In the caverns of your being, a deep well of solitude stirs. It's not a hollow loneliness, but a yearning for the quiet whisper of your own soul. The outside world, once a vibrant tapestry, becomes a relentless march on the path you're not taking. Each figure passing by feels like a wave crashing against the shore of your introspection, a reminder of the connections you've momentarily set aside. It's a bittersweet ache, this need for separateness, a necessary shedding of the social skin to reconnect with the core of who you are.

Some of the things you say bring me truly to tears...nothing sad, just overwhelming resonance & emotions. Thing is, I'm a woman and find it quite terrifying to be out bush, even on just a suburban hike. Thank you so sincerely for sharing your adventures. I'm so grateful to be seeing these beautiful places through your eyes 🙏🏼

Such a beautiful part of the country and those howls were deeply melancholic, so I appreciate how sad they made you feel. Kind of fitting I suppose, in a metaphorical way - mournful cries from the wilderness that I hope can survive into the future. There's a peculiar challenge to riding the roller coaster of seemingly contradictory emotions that push and pull - especially the tension between seeking solitude and finding comraderie with others (in the right settings). I'm over a decade older than you and still can't lose my ticket to that show ride. I'm glad you decided to share this video and I suspect you really edited out a lot of the more probing, or deeply ponderous bits of your monologue for the sake of your viewers but I hope you realise you don't have to. A lot of us do relate through our own experiences of anxiety. Fascinating though, how you find the nomadic lifestyle has really spoken to you. I grew up fairly nomadic (military family, then we travelled in a caravan for a few years as a family) and it's stayed in my blood. My (other) push-pull anxiety is around wanting to find "home" somewhere, but never feeling quite like I have arrived "there" yet. Anyhow, I think this was a great video and I'm glad you felt ready to edit it together to share. For most of it you looked pretty darned happy - I don't ever want to lose a sense of adventure, and thankfully haven't yet. Be wel Mattsy!

Men like you don't happen very often Mattsy, your creativity, wit and humour is so unique. Never forget how rare a precious a gift you are to this world

I have the same roller coaster in my head. Often I avoid getting myself into social situations and am happy to be in my own company, but at the same time find myself wanting to be with others and wishing I were a more outgoing person. I do enjoy time meeting new people on the occasions I do, but as you did revert back to my usual self afterwards. It’s like it drains me in some way. I think for me it’s partly a lack of confidence in myself especially in groups. From watching your videos I can see you have a great outgoing and humorous personality so I would have never thought you would have a similar problem. Glad you shared the video mate. Keep on doing what you love mate, I hope one day I’ll be out there doing the same.

After owning my home all my life to becoming homeless and having to give up my beautiful children… I can only describe my experience as shock drop. Life that I always knew will never feel the same. I can appreciate your perspective of hermit life and simplicity. You are not alone there.

Haha sorry about not answering the phone mate! At the time I was fishing in the high country and had no reception .. I thought I heard your voice carry across the mountain though 🤣 Cracker vid!

I too get those feelings, and I just recently discovered something called Internal Family Systems therapy. You can do it yourself without a therapist. That's what I've done. Over simplified version, show yourself the same compassion you'd show your friends or family. Talk to the emotional state that's causing you to feel a way you don't like. Say, you "I see you, I love you, thank you for trying to help, but instead of anxiety right now, let confidence take the lead, and we'll all feel better." it sounds weird, but it works. All of our self harming habits are simply our mind trying it's best to cope. So be nice to yourself and it will actually make a huge difference. ❤ Namaste, I bow to the divine within you. Ps I liked and subscribed. Keep up the work!

Your words bring out pride and bravery in me when I watch your videos. I too have suffered from anxiety and mental health but watching your videos makes me fell better for some reason. I live close by the Snowies and soon hope to make my own trip up there in the swag for an adventure of the lifetime!!! Mike... ;)

Truly is an incredible bit of country mate. Really loving the poetry or outward thoughts. It's funny all my siblings are very social and outgoing and I've always been the introvert the one who loves been alone and thrives in solitude more then with lots of people,. But it can be easy at Times to ponder and fall into moments of deep over thinking. But I think to be alone and to grow and adapt is a beautiful thing it makes you appreciate conversation when you have it. Blueberry rum sounds delish as.

Thanks for sharing Mattsy. Your content is always honest and genuine, and that's really important to see these days. Keep sharing the highs and lows, we appreciate them both. ❤

Thank you for the video, and for early access for Patreon folks. I'm oversharing I guess but I was diagnosed with Autism & ADHD in adulthood (on top of anxiety etc etc) and I can really understand the frustration and difficulty of wanting to go out and get away from civilisation only to bump into a record number of people even on a 'quiet' trail. And the conflict between being thrown off by that while also getting small bursts of enjoyment from some interactions, and trying to appreciate little moments you would definitely be thankful for if they were planned or happened at another time... I don't know where I'm going with this but I can relate to the rollercoaster/reverting to being a hermit. It seemed like you were apprehensive about sharing this one but it turned out great and you needn't be. Hope your permits come through soon and you're somehow staying warm in this weather.

Thankyou for deciding to share this video, I can relate to so much of how you were feeling in so many ways. It made me feel as though I am not alone in the way I think. So thankyou for that. And the scenery was absolutely spectacular, I would love to explore that part of this beautiful country of ours. Awesome video, can’t wait for the next one 😁

Really nice one Silly. Something much more open about you in this. I felt for you, as someone who has also struggled with anxiety, as they call it, which I recognise as fear, in me. Thankyou for the video, and the time for my partner and I to enjoy your spirit, in a place I haven't been yet, and to reflect on what you revealed in yourself, and its presence in us too. I recently watched a video @giantcheerio about her partner and her crossing the border into Iran on bicycles. I found a similar humanity in her openness about her struggle with it too, as she deals with the bewilderment of culture shock. Safe travels. You keep getting better and better at this.

Sounds like you’ve been looking inside my brain mate. ….all is as it should be, is how I see the world after I’ve spent time out the back pastures like that…top notch Mattsy🇦🇺👍

Thank you for sharing. I mostly fight the fight in silence, but it is nice to know my thoughts are not unique to myself, and I'm not alone. I love all your videos. They frequently make me smile and laugh out loud.

So glad you were courageous enough to share this adventure. I understand being torn between peace and solitude, and time with others. It’s a long game that’s for sure. The area you explored was truly magical. We’d love to explore there one day~Nicole

I could sit here and watch your videos for hours. The scenery is just so amazing and what you say about it soothing the soul would be so true. It sure would be a great way to clear the head. Might just have to give it a go soon. Keep up the great work mate. Loving it 🤙

You are a fantastic mentor for young men to be real about their emotions. You’re a terrific bloke!

Wooo coming to Tassie!!🎉 you always explore such beautiful locations can’t wait for you to come down to my neck of the woods!

Thanx for the vid! I stayed in Cascade hut 25 years ago with a mate of mine. Next day we did the big drop down to the Murray River. Great trip. My mate recently passed away so this brought the memories back.

Yep I could live in those huts for sure. Looked like gods country. Good vid mate.

Did you say Tassie? Did I hear and see huts? Sorry mate but Levi and rob the knob ain't the only Tassie youtubers lol 😆 great video mate, beautiful country spitting image of our high country down here in the central highlands, you Aus hikers have that bushman vibe and we have the convict vibe but it's all bloody beautiful, the bearded bushman makes good content too, much love from van Diemen's land / lutrawita 💪 Get out more and dont stop doing what you enjoy because I'm the same #Mentalhealth keep on hiking champ 💪🍻🥾

Bloody ripper, great video mate.

Man I’m sooo jealous!! Bloody awesome trip mate 👍

I’m appreciating your KZfaqs more and more. Your filming locations Your warm and joyful personality , mixed with your in depth thoughts are making your work a must see. Brilliant

Thank you for sharing your quest for the peace you can really only find out in the natural world, where stories of yesteryear still reign supreme. How beautiful! 😀 All that peace tugs at my heartstrings.

Beautiful country and great video mattsy, 😊👍

So I finally decided to jump into your channel mate, it kept popping up in my recommendations, I love it, you are a natural, you have a great personality, i can relate to your thoughts etc, and it is great to follow along on your adventures

Another bloody masterpiece mate. I hear and understand all your words. Laughter and tears all at once. Be safe out there my friend.👍

I have PTSD and what you said about living in a house feeling like you're trapped really resonates. I'm so glad you have been able to leave those trappings behind and that you're finding peace and joy in nature. It's a beautiful journey to watch ❤

So glad you decided to upload this, really enjoyed it as I do all your videos, love the humor and the vulnerability you share with us, thank you. Can definitely relate to that need for solitude but also need for connection. Thank you

Mattsy, I am glad you’re in a place where you are feeling calm and peaceful. I have always enjoyed your content. Beautiful scenery. Always thought provoking. History with some comedy and some bush philosophy. I also find it really cool to see Australian winter time as I sit here in the sweltering heat of the North American summer. You’ve done it again! Glad I got to go along for the walk. Hope all your vids see the light of day. They are all worth sharing for their own reasons. Appreciate your creativity.

Great video Mattsy. Good on you for openly talking about how you feel. There needs to be more of it in our society.

Love your work M@c. Your lessons in philosophy resound in your environment.

Love your words... Very poetic. The bush is a powerful healer.

Love it Matsy. Beautiful area, The Wildlife is always amazing, I know what you mean about having seen things before but always being in awe of them like it is your first time, Black Cockatoo's is one that always amazes me. Brilliant old huts too, they would be awesome to see and learn about, stepping back into the old world. Those Demons in your head can be a hard battle that's for sure but being outdoors sure does do wonders to help combat them and it is strange how seeing a person can feel so good when you are escaping from everything.

Stand out or Fade out. That is so going on a T-shirt 😂

That was a mournful howl towards the end !

Really enjoyed this one mate, i do enjoy all your vids but this one in particular.The way you present yourself and your thoughts really hits and resonates with me in a way thats hard to explain. I reckon those howls are more likely wild dogs than dingoes, i see and hear them pretty much every time im up there. Keep doing what your doing Mattsy.

Great vid matey. Hope you enjoyed that -13 morning in Tassie the other day. Looking forward to your adventures in Tassie.

Nice relaxing video mate. Can relate about the socialising on the trail stuff (or even just in reality). I think it's normal we fluctuate in terms of enjoying/not being up for socialising, no biggy! Cheers

What a place. Thank u for sharing ❤

Thankyou for sharing man, for a moment of solace I put my feet in your shoes an pretend I'm their, amazing

The Cliffy shuffle.

Mate that was honestly fabulous Thank you 🙏

Wonderful video mate, thankyou for providing this beautiful content, you're an amazing person Matty and it's a pleasure watching your videos. I hope you're doing good bro. Much love from the UK. ❤

dam that poem at 13:48 hit deep

Thanks mate 👍

Getting away from it all, is just the best!

glad i found this channel, great video and wise words spoken

The fresh air and those views are good for the soul. Thanks for sharing mate!

Dunno if it helps or not mate but you aren’t alone! Thanks for sharing! I can relate with everything you said!

The fences you found, they put those up here in Victoria to protect endangered plants

I love the sound of the Currawongs they always, always remind me of camping and the bush.

Looks like a great spot to get myself some brumby back straps 👍

I love your enthusiasm and your philosophy. Greetings from Germany.

Bloody Ripa mate 👍🏼

Love your honesty on mental health and your outlook, You are not alone with the thoughts you have and it's OK to crave your own company at times but also so important we connect others to continue our own growth. Enjoy!!!

Dude, I have those same anxieties when solo camping. I tend to hide out and go into my shell a bit. But once you have a chat you realize that most people out here are doing it for the same reasons as you. Glad you uploaded this one mate. Was nice to know others feel the same as I do around strangers.

how epic. loved it

Thanks for sharing man well worth it.

Nice one Mattsy!

Gidday Mattsy , great video buddy , awesome photography. Thx for sharing your mind battles , they creep up on us all at the best of times , old brain influences mate , ptsd. Part of beating it is acceptance. .. Breath my friend, it gets better.. About to catch your Chris Bamman interview, like yourself another great person , with similar eye to land attention.. Cheers mate stay well , all the best ..

Great video mate nice bit of history in a stunning place atvb Jimmy 😎😎👍👍

Did you ever find out what that sad howeling sound was?

2:06 well put and with no nonsense too

new to the channel love ya work, cheers Kev and Crissy

Another great vid Mattsie the high country is a magic place and a place every Australian should visit.A hike to Round Mountain would be great to watch for your viewers.

Sometimes my insomnia gives me a wee perk. Seeing your vid gave me a happy boost, never disappoints 😊

Three words only.....Brilliant....Just BRILLIANT.👏👏👏

Wow!! I came to watching your channel through Scotty's Gone Walkabout. Have loved your adventures together. Always makes me laugh :) I always love your poetic take but this video, man it got me! For 4 years I have battled, at times, debillitating social anxiety and panic attacks. I am pleased to say I have come a long way and life is a lot easier now than it was but everything you said resonated with me 100%. Thanks for sharing such a personal experience with us. Helps to know we are not alone - although being alone in the bush is sometimes part of the cure ;)

Great Yowie country. Lots of traffic, two & four legged. Looking forward to Tassie. Be safe mate.

Readout enjoyed this video, beautiful scenery and words.

Enjoyed this video Mattsy, love your open honesty and the fun banter along the way! Looking forward to some Tassie ‘nature emergencies’. Keep up the great work Mattsy 👍⛰️🏕️

I was waiting for a plug for your OF when you were stood next to the hut in your thermals! 😍🫶

Good video mate & stay strong

A wonderful video Mattsy. Thanks for making and sharing, and keep fighting the good fight. 🙏👍

congrats on 18k dude!

Thanks For the Adventure.....From your friends in NE Georgia...

What a great video Matsy. Thank you. We all fight our demons daily bro. Sometimes they get the better of us, and other times we win. Take care mate and keep getting out in nature. it's healing.

Sling and Drink! Have not heard that for a while. Thanks Mattsy. Awesome vid mate

another awesome hike to a place i've not been, thanks! Always appreciate your infectious enthusiasm and raw honesty ... don't change a thing

Love your videos and your thoughts...I get your yearning...peace away is precious! ATB to you! Until next time...

Thanks for sharing! This was an amazing video, and we're all for your thoughts and processing. Great work.

Loved this one Mattsy. Really starting to see it come together for you 👍

Totally feel the same as you about meeting people in the bush. The first few times is pleasant and then my social battery gets low and I don’t want to see anyone. It’s a constant battle but it’s nice to know someone else goes through it too mate.

I struggle often with the thought that there are so many people wherever I seem to go, then I see someone dressed up as Elmo riding a motorbike and it makes me glad that I ventured out into the madness. I had to laugh watching you hang out in your merino wool thermals as I had mine on too😅

Brings back memories of doing the AAWT last year. I absolutely loved it.

You're a straight up inspiration Mattsy! Love ya mate!

Good on you for deciding to share this mate. You bloody legend 🤝👍💪🇦🇺

Thanks

Brilliant mate, just brilliant. Thank you

Yes Mattsy! What can I say... cool people go to cool places 😎😆. The coincidental adventure overlaps with you and Luke have been so good to watch with many, many familiar moments and similar experiences. Not sure if you read any more of those visitor book entries but one keen hiker went to the State Library of Victoria to find some papers and info about old mate philosopher Carter to read while he hiked out and camped at the old Tin Mine Huts. That's next level taking yourself back in time and really getting a feel for it!

Another great video. Reminds me i need sime time out in the bush again. Thanks

Good work Matty. Glad you pushed through brother.

Awesome video Mattsy, absolutely solid! Enjoy your trip down to Vic mate, keen to see your next video. Stay safe legend 👌🏽

That was a ripper that one

Coming to Tassie! I will shout you a beer and dinner (live in Hobart)

I would so have brought a cask of red wine to sit around the fire and enjoy the stars and smell the bush.