The Vermont Long Trail - Nothing Goes As Planned

[@JupiterHikes]

Part 2 coming soon! Hopefully not as many rocks and challenges in that one but I guess we'll have to see!

[@gratefulhikes]

I am so close to pulling the trigger on this trail next year. I bet these videos are going to be the tipping point! Be well Jupiter and Happy Thanksgiving!

[@christopherch7307]

Most enjoyable. Away from the big crowds.

[@oceanwoods]

This is my backyard. The kids around here, grow up hiking and playing on this trail, like it’s a jungle gym. I always thought your through hikes were unobtainable for me. Thank you for giving these mountains credit. And for making me realize if I can easily hike the LT, I should be able to do other challenging trails.

[@motorin25]

I did the LT in Sept. When I was at Puffer Shelter for the night a SoBo showed up that had done the PCT, CDT and Colorado Trail was all up in arms about how tough the trail was. lol I'm from West Palm Beach and hadn't hiked in the mountains since I thru-hiked the AT in 2019. I knew it was going to be a butt kicker.

[@mtadams2009]

I did the LT last year and again this year. I hiked a couple days with a Triple Crowner, AT, PCT and CDT and he said the LT terrain is much more difficult than the PCT and CDT and most of the AT. On some days he did forty miles days and on the LT he hit 25 often. I am older and in my 60s my biggest days were about 20 but mostly about 14 per day. I have met people doing 7 miles a day. Fortunately it’s not a race and you can do it at any pace since it’s only about 270 miles. I love the LT and so does my hiking partner Maggie, a forty-eight pound hound mix. Take care, enjoy your hike.

[@markcummings6856]

That’s what it’s about, enjoying. Finally, someone with credence to attest that the Northeast is no joke. Beauty, badass, ruggedness. I hope you guys enjoyed! And if you want more of the same, come to the Adirondacks of NY, just 20 miles West across Lake Champlain. 6.2 million acres of sheer ruggedness and beauty. Thanks for sharing. Can’t wait to see Part 2.

[@gpk7683]

Beautiful video. Good decision to slow down and enjoy each other. She’s much more important than finishing the trail!

[@rudekperezacupuncturist]

Jupiter you have the "physicality" that not many people have. You guys did the right thing which is being able to adapt and stop to think what is more important, and in this case it was the company and slowing down to enjoy the beauty of nature.

[@graxaimcongelado]

congrats, this is one of the best videos on your channel.

[@mikeb7117]

Poor Lotus, this is just about the worst trail to hike with an injury.

[@BurroGirl]

Beautiful Beautiful video, not just because of the scenery, but because of two beautiful souls' thoughts and experiences. Thanks for sharing!

[@rabbischlomoify]

My favorite video and message on KZbin. Focus on the ride and less on the outcome - the ride is the destination. Thanks for the reminder.

[@rushi7312]

In the wilderness nothing ever goes as plan. But it will always be for the best if you can decide to make it that way. I had some very scary times in the mountains on my own, but I've ended up turning these bad experiences into beautiful ones through meeting the right people and not being afraid to talk to them. You talk to a stranger and then by magic you spend the whole day sheltered by them, are offered food, heat, and lots of experiences are shared. Some of these experiences have been the best of my life.

[@rolfdenver]

Hoping to hike this at 65 in 2023, from south to north. If either or both of you hike the Colorado Trail next summer I hope I’ll have the privilege of running into you. I hiked the CT this year but want to hike parts again. PS: I admire your attitudes and approach

[@gratefulhikes]

Hey Guys! What an excellent video. The honesty you both shared was as beautiful as the trail. So many people could learn so much from your perspective on hiking with or without a partner. I can’t wait for part 2!! 🙏 Thanks for bringing us along today. I hope tomorrow’s miles are kind. Keep truckin’ and be well. -Grateful

[@carolinevh8849]

I hiked it when I was 18 by myself but took my time, and started in the south where the terrain is easier. Before cell phones. Still such vivid memories so many years later. I don't understand the speed hiking mentality, so I commend your choice to slow down and enjoy it!

[@jhonyermo]

Some people enjoy going fast.

[@Why_we_live]

@@jhonyermo I plan on doing this trail in august and want to complete it in 16 days. I like long days and it makes me feel accomplished after.

[@Hvn1957]

Wonderful video! You two made the right choice. I spent a lot of my childhood in Barton VT, so the northern section of the LT is my “home trail”. My first ever overnight was around Hazen’s Notch. Except I was 15, inexperienced, and planned poorly. So my mom had to come and bail me out 😄. I’m 64 now, and I’ve been hiking my entire life, but I’ve had many many altered plans and changed outcomes, including two AT dnfs. It’s true that the journey is as important as the destination. I wish you guys many more journeys together.

[@jonallenoutside]

This trail pushed my son and me to our mental limit. I knew it would be hard, but wow. I feel better knowing that pros like Jupiter also found it difficult.

[@cottontalesfromthetrail5474]

Brings back some great memories for me. I started in the north and hyperextended my knee coming down Whiteface Mountain. I hobbled to Mansfield and left the trail. It took me three months to recover. With all the aches and pain I enjoyed that hike. Happy Hiking!

[@HikingHarter]

What a really nice and introspective view of your hike. This brought back memories of my first thru hike that failed and I really appreciated your sentiments and your using the words “us”. My situation was reversed and I had the injury (falling and injuring my back 1 year after spinal surgery) and my wife was the one doing sooo much better than, but we had to make the call to stop. This turned out to be the best decision, the next year we section hiked and finished the rest of the trail (we hiked the NPT) and it was perfect. Thank you for sharing your adventures and your love of the outdoors with all of us. 👍

[@oceanwoods]

If you want to do miles and stick to a plan, than hike by yourself. If your with a partner, than it becomes about the experience. Both are valid, and we get to choose our own adventures.

[@EarlyBird-pj8nn]

Beautiful video and message. Just goes to show how mental thru-hiking is. I've hiked this trail and was missing being out there on this first day of spring. Your video provided my fix. Thank you!

[@martinalblas2446]

Nice one Jupiter. Great storytelling. And beautiful scenery.

[@matt_w]

Awesome video! This captures well the decisions you're constantly making doing any kind of backpacking or even long day hike. No matter how much planning you do or how ready you think you are, the reality of the trail and circumstances really make you evaluate what you're doing and why. You have to decide what kind of experience you want and choose your path based on that. There aren't any wrong decisions, and every experience on the trail is a gift and a lesson. Really glad that Lotus got to narrate on this video. Thanks!

[@barondavis5692]

I really enjoyed your post. Not the injuries and hardship, but the honesty of how hard a long hike can be, even for successful hikers like yourselves. It was good to hear from you both. So many posts are all unicorns and rainbows. Thanks for keeping it real.

[@marksheffield4941]

I have watched a lot of your videos, and for numerous reasons this is by far your best.

[@safromnc8616]

Well stated and a great reality check/reminder for everyone

[@vickirogerson179]

You two are such special people. Beautiful video.

[@MojaveZach]

wow, you have done an amazing job on this one, for one the scenery is just gorgeous, and also the editing was just superb, the ending was awesome, good job!

[@tacklebill4835]

Can't wait for Part II. Smell the roses. and Happy Birthday!

[@domo3552]

As Brit Rich Hartfield who does Big Hikes around Europe once said "The trail is just the thread that binds memories together." You both made the right choices here I reckon, maybe less miles, but more memories.. Which is more important? Great video, and great to see Lotus out and sharing.. A really honest video from you both, Thanks.

[@skimmingandstuff]

My brother tried to do the Long Trail in winter as a teacher on a 2-week school break. He had 16 days. He is an all-american track and field athlete. Hammered 20 miles/day for the first 5 days and made it to Killington. Took a stop for just a moment to get a bite to eat at Hiker Hostel. The moment he stopped he realized how delirious he had become and how much weight he had lost in just a few days. Made it like 8 more miles, spent a day in a shelter, and called it quits. Both he, and I as his brother, are happy that he didn't try to push on any further for no good reason. The trail will be completed someday, just without any brain damage or malnourishment.

[@frstesiste7670]

I've never thruhiked the LT, but it was my first experience with hiking in the US and brings backs so many memories. Great landscape in northern Vermont and great images in the video. I hiked part of the PCT with a friend. I was 1.5 to months into the hike and obviously in better thruhiking shape even if she also had thruhiked before. We had agreed on max 20 mile days in advance and kept to that and less the first days - actually most of the days. Obviously slower then I could have hiked, but a good compromise that we both could live with. It's of course the stronger hiker that have to adjust or it wont work, but it's possible to even it out slightly by letting the stronger hiker carry more of shared equipment.

[@PaulSchortemeyer]

Beautiful editing... nailed the serenity of coming to the right decision for both of you 👍 🙂 👍

[@TimeOuttotheTrail]

I am definitely all about the smiles and not the miles. Getting out there should be a fun, memorable experience for sure. - Brandy

[@jaredbryce7964]

Great video guys! I'm planning on thru-hiking the LT this September, and it is definitely rugged. I have a plan, but you are absolutely right, plans change, just gotta roll with the punches and remember why we're out there to begin with! Happy hiking!

[@genelucky4002]

You both have all the thru hiking creds you need. Glad you chose to enjoy the journey

[@danielkutcher5704]

I started a sobo trip last fall and tore both of my calf muscles just after descending the Forehead of Mt. Mansfield. I healed up and managed 274 miles on the AT this spring. The northern section of the LT is extremely rough. Nice video. Thanks. Happy Thanksgiving.

[@T.Scott_Ashe]

Wonderful video and take on the trail. It was really cool to see both of you out there near the ladder ravine, and I look forward to seeing part 2!

[@matjobin]

My neck of the woods! It’s been a tough year with weather in the northeast. The LT will always hold a special place in my heart. Equally beautiful as it is challenging. That northern half can be brutal. Sorry to hear about Lotus and hope she’s on the mend. Good on both of you for having the strength to know when to call it, adapt and still have a great time out there. Loved the storytelling and perspective from both of you. Really enjoyed this and looking forward to Part 2!

[@christopherch7307]

Thanks for doing sharing your passion.

[@Go-zi1py]

I'm so sorry Lotus had knee problems! It was a good call to take it easier and enjoy! Plus Jupiter you dodged a bullet when you broke your foot and it didn't cause permanent damage by pushing it! Lotus was smart not to push it and really damage the knee.

[@audioostrich]

my start in the south was just about as rainy as yours! 3inches on my first night. What a wonderful trail - excited to relive it again through your video 🤙

[@mikebowman2598]

Another great video. Nothing in the NE is " easy" so it's great to see you make the choice to just enjoy your time together in such a magical place.

[@joel.wuestehube]

The pain lotus described I had on my last hike in the Pyrenees as well. I decided to take it slower without focus on finish the trail but on enjoying my time in beautiful Andorra. Nice Video ❤️

[@inarichards7554]

I agree Jupiter, this trail is NH & ME combined ! Your video is like watching a movie. Thanks for sharing your time and expertise.

[@dakotaescher1]

The hiking community needs to stop worrying about point a to point b and start enjoying what is in-between those points.

[@dakotaescher1]

@@SophisticatedDogCat Define reasonable mileage?

[@MrDynamik1]

Phenomenal video Jupiter, something happened in the last few minutes with the music and text and it was amazing for me.

[@harrisonparker4347]

Enjoyed this. Looking forward to part 2 dude.

[@pasmith4668]

Goals and priorities definitely change when my life becomes our life.

[@elizabethingram3800]

Kindness and love in action. :)

[@roamingrick8736]

Sometimes best not to fuss over the miles or how fast and far one goes but to enjoy an experience and adventure.

[@michaellundphotography]

I got my PCT permit today AND there's a new Jupiter video posted? Best day ever =)

[@paxtianodirtfrog8947]

I think this is my favorite video yet. East coast is definitely different but I got my but kicked on much easier terrain in NM because of elevation. Never tried this trail but it looks like the real deal. Can't wait for part two.

[@sidx32]

Definitely about the journey and not always the destination. A life lesson I learned the hard way. Jupiter. How did you get your name? How did Lotus get hers? And what shoes are you wearing these days? What has been your progression since the 'unchange' of the Lone Peaks after the 2.5s?

[@jefferybyard8429]

I did a 100 mile section of the Allegheny Trail this past spring and going to try finishing it this coming spring. A couple more years to get another weeks vacation and my plan is to do the Long Trail, can't wait.

[@rescuemay]

Wow what gorgeous forest

[@9spiderlegs]

My boyfriend and i recently had a similar last minute trip replan. Yes we could have toughed it out, but that wasn't the point. We had a great time doing something totally different than originally planned!

[@Ice-Fall]

Hiking some of this trail is better than not hiking it at all.

[@JasonDavison]

This was the hardest walk of my life.

[@jewishlawyer9454]

Your brave man.. respect

[@kerrir1955]

Glad I’m not the only one who has problems with rocks. I can’t imagine the FKT s for that trail are crazy.

[@davidsixtwo]

I really think that there's more to learn from a failed plan than a successful one on trail. And if you aren't ever forced to change your plans during a hike, you probably aren't really pushing yourself.

[@desommetsensommets8065]

As someone who quitted a sobo hike of the Long Trail four days in I know how this feels... hope to return to this trail with the right headspace to finish it someday. (I was too ambitious with my hiking goals, so I went too light with my gear and ended up being not happy under my tarp eaten by mosquitos... I also was tired of hiking solo at the time)

[@TheBonswah]

The cheesy thing to say would be 'hike your own hike'. But you guys did just that. Good job!

[@geoknee]

Lovely!

[@somedavechannel]

That's The Goal of Life, Stop & Smell The Roses...

[@Strandlaeufer77]

"just training" is one thing but imho the psychomotoric pathways until hopping over rocks and roots becomes fun have to be trained, too.

[@PisgahGravelProject]

Did you play foxhills DG course while up there. One of my favorite tour stops for the Green Mountain Championship

[@hollyhopalong7405]

So a little off point but... how did the gear hold up with that all day rain? Duplex stay dry inside? Did you have down gear that damped out? Wondering if I should spring for a duplex 🤔 More on point... no trail completion is ever worth alienating the one you love, and Lotus should never feel guilty about creating a problem so that you couldn’t finish the hike. In fact I’ve taken a few friends on hikes and it can be very telling about their personalities. Some show great ego, others a defeatist outlook, one could only complain and not see beauty, another just bitched about food choices. As you can see by my photo I have found my personal best hiking companion. Yes I realize I am the only common denominator in my previous hikes and no I am not ashamed! 😆

[@mtadams2009]

I will let you know how my Duplex did on my two LT hikes. Last year 2022 it hardly rained so no issues. This year it rained constantly. The only issue I had was on July 10 into that 11th. It was a massive rain storm that flooded much of Vermont and forced me off the trial. That night into the morning it rained over ten inches and I needed to close both doors more than usual. Condensation certainly was an issue. It was warm, humid and brutal rain. One man drowned on the AT in Vermont. The tent never leaked a bit. I have since added a cord so I can open and close the door easily, a hack I learned on KZbin. I finished my hike September 1st and it rained often but no more condensation issue. No tent is perfect but the weight savings is a big plus for me. The new Duplex, which has the offset poles and ridge vents looks great. That tent will have to wait though. Take care

[@motorin25]

I did the LT in Sept as well. I did it NoBo. It is a butt kicker.

[@debvoltolina6143]

Two weeks is not enough time if you want to enjoy it ,,there is so much to see that you would , miss. I live near the long trail and work at Jay peak

[@splashmt99]

18 miles a day, everyday for 2 weeks, just doesn’t sound realistic to me for most people. Jupiter could do it, but he’s an elite hiker. It was smart to trim it back.

[@bscjake]

I hiked it NOBO in 19 days (incl 3 zeros) at 18/day with a few 20s thrown in. I did most of my hiking prior to that in NH which i find to be MUCH harder. I think going NOBO would have set them up better since it starts out easier and you build up to more difficult. but 14 days just dropping into it is rough no matter what and good that they changed priorities

[@jeffstone28]

It would be helpful to know more precisely when you started the trail. Big difference between early September and late September. You may mention it during the video but I've only watched the beginning so far.

[@johnflagstaff5982]

What kind of tent is that?? Nice video!!

[@JupiterHikes]

Zpacks duplex! It's expensive but it's served me well for many years. Spacious while remaining very light

[@BearTrekAdventures]

That's definitely one tough trail - but definitely a lot of fun if you like rock scrambles! I'm curious how you would rate the difficulty in the north of the LT vs. the southern AT?

[@jonne1762]

Really nice thanks for sharing:) What were the songs you used?

[@kdavis4910]

This just might become a shakedown hike next year. I'm thinking The Long Trail, Pemiloop, and the 100 Mile Wilderness to top it off.

[@paweddingtentandduffyevent6766]

Really honest and real. Keep going in this direction. The world has enough Instagram fakes and hard chargers.

[@henrywoods52]

Do you still listen to your headphones while hiking with a partner?

[@mtadams2009]

I start my LT hike in about a week. For anyone doing this hike that is of normal fitness do yourself a favor and go north. If you are a western hiker and have never hiked on the east coast your thirty plus mile days are not happening. I hope your knee is feeling better. Enjoying the hike is really all that matters. I am older and retired so I almost always hike alone, not by choice but all my friends gave up backpacking a long time ago. Enjoy the company of friends and partners while you can. I thought it would last forever but it did not. Take care both of you.

[@marknicholson5293]

The best stories happen after things have gone wrong.

[@jscarpetta1]

Go no faster than you can enjoy.

[@kelseyhannusch3229]

It sounds like IT band syndrome :(. I have a similar gait to Lotus and am very prone to it. It can be SO painful.

[@domo3552]

Kelsey, sorry to hear you had ITB syndrome, I can sympathise unfortunately. Custom footbeds sorted it out for me, but I reckon it'll be a recurring issue in future?

[@nuggethikes]

Hey, we’re you able to get your pct permit?

[@papafoster16]

what shoes are you wearing?

[@pgreenx]

I go as far as I want now a days and enjoy most of every day vs jamming miles……

[@LordQuiche]

🖖

[@andyveres3982]

Yeah boyyyyyy

[@justalurkr]

Sounds like some corollary of Murphy's Law kicked in when flight schedules put a hard goal on your daily distance.

[@ariw9405]

I really never understood why someone would hike long distance and move so fast. How do you enjoy the trail? I understand people have limited time but there are some KZbinrs that look like they are so worried about miles it makes the experience unenjoyable.

[@JupiterHikes]

Different strokes for different folks I guess!

[@chadwrobel789]

That terrain is hard on the feet. I would want more protection on the bottom of my feet and ankle support personally.

[@maxncathy44]

Very rugged XO

[@rockclimbinghacks9222]

There exist impact-absorbing non-Newtonian insoles for skateboarding. Maybe those would help downhill. The body can only take so much.

[@justrusty]

I had a gung ho friend who insisted he could do this same trek, nut jus the northernmost 90 - LT North to South. He dropped out after 7 miles. I ended up going 50 and felt since at that point he was acting as my personal trail angel at every trailhead, I was abusing him, so I stopped early too.

[@troyboone4893]

Good man, great gal :-)

[@oldschool8798]

This hike was doomed from the start.

[@mrbear849]

You could not pay me to hike the Long Trail or maybe you could lol, AT not something i'll do again.

[@lool289]

wasnt that u that said never hike/thruhike with ur Girlfriend? :D

[@JupiterHikes]

Regardless of experience I've definitely found hiking with any partner to be challenging!

[@gregoryoutdoors]

I love when people from USA complain about rainy days since they hike in mostly sunny days, hotter climate, easy peasy. Comes here to Scotland and try our trails with your ultralight gear lol. You would not last few day being damp and eaten by midges.

[@markcummings6856]

Dude, you have no idea of what you’re talking about.

[@Bibs123]

I think there's an arrogance from so many hikers that it's a turn off. They aren't hiker trash; they are hiker snobs.