nobody is perfect, if thats the worst thing youve done your golden lol.

@@jeaniejbutler4911 Yeah, I'm one of the "grammar nazis". I have to work to keep my mouth shut. I see every deviation from academic grammar rules.

@@edm9704 but you know you were secretly bothered by @Jeaniej Butler's misuse of your in the above comment with your instead of you're 🤣

Some people have nothing better to do. Prob. all named Karen or Kevin too. LOL

@@TheOOP72 😂😂

First thing you do is watch the animals, I live in CT on a wooded property, and yes a gun is always with me. But I a l ways watch the animals

I live in the city and even here I listen to the wild life around me if I suspect something is off...the bugs like crickets are very helpful in this matter.

@@dal8963 crickets? Like specifically do you look for.

​@@hadassahgrace5 The crickets will stop making noise when somethings not right or Predators are near by. Same with birds. If you're in the woods and you notice everything got really quiet all of a sudden, you better have your wits about you.

(Novel alert! lol) THIS. I am learning more and more about how all animals behave around humans. I've always known dogs could sense danger in humans (for the most part) but some wild animals are even more sensitive to it. Crows are my new favorite animals because I've learned not only can they sense a bad/dangerous person, they will remember their face and pass it on to their babies genetically to remember that face as "dangerous" too. This is such great advice that is rarely discussed and even more rarely taken seriously. Having been in several very sketchy situations myself, it is the absolute truth though! You'll feel it too. Don't ignore it. It's easy to question whether you're just being paranoid or not, but the difference will be in how you're breathing and what your thought pattern is. A true gut feeling, animalistic sense, will quiet everything down. You'll breathe slower and softer and can suddenly hear a pin drop. You'll be weirdly calm and will move smoother and a bit slower, but will still be highly alert. Jaw may be clenched as an attempt to silence your voice or loud breathing, and you will instinctively move your eyes more than your whole head when looking around for signs of danger. And this will happen instantaneously for "no reason." Then, you may figure out in a few seconds or a few minutes later why your body suddenly went into survival mode. On the other hand, paranoia or just fear/phobia will present itself very loudly and may feel overwhelming if it's bad enough. It's not the same for everyone across the board, but some things you could notice yourself doing is talking MORE and talking LOUDER, rather than getting quiet. Your breathing may get heavier immediately after a scary thought, and you'll want to take huge deep breaths but it might feel difficult to do. You'll make sudden movements and be whipping your head side to side to look for anything dangerous. Fingers and hands may be fidgety, and you'll have the urge to distract yourself either by looking at your phone or singing a song, etc...whereas a gut feeling will have you completely zeroed in on your surroundings and you won't want to take your eyes off of whatever is in front of you for even a second. (This is also why some people have trouble calling 911 immediately in terrifying situations. They may need a second for all of their senses to rush back to them before they grab their phones. On the other hand, some people instinctively grab their phones to call for help, but it's with a very smooth, natural movement and still without taking eyes off of the surroundings except to quickly glance down at the keypad to dial 911) And for skeptics, none of this even has to be spiritual in any way. I think there are so many clues our nervous system picks up on that we as humans still just aren't aware of yet. For example, maybe people who are on the brink of violence emit a very subtle "stress" odor or maybe their breathing pattern is specific enough for our brains to recognize without realizing it. Just like crows, our genetics have been passed down to be more aware of particular dangers.

Exactly. The not talking about it is very important. a.) it could give someone with bad intentions time to figure out a plan to take it from you, or b.) give them more time to find or jerry-rig a weapon of their own so that they can ambush you when you have your guard down.

Unless you get caught with it then go to prison.

@@mariaa3457 Why would you go to prison? It's legal to carry firearms, and if you have a CCW, it's legal to hide them while carrying them even in public places. If you're in a private home or private vehicle or private tent, you wouldn't have to inform anyone about your weapon or leave it out regardless of if you have a CCW.

@@EastmanEditing It depended on the state and even your location within the state. In NY or NJ if you don’t have your cc for that state, you go to jail. WV is open carry but if you’re near a school and get pulled over with it, it’s a federal crime up to2 years in prison. DC mad MD are bad too. When you’re hiking you cross state lines so you better know the laws.

@@mariaa3457 I would assume and hope anyone carrying knew their rights and the laws across state borders. I still would keep it a secret from anyone around me on the trails unless it was my life partner traveling with me. Otherwise, it's kept secret for the safety of everyone. I wouldn't carry if it wasn't legal, so I agree it's important to check the laws and get any licenses and permits you possibly need.

Every week, all the sense less violence, in News, I carry everywhere its legally allowed.

@@stevefournier6375 kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

Kkk

Kkkkkkkkkkkkk LL

Kkkkkkkkkkkkk

Always bring a gun, that would at least take a bear down. Hind sight, is 20/20

Yepper, your all alone out there... and no one is coming to your aid. Sad.

Always, carry a knife in your belt. Not inside your pack.. u may have to get it out.. in a big hurry.

@@MrWolfheart111 A large caliber gun, may mean the difference between living or dying. Personally, I stay out of the woods now!

@@MrWolfheart111 I don't live in the city.. can't tell you that.

In the US there would have been gunfire. Maybe pack some pepper spray? Is that legal to carry?

@@asmith7876 I'm not aware of anywhere in Australia pepper spray or tasers are legal. Our weapon laws are fked.

That's horrifying, and I'm really glad you're okay. That's a suspicious situation, and I hope no one else was harmed. Other countries outside the U.S. handle guns WAY better, but it makes me nervous to think of not being able to have pepper gel/spray or a stun gun/taser. 😶

Hornet spray makes a good stand in for pepper spray. Heck a can of WD40 could work as a distraction. The advantage of hornet spray is it goes a good distance, but if you need to habe a reason to have something while hiking I could see saying, "Well I had the DW40 in case any of my zippers get stuck." In the states you can get little cans of it. Maybe that is an idea. If it can help any hikers reading this comment...

@@dasta7658 Should have never let your government un-arm you! The radicals here in the US are trying to use mass shootings to do that. But having a constitution makes us more protected from government over-reach!

You are so nice. Thank you for being kind to an 85 year old lonely man who suffered the loss of his beloved wife. It's my little 65 year old man birthday today. Well, what's left of it anyways. A sweet present reading your comment indeed. Maine says 'hello'.

Awesome! He was probably freaked out at first too lol, you never know who’s out there but I don’t think that gives us an excuse to be disrespectful. Glad he ended up having some company 👏🏻

I would have gunned him down.

Good call. If you had shot the guy, you'd have a hard time proving self defense. Also you probably were not the first people he encountered. By handling it themselves, he remained a threat to others, and would not have been brought to justice.

ok so you are hiking with AR-15's ???? why ??is it common in Arizona?

@@fernandbaribeau5298 Would it have been better with any other rifle or hand gun? Would it have been better if he had a Desert Eagle or a 500 nitro express? Anything but the evil black rifle?

@@XX1SICKNTWISTED1XX just asking...i am wondering why carry a gun when you go for a hike...maybe evey body do that in you part of the country....???

@@fernandbaribeau5298 I hope so.

Excellent advice! Trust your first Gut feeling and take immediate action. Meanwhile, Happy Trails to us all.....

Always go with your intuition... If something doesn't feel right... Leave now and watch your back!

The worst thing, anyone can do... is get in denial about their feelings of doom, if they go any further or someone watching them. When I FIRST GET the feeling of being watched.. I usually am.. When I first get that gut feeling, something isn't right.. I immediately leave the area and round about area too. Always listen to your very first instinct and listen to you dog!

@@paulao7022 Before days of internet, when I was young, I met a person who seemed OK, my inner instinct said ''NO! ''. Stupidly I didn't listen to it as I thought ''He seems really nice, don't be silly'' Luckily, I got away, but it was a salient lesson. Never, ever, ever override that inner 'Gut' feeling, and always trust your dog!

@@Oakleaf700 If your dog doesn't like the person... then you shouldn't like them either...it's true. Dogs, senses things, about people. Watch your dog, when meeting new people!!

Good Advice!

Excellent point. Danger is a part of life. When you drive down a two lane road doing doing 50 mph ,you are passing oncoming motorists who might be travelling 50 mph as well. If one person has a blow out or swerves into your lane horrible devastation can result. Daily, multiple lives are lost this way. We face the risk of death as a part of our lives. Hiking is no different. Lots of possible bad events, that we accept, as part of the "highway" we traverse. But just like real driving you think defensively.The hiker is smart to practice defensive hiking. Thanks for all the helpful tips.

Very good tip!!!

@@billlincolnmd9159 "Defensive Hiking", is a great idea!

@@billlincolnmd9159 Carry a lethal weapon and stop being in denial!

Real question-Can you hike the AT strapped? Doesn’t it depend on the state? My state -which is on the trail-doesn’t allow for conceal carry. So you never see people hiking with guns. My parents live in a southern state and you see people with them all the time on a trail. But can you get in trouble by crossing state lines with one-is there a special permit you can apply for? Edit:I’m all for it!! I just live in a crazy state and don’t want to accidentally get 5 to 10 lol. But I suppose jail is better than dead 🤷‍♀️

@@ggaffgaff966 you have to have a permit or CHL/LTC and it must be recognized by any state that you choose to hike. However it is discouraged to carry specifically on the AT. I don't visit any state I can't take my personal protection but that's a personal choice. I carry for the chance of bad wildlife encounters more than other ppl. Thank God I've never been in a position on a hiking trail that I've felt the need to pull it. I have been bitten by a snake on trail in TX but other than that my experience in nature has been very pleasant.

@@CheeksTX Like you said to each their own but i think refusing to hike anyware that wont let you bring a gun is beyond fucking stupid. Like i understand if people want to carry and it doesnt bother me if they do, but that being said, using the AT as an example. 3 million people hike parts of the trail every year. The "murder rate" on the AT is the Equivalent to about 1 person per every five years. so are you really so SCARED of being that ONE out of FIFTEEEN MILLION people. to get killed. that you would refuse to enter any forested area that didnt let you bring your safety blanky(gun)? Like you said to each their own but i refuse to live my life in fear like that. Shits kinda pussy TBH id hate to live my life like that.

@@ggaffgaff966 If your against a huge bear, big foot, dog man... you can't run, their faster.. they all can climb tree's.. you had better have a gun on you, that would take down a grizzly! I'd rather get fined, than dead somewhere.

@@wstmag8 honestly depending on the wilderness I'm hiking I will open carry due to the lack of time to retrieve my weapon in the case of bear and mountain lion. If I'm hiking here in TX majority of the time I conceal carry however again depending on the area and threat of mountain lion I will open carry. It's never for show and tell its for the protection of my life and those around me. Again, to each their own I don't give hate regardless of one's decision to carry or not, open or conceal but for myself I will do what I feel is necessary to stay safe while enjoying our beautiful country and the God given scenery I'm viewing.

Big bugs

TONY hang tough man feel you from east of mt SHASTA 🏔🎒🥾

I was 100 miles behind you. Sorry for your loss. We all felt it on trail. RIP STRONGHOLD 2019

These are great points of safety. I would add Bear Spray which can be used for all sorts of animals- including human ones-- just for emergencies.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Even now, I imagine it's sometimes hard to wrestle with. Sending love from the Australian Capital Territory. 💕

"Safe word" ? -- sort of like BDSM! LOL

For real with the gut feeling. One time I was alone on the woods in Kentucky, just chilling on a log. All of a sudden, the hairs on my back all stood up and I didn't feel right. So, I just and listened for a second and I could hear crunching behind me. So, I stood up with my axe, got up on the log and faced that direction. Out of no where, I saw a cougar run off. The kitty was stalking me. Luckily, nothing past that happened. But, your gut always knows best.

This is good advice. BUT, its all kind of worthless if someone wants to hurt you. NUMBER ONE on the list should be: ARM YOURSELF. Have a means of defending yourself against violent attack. If you are not carrying a gun, i dont give a donkey's ass what other plans or preparations you make, you are VULNERABLE, and an easy target, period. Im sure that all of those things you mentioned would have helped Stronghold out tremendously when James Jordan was STABBING HIM TO DEATH. Im sure that list would have stopped James Jordan right in his tracks! If he had a safe word, and used the buddy system, right? Oh..wait..he wasnt alone..he DID hike with a buddy, who also got stabbed and nearly killed. You are not just in the "public arena" when you are on trail...you are in the middle of the Wilderness. Relying on others to protect you, or expecting someone to save you, or that having a safe word and watching out for bad vibes is going to keep you safe..is incredibly naive, and downright FOOLISH. R.I.P. Stronghold

@@mattjack3983 "safe words" are for BDSM perverts and their silly games, not for personal safety on the AT !

@@mikesgoodmann9349 very well said! I completely agree

I think safety should be everyone's concern. We have too many missing people according to 411 missing people. We have some people that are very mentally ill and what better place for a serial killer to get by with his or her killings...? Carry a gun. Cougars and mountain lions, bears and etc. are out there too. Bears will attack if you get too close to their cubs too.

Honestly it doesn’t matter where you go in the world there will always be bad and good... it’s kind of ignorant to say unknown places are ruined once their is more exposure... how do you think the application trail is maintained? I do understand your point but their are nutritious s in your own backyard shouldn’t stop you from discovering

And people need to realize that when they walk/hike The Appalachian Trail , they are walking through someones back yard......Mountain People were living their long before it was the "in thing to do"

The same is true of Mt. Everest as I understand it.

@@Evergreenforest33 "Application Trail?"

Thank you Garden State

A good line to use is, did you bring those hostess cakes? It works;

Look them in the eyes and do the old "we outta here"

@@samgibson684 My secret word is YIKES!!

@@paulao7022 Not anymore.

And does no one know the difference between subject and object pronouns anymore? 🇺🇦🌻

@@7catsmom959 No they don’t… It’s the other pronouns that some people are so concerned about. 😀

Yes, it drives me crazy when people pronounce "wary" as if it is spelled "weery." I knew someone with a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy, and Master's in Library Science who pronounced it this way (as well as hearing many others say it this way over the years). So apparently it is a common mistake. I just don't understand why, though.

@@stephenrice5938 That is funny!

imagine actually to be caring about how words spell when every word is the same thing as the other

LOL

Some one had been praying, for you and your friend. It could've turned out badly. Good for you, that it didn't. Stay safe out there.

@@paulao7022 no

Did Police question then let Jordon go? Could this couple check about shovel incident and if assault charge can be filed, press charge ? His violent action w throwing log or telling couple, “ You’re Not staying here ! “ would initiate a quick check w cops.

Agreed!

Thank you, same to you!

The more replies I read...there is NO WAY I'm goin on ANY trail w/o a weapon & my dog..90# shepherd very well trained, wakes me up if a mouse farts!!

Being wary?

@@leeriutzel4780 I say, keep a fire burning at night. Put a few good size logs on the fire. It usually will keep predator's away.

I always go with two or more people, besides myself.

Yes, if they happen to be around, at the time of an attack...?

HI Lilee, I have always went with my( first gut feeling) about things, especially out in the woods. I read one time, this young woman would run everyday down a trail in the woods, one day a man jumped out behind a tree and grabbed her and she kneed him in his crotch and escaped. She told the police and they caught the man and he was put in a mental institution. be careful out there!

Solo overnight hikes definitely are more risky for women than guys as far as contending with possible rapists/murderers that see victims of opportunity. Both of my parents are dead so I just always have the idea in my head that they are watching over me and they would never let a crazy killer cross my path. Positive thoughts like that help me sleep at night when I am out in the wilderness alone. I definitely feel much safer camping alone at a place called graveyard meadows then I do being in a city like LA or NO and worrying about getting robbed and murdered over something so inane as my puma suit.

Creepos are unfortunately nearly EVERYWHERE ‼️‼️👎🏻

Same I won’t even walk a trail in my town alone, been watched many times even chased.

That's sad - maybe see a counselor who specializes in these (rational) fears so you aren't as limited. Maybe you won't solo camp but find a group and go with them - it's fun and safer in every way. I say this as a partial hypocrite because I am the lone hiker, but the things that scare you don't scare me and this isn't being better or stronger it's just we all have different things that trigger us and too bad to miss out if you can find a way that works, increases your safety and joy.

If they do stealth camping, it's good to tie something to a few trees, to find their way out to the main trail.

Thank you for your kind words

You're welcome! Happy to help in any way we can.

I hope that's all you run into. Others haven't been that fortunate.

Not true. Even more dangerous is the horned deer who found out that his wife gave him horns :)))

That's your opinion, Greg...

Hornet spray, has a longer stream when used. You don't have to get that close as when you use bear spray.

@Chris Penfield your welcome. Keep your head on a swivel, when in the woods. Stay safe now.

Or like the old saying: "Walk tall and carry a Big Stick" and be aware of y/our surroundings as much as possible. Happy Trails~

Of course! Thank you for watching.

A major problem with arresting James Jordan in VA in April 2019 before tragically murdering Stronghold in May 2019, was that although many hikers called cops in April because he was threatening them, none of the hikers wanted to wait around to testify!!! So cops had no choice but to release him and of course he ended up back on the trail. So the mug shot Tara Treks saw on their smart phone while running into James Jordan may have been taken in April 2019. James Jordan is extremely paranoid/schizophrenic and should have NEVER have been running loose. There is a long article online about him and his history back to childhood up north. His life is a total disaster.

@@NCAdventuress Yes Indeed, that`s why it`s so very important to keep alert out on the trail where crazy people can come up on you at any moment during the night or day. It`s a great idea to go out with a trained guard dog or any dog big enough to protect you. Dogs will hear the crazy person coming & alert you by barking loudly so you will wake up and have plenty of time to grab your gun to defend yourself. Even small lap dogs can be very useful if they have a habit of barking at noises they hear at night.

@@stevesheartone2998 Good idea.

@STEVE Sheartone • They should have locked him up in a mental institution forever instead of letting him out. He literally got away with murder!.

One has to get awfully close, with the knife and pepper spray... Try Hornet's spray.. it shoots a long distance and very effective.

I never go to bed, around stranger's. That's a very vulnerable time, for anyone. Killer's, will usually wait till they hear one, snoring.. Personally, I would never sleep in one of those shelter's unless I was with a large group of people, I knew before the hike.

LOL

Well said my friend.😇

There are always rogues whether it be human or animal. The majority are safe to be around

Hello! Although we have had black bears & coyotes sighted in our forest in SW VA., these are so rare, I have not seen a bear [which usually appear in Autumn: eating-to-hibernate] & I go out there several times each week. My main concern is Humans. Most people I meet in the wilder places, are friendly & helpful. But then, there are a few to be wary of. Meanwhile, Carry on and Happy Trails....

It's the same for all species. It's not a specific human -byproduct. Members of the same species compete for exactly the same resources, whether for immediate survival, or long term, i.e. mating...etc. So, our intelligence simply allows us to deceive with more sophistication, but we exhibit the same interspecies dynamic as the rest..

You've forgotten man is merely an animal

Thank you Mark!

Maybe Felicia dog, was some comfort and may have calmed him even slightly. Plus the dog may have carried some of his Gear.

He is mentally ill and obviously not treated, he's not psycho :/

Thank you for the comment! When are you planning on thru hiking?

I've had both situations walking the 1/2 mile to work in the middle of the day.

@@missmodern LOL you must live in a big city?

@@NCAdventuress Medium sized.

Take a gun, that would have the capacity to take down a bear. There is cougars and panther's and bears on that trial and perhaps, a serial killer or two. Bring extra batteries and flash lights. Lighter n matches in a zip lock, baggy.

I wouldn't be caught in the wilderness without a gun.. Daniel Boone, never went into the forest alone, without his muzzle loader!

I think that is a respectful, smart attitude you have about firearms. Knowing they aren't the best choice for everyone. Safe travels to you. I imagine it sucks for certain people to be seen as creeps when they actually are not and I sometimes wonder if it's hard for men that being male makes some people somewhat more likely to be fearful about a person than if they were female.

Lol u and I both know that's retarded

Always be ready to defend yourself. Never let your guard down.

@@Highlander9740 that’s kinda the point is being able to let your guard down while your out in nature. I get what your saying though you encounter some folks who are just crazy and you have to be cautious with what you say or do around them

griffin bbb You're too naive man. A handgun could be the difference between life and death out in the wild.

I suggest, putting up some barrier, around your tent and you... like fishing twine and some can's or a device you can get on amazon, that makes a noise, when someone comes inside this perimeter.

Same

Wow! I would have freaked too. Get him a gun.

Oh my gosh I’m so glad he was okay!!! I was reading that with my heart racing!! 🤍

Make sure he has a weapon to protect himself.

It's weird I'm watching this and it's almost mothers day.

They should have committed this creep, to a mental asylum.

Well said!

Never walk at night in the woods, there are cliffs and drop off's. Better to always travel in the daytime. Predator's, mainly hunt at night. Beware!

They are so family-friendly aren't they 🤗

If you can, take a trusted person with you and take a gun.. big enough caliber to take down a bear, if you are attacked by one!

Glad it was helpful!

we had a safe word also, note to self "harder faster" is a horrible safe word!

100% agree

True .a safe word could be used in any situation

A lot of people, quit hunting or hiking all together.. Too many missing people.. and not a trace of them to be found!

That's the strangest part.. not a trace of them, anywhere..!

Exactly, I NEVER go without 2 things strapped to me at all times a handgun & a personal locator beacon with a rifle at arm's length and also the rest of the rules you wrote

rob crane similar situation, was it also hailing? Near Roan Mtn

@@taratreks Clyde Smith shelter.

Wow, yup. That is where we also met him. I knew several other people that went there and did the same thing in moving ahead. He must of been the only one in there for the night.

Oh excellent point!

you should take someone with you. There is safety in numbers. They have a hikers club now. People meet up and travel together.

@@paulao7022 need info on that site please

Wow! I'd have nightmares.

Yes! I remember hearing that. I believe we know who was threatened and know by the time they found Jordan, that individual was already gone..way down trail. The police did the best they could and busted him for a drug charge and tried to keep him in jail as long as they could. They also took his massive weapon I believe. However I do not have an opinion on the matter of whose responsibility it is to testify in court. This is still a sensitive topic for some and there are a lot of factors to it. You raise good questions though. I think this is important for future thru hikers to consider and come to their own conclusions about.. hopefully nothing like this ever happens again. Thank you for following our journey this year. We appreciate your support :)

JOHN DIVITA.... I can't imagine that after James Jordan killed Stronghold and nearly killed a woman with him, that those hikers who called cops beforehand who arrested Jordan based on the threats those hikers received, that they now deeply regret not hanging around to testify. If they have a conscience, it should be they never forget that they could have saved a life and the trauma to that poor woman badly injured hiker who had to walk 5-6 miles to get to paramedics. She could have bled out! And the trauma with which she will live forever is unimaginable. If those accusing hikers had testified, Jordan could have been held and subjected to a psychiatric evaluation forcing him to be institutionalized. If good people don't stand up to evil and violent mental illness, who will?

@@taratreks I find it astounding that you "don't have an opinion" about whether or not the hikers who had Jordan arrested, should have stayed around to testify! You are a lovely young couple of influencers but you are too young, too naive and too inexperienced in life. Obviously you have never been victims of violent crime. Tragically, this country is in an epidemic of violent crime especially in our big cities and large metro areas. I have lived thru it in Center City Philadelphia for 22 years, a very expensive part of that city and was a victim of muggings with guns held to my head in addition to home broken into, apt bldg I owned broken into, car broken into, handbag ripped off me, etc. I left the NE Corridor after being there my entire life in big cities and moved to a beautiful, safe, sane, conservative Western NC mountain county, a region with which I was very familiar. We have practically no violent crime! There has been one murder in 14 years in my county and the two guys knew each other. Philly had 562 murders in 2021! But Philly caused me to have my head on a swivel, see and hear everything. That will never leave but at least I have relaxed now living in a civilized and beautiful place and I never want to move again.

I would've testified against him. It keeps the forest's safe for the rest of us.. who knows.. the next time.. it could happen to any one of us...?

Thank you for watching!

Understood, We are here for y'all whenever you need to talk. Thru hikers stick together. :)

💪🏻

Be interested to hear the details of your encounter when you are able to talk about it.

That won’t be for a very long time, if ever. A trial would have to take place first, which is why I want others to talk about their experiences so future classes aren’t left feeling afraid!

Anyone thay hates on you for exercising your rights is a fool and not worth anymore of your time.

I believe when Jordan attacked Stronghold and the woman hiker there were at least two other people at that camp site/shelter who were able to run away.

Ok

it's better to carry, than end up dead.

lowell mayfield that’s a great point! I think you are right, thanks for that

llowel Mayfield omg umbrella is our safe word !!!!wifey was massaging out a bad shoulder cramp !! hurt so bad a yelled out umbrella ! UMBRELLA! out of nowhere cause it was summer no rain she checked up, We laugh anout it today!!!ya know kinda like Fiftyshadesof Gray 'did you roll your eyes at me?' ha!

I would say, have you seen my hairspray?,

No no no .Pistol ,period.carry it carry it carry it.It is handy not just against humans but animals too or just to signalise.So i totally agree with you and as a message to all ,please do not let your "last"tought to be;"if only i had my pistol with me" Bright blessings and safe hike

What am i as a foreigner going to do not being able to buy a gun..

@@Za7a7aZ . I guess you're sol other countries gun laws are bs

@@Za7a7aZ buya gun from a private citizen

Of course! We are happy to help in any way we can Kamper. Is there any other topics that you think would be helpful to you or any of the 2020 class??

@@taratreks Could you touch on the importance of the mental part of the trail over base weight? So many future A.T. thru hikers believe that their base weight defines them...that they must have DCF equipment if they have a chance to succeed. I just feel that they are selling themselves short. Year after year, there are plenty of would be A.T. thru-hikers that succumb to the mental fatigue of this trail that have the DCF pack and tent. You can't buy your way to Mt. Katahdin. Again, I understand that less weight on your back is vital to success, but not to the point that it defines your hike. Thanks and sorry for the long comment.

30yrs in corrections? You'd be the one to avoid. You chose to go to prison everyday.

Time will tell. 😂

@@kampersadventures958 You have to get your mind right. If you keep thinking you are sick you will be sick. This is why you have panic Attacks because you keep thinking about the same thing over and over, I been there ! People with positive thinking have a better chance at achieving their goals. Embrace the suck put your cold wet clothes on and hike another day in the rain, Just be happy you are able to walk !

How do you keep a gun legal on one of these trails where you are running through multiple states?

@@donkeysaurusrex7881 If you are committed to carrying legally the laws vary from state to state but you are an interstate traveler or technically a "sojourner" so I would ask a lawyer how you would do that while traveling on foot & not in a motor vehicle. I myself believe in the 2A where it says that "the right to keep & bear arms shall not be infringed" so when I carry I do concealed rather than open carry. I don't care about local laws since it's nobody's business, I'm not hunting, & don't plan to pull out my weapon unless absolutely necessary. I won't consent to a search but will show an ID & whatever permits are required. I also won't answer any questions that aren't relevant to my hike. Basically I'd give the authorities no reason to think I've committed a crime & I behave myself when on public lands so there's no legitimate reason for an LEO to start fishing & asking personal questions. In the event I was arrested for carrying then I'd lawyer up & wait for my day in court.

@@kst357 Excellent! Totally agree.

Only a trusting fool, would go on these trails without a gun, that would take a bear down.

Your right.. it usually happens that way.. when you don't bring it.. something will happen.. its the way it goes.. it's called life. A 357 magum, hollow point bullets, will bring down something large. A small caliber gun, just make it mad...