What's REALLY Happening on the Appalachian Trail NOW !!

[@yonderplace314]

I dropped some waterline repair clamps off in Roan Mountian and Damascus. Stayed the night at Boots Off Hostel and had a great time hanging out with Road Runner and Lucky Moon. I appreciate all the hard work and the AT community...just getting it done!

[@Ramdinohikes]

Absolutely

[@lynelljansen8057]

@@Ramdinohikes ❤

[@cheetahontheat1038]

Ramdino, Great episode. Great message. To all hikers: it’s just a new adventure. Be strong and be safe. BRING IT! Cheetah, Owner, Uncle Johnny’s Hostel

[@Ramdinohikes]

Spoken like a hiker whose been there. Looking forward to UJ being back.

[@KBontrail]

Sorry to hear about Sadie. Thoughts and prayers to Bright Eyes!

[@olddudeonthetrail72]

Ohhhhh, so sorry for Sadie and Bright Eyes 😥

[@gypsygirlhikes]

Im so very sorry to hear about Sadie. Im glad she was found though. Keeping Bright Eyes in my prayers of comfort and peace. Thank you to all those who searched for her sweet pup. Thank you Ramdino for all your updates and extremely thankful to all those who are working to get the trail open again. Ill be NOBO 2025 from Springer, mid February. Have donated several times and still saving extra to give back to the communities, as much as i can, as i go through. My heart and prayers are with all of those affected.

[@Ramdinohikes]

Hikers.like you are what the trail needs.

[@lynelljansen8057]

Excited to see Mama Bear and Baby Bear will be back on trial in 2025. ❤

[@Ramdinohikes]

Me too, cant wait for their updates

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you 🙏🏼 💙

[@Randee04]

A most excellent update and Road Runner is awesome! So very sorry about Sadie.

[@Ramdinohikes]

That's awesome for.her to give back

[@mhelen7360]

What a great update, Ramdino. Very sorry to hear about Sadie, but good to hear all the positive news about the Trail, including the progress that's being made in clearing hurricane damaged areas. Enjoyed hearing announcements from 2025 thru hikers, especially that Mama Bear and Little Bear are returning to the Trail.

[@Ramdinohikes]

Glad you enjoyed the update. Lots of progress is being made, although it’s a lot of work. But its happening

[@marcie5221]

I gave my notice at work at a good job in the last few weeks and I am 44. So no, it’s not as easy as waiting for 100 years. Thanks for your updates. We will be there next year. I love the south.

[@Ramdinohikes]

Good for you

[@Nonyabusiness2023]

Love seeing Luscious again! Go brother-can’t wait to follow you! (Deirdre)

[@Ramdinohikes]

💯

[@cordelianoelle]

I have been cleaning up along my mom's fence line. Her neighbor has let her backyard go and there is a lot of growth through Mom's fence. Is taking forever. It may not seem like a lot of work but it does take forever and is hard work. God Bless these folks. I'm doing this for my Mom, you're doing it, yes the Trail but you are also doing it, for strangers. That's awesome.

[@Ramdinohikes]

Clearing 1000s# logs that may snap back with a 2000 rpm rotating chain with sharp teeth while holding a 20# saw is really tough

[@ShawniaMarie]

@@Ramdinohikes praying for no death trees 🤯 and all of your alls safety! You guys are amazing! Have a blessed day

[@Judy-fi7ce]

Thanks Ramdino. Great update and so sorry to hear that Sadie didn't make it, but at least she was found. It sounds like the people repairing the trail are really working hard. Bless them.

[@Ramdinohikes]

They are busting it for sure.

[@JonHeidrick]

From 19E NOBO to Jones falls is passable, not clear, by your definition. Mostly in my maintenance area. Root balls, step overs and duck unders. ~Mt. Goat.

[@Ramdinohikes]

Tks for the info Mtn Goat, say hello to Jim and Joe for me.

[@crocketthikes7717]

Captain Jack is still Sobo southern Pa on flip flop. Also flip flopped the long trail. Started Nobo from Amicalola 12/27/23

[@scr5boom]

We've been following him since February 2024. Quite a hike! He's now in Pennsylvania.

[@valane178]

So sorry to hear about Sadie. I'm curious to know where she was found. Thoughts and prayers go out to Bright Eyes.

[@Ramdinohikes]

I'll be doing a more in depth video next week.

[@maureenmukhlis2934]

Thank you Ramdino!! I look forward to following all of the upcoming AT hikers this year! Praying that the wonderful folks who are out there working to fix the trail stay safe and healthy🙏 💗

[@Ramdinohikes]

Yes, amd what they do can be dangerous.

[@danielfegley2735]

That's cool to see Roadrunner on your Vlog , I've been watching her for the last 3 years

[@Ramdinohikes]

She is awesome

[@intotopei]

Great, positive update Ramdino. Sorry for ragging on you last week!

[@intotopei]

And sorry to hear about Sadie - sad

[@Ramdinohikes]

No worries, I need keeping straight too. Have a great T-giving

[@Lovesracing19]

So sorry about Sadie. I will pray for Bright Eyes. Thanks for all the information.

[@Ramdinohikes]

You are so welcome

[@UnboundCrow]

My heart is broken to hear about sweet Sadie. 💔 But at the very least, Bright Eyes finally has closure.

[@Ramdinohikes]

Yes, I'm heartbroken for her but at least she does have closure

[@november151956]

Hey Ramdino, I finally subscribed to your channel after watching for about a month. I'm a 68 year old AT section hiker living in Northeast Georgia having completed Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee and 80 miles of southern Virginia. After my section hike through the Grayson Highlands I went back and mountain biked the entire Virginia Creeper Trail. Can't believe the damage to the VCT shown in this video.

[@Ramdinohikes]

Glad you subscribed! It's been a rough season out there.

[@williamking4316]

So sad to hear about Sadie, but thankful there is closer now, and praying for Bright eyes! Thanks for all your updates!

[@Ramdinohikes]

You are so welcome

[@TripCarson]

A good alternate for Damascus is the Iron Mountain trail. It connects back to the AT after ~15 miles. It's up on the ridge and should be much less affected by the hurricane. It's my understanding it is also the old AT before it was moved to the creeper trail.

[@Ramdinohikes]

Never heard of it, but will take a look

[@JoshBlevins-y9b]

Iron mountain worse than the a.t. is. Higher on the mountain means higher winds. Spent 3 hours yesterday just trying to get to imt on 1 mile side trail. Gave up. Way worse than a.t.

[@Lifesvagabond]

Good stuff! I'll see yall out there 2025!!

[@garylines5755]

Thanks to all the trail maintainers the AT rules when it comes to trail crews I hiked the PCT and CDT prior to the AT and was amazed by the AT crews

[@Ramdinohikes]

Yes the AT trail crews are awesome

[@cd7652]

Sandra Marra needs to learn how to, "Find A Way To Get To YES." She has the ability to loosen the purse strings and push money where it is most needed. Every bit of cash that was donated after the Hurricanes should be divvied out immediately to impacted areas as that is what the intent was from the people that donated. As a retired Senior NCO, my job was to find, "YES!" and get the job done. I am sure that Benton MacKaye is rolling over in his grave with the autocracy that the ATC has become. I am starting my Thru Hike on 14 Feb 25. Thanks Ramdino for all you do!! RIP Sadie, "All Dogs Go To Heaven."

[@Ramdinohikes]

Great comment

[@MinaS-dp6zf]

I am so sorry to hear about Sadie, I was praying that she would be found. 😢 May she rest in peace. Prayers for Bright eyes 🙏🏻 Another great update Ramdino! You’re the best! Take care and God Bless You!

[@Ramdinohikes]

Thanks so much.

[@Woodthrush]

Bright Eyes, I am so sorry your best friend has passed. I called a dozen shelters from GA to TN on your behalf when I learned about Sadie. I know she is your Angel now. Praying for you both. 🙏🌈🐾

[@Ramdinohikes]

Thank you so much for being part of the search.

[@bflagg94]

First! Thank you so much for all the info, I'll be doing a thru hike in 2025 and you've been consistently beyond helpful.

[@Ramdinohikes]

Glad to hear , tks

[@BucksMom218]

Oh Im so sad that Sadie was found passed…so heartbreaking. 💔

[@Ramdinohikes]

Yes , I feel the same way

[@musingwithreba9667]

My sincere condolences to Bright Eyes, on the loss of her Sadie dog 💔 🌈 😢

[@Ramdinohikes]

Thank you

[@lynelljansen8057]

So very sorry to hear the news about Sadie. We lost our beautiful Jack Russell, Lola, this past year, she was 16 lived a good life and loved everyone, and was happy and even playful until her last day. She almost seemed to always have a smile on her cute little face and gave so much joy to everyone that she met. Its heartbreaking to lose a pet, and I miss her terribly every day. Big hugs to Bright Eyes. ❤

[@Ramdinohikes]

Very tragic, its like losing a member of the family to lose a fur baby

[@lindatipton413]

So sad about Sadie… wish we knew how it happened. Thanks for the very informative update on the trail and hikers.❤❤❤❤❤

[@Ramdinohikes]

More to come on Sadie

[@KrizAkoni]

Wow, information packed update for sure! Sounds like the maintainers are really starting to punch through. So sad for Sadie. 😢

[@Ramdinohikes]

Glad to hear so much progress is being made.

[@sarahhagen2051]

RIP sweet Sadie girl 🙏🏻💔🙏🏻

[@elandramoran-eigel7216]

Thank you for the phenomenal information about hikers, money for trail repair and maintenance, how to donate to trail clubs as well as trail update information. Bright Eyes has done awesome work on the trail information - thank you. Sounds like hikers will need more sunscreen, since the canopy is now gone due to the devastation. Bright Eyes, I send my condolances and love to you..

[@Ramdinohikes]

Good point about the canopy

[@lenoredisman3192]

Bright eyes so sorry for your loss, not the out come we all prayed for but now u can put her to rest.

[@Ramdinohikes]

Yes, very tragic, but something to be said for closure.

[@jimrubyhike]

Hey Ramdino, thanks for putting up my video. Just a quick note, my trail name is Jukebox not Tupac lol. Either way we appreciate all your doing!

[@Ramdinohikes]

Sorry bout that, I listened like 6 times and could pick up jukebox.

[@jimrubyhike]

@ thanks! No worries 😉

[@wendygrw]

Thank you for all you have done to gather information and to continue your updates about the progress with clearing the A.T. The maps and spreadsheet in this video were very helpful. So sorry to hear about Sadie. So sad and a big loss for Bright Eyes.

[@Ramdinohikes]

Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad the maps and spreadsheets have been helpful. It’s was a team effort with Bright Eyes

[@MaineUSA]

So sorry about the dog.... :( Heartbreaking 🙏🏻 💔🐾🐕‍🦺

[@Ramdinohikes]

Yes it is.

[@kenwbrenner]

Hi. Enjoyed this video - appreciate all you do for the AT community! Hoping you and your family are very blessed in the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday time!

[@Ramdinohikes]

Thank you for your kind words. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@suehancock5573]

Great update! 😊. Looks like there’s lots of work going on! Thank you and stay safe trail maintainers! Yes these towns need all the support they can get! So go for it class of 2025. 👍👍. Oh my heart goes out for Bright eyes!! So sorry for your loss but at least you know where your best friend is. She is finally RIP. prayers are with you. 🙏🙏❤️. . Happy Thanksgiving Ramdino to you and your family! 🦃 Did your dog have a halo on?? Or was that a shadow? I hope she’s ok. Until next time Hike On👍!

[@Ramdinohikes]

Happy Thanksgiving to all. Yep Daisy had a cone. She had a raw place on her trail

[@suehancock5573]

@Ramdinohikes ahh hope she is feeling better

[@jonmoore4050]

Thanks for sharing! Just completed the 2025 blogger application for The Trek. Looking forward to the 2025 AT hike. -"Dinty" Moore

[@Ramdinohikes]

That's great, did you go thru my link?

[@elperro3683]

Cleared 0.9 mile (97 trees) NoBo from Low Gap (US 421) Monday.

[@Ramdinohikes]

Tks for the info and the hard work. That's a lot of wood

[@jhayft0703]

I’m sad and saw that Sadie had passed away, but at least her mom has closure and now knows where she is

[@Ramdinohikes]

So sad, but glad she has closure

[@galenbaker7924]

Thank you

[@TheAntHill184]

Thanks for the report today. What’s going on with Daisey? I see she has the “cone of shame on”.

[@Ramdinohikes]

She had a raw spot on her tail from licking

[@OBloveslife]

Might try taking her off chicken. Sometimes diet changes help

[@Ramdinohikes]

@@OBloveslife she's been on raw beef diet

[@secondstep7652]

Thanks for this update. Great info!

[@Ramdinohikes]

Thanks for watching!

[@MarkHoller-t3n]

Great update. I will hike out of Hot Springs, NC on 7 December to finish my 2024 SOBO thru-hike. Ice Man.

[@Ramdinohikes]

Thats great!!

[@SweeneyJeffreyJ]

I’ve heard the trail is open from Davenport Gap to Big Bald. I think most of Carolina Mountain Clubs sections are now open. North of Big Bald is still closed. There are several Eastman sections that are still closed.

[@Ramdinohikes]

Actually open trail north to first shelter.

[@walterlangston4484]

Hope to see the trail will be open back in spring of 2025 even if you have to force rights and road walks to thru hike

[@Ramdinohikes]

Just remember , most is open now

[@joelbrown3935]

FtATC. Give to the Local clubs. Start your thru hike tomorrow. This is a greater opportunity for adventure than most years.

[@Ramdinohikes]

Agreed

[@robertdesrosiers4743]

not sure about sassafras jim but passin thru nobo feb 12

[@joeparris3918]

Joe Parris ,"Lostboy'2025

[@goodwaterhikes]

An important thing to keep in mind as the 2025 hikers start heading north is the water quality. I would be extra picky and not be filtering at lower elevations that may have been contaminated.

[@Ramdinohikes]

Should be an issue til after Smokies

[@jasonaustin1038]

Go to Damascus and KICK THE TIRE at Trails Artware at the old Hardware store. The artist Matt was another Damascus resident whose business was ravaged by the flood. Go kick a tire for a buck!

[@Ramdinohikes]

I've seen that tire, hilarious

[@galenbaker7924]

How do I physically help with the AT ? Which AT CLUB needs the most help? Who do I contact to help?

[@Ramdinohikes]

Check with TEHCC, CMC, and MRATC. TeHCC being most impacted.

[@annarose9744]

Is the person who is in charge of the ATC a hiker?

[@Ramdinohikes]

She actually used to be a maintainer.

[@2Meals]

AT 2025 SOBO 🥾 ⛰️

[@AndrewDavis-xx2ce]

Starting the trail Jan 1 sounds miserable

[@Ramdinohikes]

Oh no,.it'll be great. Wish I was going

[@AdventureAwaits1111]

I feel you on that. 17 years in Florida, I dont mind hiking Georgia in August! 😅 My body just gets cold and stays cold. My feet would go numb in 2 miles. I aint ashamed. My woodstove had my house at 80 last night! *less gear to carry in warmer months too! Winter I drive to short hikes for vistas, it is very pretty, but too cold for me.

[@susankaempfer8427]

Peaceful, but you might need snowshoes and some warmer kit 😁

[@Kwm952]

Luscious should have a rescue team training now.

[@Ramdinohikes]

Please elaborate

[@Kwm952]

@ I don’t think he likes the cold. I wouldn’t fly to Florida to see if my air conditioner is worthy.

[@dennissnyder6330]

So the ATC is using the fund money for their surrounding trails? I thought that was supposed to go to the Appalachian Trail only? You would think that would discourage people from donating?

[@Ramdinohikes]

Not sure about what other trails.

[@kmichaelp4508]

$43M for the forest… $750 for the rest of the population in the area…🤔

[@Ramdinohikes]

Not sure where that 43mil goes

[@drewray681]

It’s all about Jesus

[@earthboundmartian612]

All of that hurricane debris will be fuel for a future forest fire I bet

[@Ramdinohikes]

Yes it will

[@drewray681]

Get hence behind me rambino

[@Ramdinohikes]

I do not receive that.

[@cynthiabehr1870]

Make it make sense. $43M for forestry, parks etc, but a $750 loan for ppl whose house was destroyed?

[@Ramdinohikes]

The 750 qas a grant, not a loan. I'm not sure what FEMA is doing, but I mucked out a house where the family got 20k. Won't fix thier house and it's tragic but it is something. But your point is valid.

[@kevinkargman7518]

stop saying give them time, if i want to hike , i will hike, i am a big boy, if you have to go off trail and walk around some trees , whats the big deal, stop being soft

[@MJG70]

AT Better get that $ before trump gets in office, otherwise it won’t happen

[@Ramdinohikes]

Not sure that could be diverted at this point.

[@melshea2276]

Daisy having hearing trouble?!?!😮🏕🏔👍👍👍👍✌️Bacon Wrap

[@Ramdinohikes]

She has a hot spot that is irritated so it's the cone head for her.