Thank you Evan for teaching me a whole lot of things about thru hiking the AT, even after I thru hiked the AT. You are a special person who seems to add value to everyone you come in contact with. So thankful you took us along.
ER--what a great comment, thanks! I really appreciate it, and I really appreciate all the support you gave this year to the thru-hiking class of 2018. And the support you gave me! I was always so excited to get a comment from you, and I usually read them to my hiking companions. You were with me on this hike more than you'll ever know! Thanks again . . .
Liz's final (and unforgettable) AT video is here: ruclips.net/video/2Lc1b3qcKWk/видео.html Please watch it at once: you won't be disappointed! Now, about what I'm doing going forward-- I’m writing this comment from home-which means I’m back at home! The homecoming with Andrea and Sam was incredible. Of course, I miss my trail friends, but the nice thing about the AT is, I can *remain* friends with Liz, Luke, Yelp and others after the AT is over. And I will! Some have asked about "post-trail adjustment." I’m so glad I hiked the AT, but I’m also glad I’m back at home. For me, post-trail adjustment will be easy. For one, I’m returning to a busy life. And two, I can rely on one of the truths I learned about myself on the AT: being at home with my family will always be preferable to being away. (Well, I knew this already, but the AT experience confirmed it for me once again.) If you have specific questions about my hike, please leave a comment and I promise to respond. My email address is in the video description, but please limit the emails to private matters. If you think the answer to your questions might be beneficial to others, please leave a comment rather than sending an email. If you want to stay connected to me in my upcoming activities, here's how to do it. (1) Friend me on Facebook, "Evan Schaeffer" (2) Follow me on Instagram, where I post my artwork. "evan.schaeffer" (3) Follow me on Twitter. I haven't been using it much lately, but I might start, primarily for my music activities. "@eschaeff" (4) Links to all the places you can find my music are listed on the website "evanschaeffermusic.com." That includes Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCloud (all my new stuff goes here first), Free Music Archive, and my other RUclips channel, "Evan Schaeffer Music." (5) If you have any interest in satiric writing about lawyers and the law, check out my book "How to Feed a Lawyer (and Other Observations from the Legal Underground)" at Amazon. (6) Finally, there is a website that collects my biography, writings, and all other relevant links in one place--"evanschaeffer.com" Thanks to all who followed my hiking adventures on this channel! And remember, it's not ALL about the Appalachian Trail -- I've hiked many trails and tried to make interesting videos about them, including the Benton MacKaye Trail and the Sheltowee Trace, plus many trips in the Smokies. All these videos will remain up at this channel, probably for years, so consider watching them sometime if you haven't already!
Evan THANK YOU. Your videos inspired me to get back out there after many years of just going to work and coming home. I fell back in love with hiking and have made it my goal to complete the Benton MacKaye Trail in 2019.
You'll love the Benton MacKaye Trail! Of the long trails I've done so far, I think it's my favorite. Of course, it's very different than the AT, which I explained in my short second video in my Benton MacKaye series of videos: ruclips.net/video/H_iWcALz4-E/видео.html Thanks for commenting and good luck on the BMT!
I met a thru hiker on the Superior Hiking Trail and had the pleasure of talking with him about his gear, his progress, etc. One of his recommendations to me was to watch your RUclips videos because he learned so much from you. I would echo his recommendation, and I'd like to thank you for sharing your knowledge, your journey, and, particularly, your wisdom as you traversed the AT.
I've been following your AT hike from the beginning. I commented on AT#1 video and offered you this deal: "Evan, yours is the AT vlog I've been looking forward to this year, and I'm glad you've begun. But let's strike a deal. You do the hiking, suffer the cold, bear the heat, deal with the privations, undertake the difficulties, deal with the wear and tear on your body, go through the daily rituals (ER called them the priorities of work). Us, we'll sit in our recliners, couches, and comfy chairs, sip our tea, Diet Cokes, and even the occasional root beer, and we will cheer you on. Does that seem fair? You be safe, my friend. We are pulling for you!" I kept up my end of the bargain. You did a terrific job keeping up your end. A great hike; I enjoyed it immensely. And I have to tell you, I'm going to miss our regular visits. You take care. Happy hiking!
I remember that comment on my first video! Thanks for "pulling for me," and thanks for keeping up your end of the bargain too. As for our "regular visits," in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
To repeat, thanks for taking us along! I watched the whole series from beginning to end over a few weeks. Nicely done! No doubt, the effort of documenting your experience will influence others that once thought such adventure impossible for them. I have to concur on the minimalist way to travel. I tour the country regularly via motorcycle for weeks at a time camping for free wherever I can find a 7'x7' plot of ground. Part of the adventure is completing such journeys with minimal modern accommodations but with fantastic comfort. The bike is only a small 600cc Bandit. When I relay my adventures to non-travelers, they look at me like I have three heads -- "You can't be comfortable." I stop and hike on these journeys as much as I can. The moto boots are only good for riding. They're too protective and heavy for anything other than a parking overlook jaunt. Pedestrian mileage off the bike is accomplished with only Teva sandals. I concur 100% with your assessments of sandal hiking. After a few days stop in Acadia National Park in Maine -- seven summits in one day in Tevas. I chartered a float plane pilot to fly me out into the Maine outback for a week. I took limited provisions and ate fresh-caught Northern Pike steam-poached with wild all the wild cranberries I could eat -- one of many such stunning adventures. Happy trails and once again, bravo!
Congratulations, Evan! I've enjoyed your videos and watching your journey. You carved out your own style, and you did it without judging how others hiked their hikes. You were part of the best tramily I've seen yet with Liz, Luke, and Yelp. You all did your own thing, but you watched out for each other and supported one another. It was so awesome of you to remember the other hikers you shared the trail with along your journey. I am so happy for Luke and Liz, and wish them an eternity of happiness. Evan, wherever life takes you, I wish you all the very best. To Andrea and Sam, thank you for being the best backup singers in the world (and thank you for Ashoken Farewell, Sam!). It was great to share this moment of your life, and, as it is always sad to say goodbye to the things we come to love. Your journey personified what Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote when he said, "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."
What a great comment--as were all your comments along the way! Thanks for all your support. Great quote too (I need to read more Emerson). As for "wherever life takes you" etc., I'm really not going away. I'm just going to start hiking without a camera in my hand. In the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. I'm glad for anyone to follow along in my other adventures!
Thank you so much for your videos. By now, we know you didn’t completely stop videoing and I’m glad. I so appreciate your style of narrating (humor, history, trivia, and thoughts about your own hiking methods). I also loved that while hiking you were very connected to your family at home and they were super supportive of you. Really just all around awesome portrayal of your life on the AT. Congrats!
Well done. Interesting how your hiking persona changed from the older videos 2/3 years ago to today. I appreciate your perspectives and respect of some of the history along the trail. I think it’s a good time to break from the videos, seems like some get addicted to having to make more videos and endless equipment reviews. As a section hiker with no inclination to through hike I’ve gotten enough of your highlights to make good decisions for future hikes so thank you for that. Enjoyed the ride, remember life is the true through hike, but you had a great walk.
Thanks, Bob. Great comment. I have great respect for you "as a section hiker." Many of us discussed along the way that it's section hikers who really experience the AT the right way. Thru-hiking brings too many physical and emotional problems, at least for some people, that ultimately stand in the way of their enjoyment of the trail. I don't regret thru-hiking the AT, but I think now that section hiking is the way to go. (And your comment that "life is the true thru-hike"--couldn't agree more, and I'm going to remember it. Really quite profound.)
Big thanks Evan to you and all your support team, hope hauling me didn't add too much weight to your load, I haven't hiked the trail but your efforts have enabled me to experience so much of it, inhale the accomplishment, digest the sheer excitement, Nashville bound, no blues, just some more vids, don't abandon us, you've no idea how much more you can offer !
Thanks, great comment! It made me smile. As for my future endeavors, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Evan, it was the best coincidence to end up in Nashville for your homecoming. (Thanks Andrea and Sam for letting me share the moment!). Even after the in person debriefing, I teared up at the end of this. You did it!
I just found your video's a couple days ago. I have watched the first to the last almost non stop to the end. I loved every minute of watching your journey. Thank you for sharing your version of the trail. There was something about your positive attitude that I truly needed the last couple days.
Best of all Vlogs on any trail; AT, PCT, CDT, FL Trail, etc., --all of them. Hands down best, the BEST. LEARNED so many great things, saw such great videos, such great music. And Evan kept it engaging and interesting the entire time. Actually even before he started hiking . All the prep videos also. Thank you SIR, for all you have given us and shared. Sadly, all good things must come to an end. But I hope to see you again--perhaps doing other endeavors? Simply the BEST Sincerely Yermo CONGRATULATIONS on your summit of Mt. KATAHDIN p.s. Checking RUclips each day, just ain't gonna be the same. Just knowing I won't find any new Evan Videos. I'll keep looking around. Maybe I missed a few?
Thanks for your very kind comment! Also, thanks for all your comments and encouragement along the way. It's true, I have a lot of videos up that aren't about the AT, and those aren't going anywhere. Also, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Evan! Thanks so much for all of your videos over the last few years. Your Sheltowee Trace videos are actually a reference point for my Sheltowee hike. While it saddens me that we won't be getting any new backpacking videos, I'm so appreciative for the ones you've graced us with. Thank you for your transparency and love for the trail.
If you haven't done the Sheltowee Trace yet, good luck! As for future videos, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away! (I'm already messing around with an idea about putting my post-trail thoughts and gear reviews on Instagram. The first short little post is already up.)
Wow ! This was an emotional ending for me, and I wasn't even there !!! I will probably never get the opportunity, so I've lived this journey through your eyes and thoughts and I appreciate your wonderful efforts in sharing this adventure. I know you and your family must be thrilled that it's over but I hate to see it end. Thank you Evan and I truly wish you all the best.
Thanks so much for your support of this channel over the years. I really, truly appreciate it. Also, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Congratulations to you, Liz (Mrs), Luke (Mr), and Yelp! Thanks so much for taking the time to share your hike with all of us. Really enjoyed the Tarantino-esque narrative style and all the tidbits about the AT. Happy homecoming!
Thanks so much! I never thought of my style as Tarantino-esque--I'm more inspired, I think, by Casey Neistat on RUclips. Although there was one shot from someplace in Virginia with Denny, Smoky, Griz, and others headed to dinner which was an obvious reference to Reservoir Dogs. With that said, I've seen all of Tarantino's movies more than once, so I appreciate the reference!
I am glad you followed Sam's advice for your hike. Glad you softened up or wore down Andrea to allow you to hike. That left it up to you to bring the warmth and sunshine to your hike. Thank goodness for duality to allow you to bring a different warmth and sunshine to the trail through your humor and observations. Keep moving forward.....it was a pleasure to follow along.
Is it stupid to admit I got goose bumps when Yelp said "We're gonna do it together", or that a drop of water fell out of my eye when y'all were posing in front of the sign at the top, or that two drops fell out when you announced the news of Liz and Luke, or that three drops fell out when I saw the picture of you between the two of them????? I gotta head over to Her channel to get the details of that!!!! Thanks to all of you for sharing your journey!👍🏻 --- Chris
Chris, man oh man -- thanks for sticking with me all along my hike, and for keeping up with the videos, and for commenting, and for sending me some private encouragement when you thought I needed it. I'll always be grateful! And I'm very happy that the video moved you. For once, I broke my rule of not using music and other little tricks to ramp up the emotion. But I'm glad I did. Thanks again!
Been following you for the past 1.5-years. What a HAPPY DAY for you all. 👍😊😊😊, But is a sad day for us, we're going to miss your videos. I really think you did a great job telling / showing the AT like it is... ☹️👍❤️ Evan Thank You so much... BiggBeniii Fla.
Thanks, I really appreciate your comment -- because yes, I did try to "tell it like it is." As for the future, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Thank you Evan for sharing your hike. I have watched them all and enjoyed every minute. I do not understand those that would criticize anyone for the way they hike or do their videos. You provided your perspective and shared of yourself, and all of that was free to me. Blessings to you!
I'm glad too, and thanks for all your support along the way. Also, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Got you on instagram and I also have facebook. Keep the Superior Hiking Trail on your list. I would like to do it within a couple of years. It's only 240 miles, but that's a lot for me! lol
It has been a beautiful ride. I really appreciate all the hard work that you put into making these videos, so in a small way, we could share in your journeys with you. It was nice to meet you in person. Congratulations Evan, this is one huge accomplishment! I wish you the best in your future journeys and God speed brother. -ATB Adam
Adam, I'm glad you got to share in my adventure, at least a little, at Trail Days. Thanks for your support as I made my way north! I really do appreciate it.
Really have enjoyed your hiking videos and perspectives. I have a feeling you will make more hiking videos after a break. At least I hope you will. Would be interested in a before and after video with your thoughts and data on the diet you have been practicing. Congrats Luke and Liz! Always looked forward to your videos and seeing Luke, Liz and Yelp in the videos.
We had a great team at the end! I don't think I'll make any more videos but it's possible I'll comment on the things you mention somewhere or other. In the pinned comment (the first one), I listed all my social media links where I'll still be active. Thanks for commenting!
Congratulations, Evan! The same goes to Luke, Liz, Yelp, and all of the other thru hikers that complete their journeys. Tennessee is proud of you my friend!
Yes, all the thru-hikers deserve congratulations! I was so lucky to fall in with such a great group. Plus there were all the others I hiked with that I mentioned in the video. Thanks so much for your nice comment!
So glad you had the good weather for Katahdin. I'm going to miss you all so much. You've made a good crew. How wonderful that you found each other. It's been a great privilege to watch this hike. AND MR & MRS!!
No kidding, Mr. and Mrs. -- what a great ending! One of the highlights of my life, I think! Thanks for your nice comment. As for the future, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Evan! You absolutely crushed the AT! Don't be too quick to shut down your channel though. You've got a lot of knowledge that can be useful to future backpackers/thru-hikers. Perhaps you could start a Q&A series. And really, how can you just walk away from backpacking/thru-hiking. I bet you're already thinking about the PCT...
Thanks for the nice comment! I appreciate it. But thinking about the PCT -- no way. Too much time away from the family. As for future videos, I've done so many, and I've shared everything -- there's just nothing too much to add without repeating myself. So it's time for me to do something different on RUclips. As for my future endeavors, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Evan I've been watching your videos since the beginning, along with several AT vloggers this summer. Yours were absolutely the best!! Thank you so much!
I can't help but feel a little bit of emptiness inside realizing I won't see any more backpacking videos from you. Congratulations ! You are truly an inspriation my friend.
Thanks, Jaxx! When I said in the video that I was thankful to those who commented on my past thru-hikes, you were one of the ones I was thinking of specifically. Thanks so much for all your support along the way. As for "emptiness," I appreciate that, but in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away! (As you know . . . )
Evan thank you for taking us along with you and not going home when it was very easy to do so. We are all very proud of you and the grit you showed. Thanks again we appreciate these videos more than you know.
Thank you for sharing your amazing experience with us! I binge-watched most of your videos, and my husband joined me much of the time. I really, really appreciated the fact that your videos were family-friendly, meaning I could have children with me as I watched, and wouldn't have to cover their ears/eyes! I loved the history you included, the scenery, and your commentary was so interesting and engaging. I feel like you are my friend, and I I have gotten to know you through your videos. Thank you again!
Thankyou Evan for letting us follow your amazing journey. I thru hiked the AT in 2016 and since then I've missed the trail so much that watching others vlog it is tough, I just want to be out there again!!! But your style of videos was fantastic and I learnt new things about the trail I never knew when on it. Congratulations!!! Also great to see another Brit do this🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Yes, Yelp was great . . . I'm glad you watched the videos and were able to learn something from them. Maybe you'll be able to get out there again! Thanks for the comment . . .
Hi Evan! I don't know how I went down the rabbit hole of watching AT thru-hiker videos on RUclips, I guess being cooped up the past 5 months, but I just finished watching your thru hike and wanted to say thanks for taking the effort to create such engaging, educational, enjoyable videos. Inspired by you, I bought some peanut butter, tuna packets and olive oil to snack on this week at the grocery store yesterday.
Evan: Can't say enough good things about your videos. The way they are formatted, content, story line, information that you bring about the trail. Your trail family, the bonds that were made during your journey. The timely manner your were able to put your Vlogs up. Thanks for taking us along with you. A journey to remember! Thanks again. The Wolf Pack Kim, Sam and Leo
You're very welcome! I'm glad I was able to put up the videos almost in real time. That's getting easier to do each year, I think, as cell coverage improves. Thanks for noticing it -- and thanks for your comment! Also, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Evan , what an accomplishment ! Thanks for taking us along, you are one of a kind vlogger. You will be missed by the hiking community if you choose to quit vlogging. You have taught many that there are different ways to thru hike for sure. 🤠
Definitely, there are many ways to thru-hike! Thanks for your comment. I'm going to continue hike, but not with a camera. I'll still be active on social media via the accounts I listed in the pinned comment (the first one).
Hey Evan, I want to thank you and your family for this experience. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed tagging along with you and the gang every few days. Good luck in your future endeavors.
Thanks for the comment, and thanks for "tagging along." As for my future endeavors, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Big time Congratz Evan, Liz, Luke and Yelp... smiling big time to see you all made it to Katahdin safely. Thank you so much for all the effort you put into your videos. They will be a lifetime of memories for you for sure. You should be so proud of your efforts.
Evan .. what an inspiring journey. You and the team were simply amazing, informative and fun. Thank you for taking the time to post your journey online.
Congratulations! Thank you for letting me tag along, you have been inspiring, informative and fun. I appreciated your way of hiking, camping, thinking and talking about the trail. I hope your next adventure brings you much joy.
Evan. I have greatly enjoyed your videos. You are one of the most informative hickers I have watched. It is really sad that you will not be posting anymore. You will be greatly missed. I myself am 48 and getting back into backpacking, something I use to enjoy very much. I hope that you still continue to hike and some day post again. I wish you the best in life. God Bless.
Thanks for the nice comment! Good luck out on the trail! As for my future endeavors, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
I've been putting off watching this video because I didn't want it to be over. Thanks for taking us along on your adventure. Congratulations on finishing.
Evan, thank you so much for taking us along on your hike. I could not bring myself to watch this until now. You inspire me. My sons and I have begun the process of hiking all the trails in the Smokies. I really wish you were continuing the hiking videos but understand you probably want to return to life as you know it. Best of luck with everything. I may just look you up next time to Nashville! You will be missed greatly. Thanks again, Tim
All the trails in the Smokies -- that's great! I'd try that myself if I lived a little closer. Maybe someday I'll move to Knoxville. As for my future endeavors, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Evan's Backpacking Videos I live in Bristol, TN so it will be a stretch for me as well. There are around 800 miles of trails. Elizabeth Etnier wrote a book on how she did it. We will see. I would like to do the AT as well. Thanks again Evan, I sincerely enjoyed your commentary and videos. Going to feel lost not getting to watch you! Regards, Tim
Evan! Thanks for sharing your hike with us. I really enjoyed your tarp set ups and commentary. Congratulations on completing your hike- awesome job! 👊🏻💪🏻👍🏻
Thanks, glad you enjoyed the videos! I really love the tarp. I understand it's not for everyone, but I can't understand why more people don't use one. Well, maybe they do, just not on the AT much. Thanks so much for your nice comment!
I really have enjoyed your contributions to the hiking community even before the AT hike so thank you for that. Your coverage of the AT has been great and you have taught us a few things along the way. Thanks for taking us along and allowing us to be part of your journey.
Thanks for all your videos, they will be greatly missed. Congrats on the summit! We have all loved your modesty and great sense of humor. Hope this finds you in good spirits and healing up properly. Continue on life's great hike!
Yes, I'm in great spirits and healing up--hopefully "properly." Thanks for your very nice comment. As for "life's great hike," in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Evan, your channel was the first hiking channel I ever subscribed to. Your videos all the way back to original Mt. Sterling up until Katahdin are a true inspiration to me and they played a big part in my love of hiking. Thanks, buddy and congratulations.
Evan, I just finished watching your hike and all I can say is wow. Thank you so much for the time and energy you put into each episode. I thoroughly enjoyed each and every one. What a trip its been; I feel like I have been right there with you guys. I actually got a bit misty eyed when you summited.. thanks once again for taking us along. Hike on brother!
Thanks so much! And thanks for taking the time to comment. I told Andrea that many of the comments mention her--she's going to read them, but I can tell you in advance that she'll appreciate what you wrote . . .
Evan It has been a real joy to watch your journey northward from here on the other side of the Atlantic. I think I’ve watched everything you’ve done since watching your “Make America Clean Again” film and I’ve learnt so much. The end of your journey on Katahdin was so special and I can completely understand why you’ve decided to retire this channel. Thanks for sharing your journey and my very best wishes for your next adventure whatever it may be.
Great comment, thanks! I've never heard anyone say they started watching my channel because of that video, but it's one that I still like a lot. As for my "next adventure," in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Evan: Thanks for doing the work over the last few months of putting these videos up. It was really fun to follow you progress from day 1. Each year my wife and I follow 1 or 2 hikers end to end. We start out watching 5 or 6 but some of them are just not as much fun to watch so we end up with only one or two. This year it was only you we watched all the videos. (We were actually delighted every time "Hey Even posted a new video")
That's so great to hear -- thanks so much! I follow people each year too. This year, since I got on the trail late, I was able to follow a lot of people up until the end of April. Once I was on the trail, I wasn't able to keep up. But now that I'm home, I can finally catch up. And it's exciting to think that next year, there will be a whole new group of AT thru-hikers . . . Thanks again for taking the time to stop by and comment!
Congratulations on your hike Evan. And it was your hike the way you wanted. Enjoyed every video. As I told the others, I picked 17 hikers to watch this year, and 5 of ya'll made it. The Scoutmaster, PT,Amanda Bess, Liz,and you. Great group to watch with different types of videos, which is what I wanted. Awesome I picked you and Liz from your pre hike videos, and you ended up finishing together. Thanks for lessons learned, thanks for the history of the trail, and thanks especially for allowing me to watch your journey. What a great ending to your hike with Luke and Liz. Awesome Evan, just Awesome. Thanks again.
Thank you Evan for sharing you epic journey with us. I got a little choked up at the end. Going to miss your videos. I've learned a lot from you. Happy trails
Thanks Cory, I really appreciate that! Glad my video moved you a little. As for the future, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Congrats on your success and thanks for the shoutout and support of the ATC and RTK! 2018 was an awesome group and you are an important part of the class!
Evan Thank You for letting me tag along on your adventure. You have no idea how much your hike has inspired me to make the most out of my time on this earth. Sorry to hear you will not be posting any more but always remember you have a special place in our hearts. Best wishes for your next adventure!
Thanks, I'm very glad I was able to inspire you. As for not posting anymore, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Thanks Andrea and Sam! Thanks for sharing Evan! (You can read that second sentence as a thank you to Evan for the video, or you can read it as a reiteration of the first sentence - both apply) I just finished watching every one of your and Liz's videos keeping them as synced up as I could. It was a heartwarming journey. I am very thankful you took the time, carried the extra weight, and ignored the trolls in order to share your videos with everyone. I've thought about what YouTubing is, and in videos like yours and Liz, it is like making a lovely photo album for friends and family then allowing strangers on the subway in a city to look through it and write all over it with a marker (in whatever states of mind they may be in). Thanks for sharing your memories and putting up with the people that are IRRESPONSIBLE on the internet. If I am ever in Nashville I will definitely look you up. Thanks for being unique.
A heart felt congratulations Evan! Thank you for documenting all of your long distance hikes, I've learned so much from you! I think it was very fortunate that you were able to hike with such a positive and dynamic group and the fact that you officiated over the biggest event of Liz and Luke's lives. You are a fortunate man. I'm holding out hope that you'll reconsider making more hiking videos, all the best Evan!
That's a very nice comment, thanks! I was honored to have officiated Luke and Liz's wedding and I'm confident that we'll always be friends--Yelp too, I hope. You're right to say I was fortunate to find such a great group of people to hike with. As for future hiking videos, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Thanks! As for my videos (or lack of them), in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away! (I'm already messing around with an idea about putting my post-trail thoughts and gear reviews on Instagram.)
It was with sadness and joy that I watched this video. I've enjoyed travelling along with you for a long time now. I will miss being educated and inspired by your hikes. Best wishes.
Thanks for following along for so long--I really appreciate it! And thanks for taking the time to comment. As for my future endeavors, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Evan thank you so much for sharing your journey. I thought I knew a lot about the AT but I learned so much more from your AT vlog this year and all of the other vids you posted leading up to it. Your eclectic approach and wit kept me glued to youtube waiting for every update. I already miss your commentary and am a little sad knowing we won't see anymore posts on your channel. I hope after some time you come to change you mind. Your voice is unique in the hiking community and I think you bring a lot to the table. I'll always remember you as the stoveless sandal man. I know there have been others but no one quite like you. I'm planning my own AT journey in a decade but suspect I'll journey to the Smokies and other like environs in the not too distant future. I'll reach out when I do and maybe we can hike some miles together in the future.
The Smokies are great, so have a great time there! And thanks for your very nice comment. As for my future endeavors, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away! (I'm already messing around with an idea about putting my post-trail thoughts and gear reviews on Instagram. The first short posts are already up.)
Evan I knew you were a man of many hats, but learned yet another. Officiating weddings. Cheers to completing your thru hike and opening a new chapter in life.
Hah, I guess you're right! As for the future, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Congratulations, Evan. It has been such a pleasure to follow your journey. You added a different spice to your AT hike vlogging that was so enjoyable to watch. You looked emotionally weary at the end and I’m sure you are glad to be home. Thank you so much for sharing your hike.
Yes, I'm glad to be home. It got emotionally AND physically challenging at the end. The trail seemed to go on forever. In any event, thanks for watching and commenting -- I appreciate it!
Evan, I’ve been watching your videos since you did the Big Frog Mountain loop a few years ago. I was planning a backpacking trip with my college-graduation son there and did a You Tube search and there you were. I remember my wife freaking out because you stated early on in the first day of your hike that it was doubtful that you would see any bears-you saw 4 the first day. She thought her precious son was going to be a bear meal and I was to blame. As it happened we did not have any bear encounters. I’ve watched everything you have published and love the intellectual, informative, and artistic content of each of your videos. I have been truly blessed by your efforts and feel, in some small way, a connection with your journeys. From one Tennessean (Chattanooga) to another, many thanks, Godspeed and happy trails. Brian Massman
That's a great comment, Brian, thanks so much. I've only lived in Tennessee for about four years (before that, it was St. Louis), but my wife Andrea is from Chattanooga and I'm really glad we moved to Tennessee. So much great hiking here! (Not to mention music in Nashville.) I remember that Big Frog trip as if it were yesterday. It's the only time I truly became almost terrified because of bears. For about an hour, they seemed to be everywhere. Anyway, thanks for your description of my videos as intellectual, informative, and artistic--that's sort of what I was striving for, and I appreciate your mentioning it. As for the future, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Congratulations on your summit, Evan. So cool that you officiated for Liz and Luke’s summit wedding. I thoroughly enjoyed your vlogs and following your group; you made a great team! Thanks for talking about the RTK challenge, I missed it in your info section. Happy to make a donation to ATC in recognition of the effort both you and Liz put into your vlogs, both were outstanding. Time to relax and recover after a job well done.
Hey, that's great: thanks for supporting the ATC! Thanks for the comment about my vlogs, and I agree with you that Liz's were outstanding. I'm still looking forward to her final few videos. After that, she plans to continue making hiking videos. I'm looking forward to those too. As for my plans going forward, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Thanks for taking us along for this journey Evan. I had stumbled across your videos when I was researching the Sheltowee. I watched that entire series (twice now) and thought "man this guy is making it hard on himself". But now you're an absolute backpacking machine. Your skill, knowledge, and resolve to hike your own hike is inspiring. I'll miss your backpacking vidoes. As a fellow Nashvillian, I would love to hit the trail with you some time. Thanks again for the hours of entertainment and sneak peek at some trails that I want to do!
There are certainly some great trails in Tennessee! We're very lucky in that regard. All along the Appalachian Trail, I was thinking, "I've seen that before in Tennessee" (where I'm including Big South Fork, South Cumberland State Park, and the Smokies). I think that on the Sheltowee Trip, I *was* making it hard on myself, but I wanted to be certain I could handle the Appalachian Trail at a 4 to 5-month pace. The best thing that hike taught me was that I had to get my pack weight down and get control of my feet. In the end, it all worked out. As for the future, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!(I'm already messing around with an idea about putting my post-trail thoughts and gear reviews on Instagram . . . )
Congratulations, Evan, and thank you for allowing us to come along. It's been quite an adventure and I appreciate getting your perspective. I've been taking notes and one day I might take my own 2000- mile walk, or at least sections. I'll miss your videos and your ideas. Hopefully I'll meet you on the trail one day.
Thanks very much -- I really appreciate it! And don't discount your idea of section hiking: it's doesn't get all the attention of thru-hiking, but it's a great alternative to thru-hiking!
Thanks so much for that Jeep -- although I had lots of doubts myself along the way! Glad you took the time to stop by and comment. You're one of the true stars of the Class of 2018 and it was upsetting that you got injured. Hope that the recovery is going well and you get back on the trail (any trail) soon!
Congratulations Evan. Thank you for all of the videos you've made. I wish they weren't coming to an end because I use yours and others to plan my hikes in addition to living vicariously through them. Best of luck with everything that's still to come.
Thanks for that nice comment -- well, at least I have a lot of videos, probably enough for five or six years of hiking, lol. As for the future, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Evan, Thanks so much for posting your videos. I have dreamed of the hike since in college and now that I am getting close to retirement, perhaps it may happen in 2020. Through your posts, and those of Liz, Joyful Rambler, and others that I found through you, I have learned much about hiking the trail. What an awesome conclusion with the marriage of Liz and Luke. Congratulations on a journey well done! God bless you and your family.
Thank you Evan for teaching me a whole lot of things about thru hiking the AT, even after I thru hiked the AT. You are a special person who seems to add value to everyone you come in contact with. So thankful you took us along.
I would have to agree er-71
Amen brother
Ditto. The history you provided was like no one else has done. It seems like you just started. And, then there's Liz and Luke. Cool.
ER--what a great comment, thanks! I really appreciate it, and I really appreciate all the support you gave this year to the thru-hiking class of 2018. And the support you gave me! I was always so excited to get a comment from you, and I usually read them to my hiking companions. You were with me on this hike more than you'll ever know! Thanks again . . .
Liz's final (and unforgettable) AT video is here: ruclips.net/video/2Lc1b3qcKWk/видео.html Please watch it at once: you won't be disappointed! Now, about what I'm doing going forward--
I’m writing this comment from home-which means I’m back at home! The homecoming with Andrea and Sam was incredible. Of course, I miss my trail friends, but the nice thing about the AT is, I can *remain* friends with Liz, Luke, Yelp and others after the AT is over. And I will!
Some have asked about "post-trail adjustment." I’m so glad I hiked the AT, but I’m also glad I’m back at home. For me, post-trail adjustment will be easy. For one, I’m returning to a busy life. And two, I can rely on one of the truths I learned about myself on the AT: being at home with my family will always be preferable to being away. (Well, I knew this already, but the AT experience confirmed it for me once again.)
If you have specific questions about my hike, please leave a comment and I promise to respond. My email address is in the video description, but please limit the emails to private matters. If you think the answer to your questions might be beneficial to others, please leave a comment rather than sending an email.
If you want to stay connected to me in my upcoming activities, here's how to do it. (1) Friend me on Facebook, "Evan Schaeffer" (2) Follow me on Instagram, where I post my artwork. "evan.schaeffer" (3) Follow me on Twitter. I haven't been using it much lately, but I might start, primarily for my music activities. "@eschaeff" (4) Links to all the places you can find my music are listed on the website "evanschaeffermusic.com." That includes Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCloud (all my new stuff goes here first), Free Music Archive, and my other RUclips channel, "Evan Schaeffer Music." (5) If you have any interest in satiric writing about lawyers and the law, check out my book "How to Feed a Lawyer (and Other Observations from the Legal Underground)" at Amazon. (6) Finally, there is a website that collects my biography, writings, and all other relevant links in one place--"evanschaeffer.com"
Thanks to all who followed my hiking adventures on this channel! And remember, it's not ALL about the Appalachian Trail -- I've hiked many trails and tried to make interesting videos about them, including the Benton MacKaye Trail and the Sheltowee Trace, plus many trips in the Smokies. All these videos will remain up at this channel, probably for years, so consider watching them sometime if you haven't already!
Evan's Backpacking Videos Thanks Evan for these links and The free music to use!!
Evan THANK YOU. Your videos inspired me to get back out there after many years of just going to work and coming home. I fell back in love with hiking and have made it my goal to complete the Benton MacKaye Trail in 2019.
You'll love the Benton MacKaye Trail! Of the long trails I've done so far, I think it's my favorite. Of course, it's very different than the AT, which I explained in my short second video in my Benton MacKaye series of videos: ruclips.net/video/H_iWcALz4-E/видео.html Thanks for commenting and good luck on the BMT!
I met a thru hiker on the Superior Hiking Trail and had the pleasure of talking with him about his gear, his progress, etc. One of his recommendations to me was to watch your RUclips videos because he learned so much from you. I would echo his recommendation, and I'd like to thank you for sharing your knowledge, your journey, and, particularly, your wisdom as you traversed the AT.
I've been following your AT hike from the beginning. I commented on AT#1 video and offered you this deal: "Evan, yours is the AT vlog I've been looking forward to this year, and I'm glad you've begun. But let's strike a deal. You do the hiking, suffer the cold, bear the heat, deal with the privations, undertake the difficulties, deal with the wear and tear on your body,
go through the daily rituals (ER called them the priorities of work). Us, we'll sit in our recliners, couches, and comfy chairs, sip our tea, Diet Cokes, and even the occasional root beer, and we will cheer you on. Does that seem fair? You be safe, my friend. We are pulling for you!"
I kept up my end of the bargain. You did a terrific job keeping up your end. A great hike; I enjoyed it immensely. And I have to tell you, I'm going to miss our regular visits. You take care. Happy hiking!
I remember that comment on my first video! Thanks for "pulling for me," and thanks for keeping up your end of the bargain too. As for our "regular visits," in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
To repeat, thanks for taking us along! I watched the whole series from beginning to end over a few weeks. Nicely done!
No doubt, the effort of documenting your experience will influence others that once thought such adventure impossible for them.
I have to concur on the minimalist way to travel. I tour the country regularly via motorcycle for weeks at a time camping for free wherever I can find a 7'x7' plot of ground. Part of the adventure is completing such journeys with minimal modern accommodations but with fantastic comfort. The bike is only a small 600cc Bandit.
When I relay my adventures to non-travelers, they look at me like I have three heads -- "You can't be comfortable."
I stop and hike on these journeys as much as I can. The moto boots are only good for riding. They're too protective and heavy for anything other than a parking overlook jaunt. Pedestrian mileage off the bike is accomplished with only Teva sandals. I concur 100% with your assessments of sandal hiking.
After a few days stop in Acadia National Park in Maine -- seven summits in one day in Tevas. I chartered a float plane pilot to fly me out into the Maine outback for a week. I took limited provisions and ate fresh-caught Northern Pike steam-poached with wild all the wild cranberries I could eat -- one of many such stunning adventures.
Happy trails and once again, bravo!
Congratulations, Evan! I've enjoyed your videos and watching your journey. You carved out your own style, and you did it without judging how others hiked their hikes. You were part of the best tramily I've seen yet with Liz, Luke, and Yelp. You all did your own thing, but you watched out for each other and supported one another. It was so awesome of you to remember the other hikers you shared the trail with along your journey. I am so happy for Luke and Liz, and wish them an eternity of happiness. Evan, wherever life takes you, I wish you all the very best. To Andrea and Sam, thank you for being the best backup singers in the world (and thank you for Ashoken Farewell, Sam!). It was great to share this moment of your life, and, as it is always sad to say goodbye to the things we come to love. Your journey personified what Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote when he said, "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."
What a great comment--as were all your comments along the way! Thanks for all your support. Great quote too (I need to read more Emerson). As for "wherever life takes you" etc., I'm really not going away. I'm just going to start hiking without a camera in my hand. In the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. I'm glad for anyone to follow along in my other adventures!
Thank you so much for your videos. By now, we know you didn’t completely stop videoing and I’m glad. I so appreciate your style of narrating (humor, history, trivia, and thoughts about your own hiking methods). I also loved that while hiking you were very connected to your family at home and they were super supportive of you. Really just all around awesome portrayal of your life on the AT. Congrats!
Well done. Interesting how your hiking persona changed from the older videos 2/3 years ago to today. I appreciate your perspectives and respect of some of the history along the trail. I think it’s a good time to break from the videos, seems like some get addicted to having to make more videos and endless equipment reviews. As a section hiker with no inclination to through hike I’ve gotten enough of your highlights to make good decisions for future hikes so thank you for that. Enjoyed the ride, remember life is the true through hike, but you had a great walk.
Thanks, Bob. Great comment. I have great respect for you "as a section hiker." Many of us discussed along the way that it's section hikers who really experience the AT the right way. Thru-hiking brings too many physical and emotional problems, at least for some people, that ultimately stand in the way of their enjoyment of the trail. I don't regret thru-hiking the AT, but I think now that section hiking is the way to go. (And your comment that "life is the true thru-hike"--couldn't agree more, and I'm going to remember it. Really quite profound.)
Big thanks Evan to you and all your support team, hope hauling me didn't add too much weight to your load, I haven't hiked the trail but your efforts have enabled me to experience so much of it, inhale the accomplishment, digest the sheer excitement, Nashville bound, no blues, just some more vids, don't abandon us, you've no idea how much more you can offer !
Thanks, great comment! It made me smile. As for my future endeavors, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Evan, it was the best coincidence to end up in Nashville for your homecoming. (Thanks Andrea and Sam for letting me share the moment!). Even after the in person debriefing, I teared up at the end of this. You did it!
Thanks Ellen! I'm glad you happened to be visiting Nashville when I arrived home . . . Glad the video touched you !
I just found your video's a couple days ago. I have watched the first to the last almost non stop to the end. I loved every minute of watching your journey. Thank you for sharing your version of the trail. There was something about your positive attitude that I truly needed the last couple days.
Best of all Vlogs on any trail; AT, PCT, CDT, FL Trail, etc., --all of them. Hands down best, the BEST. LEARNED so many great things, saw such great videos, such great music. And Evan kept it engaging and interesting the entire time. Actually even before he started hiking . All the prep videos also.
Thank you SIR, for all you have given us and shared.
Sadly, all good things must come to an end. But I hope to see you again--perhaps doing other endeavors?
Simply the BEST
Sincerely
Yermo
CONGRATULATIONS on your summit of Mt. KATAHDIN
p.s. Checking RUclips each day, just ain't gonna be the same. Just knowing I won't find any new Evan Videos. I'll keep looking around. Maybe I missed a few?
Thanks for your very kind comment! Also, thanks for all your comments and encouragement along the way. It's true, I have a lot of videos up that aren't about the AT, and those aren't going anywhere. Also, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Evan! Thanks so much for all of your videos over the last few years. Your Sheltowee Trace videos are actually a reference point for my Sheltowee hike. While it saddens me that we won't be getting any new backpacking videos, I'm so appreciative for the ones you've graced us with. Thank you for your transparency and love for the trail.
If you haven't done the Sheltowee Trace yet, good luck! As for future videos, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away! (I'm already messing around with an idea about putting my post-trail thoughts and gear reviews on Instagram. The first short little post is already up.)
Wow ! This was an emotional ending for me, and I wasn't even there !!! I will probably never get the opportunity, so I've lived this journey through your eyes and thoughts and I appreciate your wonderful efforts in sharing this adventure. I know you and your family must be thrilled that it's over but I hate to see it end. Thank you Evan and I truly wish you all the best.
Thanks so much for your support of this channel over the years. I really, truly appreciate it. Also, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
The legend will live long in our hearts... Thank you, Evan!
You're welcome -- thanks for your nice comment!
Congratulations to you, Liz (Mrs), Luke (Mr), and Yelp! Thanks so much for taking the time to share your hike with all of us. Really enjoyed the Tarantino-esque narrative style and all the tidbits about the AT. Happy homecoming!
Thanks so much! I never thought of my style as Tarantino-esque--I'm more inspired, I think, by Casey Neistat on RUclips. Although there was one shot from someplace in Virginia with Denny, Smoky, Griz, and others headed to dinner which was an obvious reference to Reservoir Dogs. With that said, I've seen all of Tarantino's movies more than once, so I appreciate the reference!
I am glad you followed Sam's advice for your hike. Glad you softened up or wore down Andrea to allow you to hike. That left it up to you to bring the warmth and sunshine to your hike. Thank goodness for duality to allow you to bring a different warmth and sunshine to the trail through your humor and observations. Keep moving forward.....it was a pleasure to follow along.
Thanks Mark! I really appreciate that you followed along -- thanks for the comment!
Is it stupid to admit I got goose bumps when Yelp said "We're gonna do it together", or that a drop of water fell out of my eye when y'all were posing in front of the sign at the top, or that two drops fell out when you announced the news of Liz and Luke, or that three drops fell out when I saw the picture of you between the two of them????? I gotta head over to Her channel to get the details of that!!!! Thanks to all of you for sharing your journey!👍🏻
--- Chris
Chris, man oh man -- thanks for sticking with me all along my hike, and for keeping up with the videos, and for commenting, and for sending me some private encouragement when you thought I needed it. I'll always be grateful! And I'm very happy that the video moved you. For once, I broke my rule of not using music and other little tricks to ramp up the emotion. But I'm glad I did. Thanks again!
Been following you for the past 1.5-years. What a HAPPY DAY for you all. 👍😊😊😊, But is a sad day for us, we're going to miss your videos. I really think you did a great job telling / showing the AT like it is... ☹️👍❤️
Evan Thank You so much... BiggBeniii Fla.
Thanks, I really appreciate your comment -- because yes, I did try to "tell it like it is." As for the future, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Congrats Evan, been watching since your sheltowee shakedown. Loved every minute! I'll be following in your footsteps next year! Much respect dude!
That's just awesome -- good luck on the AT! And good luck with your giant RUclips channel!
Thank you Evan for sharing your hike. I have watched them all and enjoyed every minute. I do not understand those that would criticize anyone for the way they hike or do their videos. You provided your perspective and shared of yourself, and all of that was free to me. Blessings to you!
Congratulations Evan, Thank you for sharing your journey. Awesome!
Thanks for taking the time to comment. Appreciate it!
No, thank YOU Evan. Been a pleasure to watch.
Congrats Evan! You did it 👍👍👍👍👍 I'm sure glad to have you as a long time RUclips friend.😀
I'm glad too, and thanks for all your support along the way. Also, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Got you on instagram and I also have facebook. Keep the Superior Hiking Trail on your list. I would like to do it within a couple of years. It's only 240 miles, but that's a lot for me! lol
You're a true inspiration Evan, thanks for sharing your journey!!!!
It has been a beautiful ride. I really appreciate all the hard work that you put into making these videos, so in a small way, we could share in your journeys with you. It was nice to meet you in person. Congratulations Evan, this is one huge accomplishment! I wish you the best in your future journeys and God speed brother. -ATB Adam
Adam, I'm glad you got to share in my adventure, at least a little, at Trail Days. Thanks for your support as I made my way north! I really do appreciate it.
My wife and I have enjoyed your videos Evan. Thanks for sharing them with us.
You're very welcome!
Really have enjoyed your hiking videos and perspectives. I have a feeling you will make more hiking videos after a break. At least I hope you will. Would be interested in a before and after video with your thoughts and data on the diet you have been practicing. Congrats Luke and Liz! Always looked forward to your videos and seeing Luke, Liz and Yelp in the videos.
We had a great team at the end! I don't think I'll make any more videos but it's possible I'll comment on the things you mention somewhere or other. In the pinned comment (the first one), I listed all my social media links where I'll still be active. Thanks for commenting!
Congratulations, Evan! The same goes to Luke, Liz, Yelp, and all of the other thru hikers that complete their journeys. Tennessee is proud of you my friend!
Yes, all the thru-hikers deserve congratulations! I was so lucky to fall in with such a great group. Plus there were all the others I hiked with that I mentioned in the video. Thanks so much for your nice comment!
Words won't do justice to how this video made me feel! I will simply say thank you.
That's great! Glad the video moved you. And you're welcome. Thanks for following along and for commenting!
Evan watched all your videos from start to finish feel like I took every step with you. Will miss the trail and your message. Peace and long life...
Thanks for taking the time to comment, and for following along on my journey. Really appreciate it!
So glad you had the good weather for Katahdin. I'm going to miss you all so much. You've made a good crew. How wonderful that you found each other. It's been a great privilege to watch this hike. AND MR & MRS!!
No kidding, Mr. and Mrs. -- what a great ending! One of the highlights of my life, I think! Thanks for your nice comment. As for the future, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Conratulations!!! I watched your complete thru hike. You are a true inspiration Evan!!
Evan! You absolutely crushed the AT! Don't be too quick to shut down your channel though. You've got a lot of knowledge that can be useful to future backpackers/thru-hikers. Perhaps you could start a Q&A series. And really, how can you just walk away from backpacking/thru-hiking. I bet you're already thinking about the PCT...
Thanks for the nice comment! I appreciate it. But thinking about the PCT -- no way. Too much time away from the family. As for future videos, I've done so many, and I've shared everything -- there's just nothing too much to add without repeating myself. So it's time for me to do something different on RUclips. As for my future endeavors, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Evan I've been watching your videos since the beginning, along with several AT vloggers this summer. Yours were absolutely the best!! Thank you so much!
You're welcome! Thanks a lot for watching and for your kind words!
Awesome! Thank you for all that you have shared and given!
I can't help but feel a little bit of emptiness inside realizing I won't see any more backpacking videos from you. Congratulations ! You are truly an inspriation my friend.
Thanks, Jaxx! When I said in the video that I was thankful to those who commented on my past thru-hikes, you were one of the ones I was thinking of specifically. Thanks so much for all your support along the way. As for "emptiness," I appreciate that, but in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away! (As you know . . . )
Evan thank you for taking us along with you and not going home when it was very easy to do so. We are all very proud of you and the grit you showed. Thanks again we appreciate these videos more than you know.
That's a very nice comment, thanks so much! And thanks for watching my videos and supporting me along the way . . .
Thanks again! Rewatching your videos and Handstand. Most fun and interesting.
Thank you for sharing your amazing experience with us! I binge-watched most of your videos, and my husband joined me much of the time. I really, really appreciated the fact that your videos were family-friendly, meaning I could have children with me as I watched, and wouldn't have to cover their ears/eyes! I loved the history you included, the scenery, and your commentary was so interesting and engaging. I feel like you are my friend, and I I have gotten to know you through your videos. Thank you again!
You're welcome!
Thankyou Evan for letting us follow your amazing journey. I thru hiked the AT in 2016 and since then I've missed the trail so much that watching others vlog it is tough, I just want to be out there again!!! But your style of videos was fantastic and I learnt new things about the trail I never knew when on it. Congratulations!!!
Also great to see another Brit do this🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Yes, Yelp was great . . . I'm glad you watched the videos and were able to learn something from them. Maybe you'll be able to get out there again! Thanks for the comment . . .
Hi Evan! I don't know how I went down the rabbit hole of watching AT thru-hiker videos on RUclips, I guess being cooped up the past 5 months, but I just finished watching your thru hike and wanted to say thanks for taking the effort to create such engaging, educational, enjoyable videos. Inspired by you, I bought some peanut butter, tuna packets and olive oil to snack on this week at the grocery store yesterday.
Doesn't sound like a great non-trail diet, but thanks all the same!
All I can say is THANK YOU SIR!!!! It’s been fun going through this journey with you!
It's been great, I agree--thanks for following along and leaving a comment here.
Well done Even, well done. It was a pleasure following along. You are one of the greats and will be missed. Congratulations and best wishes ❤️
Thanks for much for your comment and for your support along the way!
Awesome accomplishment Evan Congratulations. Thanks for letting us follow your journey.
Nate
Evan:
Can't say enough good things about your videos. The way they are formatted, content, story line, information that you bring about the trail. Your trail family, the bonds that were made during your journey.
The timely manner your were able to put your Vlogs up.
Thanks for taking us along with you. A journey to remember! Thanks again.
The Wolf Pack
Kim, Sam and Leo
You're very welcome! I'm glad I was able to put up the videos almost in real time. That's getting easier to do each year, I think, as cell coverage improves. Thanks for noticing it -- and thanks for your comment! Also, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Thank you Evan for taking me along I enjoyed it! I just watched all in three days
Thanks -- glad you enjoyed the videos!
Evan , what an accomplishment ! Thanks for taking us along, you are one of a kind vlogger. You will be missed by the hiking community if you choose to quit vlogging. You have taught many that there are different ways to thru hike for sure. 🤠
Definitely, there are many ways to thru-hike! Thanks for your comment. I'm going to continue hike, but not with a camera. I'll still be active on social media via the accounts I listed in the pinned comment (the first one).
Hey Evan, I want to thank you and your family for this experience. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed tagging along with you and the gang every few days. Good luck in your future endeavors.
Thanks for the comment, and thanks for "tagging along." As for my future endeavors, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Evan, thanks for taking us on your journey!
You're very welcome--thanks for watching and commenting!
Big time Congratz Evan, Liz, Luke and Yelp... smiling big time to see you all made it to Katahdin safely. Thank you so much for all the effort you put into your videos. They will be a lifetime of memories for you for sure. You should be so proud of your efforts.
Man, we were all smiling too! And to think we ALL made it there safely and without significant injury. Thanks so much for your comment!
Evan .. what an inspiring journey. You and the team were simply amazing, informative and fun. Thank you for taking the time to post your journey online.
You're very welcome! Thanks for following along and for taking the time to comment.
Congratulations! Thank you for letting me tag along, you have been inspiring, informative and fun. I appreciated your way of hiking, camping, thinking and talking about the trail. I hope your next adventure brings you much joy.
Thanks very much!
Evan. I have greatly enjoyed your videos. You are one of the most informative hickers I have watched. It is really sad that you will not be posting anymore. You will be greatly missed. I myself am 48 and getting back into backpacking, something I use to enjoy very much. I hope that you still continue to hike and some day post again. I wish you the best in life.
God Bless.
Thanks for the nice comment! Good luck out on the trail! As for my future endeavors, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
I've been putting off watching this video because I didn't want it to be over. Thanks for taking us along on your adventure. Congratulations on finishing.
Thank you! And thanks for the nice comment!
Evan, thank you so much for taking us along on your hike. I could not bring myself to watch this until now. You inspire me. My sons and I have begun the process of hiking all the trails in the Smokies. I really wish you were continuing the hiking videos but understand you probably want to return to life as you know it. Best of luck with everything. I may just look you up next time to Nashville! You will be missed greatly. Thanks again, Tim
All the trails in the Smokies -- that's great! I'd try that myself if I lived a little closer. Maybe someday I'll move to Knoxville. As for my future endeavors, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Evan's Backpacking Videos I live in Bristol, TN so it will be a stretch for me as well. There are around 800 miles of trails. Elizabeth Etnier wrote a book on how she did it. We will see. I would like to do the AT as well. Thanks again Evan, I sincerely enjoyed your commentary and videos. Going to feel lost not getting to watch you! Regards, Tim
Over... 😭😭😭
Thx for let me being a part of your great trip!!!
Greetings from Germany!
You're welcome! Glad you were able to follow along!
Evan! Thanks for sharing your hike with us. I really enjoyed your tarp set ups and commentary. Congratulations on completing your hike- awesome job! 👊🏻💪🏻👍🏻
Thanks, glad you enjoyed the videos! I really love the tarp. I understand it's not for everyone, but I can't understand why more people don't use one. Well, maybe they do, just not on the AT much. Thanks so much for your nice comment!
I really have enjoyed your contributions to the hiking community even before the AT hike so thank you for that. Your coverage of the AT has been great and you have taught us a few things along the way. Thanks for taking us along and allowing us to be part of your journey.
Thanks for supporting my channel for so long--I really appreciate it. And thanks for your nice comment here!
I have enjoyed this series very much! Great job!
Thanks for all your videos, they will be greatly missed. Congrats on the summit! We have all loved your modesty and great sense of humor. Hope this finds you in good spirits and healing up properly. Continue on life's great hike!
Yes, I'm in great spirits and healing up--hopefully "properly." Thanks for your very nice comment. As for "life's great hike," in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Evan, your channel was the first hiking channel I ever subscribed to. Your videos all the way back to original Mt. Sterling up until Katahdin are a true inspiration to me and they played a big part in my love of hiking. Thanks, buddy and congratulations.
That's great -- glad you followed along all that way! Very nice what you said about by channel. Happy trails!
That was awesome...thank you for taking us with you on this journey it was great....you made me cry ❤️
Glad the video moved you! I was moved too as it was all happening in real time. A very emotional day. Thanks for watching and for your comment!
Thanks for sharing your adventure. I have enjoyed following you along the trail.
Evan, I just finished watching your hike and all I can say is wow. Thank you so much for the time and energy you put into each episode. I thoroughly enjoyed each and every one. What a trip its been; I feel like I have been right there with you guys. I actually got a bit misty eyed when you summited.. thanks once again for taking us along. Hike on brother!
Thanks for the nice comment -- appreciate it!
Excellent! Thank you from the highlands of Roan Mountain,TN.
You're welcome!
Loved watching your adventure. Something to be proud of and remember for a lifetime.
Congratulations Evan! Thanks Andrea for keeping him out there.
Thanks so much! And thanks for taking the time to comment. I told Andrea that many of the comments mention her--she's going to read them, but I can tell you in advance that she'll appreciate what you wrote . . .
Evan It has been a real joy to watch your journey northward from here on the other side of the Atlantic. I think I’ve watched everything you’ve done since watching your “Make America Clean Again” film and I’ve learnt so much. The end of your journey on Katahdin was so special and I can completely understand why you’ve decided to retire this channel.
Thanks for sharing your journey and my very best wishes for your next adventure whatever it may be.
Great comment, thanks! I've never heard anyone say they started watching my channel because of that video, but it's one that I still like a lot. As for my "next adventure," in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Thank you and congratulations, Evan.
You're welcome!
Evan: Thanks for doing the work over the last few months of putting these videos up. It was really fun to follow you progress from day 1. Each year my wife and I follow 1 or 2 hikers end to end. We start out watching 5 or 6 but some of them are just not as much fun to watch so we end up with only one or two. This year it was only you we watched all the videos. (We were actually delighted every time "Hey Even posted a new video")
That's so great to hear -- thanks so much! I follow people each year too. This year, since I got on the trail late, I was able to follow a lot of people up until the end of April. Once I was on the trail, I wasn't able to keep up. But now that I'm home, I can finally catch up. And it's exciting to think that next year, there will be a whole new group of AT thru-hikers . . . Thanks again for taking the time to stop by and comment!
Thank you Evan. I missed a few videos but not many. Thanks for the hard work to keep us a part of YOUR journey!
You're welcome--thanks for watching!
THANKS FOR TAKING ME ALONG MY FRIEND BEEN OF LINE BUT CAUGHT UP FOR THE END ...WELL DONE......peace ....love ....and light
Thanks!
Congratulations on your hike Evan. And it was your hike the way you wanted. Enjoyed every video. As I told the others, I picked 17 hikers to watch this year, and 5 of ya'll made it. The Scoutmaster, PT,Amanda Bess, Liz,and you. Great group to watch with different types of videos, which is what I wanted. Awesome I picked you and Liz from your pre hike videos, and you ended up finishing together. Thanks for lessons learned, thanks for the history of the trail, and thanks especially for allowing me to watch your journey. What a great ending to your hike with Luke and Liz. Awesome Evan, just Awesome. Thanks again.
You’re very welcome-thanks for following along and thanks for commenting!
Thank you Evan for sharing you epic journey with us. I got a little choked up at the end. Going to miss your videos. I've learned a lot from you. Happy trails
Thanks Cory, I really appreciate that! Glad my video moved you a little. As for the future, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Congrats on your success and thanks for the shoutout and support of the ATC and RTK! 2018 was an awesome group and you are an important part of the class!
Thanks, gbolt! I'm glad you and RTK were able to meet up and finish the trail together. I'm proud to be a member of the Class of 2018!
Evan Thank You for letting me tag along on your adventure. You have no idea how much your hike has inspired me to make the most out of my time on this earth. Sorry to hear you will not be posting any more but always remember you have a special place in our hearts. Best wishes for your next adventure!
Thanks, I'm very glad I was able to inspire you. As for not posting anymore, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Thanks Andrea and Sam! Thanks for sharing Evan! (You can read that second sentence as a thank you to Evan for the video, or you can read it as a reiteration of the first sentence - both apply)
I just finished watching every one of your and Liz's videos keeping them as synced up as I could. It was a heartwarming journey. I am very thankful you took the time, carried the extra weight, and ignored the trolls in order to share your videos with everyone.
I've thought about what YouTubing is, and in videos like yours and Liz, it is like making a lovely photo album for friends and family then allowing strangers on the subway in a city to look through it and write all over it with a marker (in whatever states of mind they may be in). Thanks for sharing your memories and putting up with the people that are IRRESPONSIBLE on the internet.
If I am ever in Nashville I will definitely look you up.
Thanks for being unique.
A heart felt congratulations Evan! Thank you for documenting all of your long distance hikes, I've learned so much from you! I think it was very fortunate that you were able to hike with such a positive and dynamic group and the fact that you officiated over the biggest event of Liz and Luke's lives. You are a fortunate man. I'm holding out hope that you'll reconsider making more hiking videos, all the best Evan!
That's a very nice comment, thanks! I was honored to have officiated Luke and Liz's wedding and I'm confident that we'll always be friends--Yelp too, I hope. You're right to say I was fortunate to find such a great group of people to hike with. As for future hiking videos, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Thank you for showing us the A T through your eyes , going to miss your videos and congratulations 👍🏼
Thanks! As for my videos (or lack of them), in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away! (I'm already messing around with an idea about putting my post-trail thoughts and gear reviews on Instagram.)
It was with sadness and joy that I watched this video. I've enjoyed travelling along with you for a long time now. I will miss being educated and inspired by your hikes. Best wishes.
Thanks for following along for so long--I really appreciate it! And thanks for taking the time to comment. As for my future endeavors, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Evan thank you so much for sharing your journey. I thought I knew a lot about the AT but I learned so much more from your AT vlog this year and all of the other vids you posted leading up to it. Your eclectic approach and wit kept me glued to youtube waiting for every update. I already miss your commentary and am a little sad knowing we won't see anymore posts on your channel. I hope after some time you come to change you mind. Your voice is unique in the hiking community and I think you bring a lot to the table. I'll always remember you as the stoveless sandal man. I know there have been others but no one quite like you. I'm planning my own AT journey in a decade but suspect I'll journey to the Smokies and other like environs in the not too distant future. I'll reach out when I do and maybe we can hike some miles together in the future.
The Smokies are great, so have a great time there! And thanks for your very nice comment. As for my future endeavors, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away! (I'm already messing around with an idea about putting my post-trail thoughts and gear reviews on Instagram. The first short posts are already up.)
Congratulations eWolf Evan for making it to Mt Katahdin ! Thanks for sharing your journey with all of us.
You're welcome -- thanks for following along, and thanks for all your comments!
Thank you Evan, thank you so much. Congratulations and all the best. ✌🏼
You're welcome -- thanks for your support along the way!
Congratulations and Thank you for allowing us to be a part of you're hike!
You're very welcome -- thanks for following along!
Evan I knew you were a man of many hats, but learned yet another. Officiating weddings. Cheers to completing your thru hike and opening a new chapter in life.
Hah, I guess you're right! As for the future, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Congratulations, Evan. It has been such a pleasure to follow your journey. You added a different spice to your AT hike vlogging that was so enjoyable to watch. You looked emotionally weary at the end and I’m sure you are glad to be home. Thank you so much for sharing your hike.
Yes, I'm glad to be home. It got emotionally AND physically challenging at the end. The trail seemed to go on forever. In any event, thanks for watching and commenting -- I appreciate it!
Evan, I’ve been watching your videos since you did the Big Frog Mountain loop a few years ago. I was planning a backpacking trip with my college-graduation son there and did a You Tube search and there you were. I remember my wife freaking out because you stated early on in the first day of your hike that it was doubtful that you would see any bears-you saw 4 the first day. She thought her precious son was going to be a bear meal and I was to blame. As it happened we did not have any bear encounters.
I’ve watched everything you have published and love the intellectual, informative, and artistic content of each of your videos. I have been truly blessed by your efforts and feel, in some small way, a connection with your journeys. From one Tennessean (Chattanooga) to another, many thanks, Godspeed and happy trails.
Brian Massman
That's a great comment, Brian, thanks so much. I've only lived in Tennessee for about four years (before that, it was St. Louis), but my wife Andrea is from Chattanooga and I'm really glad we moved to Tennessee. So much great hiking here! (Not to mention music in Nashville.) I remember that Big Frog trip as if it were yesterday. It's the only time I truly became almost terrified because of bears. For about an hour, they seemed to be everywhere. Anyway, thanks for your description of my videos as intellectual, informative, and artistic--that's sort of what I was striving for, and I appreciate your mentioning it. As for the future, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Great videos...great tramily...thank you very much!
Evan - ditto to what everyone else has said, plus, you should get a special thru-hiker's award for hiking the entire trail in sandals!!!! Great job..
Thanks, I really appreciate your comment!
Congratulations on your summit, Evan. So cool that you officiated for Liz and Luke’s summit wedding. I thoroughly enjoyed your vlogs and following your group; you made a great team! Thanks for talking about the RTK challenge, I missed it in your info section. Happy to make a donation to ATC in recognition of the effort both you and Liz put into your vlogs, both were outstanding. Time to relax and recover after a job well done.
Hey, that's great: thanks for supporting the ATC! Thanks for the comment about my vlogs, and I agree with you that Liz's were outstanding. I'm still looking forward to her final few videos. After that, she plans to continue making hiking videos. I'm looking forward to those too. As for my plans going forward, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
Thanks for taking us along for this journey Evan. I had stumbled across your videos when I was researching the Sheltowee. I watched that entire series (twice now) and thought "man this guy is making it hard on himself". But now you're an absolute backpacking machine. Your skill, knowledge, and resolve to hike your own hike is inspiring. I'll miss your backpacking vidoes. As a fellow Nashvillian, I would love to hit the trail with you some time. Thanks again for the hours of entertainment and sneak peek at some trails that I want to do!
There are certainly some great trails in Tennessee! We're very lucky in that regard. All along the Appalachian Trail, I was thinking, "I've seen that before in Tennessee" (where I'm including Big South Fork, South Cumberland State Park, and the Smokies). I think that on the Sheltowee Trip, I *was* making it hard on myself, but I wanted to be certain I could handle the Appalachian Trail at a 4 to 5-month pace. The best thing that hike taught me was that I had to get my pack weight down and get control of my feet. In the end, it all worked out. As for the future, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!(I'm already messing around with an idea about putting my post-trail thoughts and gear reviews on Instagram . . . )
Congratulations, Evan, and thank you for allowing us to come along. It's been quite an adventure and I appreciate getting your perspective. I've been taking notes and one day I might take my own 2000- mile walk, or at least sections. I'll miss your videos and your ideas. Hopefully I'll meet you on the trail one day.
Thanks very much -- I really appreciate it! And don't discount your idea of section hiking: it's doesn't get all the attention of thru-hiking, but it's a great alternative to thru-hiking!
I never had a doubt about you finishing Evan. You are the man! My most heartfelt congratulations to you sir!
Thanks so much for that Jeep -- although I had lots of doubts myself along the way! Glad you took the time to stop by and comment. You're one of the true stars of the Class of 2018 and it was upsetting that you got injured. Hope that the recovery is going well and you get back on the trail (any trail) soon!
Thanks, Evan. Loved following you on this journey.
You're welcome! Thanks for following along!
I loved ERs videos last year and i loved your videos this year. Thank you so much.
I agree with you about Early Riser's videos! A great series. I'm glad now to be a small part of AT lore on RUclips. Thanks so much for watching!
Congratulations Evan. Thank you for all of the videos you've made. I wish they weren't coming to an end because I use yours and others to plan my hikes in addition to living vicariously through them. Best of luck with everything that's still to come.
Thanks for that nice comment -- well, at least I have a lot of videos, probably enough for five or six years of hiking, lol. As for the future, in the pinned comment (the first one), I listed my other social media accounts where I'll still be active. No more hiking videos, but I'm going to continue hiking and I'm not really going away!
I'll continue to follow on Instagram. Hope to catch more hiking content there. Take care.
Evan, Thanks so much for posting your videos. I have dreamed of the hike since in college and now that I am getting close to retirement, perhaps it may happen in 2020. Through your posts, and those of Liz, Joyful Rambler, and others that I found through you, I have learned much about hiking the trail. What an awesome conclusion with the marriage of Liz and Luke. Congratulations on a journey well done! God bless you and your family.
It was an awesome conclusion! Thanks so much for your comment! Like you, I also follow Joyful Rambler. And Liz, of course.
Excellent! It’s been a pleasure following your AT adventure. Thank you for sharing.
You're very welcome -- thanks for watching!