This makes me so happy. I am an AT section hiker, and every trip back brings back floods of memories from all previous trips. Even the ones that are 2 or 3 days, are like gold. Trek-On!
I love this! Rocket, thanks for inspiring me to give backpacking a try - I went on my first overnight trip last weekend after binging your AT vlogs. You have a real talent for capturing the magic of hiking and backpacking.
Your Appalachian Trail video was lovely, and this one just as much so. You seem so happy out there! I’m hoping to attempt my own AT thru hike next spring, and you’re an inspiration as always ❤️
I live less than 20 miles from Mt. Rodgers. Such a beautiful area up here . I’m planning to celebrate my 55th birthday on the AT in 2022 and have been watching your videos intently. Thank you for sharing and for the great insights
So glad to see you again....it was a little sad thinking about "the tramily" and that hike will never be duplicated....cant help but get a lil teary thinking of Melissa and the others laughing....smiling all the time....they were a hoot....stay safe rocket...!
So glad that you were able to take this trip and 'recharge' ...after starting camping for the first time in my life this year, I always feel the pull to back out for a couple days and disconnect from the routine we all call life. Keep being an inspiration to all of us Rocket! ...Look forward to more of your adventures!
Yes, I totally get it. As the temperatures are cooling somewhat , I am getting my gear sorted out. Great video Julia! Happy you were able to get out. Best!
You did the Grayson Highlands justice. Beautiful Highlands in my backyard. Thanks so much for sharing. Wished you had got to go on Roan. Maybe next time.
As someone that grew up in that area, I appreciate the love you have for Grayson Highlands. I’ll be venturing up in Sept for a 30ish mile hike there. Love your vids as well, keep up the great work.
Great point about the Ecosystem and how it heals us when we are in it. Its the energy and vibration of the universe's spark we all have and the feeling when it is in sync with the outdoors is primal and positive! Come out to Colorado. It is MUCH drier and Higher. Tons of sun and wilderness to soak up! You'd enjoy it muchly! :)
Football teams have a home field, GH is my home trail. It is the first place I did any significant hiking on the AT. I first hiked there in 1997 in December. Brutal! I was also a volunteer there for trail maintenance. Wonderful place. Glad you made a trip back.
Greyson Highlands is a special place and beautiful. I think that your idea nature and why so many respond in a positive way is interesting and correct. To be in a place that can achieve equilibrium within itself, order out of chaos and to renew itself is very powerful. Especially in these times of uncertainty. Thanks for the profound insight. I knew there was a reason that I liked your vlogs
Awesome video. One of my favorite overnight trips is starting at massie gap heading south on the AT to rhododendron gap, taking pine mountain trail to the scales, then finishing south again on the AT. I absolutely love that place. I haven’t backpacked in 15 years. I’ve recently started hiking again and gearing up for some over nighters soon. 😎👍🏻
I absolutely love grayson highlands, mount Roger's. I cant wait to get back there . I know exactly how you feel . That feeling of peace that comes over you can't be explained. It is one of those things you have to experience to fully understand. Thanks for your video
In Sept 2017 I was part of a group that spent 3 nights and 4 days at Mt Rogers/Grayson Highlands. Arrived Thursday night and stayed at Grindstone Campground. The next two nights and 3 days were on trail including the summit trail and Rhododendron trail. We did 20 some miles. It was nice seeing familiar sites from my trip especially the ponies! Thanks for sharing.
I just missed you rocket! I went to Thomas knob a few days before you before going down to Clingmans done, the NOC, and finishing my mobile hike at Amacalola falls. Great seeing you get back out there.
Enjoyed your video, and feel the same about being out there. It's just a relaxing way to reset the mind and soul. Hiked that area from the scales camp just few months ago with my son and his friends, and I definitely will return.
Great to see and hear you again Julia, yes you are right about connecting with nature to refresh your life system and gain perspective. I live in NZ where I have tramped/hiked all of my life, and now hunting for gemstones along the beaches. Alas no Black Labrador, or horses anymore. But memories are alive, Arohanui, (love of the many)..........
My time at Thomas Knob shelter, was one of the best times I ever had on the trail. I love the Grayson Highlands! If you do another hike like this please take us along again. I really enjoyed it.
I like your "granola" perspective. I feel the same way about being out in nature. Great vid. Thanks for sharing this and for the encouragement to get out there.
How fun is this! I did almost this same loop in July with my daughter.. I’m a nurse and needed a break from the hospital and this fit the bill! Very few people, decent weather.. only 1 rainstorm! The ponies were so special.. even when they nipped my ankles 😍 Glad you took such a wonderful video, so I could relive it! Best of everything to you!
This looked so beautiful! Nice to see you are getting out there surrounding yourself with nature. It truly does lift our spirits. I miss my American family; living all throughout Virginia and Wes Virginia. Such a beautiful area. Keep it up! if you have the chance, the MT Mitchell Trail is nice but I am not a fan of the crowded parking lot at the summit. A more challenging and remote trail you will love about the same distance away from you is Mt. Marcy's Van Hoovenburgh Trail ( I know that is not spelt correctly. Anyway, keep those hikes up; well worth it. Even the little day hikes if you can are great for the soul; I know I get a rush every time I am out there. I know you are inspiring many and hopefully making yourself happy at the same time.
I think we’re all feeling a bit lost right now,, & if your a frontline worker, the world seems such a desperate place, that there is no real escape, unless immersing yourself back in nature, to rebalance & reconfigure the new reality. Thank you for your really letting that come through.
So great to see you "Rocket" back on the AT in the Grayson Highlands!!! ☺ Reconnecting with your thru hike, especially during Covid 2020, is so special. Feel the same, as the AT is like an old friend. Always there. 😌
Beautiful place. I have camped and rode horses there when I was younger. I was born about 50 miles east. Looking forward to hiking the AT when I can. Thanks for sharing your hike. Happy trails
LOVE THE HIGHLANDS! Know the loop you just did well. Actually saw that same giant shroom earlier this summer. ha Love the Roan mtn area too. Last time I was out there, the peak came out of a cloud and the wind was blowing. Was so beautiful. BTW, good no cost entry points and parking spots to that area can be found at AT mile markers (guthook): scales campground, 507.2 (truck, suv, not great for cars); State Route 603/Fox Creek, 511.8 (multiple parking areas along the road); Elk Garden Trailhead on Whitetop Rd/600, 494.9 (Will have to do a little out and back to make it a loop, but solid access tot the area) Keep up the vids Rocket. Happy trails. Catch22
Grayson highlands was my favorite part of the trail. YES, Franconia and the Whites are awesome but I really like the balds in Virginia, never knew that was there. I plan on doing a hiking vacation there some day like you did. Glad to see that you went for it and did that!
The Roan is an hour from me and it is the most magical place on earth. So sad you have missed it twice. Come back in mid to late June to see the rhododendrons in full bloom. I have thoroughly enjoyed your videos.
...and this is why I can't understand hikers who rush to "complete" the trail. I've been hiking the AT for most of my life, a little at a time...I try to take at least a week every year to go do a hundred miles or so. I don't know how many times I've hiked the southern section up to the Smokies or headed south from Rockfish gap...Next year on March 9th I'll be stepping out onto the AT to finally thruhike it (because March 9th 2021 is the 25th anniversary of the day Bill Bryson set off on his trip that became "A Walk in the Woods") but I am certain that I will not complete the trail...the hike yes, the trail...never...I'll keep going back.
Well, I, myself having a background in marathons, ultra marathons going up to 240.3 miles like the MOAB240 and Ironman tri and other triathlons. I complete trails because it's fun and fulfilling to me. PCT: 2,650 miles in 99 days or less, sign me up. It's not for everyone, but neither is swimming 2.4-mile, cycling 112 miles, running 26.2 one after the other, or running, hiking, walking and crawling 240.3 miles in less then 5 days. Do what makes you happy, and let everyone else find their happiness.
@@namenotfound8747 I've run a lot of marathons in my lifetime, but those are over and done...someone wins the race, you get a finishing time...maybe the same race will occur next year, maybe not...the AT is just always there, always waiting for you to come back. You can go hike almost any section, almost any time and have different experiences every time. You never have to be done, and that's part of what is so great. The trail you hike today will not be the trail someone else hikes in a few weeks...even the distances may change...enjoy it for what it is and be glad it's there.
Good video, i like that you appreciate the earth,wildlife, and being in tune with nature, and the music reflects that experience. Thanks for sharing your trip.
Cool video, Julia. Glad you choose some southern hospitality in the beautiful Grayson Highlands. Sorry, you missed out on Roan Highlands. They are in my backyard. Love hiking up there. Good luck on your adventures.
I with u on this , cant get enough of the trail , I am stuck in this life as I have know for 30 plus years ,wish I could do the whole trail , I mostly go alone , nobody else to hike with , that shares the same passion that I do , keep on , enjoying 💙 your vid , want to gi there one day as well
I'm glad that you were able to get out. I hope that you got enough of a trail fix to hold you over to the next time. I think that we like the peace and quiet of the woods. The stress in the woods is so much less than "normal" life. There was a medical study that said that the vapors coming off of trees actually boosts our immune systems, even for a couple of weeks after we leave it. Good Luck Rocket.
Hi Rocket, wishing you well from Wales. Love your videos, gutted for you about the PCT hope you get to do it soon. You mentioned on one of your previous videos you'd like to go back to Ireland and do some walks in Scotland. Have you ever thought about doing the Wales Cost Path? It's 870 miles long with, beautiful villages, amazing beaches, secret coves, mountains to climb, caves to explore and wonderful history to see. And if you take some zero days in Anglesey you can get a ferry from Holyhead to Dublin in Ireland for a few days. Thanks for keeping the videos coming you are an inspiration in these scary times.
I could literally feel the nostalgia flowing through you as I watched this. Seeing stuff like this fills my soul with joy and fuels the flame driving me to do it myself. You had quite an insightful revelation about the interconnectedness and balance of nature. I'd say you're right. Because when we go into nature, especially for an extended period of time, we become a part of that interconnected ecosystem. Well, realize that we are a a part of that ecosystem I should say. The entire earth is like one big living organism that we're all a part of. Humans have segmented themselves as something separate though, which causes discord to our resonance. Which resonance could be thought of as balancing our frequency into a harmonic state. It makes perfect sense. I can feel that you feel strongly about the memories you have of that time period. Don't let the sadness of it passing weigh you down from the possibilities of even better times ahead. Yea, it may not be the same with the same people, but because it was temporary is what gives it so much value. Plus you have a much better perspective on things as a whole moving forwards. Because your adventure isn't over. Factually, it never stopped. Life is one big adventure. If you try to apply the same tenacity to every day life as you did the trail who knows what may unfold. Every day is an adventure if you allow it to be. Things become monotonous, but all it takes is shaking it up a bit. Sometimes we get so weighed down by it that it takes an extreme event, like through hiking the AT, to shake it off. But, memories are powerful things when they're associated with emotion. I dont know if you meditate, but you could meditate on your memories there and probably get close to the same effect as being out there. I'm glad I was off today. You've inspired me to go spend some time with nature. Just because I'm preparing to do the AT doesn't mean I can't get some time in between now and then. Thank you! Hopefully, something I said can return the favor. Before I go, your eyes looked extra amazing on this video. You're absolutely stunning inside and out 😏. Well, great video! I can't wait to see what the adventures of Rocket bring next. Sounds like an awesome cartoon name lol. You would need a talking animal sidekick though. What animal would you choose?
“The simplicity of trail life” is really what I need right now. Life has been grueling, heartbreaking and monotonous recently. I’t has been far too long since I’ve backpacked, so I’m planning a quick trip around the linville gorge soon.
granola funk comes in many flavors, I am glad you are embracing it. Don't be afraid to alter your living arrangements to mitigate the monster of walls and concrete. A garden (it doesn't have to be food) is a great escape and mood lifter that you can create yourself.
Really resonate with your final words. Your insight about how healing and cathartic nature is impacted me. It’s so easy to get stuck grasping or just plain disconnected and distracted from life. My last overnighter, I was swaying in my hammock, just noticing that the trees never stay still or rigid or motionless. Even though they’re rooted- they’re always growing and welcoming the wind to rustle their leaves and move their sturdy trunks, even in small ways. It’s a wiggly world and it feels sO good to soften into belonging in the wild and letting it embrace us. ❤️ HMU if you’re ever in CO.
Good to see you again Rocket out on the trail... I agree, even a bite size "booster shot" of any trail action is good for the soul... Thanks once again for an uplifting video. 😎
I’ve tried to “get back” to the Grayson Highlands a few times. My last trip was canceled by the VA state government the day before I was scheduled to depart. Ironically, I’ve done the stretch through the Roan Highlights many times from Carvers Gap to 19E. I’ll warn you in advance, the barn is closed off and in complete disarray. It broke my heart to see this first hand when I recall the great souls I’ve encountered there over the years. The place was an oasis for many thru hikers... Anyhow, thank you for your heartfelt video. It kinda reminded me to reignite my hiking plans and get away from the concrete jungle for a bit. Thanks for the nudge. C
Only the national parks were closed. Putting in at non-parks around Roan high knob was not blocked. Just a few hundred yards on the fire road past the barn you mention is another named trail and a wonderful valley view beside a full stream. I don't understand the attachment to a building on a scenic trail. There are plenty of them in town(s).
I hiked this 3 days ago for a 2 nighter It rained half the trip but something even beautiful about this place with rain and fog someone really have to experience. Same as you .. hardest part was leaving Can’t wait to go back and hike it counter clockwise from Massie Gap and maybe see some sun too
Really nice to see you out there again Rocket and hear your thoughts. I can relate and always feel so at home when I see a white blaze. Sorry you trip got cut short with the rain but glad it was a good trip for you anyway. Curious what your patch said on shoulder couldn't quite make the whole thing out.
I pulled up just short of Grayson Highlands on my SOBO section hike last year due to heel blisters. I'm planning on finishing the final 500+ miles next spring. I've been hiking the trail off and on for 40 years. It's clear to me that you are still seeking something to fill up a corner of your soul, something not based upon an action or an event, a place, people or feeling. I'm sure that you will find it, alone, in a quiet and peaceful place, far from the demands of friends, family, and job. Wishing you well. "Tinker" AT 1980 something to 2021 (maybe...). ✌
no not granola at all. sunshine fresh air. water earth. nature. we as humans have isolated ourselves from God's creation much to our detriment. Why do you think we love plants and pets in our homes? 🐶🐕🐓 So ironic that in this time of COVID19 we are encouraged to stay hone when clean air water sunshine kills so many germs virus and bacteria. Sunshine rain and thunderstorms clean the air! sorry don't mean to preach. Grumpy profile photo due to lack of sunshine !🤔😟😬😷🤣
This made me book the best vacation I’ve had with my husband to date! We LOVED Grayson highlands. Thanks!
I did enjoy this because you do show the emotion that hiking and packing gives a lot of us.. it can save lives for sure. well done
This makes me so happy.
I am an AT section hiker, and every trip back brings back floods of memories from all previous trips. Even the ones that are 2 or 3 days, are like gold. Trek-On!
I love this! Rocket, thanks for inspiring me to give backpacking a try - I went on my first overnight trip last weekend after binging your AT vlogs. You have a real talent for capturing the magic of hiking and backpacking.
Awesome Rocket .... THANK YOU !!!! for all the Wonderful info ... you have inspired countless others, to feel the Beauty this Country is.....
Your Appalachian Trail video was lovely, and this one just as much so. You seem so happy out there! I’m hoping to attempt my own AT thru hike next spring, and you’re an inspiration as always ❤️
I live less than 20 miles from Mt. Rodgers. Such a beautiful area up here . I’m planning to celebrate my 55th birthday on the AT in 2022 and have been watching your videos intently. Thank you for sharing and for the great insights
Thank you for taking us with you, I simply adore you and your free spirit, and your positive outlook on life, God bless 🙏🏼🎈💐
I love your description of what it is that keeps you out there. The natural world is definitely rejuvenating. Thanks
So glad to see you again....it was a little sad thinking about "the tramily" and that hike will never be duplicated....cant help but get a lil teary thinking of Melissa and the others laughing....smiling all the time....they were a hoot....stay safe rocket...!
So glad that you were able to take this trip and 'recharge' ...after starting camping for the first time in my life this year, I always feel the pull to back out for a couple days and disconnect from the routine we all call life.
Keep being an inspiration to all of us Rocket! ...Look forward to more of your adventures!
Yes, I totally get it. As the temperatures are cooling somewhat , I am getting my gear sorted out. Great video Julia! Happy you were able to get out. Best!
great video and perspective. I have backpacked for many years and agree 100%. There is nothing like it
You did the Grayson Highlands justice. Beautiful Highlands in my backyard. Thanks so much for sharing. Wished you had got to go on Roan. Maybe next time.
As someone that grew up in that area, I appreciate the love you have for Grayson Highlands. I’ll be venturing up in Sept for a 30ish mile hike there. Love your vids as well, keep up the great work.
Love your videos Rocket! Thanks so much for sharing this. Glad you had a good time back out there!
Love seeing you back on trail. Hope to get to see more vlogs from the trail in the near future.
Great point about the Ecosystem and how it heals us when we are in it. Its the energy and vibration of the universe's spark we all have and the feeling when it is in sync with the outdoors is primal and positive! Come out to Colorado. It is MUCH drier and Higher. Tons of sun and wilderness to soak up! You'd enjoy it muchly! :)
Football teams have a home field, GH is my home trail. It is the first place I did any significant hiking on the AT. I first hiked there in 1997 in December. Brutal! I was also a volunteer there for trail maintenance. Wonderful place. Glad you made a trip back.
Great post , thanks for posting, and I feel soooooo good in nature , miss it when I am not in it ,
Greyson Highlands is a special place and beautiful.
I think that your idea nature and why so many respond in a positive way is interesting and correct. To be in a place that can achieve equilibrium within itself, order out of chaos and to renew itself is very powerful. Especially in these times of uncertainty. Thanks for the profound insight. I knew there was a reason that I liked your vlogs
Awesome video. One of my favorite overnight trips is starting at massie gap heading south on the AT to rhododendron gap, taking pine mountain trail to the scales, then finishing south again on the AT. I absolutely love that place. I haven’t backpacked in 15 years. I’ve recently started hiking again and gearing up for some over nighters soon. 😎👍🏻
I absolutely love grayson highlands, mount Roger's. I cant wait to get back there . I know exactly how you feel . That feeling of peace that comes over you can't be explained. It is one of those things you have to experience to fully understand. Thanks for your video
In Sept 2017 I was part of a group that spent 3 nights and 4 days at Mt Rogers/Grayson Highlands. Arrived Thursday night and stayed at Grindstone Campground. The next two nights and 3 days were on trail including the summit trail and Rhododendron trail. We did 20 some miles. It was nice seeing familiar sites from my trip especially the ponies! Thanks for sharing.
Rocket, Glad to see you home again. I Shure hope you are saved. Stay safe from Pennsylvania. God bless
I was tearing up the whole video until you said “a little too granola for some people” 😂
I just missed you rocket! I went to Thomas knob a few days before you before going down to Clingmans done, the NOC, and finishing my mobile hike at Amacalola falls. Great seeing you get back out there.
Enjoyed your video, and feel the same about being out there. It's just a relaxing way to reset the mind and soul. Hiked that area from the scales camp just few months ago with my son and his friends, and I definitely will return.
Great to see and hear you again Julia, yes you are right about connecting with nature to refresh your life system and gain perspective. I live in NZ where I have tramped/hiked all of my life, and now hunting for gemstones along the beaches. Alas no Black Labrador, or horses anymore. But memories are alive, Arohanui, (love of the many)..........
My time at Thomas Knob shelter, was one of the best times I ever had on the trail. I love the Grayson Highlands! If you do another hike like this please take us along again. I really enjoyed it.
I am so glad to see you make a new video on the 80 I love your videos look forward to seeing more
Thank you for taking us along the trip.
Thank you for sharing this journey back to such a special place for you.
Awesome to see you back out there. I love it. Thanks Rocket:)
I like your "granola" perspective. I feel the same way about being out in nature. Great vid. Thanks for sharing this and for the encouragement to get out there.
Love your connection to the AT !!
How fun is this! I did almost this same loop in July with my daughter.. I’m a nurse and needed a break from the hospital and this fit the bill! Very few people, decent weather.. only 1 rainstorm! The ponies were so special.. even when they nipped my ankles 😍 Glad you took such a wonderful video, so I could relive it! Best of everything to you!
This looked so beautiful! Nice to see you are getting out there surrounding yourself with nature. It truly does lift our spirits. I miss my American family; living all throughout Virginia and Wes Virginia. Such a beautiful area. Keep it up! if you have the chance, the MT Mitchell Trail is nice but I am not a fan of the crowded parking lot at the summit. A more challenging and remote trail you will love about the same distance away from you is Mt. Marcy's Van Hoovenburgh Trail ( I know that is not spelt correctly. Anyway, keep those hikes up; well worth it. Even the little day hikes if you can are great for the soul; I know I get a rush every time I am out there. I know you are inspiring many and hopefully making yourself happy at the same time.
Welcome back!! I have family in the Roan Highlands..I love hiking there. Keep hiking and inspiring girl. Love from TN. ❤🇺🇸💙
I think we’re all feeling a bit lost right now,, & if your a frontline worker, the world seems such a desperate place, that there is no real escape, unless immersing yourself back in nature, to rebalance & reconfigure the new reality. Thank you for your really letting that come through.
You made me cry!!! Such a great video thanks!!! I can’t wait to experience the trail!!!! Peace love and joy!!!
That is such a beautiful place. Love your videos :)
So great to see you "Rocket" back on the AT in the Grayson Highlands!!! ☺ Reconnecting with your thru hike, especially during Covid 2020, is so special. Feel the same, as the AT is like an old friend. Always there. 😌
Nice Trenzas too. Not to mention another GREAT ass video. Just touched my two-bit, nature mystic self.
Beautiful place. I have camped and rode horses there when I was younger. I was born about 50 miles east. Looking forward to hiking the AT when I can. Thanks for sharing your hike. Happy trails
LOVE THE HIGHLANDS! Know the loop you just did well. Actually saw that same giant shroom earlier this summer. ha Love the Roan mtn area too. Last time I was out there, the peak came out of a cloud and the wind was blowing. Was so beautiful. BTW, good no cost entry points and parking spots to that area can be found at AT mile markers (guthook): scales campground, 507.2 (truck, suv, not great for cars); State Route 603/Fox Creek, 511.8 (multiple parking areas along the road); Elk Garden Trailhead on Whitetop Rd/600, 494.9 (Will have to do a little out and back to make it a loop, but solid access tot the area)
Keep up the vids Rocket. Happy trails.
Catch22
Grayson highlands was my favorite part of the trail. YES, Franconia and the Whites are awesome but I really like the balds in Virginia, never knew that was there. I plan on doing a hiking vacation there some day like you did. Glad to see that you went for it and did that!
The Roan is an hour from me and it is the most magical place on earth. So sad you have missed it twice. Come back in mid to late June to see the rhododendrons in full bloom. I have thoroughly enjoyed your videos.
...and this is why I can't understand hikers who rush to "complete" the trail. I've been hiking the AT for most of my life, a little at a time...I try to take at least a week every year to go do a hundred miles or so. I don't know how many times I've hiked the southern section up to the Smokies or headed south from Rockfish gap...Next year on March 9th I'll be stepping out onto the AT to finally thruhike it (because March 9th 2021 is the 25th anniversary of the day Bill Bryson set off on his trip that became "A Walk in the Woods") but I am certain that I will not complete the trail...the hike yes, the trail...never...I'll keep going back.
Well, I, myself having a background in marathons, ultra marathons going up to 240.3 miles like the MOAB240 and Ironman tri and other triathlons. I complete trails because it's fun and fulfilling to me. PCT: 2,650 miles in 99 days or less, sign me up. It's not for everyone, but neither is swimming 2.4-mile, cycling 112 miles, running 26.2 one after the other, or running, hiking, walking and crawling 240.3 miles in less then 5 days. Do what makes you happy, and let everyone else find their happiness.
@@namenotfound8747 I've run a lot of marathons in my lifetime, but those are over and done...someone wins the race, you get a finishing time...maybe the same race will occur next year, maybe not...the AT is just always there, always waiting for you to come back. You can go hike almost any section, almost any time and have different experiences every time. You never have to be done, and that's part of what is so great. The trail you hike today will not be the trail someone else hikes in a few weeks...even the distances may change...enjoy it for what it is and be glad it's there.
Name Not Found did you complete the Moab 240? How long did it take you?
@@tylerk.7947 Yes, about 100 hours.
@@namenotfound8747 Barkley Marathons is for you.
Good video, i like that you appreciate the earth,wildlife, and being in tune with nature, and the music reflects that experience. Thanks for sharing your trip.
America's favorite hiker is back on the trail! Very nice filming, I like your camera.
Cool video, Julia. Glad you choose some southern hospitality in the beautiful Grayson Highlands. Sorry, you missed out on Roan Highlands. They are in my backyard. Love hiking up there. Good luck on your adventures.
Looks and sounds like you found a little bit of home for awhile. Good trekking.
You hang in there girl, you are doing great. keep up the good work. George from Texas.
I with u on this , cant get enough of the trail , I am stuck in this life as I have know for 30 plus years ,wish I could do the whole trail , I mostly go alone , nobody else to hike with , that shares the same passion that I do , keep on , enjoying 💙 your vid , want to gi there one day as well
Former KC-135 crew member here......your editing skills have really become primo! Nicely made video. Subcribed.
I enjoyed this. Took me back to when I hiked that area 2 years back. Next week I'm heading out to Hot Springs.
Really enjoy your videos and commentary...
Lovely outing. Wonderful to see you so Vibrant. Best, Terry.
I'm glad that you were able to get out. I hope that you got enough of a trail fix to hold you over to the next time. I think that we like the peace and quiet of the woods. The stress in the woods is so much less than "normal" life. There was a medical study that said that the vapors coming off of trees actually boosts our immune systems, even for a couple of weeks after we leave it. Good Luck Rocket.
Richard Ross you need to read the overstory! Great read
@@mpatrick2153 What overstory?
Great video! Thank you for sharing.
As always love your content :)
Just did a little overnight with my young son up there last weekend. It is a special place!
i remember my first return to the AT after my thru -- deeply emotional.
Hi Rocket, wishing you well from Wales. Love your videos, gutted for you about the PCT hope you get to do it soon. You mentioned on one of your previous videos you'd like to go back to Ireland and do some walks in Scotland. Have you ever thought about doing the Wales Cost Path? It's 870 miles long with, beautiful villages, amazing beaches, secret coves, mountains to climb, caves to explore and wonderful history to see. And if you take some zero days in Anglesey you can get a ferry from Holyhead to Dublin in Ireland for a few days. Thanks for keeping the videos coming you are an inspiration in these scary times.
I could literally feel the nostalgia flowing through you as I watched this. Seeing stuff like this fills my soul with joy and fuels the flame driving me to do it myself. You had quite an insightful revelation about the interconnectedness and balance of nature. I'd say you're right. Because when we go into nature, especially for an extended period of time, we become a part of that interconnected ecosystem. Well, realize that we are a a part of that ecosystem I should say. The entire earth is like one big living organism that we're all a part of. Humans have segmented themselves as something separate though, which causes discord to our resonance. Which resonance could be thought of as balancing our frequency into a harmonic state. It makes perfect sense. I can feel that you feel strongly about the memories you have of that time period. Don't let the sadness of it passing weigh you down from the possibilities of even better times ahead. Yea, it may not be the same with the same people, but because it was temporary is what gives it so much value. Plus you have a much better perspective on things as a whole moving forwards. Because your adventure isn't over. Factually, it never stopped. Life is one big adventure. If you try to apply the same tenacity to every day life as you did the trail who knows what may unfold. Every day is an adventure if you allow it to be. Things become monotonous, but all it takes is shaking it up a bit. Sometimes we get so weighed down by it that it takes an extreme event, like through hiking the AT, to shake it off. But, memories are powerful things when they're associated with emotion. I dont know if you meditate, but you could meditate on your memories there and probably get close to the same effect as being out there. I'm glad I was off today. You've inspired me to go spend some time with nature. Just because I'm preparing to do the AT doesn't mean I can't get some time in between now and then. Thank you! Hopefully, something I said can return the favor. Before I go, your eyes looked extra amazing on this video. You're absolutely stunning inside and out 😏. Well, great video! I can't wait to see what the adventures of Rocket bring next. Sounds like an awesome cartoon name lol. You would need a talking animal sidekick though. What animal would you choose?
Good to see you posting again Julia, you were missed.
“The simplicity of trail life” is really what I need right now. Life has been grueling, heartbreaking and monotonous recently. I’t has been far too long since I’ve backpacked, so I’m planning a quick trip around the linville gorge soon.
Glad your back on trail. Enjoy!
granola funk comes in many flavors, I am glad you are embracing it. Don't be afraid to alter your living arrangements to mitigate the monster of walls and concrete. A garden (it doesn't have to be food) is a great escape and mood lifter that you can create yourself.
Thank you. You have a good soul.
Good to see you again.
Thomas Knob one of the coldest shelters in 2018.. luv the ponies..glad u got to reboot..Underdog
Class of 2019
2018 LASH Springer to Harper's ferry
This is so inspiring thanks for doing this.
Really resonate with your final words. Your insight about how healing and cathartic nature is impacted me. It’s so easy to get stuck grasping or just plain disconnected and distracted from life. My last overnighter, I was swaying in my hammock, just noticing that the trees never stay still or rigid or motionless. Even though they’re rooted- they’re always growing and welcoming the wind to rustle their leaves and move their sturdy trunks, even in small ways. It’s a wiggly world and it feels sO good to soften into belonging in the wild and letting it embrace us. ❤️ HMU if you’re ever in CO.
Good to see you again Rocket out on the trail... I agree, even a bite size "booster shot" of any trail action is good for the soul... Thanks once again for an uplifting video. 😎
Excellent vid, thanks ❤️
Nice to see you again.
I enjoyed this very much, thank you.
I have watched you a lot hiking and ....you rock lady!!!
I’ve tried to “get back” to the Grayson Highlands a few times. My last trip was canceled by the VA state government the day before I was scheduled to depart. Ironically, I’ve done the stretch through the Roan Highlights many times from Carvers Gap to 19E. I’ll warn you in advance, the barn is closed off and in complete disarray. It broke my heart to see this first hand when I recall the great souls I’ve encountered there over the years. The place was an oasis for many thru hikers... Anyhow, thank you for your heartfelt video. It kinda reminded me to reignite my hiking plans and get away from the concrete jungle for a bit. Thanks for the nudge.
C
Only the national parks were closed. Putting in at non-parks around Roan high knob was not blocked. Just a few hundred yards on the fire road past the barn you mention is another named trail and a wonderful valley view beside a full stream. I don't understand the attachment to a building on a scenic trail. There are plenty of them in town(s).
Rocket, thanks for another great video :)
I hiked this 3 days ago for a 2 nighter It rained half the trip but something even beautiful about this place with rain and fog someone really have to experience. Same as you .. hardest part was leaving Can’t wait to go back and hike it counter clockwise from Massie Gap and maybe see some sun too
Great video!!
Really nice to see you out there again Rocket and hear your thoughts. I can relate and always feel so at home when I see a white blaze. Sorry you trip got cut short with the rain but glad it was a good trip for you anyway. Curious what your patch said on shoulder couldn't quite make the whole thing out.
Thanks. Enjoy your energy.
Enjoyed this very much. New sub and happy to have found you. Thx
It never leaves you. I NOBO’d in 2009 and I’ve thought about the AT everyday since summiting the Greatest Mountain.
Wilderness therapy for the win. Keep kicking ass rocket!
Wish I could find others who love hiking as much as I do and would join me
Man, this hit me. Where are you from I would love to hike with you brother!
I'm looking for people to hike with
Where are you ?
@@krzysztofnowakowski75 I'm in Upstate NY near the Adirondack Park.
We're out there.
Looking for a group doing the AT this Feb / Mar.
Thanks for this nice video to watch while having dinner after a long day's work. :-)
I pulled up just short of Grayson Highlands on my SOBO section hike last year due to heel blisters. I'm planning on finishing the final 500+ miles next spring. I've been hiking the trail off and on for 40 years. It's clear to me that you are still seeking something to fill up a corner of your soul, something not based upon an action or an event, a place, people or feeling. I'm sure that you will find it, alone, in a quiet and peaceful place, far from the demands of friends, family, and job. Wishing you well. "Tinker" AT 1980 something to 2021 (maybe...).
✌
extremely informative ! Thank you
My daughter and I hicked whitetop a couple years ago to catch the sunrise it was amazing
Nice video - thank you.
Also love your sun glasses
Vilo sunglasses from NZ! Love them!
That white blaze really makes you feel like you’re home..to me anyway
awesome video rocket! once again
no not granola at all. sunshine fresh air. water earth. nature. we as humans have isolated ourselves from God's creation much to our detriment. Why do you think we love plants and pets in our homes? 🐶🐕🐓 So ironic that in this time of COVID19 we are encouraged to stay hone when clean air water sunshine kills so many germs virus and bacteria. Sunshine rain and thunderstorms clean the air! sorry don't mean to preach. Grumpy profile photo due to lack of sunshine !🤔😟😬😷🤣
This is why people do the AT several times. It provides a sense of community and belonging.
Another great backpacking hike by Julia. I'm renaming her to Raw Kit.