Appalachian Trail 2020: Episode 2 - Connected to the Trail 

You always need to walk a trail twice Darwin. Once to walk it and the second time to appreciate it. Stay safe.

Darwin, your reflections from years past are really cool. Thanks for sharing them with all of us. Excellent production quality too.

Darwin, I met you and Snuggles in July 2016 in the White Mountains. I was hiking at the time with a wonderful Australian mom and daughter (Bean Dip). I loved your film and it brought back so many memories of my own. I am living in Montana now, where I grew up. I just hiked through the Wind River range in Wyoming on the CDT -- wonderful. Best to you and Snuggles. Fiddle

Nice video. I thru-hiked the AT from Maine to GA in 1981 (Aug 1, 1981 on Katahdin and reached Springer on Jan. 1, 1982). I am amazed at how much the thru-hiking experience has changed for people over the years. As a south bounder, especially back in 1981, we saw far fewer people than the north bounders did and I loved the whole hike, but it wasn't the social experience that it seems to be for people that are part of the parade heading north now. I also never heard the term "trail magic" until maybe 5 years ago. Never would have conceived that people would be shooting video as they thru-hiked, or posting it for the public. Yet the Trail remains. Enjoy!

Darwin, as someone that had it all (or so I thought) you have inspired me beyond reason. The moment I started watching your diaries, you ignited a fire in me. I feel like I've got the smarts to see through simple people, you are not one of them. What a guy, what you have given to the trail community. As a Scotsman, I have to give you infinite gratitude, what a guy. Thanks man.

Love this introspective style. The memories mixed with the current day. Thanks for taking us along.

Watching this video, and seeing how being back on the trail five years later meant so much to you as you were able to reconnect with the places that impacted you back then, makes me feel sad that you weren't able to stay on the trail and complete your section hike as planned. Thanks for bringing us along! Stay well!

Thanks Darwin, a perfect distraction - stay safe.

Gosh, I love this series. The calmness is just beautiful. The trail reminds me of the woods where I live and regularly go on day hikes. I miss being outside so much. My city is its own federal state and it is not allowed to cross the borders to the other states right now. Those little woods we've got here in the city borders are packed to the rim with people these days, so I'm staying at home. Watching these videos is really helping not going crazy.

So good to see your AT videos, Darwin. We are all hanging to get back out on trails again but being able to watch these sure helps during our isolation. Thanks again and massive respect for what you do for the hiking community!

Hi Darwin, I have to give you a big clap, I simply love your videos both those instructional and those from the trails. I'm European, hiking for last 40+ years, mainly in Carpathians, but also in Caucasus, Alps, Norwegian mountains and others. I do mostly three seasons, one week long hikes, sometimes two weeks or just a few days, what you call section hikes. Many things here are different than in States, climate, popular gear, hiking rules vary in different countries, but nonetheless even if "do not apply" I'm mesmerized by your films, your passion and commitment. When I listen about your ultra light hiking, it's quite amazing and appealing and honestly, tough I would like to try it, I wouldn't have 2000 bucks to dish out, to get all the gear, plus I never hike by myself, I'm hiking instructor in Ukraine, so I either have group of teens or some of my seven children with me, and that's why I always end up carrying other people gear or food . When we do 7-8 days hike we never resupply or come down to villages, so my pack often weight over 60 pounds to start with . I know you are laughing at this point with your base weight 11 pounds. But I think, even in this insane race to lighten your load, there must be some balance, when your comfort and health is not too compromised. For instance, twice in this video you mentioned something like: " everything I had was soaked" or "we were soaked and freezing". I could be wrong but I see here a thin red line which possibly was crossed for the sake of ultralightness. for example I have goretex jacket, which is already 28000mm waterproof but on the top of it, I put over me and my pack a rain coat all the way to my knees and I never, ever am soaked or frozen for that matter and believe me in Europe rains a lot, sometimes 6 out of seven days raining, usually 50-50. My base weight is 25 pounds, can't afford to go lower but it's Ok I used to that and I'm sure I will be hiking till my last breath. So, please keep your vids coming and good luck :)

Awesome. Watching you bring back memories on the AT makes me think of the places I could go to be able to do the same. The places that built me, the places that changed me, the places that made me the person I am today and how that would feel to be at those places.

As I'm heading to the hospital to start my shift, I'm listening to you describe your adventure on the AT. Very calming to my soul brother..thank you. This period of isolation will come to an end, and you, and me, and many others can resume our quest for the calming peace that God and the trails bring to us.

I’m really loving these. They have a great weight (in a good way) that reflects your transformation and the beauty and power of the trail.

Absolutely beautiful in every aspect imaginable. Emotional depth. Stunning shots. The voice over reflections make this year’s AT videos truly next level. I mean, wow ! Well done Darwin.

I am loving this style of video! Very chill and reminiscent. Thank you Darwin for all you do.

Your vids are therapeutic for me. My soul needs it. May the Great Spirit always be with you and walk with you when you get back on trail.

Good stuff Darwin. A free therapy.

Hi Fellow Hoosiers. The music is perfect accompaniment. Sure does bring back memories of my 2009 AT hike. It is all good. Thank you Darwin O

Damn dude, you are raising the vlog bar HIGH for all these people!!!!! These are mini documentaries, not vlogs!!

Awesome video series brother! Love the feel and vibe. Certainly feels like a love story unfolding before our eyes. Very impressive!!

These AT videos have been perfect. Thank you.

The way you film your videos since your AZ hike is amazing, Darwin . The calm retrospective voiceover really brought it all together. Really seems like a special experience and you can hear all your growth. Thank you for the video!

Damn I wish this series kept going. It's so calming to watch. I can't focus on regular movies or TV right now.

Touching + inspiring. Thanks Darwin!

Love watching your videos Darwin and it's fascinating to see the evolution of your style from PCT to now. Much more of a documentary/story telling feel to it which I think is great. Looking forward to more of your adventures when this craziness is over. Stay safe.

This reminisce idea you have is a great series for you and the viewers. The commentary with the music is excellent. Sad the circumstances however. I was in Harriman St. Park last weekend hiking and I might go up tomorrow for a two nighter. It’s open and I’ll be staying away from any stores and towns. You have a way of setting a mood, a tone in your videos. I feel like I’m remembering my life, old friends , places and things. It’s peaceful. Stay safe 😊❤️🇺🇸⛺️🌄

Love your vids. I've seen every single one. I've said this before, and I know it's not for what you're known really. It is Darwin "on the trail" after all. But I would love to see just a couple of minutes of each of your town days. I think a lot of us living vicariously through these mini-movies would love to get to experience all the little villages, towns, out-of-the-way 'burgs that we'll just never get to see otherwise. And the rapturous joy of that pizza and beer after a 3 or 4 or 5 day stint would be a beaut to behold. Keep on hiking brother. I'm doing my first section hike of the PCT this year. Don't worry gang, I'm a local in Big Bear Lake California. So I can totally do about 130 miles and never have to drop into another town. My wife is coming along on some of the sections and then running pick up for me on others. I'm a big guy. Like Second Chance big. So this is a life goal and hopefully a life changer/new start for me. It will take me several weekends over the course of several months to cover it all. I didn't used to be this big. But I'm all in now and ready to make the leap! Stay safe out there virtual "tramily" and if we happen to pass, I'll be courteous and keeping my distance : )

Thanks for the videos Darwin, I may not be thru hiking it again this year, but seeing your videos brings back so many memories.

Love those deep, important memories that we can relive. Awesome you were able to experience that, Darwin, for at least a few days anyway. Great stuff, brother!! By the way, your music "feels" spot on, at least for me.

Thanks for sharing your hiking journey's Darwin. ✌️

Great to see your doing great and re visiting the AT the journey looks amazing god bless you

Sweet more trail!

I truly enjoy watching your evolution as a filmmaker and documentarian. I hope that soon you will be to rejoin these little adventures. Thank you !!

I cant wait until this lockdown is over! I am hitting the trail for at least 2 weeks and it can't happen soon enough! Thanks Darwin!

It's such a beautiful part of the country and pre big season is a wee awesome. But yeah, cold & wet. Great video.

Darwin - hoping you’ll be able to get back on trail soon. Keep up the great work!

Killing it, bro! Love seeing the throw backs too

Loving this series. Xx

Wow! My sister and I (TnT) finished the AT in 86. We were the only hikers on Springer NOBO didn’t hit hikers till the 3 td day I remember the tree as the NC/ GA mark there was no sign. Also that shelter wasn’t there. That’s a nice shelter! Had to laugh always hitched in the back of a pickup down south into town. Thanks for the memory lane. Tail on!

Aww great episode!! I hope you get to finish up the rest of your planned hiking section once we can get back out on the trails.

Thanks for the videos! The reminiscent mood is perfect for me as a former AT thru-hiker. I wish you could have finished this year so I could watch all the videos and remember my own experience! Keep at it. Hopefully you're back out there soon.

keep telling us about last year as you remember the spots. I must have watched 1000+ (Dixie, Second Chance, Frozen . . ) videos of hikers on trails and the best are personal ("when I was here 5 years ago . . ") . Thank you and keep reminiscing . . what you remember.

Love your content Darwin. Been watching for awhile now and just joined your Patreon. Hope you the best on the AT and the next few trails.

Nice video Darwin. Dixie / homemade Wanderlust got the fire burning in me to wanna hike and you're definitely stoking the flames. Looking forward to the rest of your AT adventure!

thanks for amazing video. Sebastopol love yours tracks

I love seeing you talk about the ups and downs. I live in Georgia, so I frequent Cheaha (Pinhoti trail), north Georgia, Tennessee, etc. The elevation gain and loss in those areas is just unreal sometimes. You get to the top of a big hill/mountain after hiking straight up, look across at another peak, and sure enough hike straight down and straight back up to the peak you were just looking at. No flat except for the 50 yards of walking from when you get to the bottom and the slow slope up to a near vertical. Over and over. Tiring, but rewarding.

Loving the vibe of these new videos. Very laid back, keep those footsteps in the dirt

Really enjoying these, brother! I hope you're able to hit the AT again when the chaos is over.

I had the exact same experience at Bly Gap! And same goes for a good friend of mine who hiked the trail in 2018. It was constantly raining that day, the wind kept howling and the temperatures dropped below 35. We left Plumorchard Shelter under blue skies but only 30 minutes later, the weather turned. When I got to Muskrat, the shelter was already bursting. It was the only time ever on trail, that I started to become worried about my well-being. I was borderline hypothermic, I had not eaten the whole day, night was setting in, it was still pouring and there was no way to pitch my tent without getting absolutely drenched again, after having switched into dry clothes. Fortunately, the rain did let up for 5 minutes and two trail friends jumped out of their sleeping bags to help me pitch my tent. The second I fixed the last stake on my rainfly, it started pouring again. I've never been more grateful in my whole life to be able to sleep in a dry tent. The next day, four of us decided to take a side trail off the mountain to hitch into Franklin, after someone started talking about a gigantic buffet at the local Chinese place. According to some section hiker, "Chunky Gal Trail" was supposed to be 4 miles of easy valley walking onto a major highway in the region. It ended up being 9 miles of ridge walking, with endless PUDs on a trail that had not been tended to in years, plus a few miles of highway walking before someone picked the four of us up (in a Prius!!) ... But we made it to the Chinese place!

Another great video. Thanks.

You are becoming a great documentary photographer/editor/producer. Great quality as always, cleanly done, great story telling, perfect music.

Muskrat has been full both times for me. Didn't have the rain like you did. Awsome video. Thanks for sharing

Nice, Darwin! Great choice of music to nail down the nostalgia. Made me miss the Trail (I did from AFSP to the Ga/NC line in '06, but had to back to work in New England). I drove a local friend down in '15, and hiked to Dick's Creek Gap, where I left to drive back home to work again. I hope to finish the last 500 miles (NC to Va.) next spring. My thruhiker friend just found out that his daughter, who works in a nursing home, was sent home today, COVID-19 positive. Prayers are needed for our health care workers (and their families).🙏

Thanks brother. I really needed this right about now.

Deep growth is much needed!

The AT certainly means much to you, for I never heard you talk so passionately about any other trail that you hiked on.

I hate knowing that this series is gonna end way before Maine. You’re definitely inspiring me to pull the trigger on my first thru-hike in 2021!

I'm listening to the podcasts that you just did. In 2015 I fell in love with the trail because of you and Dixie. I haven't gotten to leave yet... Lol... Because of kids at home. 5 years till I'm gone. Or found. When you explain how it makes you feel alive, home, I get goose bumps.

...your videography skills are quite inspiring. brilliant work, Darwin. as ever, thank you for sharing-

I see what you were talking about in the past with editing in a new way than the past. This is more of a hybrid of a You Tube traditional journal entry talking head style mixed with a documentary feel. I like the path your on both literally in the video and figuratively. I like that you're also bringing us back in time with you.

Wonderful video Darwin, many thanks for sharing that with us

Beautiful. I went sobo in 2015 (third hike) so I must have passed you, but guess we didn't meet. This is stirring so many wonderful memories. Thanks for taking the time to document your hike. Stay safe.

Love this new video style!

Hey bro hope you are well and having a great day so far. Nearly the weekend yeah. Just thought we would pop over and see what you have been up to again. This is one heck of a trail, great to unwind and reflect bro. Thanks so much for sharing this with us really appreciate it keep safe and take care my friend catch up again soon God bless you 🙏❤️👍

Thanks for the video. I hope you come back to the UK next year.

So excited this is going to be an incredible story.

You have the best music.

Great rundown brother - thank you

Our journeys seemed to mirror each other, these videos are making me tear up from the raw emotions in them and the pain from having to pause my hike

As always, watching your hiking videos from the Himalayas, Everest region Nepal. 🤙 You are inspiring me to upload more Himalayan hiking videos. Keep up the great work. 🙏

Yes! Love these!!

Love your video's Darwin. You are inspiring me to post more Colorado 14er videos!

I am totally enjoying listening and watching you remember 2015 as you hike I 2020 - I live in NC and love the AT, as well as a lot of other trails - I love that you are really connecting to the AT in a deeper way on this hike - if you do it again, when you get to Dick's Creek Gap, try going south/east on 76 to Clayton and if you get a chance go to Warwoman Dell - it's on the William Bartram Trail and shows how advanced the Cherokee were in their regard for women tribe members centuries ago

Liking these videos. Nice style and awesome content.

I am graduating college in May and I am fortunate enough to have a job for when I graduate. I was planning on doing shorter hikes between the two dates. Now, my start date has been moved back that I could have enough time to do the AT. I am keeping my eye out for updates and depending on what happens, I may be joining you out there!

Another great video bro. Thumb up.

Thanks for the vid Darwin!

Nice job at making brown leaves and bare trees with overcast weather seem interesting. The best parts for me were the flashbacks and the tree that looks like it grew in 0 gravity. Thanks anyways for filming, producing and posting it.

I would be doing this section right now starting at Dick's Creek and going to Fontana. Thanks Corona..... Awesome Videos Darwin!

Love your videos.... I'm section hiking .....got off last fall at Hog Pen Gap after a sleepless night

I hope I can hike there once and complet it, it looks beautiful there!

Great video. I can wait to get back on the trail and do some more videos my self. After all the covid-19 crazy dies down. You have inspired me to start shooting videos around our loacl area. Thank you and keep up the good work.

I live in south ga and I LOVE haiwassee. It's such a nice little town, and the trout fishing is unbelievable. (I camp there for the 4th of July every year)

Bligh gap... the kneeling oak. This really makes me want to go back.

Love it love it!

Awesome video Darwin!

Love these, thank you! Heard your great interview with Schill Bros, would love you to post a video on your favorite hiking music 🙂

This series has a different vibe..cant quite explain but it's a good thing

Here in Finland there is a rule when you arrive at a shelter that the people who arrived first have to give room to those who arrived later and are more tired. In other words, you cannot reserve a spot. The most tired, late arriving hiker always gets a spot.

Love it.

Awesome little video of memory And of this year even though and it was only extremely short time this year But somewhere along the line of this year you will finish

Dang, brother. I was out there from end of February to the end of March this year (2020) and remember having to double time just to keep warm. Even with the high cadence pace, my fingers still stopped working until I went to the breadbags. I hope you faired better than I did. I got off trail for the same reason you did. Everything gets wet and cold except the soul.

Your video and music composition is excellent.

It sucks that you could not continue this hike! I like your new style of narrating especially on this hike since there was more things to relive and analyze. Interesting to hear a new/different perspective on the same trail, hope you can go back to live that.

It’s too bad your 5 year anniversary hike got messed up but it’s still great to watch. Hopefully soon we can start hiking again

Great memories...

there was basically a cyclone when I was at Muskrat shelter in 2018. And then the next day it snowed on the 15th of April!

Very excellent.

I think you are definitely finding your voice as a documentary film maker. The hiking/backpacking culture in the US will greatly benefit from your voice.