Trying through hiking, made me a better person. It helped me appreciate my family more and gives me a break from caregiving and supporting others. Travel and backpacking has helped me move on from the devastating loss of my husband. I still miss him, and his stories, but those same stories have helped me realize I have a lot to see and do before I join him again in eternal life. Backpacking helps one pare down on possessions and makes me more efficient. I prefer long backpacking trips in the best season for the area I am visiting rather than the crowds of through hiking. I am only going to get to do my backpacking trips to an area once so I want to enjoy the trails at a enjoyable pace and season. Thank you for taking us along on your journey.
@@JoyfulRambler Thank you. We had a great life together and I knew when I married him there were no guarantees after 44...because his father and grandfather on is father's side died before they were into their late 40s. He was truly an amazing man and he was here for us until our children were young adults educated and out making their own way. He out lived his father and grandfather by more than 20 years and was healthy till he end.
Excellent content! Keep it up and thank you. I hiked the John Muir Trail this past summer and though it’s not the AT or PCT it gave me the confidence to do more and longer and I too can’t tolerate a lot of the daily “normal” life stuff.
Most of the stuff we have been programmed to accept as "normal" is just conformist nonsense, petty and a useless waste of time. Be free and do what you want!
New subscriber! You are such an inspiration to me (71 yr old senior). I won’t be doing any Thru hikes but I love watching vids of those who do. I hike every day with my dog. My husband is in a memory care facility so my life is looking much different these days.
Very inspiring! Not everyone can do a thru hike of a 1000 mile trail, but most of us can at least get out in a local park or forest and hike. Just as we shouldn’t compare our trauma to others, we shouldn’t compare our triumphs either. Do what you can. Challenge yourself.
What an upbeat , positive boost for us side liners! Thanks..you survived a great deal in your life and managed to carryon with grace, aplomb the intelligence Thanks for sharing
Thank you for sharing. My experience is very similar in that the trail changed me. I went off and thought I would just jump back into my corporate life, but it does not happen. I feel the trail gave me a much broader appreciation for family and friends. I completed my thru hike and it has taken a few years. I took a break from backpacking, but have started back. I really enjoyed your video and appreciate you making it. I think we are all affected differently or we all get different things from the trail. Wombie '21
I think for me, it could possibly end my marriage as well. Not because of my husband, but because of me. I think I would become completely independent. I am a pretty strong & independent person anyway. I love my husband & family, but I enjoy solitude. You have done incredibly well. IMO, the AT didn't ruin your life, but it changed it and set you free. You seem to truly enjoy your outdoorsy , adventurous van life. Had you not done the AT you would be in suburbia doing the 9 to 5 either working from home or an office. ❤
I COMPLETELY GET where you are coming from .!! I think I sold my authentic self out when I got married , took a local job in my profession of engineering , had kids raised them and continue to “play wife “ . These things were not my dream or plan . When my husband proposed the first time I said no I want to live in apartment in California on my own . He broke up with me , I caved , got engaged , sold my house , married him and went conventional. I made my bed and have to lay in it . I have two gorgeous now married daughters. I should have realized when I decided to be an engineer that I was not a conventional person . But I enjoy vicariously watching women braver than I . I love RUclips ,
Wow such honesty.. I have a story of my own..I recently bit the bullet and throw financial common sense out the window and purchased a Savio Hillerberg tent something that was to be dream purchase.Instead it turned into a nightmare.. On 2 separate wild camping trips in strong wind and rain I had water enter through the top tent vent/rain cover. The tent itself did not leak rather the strong wind ,blow the rain up under..I Contacted Hillerberg and the response was that is unusual and thank you for contacting Hillerberg. I have not mentioned the price of my tent..£2000 euros plus £786 euros postage which I was not made of at time of purchase..I also bought a second set of poles. 5 in a set..Total cost aprox £3000 euros.. Hillerberg selling sales pitch is there tents are bomb proof.. Sorry for venting on your site but your honesty and how you can articulate your thoughts inspired me to share my dream/nightmare..I guess buyer be aware. As you can figure out I am not American..I am from Ireland...
seamusdelaney9133, site selection and tent orientation are really important. I have been backpacking and camping from the 1970s and our family camped on summer vacations. I use a bivy bag, 8oz and a tarp or Gatewood Cape. It is not free standing and was quite a learning curve but for backpacking it is my go to shelter. I am an older verticality challenged woman so the added weight of most tents is too much for me. I found that I modified my gear to suit me and now I don't have purchase the latest and greatest, because what I have been using the last 10 years just works for me. I just have to replace things that wear out, or repair them and go backpacking. With persistent and experience you will find a system that works for you. Best wishes on refining your tent setup.
Thank you for sharing your life and thoughts. As usual, I can really relate to you! I am sectioning the PCT and have a bit less than 500 to go. So I do have some experience, but not a bunch going solo. I am planning on a SOLO hike of at least part of the AZT next spring, and your video helps my courage to take that first step. And like your said, just keep taking those steps as you go to find out what you really can do. Thanks again!
RUINED your life? No way! The experience has ENRICHED your life and made you stronger and more confident. You faced the challenge and dealt with it, which was all for the better. I definitely recommend solo wilderness hiking for any female who wants to strengthen herself and improve both her physical and mental health. You did! (You don't mention a gun, but I suggest it for a lone female.)
The AT started my backpacking life and eventually (this past summer) the triple crown. I owe so much to the trail. It shaped my life in so many ways. Thanks for sharing. AT 94-94 PCT 98 CDT 23-24
I live in the Southerntier of New York State. I have been a woods tramper most of my life. New York State has the best trails! The best views! No AT for me.
Hiking can do wonders to lift your spirits - and to find like minded people. There are lots of hiking groups around. If you go hike and see several people, ask if they’re part of a local group.
Thank you for bravely sharing your most private thoughts, feelings and experiences. You have been someone who gives me hope!
You are so welcome!
Trying through hiking, made me a better person. It helped me appreciate my family more and gives me a break from caregiving and supporting others. Travel and backpacking has helped me move on from the devastating loss of my husband. I still miss him, and his stories, but those same stories have helped me realize I have a lot to see and do before I join him again in eternal life. Backpacking helps one pare down on possessions and makes me more efficient. I prefer long backpacking trips in the best season for the area I am visiting rather than the crowds of through hiking. I am only going to get to do my backpacking trips to an area once so I want to enjoy the trails at a enjoyable pace and season. Thank you for taking us along on your journey.
I’m so sorry for your loss, I’m sure you miss him all the time.
@@JoyfulRambler Thank you. We had a great life together and I knew when I married him there were no guarantees after 44...because his father and grandfather on is father's side died before they were into their late 40s. He was truly an amazing man and he was here for us until our children were young adults educated and out making their own way. He out lived his father and grandfather by more than 20 years and was healthy till he end.
Excellent content! Keep it up and thank you. I hiked the John Muir Trail this past summer and though it’s not the AT or PCT it gave me the confidence to do more and longer and I too can’t tolerate a lot of the daily “normal” life stuff.
Most of the stuff we have been programmed to accept as "normal" is just conformist nonsense, petty and a useless waste of time. Be free and do what you want!
New subscriber! You are such an inspiration to me (71 yr old senior). I won’t be doing any Thru hikes but I love watching vids of those who do. I hike every day with my dog. My husband is in a memory care facility so my life is looking much different these days.
Thank you! I’m sorry about your husband. I know that’s a challenging thing to deal with. I hope he’a in a good place and happy there.
Joey, this is a very courageous video! I am so proud of you, but more proud that I can call you my friend. I love you and Andy!
You're the best!
Very inspiring! Not everyone can do a thru hike of a 1000 mile trail, but most of us can at least get out in a local park or forest and hike. Just as we shouldn’t compare our trauma to others, we shouldn’t compare our triumphs either. Do what you can. Challenge yourself.
What an upbeat , positive boost for us side liners!
Thanks..you survived a great deal in your life and managed to carryon with grace, aplomb the intelligence Thanks for sharing
Thank you for sharing. My experience is very similar in that the trail changed me. I went off and thought I would just jump back into my corporate life, but it does not happen. I feel the trail gave me a much broader appreciation for family and friends. I completed my thru hike and it has taken a few years. I took a break from backpacking, but have started back. I really enjoyed your video and appreciate you making it. I think we are all affected differently or we all get different things from the trail. Wombie '21
WOW...what and inspiring video. THANKS FOR SHARING.
I think for me, it could possibly end my marriage as well. Not because of my husband, but because of me. I think I would become completely independent. I am a pretty strong & independent person anyway. I love my husband & family, but I enjoy solitude. You have done incredibly well. IMO, the AT didn't ruin your life, but it changed it and set you free. You seem to truly enjoy your outdoorsy , adventurous van life. Had you not done the AT you would be in suburbia doing the 9 to 5 either working from home or an office. ❤
You would abandon your family in pursuit of independence, gross.
@DissiDan I owe you, nor anyone, clearification.
@cedarrockcabin3633 You were already clear, I don't require it.
Great post. Nature can be challenging - and liberating!
I COMPLETELY GET where you are coming from .!! I think I sold my authentic self out when I got married , took a local job in my profession of engineering , had kids raised them and continue to “play wife “ . These things were not my dream or plan . When my husband proposed the first time I said no I want to live in apartment in California on my own . He broke up with me , I caved , got engaged , sold my house , married him and went conventional.
I made my bed and have to lay in it .
I have two gorgeous now married daughters.
I should have realized when I decided to be an engineer that I was not a conventional person .
But I enjoy vicariously watching women braver than I . I love RUclips ,
learned from a very wise man who ran a support group … “I’m not going to should on myself today “
Love that!!
Joyful Rambler
Ramble on 😊
When sharing your adventures with family and friends were they positive?
Wow such honesty..
I have a story of my own..I recently bit the bullet and throw financial common sense out the window and purchased a Savio Hillerberg tent something that was to be dream purchase.Instead it turned into a nightmare.. On 2 separate wild camping trips in strong wind and rain I had water enter through the top tent vent/rain cover. The tent itself did not leak rather the strong wind ,blow the rain up under..I Contacted Hillerberg and the response was that is unusual and thank you for contacting Hillerberg. I have not mentioned the price of my tent..£2000 euros plus £786 euros postage which I was not made of at time of purchase..I also bought a second set of poles. 5 in a set..Total cost aprox £3000 euros.. Hillerberg selling sales pitch is there tents are bomb proof.. Sorry for venting on your site but your honesty and how you can articulate your thoughts inspired me to share my dream/nightmare..I guess buyer be aware. As you can figure out I am not American..I am from Ireland...
seamusdelaney9133, site selection and tent orientation are really important. I have been backpacking and camping from the 1970s and our family camped on summer vacations. I use a bivy bag, 8oz and a tarp or Gatewood Cape. It is not free standing and was quite a learning curve but for backpacking it is my go to shelter. I am an older verticality challenged woman so the added weight of most tents is too much for me. I found that I modified my gear to suit me and now I don't have purchase the latest and greatest, because what I have been using the last 10 years just works for me. I just have to replace things that wear out, or repair them and go backpacking. With persistent and experience you will find a system that works for you. Best wishes on refining your tent setup.
Oh my, thats really awful! I hope they did something to make it right.
Much admiration 😊
Thank you for sharing your life and thoughts. As usual, I can really relate to you! I am sectioning the PCT and have a bit less than 500 to go. So I do have some experience, but not a bunch going solo. I am planning on a SOLO hike of at least part of the AZT next spring, and your video helps my courage to take that first step. And like your said, just keep taking those steps as you go to find out what you really can do. Thanks again!
I would love hike the AT. But knowing me, I’d hike for three days then decide that’s enough and go back home.
RUINED your life? No way! The experience has ENRICHED your life and made you stronger and more confident. You faced the challenge and dealt with it, which was all for the better. I definitely recommend solo wilderness hiking for any female who wants to strengthen herself and improve both her physical and mental health. You did! (You don't mention a gun, but I suggest it for a lone female.)
You were such an inspiration to me when I first researched hiking the AT and watching your struggles. This is a fantastic video.
Thank you!
The AT started my backpacking life and eventually (this past summer) the triple crown. I owe so much to the trail. It shaped my life in so many ways. Thanks for sharing. AT 94-94 PCT 98 CDT 23-24
Thank you so much for sharing all that . I think if I hiked the trail my husband would leave me for sure . I just don’t have that courage.
Same here, but I’m thinking about doing it anyway. I’ve done other trails and it’s definitely a life changing experience.❤
I live in the Southerntier of New York State.
I have been a woods tramper most of my life.
New York State has the best trails!
The best views!
No AT for me.
How did it ruin your life, sounds like your life is better now than before.
Exactly! It ruined the life I knew, and opened the door to something better. 🙂
I am in a deep depression…… I wander if the trail would help me??
Hiking can do wonders to lift your spirits - and to find like minded people. There are lots of hiking groups around. If you go hike and see several people, ask if they’re part of a local group.
I am totally alone, so nobody would miss me at home
You might be surprised who cares about you and who would miss you. Hang in there. Sending hugs!