Hey guys, these type videos are always time consuming and somewhat painful to put together but I keep coming across posts that remind me of myself looking into the ECT pre hike. So hopefully this at least provides someone a bit more of an idea of what to expect.
We’ve been following you for 10 months! I admire your determination to walk every step of the trail, no yellow blazing or skipping miles (unless they are closed sections) and no slack packing. I’ve truly enjoyed your vlogs, you’re grumpy 😂🤣 and funny at the same time, can’t wait to follow you on your next adventure!
Great hearing your story. Nice going. Thank you for sharing and wishing you a wonderful upcoming weekend. Take care, and catch you on the next one. atb
Thanks for this .. addressed all of my concerns (mostly, where can I camp/stay in the Keys for less than $200/night). Plan has been ECT through the AT, and up to CAN if I can swing it ... but I think I'm leaning toward FT --> Katahdin.
For three years I have had to take care of my mother 24/7. The best I can do is go to the store. Started watching you from the beginning. Your hike was a unique adventure. A few times I thought you might not finish. Particularly when you injured your back in Florida. It has been a joy to watch your journey. Thanks for sharing it with us. Many more I hope. Have you ever considered the NCT?
Glad I could provide some entertainment :) I actually got really excited when I first saw the North Country Trail. Unfortunately it looks like you have to be able to do really long days to be able to do it in a season due to how far north it is
@@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes Yes really long days. A good deal of road walking and you mentioned how you feel about that. Key West I figured you would have the issues you mentioned.
Yeah, my knees are falling apart just listening to you describe the road walk. The ocean is beautiful but more enjoyable as you drive across 7 mile bridge. It would probably be better on a bike even.
Really appreciate the thorough walk through. I'm planning an ECT hike this January and it's a bit difficult to find new info going NOBO. I will say, this has discouraged me from starting at the bouy. I think I'll just go touch it and go to the Florida Trail. Truly appreciate it!
Others have had an easier time than I did getting through the keys. There are a few trail angels around, hotels aren’t as expensive if you aren’t there over New Years, ect. Having said that, yea, it wasn’t my favorite
Most people don't realize that a lot of states have laws which actually require you to walk on the "left" side facing traffic when there are no sidewalks present. So, it's good to hear you try to educate people on the safety reasons of why that matters.
Great information, I’ve enjoying the content of all the videos. No Taters PSA? One word scumbag. Still makes me laugh. Thanks for takin me along and keep on trekkin.
Sadly getting Taters to do any video clips remotely tends to be like pulling teeth. But never fear, another few weeks and I should be back in SoCal where she can’t escape
Great review of this section. I hadn’t considered bike packing as an option and it makes good sense. It might help with the paucity of available camp spots as you could cover more mileage to get to the next one… and avoid sleeping in an unlocked U-Haul.
I am fortunate enougb to be able to spend a lot of time in Big Cypress. It is an hour away from my home and I use it as my refuge from a chaotic world.
I caught up with you on the third episode, went back and watched the first two and now we are at 111. Great adventure. I have made six trips to. Newfoundland both on hunting trips and vacations to visit the friends I have made there. It is a shame you couldn't get there, the people are the best and the province is beautiful. Maybe take a flight back one day and finish the journey. Will be with you to the end and beyond, the reunion with Tatters should be worth a whole video by its self!!! All the best and SoCal is. my second home too!!!
Minor correction: You stated that shark valley was closed, which is kind of almost technically correct: the parking area is closed at that time of night. However shark valley and the rest of the national Park is open 24 hours a day. My University have many midnight bike trips on the shark valley loop Trail. It is perfectly legal to enter the park at night but you can't park your car there. We would park along the canal and ride our bikes in. That being said, there is no desirable camping inside there stealth or otherwise Shark valley is a great place for a beginner hikers to see many aspects of the Everglades without ever having to get their feet wet and there's an observation tower at the far end of the loop trail. If you ever there again, budget sometime for a visit
You were really really lucky you got away with stealth camping in the lower or mid keys. The Monroe County sheriff's department knows every little looking cranny and they vigorously enforce the no camping policy. It was probably only because they were distracted with other New Year's Eve related festivities and shenanigans that they did not have time to flush out all the vagrants, as they see any non-paying camper. They don't even like you to close your eyes for 10 minutes in your own private car when you're driving through the keys. As bad an idea as it was to go to key West on a major holiday, it may have actually saved you from being booked into the county detention facility overnight. Must be your good karma
as a native Floridian, and as much as I love a lot of the beauty of South Florida (plants, beach, the view from the sky!) we just do not have very scenic hiking trails or anything remotely close to what is out there in this country.
You are a way better hiker than I will ever be. Thanks for this info-not likely to hike the Keys, but I have had some great vacations there. In general, were you able to add info to Guthooks along your journey ?
Why doesn't that map of the IAT show the portions in PEI and Nova Scotia? Did the trail originally jump from Quebec to Newfoundland and the map is just old? If so, when did the sections in PEI and NS get added?
My understanding is the ECT is just a route basically made up by Nimbilwill Nomad. He hiked to Quebec so that would’ve included several sections of the international Appalachian trail in Maine, New Brunswick, and Quebec. Changes in hunting regulations make going into Quebec this late impossible so I decided to continue in to PEI Nova Scotia and if I had time I would go into Newfoundland. A few others I’ve talked to have done different stopping points a little earlier
@@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes Hoping you still see this. Maybe I didn't ask my question in the right way. I am asking about the map you showed at 0:10. I have seen this map often with regards to the ECT, IAT trails. (And I am aware that you were unable to continue into Quebec due to hunting season, but I'm asking about the map, not the route you were forced to take.) If I understand this correctly, the IAT starts at Mt Katadin in Maine and heads north, through NB and Quebec. It also includes the sections you just hiked on PEI and NS, after you had to stop at the NB-Quebec border. But the map at 0:10 doesn't show those sections. It appears to show the IAT going from the end of Quebec directly to Newfoundland for the section there. So I was wondering why that map doesn't show the PEI and NS sections of the IAT, which I understand to official parts of the IAT. Is it just an error? Or were the PEI amd NS sections added after that map was created? Or some other reason?
Whats the name of this channel again? I heard a martial arts specialist did the PCT with flat boards strapped to his feet, maybe you can try to do this next time?
bizarro species. Why are there even roads in the Keys? They're islands, and everyone could get around in sailboats or, well, just not be there. These are the kind of things that seem normal now but in a hundred years the skeleton crew will look back on us and wonder what kind of nutso weirdos put up with this. And in southern Florida the sensible people who are walking are treated with contempt, even by the churches founded on a guy who was a homeless dude. And agriculture poison water? How's that even a thing? I grow food much more intensively without needing poisons. The skeleton crew will look at us with jaws hanging down. Especially when they'll know that we knew all along who the perps are--and not only are they not in jail but they swagger around driving pickup trucks and blowing fumes at walkers. As I say, bizarre species. I've nearly been killed in Florida a variety of ways, none of them natural. Nice to see that glimpse of manatee. We should be on our knees worshiping these superior species.
Hey guys, these type videos are always time consuming and somewhat painful to put together but I keep coming across posts that remind me of myself looking into the ECT pre hike. So hopefully this at least provides someone a bit more of an idea of what to expect.
We’ve been following you for 10 months! I admire your determination to walk every step of the trail, no yellow blazing or skipping miles (unless they are closed sections) and no slack packing.
I’ve truly enjoyed your vlogs, you’re grumpy 😂🤣 and funny at the same time, can’t wait to follow you on your next adventure!
Very good description of the A1A key west north! To big cypress thanx good job
Great hearing your story. Nice going. Thank you for sharing and wishing you a wonderful upcoming weekend. Take care, and catch you on the next one. atb
Thanks for the review ! Not something I'm ever going to attempt....lol....but it was nice to go back and hear again about that leg of your trip.
Thank you for making videos like this, they are a great service to the hiking community.
Thanks for this .. addressed all of my concerns (mostly, where can I camp/stay in the Keys for less than $200/night). Plan has been ECT through the AT, and up to CAN if I can swing it ... but I think I'm leaning toward FT --> Katahdin.
For three years I have had to take care of my mother 24/7. The best I can do is go to the store. Started watching you from the beginning. Your hike was a unique adventure. A few times I thought you might not finish. Particularly when you injured your back in Florida. It has been a joy to watch your journey. Thanks for sharing it with us. Many more I hope. Have you ever considered the NCT?
Glad I could provide some entertainment :) I actually got really excited when I first saw the North Country Trail. Unfortunately it looks like you have to be able to do really long days to be able to do it in a season due to how far north it is
@@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes Yes really long days. A good deal of road walking and you mentioned how you feel about that. Key West I figured you would have the issues you mentioned.
Good reviw although you forgot to talk about the access to beer along this section
Yeah, my knees are falling apart just listening to you describe the road walk. The ocean is beautiful but more enjoyable as you drive across 7 mile bridge. It would probably be better on a bike even.
Really appreciate the thorough walk through. I'm planning an ECT hike this January and it's a bit difficult to find new info going NOBO.
I will say, this has discouraged me from starting at the bouy. I think I'll just go touch it and go to the Florida Trail.
Truly appreciate it!
Others have had an easier time than I did getting through the keys. There are a few trail angels around, hotels aren’t as expensive if you aren’t there over New Years, ect.
Having said that, yea, it wasn’t my favorite
As a native Floridian this is sooo true LOL
Most people don't realize that a lot of states have laws which actually require you to walk on the "left" side facing traffic when there are no sidewalks present. So, it's good to hear you try to educate people on the safety reasons of why that matters.
I have followed you since the keys.. I have very much enjoyed your videos. What will i do when you stop???? ..
👋
Great information, I’ve enjoying the content of all the videos. No Taters PSA? One word scumbag. Still makes me laugh. Thanks for takin me along and keep on trekkin.
Sadly getting Taters to do any video clips remotely tends to be like pulling teeth. But never fear, another few weeks and I should be back in SoCal where she can’t escape
@@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes Hahahah nice
that makes sense about flatness effecting your feet that way. Our bodies are made to go up and down things.
Very good video. It was generous of you to take the time to share this info with future hikers. Good Luck, Rick
Great review of this section. I hadn’t considered bike packing as an option and it makes good sense. It might help with the paucity of available camp spots as you could cover more mileage to get to the next one… and avoid sleeping in an unlocked U-Haul.
I hate driving the keys, can’t imagine having to walk it!
I am fortunate enougb to be able to spend a lot of time in Big Cypress. It is an hour away from my home and I use it as my refuge from a chaotic world.
I caught up with you on the third episode, went back and watched the first two and now we are at 111. Great adventure. I have made six trips to. Newfoundland both on hunting trips and vacations to visit the friends I have made there. It is a shame you couldn't get there, the people are the best and the province is beautiful. Maybe take a flight back one day and finish the journey. Will be with you to the end and beyond, the reunion with Tatters should be worth a whole video by its self!!! All the best and SoCal is. my second home too!!!
Minor correction: You stated that shark valley was closed, which is kind of almost technically correct: the parking area is closed at that time of night. However shark valley and the rest of the national Park is open 24 hours a day. My University have many midnight bike trips on the shark valley loop Trail. It is perfectly legal to enter the park at night but you can't park your car there. We would park along the canal and ride our bikes in.
That being said, there is no desirable camping inside there stealth or otherwise
Shark valley is a great place for a beginner hikers to see many aspects of the Everglades without ever having to get their feet wet and there's an observation tower at the far end of the loop trail. If you ever there again, budget sometime for a visit
At the time it was actually shut down due to COVID
Great video.
You were really really lucky you got away with stealth camping in the lower or mid keys. The Monroe County sheriff's department knows every little looking cranny and they vigorously enforce the no camping policy. It was probably only because they were distracted with other New Year's Eve related festivities and shenanigans that they did not have time to flush out all the vagrants, as they see any non-paying camper. They don't even like you to close your eyes for 10 minutes in your own private car when you're driving through the keys.
As bad an idea as it was to go to key West on a major holiday, it may have actually saved you from being booked into the county detention facility overnight. Must be your good karma
It sounds like you said your name is Damascus lol
Having watched several videos on the Fl. Trail there is no reason for me to try it. Glad you did so I could see not for me. ✌️👊
as a native Floridian, and as much as I love a lot of the beauty of South Florida (plants, beach, the view from the sky!) we just do not have very scenic hiking trails or anything remotely close to what is out there in this country.
"food"
You are a way better hiker than I will ever be. Thanks for this info-not likely to hike the Keys, but I have had some great vacations there. In general, were you able to add info to Guthooks along your journey ?
I did where I felt I could add something
Why doesn't that map of the IAT show the portions in PEI and Nova Scotia? Did the trail originally jump from Quebec to Newfoundland and the map is just old? If so, when did the sections in PEI and NS get added?
My understanding is the ECT is just a route basically made up by Nimbilwill Nomad. He hiked to Quebec so that would’ve included several sections of the international Appalachian trail in Maine, New Brunswick, and Quebec. Changes in hunting regulations make going into Quebec this late impossible so I decided to continue in to PEI Nova Scotia and if I had time I would go into Newfoundland. A few others I’ve talked to have done different stopping points a little earlier
@@FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes Hoping you still see this. Maybe I didn't ask my question in the right way. I am asking about the map you showed at 0:10. I have seen this map often with regards to the ECT, IAT trails. (And I am aware that you were unable to continue into Quebec due to hunting season, but I'm asking about the map, not the route you were forced to take.) If I understand this correctly, the IAT starts at Mt Katadin in Maine and heads north, through NB and Quebec. It also includes the sections you just hiked on PEI and NS, after you had to stop at the NB-Quebec border. But the map at 0:10 doesn't show those sections. It appears to show the IAT going from the end of Quebec directly to Newfoundland for the section there. So I was wondering why that map doesn't show the PEI and NS sections of the IAT, which I understand to official parts of the IAT. Is it just an error? Or were the PEI amd NS sections added after that map was created? Or some other reason?
I don’t know what the source of that map is other than it’s been around a while. It gets really hand wave-y and the mileages are off by quite a bit
Whats the name of this channel again? I heard a martial arts specialist did the PCT with flat boards strapped to his feet, maybe you can try to do this next time?
bizarro species. Why are there even roads in the Keys? They're islands, and everyone could get around in sailboats or, well, just not be there. These are the kind of things that seem normal now but in a hundred years the skeleton crew will look back on us and wonder what kind of nutso weirdos put up with this. And in southern Florida the sensible people who are walking are treated with contempt, even by the churches founded on a guy who was a homeless dude. And agriculture poison water? How's that even a thing? I grow food much more intensively without needing poisons. The skeleton crew will look at us with jaws hanging down. Especially when they'll know that we knew all along who the perps are--and not only are they not in jail but they swagger around driving pickup trucks and blowing fumes at walkers. As I say, bizarre species. I've nearly been killed in Florida a variety of ways, none of them natural. Nice to see that glimpse of manatee. We should be on our knees worshiping these superior species.
👍 Fantastic run through of your Keys experience I'm sure this will help other hikers 😊☮