Tips to Help Older Backpackers Keep Going

Подписаться 9 тыс.

Просмотров 3,9 тыс.

50% 1

This episode focuses on how older hikers can stay stay motivated, healthy and committed as they age. I have hiked all but the last 30 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, and the experience changed my life. My hope is I can motivate others to give backpacking a try regardless of age.
Please feel free to add constructive comments. I freely admit I don’t know all the answers and have blind spots. Feel free to enlighten me. We may disagree, but I’m not afraid of robust conversations.
#backpacking gear, #backpacking, #olderhikers, #pacificcresttrail, #olderbackpackers, #backpackingtips, #pacificcresttrail, #pct
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...
Resources
To access a copy of my free resupply guide, click on the following link: indd.adobe.com/view/5c188b77-...
If you want to support this channel, please subscribe, hit notifications, watch other videos and comment. I strive to respond to all comments. You could also follow AKWild1 on Facebook. Also, I have links to outdoor products that have served me well. I promise I do not accept anything free from gear companies, nor am I sponsored in any way by a company. My opinions about gear and equipment are my own based on my experiences in the field. I want to remain impartial and maintain my integrity, which is critical to who I am. My recommendations are based on my experiences. There are Amazon Affiliate links in the video description. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Here are some products mentioned in this video and links:
Here are links to some backpacking items I recommend.
CNOC Collapsible Water Bottle 1 Litre
amzn.to/48JYGYh
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
amzn.to/49Bp1t3
CNOC 1 Litre Water Bag
amzn.to/430VQgo
Helinox Chair Zero
amzn.to/3uzIrzk
Mini Cork Massage Ball
amzn.to/3T6g6Kh
Black Diamond Trail Trek Poles
amzn.to/43wKeBp
Curex Insoles
amzn.to/49lx4JW
Dude Wipes
amzn.to/488SaKm
Closed Cell Backpacking Pad
amzn.to/3OyJ4jr
Garmin Instinct Solar Watch
amzn.to/3UvqM6d
Injinji Trail Socks
amzn.to/4buckRW
Neo Air X-Therm. A bit pricey, but mine lasted the entire PCT
amzn.to/3SuZQRw
Recommended Book: Adventure Ready: Hiker’s Guide to Planning, Training and Resiliency:
amzn.to/3TmvqlW
I also recommend Darn Tough socks for hiking because the company guarantees their products for life. I have returned socks that have been torn or ripped, and the company sent me credit for new socks. Here is a link that will give you and me a discount if you purchase a pair of Darn Tough socks. darntough.refr.cc/raymondvoley

Опубликовано:

4 июл 2024

Ссылка:

Скачать:

Готовим ссылку...

Добавить в:

Мой плейлист

Посмотреть позже

Комментарии : 123

@rolandwhitsell2911 3 месяца назад

Wonderful. You hsave encouraged me to keep going. I am 85 and hope to hike the PCT before I get too old.

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Okay, that's one of the coolest replies I have ever received. Happy trails young man. You got this!

@sierrajohn47 3 месяца назад

I can't believe the timeliness of your post. I am scheduled to start out on the PCT in a few weeks and have had mixed emotions about leaving all my chores and other responsibilities for a while. Last night all I could think about were these "obligations." Then first thing this morning your post appeared as I opened RU-vid. Your words and a reminder of John Muir's words solidified my resolve to give it a go. Then I checked my email and there was my permit. While I know otherwise I choose to believe your message was to me personally! At 76 it really hit home. Thank you!!

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Thank you Sierra John. All I can say is I hope I can still rouse myself at 76 for a long distance hike. For once, you can feel obligated to your heart and soul. I felt the same way as you, but I found out I was more valuable to people after my through hike than before it. I promise you, you will inspire other people through your example. I really wish you the best, and I'm excited about your PCT adventure. Please feel free to send pics and updates. Tear it up, young man!

@mtadams2009 3 месяца назад

Congratulations and enjoy your adventure. Take it slow at first and let your body adjust to the miles and everything else will take care of itself. You have my respect. Take care

@ironpig701 3 месяца назад

I say youtube Bearthooth song "i was alive" listen to the words. Its my anthem now

@shorea27 3 месяца назад

Wow! Congrats and have fun!! 😃

@sierrajohn47 3 месяца назад

👍@@ironpig701

@lookoutlinn 3 месяца назад

I’m 55 and just stepping into the world of backpacking. Because of this, I greatly appreciate your compassion, passion, and wisdom sharing. Thank you.

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

That is awesome! Thank you. At 55, as Shakespeare would say, you're still in your "salad days." So young. Thank you for watching, and I appreciate your kind words. Happy Trails!

@markwalker4485 3 месяца назад

Keep at her young one😇🤣 I wish I was 55 again….not! My only suggestion to a new old hiker is buy the absolute lightweight stuff you can and bring a partner with you and share the weight of many things. Lots of food is meant for 2-4 meals/people. You alone do not need to carry every meal. Same thing with a tent. Split the tent up with your partner. The last long range hike/hunt I did my friend carried the fry pan, tent polls and the fixed blade knife. I carried the axe, folding saw and our pot and the body of the tent. He carried the fly also. This took basically the most heavy and bulky object and made it easy to carry. The sleeping bag I can do nothing about. If you know a way to get a small, warm, comfortable sleeping bag I’m definitely wanting to listen and try.

@darlene8544 17 дней назад

I just turned 71 and in September I am headed to Spain to walk the El Camino Frances. Your words are good encouragement for an older adventurer.

@akwild1 15 дней назад

Thank you. I hope your trek touches your soul. Best of luck, and Happy Trails!

@Vladimiradventurephotography 3 месяца назад

Thanks for the video. If I may. Very important to do physical training at home. Trail put serious strain on our bodies and without staying in shape and only occasionally going hiking it is very difficult even for young people. I've seen so many people on Appalachian trail giving up after a couple of days because even young can't deal with muscles pain and strain. Stretching is also very important to avoid injuries. At later age healing and recovery takes forever. Finally, here is my favorite quote - "Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving":. Albert Einstein.

@brumleytown1882 3 месяца назад

Agree. And I'll bet you agree its more important to do it a lot, than it is to do a lot. Hours, not miles or reps. After an active life, I spent a whole year at 70 sitting on my butt feeling sorry for myself after some major emotional setbacks. When I tried to reactivate, I thought my life was over because so many strengths had vanished, so many new pains appeared. It has taken too long, but it is slowly coming back. We will be on our back in a hospital soon enough. Plenty of time for that later. In the meantime...

@Vladimiradventurephotography 3 месяца назад

You are right. Keep pushing. I am 66 and trying hard to stay fit, but I am not one of these super athletic, so pushing through pain is becoming a norm. However alternative is much worse. Be well.@@brumleytown1882

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Thank you young man! Yes, the alternative is awful. That's what this channel is really about -- helping all of us who face difficulties find the strength to keep going. Happy Trails!

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Yes! I hope everyone who watches this video reads your words and finds inspiration. Yes, it's all about the meantime, and congrats on finding the fire at 70. How many never do -- at any age?

@randywarnock2937 3 месяца назад

I started backpacking when man first walked on the moon in July 1969 when I was 16. I used my photos of backpacking, camping, climbing and building fire lookouts for a Unique Experiences in Washington. I showed 840 slides in 45 minutes with three screens and four slide projectors.

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

I imagine that was a sight to see. You sound as if you have lived a wild, rugged life. I love the Washington PCT. The picture on the thumbnail is under a waterfall in the Goat Rocks Wilderness area, one of my favorite stretches of trail.

@gregorg229 17 дней назад

I can fully agree on your words! Thank you :-)!!! I just returned from a 3 day hike/mountain climbing weekend in the Austrian Alps with my oldest frieds (all between 55-57)! We had a lot of fun as we know each others since the early 80ties. One day the weather was partly really nasty with wind & rain and above 7500ft this is not really funny. But: I didnt care, I had a good lough on it and said to myself - but also to my friends: "I dont give a sh*t". Later on I stopped, looked around me and there where the mountains, giant rocks, the forest, the wilderness, and after the rain the fog raised over the trees! I had tears in my eyes and knew that this very moment is the reason why I`m right now at this place!!

@akwild1 15 дней назад

Absolutely. Your trip sounds marvelous. Those kind of days can do a lot for your soul. Thanks for watching, and the comment. Happy Trails!

@wanderworm 3 месяца назад

I think this is one of your best videos. So inspirational. The last few minutes in which you started with the Reuben Anderson poem were so beautiful. I'm 63 and had been considering the PCT in 2025 after watching Krysta Norwick's SOBO hike of it and the beauty she portrayed. Thoughts of self-doubt have been creeping in the last week or so but after watching this I know I must at least try it before I can't any more. So thank you. I really liked the Reuben Anderson poem too. I'll keep that as a motivational momento for myself.

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Thank you. I'm happy to realize that there are so many of us "older" hikers who think our fears and self-doubt are unique. We just need to encourage one other. I am thankful to Greg for sending me that poem. I previously read the book on Truman, but didn't remember the poem. It fit perfectly into what I wanted to say. I am excited for your PCT trip. Protect the dream. The PCT changes you in subtle and significant ways. The most important way for me is I no longer live in a world of other people's expectations, and I am happy with my own voice, my own Barbaric Yawp, as Whitman might say. I had to give myself permission to live, and now, there's no turning back. Happy Trails and full-speed ahead!

@user-zz8hg7ts8m 3 месяца назад

I am 71 and just started backpacking and bikepacking and feel better and I look forward to waking up every morning so I can start my next adventure

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

That's my philosophy too. I hike because it makes me feel alive, and I count every day on the trail a small victory; every morning I wake up on the trail is a delight.

@fivehorizons5295 3 месяца назад

Wow, great advice! The algorithm gods led me to this video and that poem, made me subscribe! "Live wildly my friends" Love it!

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

I'm glad you found this channel, and thanks to the algorithm gods for leading you here. Thanks for subscribing, and yes, Live Wildly!

@richardinjapan4578 3 месяца назад

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening -- lovely.

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Absolutely. Thanks Richard.

@richardinjapan4578 3 месяца назад

@@akwild1 You're welcome. I love Robert Frost!

@grampakilt 3 месяца назад

Motivation accomplished, sir. Age 72 and still vowing to finish what I began on the PCT at age 58. GK

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Sounds like a plan. I still have the last 30 miles beckoning me. Godspeed young man!

@rongoris3022 Месяц назад

Great list of tips! Since we only get one life to live, it is a shame to put off doing what you love to do until it truly becomes too late. Live in the moment, make the best of each day, and don't be satisfied by thinking "I can always do that tomorrow!" because, as you have mentioned many times, tomorrow is not a guarantee. Your videos are truly inspiring and welcome! Please continue to produce and distribute your adventures for it is through yourself and others like you that continue to encourage me to go that extra mile, attempt more difficult and challenging trails and to live life to the fullest. To your health and success in all your adventures! Keep on trekking!!!!!

@akwild1 Месяц назад

Thank you so much! Nothing makes me happier to discover that my videos resonate and inspire others. In turn, I am inspired to pursue further adventures. My hope is we can all keep inspiring each other to go that "extra mile," and "to live life to the fullest." That says it all, and thank you again.

@mtadams2009 3 месяца назад

Good tips. I just got off a week long ski trip to Colorado. I met with my two best friends. One thing I had to keep telling one of them was “ stop telling yourself you’re old” you are what you believe. In his case he needs to lose some weight and train harder, age is just not the major factor. Be kind to yourself and others. We are already planning next year’s trip but going for two to three weeks. Take care

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Your friend needs to hear your words. In my first documentary I quoted a 103-year-old Ahtna (Athabascan) elders whose philosophy was "choose an age and be it." I chose to be younger. That sentiment is kind of reflected in the title of this video. It's time for many of us to "Quit Acting our Age." Happy trails, and I hope your trip next year is amazing.

@lorrainesmith1290 3 месяца назад

From the heart… Genuine and inspiring.

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Thank you. I like to inspire others, but it also helps keep me motivated. Thank you for watching.

@wendyoutdoors2230 3 месяца назад

I have been watching your channel for a while now and just wanted to say how much I appreciate all your suggestions. Your attitude and approach very much mirror my own in many ways. As another older hiker/camper who also has a small channel I find people really want practical, common sense and relatively safe information. You do an excellent job- I look forward to seeing more. thank you.

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Thank you, Wendy, for your encouragement and kind words. My wish is for everyone to enjoy at least one grand adventure, and it looks differently for each person, before they take that last fork in the trail. I've found precisely what you have discovered with your channel. I feel very blessed to have come to know many people on this channel. Many have contacted me privately and shared their struggles, concerns, and triumphs. In a small way, encouraging older hikers to enjoy the outdoors helps give me a sense of purpose. I imagine it's the same for you. I look forward to checking out your channel.

@jn2114 3 месяца назад

Thank you for your videos. I'm planning my first thru hike for my 60th birthday. Slow is fast.

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Happy birthday! That sounds like the best present. Sure beats the obligatory tie or watch, in my opinion.

@bradwilson7514 3 месяца назад

Good Video! If we quit, we are done. I love the outdoors. Here in Illinois, I hike fencerows and small woods. I kayak lakes and ponds, instead of rivers. I hunt, fish, and farm. All of this I'm trying to pass down, as it's been a family tradition for generations. My grand daughters are old enough to go with me now, I guess I need a bigger tent 🙂

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

I was born in Chicago, and at 12 we moved to Tinley Park, where I discovered the woods for the first time. I found out that was the place I preferred to be. Even as a kid growing up in Chicago, I dreamed of wild places, especially after my teacher read My Side of the Mountain. I think spending time with kids outdoors is a tremendous legacy. I guess, you do need a bigger tent. Sounds like a great problem to have. Happy Trails.

@davem1564 3 месяца назад

I found this video to be not only great but inspirational. I’m 64yo and just starting to enjoy life. You are correct, there will be plenty of time for sleep. I plan to get out there and enjoy the great outdoors. Thank you for sharing and Bless you 🙏.

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Thank you, and I'm glad you connected with the message. Yes, we can't afford to let a single day slip away from us because tomorrow is not guaranteed. Enjoy your adventures!

@UncleGeorgeTV 3 месяца назад

going down swinging stay healthy and active 💪Damb the torpedoes ❤

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Thank you. Absolutely. Those torpedoes always get in the way. The heck with them!

@jurgenschurr6737 3 месяца назад

Great advice, you are so right!!! Our days are limited and it is always better to follow the call of the mountains than to degrade on a couch watching TV. I still have a couple of years before retirement and I am restricted to daytours but I am strongly addicted to hiking and photography. I also enjoy rainy days because the colours in nature are so beautiful when everything is soaking wet, and if the slightest negative thinking comes up, I sing my favourite high-spirit catchy song and remember the impressive photos made at former rainy days. Greetings from Germany.

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Yes, I would say we have the same addictions. So much potential for awesome pics when it’s cloudy or rainy. Happy Trails!

@catherinelauda6948 3 месяца назад

Starting at 64. Small steps but no way my big toe is going to lock me inside! Thank you for sharing your experience.

@jeffstone28 3 месяца назад

I started backpacking at 66, 6 years ago. Yep, you can do it.

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Love your attitude. I think being a little stubborn is a good thing for an older backpacker. Happy Trails!

@jimmcgregor4598 3 месяца назад

Another great video. Now if I can just convince my arthritic knees.

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

I think you tore it up pretty well on Resurrection. And, I bet you've got some awesome cross-country skiing adventures to share, Jim.

@GeezerAdventures 3 месяца назад

Very nicely done! Shared as our focus is backpacking in your 60s and on. We can do this! You can do this!

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Yes! Thank you! Yes, we can do it! The alternative of not doing it really stinks in my opinion. Glad to find folks in my same orbit.

@dwaynestewart6095 3 месяца назад

that is some great bits of advise for us older guys. Dwayne

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Thanks Dwayne. When I offer advice I am also reminding myself about how I want to live.

@maureenobryan6141 3 месяца назад

What a great quote at the end! Again, thanks for sharing your wonderful and inspiring tips. You and Flash should be so proud of yourselves for the amazing journey you took on the PCT. We are only as old as we feel and a good challenge is what keeps us going! I might add to recording our journey - a photobook, especially if you are a writer and photographer and want a physical copy of a page turning adventure. This is how I best relive all of my trail adventures each year. Keep sharing your love of the outdoors!

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Thank you Maureen, especially for being an inspiration, and for sharing your story on this channel. I think sharing our love of the outdoors with others, and keeping a record of our adventures are the best ways to keep us motivated. You seem to be going from one adventure to the next. I'd like to hear what trails you have planned for this summer. For Flash and me, we'll be headed to the CT.

@maureenobryan6141 3 месяца назад

@@akwild1 looking forward to watching your upcoming CT trip. My sister and I will be doing some day hiking in CO in May, and then I've got a number of backpack trips planned for the summer - along Lake Chelan to Stehekin, Enchanted Valley in Olympic Natl. Park, part of the OR coast trail, Crater Lake section of the PCT, and part of the Wonderland Trail in Rainier. And of course, my weekend treks locally. It's hard to NOT get out on the trail! 🙂

@Gambeli02 3 месяца назад

I'm 67 and will start solo section hiking the Colorado Trail this year. The entire trial may take me a couple years, but I plan to enjoy the miles, not grind them out day after day.

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Sounds good. Flash, Burn and I are headed to the CT this year, too. I'm impressed with the level of support the communities seem to have for the trail.

@kristymoore7052 3 месяца назад

Well said and done. Beautiful! Though always outdoors, camping, etc., I didn’t start backpacking until my early fifties. Now I am obsessed. Sixty now and am able to take 1-2 month breaks from work. Have done the Timberline around Mt Hood in Oregon and a ton of PCT sections along with other Nat wilderness areas where I live in the Sierra. This summer I’ll be on the John Muir Trail and hopefully in a couple of years, retire and then on the PCT, though the AT looks equally inviting. Had the opportunity to hike a bit of it last year and soooo loved the community there.

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Thank you. I'm excited for your adventure on the John Muir Trail. It takes your breath away. It sounds like you have quite a bit of PCT experience, and nothing is off limits. I wish you the best of luck wherever the trail leads.

@ironpig701 3 месяца назад

I urge everyone to youtube Beartooth song "I was alive" it says everything you need to know. Its a rock song but very appropriate as they talk about no regretts and living rather than just being alive. I fully agree with thes points. Currently training for a 2025 PCT thru and daughter and son in law want to go along on hikes as long as they are "short" and not "crazy" yes this old man is doing shorter days to take folks as well its a win all around.

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Thank you, I'll check it out. So your family wants short hikes, but you might want something a little crazier. Last summer on the PCT, my son said one night on the trail, "I realize my parents are crazy" for hiking the PCT. I guess that's not a bad way to be remembered.

@ironpig701 3 месяца назад

@@akwild1 I hope one day my kids or grandkids go " dad/granddad did this at 50 so me at 25 should bedoable" Yeah my kids and son in law are good now for about 5 miles and before i had knee surgery I was at 15-18 miles a day. I figure I can do 5 mile days if I can inspire others to get out.

@glenloewen7507 3 месяца назад

I dig it! My days of working for a living are coming to an end. It may be 12 more months, or 5 more years, but my days of very extended time on trail are still in front of me!

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Glen, you sent me the poem, right? If so thank you. It fit perfectly.

@LarryDickman1 3 месяца назад

Holy Cannoli. I had an epiphany last fall during my 2nd year of retirement. I am getting my body to get back into hiking and backpacking. That poem sums up exacting what I felt. I worked my life away and never "had the time" to keep hiking and backpacking. My gardens are being reduced this spring/summer so that work is shrinking. Needless woodworking and other activities are taking a back seat. Once I have trained to carry weight and move freely, I'm off to enjoy the Green mtns of VT and White mtns of NH again.

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

I'm excited to hear about your plans. I imagine your hike will be through some beautiful country. I started long-distance backpacking to get back into shape, and because I hated the feeling of growing old. I don't plan on going down without a fight. Happy Trails!

@LarryDickman1 3 месяца назад

@@akwild1I now have that poem printed out and posted on my refrigerator. I tried to search the author on 3 different search engines but cannot find out about him or his life.

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

His name is Reuben Anderson. You can find a little about him online. His poem was quoted in a biography on Harry Truman.

@LarryDickman1 3 месяца назад

@@akwild1I have run his name and have found his poem on poem sites, but nothing about him. Though I will keep trying at some point.

@cheryl5218 3 месяца назад

Well said. Thank you. 😊

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Thank you for watching. I appreciate it.

@jeffstone28 3 месяца назад

Love this video. Thanks for the encouragement!

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Thanks for watching! My pleasure.

@nationalparksprincess3216 3 месяца назад

I enjoyed your footage while sharing your giod advice 😊

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Glad you enjoyed it! I appreciate your kind words. The videos also bring back a lot of good memories for me, too.

@peterjohnson6273 3 месяца назад

Nice. Profound. Good. Thanks.

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Glad it was helpful! Thank you, Peter.

@BCVS777 3 месяца назад

Yes sir!

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Thank you!

@ajaynangalia334 3 месяца назад

Awesome and inspiring! Thank you so much! It keeps me hiking 😃

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Thank you for watching. After reading all the comments on this video, I suspect we just might experience a gray tsunami on the trails.

@juanmanuelrodriguez3332 3 месяца назад

t video. Very motivating. I am 64 years old and these videos fill me with positive emotion. Greetings from Madrid, Spain

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Greetings from Alaska. I am just about your age. This video is from the heart and I am happy to find others who understand its message. The trail needs us older hikers as much as we need it. Thank you. I am grateful to know my videos are received all around the world.

@groemer9913 3 месяца назад

❤

@melbeer9957 3 месяца назад

Nice. Happy Trails

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Thanks, you too!

@geneball211 3 месяца назад

Awesome

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Thank you.

@sordoc1 3 месяца назад

Ur such an inspiration my friend. Kudos for U.

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

I appreciate that! These comments are warming my heart. This video just came out, boiled out of me, and I said what I needed to say. Thank you for understanding that.

@gerrylake 3 месяца назад

This is a remarkable video. I’m going hiking tomorrow.

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

That warms my heart. The trails need us as much as we need them. Have a wonderful adventure, and thank you for watching and your kind words.

@jantomaszrogala4230 3 месяца назад

well said, my friend :)

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Thank you. I appreciate it. Summer is on the way!

@danidaskam1027 3 месяца назад

You and Flash are inspiring. Thanks for this video; a good one to watch every so often. I've only ever walked 100 miles from pub to pub, a few times. No overnight backpacking, yet.

@ashmaybe9634 3 месяца назад

Hey walking is walking. Whether you camp or sleep in a pub.

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Thanks for the kind words. Sounds like you’re ready for an over-nighter.

@davidrenz5886 3 месяца назад

Great stuff! Rock on baby and thank you🙂...

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Thank you, absolutely, rock on!

@techguy9023 3 месяца назад

I like hiking. Knees are becoming more of an issue. Hips may be next. Do what you can as long as you can.

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

I am sorry about your knees. However, I think your philosophy nails it. Thank you for watching it.

@markwilliams1680 3 месяца назад

At 60, I have decided to quite my teaching job of 25 years and head out on the PCT for 2025! There are at least a hundred very valid reasons this is a bad idea; however, I have 2 or 3 better reasons that carry more weight for me. I have always been very active, but I can see that I will not be able to wait forever to accomplish some of my dreams...before the decision is made for me.

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

I taught for 25 years, too. After retiring, I started a business, and a month before I left for the PCT, a lucrative business opportunity came my way. I said, "No, I had to go." I lost the the client forever but found my soul. I still don't regret the decision -- not by a long shot. The day you push off from that monument all the chains come off. It's an exhilarating feeling. I realized that if I didn't try this adventure, I would never really know. I look at the world differently now. I'm pulling for you. We're all pulling for you. Happy Trails, Mark!

@markwilliams1680 3 месяца назад

@@akwild1 Thanks for the encouragement! I have never had a lot of money, but I'm not sure it could improve my life. I have a fabulous family and I have loved teaching. Can't wait for the new chapter. See you in the next video. 😊

@friederichgerlach9825 3 месяца назад

Thank you for sharing this video. God did not give us a warranty card for the next 10 years. So go on a trip. Don't care to much for your equipment. Just go.

@akwild1 3 месяца назад

Exactly, although I do wish I had an extended warranty card that had some kind of effect. I agree with your comment about the equipment. Don't dwell on what you have or don't have.