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Keowee-Toxaway State Park | Overnight Backpacking Trip
06:00

Keowee-Toxaway State Park | Overnight Backpacking Trip

Until recently, I completely overlooked Keowee-Toxaway State Park. So, this year (2023) I decided to take a trip up there and check out a few of the trails. Who knew such an amazing place to camp and explore was right under my nose?! I hope you enjoy this short trip video. I also hope you check out the trail journal over on my blog. You'll find more stories and pictures from our visit to Lake Keowee at: seagrasstosassafras.com/post/keowee-toxaway Music featured in this video: "Brand New Day" by Sky Toes, "Old Friend" by The Lakes, "Gently" by Sky Gienger, and "Anywhere You Want To Go" by Justin Lee. Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/brand-new-day https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/old-friend https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-gienger/gently https://uppbeat.io/t/justin-lee/anywhere-you-want-to-go
When Even Plan C Fails...
11:15

When Even Plan C Fails...

Spring has been SO busy on the homestead. As a result, I've had little time for backpacking. So, when I finally did get some free time, I decided to give this trip I was looking forward to a shot. Although parts would be challenging, I felt up to the task. But sometimes months of meticulous research and careful planning aren’t enough. Sometimes a back-up plan isn’t enough either... Please check out the trail journal where I share even more pictures and stories from this misadventure as well as some takeaways from the experience: https://seagrasstosassafras.com/post/pisgah-loop-fail Want to support this channel and what I do? Here’s how: -Sign up for my newsletter: https://seagrasstosassafras.com/newsletter -Check out some of my downloadable trip itineraries: https://seagrasstosassafras.com/support -Or buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/seagrass Music featured in this video: "Spirit Rising" by David Bullard, "Turnpike" by Hemlock, “Folk Travel Vlog” by Alex Productions, "Night Without Sleep" by David Mumford, "A Beautiful Day" by All Good Folks, and "Tide Pool" by The Lakes https://uppbeat.io/t/david-bullard/spirit-rising https://uppbeat.io/t/hemlock/turnpike https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/a-beautiful-day https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/tide-pool
Daffodil Flats | Overnight Backpacking Trip
03:54

Daffodil Flats | Overnight Backpacking Trip

Once a year, a sea of yellow flowers spring to life in Linville Gorge. Hikers visit in droves to photograph and admire the short-lived phenomenon. In late February, we made an overnight trip to the gorge to experience Daffodil Flats for ourselves. Although the return trip up Pinch-in Trail is brutal and parking can be a nightmare, it is still a worthwhile hike. Special thanks to Katie for providing some of the pictures and footage for this video. For more info and pictures from this adventure, see the trail journal on my blog: https://seagrasstosassafras.com/post/daffodilflats Want to support this channel and what I do? Here’s how: -Sign up for my newsletter: https://seagrasstosassafras.com/newsletter -Check out some of my downloadable trip itineraries: https://seagrasstosassafras.com/support -Or buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/seagrass Music featured in this video from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ben-johnson/some-kind-of-feelin https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/steadfast
Hike + Message Series #6 Day Hike at Grandfather Mountain State Park
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Hike + Message Series #6 Day Hike at Grandfather Mountain State Park

Hey Friends! Keeping up the tradition of an annual trip to Grandfather Mountain. This year is a little bit different from our past visits because of our four legged family members. Sorry Barrett and Nora no ladders and cables for you! We did a dog friendly day hike to Storyteller Rock overlook followed by a picnic at Julian Price Memorial Park. HEADS UP! The path to the overlook is right beside a campsite in the park. So, if you plan to take this hike yourself please be respectful of the folks who reserved the site. I've been in that situation before, and let me tell you it is not fun. For more info about the adventure opportunities at Grandfather Mountain, check out this post on my blog: seagrasstosassafras.com/post/grandfather-trip-report On the way back to the trailhead, Jordan and I had a great conversation about worship. Which lead us to make this into a new episode of Hike + Message. If you came for the hike, I highly encourage you to stay for the message portion as well. As always, thank you for watching, and I hope you enjoy! Music featured in this video: "Far Away" by Roads (Ian Vidovic) and "Laundry on the Wire" by Holizna Want to support this channel and what I do? Here’s how: -Sign up for my newsletter: seagrasstosassafras.com/newsletter -Check out some of my downloadable trip itineraries: seagrasstosassafras.com/support -Or buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/seagrass
How Backpacking Has Changed For Me
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How Backpacking Has Changed For Me

Hey Friends! I wanted to take some time today to share how backpacking has changed for me over the years. And by that I don't mean gear upgrades or growing in experience necessarily. What I mean is the many roles it's played in my life from when I first started out to now. It's been an interesting journey so far, and I'm so excited to see how backpacking continues to change for me throughout my life going forward. At the end of each "chapter" of the video I included montages with footage and pictures from the trips I took during each of these times in my life. Hopefully you enjoy some of what's shared here today. What role has backpacking played in your own life? And how has it changed for you over time? I love hearing your stories, so be sure to let me know in the comments. If you're interested in reading the Summer issue of Bear Necessity coming June 1st head on over to: seagrasstosassafras.com/subscription There's an option to subscribe to issues annually or quarterly. You can read more about the magazine I just launched and how subscriptions work at: https://www.seagrasstosassafras.com/post/online-magazine Music featured in this video: “Two Mountains at a Time (instrumental)” by Pachyderm, “NOSTALGIA” by Alex-Productions, “Long Gone” by Michael Ramir C., “You Can Be Broken Too” by Smallertide, “Hallelujah!” by HoliznaCC0, “Walking In The Country” by David Mumford, and “Be Back Soon” by David Mumford Time Codes: 0:00 - Intro 0:30 - Where have I been lately? 1:05 - How I Started Backpacking 3:18 - Going Further and Exploring More 5:05 - Escaping the Chaos 7:05 - Test of Faith 9:07 - Miracles Do Happen 11:55 - Spark of Creativity 14:55 - Burn Out Prevention 15:51 - Real Life Is Busy 16:47 - The Silver Linings 19:34 - Outro
Hike + Message Series #5 Don't Let THESE Things Push You Away From God!
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Hike + Message Series #5 Don't Let THESE Things Push You Away From God!

We're all in different places in life, and I know my experiences won't look exactly like yours. But if you've encountered a bad or negative situation in the church or with a group of believers I want to encourage you today. Whether it's hypocrisy, false teachings, abandonment, or even your own convictions PLEASE don't let it drive you away from the faith and seeking a meaningful relationship with God. I hope you enjoy this hike + message and I pray you will find hope and comfort in it today. (Skip ahead to the message at 2:35) You can find Max Lucado's book Praying the Promises at https://www.amazon.com/Praying-Promises-Anchor-Your-Unshakable/dp/1400315298 You can find studies by Dr. Chuck Missler at https://khouse.org/ or https://www.youtube.com/c/KoinoniaHouse6640 Music featured in this video: "Land Breeze (Octopi Wallstreet)" by Tristan Scroggins Outro music: "Carry On" by The New Valleys Time Codes: 0:00 - Intro 0:05 - The Hike 2:35 - The Message 17:44 - Outro
It's Been A While | Spring Update 2024
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It's Been A While | Spring Update 2024

Hey Friends! It's been a couple months since we last saw each other. But I wanted to take some time today to share a few of the things we've been up to since our baby was born, plans going forward with the blog/channel, and a preview for the upcoming Max Patch trip video. It you haven't subscribed to the quarterly newsletter, OR if you want to read the latest one you can do that over on the website: https://www.seagrasstosassafras.co Time Codes: 0:00 - Intro 1:19 - Life With A New Baby 2:25 - Check Out The Latest Newsletter 3:08 - Backpacking As A Family 4:39 - Max Patch Preview 6:56 - Plans Going Forward 8:06 - Cancer Update 9:43 - Thank You & Outro Music featured in this video: "Say Yes Forever" by Sky Toes (https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/say-yes-forever), "Acoustic/Folk Instrumental" by David Hyde (https://soundcloud.com/davidhydemusic), and "Carry On" by The New Valleys
Short & Sweet Channel Update
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Short & Sweet Channel Update

Hey Friends! There haven't been many updates on the channel in recent months, but I wanted to let you know about an upcoming trip video as well as what's new on the blog. The newsletter was a bit late this season, but you can now read it on the website at: https://www.seagrasstosassafras.com/newsletter If you're interested in donating to Friends of Panthertown or reading their stewardship report, you can find that at: https://panthertown.org/give/ AND https://panthertown.org/2023/02/23/panthertown-stewardship-report-2022-results/ Outro music: "Carry On" by The New Valleys
What to Expect for Spring | Channel Update
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What to Expect for Spring | Channel Update

Hey Friends! Just wanted to share a few things I did during the Winter, as well as my goals for Spring. On a SUPER exciting note: The channel recently reached 1,000 subscribers! Thank you for helping me reach this huge milestone, and for tuning in to all my adventures. Want to support this channel and what I do? Here’s how: -Sign up for my newsletter: https://seagrasstosassafras.com/newsletter -Check out some of my downloadable trip itineraries: https://seagrasstosassafras.com/support -Or buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/seagrass Outro music: "Carry On" by The New Valleys
Advice for Hiking the Art Loeb Trail
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Advice for Hiking the Art Loeb Trail

The terrain is rough, water is scarce, and sometimes it’s hard to tell which way to go. Despite all of that, the Art Loeb is an incredible journey! After two thru-hikes and several more section hikes, I've learned a lot about this trail. Today I'd like to share 5 pieces of advice for backpacking the Art Loeb. You'll find even more info and advice on the topic on my blog: https://seagrasstosassafras.com/post/artloebadvice Please check out the guide I put together from this trip! It helps me to keep doing what I do. Detailed mileage & elevation profiles, a list of planning resources, shuttle and logistics recommendations, and three possible itinerary options all in one neatly organized PDF. (While it isn’t a substitute for doing your own research and preparation, hopefully it will take the guess work out of planning your own trip.) Northbound version: https://seagrasstosassafras.com/product-page/artloebnobo Southbound version: https://seagrasstosassafras.com/product-page/artloebsobo Both: https://seagrasstosassafras.com/product-page/artloebbundle You can find the trail journal for my Southbound trip at: https://seagrasstosassafras.com/post/artloebsobo Want to support this channel and what I do? Here’s how: -Sign up for my newsletter: https://seagrasstosassafras.com/newsletter -Check out some of my downloadable trip itineraries: https://seagrasstosassafras.com/support -Or buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/seagrass Outro music: "Carry On" by The New Valleys
Answering Your Hiking and Backpacking Questions | 2023 Q&A
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Answering Your Hiking and Backpacking Questions | 2023 Q&A

Happy New Year! I hope 2023 is off to a great start for everyone. Today I’ll be answering some of the questions that YOU submitted. Everything from satellite communicators to fears about wildlife. Thank you to everyone who submitted questions! I had SO MANY come in that, unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get to all of them. If you did submit multiple questions, I do apologize in advance that I was only able to answer one or two. There’s always next time! 😊 I also had to record parts of this video on three different days, so there will be changes in costume and scenery throughout the program. I hope you enjoy this Winter Q&A. Want to support this channel and what I do? Here’s how: -Sign up for my newsletter: seagrasstosassafras.com/newsletter -Check out some of my downloadable trip itineraries: seagrasstosassafras.com/support -Or buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/seagrass Outro music: “Carry On” by The New Valleys Time Codes: 0:00 - Intro 0:40 - Longest hike to date? 1:30 - How to stay warm? 3:30 - What hiking apps do you use? 5:47 - Who is your editor? 7:18 - Pooping on the trail? 9:15 - Scared of people? 12:03 - Scared of wildlife? 14:22 - Using an inReach? 15:25 - What shoes to wear? 17:12 - Planning to hike the AT? 18:20 - Favorite Gear? 19:51 - That’s all folks! 20:29 - Outro
The REALITIES of Backpacking with a Dog
14:43

The REALITIES of Backpacking with a Dog

Hey Friends! Backpacking with a dog is a very rewarding experience, but at the same time it's a HUGE responsibility. So today, let’s talk about some of the realities of backpacking with dogs. If you’ve enjoyed my other videos on the topic of backpacking with dogs be sure to let me know! Outro music: “Carry On” by The New Valleys Want to support this channel and help me buy more food for my dogs? Here’s how: -Sign up for my quarterly newsletter: seagrasstosassafras.com/newsletter -Check out some of my downloadable trip itineraries: seagrasstosassafras.com/support -Or buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/seagrass
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