THE UNLIKELY STORY OF HOW I ENDED UP WITH GARVEY

[@jamesking2851]

I like ending the video with a silent picture of Garvey it feels right. perhaps adding "in memory of",birth date and his passing date.

[@haole59]

Aloha I just happened to stumble across this video. Didn't know who you or gravy were. But I stayed and listened. Sounded like he was a good friend of yours. And to honor and keep them alive you should always close with him saying goodbye .. I miss the hell out of my last dog. Koa was his name. But I've had dogs my whole life. Can remember everyone. They all deserve to be remembered and held with a special place in my heart. ALOHA Garvey⚡

[@BrantHikes]

That is very kind of you to take the time to write. mahalo

[@1955missellie]

So sorry to hear of Garvey's passing. Hope he's hiking and frolicking on the other side. God bless. He'll be missed for sure.

[@BrantHikes]

Thank you

[@unpavedexplorer338]

Great story. Thanks for sharing your story with us. I was at White Top Mountain at the Microwave Tower. Jim Hayes Hiking gave me a tour of White Top Mountain.

[@BrantHikes]

Thanks John. Isn't Whitetop beautiful? Jim is the man, his knowledge of this area is deep.

[@FOLLOWINGWALKERSWORLD]

Thanks for taking us on a great hike & even better story. 👍✌️

[@bestillonthetrail234]

Great trail time with stories of Garvey! It's often the runt of the litter makes the most faithful friend. Beautiful day and views for this hike. Love the idea of putting up pictures of Garvey at the end of your posts!

[@BrantHikes]

Thank you. I agree about runts making loyal companions

[@williambranham6249]

Glad I got to hear the whole story. On several trips to Damascus my wife and I were happy when we saw the Garvey sign in front of the outfitter. My first hike on the AT was in 1995 from Hot Springs up to the first paved road north. We stayed at the campsite at Rich Mt. Tower. Through the night a few cars made their way up the gravel road. As a first experience it was unnerving. Early this year my wife and I trekked to Buzzard Rocks and is one of our favorite walks. It is also where we first introduced our 6 and 8 y. o. Grandsons to the AT. Years ago my late wife and I camped there in order to enjoy a sunset. Good ground is hard to come by. As you said it’s lumpy and bushy. Take care. I hope you’ll continue to video from Ga. Doc and Pat Mebane NC PS It’s breaks my heart as I smile at Garvey’s photo.

[@BrantHikes]

Thanks Doc, I still have Garvey's sign. I plan to continue making videos once I'm in Georgia

[@kevins3828]

Aw dang Brant I'm sorry 😞.

[@BrantHikes]

Thank you

[@wandawilloughby6052]

Thank you for sharing that story. What a wonderful life he had but our animals give us more than we give them.

[@susankaempfer8427]

Garvey sounding ferocious… 😂 Thinking of you over here in my little corner of Switzerland. Take care!

[@danielkutcher5704]

Hey, Brant. I hiked over Whitetop this spring, ironically, with a vagabond guy and his dog, who I met at Uncle Johnny's and saw on and off. That was the day that I slipped in the mud in a rainstorm and ended up hyperextending my left shoulder and tearing a bunch of muscles, forcing me to hike out and drive home the next day. Thanks for the backstory on how you came to partner up with Garvey. You two had quite a ride. So many memories! I pray that the Lord keeps you safe, gives you strength, and guides you in the way of peace as you transition to a new life in Georgia. Take care, and God bless! 🙏👊✌ Tinker & Gi-Gi 🎶

[@BrantHikes]

Sorry about your injuries. You're so close to finishing too. Thanks this move was the right decision for sure 👊

[@b.k.691]

Thanks for sharing how you boys came together and the beautiful hike with us. I personally would love to see pics of Garvey in your videos.Hope the move goes smoothly.

[@BrantHikes]

Thank you! Garvey pics will at the end of the videos for sure

[@brianduval656]

Great background story. Thanks for sharing.

[@MousesAdventures]

Thanks for Garvey’s story. ❤️ You remain in my thoughts. Good luck with your move. He will always be in your heart.

[@BrantHikes]

Thank you. He'll always be with me for sure

[@jimdonegan4762]

Great video brother! Keep it up.

[@thenaturemanadventures]

Thank you for sharing your story with Garvey, he was an incredible hiking buddy and you were blessed to enjoy his precious life. Those incredible views from atop the mountain were breathless, thanks for sharing as well. Take care brother 🤠🌲

[@vs123]

Very beautiful places

[@Desertkns60]

Everything happens for a reason... He has been a gift in your life, you a gift in his. So glad you'll still be putting out videos. The end tribute/ pic is perfect.

[@BrantHikes]

Thanks. More to come once I'm settled

[@KrizAkoni]

Beautiful story and tribute to Garvey. I’m happy to have known him and spent time with him this year. Indeed one of the most beautiful places on trail. I do like the video ending… 🥰 Hope our paths cross down in GA.

[@BrantHikes]

Thanks, I'm glad that we all got to hang out when you were in Damascus

[@allenkirkwood9088]

I am sorry to hear about Garvey.

[@johnphillips3526]

I like the photo/video tribute idea for the end of each video. Are you moving to Georgia? I live in Cartersville, GA and don’t hike nearly enough. My batch of hiking buddies are spread across the country now. If you ever need a hiking buddy in Georgia, let me know.

[@BrantHikes]

Yes, I'm moving back to Georgia after 21 years in Damascus, Va. More info to come in a future video

[@chriswilliams7613]

I was watching some of Craig "Hawk" Mains older videos and on his 2018 trail video he and Garvey were playing with that light up ball during his end of day recap that he usually does. That dog was awesome, even at his older age he had a lot of energy. It's hard to lose such a great companion. Especially one that has been through the wilderness with you. I nearly lost my hiking buddy to a semi a few years ago. It's not easy knowing that your friends time is going to be much shorter than yours.

[@BrantHikes]

Thank you

[@keithcarper8809]

Thanks for sharing that great story. You picked a good one for your first dog. Sometimes life throws something at us we didn't even know we badly needed. Remind me to tell you how I met Babe. And I want to say I watch your videos because of you. Your love for Garvey showed what kind of person you are. My kind of people. Best of luck in your move and I'll see you down trail.

[@BrantHikes]

Thanks Keith. Garvey was an unexpected gift for sure!

[@jasonaustin1038]

This is a great story. Meant to be. Anyone could see through the videos that he was a good, old soul and a true gentleman. My hope for you is that you continue to film section/long hikes for us!

[@BrantHikes]

Thanks Jason. The channel will continue with the same name and a tribute photo of Garvey at the end of every video

[@papadawg3172]

Absolutely beautiful story. Thank you for sharing. Garvey was a real hiking dog. I remember the trek you made through Virginia one March and when you got to the TN line, Garvey really looked puzzled as to why you were turning around. Did he take to the hiking immediately, or did it take him a while to get into it?

[@BrantHikes]

Thanks. He had his backpack before he was tall enough to stand up in it. Little did I know when I got him that he is two of the best hiking breeds mixed!

[@johnwilson6954]

A wonderful account of a beautiful soul. I can understand now how much he was a part of you, Brant. And even though your paths have parted, all the good memories remain. I wish you nothing but the best in your upcoming move, and new adventures to come...😔

[@BrantHikes]

Thanks John, This move was definitely the right decision

[@haroldgardiner1966]

Maybe to end your videos, you could find the best film of Garvey and superimpose the sound of the MGM lion on it maybe with some funny high pitched puppy barks too. That would be nice if MGM would allow!

[@metayel1]

Best of luck in your new home. You have a place here when you visit. We all loved Garvey.

[@BrantHikes]

Thanks Richard!

[@RVAHikerGirl]

I wear a neck knife in a sheath similar to what you have attached, is it on the daisy chain? But it's always banging and clanging around. What knife is that that you have? Being attached to your backpack is a great placement for it. Thank you for sharing the story of how you ended up with Garvey and taking us along with you on this one. ~RVA~

[@BrantHikes]

Thanks. The knife is a CRKT - it's basically a neck knife, but it came with a attachment to clip it onto horizontal webbing. My daypacks tend to be set up much differently than my long distance packs

[@mtbalot]

Weened on bacon grease, that sounds awesome mnnnnnnnn Sorry u lost your shadow, I bet u have 1000 Garvey stories and good times.

[@BrantHikes]

Thank you. Yes, there are thousands Garvey stories for sure. Maybe some of them will make it into future videos

[@haroldgardiner1966]

If you are still thinking if finding a new pet walking pardner , do you suppose you could find out if your dear departed puts siblings ever had offspring, and you could get a niece or nephew?

[@BrantHikes]

I'm not sure where any of his siblings are or if they're still alive. I'm also not really in the position to take on the comittment of a dog at this time so I'll be going solo for now

[@mkiefer414]

Thanks for another great video and wonderful story. A lot of bittersweet feelings for you, I'm sure. I'm anxious to see what the future holds for you, and seriously hoping you continue making & sharing videos. Thanks to you, I recently purchased my own MiniPeak XL, along with a Pomoly stove, and now I'm looking forward to fall & winter more than ever!

[@BrantHikes]

Thanks, I hope that you enjoy hot tenting as much as I do! God willing, you'll see me in some brand new hot tenting locations this Winter!

[@mkiefer414]

@@BrantHikes God willing, I'll have a chance to get back home to Minnesota this winter or next, but will be happy enough to learn a little here in Indiana first. If your future adventures bring you north a little bit, maybe I'll stumble into you!

[@johnwilson6954]

@@BrantHikes - Gooch Gap and Three Forks would be two nicely sheltered areas along the AT for some wintertime camping with good accessibility. A hike from Hogpen Gap into the Low Gap shelter area might be a nice challenge. And one of my earliest AT hikes was an out-and-back overnight from Mountain Crossings north to Wolf Laurel Top. This was in the spring before the leaves came out, and it was strangely beautiful to see all of the house lights twinkling in the valley at night. Could be a little breezy there in Jan/Feb though...🙂

[@mkiefer414]

@@johnwilson6954 That hike from Hogpen Gap to Lowgap Shelter is indeed a nice hike -- and I recall some nice possible (but likely dry) spots along the way. I took a detour off the AT right at Chattahoochee Gap and walked a short trail thru the Mark Twain Wilderness...seemed like some lovely, low-traffic spots to explore there, too. Loved northern Georgia. Hope to get back there soon!

[@mdaync4962]

I am so sorry. Garvey was a beautiful boy

[@BrantHikes]

Thank you

[@CraigMains]

👊

[@BrantHikes]

👊

[@randacopley4682]

Perfect

[@jhuntsberger718]

Great video, thanks for sharing !!! Good to see you out and about...be safe and Happy...(walkingfool AT86)

[@BrantHikes]

Thanks. It was good to get out for sure

[@bettymaverick1098]

Thankyou for sharing such a lovely story with us. Love the idea of showing pics or videos of Garvey as part of the outros. 🏞

[@BrantHikes]

Thank you. A picture of Garvey will be at the end of every video