I live in Kansas and have thoroughly enjoyed watching your videos as you crossed our state. I appreciate your honest reactions and your humor. Thank you!
Matt, you are nearly 20 years younger than me. You may find that summers seem to fly by even faster as you get older and more aware of the passage of time. Everybody has their own idea of what makes a life fulfilling and I think you guys are definitely onto it. You are certainly making amazing memories. My father used to jokingly pronounce certain words wrong and I heard him say AR-Kansas. I always thought he was goofing but maybe not.
You and Jen have really been struggling with this heat. I honestly don’t know how you guys do it. I appreciate everything that you do so I can follow along your journey. I don’t care if it is a short video or long video, I enjoy them all. I pray the heat will ease up for you soon. I know you will miss Jen, enjoy each other the few days you have left. You both take care and stay safe. God bless you both! ❤
I'm glad you made it into the office at the Coop. If you want to know the latest news in the community you go into the elevator and can discuss the world's problems and how to solve them. (or so I've been told). Our pastor who came from out east form the city could probably write a book on the subject.
The Amtrak Southwest Chief goes within 3/4 mile of my place in the very early mornings. We always have a fond memory when passing Kendall as that's the name of our oldest son.
@4:58 That is the AMTRAK Southwest Chief passing you by, making its way to Union Station, Los Angeles... plus a ton of other stops (I've traveled on it many a time.) You two are almost there to the CO border, good thing it will be cooling off finally. Nothing worse than trying to backpack when it's 90+ degrees outside. Now go get a good night's sleep!!! 😊👍
Good mileage despite the heat. Lots of abandoned farm houses, a problem throughout the midwest. All those small farms first swallowed up in the dust bowl and then eaten by Big Ag. Really hard to survive out there with small farms. Hike on to CO! Tortoise
I have also been told they are the result of family members dying. There isn’t enough demand where it’s worth it to sell so they just kind of sit empty and people have multiple properties to their name.
The cattle in the field reminded me when we made our first trek out to California coast by Bodega Bay. It was foggy. Ocean on one side and turned around and there were cowboys with cattle in the hills behind us.
I picture living out in the middle of nowhere, it's 6 in the morning, and my bedroom window is open. Then, I am slowly woken up by the sound of feet on the gravel road in front of my house, and someone talking and laughing as they go past. The first thought might be, "No more coffee before bed for me."😉😁
I may have occasionally considered how it would sound if anyone was overhearing whatever latest ridiculous thing I was saying to try and make Jen laugh…
Excitement city....second to last day...out of the frying pan into the ???? You are true troopers, perhaps the commemorative patch or decal for the trail should have you both on it.... although I love the 🌽 field nap photo you might want to pick a more vertical pose ? You're amazing, both of you. !
Yep, it's going to be a sad day when Jen has to leave, but here in Indiana, all the schools are back in session as of this past week already. Enjoy your time together while you have it. "Groundhog Day" (the movie) doesn't work in real life, and if your time together didn't come to an end, it would mean you wouldn't be making progress towards your final goal. I never sat and read them before, because usually, I tend to watch your videos earlier in the morning and there aren't but a couple, if any at that time. You get some, umm, interesting comments. Maybe, they're mine?
I'm sure lots of people ask why you would hike Kansas this time of year, to which the answer is: because it's Kansas. The heat lets up about five seconds before it starts snowing
This section does pose one of the bigger challenges of the entire #americandiscoverytrail. Just because I don’t think you can really avoid the hot weather coming through here unless you take a significantly shorter route or divided up into multiple years.
Looking forward to Colorado ! Shame Taters has to leave in Pueblo. The ADT looks nice after Denver and you have a litle trail to traverse part of the city . Keep on trekking .
What version of the map are you looking at? There is an alt that goes north from Pueblo and then appears to jump on a trail to go through Denver. I will be actually following the full route out to Canyon city at which I get up on some trails and follow that North and then drop East and Garden of the Gods
@@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes I didn't know what you were talking about until I read till the end of the comments here. They're as bad as that Mennopitbul at Durham. Maybe that's who it was!
Despite the wind and the crowds looked like a scenic place next to the lake at Syracuse Sands state park. By the way it said August 6th at the start of this video, day 132, and the video the day before was August 4th, day 131. Typo?
@@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes No worries Matt. It wasn’t a critique just an observation, and I know how much hard work you put into making these videos. They are very much appreciated. My wife and I really enjoy following your journeys. -Geo
There were some kids swimming on the other side, but we were both feeling rough enough. We basically curled up in the shade and just waited for it to cool down.
@johndemeen5575 winter weather isn’t going to be a problem until October. I am basically trying to keep up a good pace so I have a chance to make it to the Sierra Nevada before the passes close. If that doesn’t work out, I’ll have to come back and do the last however, many hundred miles next year after the Yukon.
@@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes Is CO getting to enjoy the cold front too or did it miss them? Our temps in MO dropped to the mid-80's for the last week. Though this week is all rain again.
Okay I have to make this comment guys so don’t get upset: why do this trail or any trail if you don’t enjoy it, you missed so much of Kansas only seeing a small portion yes it’s hot in Kansas but all Kansas-an know western portion of this state is hell this time of year!! However, when you come back with a teardrop trailer and stop to see the Flint Hills , the rolling hills, red gypsum hills, t forest of the falls river and all the many lakes, museums, historic trails That’s seeing Kansas😊
The point of the trip wasn’t to see Kansas. It was to walk from the East Coast to the west. That is the thing that I enjoy and kind of fascinates me. I enjoy seeing what I’m going to see as I pass through any given area, but I don’t dwell on oh, I missed some other corner of the state. And when it comes to long distance hikes like this, the good days and the bad days are all part of the adventure.
@@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes I understand that was the point and the first pioneers complained about the great deserts of the west but really there must be something you have enjoyed on this journey 😉
How would you say I am disparaging Kansas? I am describing the day to day of what goes on hiking along the American Discovery Trail through Kansas. Heat, flies, traffic, etc can just as easily be considered a criticism of the ADT route or the time of year I had to go through due to the realities of the long distance route. I have also been joking about taters not liking Kansas because this crossing was one of the major challenges apparent to me when I planned out this trip. But I am also very positive on a lot of aspects of what it’s like crossing this state. Enjoyable farm roads, a few cool cities, and the camping in small towns for example
As far as enjoyable parts of Kansas we did go on at length about how mellow and then pretty Flint Hills was. Lawrence was a neat town with nice folks and going through there in the storm was a lot of fun. We had a lot of fun and positive encounters with folks even during the rougher parts. See the camp at the bison are, etc. walking on the farm roads through the corn early in the day or late in the evening watching the clouds was awesome. And all the little towns that let us stay in their parks and such which was a real treat you don’t see as often on the bigger trails. Having said all of that this area of the country is just honestly considered one of the bigger challenges of doing a through hike of the #americandiscoverytrail due to the timing you are forced into.
"We'll be out of Kansas and get to Colorado where they have public land." A derogative remark for the sake of a derogatory remark. Context... Kansas, I guess private land is the price for having food on the table.
I don’t think I would call that nasty or derogatory just making a statement about the different approaches to public land. I was born in Texas for example and that state also does not prioritize public land as much as others out there and that’s something that becomes very front and center when you do an activity like this. The portion here in Eastern Colorado has been very similar to Western Kansas with a good amount of farms etc but we are starting to see public land again. That is something worthy of comment for anyone potentially looking at doing this same sort of trip
There is almost no public land in the U.S. east of Colorado and its a real pain in the ass for those of us who love nature but can't afford to buy a private ranch just be there without someone else's permission. Quit taking it personally this has nothing to do with you or Kansas.
@@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes Many people in Kansas hate public land. The county of Marion where the local paper got raided last year from the local police are trying to put a county ordinance in to not have anything to do with the 30 30 initiative (which is a goal to set aside 30 percent land for conservation commitment). I personally grew up on a farm etc. and would love to see more "public" land in Kansas. Can't even navigate many waters in Kansas.
I think that they show a very good side of Kansas in their videos. They stay more positive than I probably would have. Yes, there's prettier areas than were presented here but it looks pretty like the norm that I see everyday.
I am always a bit surprised when encountering out and out hostility against public land. I can at least understand ranchers and landowners not wanting people on their own specific land but the idea that public recreation land is something to get livid about is just a sad state of affairs
I live in Kansas and have thoroughly enjoyed watching your videos as you crossed our state. I appreciate your honest reactions and your humor. Thank you!
As the unofficial ambassador of MO, we were *extremely* happy Tators got to see our portion of the trail. 😊 Welcome to come back any old time!
Matt, you are nearly 20 years younger than me. You may find that summers seem to fly by even faster as you get older and more aware of the passage of time. Everybody has their own idea of what makes a life fulfilling and I think you guys are definitely onto it. You are certainly making amazing memories.
My father used to jokingly pronounce certain words wrong and I heard him say AR-Kansas. I always thought he was goofing but maybe not.
There's also a border town in Kansas called Arkansas.
You and Jen have really been struggling with this heat. I honestly don’t know how you guys do it. I appreciate everything that you do so I can follow along your journey. I don’t care if it is a short video or long video, I enjoy them all. I pray the heat will ease up for you soon. I know you will miss Jen, enjoy each other the few days you have left. You both take care and stay safe. God bless you both! ❤
One day at a time :)
Did I hear you say Ar Kansas river? It's rubbing off on you! Love it.
Ar Kansas River in the state of Kansaw has been the running joke
I'm glad you made it into the office at the Coop. If you want to know the latest news in the community you go into the elevator and can discuss the world's problems and how to solve them. (or so I've been told). Our pastor who came from out east form the city could probably write a book on the subject.
The Amtrak Southwest Chief goes within 3/4 mile of my place in the very early mornings. We always have a fond memory when passing Kendall as that's the name of our oldest son.
Thanks, safe journeys. ✌🏻👊🏼
@4:58 That is the AMTRAK Southwest Chief passing you by, making its way to Union Station, Los Angeles... plus a ton of other stops (I've traveled on it many a time.) You two are almost there to the CO border, good thing it will be cooling off finally. Nothing worse than trying to backpack when it's 90+ degrees outside. Now go get a good night's sleep!!! 😊👍
Thanks for the outros Jen they make for a sweet ending to even the more masochistic videos 😅🙏
Good mileage despite the heat. Lots of abandoned farm houses, a problem throughout the midwest. All those small farms first swallowed up in the dust bowl and then eaten by Big Ag. Really hard to survive out there with small farms. Hike on to CO! Tortoise
I have also been told they are the result of family members dying. There isn’t enough demand where it’s worth it to sell so they just kind of sit empty and people have multiple properties to their name.
Hey Y'all, you have my respect !
The cattle in the field reminded me when we made our first trek out to California coast by Bodega Bay. It was foggy. Ocean on one side and turned around and there were cowboys with cattle in the hills behind us.
I picture living out in the middle of nowhere, it's 6 in the morning, and my bedroom window is open. Then, I am slowly woken up by the sound of feet on the gravel road in front of my house, and someone talking and laughing as they go past. The first thought might be, "No more coffee before bed for me."😉😁
I may have occasionally considered how it would sound if anyone was overhearing whatever latest ridiculous thing I was saying to try and make Jen laugh…
You should create a Tatter bobble head yelling at head of corn. I’ll buy one
Excitement city....second to last day...out of the frying pan into the ????
You are true troopers, perhaps the commemorative patch or decal for the trail should have you both on it.... although I love the 🌽 field nap photo you might want to pick a more vertical pose ? You're amazing, both of you. !
Yep, it's going to be a sad day when Jen has to leave, but here in Indiana, all the schools are back in session as of this past week already. Enjoy your time together while you have it. "Groundhog Day" (the movie) doesn't work in real life, and if your time together didn't come to an end, it would mean you wouldn't be making progress towards your final goal.
I never sat and read them before, because usually, I tend to watch your videos earlier in the morning and there aren't but a couple, if any at that time. You get some, umm, interesting comments. Maybe, they're mine?
You would not believe some of the comments that RUclips blocks with its automatic filter/some of the unhinged emails I have gotten…
@@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes the price of increased views haha. Yay the internet!
I do joke that I can tell how much extra exposure our videos are getting based on the mean comments. And I’m only half kidding
dorTHEE? DORTheee! 🌪
Perfect
I'm sure lots of people ask why you would hike Kansas this time of year, to which the answer is: because it's Kansas. The heat lets up about five seconds before it starts snowing
This section does pose one of the bigger challenges of the entire #americandiscoverytrail. Just because I don’t think you can really avoid the hot weather coming through here unless you take a significantly shorter route or divided up into multiple years.
Yep, we (Kansas) had the 6th coldest day in August yesterday. Had to wear my coat when working outside.
I kept commenting how freaky it was when we had to actually wear our fleeces that day. Then two days later back to the 90s
Looking forward to Colorado ! Shame Taters has to leave in Pueblo. The ADT looks nice after Denver and you have a litle trail to traverse part of the city . Keep on trekking .
What version of the map are you looking at? There is an alt that goes north from Pueblo and then appears to jump on a trail to go through Denver. I will be actually following the full route out to Canyon city at which I get up on some trails and follow that North and then drop East and Garden of the Gods
@@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes Waymarked Trails website.
Nice vid thanks
Also, that train you caught site of would be the mighty Southwest Chief. Your travels through Missouri and Kansas follow its route pretty closely
kansas looked ideal for a bike pack
Looking forward to the point where you can turn and say "Taters, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore". Almost another state down, whoo!
Don’t let those oddly hostile Kansas folks who keep leaving comments hear you say that…
@@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes I didn't know what you were talking about until I read till the end of the comments here. They're as bad as that Mennopitbul at Durham. Maybe that's who it was!
Despite the wind and the crowds looked like a scenic place next to the lake at Syracuse Sands state park. By the way it said August 6th at the start of this video, day 132, and the video the day before was August 4th, day 131. Typo?
Dammit, I did a screw one up? I’m always trying to do the map slides first thing in the morning and we really haven’t been sleeping much.
@@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes
No worries Matt. It wasn’t a critique just an observation, and I know how much hard work you put into making these videos. They are very much appreciated. My wife and I really enjoy following your journeys.
-Geo
Where are all the people? They are where its air conditioned!
Could you swim in the lake to cool off or not swimable?
There were some kids swimming on the other side, but we were both feeling rough enough. We basically curled up in the shade and just waited for it to cool down.
What about winter in the Mountains? Just a few weeks.
I’m not sure I understand your question
@@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes will you keep walking, going through the mountains in snow, and cold?
@johndemeen5575 winter weather isn’t going to be a problem until October. I am basically trying to keep up a good pace so I have a chance to make it to the Sierra Nevada before the passes close. If that doesn’t work out, I’ll have to come back and do the last however, many hundred miles next year after the Yukon.
😎✌
And Spoiler Alert eastern Colorado is much worst than western Kansas😳
Day 123. Short video, but felt like a struggle for you.
Yeah, it was a rough one. Since I’m the one that records 90% of the footage usually a shorter video means that I was struggling quite a bit
@@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes the heat was brutal last week in Colorado, imagine it was oppressive in Kansas.
@hankremer6606 at least the end is in sight now. Once I get to Colorado Springs, it should be a little easier to manage as I’ll be at higher altitude.
@@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes Is CO getting to enjoy the cold front too or did it miss them? Our temps in MO dropped to the mid-80's for the last week. Though this week is all rain again.
There is actually a high of 67 or 69 the other day here in eastern Colorado. So now we are back up into the low 90s.
After Jen leaves no offense but you will become you masochistic self again 😮😢
Promise Land… Not Kansas… LOL
Okay I have to make this comment guys so don’t get upset: why do this trail or any trail if you don’t enjoy it, you missed so much of Kansas only seeing a small portion yes it’s hot in Kansas but all Kansas-an know western portion of this state is hell this time of year!! However, when you come back with a teardrop trailer and stop to see the Flint Hills , the rolling hills, red gypsum hills, t forest of the falls river and all the many lakes, museums, historic trails That’s seeing Kansas😊
The point of the trip wasn’t to see Kansas. It was to walk from the East Coast to the west. That is the thing that I enjoy and kind of fascinates me. I enjoy seeing what I’m going to see as I pass through any given area, but I don’t dwell on oh, I missed some other corner of the state. And when it comes to long distance hikes like this, the good days and the bad days are all part of the adventure.
@@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes But you do inappropriately disparage Kansas with nasty unfounded remarks. I realize thats just you...
@@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes I understand that was the point and the first pioneers complained about the great deserts of the west but really there must be something you have enjoyed on this journey 😉
How would you say I am disparaging Kansas? I am describing the day to day of what goes on hiking along the American Discovery Trail through Kansas. Heat, flies, traffic, etc can just as easily be considered a criticism of the ADT route or the time of year I had to go through due to the realities of the long distance route. I have also been joking about taters not liking Kansas because this crossing was one of the major challenges apparent to me when I planned out this trip. But I am also very positive on a lot of aspects of what it’s like crossing this state. Enjoyable farm roads, a few cool cities, and the camping in small towns for example
As far as enjoyable parts of Kansas we did go on at length about how mellow and then pretty Flint Hills was. Lawrence was a neat town with nice folks and going through there in the storm was a lot of fun. We had a lot of fun and positive encounters with folks even during the rougher parts. See the camp at the bison are, etc. walking on the farm roads through the corn early in the day or late in the evening watching the clouds was awesome. And all the little towns that let us stay in their parks and such which was a real treat you don’t see as often on the bigger trails. Having said all of that this area of the country is just honestly considered one of the bigger challenges of doing a through hike of the #americandiscoverytrail due to the timing you are forced into.
"We'll be out of Kansas and get to Colorado where they have public land." A derogative remark for the sake of a derogatory remark. Context... Kansas, I guess private land is the price for having food on the table.
I don’t think I would call that nasty or derogatory just making a statement about the different approaches to public land. I was born in Texas for example and that state also does not prioritize public land as much as others out there and that’s something that becomes very front and center when you do an activity like this. The portion here in Eastern Colorado has been very similar to Western Kansas with a good amount of farms etc but we are starting to see public land again. That is something worthy of comment for anyone potentially looking at doing this same sort of trip
There is almost no public land in the U.S. east of Colorado and its a real pain in the ass for those of us who love nature but can't afford to buy a private ranch just be there without someone else's permission.
Quit taking it personally this has nothing to do with you or Kansas.
@@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes Many people in Kansas hate public land. The county of Marion where the local paper got raided last year from the local police are trying to put a county ordinance in to not have anything to do with the 30 30 initiative (which is a goal to set aside 30 percent land for conservation commitment). I personally grew up on a farm etc. and would love to see more "public" land in Kansas. Can't even navigate many waters in Kansas.
I think that they show a very good side of Kansas in their videos. They stay more positive than I probably would have. Yes, there's prettier areas than were presented here but it looks pretty like the norm that I see everyday.
I am always a bit surprised when encountering out and out hostility against public land. I can at least understand ranchers and landowners not wanting people on their own specific land but the idea that public recreation land is something to get livid about is just a sad state of affairs