Advice for Older Backpackers
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- Опубликовано: 5 июл 2024
- Advice for Older Backpackers
This quote by Clint Eastwood cuts deep for a lot of older backpackers. It boils down the most important attitude one needs to cultivate if he or she wishes to continue backpacking as an older person. Please let me know your advice to keeping the old man or the old woman out.
Here are my documentaries about our journey on the Pacific Crest Trail:
A Pacific Crest Trail Coddiwomple: • A Pacific Crest Trail ...
Coddiwomple II: A Pacific Crest Trail Documentary: • Coddiwomple II: A Paci...
Toby Keith: Don’t Let the Old Man In: • Toby Keith - Don't Let...
To access a copy of my free resupply guide, click on the following link: indd.adobe.com/view/5c188b77-...
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The old woman had to go! I was overweight and sedentary; I started by taking short walks, now I do multiple mile day hikes. I've lost nearly 100 pounds, and I'm finally at my ideal weight. At age 61, I'm more fit than I was at 30! I'm preparing to go on my first ever overnight backpacking trip in September.
Best, most inspiring comment ever. Congratulations on your turnaround. This is amazing, and I can't wait to hear about your first backpacking trip. Please keep us informed, and Happy Trails! You're awesome.
Thanks for the inspiration! I hope you enjoy your September trip and many more! I just turned 60 and havent been walking much due to heel spurs and Plantar fascitis. But I am learning from experience that it only gets worse if I stop moving. Found the right shoes and some good exercises and I am walking again. Hope to be ready for a backpacking trip by next spring.🎉
@@lorilimper5429 best wishes for a wonderful backpacking trip without foot pain!
Way to go! Have a great time!
Good advice I am 86 and am training for the next hike.
Awesome news. Good luck on your next hike and the one after, and the one after that.
Fantastic! Do you have any particular pains that bother you a bit?
I'm 61 and just took up hiking. You are giving me hope that I can do this for many years to come.
Stop watching TV of an evening, instead, watch videos like this one, and of others doing the things you would like to do. Its infectious and you will become excited and engaged!
Well said. If one of my videos stirs someone to get moving then I have accomplished something good. Thank you.
People often say why? Because it delights my soul.
That's a great way to look at it. Thank you!
The first thing I do every morning is work out for approx 40 minutes-basic stretches,some yoga,light weight lifting. Makes me feel great. I’m 73!
Sounds like a good plan others could emulate. Thank you.
I'm 65. The only thing that keeps the negative thoughts at bay, is to put on my 45 lb pack and start walking. Amazing how well that works for me. I feel more at home in the wilderness than at home.
Man that's a heavy pack! Last time I carried a pack that heavy, even with a good pack, it pulled on my shoulders like crazy. Trying more and more to go lightweight.
A 45 pound pack certainly straightens the old spine. Congrats on staying well ahead of the old man.
@@chrisj8764 Pulling on the shoulders is not good. Carry the weight with the waist belt. The shoulder straps should only be for keeping the pack close to the body. I adjust the shoulder straps during my hike for ventilation, comfort, etc. I bend over 90 degrees when putting on the pack. Tighten the waist belt around the belly pretty tight so it rides above the hips. Hope this helps.
Oh I love this! At almost 60y I want to get out camping, walking, cooking over the fire. So inspiring to see this. Enjoy and take care. 😀🇦🇺
Thank you for watching and commenting. Happy Trails.
This made me think of Henry Thoreau's quote in Walden...
"That man who does not believe each day contains an earlier, more sacred, and auroral hour than he has yet profaned, has despaired of life, and is pursuing a descending and darkening way."
Thank you. A little Henry in the morning is a good thing. Thanks for sharing.
adopted a 5 month old canine companion :)
That will do it. Adopting a dog helps keep us young, too.
We just adopted a 9 month old Lab from the local animal shelter. The joy he found when he discovered our year round creek was a treasure and now his daily dose of energetic enthusiasm is ours to share.
Dogs are great listeners and always laugh at your jokes.
I so love this advice! I’m married to the old man but this old young woman wants to get going!!! I’ll have to go alone!
Well, I can't argue with that. As Robert Frost said, you have miles to go before you sleep. Happy Trails!
I don't remember who said it, but years ago some told me that little kids are flexible and old people are stiff. Stay flexible both literally and emotionally, you'll stay young
Most little kids I've seen seem to be made out of rubber. I wish I could still bounce off things like I've seen little kids do. Thank you for watching.
Excellent, I retired a year ago and have lived that poem, it works.
Yes, Clint's words seem to resonate with a lot of folks on this channel. Have you listened to the song, "Don't let the old man in."
Priceless quote by Mr. Eastwood
Yes, that's exactly what I felt once I heard it, and I knew I had to share it with folks who watch this channel. Thank you.
Great video AK! As I am about to complete 77 years I can attest to the importance of Clint Eastwood's words. And, while much of our life the curve downward is linear and more slowly descending, at some point (for me about 72) the curve becomes very nonlinear. The point being that as we advance in age we have to fight harder every day, both physically and mentally, to keep "the old man/woman out!"
Yes, very true. I find myself wrestling with the old man almost every morning. I wish he'd go on vacation and give me some peace. Thank you for your words, and your warning.
Great poetic quote! For me I keep the child within, and thanks for sharing🙂....
You are so welcome! Congrats on your positive outlook on life.
When asked why I still go out into the wilderness on my own at 71, I tell them I'm not going go quietly, to paraphrase Dylan Thomas. But what about your knee and your hip? I say if I wear them out it means I've had a good run. I train harder than ever to keep my capabilities strong. I'm heading out on the JMT again next month. Hell bent.
Stay hell bent. That's also a good message of which Clint would approve. The JMT is beautiful and I wish you the happiest of trails during your trek.
Awesome quote! Thank you for highlighting that this week. One thing I do is to surround myself with friends from different age groups. I like hearing different perspectives on life and it helps me to stay enthusiastic about life and all it has to offer.
Never stop Loving, Learning and Living! And laughter!
I agree. I think older hikers sooner or later attract younger hikers. We realize we have kindred spirits in some ways.
What a wonderful mindset to have ❤
It really is! Run through the finish line even if it's while using a walker.
For the past seven years, I’ve kept him away by training and going on an annual multi day backpacking adventure in an extreme environment. Lately the old man is knocking more often. Seems it’s time to pick up the pace. 👍
Thanks for sharing! Yes, I notice the old man comes around more often, and sometimes I run out of breath trying to chase him away.
You made my day, thank you.
Thank you , you bring tears to my eyes. I am from N.Y. Did a lot of camping hiking hunting in the Adirondacks in New York. Have slow down 65 years old now and I miss the outdoors immensely brought my son and daughter of the same way. Will have to work to get my self back into shape. Thank you.
You're welcome. It all starts with a single step. Good luck on your journey.
Always love your content. Keep it coming!
I loved your comments about waterfalls. For me, jumping into any cold body of water makes me feel young. Nothing else brings me so much joy and energy. A few years ago, on a hot out and back day hike, I passed up the opportunity, thinking I'd jump in the water on my return trip. On my return, a bad storm rolled in, so I missed my chance. Ever since then, my motto has been to "Jump in the water whenever you can. You never know when it will be your last opportunity!" This applies to many other experiences as well.
I remember in the movie Lonesome Dove, Gus tells one of the characters that they should chase some buffalo because there would come a time when you couldn't do it anymore. I'll never pass up a waterfall because it very well could be my last.
One way that works for me is keeping my dirt bike and using it to get farther back into the Idaho woods, then go for a hike.
Thanks for sharing.❤
I bet you can find some remote country with that system. Thank you.
The secret to staying active is staying active. "A journey of 1000 miles starts with getting off your butt" ~ Confuseus.
I like that translation better than the quote I've seen. Your translation is much more direct. Thank you.
Thanks, I really enjoyed that. At first I wondered at the use of a quote from Clint Eastwood, but the longer it went on the better it got. I will have to mull it over from time to time. I envy your vast wilderness and chance to find solitude, although I would miss the variety that we can find in a single day’s walk in the British moors and mountains. I’ll subscribe and look out for more.
Thanks that was a great way to start my day/week. I work at a remote fishing lodge in Alaska. A lot of my fellow employees are half to a third my age. Most are respectful and generous people. I love hiking when I’m not here and most of the time I hike alone. Once I hiked w a young pilot here at Katmai NP. Was like being paired w a Irish setter on Dexatrim 😂 we didn’t summit that day and I want another chance! Alone!!
Katmai has some wild country, so you are very lucky. The summit awaits and I hope you reach it soon. Happy Trails.
Thank you i fight with that old man every day I'm currently winning 👍
Congrats on the battle. He's an ornery old cuss. He keeps trying to find a way inside. We must remain vigilant.
What a beautiful inspirational message with my morning tea. Heading out camping, hiking in several days. Thank you.
I hope you have a wonderful time camping. It's where we were meant to be. Happy Trails.
Well done Brother! Thanks for sharing this with us.
My pleasure. It seems to strike a chord with a lot of folks.
Thanks for the video. I appreciate the message and the beauty in your film. I just keep moving and planning for my next adventure. I always have something on the horizon to look forward to.
Yes, it sounds like your spirit is alive and well. You seem to personify Clint's sentiment perfectly.
Wow! Needed to hear & see this. Good medicine. Powerful medicine. And so unexpected this morning yet so true. For me, it’s more of a shift in attitude, a state change, and, sooner or later injuries & diseases may take a toll. The ways we choose to respond and be with them makes all the difference. Gonna go write a note to myself and stick it by my bed so I see it when I get up in the morning: “Don’t let the old man in.” Right now, LOL
Thank you.
Those are great words to wake up to. I say them to myself each morning now. When in doubt, default toward action. Do something rather than nothing. That's how I want to live.
Hello 👋 my outdoors friend, thank you for sharing the words of wisdom, as well as the beautiful scenery from your video. I deleted the word "old" from my vocabulary and substituted the word mature. 😊 Stay safe out there. 😊
I love your word substitution. I was thinking age-challenged, but mature has a nicer ring.
Good morning from SoCal. Beautiful video and spot-on topic. Keep up the great work!
Thank you! Will do!
I love this and I’ve always loved Clint Eastwood, thank you!
My pleasure. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment.
Absolutely lovely and spot on! Thank you for sharing as I too, will share this on!~
Thank you. Old backpacker Unite! Or, something like that.
Nice one - thank you. I'm 70 , live in the UK, and love long distance walking and hill walking. As long as the legs still work I'll be on the hills!
Congrats. Not too many people in their 70s can still tear it up. What an inspiration you are.
On the other hand, there is something to be said for acceptance of the indisputable limits we do have when the time comes, for the sake of peace within ourselves.
When you fight, you shall fight alone.
Yes, the inevitable awaits, but I just want one more day.
Awesome.
Ah Clint Eastwood!! Great quote and great video!!
Clint's Opus was in Unforgiven, in my humble opinion.
Retired from Federal Service in 2007 and did my first AT thru-hike in 2008. Had to cut it short due to my sisters illness. Regrouped and did the Cabinet Wilderness in Lincoln County, Montana in 2009. 2010 I did my second AT thru-hike starting in early February and finally summiting Kahadin in late September. 2011 I did the Long Trail followed by the Colorado Trail, Denver to Durango, in 2013. Went back to Montana in 2015 and hiked the Bob Marshall section of the CDT from Marias Pass to Butte. In 2018 I did my third AT thru-hike and in 2019 I hiked the Colorado Trail again this time starting in Durango. Stickman
I feel pretty young when I'm hiking alone in the mountains. That is, until the youngsters come racing by like I'm standing still. Jeez, am I going that slow?!
Anyway, great drone shots!
But what the youngsters are missing (and hopefully they will eventually figure it out) is that by racing through life and on the trails you are missing out on a lot of things. My advice (take it or leave it at your pleasure) is forget about the destination and take the time to enjoy the journey! Having goals is great but do not let them ruin your journey. For myself, I love to hike (mostly day hikes) and my only regret is that I had not started this sooner and found the peace and tranquility it provides. Man what a great way to relieve stress of everyday life (even when the trekking is brutal, the bugs are eating you alive and you're convinced you will not make it over the next hill). Get out, enjoy what nature has to offer and remember to leave no trace of your passing except your footprints and your perspiration. 👍👍👍
We just gotta let them go. I was coming down steep scree slopes and trying unsuccessfully to keep ahead of these young hikers. But all I did was fall repeatedly (though no harm done). I am fit enough to keep up with most young guys on easy or maybe medium trails, but at nearly 70 just can't do it on hard ones.
Thank you, Ron. I think we are similar. The reason I can keep hiking is I really like hiking. It suits me as it does you. I agree with your sentiments on enjoying the journey. Greet each day you're on the trail as a blessing and let the miles take care of themselves.
We all hike to the beat of a different drummer. Once in awhile, when I am sufficiently perturbed, I'll pass a younger hiker just to see if I still can.
@@rongoris3022 well said! Couldn't agree more.
Thanks for the video. :)
My Pleasure. Thank you for watching.
Consider unsnapping pack hip and chest straps and crossing streams facing upstream while maintaining two or more points of contact, could help in continuing to get older another day!
Thanks for the tip.
Relevant to my daily thoughts
Yes, it's worth remembering this quote each and every day.
Absolutely the right mind set to live on ❤
Thank you. This video and quote seems to have struck a chord with a lot of people. Imagine how much fun we'd have if we were all on the trail together.
This is a great video with great advice. I am 75 and I love it!😊😊😊
Thank you, and congrats on your longevity.
Great episode as usual! I think a key to not letting the old man in requires a person to ensure they pursue what makes them passionate. Passion can keep that old man out. Goals help as well. The pandemic caused me to let the old man in, and to start kicking him out, I set the goal of doing the PCT “soon”. Working towards that goal, and being passionate in the process, is giving that old man the boot.
Hi Glen. It does sound as you served the "old man" his eviction notice. Even when I kick him out, he keeps yelling from the door. I imagine hiking the PCT will allow you to stay ahead of him for quite a long time. Happy Trails my friend.
Great video and quote! 100% agree with all of it. A piece I'd add which might be only applicable to some (I'm looking specifically at yous with arthritic hips): just get the hip replacement surgery. I put it off for almost 10 years thinking I'd find a solution, meanwhile my activity level steadily decreased. Finally got a replacement last year and I'm back on the trails going like I'm 30 and even heading into my first multi-day solo portage in Algonquin next month. Sometimes the way through is admitting there's an old guy in the house already but telling him exactly where to sit and not to speak lol
Don’t Let The Old Man In-I thought this might be about Cryptids…😂…🤷🏻♀️…just the spooky thumbnail-but okay, I stayed and watched the video and enjoyed it, so I’m subscribing for more awesome content.❤
Thank you 👍
You're welcome. Thank you for watching.
Sell your house and 3/4 of your worldly goods, buy a campervan, find some spots you love, and hike every day. Okay, maybe not for everyone, but at the age of 73 I'm hanging out in southern Utah, pecking away at hiking the Hayduke Trail, and having the time of my life.
Simplify, simplify said Thoreau. Sounds like quite the life. We are converting our van as we speak.
Another quote from Clint that my husband and I Say whenever 1 of us is getting Stubborn On a rant Is "Get off my lawn!" That is old man thinking! Really nice video and footage of Alaska.
Thank you. You can tell a backpackers lawn -- it's rarely cut because he or she is on the trail so often.
Yeah, when I look in the mirror and see the wrinkles on my face I squint my eyes and say “get off my lawn”. I gonna have to watch Gran Torino again. Just recently completed an overnight backpack trip in the Siskyou Mountains in Northern California, not much flat land there. The land of six rivers. Motion is the lotion. Know your limits then do not shy from challenges. With age we accumulate aliments so there may be things you may not do and there are still many you can, add to the column the things you do, let go of the things you can’t. Keep your mind fresh and excise your mind and your spirit will grow. Celebrate when good things happen. Thank you ☮️❤️😎
Get in shape, stay in shape. This means strength, cardio, and flexibility. Eat healthy, sleep 7 hours a night. Quit alcohol. Live this lifestyle and you will always be primed for whatever you want to do.
Well said. I agree on all your points, especially the alcohol as you may have seen in one of my previous videos. Thank you for sharing.
thank you
You're welcome. Thank you for watching.
Have a passion without any reason.😂
Pick your age and be it,
or also phrased as "Pick an age you like and stick to it!"
65yo and looking forward to a three more off-trail trips this year.
Yes, in my PCT documentary I share a story about a 103 Ahtna Elder whose philosophy was just that. His words: "Choose an age and be it." That's a great way to get older.
I listen to 80s, 90s, and some of the modern hard rock ,cranked up nice and loud and I love getting out and hiking and I love treasure hunting at thrift stores.
Dwayne
If you start your morning singing a little James Brown what could possibly go wrong, my friend?
Like this! Never knew "don't let the old man in" was a Clint Eastwood quote. I will be 70 next year but fitter now than at any time since I was about 30. Am thinking about doing Kilimanjaro and Grand Canyon Rim to Rim in a day - have done about 27-28 mile hike in a day in my country recently, so figure these are doable. (Also I sometimes skip like a kid just for the fun of it when no one is looking!)
Wow, I love your ambitious plans with skipping added in. You sound like a powerhouse, and best of luck on your adventures. Thank you for watching.
I'm glad I watched this, I was feeling kind of old. I'm only 57
😉
57 is just a babe. Happy Trails, young man.
I spent my life in the woods as a forester my whole career. At 66 I cannot sit still very long. Hiking 20 miles a week is all that has kept my body and mind from aging as much as those around me. My wife is younger but is slowing faster so we go together as long as she can and then I go farther alone.
Congrats on staying active as you get older. 20 miles a week is awesome.
Nobody that I am aware of is talking about the elephant in the room, which is HOW to make the changes required in aging. How does the 70 year old man, whose self image is still that of a 45 year old in the prime of life, deal with the realities of a 70 year old body. (I am talking about myself here.) I don't want to give up on myself, and yet I don't want to be stupid either. I have learned THE HARD WAY, there are things I could do just five or ten years ago that I can no longer safely do. That's a bitter pill to swallow. And even more bitter than that is the realization that the process of diminishing physical abilities is irreversible. I workout, both strength and endurance conditioning, but I still know that I can't do the things I did even just three or four years earlier. And that means when I look up at that scramble to the summit that formerly I could do with ease, I have to do an entire new risk assessment now, which may mean I shouldn't attempt it. Aligning the mind with the realities of aging is not an easy task.
Thank you for your honesty. You have a very important message. I remember the character Burt Gummer from Tremors saying, "I do what I can with what I got." How we keep moving may look different to different people, so as you say, aligning our realities with our ambitions is a never-ending challenge. Thanks for bringing it to our attention.
Awesome!! I'm 70 and just came back from a week-long solo camp. My son and partner see me as the old woman who is in the way. I'm refusing to engage in their perspective! 😅 👍🇨🇦😎💃
If you're hiking or backpacking at 70, you're never in the way, in my opinion. You are the way.
@@akwild1 💝
Seventy years old, with blown shoulders, significant spinal disc degeneration, serious left hand injuries, painful right thumb due to loss of cartilage, osteoarthritis, systemic lupus, DVT, emphysema, and a legendary bad attitude that for now refuses to quit hiking in the nearby mountains....right now I have to be quite careful with the heat dome weather but I get out for a while on most days
You know it was kinda painful reading of your ailments, it saddened me actually, but then when I read you have attitude and do get out regardless, quite impressive, imho.
I heard some good advice. Do what you can. I also have a hard time hiking in the heat and it's something to take seriously.
I turn 71 in August, just bought myself a new dirtbike! Of course it’s a tame one, not too fast, not to powerful, not too high, but g’dammit I’m ridin DIRT! Good Words Thanks!!
Well, as a friend of mine might say. You're enjoying the right side of dirt. Congrats!
Treadmills are good for cardio (jogging or uphill walking). Glucosamine and Chondroitin are fantastic for keeping your joints feeling good and functional (knees, hips, hands).
If you get up the next day from exercise, stiff as a board, take a magnesium, a calcium and a potassium pill. If you hurt less 30 minutes later, you were just deficient in one or more of these co factors
Thank you for sharing this advice.
Nice. :>)
Thank you.
When I step out of the house I walk not to the car door but away from it. I've been walking away from the car door for decades. I leave all steering mechanisms to the young and able. And I like to walk where machines are unable and where silence is the only language.
What a splendid way to look at the world. Thank you for sharing.
Good video, I agree wholeheartedly. However you had better listen to him when he says to not get on that ladder.
😅😂
As I get older, and before I do certain things, I tell myself, "now don't go and do something stupid." Those cautionary words seem to have saved me from a bunch of grief.
@@akwild1 Thats funny, my wife tells me the same thing all the time. I'm 67 probably not such a bad thing.
👍!
At 59 i still have the same mindset I had at 21. I still get up and do STUFF. Yes it takes longer to accomplish the same things but I get it done. Don’t let the old man in. I had quadruple bypass last August. When the doctor releases me this August I’ll be back at it again. I’m not letting anything keep me down. The Good Lord granted me one more chance and I’m going to use it wisely.
Congrats on making it through your operation, and I appreciate your outlook on life.
❤❤❤👍🏻
Never stop dreaming!
Absolutely!
👍👍
After 3 months caring for mom I'm back on the PCT ASAP. I just don'na know where/when to restart. At PVC, in the Fall, where I left off? Kennedy Meadows NB now? Fish Lake SB now? Hood River SB now? The West is on fire and I'm now out of shape again.
I'm glad to hear you're back on the PCT. I know of all the sections you mentioned, but I haven't kept up with current conditions. Check for fires, heat and snow cover. I wish you the best on the trail.
If you manage to beat aging, you will be the first mortal to do so!
Each to their own really. It also sounds like a choice to break up with your partner. Are you happy without them if they don’t want to come along?Me, I play tennis, she is gifted and makes wonderful things that actually delight people and are both happy, but we share most of the time together. Don’t let the old man in. We aren’t going to go on forever. You often hear of people just going out for a walk anyway. Just be happy on your own, or with someone else if you choose. There are rules, and regulations and for being a perfect size that fits a coffin. Live life to the full, however you want to do.
Don't listen to your birth age. We are always 6 years old on the inside see the world with the same feeling of wonderment. Your spirit is ageless and forever.
It's cute that your dog knows the way and leads you through the wilderness!
Burn often thinks she runs our family. We love her lots and can't imagine hiking without her.
@@akwild1Burn? Is there a story behind her name? I'm thinking Deep Purple but I doubt it😂
@@isabelleweiler5603 Burn is a former Iditarod sled dog. She was born into a two-dog litter and her original owner named the pair Crash and Burn.
My idea: Fitness can only be achieved through diet, movement and attitude. If you ignore any of these three, the old man will move in. P.S. I am 70 I will never give up.
Thanks again. Excellent points.