weseiseman5602]

Yeah, i still have every cell phone I've ever had that didn't utilize goggle cloud to back up and clone the data to a new phone. First phone was a Droid Bionic

[@tonyrc49]

lol, you are just ... living life. no secret formula. simply planning and executing. also, not have kids help :P, but hasn't stopped me from adventuring. we still travel to exotic land, hiked a volcano :P, been in rainforests in south america, etc. it really comes down to planning and executing; and removing excuses in life.

[@neil2809]

Thank You for this. I maintained 2 miles on the AT in NY for 3 years. I WANT TO DO ALL 2200 MILES BUT I HAVE HAD 3 BACK SURGERYS AND NOW 2 + years of FOOT SURGERYS I STILL HOPE TO DO THE AT BUT I DONT KNOW IF MY BODY WILL LET ME. I DO NOT WANT TO START AND HAVE TO STOP. THANK YOU AGAIN and TO ALL HAPPY TRAILS

[@nicholsonscience6229]

Check with an endocrinologist. Darwin is the authentic expert on long-distance hiking. You can't go wrong listening to him.

[@Outbound1219]

Man if it wasn't in California I would be down

[@BucolicAholic]

I had a dream. I was at an underground convention with oligarchs in attendance when a magnate approached me and delicately caressed my hand. Moments later Trump breezed past me and while wearing a black glove fondled my ring and whispered "Your ring's been poisoned". I jettisoned to the nearest bathroom to feverishly rinse off the toxic residue smeared onto my symbol of fidelity. I worked aggressively because I had just recalled that I had to handle my daughter momentarily. Mmm, this dream happened after I had a fight with my wife. I wonder if my subconscious was telling me something.

[@user-no2ei6dp2q]

Waiting for the relic and just gave up

[@TheRcdood]

Make a music channel

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

I've thought about it actually!

[@danLaG]

First

[@jhonyermo]

Talented aren't you?

[@pcatful]

clickbait

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

😂 Yeah?