@martij6 Joel....still trying to contact you. You were the very 1st friend I made on the AT and would love to talk with you again!!! Please reply!! Peace!! 😎👍✌
@IronDuck5888Ай бұрын
Hero's don't always wear a cape. They can be an individual like yourself pursuing a dream, a goal, an adventure. Sharing that spirit with others. You have hit a challenge and worked it through. You have embraced the suck and reflect back on it with fondness and plans to overcome it next time. I have dreamed of an AT thru hike and get inspiration that it's not yet from my grasp from you. A hero as large as the ER team that helped you over your challenges. You help me. I will continue to follow you, and Plan my own AT journey. Keep putting one foot in front of the other!
@frankdotyjrАй бұрын
Hello Ironduck5888...I'm humbled and honored by your word!! Thank You!!! My plans to continue with my dream were given new hope from the newest doctor on my team just last week. He's my cardiologist and I follow his advise 100%. Yes...there's more news about what happened to me out there on the trail that I just haven't had time to release yet. I huge portion of that news took me by total surprise!! I will be updating my status soon, but the joy of getting cleared to go back the "Ups & Downs" training has me just buzzing!!! Now, lets talk about you! I don't know anything about you but if you hung in this long with me, than I'd bet you sink your teeth into something and don't let go. I'd encourage you, regardless of age or fitness, to do as I did and get your doctor's honest opinion of your plans. I was 2 years planning and training before I headed out on trail. JUST one thing was missed by my doctor, who I no longer consult with, and that 1 thing ended my 1st attempt at the AT. DETAILS matter and planning is critical. Follow your dream and be a hero for someone out there you've never met...just like us!! Peace!! 😎👍✌
@TeaParty45Ай бұрын
Glad you are healing up! I left the AT at 816 miles. My health was good but tripping/falling too often and felt it wasn’t safe to continue. Happy I did it but happy to be home. I hope you can get back out there. Good luck. God bless.
@richardsargent722 ай бұрын
EXTREMELY INSPIRED. I'LL FOLLOW THE PATH.
@richardsargent722 ай бұрын
GODSPEED
@cwesley20052 ай бұрын
You are awesome! Get well and get back on trail!
@JonsDadHikes2 ай бұрын
Frank - Wow! Sure glad you made good decisions and it worked out well! I'm getting ready to start and came here to see where you are approximately. You and I exchanged messages just before you started. I was hoping to run into you since I will be going SOBO on the same stretch of trail where I expected us to over lap. Maybe next time... Us old guys need to be careful out there! Jon's Dad KZfaq.com/@JonsDadHikes
@juliashearson9102 ай бұрын
With your love of the trail and your determination, you will be back on trail soon and you will make it next time, God willing. P.S. I must be a trooper and a masochist, as you say, since I did watch your whole video. It was very compelling. I started my hike in January, and I am still out here. There go I before the grace of God. Every day I can be out here is a blessing, but it is not assured. My hopes are Katahdin bound, and I wish the same for you when the time comes. You can do it!!
@richwallace46323 ай бұрын
Frank, if you have to hike this trail in warm weather, then take two summers to walk the trail. I’m rooting for you buddy.
@frankdotyjr2 ай бұрын
Hi Rich!! Thank you for your support. That's a great suggestion. I'll be undergoing additional testing next week at my local hospital and will be posting another video regarding the outcome of those tests. Either way my NEW doctor has already approved extended hikes, just not a lot of serious ups. I'm looking forward to getting back out on the trail. I miss it greatly!! Peace! 😎👍✌️
@frankdotyjr3 ай бұрын
@martij6 Joel...trying to reach you but seem to have lost contact. Please respond back here. Frank😎👍✌
@jcnippert3 ай бұрын
I am SO proud of you, Sir!
@Bearfence3 ай бұрын
Do LASHs so you only hike warmer weather.
@wadeeucker73903 ай бұрын
The A.T. has got you!my son startedMarch 19th 30 years after i completed the trail....you are a blessed soullike i was told the trsil will always be there
@user-zz2ly6up3z3 ай бұрын
You got this! Thank you for sharing your story and passion❤️. You will return
@Heath.Hikes.3 ай бұрын
Union General hospital is a good hospital, probably the best one in the area. The one in Blue Ridge (Fannin General) closed and now it’s a stand alone ER and no beds for admission of patients. Blairsville is a nice town. I used to live next to it in Morganton, now I live in the Smokies. I still work EMS in the area part time and bring patients to Union General. A lot of ppl get lost in those mountains and search and rescue in the area is common these days.
@TaliaferroKennel3 ай бұрын
You are so right - you are not done yet!! You are going to do this - I have faith in you and your determination. My husband and I started watching your videos right before he too went out on the AT and we have both been so worried about you, hoping and praying you were okay. I just forwarded this video to him so he can see it too. You’re amazing and brave and you will get it next time, of this I have no doubt!! We are watching and waiting and cheering you on. Big Hugs, Angie and Matt
@youweremadeforthis3 ай бұрын
You are a smart man. God bless you.
@ramihaught8643 ай бұрын
I’m so glad you are okay.. I worried when no other videos came. Get well.. and yes please do hit that trail again. 💕
@HikingHermit19753 ай бұрын
Prayers for God's strength 🙏❤️
@brianthompson97873 ай бұрын
I’m glad you’re feeling better and I can’t wait to see you back on the trail! Good luck and Godspeed.
@binerman13663 ай бұрын
Good luck on your next hiking plan!
@GatorReeves3 ай бұрын
Frank, I know that was tough. I didn't quite catch what the cause of your condition was - was it the cold, the exhaustion, a combination of things?
@frankdotyjr3 ай бұрын
Hi Gator, I landed in the hospital due to lung conjestion. I couldn't stop coughing up large amounts of thick mucus. During that night I passed out due to my coughing and became concerned it could trigger my asthma. Thank you for asking. Peace 👍😎✌️
@GatorReeves3 ай бұрын
@frankdotyjr oh right, I understand that was the issue. I was wondering what caused that to occur? Was it just a function of asthma, cold temps, exertion, and plain bad luck? Or did some factors contribute more than others. Thanks for being so real and open.
@frankdotyjr3 ай бұрын
@@GatorReevesI'd say it was a combo of everything at 1 time. Very cold wx with freezing temps, rain, asthma, and catching a severe cough. It just over ran my system. The breathing treatments and anti-biotics at the hospital raised my blood/oxygen saturation levels enough that I was released to a hotel after 10 hours in the ED. The cough is much better today, but I still have a cough. My next appt is with a cardiologist just to be safe and eliminate any concerns my GP has. Peace!! 👍😎✌️
@GatorReeves3 ай бұрын
@frankdotyjr good deal, hope you're back out there soon
@scttstev43 ай бұрын
Frank, thanks for sharing this video. I’m glad to hear you’re safe and well. I have a keen interest in hearing about your downhill hiking technique. Also, there’s certainly no shame in joining the section hiking community.
@frankdotyjr3 ай бұрын
Hi!! Thank you for writing and your positive comments!! The hiker community is an amazing group of people. Below is a link to a KZfaq vid that shows and describes the downhill method I now use. It has eliminated my knee, hip and lower back pain from extended downhill sections. I hope you enjoy the vid and learn this method!! Peace!! 👍😎✌️ kzfaq.info/get/bejne/d8dkltph2rbWpKs.htmlsi=yNaljvWnzdyaDHii
@amlanz13 ай бұрын
You mentioned in this video that you had learned in Africa how to climb down without hurting knees and legs. Could you elaborate on the technique at some point? I am always interested to learn new tricks that can help ease the pain; although we know that pain is part of the adventure. :)
@frankdotyjr3 ай бұрын
Hi! Below is a link to a KZfaq video of the downhill method I learned and use whenever I have a downhill section of a hike. It takes getting used to because it's counter-intuitive to how we all walk on flat level ground. I hope you enjoy it and Thank You for your message!! Peace !! 👍😎✌️ kzfaq.info/get/bejne/d8dkltph2rbWpKs.htmlsi=yNaljvWnzdyaDHii
@dwayne56983 ай бұрын
Did the girls staying at Hawk shelter in tents help you at all? I hope they were sympathetic enough to at least sit with you. I'm happy you turned out okay. Like most, I was curious. Stay safe and healthy my friend.
@amlanz13 ай бұрын
Frank, thank you for your video; I was indeed part of those checking regularly to see how you were doing. You made the right call on that evening. Kudos to the search and rescue team who helped you down. Through hike or no through hike, I have the feeling that you got what I have named the Call of the Woods. You will be back there soon. Take care of yourself, and keep on vlogging.
@MaineGuide343 ай бұрын
You absolutely made the right decision and God Bless our First Responders ❤We hope you get back out there and hike what you are able to hike. Love your wife is going to hike some parts as well.
@1024Pete3 ай бұрын
Nature is full of tricks and treats. Be well. “I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability…to elevate…one’s life by a conscious endeavor.” Henry David Thoreau. Wishing you peace and good fortune. Happy Trails!
@Workin2Liv3 ай бұрын
Great to hear you are doing well Frank. Also this is great to share as it’s so important to share real life experience with such a risky situation. It helps everyone to understand it’s okay to take care and get help when it’s needed. So glad you made the right decision and for sharing. Will keep following and keep learning. Thank you.
@quietjohnoutandabout65783 ай бұрын
So glad you are getting better. I too was wondering about you. Keep on hiking. See you in Pa.
@annfurlough57293 ай бұрын
Frank, it’s so nice to see you! That took great courage! Looking forward to seeing more from you.
@Gmamapolly3 ай бұрын
You keep it real…love that. Thanks for the update & glad you are on the mend. Love your positive attitude…!
@steveblindlost94243 ай бұрын
Great video and explanation, thank you Frank for your honesty and especially for letting us know how you are. You sir are an inspiration, trek on!
@GDMonty10293 ай бұрын
Frank, you are an inspiration to people. Glad you’re doing better, and thanks for sharing your story. I look forward to seeing more of your adventures!
@elizabethcole55823 ай бұрын
I'm SO happy to hear from you and know that you are well on your way to being healed up. I'm really excited for you and hope you get back on the trail for further healing. What an incredible journey you have been through! I live in Berks County, PA and LOVE being on the Appalachian Trail in our area. Maybe I'll get the chance to run into you!!!! I'm 64 and love to hike!
@frankdotyjr3 ай бұрын
Thank you elizabethcole5582 !! Peace!!
@jbraker3 ай бұрын
Thanks for making this video and letting us know you're doing well. I'll stay subscribed to your channel, and I look forward to seeing all the adventures yet to come.
@frankdotyjr3 ай бұрын
Hi jbraker!!! Thank you for sticking around. I promise to try to keep it interesting!! Peace !!
@davidberk46733 ай бұрын
Greetings from Hamilton Ontario Canada. Its amazing how a complete stranger can bring tears to your eyes when listening to their story. It took huge courage to do this video and share your emotions with the KZfaq world. I hope you continue to feel better and I look forward to you getting back on trail. Good luck.
@frankdotyjr3 ай бұрын
Hi davidberk4673 !! Thank you for your touching comments! I know that feeling when a total stranger touches your heart. Last year @PatTownsend did it to me and to this day we are strong friends. Hopefully him and I will get a chance this year to hike a few miles together on the AT! Peace!!
@outdoork9adventures3 ай бұрын
So glad you’re back & doing better!! I was so happy to see you had an update finally. Stay safe, I’m glad your wife is wanting to go camping with you and do some of the trail with you also that’s great! Stay healthy & look forward to your updates!
@frankdotyjr3 ай бұрын
Thank you hyoung488 !! Peace!!
@joelcoston6003 ай бұрын
Hey Frank, so glad you are okay!! It was great to travel with you on your channel, I was even marking your progress on my AT wall map. I’ll definitely be there with you on future journeys. Thank you for sharing your experience and taking us along!
@frankdotyjr3 ай бұрын
Thank you Joel !! Peace!!
@ryanramble3 ай бұрын
Frank - so glad to hear you are ok. We were, and are, looking forward to watching your adventure. Be safe -
@frankdotyjr3 ай бұрын
Thanks so much!! Peace!!
@kellymotter56813 ай бұрын
I live in Blairsville and spend many hours on the trail and maintaining the trail. Please come back! We will help you on your journey..
@frankdotyjr3 ай бұрын
You're too kind with you offer!! TY!! 👍😎✌️
@CaptainKmac3 ай бұрын
Thanks so much for telling your story. We were hoping all went well. Keep on keeping on.
@frankdotyjr3 ай бұрын
Thank you! Will do! Peace!!
@VegasThePiedPiper3 ай бұрын
The trail will always be there for you to enjoy it whenever you're ready, Frank!
@TheChantybb3 ай бұрын
What a story! Wow. Glad to know you are much better and planning to get back on trail. Thank you for sharing the story and your feelings and opening up to all of us about everything you went through. Sending love ❤
@frankdotyjr3 ай бұрын
Thank you so much! Peace!!
@devinesummers3 ай бұрын
Thanks for the update. Know that our thoughts were (and continue to be) with you. Give us a shout if you come south again, would love to hike with you!
@frankdotyjr3 ай бұрын
Deal! Peace!!
@SarahEarthW3 ай бұрын
You made the right decision 👏🏼👏🏼 so glad you are doing well
@frankdotyjr3 ай бұрын
Thank You SlimPeaks!!! Peace👍😎✌️
@exbankerbob13 ай бұрын
Thank you for the update. I didn’t post but I DID check in every day. Glad you’re doing so well now and anxious for future videos.
@frankdotyjr3 ай бұрын
Thank you so much!
@tinyfairy21623 ай бұрын
I think it was Peaks4Pounds, who puts the heart rock in the tree, she showed it in one of her videos, that's so cool u find it! Im so glad u r doing ok!❤
@frankdotyjr3 ай бұрын
Thank you for that inf on her and the rock!! Peace