Good video. Heal fast. Unfortunately, the older we get, the easier we can get injured. When you are up to it. Just try day hikes on local trails. They do a lot of good for you, mentally and physically. Happy Trails. Good Luck, Rick
@BigWillyDawg8 сағат бұрын
@@richardross7219 Thanks Rick!!! Great to hear from you again!! God bless!!
@byronspicer964921 сағат бұрын
I love this video and am truly humbled that you spotlighted our friendship. I'll add to the story that Mittens and I met you - briefly - just north of Delaware Water Gap. You were super grouchy and we commented among ourselves that you weren't having a good time. When we hit whatever 100-mile marker wasn't far north of there, Typical was waiting for you, saying he wanted to experience the milestone with his buddy. I've been fortunate to make good friends on the AT, but you're the best of the bunch. You are family and you are welcome in our home anytime. Love you, brother!
@byronspicer964920 сағат бұрын
I'll add that your video and the spotlighting of the friendships you forged on the trail embodies what, to me anyway, makes the AT so special. Thanks for sharing.
@BigWillyDawg18 сағат бұрын
@@byronspicer9649 wow! What a great add on of the story! Man was I grouchy! Sorry about that…but in the end, it all worked out. Much love to you brother!
@lpstemmКүн бұрын
You have made my day!! I was so happy when your video popped up today… I love hearing about how you remember your journey and it’s affect on you. And the effects of the people you met along the way….i have missed you….thank goodness you are in a better place now….and you have new love in your life….don’t be a stranger. Keep us in the loop! ❤
@BigWillyDawg23 сағат бұрын
@@lpstemm a beautiful blessing you are to me Mary! Thank you so much for your kind words and years of encouragement! And I love hearing from you again. God bless you and your family always and see you on the next video!
@dennisk905Күн бұрын
Great heart warming video. Thanks for sharing it was pleasure following you. So happy for your new relationship. Enjoy
@BigWillyDawg23 сағат бұрын
@@dennisk905 love ya Dennis!! Thanks for all of your unwavering support thru my tuff times! You’re the best!!
@user-tv8xi8rq3pКүн бұрын
God bless you!
@BigWillyDawg23 сағат бұрын
@@user-tv8xi8rq3p god bless you Rebecca!!! Thank you so much!!
@cherilynlim2129Күн бұрын
Amazing video, Billy! I am blessed to hear this. A testimony that nothing happens by accident... all God ordained to show His love, mercy, and grace to and for you. Love is all over your journey in AT. From God, the source of love chanelled through your friends Pat , Vegas and the rest of your friends. Even after the journey, there are many evidences of His love and goodness to you, may not see it instantly- but it's there..always there (gift of life, family, friends and for you- ability to inspire and influence through your videos 😊 remember all these when you're down.. God loves you that He lay down His life for you just like Pat who left his backpack to help you. 😊 wherever life leads you, May the good Lord continue to guide you and protect you. ❤ You are loved by many. Numbers 6:24-26. Your Bayonne friend- Cheri😊
@BigWillyDawg18 сағат бұрын
@@cherilynlim2129 you and I go way back. A few years now. But we are friends till the end of time. How thankful that I have you as a great friend. You always have my back, and I’ll always have yours. God bless you! Love ya Dr. Cheri!
@cherilynlim212910 сағат бұрын
@BigWillyDawg Yes, I'll always have your back, Billy! Don't hesitate to reach out when you need anything. When the brain does not remember, the heart will. Love you always!
@BigWillyDawg10 сағат бұрын
@@cherilynlim2129 love you always too!!
@rwp722Күн бұрын
It's been a long time since BigWillyDawg has popped up in my feed. It's good to see you again. I was watching my second season of Through-hikers and suspected you were past halfway when I started watching your channel. That was after I stumbled upon Pat Townsend - his videos were a joy, leading to Jordan Hikes, BigWillyDawg, and Vegas the Pied Piper. I've drawn inspiration from each video I've watched, but your "Face the Bully" speech is the only line I ever quoted while on trail.
@BigWillyDawg23 сағат бұрын
@@rwp722 how i appreciated you over the year! You are one of my top commenters and certainly on of my top friends. And it’s great to see you again! Thanks for all of your encouragement. God bless you and your family!!
@itguy11Күн бұрын
I love your heart BW. I hope life blesses you. Take care.
@BigWillyDawgКүн бұрын
@@itguy11 thank you Darryl!!! I love your heart too! God Bless you!!
@JerrySnider-d5dКүн бұрын
Beautiful BWD. You are the best of us. Love you brother.
@BigWillyDawgКүн бұрын
@@JerrySnider-d5d thank you Beaker!! We are bonded forever! You are the best of the best! Love ya brother!!!
@JerrySnider-d5d17 сағат бұрын
Love the jacket ass 5.
@beckyleheny8636Күн бұрын
Wow Big Willie! This had to have been one of the best post AT hike videos Ive ever seen. You can tell in your voice and smile how you love your friends you met on the trail. A fantastic group for sure! You certainly did experience a miracle, shes lovely. God Bless you both and stay safe. Phillipians 4:8 , "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things". Keep the Love going.
@BigWillyDawgКүн бұрын
@@beckyleheny8636 my beautiful friend!! Love you Becky!! Thank you for such a beautiful message!!! You’re always so uplifting to me. Love you!!! And God Bless You!!
@beckyleheny8636Күн бұрын
@@BigWillyDawg thank you..
@NappingNomadКүн бұрын
What a wonderful heartfelt video and what a wonderful surprise for me getting another BWD video!
@BigWillyDawgКүн бұрын
@@NappingNomad thank you so much!!! And what a wonderful surprise for me getting yet another one of your encouraging comments!! God Bless you!!!
@tomellis3218Күн бұрын
BigWilly… Wow great testimony and a heart filled message. I so enjoyed you, Vegas, Typical and Pigpen and that gang of five all through 2023. I pray you will continue to post content on your channel. You can help and entertain a lot of people my friend. I hope to share a hiking adventure with you, Vagas and Typical in the future. Stay well my friend remember your life is to hike your own hike. Plus I have learned you have to work at keep friendships. Love you . ❤😊 Hod Bless you .
@BigWillyDawgКүн бұрын
@@tomellis3218 another beautiful message from my beautiful friend! Love you Tom! And would love for you to hike with us. Thank you for all support over the years! Love ya brother!!
@katfish000Күн бұрын
I'm so very happy for you. She's a real cute one. Has the fire you need. I was tearing up thru this whole video. I'm such a fan big willy. In many ways. I sensed your struggles and was praying for you. Dreaming alot too. This has been perfect timing too. 😊 I'm following some at and pct hikers this year while I'm busy with my beach house and grandkids but know you and Pat and Vegas have places in my heart I cannot describe..... well I was inspired by you all last year with a soft spot for you. We know. I'm Kathleen saying....looking forward to your next. Whatever you do. ❤
@BigWillyDawgКүн бұрын
@@katfish000 my beautiful Kathleen!! You were with me from the beginning. Thank you for everything, all your encouragement, your friendship. I love you always! And you always have a soft spot in my heart also!!! His god bless you!!
@katfish00020 сағат бұрын
@@BigWillyDawg today's my birthday. Nice gift 💝 67yrs young 😎
@BigWillyDawg18 сағат бұрын
@@katfish000 happy Birthday Kathleen!
@sulj3373Күн бұрын
This was a nice surprise. Loved the video and all of your stories. Every time you got in a pickle, someone appeared and rescued you. Very uplifting and brought me lots of smiles. Love you BigWillyDawg and Typical and Vegas THE pied piper.😊❤
@BigWillyDawgКүн бұрын
@@sulj3373 my most beautiful friend!! My friend that worries about me. My friend that encourages me! You are the best of the best!! I can’t wait to meet you! My syrup lady! Love ya always!! Bless your heart!!
@sulj3373Күн бұрын
@@BigWillyDawg AwBigWillyDawg that was sweet! My hawt. Can’t wait to meet you too! I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this video. You have a talent for storytelling and making people feel good. Love ya too! 😊❤️
@ltanderson7916Күн бұрын
Amazing memories, beautiful people, and a great God who looks out for you! (P.S. who could ever leave you behind Big Willy?)
@BigWillyDawgКүн бұрын
@@ltanderson7916 love you Lieutenant!! Thank you for all you’ve support over the years!! Love ya brother!!
@dannymcclendon1105Күн бұрын
What an uplifting video! You have some amazing friends from the trail that helped carry you along. Even though I don't know you personally, I feel like part of your family. I appreciate all your encouragement and support on my 520 mile AT hike this year. So glad you found your soulmate!Stay strong, heal that knee, and keep making great videos!
@BigWillyDawgКүн бұрын
@@dannymcclendon1105 my beautiful brother!! I feel the exact same way!!! And you are always uplifting to me with your beautiful comments. We’ll be together soon either hiking or turkey hunting. Love ya brother!!
@viadharmawheelКүн бұрын
Nice to hear from you. A lot of thoughts from the heart, as expected. Stick around NJ with your new love, plenty of others to take on the AT through hike.
@BigWillyDawgКүн бұрын
@@viadharmawheel great to hear from my great friend Buddha!! And I’ll be sticking around a bit!! Thanks for all your support over the year!!God bless you!!
@helenkaanniesКүн бұрын
Followed you all the way and was wondering how you were doing. Keep us fans updated! ❤️
@BigWillyDawgКүн бұрын
@@helenkaannies thank you so much Helen!! Appreciate you thinking of me!! I will definitely keep you updated!!! God bless you!
@davejustdave3777Күн бұрын
Great video, so good to hear from you!👍 Hope your knee heals quickly. It's awesome that there's someone close and special in your life now 🙏💓💥👍
@BigWillyDawgКүн бұрын
Great to hear from you Dave!! And thank you so much!!! Love ya brother!! And god bless you!!! Thank you for all your support over the year!!
@VegasThePiedPiperКүн бұрын
Big Willy Dawg, my brother for life - this had me in tears. I have no words. An absolutely beautiful video that makes me ache for those times on trail again. When you announced you're hopefully in for The Foothills, I yelled "YES" lol. I'll be seeing you in New Jersey sometime soon!
@BigWillyDawgКүн бұрын
@@VegasThePiedPiper yes!! Lots of people want to meet you here. Love ya brother!!! Miss you!!
@VegasThePiedPiperКүн бұрын
@@BigWillyDawg love and miss you too man. I'm def gonna make a point to come see you and the little people again! Lol
@BigWillyDawgКүн бұрын
@@VegasThePiedPiper haha!!
@pearlhann6885Күн бұрын
cried tears of joy for the beautiful memories and mentions, especially pat, vegas, and your youtube subscribers. love that ozone's a history teacher, could listen to his lessons for hours! i remember when you retired. one of the best sheriffs ever! am so sorry that you've struggled. had a feeling but didn't want to pressure you about it. now, you have this beautiful lady by your side and am beyond happy for you, my friend! hope to meet her. may your blessings rain down upon you both always! 😊❤❤
@BigWillyDawgКүн бұрын
@@pearlhann6885 thank you Pearl!! Thank you for always being a friend. Thank you for always being there. You’re a great friend. Thank you for your unwavering support! How lucky am I to have you and Phil as my good friends. Love you guys! I’ll see you next weekend!!
@pearlhann6885Күн бұрын
@BigWillyDawg we love you, too! can't wait to see you, too! ❤❤❤
@VegasThePiedPiperКүн бұрын
Love it so much! Thank you so much for all the support, Pearl
@pearlhann6885Күн бұрын
@@VegasThePiedPiper love you, vegas! hope to see you in person again soon! how much i admire your excellent demeanor! honestly, you remind me much of myself, bringing the sunshine 🌞😊
@VegasThePiedPiperКүн бұрын
@@pearlhann6885 that's a great compliment :)
@robertschillo1952Күн бұрын
I have been watching AT hikers on KZfaq for 25 years. Never have I seen hikers like the group of hikers you talked about on this video. God tells us to love our neighbor and this group of guys got it right. Especially you. God bless you and the rest of your tramily.
@BigWillyDawgКүн бұрын
@@robertschillo1952 I couldn’t have loved your comment enough!! Beautifully written. Thank you for such beautiful compliment! Love you Robert!!! And God Bless You!!
@VegasThePiedPiperКүн бұрын
This also had me in tears. Thank you so much for following our journey!
@PatTownsendКүн бұрын
Thank you for the love Bill! I love you too and would be there for you any time. We made memories that I will cherish forever and I look forward to our next adventure.
@BigWillyDawgКүн бұрын
@@PatTownsend love ya Pat!!! I look forward to our next adventure also!!
@VegasThePiedPiperКүн бұрын
Typical and Big Willy Dawg - y'all are like the hiker dream team. Love you guys so much
@williamritter7054Күн бұрын
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences of the "AT" with us. It's great to see that you have someone to share your life with. I wish only the best for both of you.
@BigWillyDawgКүн бұрын
@@williamritter7054 thank you brother!! You’ve been with me a long time. I appreciate and love you much!! Thanks for always being there!!
@WitcherOnTrailКүн бұрын
Verklempt! Talks amongst yourselves!
@BigWillyDawgКүн бұрын
Thanks brother Witcher!
@VegasThePiedPiperКүн бұрын
SNAKE DADDY
@PatTownsend21 сағат бұрын
Witcher is a tougher name!
@beckyleheny863620 күн бұрын
Miss your videos Big Willie! have you hiked this summer? I see you were at Trail Days!
@BigWillyDawg20 күн бұрын
@@beckyleheny8636 good morning Becky. And thanks so much for reaching out to me. I do miss hearing from all you guys. The trail family is scheduled to hike Glacier National Park in Montana on September. So we’ll all be putting out videos then. If you wish, go to my Facebook page “Billy Zike” or instagram “BigWillyDawg_13” and friend request me. I make videos that I put on there but just not Appalachian Trail related. That way you always know what I’m doing. lol. Thank you again Becky and it’s great to hear from you again!!
@beckyleheny863620 күн бұрын
@BigWillyDawg wow, that is going to be some hike!!! Can't wait to see it! Thanks for letting me know about the other accounts!
@BigWillyDawg20 күн бұрын
@@beckyleheny8636 just make sure to let me follow you back…lol
@beckyleheny863620 күн бұрын
@BigWillyDawg I don't think I have but 3 photos on Instagram. Still trying to figure that all out lol
@pearlhann6885Ай бұрын
quite an interesting profile title change 🤔 time for the southbound hike! may your trail blessings rain down upon you always! 🙏🙏🙏
@BigWillyDawgАй бұрын
@@pearlhann6885 I’ll keep you up to date. I’m in the beginning stages of planning
@pearlhann6885Ай бұрын
@@BigWillyDawg ❤❤❤
@tomellis3218Ай бұрын
Big Willy have you decided whether to SOBO the trail starting in mid July? 😊
@BigWillyDawgАй бұрын
Hey Tom!!! Wow you recognized that I put that on my profile! Nice job!! I’m rearranging the profile for the new hike. I’m gonna say around mid July I’m gonna just jump on trail and start walking SOBO. No expectations and no pressures. I wanna swim in the 100 mile wilderness that I didn’t do last year. I’m gonna play things by ear.
@tomellis3218Ай бұрын
@@BigWillyDawg great and I like your plan .
@caseymoore8461Ай бұрын
Man, I am hitting the trail March 2025 and I only hope I can hike with people like you and your tightknit group. True friends are hard to come by. My Father always told me you would only have a handful of true friends in your lifetime and he was right. Thanks for your videos, Brother. Keep your head up...
@BigWillyDawgАй бұрын
Thank you for such a wonderful comment my brother! I’m sure you will form some great friends just as I did. We are still close to this day. Looking forward to your start to watch ya. Stay in touch and thank you for your very kind comment !!
@katfish0002 ай бұрын
Wanted to say hello 😊
@BigWillyDawg2 ай бұрын
Well hello my good friend!!!
@pearlhann68852 ай бұрын
i remember when you said how cold you were. hate the cold weather and hope to leave it behind someday forever. glad you were okay, though. i also remember when you lost the signal on your phone. can't stand that either, need to be connected all the time and easily reached. ran out of videos to rewatch, hope to see more soon 😊❤
@BigWillyDawg2 ай бұрын
You may be seeing much more in the next month.
@pearlhann68852 ай бұрын
@BigWillyDawg yay! 🥳🥳🥳 how's tigger? 🤔
@pearlhann68852 ай бұрын
@BigWillyDawg hope to see you soon 😊
@BigWillyDawg2 ай бұрын
@@pearlhann6885 I’ll have it reach out to her.
@BigWillyDawg2 ай бұрын
She has a KZfaq channel “tiggertreks”
@dannymcclendon11052 ай бұрын
What a great celebration of friends! Looks like you had a great time. You did an excellent job on this video.
@BigWillyDawg2 ай бұрын
Thanks Danny!! How are you feeling? My background music is a bit distorted unfortunately cause I made the video with my iPhone and didn’t realize the background music was to loud. Damn it lol.
@dannymcclendon11052 ай бұрын
@BigWillyDawg it was still a great video! Pretty moving. My knee is on the mend, and the doctor may clear me to get back on trail in a couple of weeks.
@BigWillyDawg2 ай бұрын
@dannymcclendon1105 great news Danny! Treat yourself well and keep us up to date
@meganbodie83352 ай бұрын
Despite the rain, you look so happy! What a life changing event for you…I am so proud of you, Bill! Keep those memories and friendships close to heart.
@BigWillyDawg2 ай бұрын
Thank you Megan for such a wonderful comment!!
@pearlhann68852 ай бұрын
the weather that day was weird. i feel like since hurricane sandy, we haven't had normal weather here 😕🤔
@pearlhann68852 ай бұрын
meant to ask, how was the damascus brewery? any sweet drinks like heavy reel? 🤔
@BigWillyDawg2 ай бұрын
As far as alcohol goes…all IPA’s. Not my groove
@pearlhann68852 ай бұрын
@@BigWillyDawg aw 🥺 sorry 🥺 i feel you 🥺 it's okay, it's not for you 😊
@pearlhann68852 ай бұрын
deliverance 🪕
@BigWillyDawg2 ай бұрын
That’s me!!
@pearlhann68852 ай бұрын
the consistent green jacket 😊
@pearlhann68852 ай бұрын
adding onto my old comment on my rewatch: hail to tigger, another new jerseyan! 🙌🙌🙌 many blessings to her on her 2024 thru hike 😊 my parents watched dancing with the stars and actually were ballroom dancers as an extracurricular activity. good show. pat and his signature orange shirt 😊 wow, skip from australia! 🙌 love the yearbooks and damascus diner (bacon!). agreed, nature life's a peaceful one. sometimes, civilization's overrated. yeah, definitely to the adventures of bwd and vegas! and others who'll join you ❤❤❤
@pearlhann68852 ай бұрын
speaking of tigger, how's she doing on her thru hike? 🤔
@pearlhann68852 ай бұрын
adding onto my old comment on my rewatch: hail to bwd, fellow jersey shore resident and my friend! 👑👑👑 it was destiny that we met and we'll always be friends 😊 love the john muir quote, the father of the american park system, guitar, because my father plays it, globetrotter's picture, historical landmarks, then there was three wording because it reminded me of and then there none by agatha christie, awesome book (not to be weird), chick-fil-a, and breakfast. hi, scribe! questions: noticed vegas had hooks on his sleeves going over the thumbs and you did, too, on previous videos. is that a hiker style? 🤔 why red head lamps, not yellow? and is hitchiking legal in virginia? (sorry being a nerd 🤓)
@BigWillyDawg2 ай бұрын
Red lamp so it doesn’t blind other hikers in the shelters. I do not know of a yellow light. Red is the most common. They use red in the military also. The red doesn’t travel far. I think the hooks your talking about is so our thumbs slide thru the sleeve and the shirt covers the back of our hands for extra warmth and sun protection
@pearlhann68852 ай бұрын
@@BigWillyDawg makes sense 😊
@PatrickMcCannNYC2 ай бұрын
looked like a great time!
@rwp7222 ай бұрын
I appreciate all of your support, but I have gotten off trail in Salem. I am going to mull it over until Monday, but right now I plan on renting a car and driving home. I don't know what a hernia looks like but I have an odd knot in my goin area, my shin was killing me yesterday and still hurts today, but the biggest issue is I not having any fun so pride is the only reason to continue. I have been hiking by myself every day. I can do that at home
@BigWillyDawg2 ай бұрын
So sorry to hear of your medical issue. But yes, please go home and get that checked out. And I totally understand it causing you not to have fun. We all would go home too with those kind of issues. But you must know that you did great! The Appalachian Trail is about spirit and not necessarily about thru hiking. And you have that spirit! I wish I had what you have. But I’m still working on it. Go home get better and take things from there. You’ve always been a great supporter of me and hopefully now..I can return the favor. Stay in touch and we’re all hoping for your health and recovery. With Much Love and Respect, Bill
@pearlhann68852 ай бұрын
adding onto my old comment on my rewatch: always, always, always love seeing our beloved jersey shore in your videos ❤❤❤ many fond memories for me at the seaside boardwalk, even point pleasant beach and ortley beach. love daydreaming, too. agreed, you need to work at a hostel or be a guide for the woods is your happy place. i spy a woodburning stove and willy wonka, good book and movies. woud be reading or playing a video game on the train. one of my favorite videos 😊