THRU HIKE EPISODE #4 - Appalachian Trail 2020

[@artillerybugz6721]

Love the gentleman's comment at neel gap . " welcome home " gave me chills !!!!!! My first Thru=hike was 1983 . I was 18 and full of myself , 2 friends and I started with heavy packs and questionable equipment, but finished in 134 days . It changed my outlook of everything on life !!!!! Since then I've attempted 4 more completing 3 on those ,last in 2016 .. I said then I wont go again . Now I see you ,I'm Jealous !!!!!! and darn it , maybe , just maybe February 2021 ?? Thanks for the inspiration !!!!!!

[@WILDONTHETRAIL]

And thank you for the inspirational comment! Go for it! You know you want to😉

[@Kiev-in-3-days]

I am impressed at how disciplined you are about not pushing it too far at the beginning of your hike. Most tru-hikers can't do it.

[@stevenvarner9806]

I'm enjoying your first videos. They are a nice balance, about the right length, and without a lot of rambling dialog, or repetitive music. One piece of advice I learned from my videography class though: don't pan left and right too quickly. It makes the viewers a bit seasick. Nice steady slow pans are the way to go. Enjoy the hike, and keep inviting us along for the journey.

[@lindamalcovsky]

Congrats on hitting another big milestone!! I'm turning 61 next week and dreaming along with your journey😄 someday soon it will be me on that mountain. Keep on stepping 🙂🙂🙂🙂

[@WILDONTHETRAIL]

Go get it Linda!

[@brendabennett3041]

I smile every time u say can’t believe I am here I would do the same🙃enjoy your trail talks very moving. Doing Great!!!

[@randomwalksinthewoods9116]

The interesting thing about watching your videos is knowing the back story of these days. The conversations and memories on, and coming down, Blood Mtn (even the, uh... detour) are priceless! Looking forward to your new videos though. If I can't be there, KZbin is the next best thing!

[@GuadalupePicasso]

I section hiked the New Jersey AT section two weekends ago (aiming to do most, if not all, of New York this coming weekend, starting sometime on Wednesday afternoon!), and met as many as 10 thruhikers! Two were bonafide NOBO’s, having never quit when the country went under lockdown (one was even interviewed for an NYTimes article on how the coronavirus has affected the AT), with the rest all being flip-floppers. The two NOBO’s were adamant in asserting how caught off guard they were by how rugged Georgia was!

[@jackieturner5145]

My husband and I are enjoying watching your videos from Indiana. We are praying for a safe and successful hike!

[@decoeric]

That "Welcome Home" was chilling. in a good way

[@johnalden5821]

I have never heard the tree called the "Tree of Soles" -- truly funny (but also kind of poignant). Good to see that your shoes are not on it! Thanks for the shots of views from Blood Mountain. Magnificent. I hiked that part of the trail starting at Springer back when I was 14. It was a tough slog (I was about 5' 9" and 120 soaking wet at the time) -- and made worse by being shod in full alpine mountaineering boots. You could've clad a battleship with that leather. No way to "break in" boots like that, but the outfitter convinced my Dad that they would save my life. Instead, they ate my feet. I'd like to go back sometime (meaning not in July like the first time) and savor the area on my own terms.

[@chris2906]

Thanks for sharing your journey. You really make it look effortless which we all know it isn’t. The young folks 30 years short on experience don’t always know that you sometimes just have to endeavor to persevere. They can’t ignore the discomfort like us old farts. You make all hikers proud. My daughter will be a few weeks behind you. Proud of you both!

[@SpinelessCougar]

Shoes staying on the feet as you walk by the tree is a good sign!

[@WILDONTHETRAIL]

To be honest, I felt sorry for every person who has slung a pair of shoes in those trees. I was grateful to still have mine laced to my feet.

[@lennyhikes2781]

It’s so wonderful that you can share your gratitude for hiking the AT after so many years of waiting for the right time. I especially appreciated the shot of your feet and trekking poles carefully descending from the top of Blood Mountain. Nice cameo of the famous IBTAT, who has thru hiked the AT and PCT.

[@cottontalesfromthetrail5474]

He walks before you, beside you and behind you, so just keep pressing forward. Hard work pays off!

[@donkisler3538]

I appreciate your great and upbeat videos. I especially appreciate your faith in God and your reliance on Him.

[@sabere6]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I am finishing up my journal on this section from last year ( I am a little slow) and every other word in my journal is Pizza bc it was quite a motivational thing. Watching the first 4 episodes brings memories. You are a spiritual man and deserve every step you get to take. I’m only a section hiker hoping to have the dream you are experiencing now. Can’t wait 🎉. My wife just watched 4 episodes of you and she is hooked... my only request ... make them 20 minutes long. That’s how long I hike on the treadmill with my pack each day 😂

[@JayMorrisonOutdoors]

What an amazing inversion from the top of Blood Mtn --- beautiful!

[@yellowroseoftexas2890]

Congrats 🍾🎊🎉🎈 on your new journey. Prayers for safety, mercy & peace along the way. Thank you for sharing the views 😊

[@seanmanear9860]

I can't remember the name of the proprietor of Mountain Crossings (and it sucks I can't remember his name!) but he is THE BEST. I can't tell you how much I helped us, and he is just EXACTLY what you need when you get there. He won't bullshit you, but he will also bend over backwards to help you (as will the staff... one of them even gave us a ride into town when we got there after they closed). Absolutely love those guys!

[@walkingwriter4325]

Really enjoying your posts. Awesome views on top of Blood Mountain! Do you intend to put out a video each day? I love watching them, but that seems like an awful lot of work while hiking. (But we'll take all we can get!) Frozen put one out every other day, which was great. Had to laugh when you got the pizza (the green one). I'm colorblind, too. I know the feeling. Safe travels!

[@summitsigns1543]

I bet that pizza was amazing for you. You're killing it man!! LOVE LOVE LOVE your journey

[@barrylynch9116]

God bless you for taking us along with you! Enjoy and be safe😁

[@WILDONTHETRAIL]

Thanks for coming along!

[@nlivers421]

Keep on walking ! Glad to see your boots didn't end up in the tree at Neel's Gap!

[@finnkier]

I am sure you enjoyed the pizza a lot. And of course the boots stay on your feet! I am glad you made it down from Blood mountain without incidents ... Walk with peace and God bless, Finn

[@whitneybrown3888]

I just love hearing you talk. You're so positive. Giving the glory to God! Looking great!

[@MrJimmycrab]

Enjoying your hike! God Bless you and keep you safe.

[@paulawebb700]

Just found you today ..I'm walking next year so any pointer or warning you throw out I'll be watching ..Take care and stay safe ...Keep on keepin on....

[@tomjones2202]

Stay positive and what an awesome view from Blood Mountain!

[@bobbiesolle1876]

Any day is an awesome day on the trail. You are doing great. The fact the you share your faith makes your vlog that much better. Thanks for taking us along !

[@sandykershner6160]

Hi Eric! I am enjoying your posts, seeing parts of the USA that I know I won't have the opportunity to visit! Look forward to more of your posts!

[@LinusCUD]

Finding some thru hikers AT/PCT to follow this year and am adding you to my (short) list. Enjoy everything about the journey and thank you for taking us along and sharing!

[@padude131]

You definitely have a very strong attitude going into this journey. Very positive. That should carry you very far. Good luck!

[@1717jbs]

Some amazing views. Wow!

[@kmccarr]

Living the dream with God in your heart. You got this brother!

[@WILDONTHETRAIL]

Trying my best, and I am grateful for the time I’ve had so far.

[@chrisakins2830]

Thanks for sharing your journey. I love your positive energy. Keep on hiking!

[@lisaroy5255]

Enjoying your videos so far. My kids and I just finished watching all of frozens videos from last year. We will be following you this year and are excited for you! Are you going to make a new playlist just for your thru hike?

[@mikeywe936]

Love your attitude, love your videos...hike on brother...and yes, those pizzas are sooo good !!!

[@johnboysadventures8388]

Hello wild Johnboy here I hiked with you around Pennsylvania I am starting to watch your videos enjoying them I made the mistake my first 200 miles go go go get to Maine and not stop and enjoy everything 😉

[@heatherlangston9429]

Wow! I really enjoyed the video. The footage of you going down the stone steps. That was crazy! Don't know how you filmed that and didn't fall, but it was cool!

[@wanderwomenkristyannette5021]

Good job out there.

[@WILDONTHETRAIL]

Thanks so much! You’ve uplifted me more than you’ll ever know.

[@wanderwomenkristyannette5021]

@@WILDONTHETRAIL keep going strong!! You are doing great!!

[@davewalters9843]

You are so lucky! I have climbed that mountain twice and not seen anything! I did it the day after you. It snowed that thursday! I stayed at blood mtn cabins. What a wonderful treat! In franklin now! Gonna check out the lazy hiker brewery!! Feb 29 2020!

[@rmoran113]

You will make it all the way!!! Love your attitude and vids!

[@billthompson4197]

You said "there is no quit in me". That was my attitude and one of the reasons my trail name is "No Doubt!" Thanks for taking us along for the hike.

[@monicawarner8164]

Wild.... Must thank you for your vlog. When I watch your vlog I am hiking in place to recover from my complete hip replacement (1-15-2020). No sitting down when I watch! What a wonderful way to recovery. My internet is slow and especially slow because of the heavy snow we are getting now. Lake effect snow in NW PA off Lake Erie ... Yikes.. Expecting 12 to 24 inches of snow by Saturday. Anyway, Thank you for sharing your journey... It is definitely helping me! Follow your dream.

[@kampersadventures958]

Pickle Ball and I had the same type of day (misty, cold rain) on our hike up and down Blood Mountain. It’s almost like it’s supposed to be like that. Lol. Doing great...you are on our heels Wild. Our meet up on trail is coming soon I think. Take care and enjoy your stay in Franklin.

[@donrobinson5540]

Just found your channel. Enjoying your Vlog. Good Luck from East TN.

[@commonsgiant]

If you don't have them already, I found the simple $15 compression sleeves for my knees, REALLY help. We are all rooting for you

[@WILDONTHETRAIL]

Thanks for the tip. I have a couple braces along for the ride. I have one on my left knee on the daily.

[@commonsgiant]

WILD ON THE TRAIL the compression sleeves are a little more comfortable, and they seem to work wonders. I have high mileage knees and I can't go down hill without them. Good luck. Love your videos

[@brucegunning8929]

Great video. Keep up the good work. Enjoy your hike!

[@edfarthing]

For unexpected health reasons won’t be hiking this year like I normally do but sooooo looking forward to doing some trail magic to NOBOs and anyone else passing by - hopefully in the Davenport Gap area

[@sixminutes9505]

Congrats on Neil Gap as your journey continues. Again doing a great job on these vids and its appreciated. Your a smart hiker carefully assessing your situation on how you feel and more importantly acting on it and resting knowing that longer days and miles will come as a progression. It's funny how everything happens for a reason just think that because you didn't push on, the body felt better the following day and you had a great view on top of blood. Better option then rushing for the gap blowing by Blood without a true appreciation for the views and risking injury on a late decent just northbound. Making great choices is possibly a recipe for a successful thru hike. Hike on and stay safe.

[@timray501]

I appreciated your comments of faith and mention of God. Praying for you. Your style if vlogging is nice and natural and not over the top . Gods speed.

[@sheldonmilburn6664]

Your an inspiration, making me want to be out on the journey to Maine

[@janewheeler6408]

I will never be able to experience what you are doing today. So thank you for taking us along on your wonderful experience.

[@db.mc2]

Great to see you're doing well, keep on with your journey. Can't wait too see you on that Katahdin summit👍

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Doing great buddy. Keep it up!Love your spiritual comments. Best of luck. ✌️

[@shutterbugsadventures1951]

Enjoying your videos. Keep moving north. Stay strong!

[@markcummings6856]

You are going far, Wild! No matter what, you are going far. I believe it’s Katahdin, Enjoying your most genuine videos very much. Happy Trails

[@WILDONTHETRAIL]

Thanks Mark, I appreciate the kind words.

[@ducaticanine]

welcome home. amazing line!

[@jinxhikes3021]

Loving your journey! I'll be doing a small section hike in March and these videos are making the countdown bearable. Thank you for showing the inside of Mountain Crossings. I don't think I've ever seen the inside before and now I think I'd better get on the road and go check it out!

[@Ohiotruckerkat]

Ive been watching a lot of at vids for a few years and i have to say your vids are in my top 5!!! So freaking cool 👍❤️

[@janefromtennessee]

Be careful. Make sure you take your time to rest some. Just let your body tell you what to do. Just a bit of advice from someone older than you. God bless you! Happy. Just heard you're resting. Good to know!

[@Bibs123]

Your videos are awesome!

[@tephveritas1750]

Sasquatch is well and present in North Georgia.

[@WheresBrick]

Just picking your channel up Wild, rooting for you as I'm working toward my thru hike next year.

[@erwinveenhoven]

I'm 4 episodes in and starting to realize why I like your vlog style. There's a Bob Ross like vibe in both Image and Voice. I hope to see a happy little squirle somewhere across the AT :)

[@WILDONTHETRAIL]

I’m dying over here with the Bob Ross comments. I sound that way as I’m almost always out of breath🤣

[@NickandRachel]

Awesome video man! Thanks for sharing

[@3jeremyreed]

Thanks for bringing us on your journey. Prayers of strength and safety for you and your fellow hikers in the class of 2020!!

[@KirtLewis]

We just missed each other at Chica and Sunsets. Keep up the good work man.

[@bestillonthetrail234]

Amazing views from Blood Mt, especially to the east👍. Awesome looking down on the clouds from the highest point in GA. Living the dream! Keep Trekking!

[@zaranorth9336]

First full day of rain and you’re still in great spirits and hiking on! Good on ya! Stay Wild! 🤗

[@chadreno4108]

Super glad that I found your channel. I usually follow one or two thru-hikers every year and I’m excited to watch your journey. Your enthusiasm and positivity is a pleasure to watch. Praying for your journey. Stay smart and safe.

[@WILDONTHETRAIL]

Thanks Chad, it’s great to have you along!

[@stevenkaminski7771]

Well done! Been watching you before and now during your hike -- one of the 1k plus I suppose. Enjoying the videos of you and your travels. I've seen quite a few others' over the years... your showing a little more and a little different than others have done -- enjoyed Neel Gap store shot and pizza fridge. Hoping that frozen was better than fresh -- probably was as it looks like a must-have. Thanks for posting. God speed - Hold Fast.

[@WILDONTHETRAIL]

Thanks Steven, it’s funny how much I loved that frozen pizza after being out here for just a few days. The discussion in the shelter tonight has been the Chinese buffet in Franklin.

[@stevenkaminski7771]

@@WILDONTHETRAIL I remember as a kid hiking on the AT during a summer camp experience and we had run out of water and had to hike back to the camp (near Peaks of Otter in VA). We were parched and dreaming of food and coca-cola. Food is always better in the woods. We tend to enjoy simple pleasures don't we.

[@alisondickinson]

Did you want to say it was the only stone shelter on the AT? Governor Clement shelter is stone. There is/was a stone shelter just off the trail on Killington, too. There might be others. I did the AT in 1990; it's been a while. ;-)

[@djg5950]

I believe he said "oldest" stone shelter. First shelter built on the trail.

[@alisondickinson]

@@djg5950 Ah. I just misheard. Thanks.

[@joanperdue-hilton6532]

Thank you so much for sharing. I pray that you continue to have a safe and healthy journey.

[@robertbarnes6047]

Blood Mts is I to bad. You are doing great. The decent can be bad if it’s rain 🌧. There are some great views at Blood.

[@joshwood3]

I really appreciate you sharing your journey. I'm planning on thru-hiking a year from now, and watching these is just filling me with excitement. That view atop Blood Mountain was astounding. Best of luck on the coming days.

[@WILDONTHETRAIL]

Thanks Josh, my videos do no justice, you must experience this for yourself.

[@NordikSmeelyCooter]

Wild,, no thanks are needed on my end, I feel I need to thank you for bringing me the trail all these wonderful views !really enjoy your videos

[@WILDONTHETRAIL]

Thanks Tony, it’s a balancing act. I love doing it though. I’ve met some awesome people out here.

[@edfarthing]

Looking good and staying strong - boots on the feet and not in the tree!!!

[@wanttogo1958]

Wild how is the SOL Bivy working for you? I'm considering it or another Bivy that is similar to use with my quilt on below freezing nights. On mornings when there is frost on your tent wall do you have some form on the outside of the Bivy and not your quilt. Obviously, a good thing to keep it off the quilt. Your vlogs are excellent. I'm really enjoying them. Godspeed.

[@charleschampion5121]

I really enjoy your video's i have watched a lot of others start this year but your the most upbeat of all of them...

[@JerryBertelsen]

Hawk calls that clouded under as opposed to clouded over. We enjoy the views you share, thanks. Glad your shoes are staying on. You will need some new ones before you finish.

[@mikefng8248]

Awesome views, and the fog is awesome also.

[@stronghiking7558]

I hope I will have this journey as well. I’m loving the umbrella and the front pack, where did you get that at? You’re doing an awesome job hiking and vlogging.

[@nsty88lx]

Finally had a few minutes to catch up!! I have hiked many of the areas up to Neel Gap!! Always good to see another perspective and even some things my eyes or camera have missed!! Great work on all the videos!! Safe travels Wild!!

[@jeffcooper605]

We’re living the dream through you brother! Loving it!

[@Psychoticpea]

Love the islands in the clouds. Always my favorite part to see. Pizza looked good too. Lol 😁

[@williamwallace2114]

Praying you make it to katahdin!! Safe n happy trails to ya!!

[@ATF247]

God bless and keep pushing on....You're doing fantastic!

[@PartTimeDetector]

That's a delicious treat! Good luck on the next leg of your journey! Happy Trails, Amy

[@michaeloconnell3585]

You’ll get stronger as you go! Thanks for posting.

[@WILDONTHETRAIL]

Thanks for watching!

[@alstaubin3699]

Enjoying your journey great videos...Thanks and good luck to you. Let me know your thoughts on the SPOT, Getting ready to spring for one to give the wife comfort when I hike and hunt.

[@WILDONTHETRAIL]

I think it’s a valuable tool, especially when you have no cell phone signal.

[@7rippster7]

Your speaking voice reminds me of Bob Ross -very calm and positive. . Its so relaxing listening to you as you take us along on this journey.

[@WILDONTHETRAIL]

That’s a new one for me. But I happen to like Bob Ross👍

[@360mAN100]

Your killin it man, rootin for ya!

[@Loneoak1955]

March on brother, Prayers that you gain strength in your knees. BTW, your doing awesome :)

[@WILDONTHETRAIL]

My knees have been great so far. I still can’t believe I’m pushing north!

[@danlee3757]

We are all with you. You are walking my dream. Keep hiking

[@WILDONTHETRAIL]

Thanks Dan, great to have you along.

[@clayschuetz899]

I knew you was gonna keep your shoes on, it's hard to believe Soo many people do quit that early into the trail.

[@codyw3146]

Keep it up man I miss the trail so.much every day. It was literally a dream. And when it's over you will miss it so much. I'm in the 2020 page daily. Trying to help everyone amd live the dream again though you all. Katahdin is just a walk away!

[@jektrek]

Great to follow you on your quest . Be safe have fun

[@WILDONTHETRAIL]

Thanks John!

[@silvasoutdooradventures]

Congratulations on hitting Neel Gap! Very cool views with undercast. Was that IBTAT welcoming you home?

[@billk.7889]

Keep on truckin’!