MRI shows partial MCL tear but I am on the mend.
The doctor says I will be hiking by the end of the summer. Not sure about the hiking but I do hope to go camping once I can walk safely without crutches.
I was planning to hike the New England 67 List this summer, which means adding 19 summits (in Vermont and Maine) to my list of 48 New Hampshire summits. But then I fell on some rocks and hurt my knee.
So until my leg is strong again, I will be spending my outdoor time doing more restful things.
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Hi Rachel hopefully MRI went ok and you're on the mend.
Hey Rachel thanks for the update. Look forward to your next adventure
I was just here this past Saturday. The people running the hut are very nice.
It is a place I wouldn't mind visiting again and again. Glad you got up there and had a nice time.
@@RachelWhelton Thank you. Whats cool is that we stumbled upon it by accident. We had no idea that we would find a collection of huts/bunks deep in the woods.
Just discovered your channel and absolutely love it! I love observing the trails you cover throughout the White Mountains, as well as overnight sites. Thanks for sharing!
Awesome, thank you!
Hope you are recovering well. Wishing speedy recovery 👍🤞🙏
Thanks so much. I am mostly off the crutches now and starting physical therapy. I hope to camp in August!
This is beautiful!!!
Thanks, yes, that place is so nice. I would like to visit there again.
Could you give me the address of upper falls?
The Cog Railway address is 3168 Base Station Road, Crawford, NH, 03583. If you use that address, you will most certainly pass by the Upper Falls on your approach. There is a wooden kiosk at the side of the road that says Water Safety. And you can notice it because there are clearings at the side of the road where so many cars have pulled off to park.
@@RachelWhelton thanks
Nice video! What blue hoodie is that?
I believe that is the Mountain Hardware women's Air Mesh sweater. It is super lightweight and feels like it might be "cheap" but I eventually came to love it and now I have three versions of it. I guess I like the crew neck best but it also comes in a zipper neck and this hoodie version. Seems to always be on sale and I'm not sure if it is in further production or not. I like that it weighs so little, is warm, and thin enough to layer up.
@@RachelWhelton Thanks!
48 of the 48. I now crown you Queen Of The White Mountains. Long live the queen.
Hey, Thanks. Right now I am the Queen of Crutches. But yeah, I hope to get back out there eventually. Thanks for the positive energy.
That was awesome
Hi Rachel, very intuitive and explanatory with real world motivation and most important it suits your needs. Of course, we cannot compete with certain type of photographers, they don’t buy the gear they use, most of it is given to them for review. Keep up with your good work. Cheers mate.
Yes, I agree. And even if we can buy their same gear, if we don't really need it, then it is kind of a waste of money that could be spent on travel. Thank you for the nice comment.
🙂
So sorry to hear that you’re out for a bit with an injury. Miss seeing your trips and sense of humour on trail. Sending you healing vibes! Even though you’re not out on trail now, you have time to dream and plan for the future knowing that you’ve inspired lots of people along the way!! 🥾⛰️Keep smiling!!
Thanks for the kind note. I am on crutches and doing the ice/compression/brace thing. My MRI is later this week. I'm lucky to be able to take a lot of rest right now, as during previous injuries I had a job and couldn't just lay down most of the day. It will be a while before I want to hike again but I am starting to look forward to some car camping and hopefully some kayaking. For now I'm enjoying following some ultra-trail races like Western States Endurance Run. Those athletes are amazing and the trails are cool.
I've had this same tripod for 3 years and just watched your video. You do a great job representing the functionality and impact that this tripod has on your work. I love mine and wouldn't trade it for the world!
Wow, thanks. That is very good to know you still love it after 3 years. I think this sturdy of a tripod is life-changing for somebody who has lived forever with wobbly and weak tripods. I wish I had this years ago.
Hi Rachel, I hope your leg is doing better! I was just wondering how do you overcome your fears being out there alone? Not only the fear of animals or other humans, but maybe the fear of an injury like this one? I want to hike but oftentimes I have no one to go with me and mentally the thought of being alone with the unexpected keeps me home. Any tips?
The first tip is that being out there is much more terrifying when you are safe at home. When you actually go out there, your brain goes into "deal with it" mode and you focus more on small chores and beautiful scenery. I've gone through phases of fear. I try to study the fear and make a plan. One year a bear came to my house and made very feel afraid. I learned all about bears and watched loads of videos. Eventually I had a plan for what I would do when I saw a bear. Funny enough, it is more likely for me to see a bear in my town in NH than while out in the White Mountains. I build escape plans into my plans. If ever it doesn't feel right, I will leave. I give myself permission ahead of time to turn back, give up, lose the reservation fee, whatever. I try to avoid getting to places that would be hard to leave. Slipping and getting hurt is a real possibility, as it is one of the most common causes leading to the need for rescue. But that is what rescuers are for. Honestly they want to help us when necessary. They want us to prepare, try to self-rescue, avoid dire conditions and bad weather. But ultimately they understand hikers may get injured and need help - and that can happen whether you are solo or in a group! I have the Hike-Safe card. I have a Garmin, etc. And in this case I was able to get down before my leg decided I needed crutches. ha ha... Just start small and work your way up.
I just discovered your channel. Thank you for all of your efforts and ethics. Recently I’ve been doing low land conservation hikes. Maybe I should upgrade my camera. Thank you.
Thanks for checking out my vids. So many hikes to choose - so many cameras can do a pretty good job.
Rangers …… scary ???
I was afraid of the idea of a police-like ranger coming to give me a ticket and tell me to leave. I realize now this was overly fearful. I am now very fond of Rangers and think of them as the most knowledgeable and helpful people out there.
I am immensely grateful for your outstanding video on solo loading, securing, and transporting a heavy kayak onto a Jeep Wrangler. It was the most informative resource I found! Initially, I had concerns about managing my new 12ft, 50lb kayak by myself, but your thorough step-by-step tutorial gave me the confidence to proceed with the purchase. Thanks to your guidance, I felt fully capable of handling the kayak on my own. Your video was instrumental in my decision to buy a kayak, and I couldn't have done it without your help!
Awesome. It's because of all the nice comments I keep this old video up here. I am glad it is still helpful.
Hi Rachel, what camera did you use before the larger one attached to your pack on this hike? Were you using a smaller camera a year or so ago? Thanks. Love the videos.
Tricky question because on every trip I am (usually) using more than one camera. Before bringing the big camera, I often used only my GoPro and iPhone. The big camera makes the difference at night for the astrophotography.
@@RachelWhelton thanks for the response. I was noticing you zooming in on some shots and was wondering if it was a smaller camera with a zoom. I’m looking for something other than my GoPro and iPhone for longer distance shots like that. Hope the knee feels better. Thanks again!
I want to be you when I'm older lol what a hike!
The mountain that took me out for the summer! Not fair.
Hope your foot is doing good and not a serious. And my prayers and good wishes for speedy recovery, even if a minor issue. Although, quite missing your new upload but never a rush. Good Luck 🙏👍
Thank you so much! Tomorrow I see the orthopedic doctor. For now I am doing a lot of limping and laying around!
@@RachelWhelton feel better soon and good luck 👍🍀
Tour was especially helpful. Thank you!
Thanks. Nice place there.
After being home a few days my knee felt worse and mobility reduced to a poor condition. Currently I am awaiting the next doctor's appointment to get a diagnosis.
Hi Rachel, Heidi and I met you at the 4000 footer awards ceremony. We have been wondering how you were doing after watching the Mansfield video. I know how it feels to get injured on a hike (I tore a tricep tendon from my right elbow 2 years ago - 2 surgeries before I could even be allowed to ride a bike). We are hoping your knee recovers soon and you are back doing what you enjoy!! Best wishes from Richard and Heidi!😍🌄🥾🏕
@@RichardH01075 Hi! Thanks for thinking of me. Wow, a tricep tear and surgery sounds rough. Walking around on crutches inspires people to tell me all their stories so I've been hearing a lot of injury/recovery stories lately. Partial MCL tear but no surgery required so I am just taking it slow. Almost off crutches now at home but if I go anywhere I need them. Physical therapy soon and the doctor says I'll be hiking by the end of summer. I'm working on a little video documenting the process. Hopefully I'll be able to do some easy car camping by August. For now I am happy for any small progress and time spent in the garden. Thanks again and hope your summer is going nicely. ☺
is maine a good state for african immigrants
That is hard for me to answer because I don't have personal experience. But generally I see the people of Maine as open minded and warm hearted. So I hope the answer is yes.
My least favorite but funny enough favorite thing about hiking, the seemingly endless steps that always seem to lead to what you think is a flat trail but it’s just more steps!! Great video, I love your energy, I know you’d be a blast to be on the trail with!
So true!
thx for sharing
My pleasure
Excellent! Thank you! One question: did you remove the red straps while your jeep was parked (while you were kayaking)? Thanks
Yes I did.
@@RachelWhelton Thanks!
What a hike! Loved your response about the law of averages… and thankfully you didn’t get trampled by a moose! Lol 😂
Went to the doctor today as my knee is possibly getting worse. Got a referral to the orthopedic doctor, who said to call back Monday to schedule. I am hoping for a low key diagnosis and no drama. Still can't believe this happened!
New subscriber here! Great video! Starting to watch your additional videos. Your pup is really cute in that kayak with his life vest! 😂
Thanks for the sub! The little dog is happy I canceled my trip to Baxter State Park to stay home and lay down. I might be unable to hike for a while so possibly doing more camping videos. I really want to do them BETTER!
Thank you so much for a wonderful video! Your positivity during the entire hike was so uplifting! Congratulations on completing your 48th 4000 footer! I look so foward to doing this trail Saturday 6/15/24!
Thanks. Hope you have a great time out there! It's so beautiful.
You picked a great day to do the Hump! So did some other hikers. The sign didn't say the road is closed, it said the trails are closed. The state asks hikers not to climb in the fragile higher elevations to protect the trees and the trail. Also, the trail crews often pile the limbs along the trail to keep hikers on the trail, again, to protect the fragile forest ecosystem from all the feet. I often hike on the Long Trail in spring to get in shape and just keep to the lower sections to stay out of the mud.
Campground page has a note saying bears are active in the area. Any concern or tips on your stay with respect to that? I'm heading there soon and I've never camped in an area where a note like that was given so I'm not really sure what to expect. Reading up on camping in bear territory gives a whole range of tips and I'm not really sure what's applicable here.
Keep food in your car. That is really what it means. Don't worry. I also keep my food in a sturdy plastic bin in my car because one time a mouse went into my car and ate part of a loaf of bread! A bear won't come up to your site if you are cooking. It's just when food is left unattended that problems arise. Also keep all trash in your car or put it into the trash bin. Basically go to sleep with a cleared picnic table. You'll be all set! Have a great trip!
@@RachelWhelton Thank you! Appreciate the feedback and loving the videos.
Quite beautiful views from there. You are a real trooper to endure those biting flies, there was sooo many. That is a bummer about your knee, but it’s good that you were able to hike out on your own. I hope you have a quick recovery. We can replay events leading up to an injury a 100 times in our heads but sometimes it happens so fast that we don’t really know what caused it. There was a lot of rock and water and slim so it was a tricky trail to navigate.
Thanks. Yes, it's rough to face injury and realize your entire summer plan is crashing. As I write this my car is packed for Baxter but I don't think I am getting in and driving off. My knee is limpy gimpy and I might just have to stay home until I can walk normally. The curse of reservations lives on!!!!
I have only recently discovered your vlog. Started with your most recent (still shivering from the snake eating the frog) and came to this vid today. I certainly get the frustration of the undoing of well-layed plans. But I so admired your caring about the dog above your own wants. I recently watched a 2024 AT thru hiker, tell a dog who was following her to 'sit & stay'. It did so! The dog was cheerful and clearly was well ahead of its owner or lost, guessing. But she cared more about her need to carry on than the dog. I felt for the canine as she recorded it staying as she moved on. Anyhow, glad your adoptee found her way. I would have done what you did. There is no escaping those in need. lol About the snowshoes: I was a student via SUC Cortland NY and attending Raquette Lake outdoor education classes in all seasons in the mid 70s. Winter camping - we learned to use what would now be called vintage snowshoes. The 'trappers' were great for doing what you were trying to do - sit back on them and they were long enough to hold the bum and the shoes acted like a sled as we zoomed down hills. My favorites were a medium length of the times. I think the shoes we used were made in the 40s or 50s. We also lugged WWII 'mummy bags across a frozen Raquette Lake from Camp Huntington, very heavy but warm. Luckily on a trip with canoe, wanigans and a lightweight sleeping bag (as they were once called) I, along with several female classmates, made it to Mt. Marcy. Your vids remind me of what I used to be able to do. Keep enjoying. I do find it interesting that you want to get away from people especially as you see any in the distance (that made me lol), but yet you vlog to thousands. ;) All the best.
I love these memories with the vintage gear. This kind of adventure suits the soul.
Hi, Rachel. I'm from Franconia -- since 1967, having moved here when seven years old. The Fishin' Jimmy story I know was published in a book written in the late 1800's by Annie Trumbull Slosson. I've spoken to one of Annie Slosson's relatives and learned that the story, which reads like it might be historical, is actually historical fiction. Anyway, this book does not relate the same story you were told about the haunting hermit who had his fishing pole stolen. But, people love a good ghost story.
So there was no Jimmy whatsoever? I wonder who named the trail. There should be a book called History of the Trails.
@@RachelWhelton A "History of the Trails" would be a welcome bit of mountain history. I have an active interest in local history and have served on the board of the Franconia Area Heritage Council for a number of years. I first heard about Fishin' Jimmy in a sermon preached one Sunday morning here in Franconia and sought out a copy of the book to read. Because it was written with reference to real local landscapes and buildings, and using real local family names, I thought it might be actual history presented in an interesting narrative style. According to the book, "Fishin' Jimmy's real name was James Whitcher." So I talked to local people, especially those likely to remember people with the last name Whitcher, and visited cemeteries looking for a "James Whitcher", but all to no avail. Finally, I telephoned a relative of Annie T. Slosson and learned that the story was almost certainly historical fiction. Annie wrote several such stories -- for example, a similar short story referencing the famed "snow cross" visible on Mt. Lafayette from Franconia village as the snow is melting in spring, about a boy named "White Christopher", apparently another historical fiction. Anyway, I have always assumed that the trail was named Fishin' Jimmy because of Annie T. Slosson's short story published under that title. Annie Slosson was related to William C. Prime (her brother-in-law), another writer, who had a home in Franconia. He had a fishing lodge built for himself on the east side of Lonesome Lake before it was acquired by the State of New Hampshire. Eventually, the old fishing lodge was torn down and the AMC built its own hut at the current location. The kinship between Annie Slosson and William Prime, his original fishing lodge on the edge of Lonesome Lake, and the fact that the Fishin' Jimmy trail leads from Lonesome Lake, all drive me to the conclusion that the trail was named after the character in Annie's short story.
@@musar03580 Great! You could write the book! 🙂
uh, a correction, at 8:15 the column on the sirui doesn't spin, it has a pin and groove, at least on my M2204 ( the older 2003 version of the now current W2204); the columns on Gitzo's spin, as mine has the groove in the extension of the column, not the column itself.
OK. Thank you for the info.
Hope your knee heals up quickly. Great hike, although it looked pretty tough towards the summit. Did you have hiking poles? Thanks for sharing, great views from the summit, have skied Stowe for years.
I didn't bring the poles that trip. Husband thinks they would have helped. I am not sure due to the bizarre intensity of slipperiness of that spot. Of course now, in retrospect, I wish I had gone down the steep way I came. But who knows. It will be a long June as I limp around waiting for tissues to heal.
Wonderful video! I am unfortunately am too old (67) to make such a hike. I live in the area and have always enjoyed the view of Mt. Mansfield from below on Pleasant Valley Road. Thank you for taking us on the your journey and sharing the footage. Wonderful view from the top. Hope you are healing ok. Keep up the good work on the videos!
Thanks. I am quickly becoming too old myself! Sometimes I see 80 year old ladies on the trail and I always think to myself "Nope - that will not be me." I'm just enjoying the thrill while it still makes sense and then in the next decade, I'll enjoy the great outdoors in another way. Thanks for the nice comment!
I'm a new viewer to your channel and enjoying your content. So sorry about the fall and injury. Trekking poles are required equipment for me and I know they've helped so many times. Hope you make a full, speedy recovery. 🕊
Thanks. Yes, husband also insists falling would have been less likely if I had my poles, which I almost always use. But I'm not sure in this case. It was so incredibly fast, slicker than ice. Anyway I will get back to using my poles. Every little thing helps I guess. So wish I could undo that one step!
Thanks for helping me revisit some of my favorite places!
You bet! I don't re-watch many of my videos except that I do watch the waterfall ones at least once a year. It reminds me times like this are rare. You need that hot day. And now my kids are older so these videos are memories of times not repeatable. Glad you got something out of it too!
Glad you made it down and hope your leg gets better soon. That was quite a hike, really liked that long boardwalk. Not looking forward to the chimney or part above the lodge. Great pics from the lodge at night and early morning. Sky looked like it was in fire in morning through the trees. Thanks for sharing your NE67 journey with us!
Thanks 👍 It turned out to be quite the memorable experience. The biggest takeaway for me is to stop underestimating the benefit of "out-and-back" trails. If I could rewrite history, I'd take the steep trail back down again because it was a known entity, and dry. I learned a lot to help me on future hikes.
Hi Rachel, this is Lisa, one of your lodge mates at Taft. Dara and I were wondering if you made it down the mountain okay, as we expected to see you as we hiked out. I'm guessing you are fine since you made and posted this video! Hope you are doing okay and in good shape for Baxter in a few weeks!
Thanks for checking in. It was very cool to meet you guys. Listening to your training was like reading a good book. My knee is slowing mending, as I was able to walk my small dog (in slow motion) today without pain. Katahdin will have to wait; but I'll still be trying out your apple crisp with coconut milk recipe in the great outdoors. 😊 Have a great summer of guiding!
Mt Mansfield has always been a difficult hike for us; my wife wrecked her knees decades ago. If you make it unscathed the views are worth it.
It certainly is a memorable hike! I underestimated it. They say the Hell Brook Trail is even steeper.
That was a testy hike/climb! Thanks for the bird song and sharing all that effort.
Glad you enjoyed it! It adds to my fun to make the vid.
Take care of that knee and be careful. I did an overnight 8 mile this past weekend (4 in, 2 days trout fishing and 4 out) and on multiple occasions I caught myself thinking “your getting old (53) better take it easy” when accoutering rougher terrain. 😂. But be careful. A few years back I took a fall climbing out of a waterfall area and fell. 8 feet on to rocks, I was lucky that day it was not worse.
Multi-day trip - Good adventure! I love my short trips and respect the multi-day efforts every time I get to hop in the air conditioned car and head home to a shower and my own bed. The knee is mending and I feel half lucky and half unlucky! Truth is we can get hurt doing anything and your body will fall apart if you do nothing. So all we can do is be careful and keep living life.
Wow Rachel you sire got yourself beat up on this one. Between your fall and the man eating bugs maybe you need to take a backseat for a little bit I always enjoy your videos when you go kayaking hint…..hint. Heal well
Thanks. Yeah, the kayak is sitting here and I've cleaned it off several times. But I need my knee to work to load and unload it. Next week is car camping and I plan to do it as a recuperation effort. Thanks for the well wishes. 🏕️
So that is what the view is like at the summit -pouring rain when we did it. We met you on Camel’s Hump! Hope your knee is ok.
Oh! Rain! That must have been a bold effort as well, to get across all those rocks in the rain. Nice meeting you on the hump! I sure wish I had that same weather on this trip. 😆
You do realize, that IF one climbs up and down on rocks, eventually, one "enviably" WILL injure one's self .... It's the "law of averages" ...... (not necessarily you "doing something wrong) !! Don't let your anxiety get the best of your experience ..... Chances of something going wrong are multiplied by fear or anger .... it's how one "handles" things, that brings a positive outcome/experience !!!
That is how I saw it with tennis. But it's different with mountains somehow. Ed Viesturs (I think it was he) tries to explain it in one of his books. The guy told him it was likely he would die if he kept hiking the tallest mountains in the world but he said the factors were not as random as statistics alone might suggest. But that was regarding death. So I guess he probably fell down once or twice. ha ha ha.... At least I wasn't trampled by a moose.
Amazing effort for an amazing view! I hope your knee feels better soon! Thank you for sharing your adventure! 🥾🥾⛺️😎🥰🌸
Thanks so much! 😊 The knee is on the mend. I'll be in rocking chair mode for a while but still playing with the camera while I do it.
Hope your knee heals quick, so deflating when you fall/get hurt. What a stunning view up there, glad you made it back to the car safely!! Question, I wear a boot but still get dirt and rocks in my shoes. Do you find that you don't need gators with what you wear? Are they Altras?
I still love Altras for everyday life. But on the trail I have (since last Fall) switched to these Keen Evo Boots. They were less than 100 bucks, possibly because they seem to be doing a re-design (new model costs a lot more). So far I have not needed the gaiters and only once in a while have to get a pine needle out of the boot. I like that the boots are waterproof. They are definitely longer lasting than the Altras and not much heavier. So I guess the only doubt is that I wonder if the sole is as sticky (to the rock) as my old Altra sole. I think they are both Vibram. I need more time to figure it out.
@@RachelWhelton I had some Keen hiking shoes and always felt they didn't have a good grip. In Merrell boots now but they have a lot of miles so need replacing.
I hope your knee is better. I twisted mine badly about a year ago and it still isn't 100%. I'm probably 4 or 5 years older than you and I'm finding that my body doesn't bounce back like it used to. I also had a bad ankle sprain last autumn that has kept me off the trails. I tried hiking in Feb and March, but I keep injuring it again, so I've given up on this season. I've been enjoying your videos in lieu of being on the trails myself.
The Mountains keep her young
Hiking has been my answer to difficult injuries (which I got from running and tennis). Hiking seems so gentle and mild (at my pace). This hike reminded me that you can get hurt and even die from a random mis-step or bad luck. My injury history makes it a complete unknown as to whether this is a couple weeks or multiple months of slow progress back to strength. Might just be watering the garden for a while. Hopefully both of us can become strong again. We are older but we have to strengthen in some way to avoid deteriorating in every way!