Virtual sherpa: An Update On My Life & The Channel
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 5 мар 2022
- More information on Taysia Blue (where we rescued Arya): www.taysiablue.com/
Purchase Virtual Sherpa Gear Here! www.thevirtualsherpa.com/shop/
New Colorado Hat: tinyurl.com/mrydzj8w
If you wanted to donate to VS: www.thevirtualsherpa.com/part...
Want content early? FOLLOW Me!
INSTAGRAM: / thevirtualsherpa
HIKING WEBSITE: thevirtualsherpa.com
FACEBOOK: / thevirtualsherpa
Once again, just blown away by everyone in the comments. It’s making me realize how many people do watch these videos but maybe just don’t always comment. Thank you for all the support and excited to keep this all moving for you all!
More than you think. YouTubing peoples 14ers is standard prep for me coming from Texas and I bet thousands of others. From the dates and conditions, to routes, to times, etc.
You make 14ers safer and more accessible to thousands of people! Plus you help educate hikers making it a better experience for everyone.
You do a great job. Too many people are missing out
I lost my dog and best friend of 11 years 2.5 weeks ago. She had heart cancer and it came on quickly. 3 weeks from diagnosis to saying goodbye. I feel your pain. She was my hiking buddy. I can't imagine hiking without her. Dogs make life better. I'm sorry for your loss. It effing hurts.
Your channel inspired me, so I’m glad you’re finding a way to move forward. I never hiked before 2020, but since I found your channel I’ve managed 17 14ers. I will be a finisher one day. Sir, you changed my life and I appreciate you. Thank you for your time and effort, your guides have kept me prepared, and your words have encouraged me. Stay safe and healthy, happy trails.
🙌🏽
Me too. Lived in CO since 93 and only hiked 2 14ers before last year (you guessed it, Quandary and Bierstadt). Then something clicked last year and I started going out every weekend and bagged 12 14ers and a few 12er and 13ers in the end. Have my 2022 list ready since Jan :)
I absolutely love your channel! Me and my best friend both went through rough divorces in 2018 and we decided to pack up for a week and get away. Living in central Kansas, we randomly decided on Utah and ended up hiking a mountain and fell in love with it!! We went again the next year to climb another. At that point we realized that we wanted to climb taller mountain AND Colorado is a lot closer. Found your channel, did some shopping, and prepared to tackle Mt Elbert in 2021. Found out at the summit, that going from home to the top of a 14r in a weekend certainly wasn't ideal.
Me and my buddy are reserving a full week mid September to hang out and acclimate before we head up our next mountain. I love your videos and used them to pick our next mountain. We are hooked on the idea of hiking all of the 14rs, but it's going to take a while since we can only do a week or 2 per year.
Also, sorry for your loss. I will be devastated when my furry couch potato isn't here to ride in my truck with me. Congratulations on the newest addition to your family, and that is awesome that you chose to rescue. My side kick is also from a rescue.
I look forward to more videos!!!
Appreciate it and good luck with your journey on the 14ers, it’s a really special one.
It's been a long time since we met on the summit of Torrey's Peak back in what... 2019? 2020? I don't even remember anymore, the last few years have been a blur, which I'm sure isn't unique to me. I've always loved your videos and still have the few other scrambling class 3 peaks you mentioned on my to do list when I can make it back to CO in the right season.
Losing pets is tough, but the joy they bring you while you're with them outweighs the sadness of their loss. That's why all of us pet owners keep getting more pets, loss is a part of life and makes us all appreciate the opportunities we have to go live life to its fullest while we still can. Stay humble, stay strong, and keep hiking and showing us the way. Much love.
Great to hear from you again and appreciate the kind words. Hope you get after those scrambles
I watch your videos before every 14er that I climb. You provide the most clear information and tips that I can find on the routes. Keep it up!
I'm sorry for your family member loss. Dogs are wonderful for the soul and mind and bring joy where you normally wouldn't necessarily have it. I'm in S SW colorado, so I have the collegiate peaks and taylor park close as well as the Sangre De Cristos across the valley from me. I started watching late last summer while healing from a nasty hand injury and not being able to adventure. Your videos give me valuable information and also pump me up for adventures. I love them, in fact my girl and I will sit and watch different ones depending what hike we are planning. I have a neat hike in the Taylor Park area with 13 13ers off a ridgeline, inspired by your videos that I will be enjoying this summer. Thank you for spending the time to do the videos and all of us appreciate it a ton! Take care, enjoy the new pup as she will you guys and I can't wait to see your new adventures!
Very jealous of where you live and thanks so much for the support.
Hey brother, just wanted to comment and let you know that you’re one of the biggest inspirations to keep me hiking! I live in north central Oklahoma where there is zero hikes! The closest hikes that are relevant are in the Wichita mountains! Which I love going there! But it’s nothing compared to the inspiration that you provide and keep me motivated to coming back to Colorado each summer to conquer more #14ers. I feel you and Jackie’s pain with losing Juno! I can only imagine how much she meant to y’all! She shined throughout the videos through the years! #ripjuno She like you, & Jackie, was a light in this world. Appreciate what you do and maybe one day, we can meet up on the trails, then share a craft brew together. Appreciate all that you do brother!
You inspired me to crack through 19 of the 14’ers last summer. With your knowledge and expertise I was able to make the hardest parts of those days into some of my favorite memories. The grotesque early hours, camping in the car or beside the car just to attempt to catch a sunrise summit, I have to say you really helped fuel a lot of why that happened for me. I love coming here and watching your pure enjoyment for just being the most informative and thorough when it comes to exploring out in the Rockies. You absolutely rule Mick and I can’t wait to have you inspire me to go just as hard this year!
Love it - thanks man
OMG I am so sorry to hear it :( Always loved to see Juno in our videos man. Hang in there!
Thank you for all that you do! A friend recently asked me what I like to do when I'm too sick to do normal things - I told them that I enjoy watching your videos to inspire my reason for healing. You've taken so many people to mountaintops, what a joy to look forward to!
Just ran across your video, very sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing. I m in my 60s and have always hiked with dogs; they are the best outdoor companions. Keep hitting the trail and best to you.
I really appreciate the videos TVS. Sorry for the loss of your pup.
I just want to say I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, I have one cat and he is my best friend. Your channel has really been one that has met so much to me. I have climbed all the 14,ooo foot peaks through your videos, and others. Also I relived such good times hiking and climbing in the White Mts. Thank you so much,,, Ken
Sherpa, I do remember this post. My memory is not very good. Once again I’m so sorry for Your loss. I truly enjoy who You are and what You do. Aria is beautiful! We have a German Shepherd Girl named Ellie. I walk her twice a day at least a mile each. I’ve run for 43 years but was not acclimated when I attempted Longs several years ago.. I did make it to the hut at the keyhole… then turned back. We live at 95 feet in elevation and two days is not long enough to acclimate. And.. Longs as a first 14er was dumb. I did easily climb Guadalupe Peak in Texas as a warmup a month before. Longs Trailhead start is over 700 feet higher than Guadalupe Peak is tall. Thanks for listening and look forward to seeing Your videos in the future. Hi Aria!
You don’t owe anyone anything bro, you’ve helped & inspired so many people already with your work 💜 you’re one of the biggest reasons why I’ve had successes in the mountains and why mountaineering has become one of my passions. Thank you for all you’ve done for the hiking / mountaineering communities🙏🏼
Appreciate it man - lookout for some of your music in vids coming reallllll soon.
@@TheVirtualSherpa can't wait!!! 🔥
So sorry for your loss, we lost our little girl after a 18 wonderful years. We moved to Arizona 4 years ago and took up hiking but
nothing like you. As a 72 year old I did Camelback and your videos are so inspiring! Thank you thank you thank you!
Longtime lurker but I assure you you are appreciated. Gearing up for a Chicago basin run and trying to bag 4 in 3 days. Your videos are inspiring and essential for my goals. Appreciate you!
Enjoy it down there it’s amazing
Always remember to take care of you.
You and your videos have inspired my wife and I. We are Colorado natives and have made it a goal to climb all of the 14ers in the next 5 years, we plan to include our dogs on the dog friendly hikes based on your recommendations.
Awesome to hear - its a great journey so share with your pups - some of my fondest with Juno are in the mountains - 14ers or otherwise. Best of luck
Hey mick. Sorry to hear about Juno. I have two dogs that have done 38 14ers so I can understand your loss and how tough it must be. Please keep the videos going. When I’m planning a 14er your channel is the first place I look for research. Thank you for what you do. I hope to see you out there someday.
Glad you are still making videos, I appreciate the safety and knowledge you share. You help a lot of people!
Wow. I am so sorry to hear about your pup. I actually just stumbled upon your videos because I was looking for info on hiking the Tripyramids in NH. Thank you for a very well done trip report and post. I don’t use social media much, but I will try to follow. Please know that I appreciate your videos and your ability to sit in front of a camera and share a bit of what you are going through. Not easy, any of it. Inspiring. Thank you!
So sorry for your loss. Look forward to seeing more of your videos in the future. Your videos are the best I’ve seen as you provide so much awesome information.
The Wife and I are very sorry for Your loss. Aria is beautiful as was Juneau. We will miss Her.
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. 😔 We have two dogs who are our constant companions in all adventures and I dread the day of losing either of them.
For what it’s worth, you aren’t alone in burn out. These aren’t normal times in any way and I know I have to tell myself it’s ok to not be ok.
Your content has always been amazing. The channel and viewers are always here when you feel ready to share. Take care of yourself and your loved ones, everything else will take of itself.
Enjoy your new family member. One of ours is a husky as well. Wouldn’t have it any other way. 🙂
You've inspired my wife and I (and our friend) to do our first 14ers on our next trip over to CO in May. Your videos have been awesome to watch, and I can't wait to try to get all of them done one day! It's been awesome to see all of the different hikes that we are looking forward to!
Awesome, best of luck - prepare for some snow and have fun!
Thanks for your videos! I understand juggling a full time job, family life, and a 'hobby' which contains a small public facing creative component. It's tough. It's one of those things that you have this need to create, but you have so many outside responsibilities that feel like they are preventing it from being what it could one day be. And you could read 100 nice comments, but it's the one vile one that sticks with you and really hurts.
Anyway - when I was prepping for my first mountain I found your channel, and it really helped. I've enjoyed your stuff, and you are an inspiration for many people including me.
It's hard to lose a friend. Best wishes, and keep up the good work!
Sorry for your loss. I’m pretty close to my dog who hikes with me almost everywhere. Enjoy your videos even though I’m from Southern California. Plan to spend a week in Colorado at the end of the summer to bag a couple 14ers there. Keep doing what you do on your terms and know you have people who support you.
So happy you rescued a dog. I’m sure that will go along way in healing
So sorry for your loss. It is so very hard to lose your best friend. I really enjoy your videos just don't always have time to watch.
your vids taught me to get out and start exploring CO solo, finding new areas and setting new goals I just wouldn't have known to target on my own, or had the confidence as a relative newcomer to the state. thank you for all of your incredibly educational and helpful content. happy to meet Aria! Juno forever 🤙🏿
Juno forever.
Hi Mickey. I LOVE your videos!!! I don't use them as a "guide" since I live too far away from CO, but I enjoy hiking along with you...and I've put a few of your hikes on my bucket list.
Unfortunately I know enough about RUclips economics that at your level of subscribers the financial payoff is meagre...certainly not enough to compensate you for your time, effort and talent.
Some RUclips creators are lucky to have enough subscribers so content creation can be their their "main job." For someone underappreciated like you, I wish there were a convenient way to make a donation from time to time...sort of like NPR. In lieu of that, I just ordered something from your store. It's the least I can do to say thank you for all the great work you do!
And so sorry for the loss of your beloved Juno (Juneau?) You're lucky to have had such a loving and loyal companion! -- and she was lucky to have had you as her master!
Appreciate the order Marco 🤟🏽
Sorry for your loss, thank you for taking the time to make such great content. You're an inspiration!
So sorry brotha hope 2021 gets better for you guys
Hey man, very sorry about Juno. I really appreciate your content.. have learned a ton from your videos, made me more comfortable getting out into the mountains.
For those of us who watch you regularly, its easy to see that your private and enjoy solitude. (I.E. running down the mountain to avoid swarms of people). So this is really kind of you to let us in, and give a heartfelt update.
Thank you for the content.
LMAO - at least this summer when I am running down a mountain, I can blame it on training 😂. Thank you though, I appreciate the support.
Im a newcomer to the channel in the last month but all your 14'er vids have been awesome. They have been getting me excited to come back to Colorado in April when I go work at Great Sand Dunes. Hope to see you up there! Cheers to the new Pupper!
The Dunes are AWESOME - so underrated, enjoy your time down there. One of my favorite parts of the state.
I watch your videos every week. Thank you for your content. Love that you’re adopting another dog! Looking forward to seeing her on some hikes this summer.
Sorry, bro. Hang in there. Time heals
You said you're not "some crazy athlete." Dude, you have done all the CO 14ers, the 4 great traverses, an Ironman, and much more. You're a stud! Sorry for your loss and I look forward to new content :)
Haha thanks Brett - I think maybe because of the "world" that I am in and living in Colorado - you get humbled very quickly out here.
Looking forward to the running content, the new pup, and where it all leads you.
Juno and Aria are my fav girlies for life
Sorry for your loss, I am sure Juneau appreciates all the amazing places you should her by taking her on all of your amazing hikes. I appreciate your channel, I haven't gone on any big hikes yet given that I am a teenager but I am traveling out to Utah in the Summer to try to tackle Mt. timp. I have been training since Last year in July! And again, thanks for all the videos and inspiration!
Dude this channel deserves so many more subscribers. Never really understood how you only had 10k. So much valuable info and amazing content on here. One of my favorite channels on RUclips
Thanks Sean - I humbly agree with you, but its getting there. Word of mouth is great, improving content and just hoping that the stupid YT algorithm starts to work in my favor - fingers crossed.
@@TheVirtualSherpa I hope so too brother. You deserve it. The amount of work and passion you put in to this channel really shows.
Your videos helped me to reassure myself in my confidence for tackling a new 14er every once in awhile. I'm from Florida and have only found partners on trails or in forums for more steep stuff so my progression into last summer's N Ridge of Kit Carson was inspired in part from the confidence I've built from following positive people like you. Your 14er vids really showed me that with some knowledge, gear and experience...progression from "Holy Crap, the standard on Quandary is tough!" to "Little Bear's standard is too hyped (technically and not rockfall-wise)" was possible. This has shown my own growth and it wouldn't have been possible if I hadn't stayed up late at night looking for the next hike and looking at one of your videos and thinking I'd like to try it. I'm now at 40!
Comment sections on socials are double-edged swords, many are great but all it takes is some malicious push back to ruin your day. Remember, there are many hurt and broken people in this world and one of the easiest ways to lash out is to leave a comment somewhere.
Take care. Enjoy the ride.
I for sure wouldn’t have ever gotten into any of the harder hikes if I didn’t have someone outlining the trail for me so thank you. If you have to take time off go ahead we get it and still love the content
You are my trusted guide before doing a 14er over the last 2 years. Thanks for showing the terrain and giving your inside about the different routes.
I'm sorry to hear the 'valley' you are in. Hang in there.
I am so sorry for your loss of Juno. Hugs and prayers. My husband and I are from Indiana. We have done 25 14ers. Love your videos. Can’t wait to get out there this summer! Cheers!
Sorry to hear about your loss- we lost our dog almost exactly a month ago. It sucks. Love your videos, looking forward to more when you’re up to it!
Sorry for your loss
I don't know if anyone has pointed this out or not, but also, think of the number of potential lives you've saved. I'm a novice hiker; done Princeton, Yale, Elbert, and Quandary. It's one thing to read a review online or a trail guide in a book. It's quite another to see it and evaluate one's proficiency and whether a certain mountain/peak should be attempted based on one's skill level. Your videos and other like them not only provide a few minutes of solace each week with beautiful scenery, but also packed with nuance and info to evaluate whether certain peaks should be attempted based on skill/experience.
So sorry to hear about your loss. Prayers for strength.
Only just caught up with this. Always difficult to come to terms with a loss of a close friend but my heart goes out to you. We are seasoned hikers and found your channel randomly during lockdown and it has provided great viewing whilst we’ve been unable to tackle the hills ourselves. We’re based in Scotland ( you must add our Munro’s to your bucket list!) but have fond memories of a recent holiday around Colorado which we can relive through your videos. All the best - Bob & Lindsay Scotland
Oh man, I saw this last night and was moved to tears 😭. I'm heartbroken for you. I have watched your Emerald peak video with Juno so many times. You and Juno look so happy in it. This one video at least captures the happiness and serenity that the high country can bring. I'm so hoping to make it up there there this summer. I will do my impression of Juno in the first snow field
Oops. Will do my impression of Juno in the first snowfield I come across. Hang in there man🙏
One of my favs as well - she loved that day.
Sorry for your loss. Just want to say thank you for all you do, I love your channel.
Sorry for your loss man, some of the most devastating days of my life have been the loss of dogs. I'm glad you're taking some much needed time away. I also want to point out that since moving to Colorado a few years ago, you have singlehandedly motivated me to get out and hike way more. I've done way more unknown & less mainstream hikes because of you and your videos/posts. Although something like Mediocore Amateur is very entertaining, it's not a realistic or helpful guide for the vast majority of people who can't run 25 miles and 15k vert in a day. Your content rocks and it's usually my first stop when looking for something to hike. Excited to see what you have coming up!
Cheers Zach and love those guys but if they are mediocre - I don’t know what that makes the rest of us 😂
@@TheVirtualSherpa I think they stopped being mediocre a long time ago 😂
your channel has been soooooo incredibly helpful since moving to colorado a year ago. I rewatch your videos when I'm about to hike and they give me the knowledge I need to have a safe a successful hike THANK YOU!!!!
I'm a Texan and a fellow Ironman who's a newby to your videos after summiting my fourth 14er last week. I really, really can't thank you enough for your content and now feel inspired to climb many more (but not all.....sheesh, man, some of your videos terrify me!). This video made me cry, though, as losing a pet is like losing a best friend/nurse/psychiatrist all at once. Thank you for all you've done and continue doing.
Thanks Robert really appreciate the kind words. Keep getting after it 💪🏽
Your videos are what inspired me to tackle my first 14er last summer (Mt. Elbert) and I’m going to keep going this summer. I can’t wait for your new content and I’m looking forward to watching the new pup progress in the journey. Thanks for all that you do for the hiking community.
So sorry for your loss! I love your videos. They really do inspire me and actually help me plan my trips and help me stay safe! I was actually recently looking at your Quandary Peak in the winter video and I'm super stoked to try it out one day. Keep up the great work! But, most importantly, do what's best for you. I appreciate what you do either way!
So sorry for your loss.. Dogs rule! I’ll never climb a 14er but I appreciate what you do and enjoy watching your adventures! Thank you!!
Thanks for the update and congratulations on the new addition. I really enjoy your videos and they have been instrumental in my summits of numerous Colorado 14ers. Please keep the videos coming. They are much appreciated.
By the way, I really like my Coros Vertix 2 and look forward to your review.
Its insane - COROS is going to be a beast in 3-5 years, Garmin should be shaking in their boots.
@@TheVirtualSherpa Totally agree. Plus, the battery life is amazing! It is a game changer.
I recently lost one of my dogs and feel you on the shaken foundation. Can't find the energy to dedicate myself to hobbies that we used to do together. Thankfully, I've had your videos to inspire me to shift and get more involved with getting outside and stepping up my hiking game. It's helped me to turn the page a bit and start the next chapter, so thank you! Your hard work does a ton of good that may not appear on paper, but it's definitely there!
I was watching some of your videos to get ready for another 14er season and just saw this video. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I remember seeing her in the Emerald Peak video. What a great memory that must be for you.
Glad to hear you are making it through a rough emotional time.
My friend group adores your videos, they are a part of our joyful moments. We play music loud and put your traverse videos on the TV while we hang. Thank you for taking the time to develop your unique gifts and share them with the world. On your deathbed you will rest easy knowing that you honestly committed to developing a deeply meaningful skillset and community.
Winter is always tough. . . I would strongly recommend going to the desert more to help. I think opening up more could be a benefit too, just like you did here, let people in, it will be risky and disappointing but also the best thing you'll ever do. I started that last season it has been great with Spencer, recently I found another Awesome RUclipsr, Chris Gorney, ultra runner and rock climbing athlete covering Red Rock Canyon near Las Vegas. He took me on the sweetest adventure!!! I'm going to do more things like that and I would encourage you as well. You're well known and should be able to attract some talent. I've reached out to you and you know I have tons to offer. Sharing kindness and community will be your path to success. Sorry to hear about Juno, glad you got a new fur baby. I found an abandoned starving kitten last fall on my way home from the San Juans, now we are best buddies! PS the "lesser known San Juans" are incredible! Not click bait but, who cares, so fun editing amazing footage like that! Best of luck, glad to see you making this brave move, if it isn't about your love for the adventures and the friends along the way, it will be very difficult to make cool videos.
So sorry for your loss of Juno. Hugs and prayers. We are from Indiana and have done 25 14ers. Really enjoy your videos! Can’t wait to get out there this summer!
Sorry for your loss. I’ve been following you since 2018 when you only had a few hundred subscribers, and it seems like it was no time ago when you hit 1K. Your videos and suggestions have been a lot of help for me in my 14er game and still go back and watch them and hope you continue to make more. I also hit up Outer Range Brewing at your suggestion and had some great beer and the best chicken sandwich ever! Have really enjoyed your other hiking vids as well! 👊
Appreciate your support along the way Greg - always good to hear from you
Good to hear you are doing better. Definitely can’t imagine everything that goes in to having even some of your life online. Happy to see the pup and whatever you put out in the future!
Well, I just found your channel as a new Colorado resident working their way up to 14ers. You earned yourself an immediate subscriber for your content, keep it up!
I feel the joy of the new pup time-sink, haha. Love Audie (7 month old) to pieces, but productions came to a standstill. Excited to see what comes next!
In the 80 and 90s I and my Mary lived in Raveswood above Bailey.I am 80 now and lost Mary in 11-5-2020 and I do not care if it is Juneuo or Mary it is hard and I felt your pain.I wish I could still climb but if I could I would trust you with my life. You are a wonderful person and I could also see the joy in your eyes. Keep the joy going.David E Heffelfinger
Thanks for the kind words David , so sorry about Mary.
I just did my first winter 14 hike on Quandary a couple of days ago and my cousin tagged along (for her first time hiking a mountain ever). This would not have happened if I never came across your channel and found out that you could actually tackle 14ers like quandary in the winter! Me and my cousin had an incredible time on the hike and I have been inspired and deeply impacted by this experience. Your channel was a huge step along the way to make this experience possible. Thank you!
If it didn't hurt it would mean you were doing it wrong. I have been fortunate to grow up with some great dogs and paying that pet tax is hard. I appreciate your videos they are a nice escape when I can't get out on my own.
Much love for the virtual Sherpa 💙
So sorry for the loss of Juneau. I know she will always have a special place in your heart and soul 🙏❤️☀️
You've been such a huge inspiration for me. I started hiking 14ers last year and was able to bag 20 summits thanks to your videos; they are fantastic. I hope you find that renewed passion for it after some time away. Looking forward to seeing Arya in some upcoming videos. I'll definitely be rocking my new VS cap on the trails this year. Stay strong.
Always take care of yourself first and your core viewers will be here to watch when you want to put videos out.
I just got into doing 13ers/14ers a little over a year ago, primarily solo, and your videos have been hugely helpful in helping me feel prepared and build my confidence in getting out there and doing it. It’s been life changing, as overdramatic as that feels to say. Much appreciate the time and effort you put into your content. Looking forward to seeing Arya in future content.
I appreciate your videos. Me, my wife and three kids summited two 14'ers last summer. Your videos helped me to learn about the drive and what to expect on the hike. I will be using your videos for hikes I will be planning this summer for my family.
Really appreciate your channel.
So sorry about Juno man. Have loved watching your videos through the years. Truly wish you the best.
So sorry bud, lost three in just years apart myself... Truly changes everything, hang in there pal 🥺
Do it because you want to, try not to expect more than that. There are people that appreciate your work and it's a great resource.
Oh man, I'm so sorry for both of you. Juno was always a superstar. We adopted our current dog 9 years ago and we are so grateful for everyday! Thinking of both of you. Thanks for the update. Take care.
So sorry about your loss my man. I love your videos and you inspired me to move out to CO from MI and start conquering 14ers. I couldn’t be happier about that decision. You are so good at capturing these beautiful landscapes and making it irresistible for me to go see them for myself. I appreciate everything you do and just wanted to say thank you!
Thanks Steve, really appreciate it and congrats on the move.
I usually don’t comment, but your videos are truly invaluable and you do such a great job with them! You’ve definitely inspired me to get outside and go for it! Juno was lucky to have you guys!
Very sorry to hear about your loss, it's the tough part about owning a pet. Hope you and Arya have lots of adventures coming up.
Your videos are a staple among my crew. Love the work you do.
Buddy I lost my best friend about 18 months ago and it still hurts deeply. I just hope you grieve and heal. I just caught your videos a couple weeks ago and have been doing a great deal of catching up. I really appreciate your work. I'm in the front range if you want someone to talk to. Just reach out here and we can figure out how to get in touch. If not, totally get it, I just know the pain and wanted to offer that. 🙏
I appreciate your videos documenting climbs I’ve done when good camera equipment was simply to heavy to carry most of the time-I cherish the large format photos me and my hiking buddy took using a tripod-more weight.
You were able to document those climbs like could never have dreamed of doing-ours required major setup to match any 4K video and they were only still photos.. your videos were exciting to see and brought back great memories of these climbs. Also you’ve documented climbs we hadn’t done.. and some I don’t think i will ever do at my present age.. but who knows.. never say never. The knife edge in Capitol Peak and scramble up Maroon Bells is probably out of my league. If I had a choice of ways to die I believe I’d prefer a fall from doing what I love. I use to joke with my buddy that exposure or not, you could trip over a step, knock your head and die two feet off the ground so why worry about thousands of feet.. the result is the same difference pretty much. Knowing that use to give me the courage I needed. I found myself in a very precarious situation in Boulder after scrambling up the face of one of the flat irons.. It was easy going up then I came across a technical maneuver needed and mistakenly looked down from where I started.. panic hit me but then I realized I was okay and though by myself began to talk myself through the problem after pausing and knowing I was fine and to stay firm and think it through.. the panic dissipated and I got myself out of the dangerous exposed area.. and from that day on.. I realized.. never panic.. people die when the do. Keep calm and think your way out of it.
So thank you for your well thought out page, resources, recent advice (marcum, Aldridge) here-and most of all videos that both instruct routes and inspire. It’s been 10 years but you can only take the hiker out of his environment, not the hiking adventurist out of the hiker. 65 and full retirement age is a year away and I’ve already began my plan of attack.
For what its worth, i've used your videos to psyche myself up the days before a big hike or climb, the info i've got from your videos has been incredibly helpful, and I wouldn't have accomplished half of my goals without your videos. If nothing else you have made my life more exciting!
Love to hear it, hope more big days are in the future for you 🤟🏽
Thank you for everything you have done! Fellow new Englander here, and it's your videos that made me finally pull the trigger and go to Colorado for the first time ever back in 2020, where I climbed ten 14ers in 6 days whilst still getting black canyon and sand dunes national parks in between my climbing days! After that I decided to do the northeast 111 peaks over 4000ft and im currently at #84 and plan to finish this summer! then more trips to Colorado to bang out them 14ers! And I have you to thank for that!
I also understand your frustration with youtube, the algorithm does seem to favor daily uploads. It's a numbers game, the more you upload the higher chance you have of your videos popping up in new viewers feeds. Thats extremely hard to do without quitting the ol 9-5 and doing a leap of faith. I used to have a gaming channel, which honestly ate up 4-6 hours of editing per video even though it was recorded gaming footage. Really puts into perspective what some of these daily vloggers have to deal with. It literally becomes a daily grind if you want to go that route. Definitely not for everyone, it frustrated me for sure!
Appreciate all your comments and support along the way. Yeah the YT thing is tough - during my time on furlough - I had plenty of time to shoot and hike but when a hike is 6-10+ hours and then add on another at least 6-10 hours of editing / processing etc. each video turns into a 20ish hour project. Seeing that most people only watch 60% of a video - daily uploading for my format just doesn’t make sense. There are a ton of channels with more subs making far less in revenue because of the engagement I do get which is the most valuable. The struggle for me has been posting non 14er content and trying that to do as well as 14ers which are always heavy hitters. However, I want to be more than just 14ers and it’s just having the patience to grow that audience.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Dogs are really something special. I haven’t had the opportunity to hike a 14er yet but living vicariously through your videos has fueled my dreams to one day do one! Love your channel but I’m glad you took the time you needed away, Looking forward to the videos to come!
Thanks Leah - hope you have that opportunity to hike one really soon.
I agree! why you don't have 10xs the subscribers is beyond me. Great content, great logo too.
I will say you have inspired me to do some hikes in CO. ex Lindsey, Ellingwood. So thanks!. I'm waiting to do Crestones after this monsoon season. It would be great if everyone who watch hit the like button and commented to help the algorithm. I'll keep supporting your channel.
Sorry for your loss sherpa. I've been watching the channel the past couple years and always go to you to find 14er insight. Never stop doing what you love. Looking forward to the new uploads with the new pup. Much love and keep being you.
You’ve definitely inspired me to get some 14ers done. I’m so very sorry to hear of your loss. She was such a good girl & fun to watch in your videos. I look forward to seeing your stuff in the future! Keep up the great work, Amigo!
I've always felt like i can relate a lot to you dude. you are an inspiration to me and i still hope i run into you on a hike someday. thank you for your content always. i understand the struggle with the shitty clueless people. there are always going to be shitty people in life im sure you know this. but i guess what i want to say is to please just remember to be true to yourself and remember that there are people who love and appreciate you out here a lot. dont let the likes and comments good or bad determine who you are because in the end YOU know who you are along with the close homies you have. even if its just one or even your wife and doggo. keep killing it dude. even if it means just a video a month to give you a better quality of life. i get notifications for every video and am so stoked every time i see one.
I'm sorry for your loss..pets can be like family, and it is hard to lose them.
As for putting in a ton of hard work and heart into creating content that you enjoy doing, I know the feeling, but if you love doing it and it brings joy, then keep at it for those reasons. I watched one of your Oregon videos and I was so glad to have found yours as I thought you did an awesome job at showing what the trail would be like.
I am so sorry for your loss. Your videos have been so inspiring and helpful to me in my hiking and climbing (I have 20 14ers done). Arya is beautiful. Thank you and prayers to you and your family.
For sure - really hear your point about the comments and I think this whole thing has shifted perspective on people who are being an asshole or saying something rude - you never know what they are going through. But, there are also just people out there who bring down or treat others like crap because it makes them feel better and at the end of the day I am a human too. I have always said that as I grow, I won't read the comments but I am finding that its just not true and I am okay with that because I want to be engaging and grow a community of like minded and goal oriented people.
Your guides have not only inspired new hiking rotes for me - they inspired me to increase my skills so I can find some of the same awe. I even started memorializing my hikes with video and photography - two new passions thanks to the mountains and your channel. I am saddened to hear about Juno - truly sorry for your loss. However I am heartened to see your new rescue Husky and hope we cross paths one day on the trails!
THANK YOU very much for the donation, I truly appreciate it.
I’m really sorry for your loss. I lost my cat not too long ago, and it’s been rough. Hope you feel better soon! So glad I found the channel not too long ago. I’ve really got into hiking some big mountains after being a runner for years, and your channel has been so fun and has really helped me out man 👍
Can’t wait to se some more videos man
So sorry for your loss , hope you stay strong and continue to get through it - I know it’s not easy.
So sorry about your Juno!
FYI your videos have been essential tools for our climbing expeditions, and have helped us take on very challenging peaks in safety and with confidence.
So I’m happy to hear you’re ready to continue, and training your rescue Husky pup Arya for new adventures. Look forward to more videos!