Derek... wow... Ever since my mom introduced me to your channel about a year ago, several of the things you were going through resonated with me. In your last series, for example, all your stops into quiet country churches struck me (as I try to figure out where my faith lies these days). But, "I don't want to feel lonely anymore," resonates as I prepare to move from America to Co. Clare in the fall. It's a place that stole my heart years ago -- and I haven't been able to stay away since. I feel with absolute certainty that what the Appalachian Trail is about to do for you, Clare will do for me. Sending you lots of love for a safe, happy, uplifting, and memorable trip. xo

Great to see you back on the hiking and camping trail again.. Your videos are so peaceful and meaningful to watch 👌💚😁

One of my favorite words, Hiraeth. I thought about it when you were describing your feelings. I have been on a journey for 11 years, since loosing my husband at 45. The world is such a different place now. You are a breath of fresh air! So thankful I found your videos!

I suspect that each person who says to themselves, "I'm lonely," has already taken the first step on a long journey towards their own hearts...I've had to let go of a lot of heavy items in my pack along the way that were weighing me down. Sometimes I've sat down and just cried out of frustration when the thing I've been carrying and had to let go was so familiar, or I thought I needed it, or worse, I didnt even know it was there.... Joy has occurred, on the trail towards my heart, however, when I've discovered along the way so many other people sharing the same path...and the fog of loneliness has lifted. For anyone who came to this video because of Derek's brave admission of loneliness - keep going! Ask a Higher Power for help - you're on the right trail... (Please pardon this post - the title of your video brought up so many memories for me from 20 some years ago. I thought about what I might have wanted to hear from someone, as well as the true pandemic in the United States: loneliness). Blessings! PS Are the Irish the *best* story tellers or what?

Just so much joy in taking this walk with you-head good -body good -feet good -heart good

I started to watch your walk on the Appalachian trail in Virginia. I decided to watch episode1. A little backwards, nevertheless a great watch. I love your conversations. Very meaningful and so true in regards to introverts. We like our solitude, but don't want to feel alone. I love when you sing. Your song choices are perfect. You have a great voice and smile.

I found my most profound and most compatible friend I’ve ever had on the AT and I wasn’t even trying, I am also very introverted and prefer solo time for the most part

I am SO glad to have discovered you or to have your videos discover me. I only found your hike last week and you're well into Virginia now. Which means I have a lot of great videos to catch up on. I sincerely hope your entire adventure goes superbly!

You are a fantastically lovely human . Thank you for sharing your journeys over the years . This world needs more genuine people like yourself !

Nice open to the hike. AND… with that outro, you have already solidified your trail name for the hike. From this day henceforward, you shall be known as Mary Poppins! Keep on keepin’ on!

Hi Derek. I’m only 3 min in and you’ve got me Subs 👍 A wonderful smile, a wonderful honest narrative and I can’t wait to follow/catchup on your journey. Solitude is fine but loneliness is not good and it was a lovely saying you had about starting a new book. Wishing you a journey of happiness and finding like minded people to share your travels with. 🙂

Great to see you back Derek. Looking forward to following your journey. Wishing you all the best 🙏🇮🇪🍀

You’re a hiking philosopher and singer. Great combination! Thank you for taking us along.

Hi Derek Delighted to see you start the trail. Hears to meet new people on a new adventure. I wish you all the best.

I found your videos 8th April,. First time I've gone back to day one to watch them all in order.

🖐🏻ALL GOOD HERE! Wish you well. ❤

good luck Derek. i look forward to our virtual accompaniment to your journey

Had a good chuckle at the head good/mind good bit. Have a great adventure!

The journey begins! Delighted you have made some friends to hike and camp with. Much safer and good for the heart! Looking forward to your videos! Best of luck, Derek 🙏🏻💕

God bless and keep you brother✝️🙏🇮🇪👑☘️🏕️🍺

Wish I could be with you on your journey pleased we get to watch take care 🥾

yeay, I'm joining you on the trail. I'm surprised at the lack of the first signs of Spring. So far South and no flowers.

Heart good! Happy Trails! 🥾🥾

The king has returned!!!! So excited to see your journey

Derek, so glad you’re down here walking the AT. Thanks for sharing your journey. You are an inspiration.

Good luck to you Derek.

Great to see back on a big trail!

Watched it twice.Ah Derek...I am so happy for you... May all of the kindred folk,that you meet Be a Blessing to you. May God go with you,as you travel along.

All the best on this journey, Derek!

Glad to see you back on the trail❤

Enjoy the adventure!

I so enjoy your trips all over the world. Prayers for a safe trip, lots of new friends and great memories. Happy Easter! Also, I love your accent.

I’ll be watching. Good luck!

looking forward to this one...best of luck to ye!

I wish you all the very best of luck on your journey 🍀

Love the new mantra and the evidence of your experience as a magnet 🧲 ❤ Keep that alignment and the heart lite and enjoy your latest adventures! It’s sure to be magical 💫

Will be following you all the best

Awesome!!!!!!!😊❤

Welcome Derek - I wish you the best on this adventure.

Best of luck stay safe.

All the best Derek on your latest adventure, stay safe and god bless 🙏🏻

Great video Derek, looking forward to the next few months 😊

Good luck on your long journey Derek,every step you take is a step closer to the finish..🙏🏼

Good luck on your adventure derek looking forward to following you along the highs and lows of this epic journey all the best 👍

Your heart is good. Good luck on the trail. Thanks for sharing mate.

All the best for this epic journey Derek, thank you for sharing it with us. I look forward to checking in regularly to see that all is good.

Good luck in your travels. I look forward to following along.

Best of luck with your journey Derek 🍀 really enjoying all of your videos 🙌

Sleep well Derek. Hope you new runners are feeling ok as you start your adventure. Appreciate you taking us lot along with you.

Best of luck Derek….looking forward to your videos

Best of luck with it Derek! I hope you find what you're looking for. Looking forward to seeing your journey.

😂 Awesome end... not your usual. Love it when you sing. Happy trekking!

All the best for the adventure ahead Derek, keep your head, body, feet, heart good mate. We are all just a message away if needed x

Journey of a thousand miles begins with a first step. Best of luck and enjoy your adventure.

Derek, your videos mesmerize me. Your unique perspective on the trail and the people you have hiked with and cared about, really touch my heart. I am following you every step of the way. I am very thankful to have found your channel. See you at the summit sign. -John

I look forward to seeing the sights with you

Go on derek been waiting on you starting this hike good luck from belfast mate

That’s for taking us along

Hope you enjoy every minute Derek and your heart is full of joy all the way. Can't wait to share the amazing adventure ahead of you!

I shall walk with you by video ! Enjoy this time .🍀

I hope this trail is everything you hoped it would be. Can't wait to follow your journey.

Best of luck, Derek. Great to know i have 5 months of your new book to read/watch unfold. Some amazing days ahead.

wow new season, nice

And I pray that you find the peace that you've been looking for

Having walked a month on the Camino that freedom from media and the new horizon is your living room that was great. This type of adventure is I'd say mentally tough. You got to sustain positivity through time. Nice to see a hiker the age I expect to be if I make it to PCT.

HELLO Derek. Great to see you. I'm looking forward to the videos. Blessings to you FROM kilkenny ❤❤

Best of luck Derek. Enjoy the wonder.

Derek, after this adventure you will never feel lonely anymore 🙏😊 🎉

You are such an inspiration!!! I truly enjoy listening to you speak. Enjoy the trail, I hear it is amazing.

So excited to see you back on a thru hike. Maybe someday you could come to Arizona and do the 800 mile Arizona Trail

The very best of luck to you on this epic adventure. Looking forward to following this trip with you over the coming months.

All the best on the new adventure Derek, I'll be watching all the way 👣⛰️

Keep safe.

Good to see you’re already making friends on the trail 😊 you look happy my friend. Enjoy, and I look forward to following your journey along the AT.

Welcome back Derek great first video I’m looking forward to my daily fix of wisdom and thought provoking content - keep them coming and enjoy your journey ahead 💪🏾🇮🇪

Hi Derek, new subscriber here, very much looking forward to following your journey and adventure on trail, the trail community in my opinion is the very best, wishing you the very best, health and happiness, cheers, happy trails.

here u go

Aw Derek, this looks likes it is going to be an amazing adventure, I have a great feeling about it. Brilliant to see you back. I look forward to supporting you on this latest journey, while surrounded by my home comforts of course. Initally I was disappointed when you anounced the small change to your mantra, [ haha}, but I get it. As always stay safe and here's to the next 5 months xx

Hello you! 😊. What a difference a day makes right enough! Good vibes Derek and a step in the right direction. Was good to see the woman read the Bible. Keep on knocking and it will be opened, keep on seeking and you will find Luke 11:9 ❤

Well done Derek, please reach out if you have any concerns, the only part I have left to do at 62 is Harpers Ferry to the Mass. Turnpike but happy to empathise on the rest. You are bringing back beautiful memories of my journey and I will be following closely. Mind Good, Heart Good, Feet Good....All Good!❤

Hope you have an awesome Awesome adventure Derek. Love if the videos were longer 10 minutes isn't enough 🇮🇪🇺🇸

Good luck with that - hope you swotted up on your Bill Bryson before you started. Its chucking with rain and blowing a gale back in Ireland so you made the right call. surprised theres so little greenery around. when do you expect the spring to catch you up?

It was so nice to meet and feed you the other day.

💜

Fantastic! I’ve wanted to do this for so long. When does a bucket list become an epitaph? I’ll be following you on the trail, and hoping I can pluck up the courage to do it soon.

❤

I just saw your start and I can tell I want to follow you in your adventure..Hope you don't get what you need from the trail

❤❤

May you find true friends between the blazes. (New Irish Blessing) ☘

Hello from belgium derek

Hello Derek keep the mind in your intro A mayo man in new jersey

Head, body, feet, heart, soul and spirit good.

What history of this trail i must look it up

Whats your hiking gear madecup of tent boots rain jackets stuff like that

Welcome to America ! Be aware of the black bears, ticks and all that.

The beginnings of a tramily and lonely no more? 😊

Many of us would wish we could provide the kind of companionship you speak of. But a few letters and spaces on a screen can only go so far. Never the less, more power to your arm, brother. And my wife and I send you our, I'll use the word, Love.

😎✌

Five months? I hope you remembered to get a visa, as an EU citizen needs one to stay in the US longer than 90 days.

Your some Bobby Darin