Hi my name is Michael McInally. I am a husband, father and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt. I started hiking/backpacking in 2020 when the world shut down. I was hooked immediatley, but I also realized - I SUCK AT HIKING. Join me as I get better on my monthly hiking adventures. I will be improving my gear as I prepare to thru hike the Appalachian Trail. On my adventures we will explore less traveled trails, test new gear, and bring along family and friends to experience the outdoors that I have come to love!
that was a great opportunity for you to leave Leo in town on a zero day. since you can go into Gorham again at the end of your day. makes for a great day hike from pinkham notch to route #2
Hiker Hubris = thinking one can do the same mileage in the Whites as the rest of the Trail. "Just" getting to Imp Shelter from Pinkham was a huge day's work in itself. If you were "not feeling it," it's because the trail really did beat you up. You and Leo are doing great! Just listen to your body and do no more than you can reasonably do each day.
The views have been amazing Mike! I'll bet your shoes/feet and Leo's paws are beat up. Wow! You're almost there, so close you can taste it! I can feel the emotions in your voice... keep pressing on! Can't wait for the huge celebration on Kahtadin!!!
Would there have been a way for the trail to ascend without climbing rocks?? is there terrain that can be switch back or stair stepped with natural resources? I think the trail maintenance groups are amazing but rockclimbing was not really hiking. You guys did awesome and your videography is spot on
You had to work today the views, but man they were worth it. I felt bad when you missed the views on Franconia Ridge. I think these kinda made up for it. I hope you slept/recovered well. See you tomorrow.
Amazing that you're able to film in that terrain as well as hiking with Leo and keeping him safe! If you do videos after the hike, would love to know how you as well as Leo adjust to 'after trail'. 16 years after my thru hike, I still think about thru hiking again and wish I was out there. I live close to the trail and hike almost daily on the AT (sometimes pretending I'm on a thru hike😊)
I think you should forget the miles per day average and take better care of yourself! You are too important to be abused! I am so proud of you for stopping early Great job!
I stopped at that same flat rock on the lake for a break and my hiking partner snapped a shot of me and it’s become one of my favorite pics from my hike. That spot is absolutely gorgeous. You’re almost there great job!!
Look at Leo go! With his tail wagging!!! the views are breathtaking… spectacular, pure awesomeness! You are abused and beat up! You are doing an amazing job. You’ll be able to make up your miles later I’m sure.❤❤❤❤❤
What a beautiful fabulous day! It just has to smell good walking through all the Fir trees!! The views….epic! Thank you for demonstrating how you scale Leo up the rock walls 😊well got the Wildcats behind you now.. you are getting so close! …keep pushing those miles…Hike on !
The Whites beat you up and slow you down…that’s just how it is. You can hike 20 mile days but be prepared to take 15 hours to do it! Clearing the Wildcats and Carters with a camera and a dog is badass!!!
Curious - when you were at the Madison Spring Hut, where did Leo stay? Last recollection is that AMC didn't allow dogs in the huts. And I know what you hit - I got caught in a thunder & lightning storm, complete with high winds and rain, between Mt. Washington and the Madison Hut at, of all places, an area known as 'Thunderstorm Junction.' Scary stuff. Be well, stay safe. 🥾
To be on the 4000 foot list, the peak needs to rise 200 feet from the ridgeline. That is the arbitrary criteria that was established for the AMC 4000 foot list.
I think the bandanna and hat together is a great idea! I watched a hiker last year who wore his bug net across the top of his head to cover his ears but not his face. That may help with the claustrophobia 😊 he kind of wore it like ladies wear a scarf over their head and tied under the chin. I felt so terrible for you when that man wouldn’t accept Leo on his property. But I imagine you probably would sleep better in the quiet of the woods 🥰🥰
Another day in the Presidential's with Mother Nature showing you who's boss. I've been following hikers for 5 or 6 years and never saw anyone get pounded like that. Thank goodness you made it to the Libby House and can rest. How are Leo's paws doing? I would think they're tough, but these rocks are ruff 😉😉. Be well, be safe and thank you for letting us see the hard work you hikers have to go through.
Wow, that was so scary , and I'm safe at home, yikes!! What a day to do the presidential. Going out in "showers" and ending up in a hurricane is nuts. I'm happy you're both safe.
🚶🐕🦺👟👟⛺🌞 congratulations on completing the presidential sure is a lot of beautiful spots up there and views you and Leo are doing amazing stay safe and happy hiking 💯💪🏆
Thank you for sharing this! I downloaded it so I can reference it later. I hope to start weekend backpacking trips in the fall! Just getting started and learning lots! I REALLY SUCK at hiking 😂😂🤣🤣
People out west laugh when I tell them 6288 foot Mt Washington is treacherous. I'm sure they never experienced being up there when it's windy. Have a great journey, only one more state to go!
Osgood ridge is one of the most exposed places in the Whites. Its orientation jutting into the Great Gulf means that there is little in the way of the winds downsloping into the gulf. It’s almost always very windy there.
Hiking in the higher elevations can be deadly especially for day hikers who aren’t prepared. So glad you are done with those mountains. The stories and experiences you have had are just remarkable!
The weather can change so fast up there, predictions only can do what they can do. Mountain Forecast (on line and an app) is better, but the weather in this area is still incredibly unpredictable. You're doing great, stay safe!
My heart was going out to you! That was a hard day🥲 I feel like your body was telling you to rest. I hope you were able to get some rest and that your next day was much better. God bless you! You are a fighter and your determination is so incredible!! That dip in the pond must have felt nice. Just wish the water was deep so you could relax and float a bit🥰😊
