I had the pleasure of having Kyle stay at my house for the last few years after the fire closures . What a humble , awesome , all around great dude ! I had my garmin stolen from some people that gave me a ride off the PCT, upon taking Kyle to the airport he then let me know that a garmin was on the way in the mail ! Love seeing his Channel grow and I couldn’t think of a person that deserves it more 🙌
I have been missing your posts these last months! I am a 72-year-old Texas woman with a spinal fusion involving 12 vertebrae, plus bad knees, so I no longer have my own outdoor adventures. In my younger years, I canoed and backpacked, but now I have to live vicariously through your posts. I am glad you are back!
No he failed. Had a goal set out and didn’t achieve. That’s called failure. Now what have you learned from it? That’s what can turn it from a negative to a positive. Failure isn’t always bad it’s how we learn typically
Kyle, you are 100% right, and I wish more content creators had your realistic attitude. It’s a job, and jobs need vacation time. One advantage content creators have is they can schedule releases during their time away, and make those vacations effectively invisible. However, I think it’s better to get viewers used to the concept that you will be off now and then. It just makes sense.
Kyle- so nice to have you back- good for you taking time for yourself! It’s wonderful to see you so happy and hear that you enjoyed your time away! Take care and God Bless you🙏🏻
I thru hiked the PCT this year. I remember the July heat wave that was ultimately the cause of so many fires. I was in Nor Cal tackling the worst climbs and old burn zones in hellish heat. I also remember being in Mount Shasta and seeing people get all doom and gloom about a very tiny fire that had currently closed the CA/OR bit of trail around the border. So a lot of hikers skipped from Shasta all the way up to Ashland, missing Trinity Alps, which is imo the best part of Nor Cal. Right after my tram skipped up from there to Seiad to get around the Shelly Fire, the state border reopened! This year was such a bad year for fires. They started so early, no thanks to the heat wave and dry storms that resulted. It was really frustrating, and I know a lot of hikers who called it quits at Cascade Locks, who didn't even get to see the parts of Washington that were open, including Goat Rocks, Whites Pass to Stevens Pass, and Rainy to the border. I ended up missing a little over 400 miles due to fires, including half of Washington. I don't feel like I failed. I did what I could with what was available to me. Fire is as much a part of the PCT as snow is, and I commend you for going back again! The parts of Washington I saw were incredible, and I hope to go back and thru hike the state one day. I will probably try to start near the end of June, carry snow gear, and just cross my fingers about fires.
Understand something please I am a hiker living Sacramento the last four years have been a disaster, I have planned and had to cancel 75 percent of the time because of smoke, AQI and heat in 2024. Prior years have been a little better but not much. So keep the faith my friend.
It’s never a failure! You were out there doing what you love! That’s SUCCESS! ! ! Back in my running and marathon days, trail running was my happy place! ! !
No way, another channel? Love the way you tell people's stories. ❤ Also, I think your incredible & super good looking. Lol. Go easy, sugar. Your doing great!!🎉❤
You are looking refreshed! Happy to hear that your girlfriend is healing up, that's great news! It sucks about the PCT and the fires, you'll get your chance one day. Welcome back, glad you had an awesome summer, it really shows :)
Recovery times vary based on the severity of the sprain: Grade 1 Sprain: 1-3 weeks Grade 2 Sprain: 3-6 weeks Grade 3 Sprain: Several months Early Stage (24-48 hours post-injury) Gentle Range-of-Motion Exercises: Begin with simple movements like flexing and pointing your toes or drawing the alphabet with your big toe while seated. This helps maintain mobility without putting weight on the ankle. Intermediate Stage (After swelling decreases) Strengthening Exercises: Once pain allows, start gentle strengthening exercises, such as: Balancing on one foot for 30-60 seconds. Using an elastic band for resistance exercises, moving the ankle in various directions. Walking: Gradually introduce walking as pain decreases. Start with short distances and increase as tolerated. Advanced Stage (As recovery progresses) Balance Training: Incorporate exercises that improve balance, such as standing on one leg or using a balance board. Sport-Specific Drills: If you are an athlete, engage in sport-specific movements gradually, ensuring you can perform them without pain before returning to full activity. Sounds like you just need to do some focused strengthening. You may want to try getting a wobble or balance board and single leg standing without moving, then progressing to one legged squats while balancing on the ankle you sprained. Get well soon! You can do it. There is NO FAILURE in any attempt.
dude.. pct denied again, ugh. you'll get it though but your ankle, oh man, been there, same basic scenario, the last mile, all the hard tough miles behind and BOOM folded it on basically nothing, a wet rock. and then folded it 2 more times before making it to the trailhead. the 3rd time left me on the ground sobbing. was most of a year before it felt like it was anywhere approaching stable enough to trust on rugged terrain thankfully its back to being solid, but going through that totally changed my mindset. its no longer "just be careful on the hard stuff", it's more of a "if i make it back to the trailhead" mentality, and constantly nagging myself to keep focused regardless of what the situation is on the trail good luck with the recovery
I'm an avid hiker but after a week or two I need the comforts of home. It takes a special person to be out there for months. Backpacking is rewarding there are lots of amazing places you couldn't see on a dayhike but carrying a huge pack takes some of the fun out of it. I like to go on week long backpacking trips where I carry the pack a couple days, set up a base camp, and do a few long dayhikes without the pack. So much of the PCT is burned these days and the fire closures are so ridiculous, here in Washington many areas are still closed a month after 2 to 4 inches of rain put out most of the fires, it doesn't appeal to me as much as it once did. Another type of trip I really like to do is a 2 week road trip in the Van where I do alot of dayhikes and explore a few interesting towns, the Van is alot more comftorable than a tent.
It takes forever for ankles to heal. I rolled mine pretty bad once and a year later it still wasn’t 100%. I did, eventually, make a full recovery. Godspeed!
I have taken a 4-day for night kayak trip down a river in the past with two friends, and it is the first time I've had in a long time. We've all been campers but I was the only one that's done any hiking. Instead of using a backpack I use dry bags what are the things that absolutely could not get wet. Two of us went down part of the river holding on to each other's kayaks just drifting avoiding down trees in other obstacles. That was very relaxing. Police relaxing part of the trip was paddling upstream in a rainstorm to get to our first campground. Of course stopped raining about 20 minutes after we got there, and after setting up our tents. Turned out I was the only one with a water filters, am I two friends needed it that night. I had prepared to have two days worth of water but knew I was going to need the filters. What are the best memories I have a bad trip with when me and one of the other guys sailed across a lake using my tarp and the two kayak paddles. This was one of the moments I had to video. I highly recommend taking one of these trips.
Ouch. I feel the pain. I have rolled (left), sprained (left), fractured (right) and broken my ankle (right). I used to do competitive gymnastics. Level 1 sprains in my experience you can walk and it doesn't feel great but don't feel/hear a pop from. Level 2 sprain you might feel a pop/strain but you can likely still walk/limp. Level 3 sprain and hairline you definitely hear/feel a pop from fracture depending on your grit, with it wrapped or splinted you might be able to limp/hobble but it is going to hurt like crazy. Break, if you have to limp for survival with it splinted you will make it happen and cuss, scream, cry and mumble the whole way. My advice, go to the doctor/physical therapist and get checked out to be sure you are healing properly. Everything will heal no matter what, but healing the right way will give you better mobility for years to come. Wishing you well.
NGL, I've definitely missed new episodes, super glad you're back. Most importantly though, I'm super happy you had a great summer! Everyone deserves to take time for themselves. It sucks many people don't get to but humans truly do need that time to just exist. Good for you! Also, you did NOT fail the pct. You just haven't finished it *yet* and when you do, we'll all be here for that epic story!
As an older adventurer all of my many injuries have happened on fairly tame terrain. I think because I don’t focus the same on easy terrain. If you have insurance I highly recommend you see a MD, mostly to get to physical therapy. No only has PT helped with my injuries but I have also learned a lot about keeping more fit from my therapist. Sorry to hear about your PCT experience. In time you will finish. I also understand the expense associated with finishing your hike. It gets expensive. Take care and I hope your ankle is feeling better.
I'm glad that she's healing up, I was actually thinking about her injury the other day, so thanks for the update. Also, i saw the photo of the two of you , she's gorgeous! Very beautiful couple, I wish you all the best going forward
I can see in your shoulders that you used upper body strength. You're more solid defined muscles. Well done. Looks nice on you Kyle. Because as you seen, paddling works your shoulders in a diff way than a back pack. WTG! Glad you're enjoying life!
I too live vicariously through you, Kyle, being a 63 year old woman with 4 joint replacements (yikes). I did Outward Bound (hiking and technical climbing for a month) in Cascades National Park over 40 (! how can I be this old?!) years ago. I loved it. Glad you had a great summer! Anyway, just wanted to comment on your badly sprained ankle. I'm not a doctor, but I did sprain my ankles (one very severely, where I heard a crunch and so did people around me) and the other pretty badly - and they take FOREVER to heal fully. The one that I severely sprained (I rolled it at a FULL run - into a pot hole) happened when I was about 20 - so, I was young and pretty fit. That one took MONTHS to fully heal. I never had it x-rayed - I really don't think I broke anything. It's actually the soft tissue that I find worse to heal. So, I'm not saying don't see a doctor - at all. Maybe you could use some PT exercises - and maybe an MRI or something. I'm just saying with my experience, even at a young age, it took months and months to fully heal. All the best to you. You look refreshed!
Just embrace that you are a PCT LASHer. You will get there eventually.👍 Welcome to the LASHer club. I have 752 miles down (PCT 22,23,24) Happy to hear your girlfriend has recovered. Your trip report sold me to try out overnight kayaking.
Great episode. So real. I have found myself thinking about Layla/Leila, and hoping that she’s OK, thanks for the update. I’ve hiked three of the islands in Hawaii and it’s just roots, roots, roots. I’m a Boomer, so I was taught how to drive by The Greatest Generation, and we learned, the last 5 miles home are the most dangerous miles, because you let your guard down. Wisdom of the ages. Ankle sprains heal, but your ankle will never 100% return to what it was. There will always be a modicum of weakness. It’s OK. Just wear appropriate footwear.
I did something similar late last summer, bad sprain, partial ligament tear walking on flat ground. Went right down. Six months before I could run or hike again. Do the alphabet exercise with your foot (draw the alphabet with your toes) to help regain mobility. I know it sucks, but be patient. I recommend a Mobo board to work on ankle strength (one sprain tends to make you more susceptible). As for PCT closures, I watched two YT hikers who did a continuous footpath from Mexico to Canada, but it required detours and road walking. I think this is the future for this trail.
I sprained my ankle years ago. If you decide not to go to the doctor, I'll share an exercise that I was taught in PT. Lift your leg (you can be sitting or lying down) and use your foot and ankle to write all the letters of the alphabet in the air. This will improve and strengthen your range of movement in all the different directions.
I love watching you! I love watching the new direction your other channel has been going and your story telling. I also still love watching you raw like this and unscripted. I don't even hike! ❤❤❤❤
I hope Luke is doing well. It was cool having you two as breakfast camp guests while Luke pulled a recovery before heading off the trail. Sad that fire took you off the trail again. Just ended this year’s PCT attempt this week because of fire closures myself. May we all complete past closures in future years🍀
Great episode. Your Adirondack fall in our family would have been filled under “It’s your fault I suck” excuse-making. We know when we screw up but in our heads we kinda wanna pin it on someone else. Hope you’re back to 100% soon!
You did not freaking fail. Life happens, it’s OK. You did not fail. You did a portion of it and that’s all that’s expected of you. You know people put so many high expectations on themselves but it’s not healthy. It’s OK we are proud of you.❤❤
Good to see a video from you again! I'm glad you took sometime off from your job. Everyone needs a vacation from work. I love kayaking! How awesome you got on the water and you were hanging out with Flossy too!
It may be unpopular opinion, but I think at some point there will have to be discussion in the hiking community about what constitutes a thru hike of the PCT. Its becoming harder and harder for people to do the full route as it's currently known due to fires. This problem isnt going away and may in fact, become worse. Its becoming crazy that people can do the AT, the CDT and then have their triple crown achievement denied because its becoming so difficult to achieve a thru on the PCT.
"I had the best summer of my life" f*** yeah man. Good for you buddy! Don't be so hard on yourself, the trails will always be there. I've spent the last year rebuilding my backpacking pack and didn't get out once this year and Idaho winters start super early so I'm not sure if I'll make it out but the trails are still there and I'll make more time next spring. You're crushing it
What’s better than 1 Kyle hiking channel on RUclips? Two! Glad I found this. I like your laid back attitude andyour corny jokes. I hope your ankle continues to get better, and your girlfriend’s knee too! So crazy, one moment you’re fine, having fun and the world’s your oyster. Then..crap! Suddenly an accident and your whole life changes (at least for a few weeks). Anyway, I hope for a speedy recovery for you guys.
Same thing happened to me, rolled my ankle on easiest part of a trail I was hiking. Ended up I had an avulsion fracture, when I rolled it the ligaments and tendons stretched so much it pulled a piece of the bottom of my ankle bone off. I was put in a boot, could walk on it but only flat paved surfaces for no more than 2 miles at a time, took 4 months to heal, then had to do PT for 2 months. 6 months later it still doesn't feel right. Hope yours is feeling better, but severe sprains take a long time to heal :(
Canoe trips are absolutely epic ! Went on my first official one this past summer. 4 gals, 2 canoes ..short portage ..absolutely amazing. Next year we want to do a week long loop with 6 gals 🎉
Awwww Kyle, sorry about your ankle! I did that in Scotland last summer on a climb. Wasn’t my finest moment. It took almost a year for it to be completely healed, be prepared.
I love kayaking/canoeing camping. A dry bag instead of a backpack is a good thing. Another great thing is that you don’t have to worry as much about how much weight you’re carrying.
Honestly, the rangers at those trail heads is what saves people from being featured on your other disaster videos. I bet they have prevented dozens of really sad tales.
I had a severe sprain, the Ortho said it would have been better if my bone had broken instead I tore every ligament on the side. He said his patients who get a cast for 6 weeks heal the most so I did it. It still took a year before I could run. I was 22. The more soft tissues you tore equals more scar tissue forms. You will have to figure out how much to stretch out that scar tissue and still keep your ankle strength.
Not finishing isn't failing. It's redirecting you for the time being Being afraid to try it again or quitting is failing. Every time is a lesson & adventure & how lucky you are to be strong & healthy for each attempt. i don't see how that is failing. As a nature mama with too many close calls & cool things experienced, I do love your stories.
Kyle, is there a reason why you didn’t go to the doctor to begin with? I suggest you take care of yourself while you’re young. Because, if you don’t, you’ll regret it later. I hope your recovery goes well.
It wasn’t a failure 💕💕 The fires have ruined a lot of hikers dreams for the PCT lately. But it will be there for your next adventure 💗💗 I hope your ankle is feeling better by now🙏
I just started watching this your second channel and really like the more chatty style of Trail Tales. But KHH is great too, you really seem to put a lot of work into them and your nods to the rescue groups is grand.
OK: you had an amazing summer, and then shit happened. You didn't fail. I live in fire country in California, and fire season is all summer; imagine living where that happens! I'm thrilled that you had such good stuff happen, and sorry that the other stuff happened. Give yourself some grace and decide about continuing when you're ready.
I respect you so efin much for sharing your failure. Its a tough hike, its hard and its ok Take a break and try again, perhaps slower, steadier without a goal
Glad that you had a great summer and that your girlfriend is doing better. The PCT is such a gamble on if hikers will get to complete it each year. It's already logistically difficult but add on to fire closures, reroutes and road walking. Follow your heart and do whatever trail brings you happiness. You'll get your triple crown soon.
just got back from my pct thru a few weeks ago…. i learned that it’s basically impossible to hike the entire pct in one go unless you have unlimited time and want to do a shit ton of road walking. even met a guy who was trying to do the trail in 90 days (he was doing 30 mile days when i met him on day 2) and not even he outran the fires:( trail was closed at the last pass in washington. sucks but i guess it’s just how it goes these days.
i did this 50 miles in on a 100 mile stretch on the AT. I was focused on footing most the way that day and the second we crest the top the trees cleared, and the view was amazing. As I was like "wow guys look at this-:" boom. rolled the absolute shit out of my ankle. continued on it the rest of the way with borrowed trek poles. Rolled it again on mile 70. But proud to say I finished the 100 miles on schedule. moral of the story. stay focused and where the right shoes.
Kyle, you're a wonderful RUclipsr and I love your shows on both your channels, but please keep in mind that the wildfires affect many people much more than they affect you. The people who live there, the ecosystem, the firefighters--all these bear a greater strain than the hikers do.
Kyle, I'm sorry you couldn't finish the Washington portion of the PCT. It's just so nuts how the PNW has been on fire so much in recent years. I live in north-central Washington and we have smokey skies now all summer long. So sad. You'll need to do that last section probably in June in the future to avoid fires, sorry to say.
Sorry to hear that you weren't able to finish the remaining sections of the PCT this year. I live in the SF Bay Area and fires are sadly becoming a normal aspect of life on the west coast. I've been planning my summer trips for late May to mid June (in CA at least) for the sweet spot of winter snow melting off but fire season not ramping up just yet. I'm not sure what else you could have done for the WA section because July doesn't seem unreasonable at all. Maybe going for the CDT then coming back to the PCT later would put a little wind back in your sail, while also letting some more fire seasons play out to hopefully do your best to avoid it again next time. At least you were able to get some miles done and are that much closer to the Canadian border!
Hey Kyle you need to try a sea kayak it is a super nice way to see nature and you can bring so much gear compared to hiking its a beautiful way to go camping
Hey Kyle, you'll probably not see this but if you plan on finishing up the last bit missing on your PCT thru-hike then next year might be a good year to get away from forest fires. We're doing a switch from El Niño which causes warmer and dryer weather in the North Eastern part of the U.S and was at its peak 2023-24, to La Niña which will make it cooler and wetter and could start at the end of this year and almost certainly at the beginning of 2025, this time it's looking to be a fast switch. The issue then could be a bad snow year. On the other hand, this change in weather/climate would make the mid-south parts of the U.S hotter and dryer, so the desert part of the CDT could be a bit rough, especially the (from what I've heard) already bad water situation at the beginning on that trail. If anyone plans on doing either of those trails you should look into what La Niña could mean for you, and keep a closer eye on what the weather is doing 🙂
After you finish the PCT, I’m looking forward to the Continental Divide, lol. Can’t wait til you can say you’ve completed the AT & the PCT. Glad you’re back, Kyle!
I wouldn’t worry too much about the ankle. I’ve rolled both mine many times over the years from basketball and soccer. We’d used to go without braces in basketball, until you roll it. Then you’d probably be wearing a brace for the rest of the season. After you do it once, it’s easier to do a second time, and so on. Rehab exercises are extremely important and help greatly.
Kyle i highly recommended getting an Incrediwear ankle sleeve. I broke my ankle and then spring it twice after the break healed. After the 2nd time i started using one it helped keep the swelling and pain down!
PT that ankle. Get a professional assessment and a strengthening plan. Even a few sessions will help immensely. Don’t compromise the mobility of your joints because that will just fuck with all of your body mechanic and cause more issues in other areas. Believe me, I’ve had my share of ankle injuries from 25 years of skateboarding and have 0 residual issues at 47 and hike/run 1500+ miles in the northeast/catskills.
We do AWW every year for last 7, we bring yeti coolers so we can have grilled meat, and veggies all week. Canoes are the best way to experience nature.
Mindset. It's not a failure. You're one of the few out there thru hiking. Take pride in that. Ankles can take a long time to heal. If you tore ligaments it's going to take a while. You have zero control over the fires. Climate is what it is. I get that your identity is wrapped up in hiking so maybe branch out and find other outdoor activities that won't stress that ankle. 👍
Ice: ice very soon after injury and ice often for a few days. Ice is amazing and makes so many injuries better. But if you dont do it right away the injury takes forever to heal right.
Dude that sucks about the PCT. Unfortunately that seems to be the norm now. I don’t blame you if you did the CDT, then finished on the PCT. Maybe a break is good and you’ll get it next time! I was lucky last year on the PCT SOBO last year without skipping any miles. Starting on June 16th provided some difficult days in the snow in Washington. It also allows me to hike every mile minus the alternates like crater lake which you take that are unofficial. I feel blessed to be the small percentage to have this happen. It’s tough out there.
High 80% is a B+, you didn't fail. Those who fail stop entirely because of injury, money, missing family, etc. the last two creators that just finished (lil chap and hammer hikes), had to hike 60+ miles off trail because of fire. Make up your steps in winter when there is less chance of fire. Good luck to you! Paul
I live in Washington. Maybe you should plan early fall, right about this time of year. Not snowing yet but we have had a little rain fall and moisture to put the fires out. You will have to deal with the rain and the colder weather but it’s at least not fire or snow. The larches are golden and the berries are good. You will finish! Don’t say you failed, it wasn’t within your control.
At least your out there doing it👍 welcome to life :) Go next year it will be nice and open trail and good to see the regrowth after a fire has gone through
The rangers said the same thing to me, a middle-aged, not-in-great-shape woman who was aiming for the MacIntyre Range, too. Knowing they said the same to you makes me feel a bit better lol.
As mainly a canoer and not a hiker, I feel like hiking is kind of hard and the trips usually have a bit of work and achievement and overcoming adversity. Canoeing is (mostly) a fun party the whole time.
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I had the pleasure of having Kyle stay at my house for the last few years after the fire closures . What a humble , awesome , all around great dude ! I had my garmin stolen from some people that gave me a ride off the PCT, upon taking Kyle to the airport he then let me know that a garmin was on the way in the mail ! Love seeing his Channel grow and I couldn’t think of a person that deserves it more 🙌
Thanks for your kind words man! Let's get out on trail together some time
I have been missing your posts these last months! I am a 72-year-old Texas woman with a spinal fusion involving 12 vertebrae, plus bad knees, so I no longer have my own outdoor adventures. In my younger years, I canoed and backpacked, but now I have to live vicariously through your posts. I am glad you are back!
I've been in Texas from Ohio for 8 years in October….I love the rivers and outdoor life here! I miss my family in OH, but I love texas, I'm so torn.
No. Just no. You did not fail. You did not complete yet. Huge difference.
true! but saying i failed it funnier lol. it's all good!
No he failed thats what he would say about other people
He quite early cause its still definitely hiking weather here in washington and no big fires in this side so lets hear this excuse 😅😅😅
No he failed. Had a goal set out and didn’t achieve. That’s called failure. Now what have you learned from it? That’s what can turn it from a negative to a positive. Failure isn’t always bad it’s how we learn typically
@@trailtalespod
Although I'm laughing at you with your channel advice and failed again, it's obvious you should shut the fck up
Kyle, you are 100% right, and I wish more content creators had your realistic attitude. It’s a job, and jobs need vacation time. One advantage content creators have is they can schedule releases during their time away, and make those vacations effectively invisible. However, I think it’s better to get viewers used to the concept that you will be off now and then. It just makes sense.
You look rested and refreshed!
Kyle- so nice to have you back- good for you taking time for yourself! It’s wonderful to see you so happy and hear that you enjoyed your time away! Take care and God Bless you🙏🏻
I love that you said, I could have made more episodes for you guys but fuck that. And you went camping again. I respect you for that decision!!
so valid 😂
Canoeing is 🔥. Glad you discovered it and hope you do more. So much fun
I thru hiked the PCT this year. I remember the July heat wave that was ultimately the cause of so many fires. I was in Nor Cal tackling the worst climbs and old burn zones in hellish heat. I also remember being in Mount Shasta and seeing people get all doom and gloom about a very tiny fire that had currently closed the CA/OR bit of trail around the border. So a lot of hikers skipped from Shasta all the way up to Ashland, missing Trinity Alps, which is imo the best part of Nor Cal. Right after my tram skipped up from there to Seiad to get around the Shelly Fire, the state border reopened!
This year was such a bad year for fires. They started so early, no thanks to the heat wave and dry storms that resulted. It was really frustrating, and I know a lot of hikers who called it quits at Cascade Locks, who didn't even get to see the parts of Washington that were open, including Goat Rocks, Whites Pass to Stevens Pass, and Rainy to the border. I ended up missing a little over 400 miles due to fires, including half of Washington. I don't feel like I failed. I did what I could with what was available to me. Fire is as much a part of the PCT as snow is, and I commend you for going back again! The parts of Washington I saw were incredible, and I hope to go back and thru hike the state one day. I will probably try to start near the end of June, carry snow gear, and just cross my fingers about fires.
Understand something please I am a hiker living Sacramento the last four years have been a disaster, I have planned and had to cancel 75 percent of the time because of smoke, AQI and heat in 2024. Prior years have been a little better but not much. So keep the faith my friend.
I hear no failure in your story, most people don’t even get out there in the first place😊
It’s never a failure!
You were out there doing what you love!
That’s SUCCESS! ! !
Back in my running and marathon days, trail running was my happy place! ! !
No way, another channel? Love the way you tell people's stories. ❤ Also, I think your incredible & super good looking. Lol. Go easy, sugar. Your doing great!!🎉❤
You. Are. Human. Congratulations 🎉🍾🎊🎈. So glad you had time off……I enjoy your content and will always recommend your channel,❤️
You are looking refreshed! Happy to hear that your girlfriend is healing up, that's great news! It sucks about the PCT and the fires, you'll get your chance one day. Welcome back, glad you had an awesome summer, it really shows :)
Thank you!!
Recovery times vary based on the severity of the sprain:
Grade 1 Sprain: 1-3 weeks
Grade 2 Sprain: 3-6 weeks
Grade 3 Sprain: Several months
Early Stage (24-48 hours post-injury)
Gentle Range-of-Motion Exercises: Begin with simple movements like flexing and pointing your toes or drawing the alphabet with your big toe while seated. This helps maintain mobility without putting weight on the ankle.
Intermediate Stage (After swelling decreases)
Strengthening Exercises: Once pain allows, start gentle strengthening exercises, such as:
Balancing on one foot for 30-60 seconds.
Using an elastic band for resistance exercises, moving the ankle in various directions.
Walking: Gradually introduce walking as pain decreases. Start with short distances and increase as tolerated.
Advanced Stage (As recovery progresses)
Balance Training: Incorporate exercises that improve balance, such as standing on one leg or using a balance board.
Sport-Specific Drills: If you are an athlete, engage in sport-specific movements gradually, ensuring you can perform them without pain before returning to full activity.
Sounds like you just need to do some focused strengthening. You may want to try getting a wobble or balance board and single leg standing without moving, then progressing to one legged squats while balancing on the ankle you sprained. Get well soon! You can do it. There is NO FAILURE in any attempt.
dude.. pct denied again, ugh. you'll get it though
but your ankle, oh man, been there, same basic scenario, the last mile, all the hard tough miles behind and BOOM folded it on basically nothing, a wet rock. and then folded it 2 more times before making it to the trailhead. the 3rd time left me on the ground sobbing. was most of a year before it felt like it was anywhere approaching stable enough to trust on rugged terrain
thankfully its back to being solid, but going through that totally changed my mindset. its no longer "just be careful on the hard stuff", it's more of a "if i make it back to the trailhead" mentality, and constantly nagging myself to keep focused regardless of what the situation is on the trail
good luck with the recovery
It's good to take time off, you come back refreshed and with a new perspective.
absolutely! thanks for your patience!
I'm an avid hiker but after a week or two I need the comforts of home. It takes a special person to be out there for months. Backpacking is rewarding there are lots of amazing places you couldn't see on a dayhike but carrying a huge pack takes some of the fun out of it. I like to go on week long backpacking trips where I carry the pack a couple days, set up a base camp, and do a few long dayhikes without the pack. So much of the PCT is burned these days and the fire closures are so ridiculous, here in Washington many areas are still closed a month after 2 to 4 inches of rain put out most of the fires, it doesn't appeal to me as much as it once did. Another type of trip I really like to do is a 2 week road trip in the Van where I do alot of dayhikes and explore a few interesting towns, the Van is alot more comftorable than a tent.
It takes forever for ankles to heal. I rolled mine pretty bad once and a year later it still wasn’t 100%. I did, eventually, make a full recovery. Godspeed!
love the channel and the stories bro 👍🏻💪🏻
I have taken a 4-day for night kayak trip down a river in the past with two friends, and it is the first time I've had in a long time. We've all been campers but I was the only one that's done any hiking. Instead of using a backpack I use dry bags what are the things that absolutely could not get wet. Two of us went down part of the river holding on to each other's kayaks just drifting avoiding down trees in other obstacles. That was very relaxing. Police relaxing part of the trip was paddling upstream in a rainstorm to get to our first campground. Of course stopped raining about 20 minutes after we got there, and after setting up our tents. Turned out I was the only one with a water filters, am I two friends needed it that night. I had prepared to have two days worth of water but knew I was going to need the filters. What are the best memories I have a bad trip with when me and one of the other guys sailed across a lake using my tarp and the two kayak paddles. This was one of the moments I had to video. I highly recommend taking one of these trips.
Ouch. I feel the pain. I have rolled (left), sprained (left), fractured (right) and broken my ankle (right). I used to do competitive gymnastics. Level 1 sprains in my experience you can walk and it doesn't feel great but don't feel/hear a pop from. Level 2 sprain you might feel a pop/strain but you can likely still walk/limp. Level 3 sprain and hairline you definitely hear/feel a pop from fracture depending on your grit, with it wrapped or splinted you might be able to limp/hobble but it is going to hurt like crazy. Break, if you have to limp for survival with it splinted you will make it happen and cuss, scream, cry and mumble the whole way. My advice, go to the doctor/physical therapist and get checked out to be sure you are healing properly. Everything will heal no matter what, but healing the right way will give you better mobility for years to come. Wishing you well.
NGL, I've definitely missed new episodes, super glad you're back. Most importantly though, I'm super happy you had a great summer! Everyone deserves to take time for themselves. It sucks many people don't get to but humans truly do need that time to just exist. Good for you!
Also, you did NOT fail the pct. You just haven't finished it *yet* and when you do, we'll all be here for that epic story!
As an older adventurer all of my many injuries have happened on fairly tame terrain. I think because I don’t focus the same on easy terrain. If you have insurance I highly recommend you see a MD, mostly to get to physical therapy. No only has PT helped with my injuries but I have also learned a lot about keeping more fit from my therapist. Sorry to hear about your PCT experience. In time you will finish. I also understand the expense associated with finishing your hike. It gets expensive. Take care and I hope your ankle is feeling better.
I'm glad that she's healing up, I was actually thinking about her injury the other day, so thanks for the update. Also, i saw the photo of the two of you , she's gorgeous! Very beautiful couple, I wish you all the best going forward
The fire and ice problem is just unreal. Bummed my legs weren't cooperating, but had fun with you anyway! Hope you're loving the new location.
come visit soon buddy!
I can see in your shoulders that you used upper body strength. You're more solid defined muscles. Well done. Looks nice on you Kyle. Because as you seen, paddling works your shoulders in a diff way than a back pack. WTG! Glad you're enjoying life!
I too live vicariously through you, Kyle, being a 63 year old woman with 4 joint replacements (yikes). I did Outward Bound (hiking and technical climbing for a month) in Cascades National Park over 40 (! how can I be this old?!) years ago. I loved it. Glad you had a great summer! Anyway, just wanted to comment on your badly sprained ankle. I'm not a doctor, but I did sprain my ankles (one very severely, where I heard a crunch and so did people around me) and the other pretty badly - and they take FOREVER to heal fully. The one that I severely sprained (I rolled it at a FULL run - into a pot hole) happened when I was about 20 - so, I was young and pretty fit. That one took MONTHS to fully heal. I never had it x-rayed - I really don't think I broke anything. It's actually the soft tissue that I find worse to heal. So, I'm not saying don't see a doctor - at all. Maybe you could use some PT exercises - and maybe an MRI or something. I'm just saying with my experience, even at a young age, it took months and months to fully heal. All the best to you. You look refreshed!
Just embrace that you are a PCT LASHer. You will get there eventually.👍 Welcome to the LASHer club. I have 752 miles down (PCT 22,23,24) Happy to hear your girlfriend has recovered. Your trip report sold me to try out overnight kayaking.
Great episode. So real. I have found myself thinking about Layla/Leila, and hoping that she’s OK, thanks for the update. I’ve hiked three of the islands in Hawaii and it’s just roots, roots, roots. I’m a Boomer, so I was taught how to drive by The Greatest Generation, and we learned, the last 5 miles home are the most dangerous miles, because you let your guard down. Wisdom of the ages. Ankle sprains heal, but your ankle will never 100% return to what it was. There will always be a modicum of weakness. It’s OK. Just wear appropriate footwear.
Not a fail...you've gone farther than I've been which is zero. So huge success imo
I did something similar late last summer, bad sprain, partial ligament tear walking on flat ground. Went right down. Six months before I could run or hike again.
Do the alphabet exercise with your foot (draw the alphabet with your toes) to help regain mobility. I know it sucks, but be patient. I recommend a Mobo board to work on ankle strength (one sprain tends to make you more susceptible).
As for PCT closures, I watched two YT hikers who did a continuous footpath from Mexico to Canada, but it required detours and road walking. I think this is the future for this trail.
I sprained my ankle years ago. If you decide not to go to the doctor, I'll share an exercise that I was taught in PT. Lift your leg (you can be sitting or lying down) and use your foot and ankle to write all the letters of the alphabet in the air. This will improve and strengthen your range of movement in all the different directions.
I love watching you! I love watching the new direction your other channel has been going and your story telling. I also still love watching you raw like this and unscripted. I don't even hike! ❤❤❤❤
I hope Luke is doing well. It was cool having you two as breakfast camp guests while Luke pulled a recovery before heading off the trail. Sad that fire took you off the trail again. Just ended this year’s PCT attempt this week because of fire closures myself. May we all complete past closures in future years🍀
Great episode. Your Adirondack fall in our family would have been filled under “It’s your fault I suck” excuse-making. We know when we screw up but in our heads we kinda wanna pin it on someone else. Hope you’re back to 100% soon!
Dude,
Paddle camping, moto-camping, backpacking, ski camping all kick ass. I do them all. A basic UL setup covers the essentials for all!
You did not freaking fail. Life happens, it’s OK. You did not fail. You did a portion of it and that’s all that’s expected of you. You know people put so many high expectations on themselves but it’s not healthy. It’s OK we are proud of you.❤❤
Good to see a video from you again! I'm glad you took sometime off from your job. Everyone needs a vacation from work. I love kayaking! How awesome you got on the water and you were hanging out with Flossy too!
❤❤❤ You are always a pleasure.
It may be unpopular opinion, but I think at some point there will have to be discussion in the hiking community about what constitutes a thru hike of the PCT. Its becoming harder and harder for people to do the full route as it's currently known due to fires. This problem isnt going away and may in fact, become worse. Its becoming crazy that people can do the AT, the CDT and then have their triple crown achievement denied because its becoming so difficult to achieve a thru on the PCT.
New channel coming soon … Canoe Tales w/ Kyle Hates Canoeing 😂
😂😂
"I had the best summer of my life" f*** yeah man. Good for you buddy! Don't be so hard on yourself, the trails will always be there. I've spent the last year rebuilding my backpacking pack and didn't get out once this year and Idaho winters start super early so I'm not sure if I'll make it out but the trails are still there and I'll make more time next spring. You're crushing it
Also welcome to your new obsession, white water rafting. It will become an addiction
What’s better than 1 Kyle hiking channel on RUclips? Two! Glad I found this. I like your laid back attitude andyour corny jokes. I hope your ankle continues to get better, and your girlfriend’s knee too! So crazy, one moment you’re fine, having fun and the world’s your oyster. Then..crap! Suddenly an accident and your whole life changes (at least for a few weeks). Anyway, I hope for a speedy recovery for you guys.
Your interviews are great, but I feel like solo ones are so funny! 😂
Same thing happened to me, rolled my ankle on easiest part of a trail I was hiking. Ended up I had an avulsion fracture, when I rolled it the ligaments and tendons stretched so much it pulled a piece of the bottom of my ankle bone off. I was put in a boot, could walk on it but only flat paved surfaces for no more than 2 miles at a time, took 4 months to heal, then had to do PT for 2 months. 6 months later it still doesn't feel right. Hope yours is feeling better, but severe sprains take a long time to heal :(
Kyle, it was great meeting and hiking with you in southern Oregon this year!
Canoe trips are absolutely epic ! Went on my first official one this past summer. 4 gals, 2 canoes ..short portage ..absolutely amazing. Next year we want to do a week long loop with 6 gals 🎉
Awwww Kyle, sorry about your ankle! I did that in Scotland last summer on a climb. Wasn’t my finest moment. It took almost a year for it to be completely healed, be prepared.
I love kayaking/canoeing camping. A dry bag instead of a backpack is a good thing. Another great thing is that you don’t have to worry as much about how much weight you’re carrying.
Honestly, the rangers at those trail heads is what saves people from being featured on your other disaster videos. I bet they have prevented dozens of really sad tales.
I had a severe sprain, the Ortho said it would have been better if my bone had broken instead I tore every ligament on the side. He said his patients who get a cast for 6 weeks heal the most so I did it. It still took a year before I could run. I was 22. The more soft tissues you tore equals more scar tissue forms. You will have to figure out how much to stretch out that scar tissue and still keep your ankle
strength.
Not finishing isn't failing. It's redirecting you for the time being Being afraid to try it again or quitting is failing. Every time is a lesson & adventure & how lucky you are to be strong & healthy for each attempt. i don't see how that is failing. As a nature mama with too many close calls & cool things experienced, I do love your stories.
Kyle, is there a reason why you didn’t go to the doctor to begin with? I suggest you take care of yourself while you’re young. Because, if you don’t, you’ll regret it later. I hope your recovery goes well.
It wasn’t a failure 💕💕 The fires have ruined a lot of hikers dreams for the PCT lately. But it will be there for your next adventure 💗💗 I hope your ankle is feeling better by now🙏
I just started watching this your second channel and really like the more chatty style of Trail Tales. But KHH is great too, you really seem to put a lot of work into them and your nods to the rescue groups is grand.
OK: you had an amazing summer, and then shit happened. You didn't fail. I live in fire country in California, and fire season is all summer; imagine living where that happens!
I'm thrilled that you had such good stuff happen, and sorry that the other stuff happened. Give yourself some grace and decide about continuing when you're ready.
As a Missourian, canoe trips are the best
I respect you so efin much for sharing your failure. Its a tough hike, its hard and its ok
Take a break and try again, perhaps slower, steadier without a goal
Glad that you had a great summer and that your girlfriend is doing better.
The PCT is such a gamble on if hikers will get to complete it each year. It's already logistically difficult but add on to fire closures, reroutes and road walking. Follow your heart and do whatever trail brings you happiness. You'll get your triple crown soon.
thank you so much!
just got back from my pct thru a few weeks ago…. i learned that it’s basically impossible to hike the entire pct in one go unless you have unlimited time and want to do a shit ton of road walking. even met a guy who was trying to do the trail in 90 days (he was doing 30 mile days when i met him on day 2) and not even he outran the fires:( trail was closed at the last pass in washington. sucks but i guess it’s just how it goes these days.
i did this 50 miles in on a 100 mile stretch on the AT. I was focused on footing most the way that day and the second we crest the top the trees cleared, and the view was amazing. As I was like "wow guys look at this-:" boom. rolled the absolute shit out of my ankle. continued on it the rest of the way with borrowed trek poles. Rolled it again on mile 70. But proud to say I finished the 100 miles on schedule. moral of the story. stay focused and where the right shoes.
You crack us up!!! Thanks for being real!
For canoe camping, you should check out the BWCA on northern MN.
Kyle, you're a wonderful RUclipsr and I love your shows on both your channels, but please keep in mind that the wildfires affect many people much more than they affect you. The people who live there, the ecosystem, the firefighters--all these bear a greater strain than the hikers do.
you look good Kyle! really enjoy your channel. P.S. - you were working, you were just gathering new data for content!!!!
Kyle, I'm sorry you couldn't finish the Washington portion of the PCT. It's just so nuts how the PNW has been on fire so much in recent years. I live in north-central Washington and we have smokey skies now all summer long. So sad. You'll need to do that last section probably in June in the future to avoid fires, sorry to say.
Sorry to hear that you weren't able to finish the remaining sections of the PCT this year. I live in the SF Bay Area and fires are sadly becoming a normal aspect of life on the west coast. I've been planning my summer trips for late May to mid June (in CA at least) for the sweet spot of winter snow melting off but fire season not ramping up just yet. I'm not sure what else you could have done for the WA section because July doesn't seem unreasonable at all. Maybe going for the CDT then coming back to the PCT later would put a little wind back in your sail, while also letting some more fire seasons play out to hopefully do your best to avoid it again next time. At least you were able to get some miles done and are that much closer to the Canadian border!
Hey Kyle you need to try a sea kayak it is a super nice way to see nature and you can bring so much gear compared to hiking its a beautiful way to go camping
Hey Kyle, you'll probably not see this but if you plan on finishing up the last bit missing on your PCT thru-hike then next year might be a good year to get away from forest fires.
We're doing a switch from El Niño which causes warmer and dryer weather in the North Eastern part of the U.S and was at its peak 2023-24, to La Niña which will make it cooler and wetter and could start at the end of this year and almost certainly at the beginning of 2025, this time it's looking to be a fast switch. The issue then could be a bad snow year.
On the other hand, this change in weather/climate would make the mid-south parts of the U.S hotter and dryer, so the desert part of the CDT could be a bit rough, especially the (from what I've heard) already bad water situation at the beginning on that trail.
If anyone plans on doing either of those trails you should look into what La Niña could mean for you, and keep a closer eye on what the weather is doing 🙂
After you finish the PCT, I’m looking forward to the Continental Divide, lol. Can’t wait til you can say you’ve completed the AT & the PCT. Glad you’re back, Kyle!
I wouldn’t worry too much about the ankle. I’ve rolled both mine many times over the years from basketball and soccer. We’d used to go without braces in basketball, until you roll it. Then you’d probably be wearing a brace for the rest of the season. After you do it once, it’s easier to do a second time, and so on. Rehab exercises are extremely important and help greatly.
Kyle i highly recommended getting an Incrediwear ankle sleeve. I broke my ankle and then spring it twice after the break healed. After the 2nd time i started using one it helped keep the swelling and pain down!
YOU DID NOT FAIL. You practiced for next time :)
Dude that descent on the back side of Algonquin is absolutely insane. It's like 2 mi and you're going down a thousand ft per mile killed my knees. 😬😬😬
PT that ankle. Get a professional assessment and a strengthening plan. Even a few sessions will help immensely. Don’t compromise the mobility of your joints because that will just fuck with all of your body mechanic and cause more issues in other areas. Believe me, I’ve had my share of ankle injuries from 25 years of skateboarding and have 0 residual issues at 47 and hike/run 1500+ miles in the northeast/catskills.
good advice!
We do AWW every year for last 7, we bring yeti coolers so we can have grilled meat, and veggies all week. Canoes are the best way to experience nature.
I have been thinking about buying a canoe literally all year. There are some really amazing looking spots in the Northwoods.
Great vlog. I enjoy that you let your personality show.
Mindset. It's not a failure. You're one of the few out there thru hiking. Take pride in that. Ankles can take a long time to heal. If you tore ligaments it's going to take a while. You have zero control over the fires. Climate is what it is. I get that your identity is wrapped up in hiking so maybe branch out and find other outdoor activities that won't stress that ankle. 👍
😂 3rd attempts. 🤦♀️
Please complete PCT. We'll be celebrating hard! 🎉
I like the idea of CDT then ending it with PCT.
Don't worry. There are other more important things out there to deal with.
Ice: ice very soon after injury and ice often for a few days. Ice is amazing and makes so many injuries better. But if you dont do it right away the injury takes forever to heal right.
Dude that sucks about the PCT. Unfortunately that seems to be the norm now. I don’t blame you if you did the CDT, then finished on the PCT. Maybe a break is good and you’ll get it next time!
I was lucky last year on the PCT SOBO last year without skipping any miles. Starting on June 16th provided some difficult days in the snow in Washington. It also allows me to hike every mile minus the alternates like crater lake which you take that are unofficial. I feel blessed to be the small percentage to have this happen. It’s tough out there.
High 80% is a B+, you didn't fail. Those who fail stop entirely because of injury, money, missing family, etc. the last two creators that just finished (lil chap and hammer hikes), had to hike 60+ miles off trail because of fire. Make up your steps in winter when there is less chance of fire. Good luck to you!
Paul
@Kyle, I had the same thing happen to my ankle, and I went to my chiropractor, and he popped something into place and made a huge difference.
I live in Washington. Maybe you should plan early fall, right about this time of year. Not snowing yet but we have had a little rain fall and moisture to put the fires out. You will have to deal with the rain and the colder weather but it’s at least not fire or snow. The larches are golden and the berries are good. You will finish! Don’t say you failed, it wasn’t within your control.
No apologies needed. Everyone needs a vacation!
At least your out there doing it👍 welcome to life :)
Go next year it will be nice and open trail and good to see the regrowth after a fire has gone through
It's been so rough in Washington with the fires! I hope you get out to complete it someday because the northern cascades are incredible.
As an Ontario canoeist barrels are for food cuz bears. Gear goes in a regular bag packed waterproof just like hiking.
Always keep a vial of arnica pellets in your pack and another in your glove compartment. Hylands ArniSport is my go-to!
I am pretty sure The Hiking Rev finished the PCT. You should contact him for helpful tips.
The rangers said the same thing to me, a middle-aged, not-in-great-shape woman who was aiming for the MacIntyre Range, too. Knowing they said the same to you makes me feel a bit better lol.
they say it to everyone!
As mainly a canoer and not a hiker, I feel like hiking is kind of hard and the trips usually have a bit of work and achievement and overcoming adversity. Canoeing is (mostly) a fun party the whole time.
Stevens to Rainy, then up to Cuthroat...the best!
You crack me up. Go get PT
Came for the storytelling and stayed for the sarcasm.
Don't give up.