Hey North Star, thru-hiker and soon to be North Star, trail angel... It's raining in Taylors. An all-day rain. The kind of rain that invites you to sit by a window and watch God at work, while you reflect on those all-day rainy days on the trail when your spirit was about as soggy as your shoes. And just when you felt that four days of constant rain was beginning to exceed your level of endurance, there they were...trail angels...set up at the road crossing, under a canopy attached to their camper, with chairs and enough food to make hiker trash delusional. That kindness and sacrifice from all those wonderful angels on the trail lives with us forever. And so, I'm not at all surprised that you're going to be a three-day trail angel. When I saw how touched and appreciative you were when you were on the receiving end of others' kindness and generosity, I knew that one day you would pay it back. I've been hiking for many years, and never have I seen such acts of selfless giving and compassion as those coming from total strangers who have a way of recognizing a half starved thru-hiker in town for a resupply and just walk up to you and hand you 10, 20 or 30 dollars, and say, "Here, take this and get whatever you need." Or, who give you a ride into town and then allow you to stay overnight in their heated basement, complete with a wood stove, cots, and a bathroom with a shower. And all of us could write pages about the various ways trail angels have not only met and surpassed our needs but through their kindness and generosity, lifted our sagging and sullen spirits, and reenergized us with the evidence that despite all the daily rage, hate and violence in the so-called "civilized" world, there are still people who have a kind and tender heart and seek to do good. Countless times, those trail angels unexpectedly appeared in our presence and supplied just the boost needed to press on and keep pushing north. I can't think of any other activity besides hiking that elicits from total strangers the generosity of heart that is so lavishly extended to some stinky and grimy, disheveled and battered hiker trash, whom they will probably never see again and from whom their only recompence are the words "Thank you," maybe some tears of gratitude, a hug and the satisfaction of knowing that in no small way another thru-hiker was enabled to keep his dream of Katahdin alive. North Star, you and Joe are to be commended for planning three days of trail magic at three different locations. That is a massive undertaking considering the driving distance, setting up each day and then moving to a new location. I get tired just thinking about the work you and Joe will be doing. But months later when you get that letter or call from some hiker trash saying, "Your kindness and generosity as trail angels kept me from quitting," then it will all be worth the work!
Hey North Star (on the OT) ... It doesn't matter whether it's the AT or the OT, just to be out in nature, on a trail, experiencing something new and awesome around every turn, feeling like your neurons have been turned back on after having been numbed by civilization, and once again feeling alive and human all work together to bring back the spring to your step and bounce to the ounce that can be found nowhere else. Your glowing countenance in this video is evidence enough.
I love trail videos, I always watch a couple people hike the AT every year. However, I really love seeing and learning about the smaller trails. We drove through the Ozark’s when I was in 3rd grade and I’ve always wanted to go back.
I was excited to scan my favorites on RUclips and see you had a new hiking video up. The two of you are so fun! Was there plenty of water on this section of trail? Looking forward to the next section!
kinda like the old days !!!!! have u noticed how 2p tents r REALLY 1 person tents in disguise !!!! getting started on a long trip its always my hips that need broke in......AGAIN !!!!!!!!!!!😅
Cool! ❤ 😊 Good morning to both. That's a beautiful area with amazing views and a very interesting hike. It's good to see you again! Thanks for sharing your precious time together. 😉 Happy Trails to you both and hope to see you soon. 🚶 💪 🏕 🍳 🔥 😊
Nice to see you on trail again! Can't wait to see the rest of this series. That was an awesome campsite, the sunrise was amazing. Joe seems to be a lot of fun and you two together are going to be comedy gold 😂. I hiked the OHT from Morgan Mountain Road to Hare Mountain overlook in Arkansas last weekend (out and back), along with a couple other loop trails (day hikes only). Beautiful weather for hiking. Love the views you get with leaf off. You definitely sold me on the ear bags. I wore them during a family camping trip just after Thanksgiving and they were the 💣! Didn't need them last weekend due to the warm weather and calm winds but definitely had them with me just in case 😊. Happy trekking!
Glad to see North Star and Joe on our state trail! I had so many memories of my hike of the OT watching you record your first section. I think I camped where you did my first SOBO hike of the OT. I enjoyed your highs and lows. There are some tough sections, and I think you'll like the Current River Section a lot. Trail can be pretty rough on the ankles when all the softball sized rocks are covered with leaves. How did your finger do on the hike? You'll have to compare the difficulty of the OT to the AT. When you finish the 230 miles, you have to make sure you do the Taum Sauk section, which may be the most scenic but also pretty rugged. I'm looking forward to your future hikes on the OT, and hopefully, I'll be able to follow along while I'm hiking the AT this year.
Hey Danny! Joe is looking forward to the Current River section for sure. I’ve also heard the Tom Sauk section is a good prep hike. When is your start date for the AT? Do you have Venmo/Paypal? I’d love to send some magic to you!
Hey Chad! Good to hear from you. I tried a name out on him because of something that happened. We’ll see if it sticks! 😅 You’ll have to wait until the next vlog for an explanation. 😝
Nice video. Its funny how so many who thru hike a major trail get addicted and can't stop. When hiking/camping as a couple, you can bring a frying pan and a 2 qt pot and make meals together. Nice caves. I always wonder who occupied the caves in the past and what is buried in the floor. I chuckled at you using your stove right next to a fire that could have heated the pot. As a guy who has told 1000s of Dad jokes, I appreciated the Mom joke. Joe needs an air mattress. They make a big difference. Happy Trails. Good Luck, Rick
Have fun! I will be doing a lot of paddling on some lakes close to the Mantario Trail this summer, so I guess that makes me STP on the MT? Come on up and visit some time! -- St. Paul.
You two are enjoyable to watch as you trek along the trail. Was this a weekend thing and do you intend to section hike the entire Ozark Trail? If you ever come back to the northeast, there's always The Long Trail(Vermont - you did some of it when you hiked the A.T.)and there's the Northville-Lake Placid Trail(The N-P Trail) in New York's Adirondack Mountains. The section of the N-P Trail, in the High Peaks Wilderness, is one of my favorite places on earth - a personal Shangri-La, along the Cold River, where I want some of my ashes scattered when I check out(our son has instructions about this eventuality). Be well, stay safe. 🥾
"According to this map, we've gone four inches." Joe's sense of humor is quite good, lol.
We love that part in the movie, Dumb and Dumber! 😅
I love the OT! I’ve done lots of sections. So glad to hear you love it too!
Hey North Star, thru-hiker and soon to be North Star, trail angel...
It's raining in Taylors.
An all-day rain. The kind of rain that invites you to sit by a window and watch God at work, while you reflect on those all-day rainy days on the trail when your spirit was about as soggy as your shoes. And just when you felt that four days of constant rain was beginning to exceed your level of endurance, there they were...trail angels...set up at the road crossing, under a canopy attached to their camper, with chairs and enough food to make hiker trash delusional. That kindness and sacrifice from all those wonderful angels on the trail lives with us forever.
And so, I'm not at all surprised that you're going to be a three-day trail angel. When I saw how touched and appreciative you were when you were on the receiving end of others' kindness and generosity, I knew that one day you would pay it back. I've been hiking for many years, and never have I seen such acts of selfless giving and compassion as those coming from total strangers who have a way of recognizing a half starved thru-hiker in town for a resupply and just walk up to you and hand you 10, 20 or 30 dollars, and say, "Here, take this and get whatever you need." Or, who give you a ride into town and then allow you to stay overnight in their heated basement, complete with a wood stove, cots, and a bathroom with a shower.
And all of us could write pages about the various ways trail angels have not only met and surpassed our needs but through their kindness and generosity, lifted our sagging and sullen spirits, and reenergized us with the evidence that despite all the daily rage, hate and violence in the so-called "civilized" world, there are still people who have a kind and tender heart and seek to do good. Countless times, those trail angels unexpectedly appeared in our presence and supplied just the boost needed to press on and keep pushing north.
I can't think of any other activity besides hiking that elicits from total strangers the generosity of heart that is so lavishly extended to some stinky and grimy, disheveled and battered hiker trash, whom they will probably never see again and from whom their only recompence are the words "Thank you," maybe some tears of gratitude, a hug and the satisfaction of knowing that in no small way another thru-hiker was enabled to keep his dream of Katahdin alive.
North Star, you and Joe are to be commended for planning three days of trail magic at three different locations. That is a massive undertaking considering the driving distance, setting up each day and then moving to a new location. I get tired just thinking about the work you and Joe will be doing. But months later when you get that letter or call from some hiker trash saying, "Your kindness and generosity as trail angels kept me from quitting," then it will all be worth the work!
The generosity of the hiking community is unreal! So blessed to be able to be on both sides of it.
Hey North Star (on the OT) ... It doesn't matter whether it's the AT or the OT, just to be out in nature, on a trail, experiencing something new and awesome around every turn, feeling like your neurons have been turned back on after having been numbed by civilization, and once again feeling alive and human all work together to bring back the spring to your step and bounce to the ounce that can be found nowhere else.
Your glowing countenance in this video is evidence enough.
Hey Blenn! Being back out on a trail was therapeutic. I really enjoyed it! Thanks for keeping up with me on and off the trail.
Sunday, March 03rd: Ozark Trail walking looks fun! You got this! Happy Trails! Ross08
How’s the trail, Ross?!
@@AudreyGibson573 Spring 2025 will be my third thru-hike attempt
YAY! Audrey on the OT Love it! Those ear muffs... seriously wanted your trail name to have something to do with those when you were on the AT LOL
Hahahaha Ear Bags has a ring to it, don’t ya think Amie?! 😂
😆 it sure does!
I love trail videos, I always watch a couple people hike the AT every year. However, I really love seeing and learning about the smaller trails. We drove through the Ozark’s when I was in 3rd grade and I’ve always wanted to go back.
Stairmaster and I wondered if after the AT we would still watch trail videos….. YEP! 😅
I was excited to scan my favorites on RUclips and see you had a new hiking video up. The two of you are so fun! Was there plenty of water on this section of trail? Looking forward to the next section!
Thanks Stacy! The Courtois Creek was our water source at mile 5, and mile 6 where we crossed. Can’t wait to hear about your OT trip!
How fun to do with Joe! Enjoy! Thanks for taking us along. I so enjoy your hikes.
Thank you! 🥰
Interesting caves and lovely sunrise…thanks!🙂🙏
Thanks for watching, Mike!
“Awesome Audrey”. That’s what I call you! Thank you so much.
Good morning, Dan! Thanks for watching.
I didn't even know the trail existed.Same awesome taste in music I see.Great video Audrey!
Thanks Jason! You know AC/DC is my fav!
Same here!
I like watching hikers doing less known trail.
Thanks for sharing
Thanks Robert!
Love the name change! Looks like a good start to the hike. Walking through that water made my feet hurt 😂❄️
Thanks Austin!
kinda like the old days !!!!!
have u noticed how 2p tents r REALLY 1 person tents in disguise !!!! getting started on a long trip its always my hips that need broke in......AGAIN !!!!!!!!!!!😅
Hey Tracy!! Good to hear from you! Thanks for watching. 😊
Love this video!
Thank you!
So interested on your take with trail, I tend to visit AR once a year and have looked at that trail.
It’s conveniently located within an hour or two from my house in most places!
@@AudreyGibson573 I drive through Missouri on my way to family, I think I’m going to try a two day stop. Thanks for sharing!
Looking good yall !
Thank you!
Cool! ❤ 😊
Good morning to both. That's a beautiful area with amazing views and a very interesting hike. It's good to see you again! Thanks for sharing your precious time together. 😉 Happy Trails to you both and hope to see you soon. 🚶 💪 🏕 🍳 🔥 😊
Good morning! Thanks for watching. ☺️
Nice to see you on trail again! Can't wait to see the rest of this series. That was an awesome campsite, the sunrise was amazing. Joe seems to be a lot of fun and you two together are going to be comedy gold 😂. I hiked the OHT from Morgan Mountain Road to Hare Mountain overlook in Arkansas last weekend (out and back), along with a couple other loop trails (day hikes only). Beautiful weather for hiking. Love the views you get with leaf off. You definitely sold me on the ear bags. I wore them during a family camping trip just after Thanksgiving and they were the 💣! Didn't need them last weekend due to the warm weather and calm winds but definitely had them with me just in case 😊. Happy trekking!
I’m so glad you like the ear bags too!! 🥰 Happy Trails!!!
Glad to see North Star and Joe on our state trail! I had so many memories of my hike of the OT watching you record your first section. I think I camped where you did my first SOBO hike of the OT. I enjoyed your highs and lows. There are some tough sections, and I think you'll like the Current River Section a lot. Trail can be pretty rough on the ankles when all the softball sized rocks are covered with leaves. How did your finger do on the hike? You'll have to compare the difficulty of the OT to the AT. When you finish the 230 miles, you have to make sure you do the Taum Sauk section, which may be the most scenic but also pretty rugged. I'm looking forward to your future hikes on the OT, and hopefully, I'll be able to follow along while I'm hiking the AT this year.
Hey Danny! Joe is looking forward to the Current River section for sure. I’ve also heard the Tom Sauk section is a good prep hike. When is your start date for the AT? Do you have Venmo/Paypal? I’d love to send some magic to you!
Thanks for sharing! I really enjoyed watching you and Joe hike together! Looking forward to more of your adventures!
Thank you, Robin!
What a treat to have an Audrey video this morning! And so glad to see you are able to share your adventure with Joe. Does he have a trail name yet?
Hey Chad! Good to hear from you. I tried a name out on him because of something that happened. We’ll see if it sticks! 😅 You’ll have to wait until the next vlog for an explanation. 😝
@@AudreyGibson573I was going to suggest Deer Stand if that one didn’t stick.
Thanks for sharing. Good to see you and Joe on the trail.
Thank you, Lynn!
Nice video. Its funny how so many who thru hike a major trail get addicted and can't stop. When hiking/camping as a couple, you can bring a frying pan and a 2 qt pot and make meals together. Nice caves. I always wonder who occupied the caves in the past and what is buried in the floor. I chuckled at you using your stove right next to a fire that could have heated the pot. As a guy who has told 1000s of Dad jokes, I appreciated the Mom joke. Joe needs an air mattress. They make a big difference. Happy Trails. Good Luck, Rick
It was so good to get back on a trail, even for just a night! 🥰
That was nice-keep it up
I enjoy your hiking videos
I didn’t know about the Ozark Trail
Thank you! 😊
Yeaaa
Oh yeah!!!
You two make a cute couple . Loved the eggs & milk riddle. Do you miss the AT & will you make it to trail days this year? ❤😊
I definitely miss the AT. I would love to go to Trail Days this year since I didn’t go last year!
@@AudreyGibson573 You need to go there & interview a couple of 2024 Thursday Hikers. I would enjoy your questions as a recent AT Hiker.
There’s some decent terrain there! It looks a lot like sections of the NCT in PA.
Hey Chris! Thanks for watching!
My to do list
Just need to train a little
And get time off work
You got this! 💪🏼
Have fun! I will be doing a lot of paddling on some lakes close to the Mantario Trail this summer, so I guess that makes me STP on the MT? Come on up and visit some time!
-- St. Paul.
STP on the MT! I love it. 😝
Thank you for the invite! I’m going to take you up on it one of these days! 😁
You two are enjoyable to watch as you trek along the trail. Was this a weekend thing and do you intend to section hike the entire Ozark Trail? If you ever come back to the northeast, there's always The Long Trail(Vermont - you did some of it when you hiked the A.T.)and there's the Northville-Lake Placid Trail(The N-P Trail) in New York's Adirondack Mountains. The section of the N-P Trail, in the High Peaks Wilderness, is one of my favorite places on earth - a personal Shangri-La, along the Cold River, where I want some of my ashes scattered when I check out(our son has instructions about this eventuality). Be well, stay safe. 🥾
We’re planning on section hiking the 230 miles of continuous trail! 😃
Stairmaster mentioned the Adirondacks! He lives near the Finger Lakes.