The Most Important Step
The Most Important Step
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Dominguez Canyon Backpacking and Rafting Loop
We have a packraft now!
This combined hiking-rafting loop headed up little Dominguez Canyon following human, then later cow trails. This scenic canyon provided ample views and was empty of other creatures barring the big horn sheep.
After spending a few hours on day two attempting to find a route out of the canyon and onto the Uncompahgre Plateau, we found a successful route through some rocky outcrops. We followed some cow trails and defunct roads throughout the rest of the day with only occasional signs of other humans. The day ended with a stunning descent off of the plateau through rocky boulder fields.
Day three consisted of a short walk to the Gunnison River and a 10 mile float back to the trail head. We finally started seeing other people about 45 minutes before reaching the car.
GPX- This hike had considerable off trail hiking and route finding along with long water carries. I am happy to share the gpx over email, but am not posting this one publicly for that reason.
Music-
“Rio Grande” by Wand
“Move with the Season” by Temples
zhlédnutí: 307

Video

Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Loop
zhlédnutí 176Před 3 měsíci
Spring break 2024 consisted of lots of skiing and hiking an original loop through the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness in Arizona. This loop included scenic hiking through red rock country with lots of flowing creeks. Over the course of four days we only saw a handful of other people and some of the trails were relatively faint. The temperatures were perfect for hiking and overall it was a great spri...
Galiuro Wilderness Loop
zhlédnutí 418Před 6 měsíci
Over President’s Day weekend Prima, Sittles, Travis, and I went backpacking in the Galiuro Wilderness. This Sky Island mountain range may be close to Tucson and I-10, but it is rugged and remote when it cones to hiking! Other than the initial entry trail and the historical Powers Garden area, the trails were incredibly overgrown and in some places completely gone. The cats claw bushes were merc...
Wander: Hiking an Original Route from Canada to Mexico [Western Wanderer Route Thru Hike 2023]
zhlédnutí 740Před 6 měsíci
In June of 2023 my dogs and I set off from the US - Canadian border in the Idaho panhandle headed south. The goal: reach the border with Mexico. While this in and of itself is not so unique, our path to get there was. Instead of hiking an established trail such as the Pacific Crest or Continental Divide, I created my own route through some of the most remote and rugged states in the lower 48. O...
Western Wanderer Route 18: Sky Islands & THE END (Tucson, AZ to MEXICO!!!!)
zhlédnutí 448Před 6 měsíci
There are two things that I really need to get off my chest: 1) I LOVE the Sky Islands so much!!! 2) WE MADE IT TO MEXICO!!! Out of all the thru hikes that I have done, I had the biggest doubts about our ability to finish at the beginning of this hike more than any other. There was a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, but somehow we made it. And boy, what a journey it was! More on that in the reca...
Western Wanderer Route 17: Santa Catalina Mountains (Oracle to Tucson on the AZT)
zhlédnutí 214Před 7 měsíci
In case you were still under the impression that the entire state of Arizona is a blazing desert, I present to you: the Catalinas! After waiting out some unexpected rain, we got to hike through our first snow of the trip. The upper reaches of the Catalinas also afforded spectacular views of the San Pedro and Tucson valleys. We deviated from the official AZT to avoid two areas where dogs are not...
Western Wanderer Route 16: Superstions (Roosevelt Lake to Oracle, Arizona on the AZT)
zhlédnutí 215Před 7 měsíci
I've heard so many good things over the years about the Superstitions and they didn't disappoint! Some highlights include: finally finding a Desert Tortoise!!!, getting flooded out by a thunderstorm next to the Gila, whacking my head on a low hanging Saguaro arm, and so. much. cholla. in Skittles feet. Note: Prima and Skittles are wise to many of my techniques at this point. If they lag behind ...
Western Wanderer Route 15: Mazatzal & Four Peak Wilderness Areas (Arizona Trail)
zhlédnutí 146Před 7 měsíci
We finally made it to the AZT up in the Mazatzal Wilderness and boy is it nice to hike an established trail! Lots of great trail tread, good water sources, and other hikers. Thanks to the trail crews I met out there! After the Mazatzals we crossed state highway 87 and began to climb up into the Four Peak wilderness. What stunning views of both the four peaks as well as Roosevelt Lake down below...
Western Wanderer Route 13: The Hoover Dam & Highway 93 (Nevada to Kirkland Junction, Arizona)
zhlédnutí 202Před 7 měsíci
After finding out that dogs aren't allowed on the Hoover Dam and walking over the memorial viewing bridge instead (we had permission) we got onto US Highway 93. Commence the long, busy road walk! This stretch was surprisingly beautiful and relaxing, having a large shoulder and the capacity to carry lots of water made a big difference. I enjoyed stopping at almost every gas station between the s...
Western Wanderer Route 12: The Mojave Desert (Caliente to Henderson, Nevada)
zhlédnutí 254Před 7 měsíci
Just as we were starting to pick up speed, several catastrophes come out of nowhere! While night hiking I lost my phone charging cord (RIP) and several days later I had an unfortunate run in with Carl the bat leading to an unplanned ER visit. Above and beyond these obvious difficulties, the temperatures were consistently in the 90's and I consistently got taken for a homeless person. Shout out ...
Western Wanderer Route 11: Cave, Muleshoe, & Dry Lake Valleys (Ely to Caliente, Nevada)
zhlédnutí 279Před 7 měsíci
We have a cart (dog stroller) now! Can you say crazy dog lady? Like any new piece of gear, it took a bit of getting used to, but the dogs seemed to love it. Carrying lots of water was so much easier, but it also limited which routes we could walk much to my consternation. Since it was September at this point we saw some hunters and Elk at the beginning of this section, though we went about 48 h...
Western Wanderer Route 10: Ruby Lake NWR & Pony Express Route
zhlédnutí 337Před 7 měsíci
In this section the dogs and I took a few steps back into the past. We started off by checking out several historical sites in the Ruby Lakes National Wildlife Refuge including Fort Ruby. From there we got off the main road and onto the historical California Trail and Pony Express Route. Even hiking on roads, we went 48 hours without seeing another human being. The Elk and Horses were another s...
Western Wanderer Route 9: Ruby Mountains
zhlédnutí 304Před 7 měsíci
This section had a little bit of everything: road walking, bushwhacking, and nice trails. After hiking from I-80 to the John Day trail head we quickly found out first hand how poorly maintained most of the trails are outside of Lamoille Canyon. After flailing around for a few hours and reaching an impasse with a rather thick patch of rose bushes and aspens, I made the decision to bail down to t...
Western Wanderer Route 8: The Jarbidge Mountains (Nevada)
zhlédnutí 385Před 9 měsíci
In this section we really go off the rails hiking our own route. While this initially led to some anxiety, it was so worth the effort. The Jarbidge is awesome!!! We also get drenched by another tropical storm. Huge shout out to “cool” Paul for the great intel on the trails in this wilderness. As a note, these videos are a ways behind where we are actually at. I’ve been busy hiking… Hoping to ge...
Western Wanderer Route 6: The Sawtooths (Idaho Centennial Trail)
zhlédnutí 399Před 11 měsíci
Western Wanderer Route 6: The Sawtooths (Idaho Centennial Trail)
Western Wanderer Route 4: The Selway Wilderness (Idaho Centennial Trail)
zhlédnutí 335Před rokem
Western Wanderer Route 4: The Selway Wilderness (Idaho Centennial Trail)
Western Wanderer Route 3: The State Line Trail (Idaho Centennial Trail)
zhlédnutí 330Před rokem
Western Wanderer Route 3: The State Line Trail (Idaho Centennial Trail)
Western Wanderer Route 2: The Cabinet & Shoshone Mountains (Idaho Centennial Trail)
zhlédnutí 313Před rokem
Western Wanderer Route 2: The Cabinet & Shoshone Mountains (Idaho Centennial Trail)
Western Wanderer Route 1: The Selkirks (Idaho Centennial Trail)
zhlédnutí 520Před rokem
Western Wanderer Route 1: The Selkirks (Idaho Centennial Trail)
Weekend Warrior Series #7: The Oregon Coast
zhlédnutí 339Před rokem
Weekend Warrior Series #7: The Oregon Coast
Weekend Warrior Series #6: The Lone Star Hiking Trail
zhlédnutí 804Před rokem
Weekend Warrior Series #6: The Lone Star Hiking Trail
Weekend Warrior Series #5: Eagletail Wilderness Loop
zhlédnutí 486Před rokem
Weekend Warrior Series #5: Eagletail Wilderness Loop
Weekend Warrior Series #4: Peloncillo Mountains Loop
zhlédnutí 557Před rokem
Weekend Warrior Series #4: Peloncillo Mountains Loop
Weekend Warrior Series #3: Return to the Big Hatchets (Thanksgiving Loop)
zhlédnutí 479Před rokem
Weekend Warrior Series #3: Return to the Big Hatchets (Thanksgiving Loop)
Weekend Warrior Series #2: Weminuche Loop
zhlédnutí 498Před rokem
Weekend Warrior Series #2: Weminuche Loop
Weekend Warrior Series #1: La Garita Loop
zhlédnutí 660Před rokem
Weekend Warrior Series #1: La Garita Loop

Komentáře

  • @chipverner5011
    @chipverner5011 Před 4 dny

    I’ve been using a bladder from a hydration pack for dirty water…much.much faster to fill than sawyer bags and the hose is a perfect fit.

  • @Thomasville1799
    @Thomasville1799 Před 6 dny

    Just don’t bring a dog 😂

  • @zzernathezebra
    @zzernathezebra Před 14 dny

    What is Mushers' secret? Also, I found my dog when she was young and while she is a mixed breed. It's obvious she has both Australian Cattle dog and Border Collie. So I got her used to things on her feet and booties early on, but that's because our summers are over 100F/30C so we put boots on for her walks in the summer

  • @rawveganfoodforthought2333

    Thank you 😊

  • @rawveganfoodforthought2333

    Beautiful! What was your route? Distance? Elevation gain? Thank you 😊

  • @TomRichards-k7d
    @TomRichards-k7d Před 20 dny

    Very cool video for a beginner like me! Thank you for making this. Can't wait to use mine!

  • @J.fromtheNati
    @J.fromtheNati Před 25 dny

    Just found your channel and subscribed Thanks for sharing your experience and gear. Are there sections of the CDT that dogs cannot hike with you? National Parks? I know the PCT, AT, and AZT all have sections that dogs cannot hike and assume it’s the same for CDT.

    • @TheMostImportantStep
      @TheMostImportantStep Před 20 dny

      The CDT is very dog friendly in general, the only places they are not allowed are the National Parks (Glacier, Yellowstone, and Rocky Mountain). I was able to walk around those sections.

  • @outdoorroving9648
    @outdoorroving9648 Před 26 dny

    Just stumbled across your channel good job way to go. These videos are put together very nicely. That’s my old stomping ground. Thanks for sharing.

  • @WaschyNumber1
    @WaschyNumber1 Před 26 dny

    In the online description it say somthing of sanitizing the filter, how does it work, becourse I thing they will be allways some dirt in the filter left, even after backwashing, it's a shame that I haven't found anywhere a video how do all this, that would be nice, in the uk the squeeze version is very expensive, over 60£ that is about today 77$ ,not everyone can afford so much money for a "camping" trip filter. 😔

  • @WaschyNumber1
    @WaschyNumber1 Před 26 dny

    Would be much easyer if both sides of the mini and squeeze could be used with Standart threads bottles, like water bottles, than you could bckwach much easyer and also collect water in bigger containers much easyer. 🤗

  • @WaschyNumber1
    @WaschyNumber1 Před 26 dny

    I'd it true that the squeeze veryion can be used for ever vs the mini version with "only" 100000 gallons of water? 🤔

  • @WaschyNumber1
    @WaschyNumber1 Před 26 dny

    The plunger is a 50ml syringe nothing more, it's not bad that they can be bought almost everywhere in the world for replacing a very old one in some time.

  • @WaschyNumber1
    @WaschyNumber1 Před 26 dny

    The caps would have proberly much more lifetime with hinge type caps than this bend type, that could be back and fall of, like the stupid hinge less caps on soooo many containers.

  • @FOWLR235
    @FOWLR235 Před 28 dny

    So I’m about to take a week long hike with my two rescues, both about 50 pounds each, but currently they are free fed kibble throughout the day, but then they have the “farmers dog” wet food in the evening which they absolutely love, but it’s frozen until ready to eat. (Usually 2 nights in the fridge) so how would I plan on this? It’s obviously more about them than me but also, who rescued who? 😊

  • @Coloradodude124
    @Coloradodude124 Před měsícem

    Not me watching this video on a top of a 14er during a lighting storm for safety tips ☠️

  • @richardjohnson4052
    @richardjohnson4052 Před měsícem

    raman was never made to be eaten plain. It was designed like any pasta, spaghetti, etc... a starch that you top with veggies and meat to make a meal. Raman was invented in Japan post-war to give the hungry Japanese a cheap base food to keep them alive. Only Americans, mainly college students, who eat it as is.

  • @daveschilling3299
    @daveschilling3299 Před měsícem

    Great work; the hike and the video!

  • @bluefirebat430
    @bluefirebat430 Před měsícem

    This is very helpful the "Recall" "Stay" and "With Me" commands are what I am working on especially the Recall. Mine is a puppy and that one is a struggle lol. 😀

  • @Qqqqql
    @Qqqqql Před měsícem

    3:25 I did exactly this today 😅

  • @raymondhewitt75
    @raymondhewitt75 Před měsícem

    I got a lot of your videos to watch thank you you f****** rock

  • @raymondhewitt75
    @raymondhewitt75 Před měsícem

    This is my dream and I'm planning on doing the great divide with boxer...next July..I would love to keep in contact as it gets closer . This hike for me is a bucket list so thank you and you're awesome I so much want to do a video of me and my dog and once in a lifetime hike

  • @ashresearcher
    @ashresearcher Před měsícem

    Can they breathe easily with their weight being on their chest? How long will they be comfortable?

    • @TheMostImportantStep
      @TheMostImportantStep Před měsícem

      To be honest, I haven’t used this harness since making the video four years ago so my memory is a bit fuzzy. I recall that Prima did not seem very comfortable as soon as I picked her up, but she was able to breathe.

    • @ashresearcher
      @ashresearcher Před měsícem

      @@TheMostImportantStep Thanks. My 20 lbs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel didn't seem super comfortable with the pressure from the harness on his chest. Since he's light enough for me to carry in my arms in an emergency, I may return my similar product (not a Ruff Rescue per se). I might actually take his airplane carrier instead since he would be more comfortable lying down in that actually and he can use it for shade if necessary. Ruff Rescue seems like a good product but for my use case, I think I wouldn't really need it

  • @nightfury6836
    @nightfury6836 Před měsícem

    Great video!!! Beautiful dogs. You're in great shape btw.

  • @photogher
    @photogher Před měsícem

    These are all grain or simple carb sides, not actually "dinner ideas."

    • @TheMostImportantStep
      @TheMostImportantStep Před měsícem

      Guess it just depends on the person, I’ve been eating these as stand alone dinners over the course of 8000+ miles. It’s also very easy to add spam or other protein sources to these dishes if you so desire

  • @hayleypaigereviews6744
    @hayleypaigereviews6744 Před měsícem

    No no no! Just no! The “cooling coat” is insanely dangerous! Putting something wet on your dog acts as a wetsuit which is designed to keep you warm in the cold. It will significantly increase the chances of your dog getting heat stroke. I’m a vet nurse studying veterinary medicine and I have my certification in pet first aid, grooming, nutrition, training and behaviour. I’m not having a go at you but any means…it’s not something that is common knowledge but I really really really wouldn’t recommend cooling accessories at all

    • @TheMostImportantStep
      @TheMostImportantStep Před měsícem

      Thank you for chiming in. I’ve never heard that before, though I will say that mine have been collecting dust for years now. I’ve found it to be much simpler for them to lay down and in a creek then cool off as the water evaporates from their coats.

  • @xvetii
    @xvetii Před měsícem

    nice video your dogs are so cute and this helps thank you

  • @middleearthchronicles2269

    Its been 2 years and countless miles. I'd love to see an updated dog gear load out video of how your your kit has evolved over all of this experience.

    • @TheMostImportantStep
      @TheMostImportantStep Před měsícem

      I have been thinking about making a few updated dog videos now that we have more experience. Good to know there is interest!

    • @middleearthchronicles2269
      @middleearthchronicles2269 Před měsícem

      @@TheMostImportantStep not sure I've seen any thruhikers with more trail miles with their dogs. That's a wealth of knowledge gained.

  • @CrazyWhiteBoomer
    @CrazyWhiteBoomer Před 2 měsíci

    Don't forget Matza Crackers in the Kosher Food isle of your grocery store.

  • @muskadobbit
    @muskadobbit Před 2 měsíci

    And don’t forget to unfold the valve before you screw the canister on. How do I know this, you ask? How many times have I forgotten? Also, cooking on medium is actually more efficient. How much of a hurry are we really in when we’re out in the wild? and if you put something between the canister and the snow for a bit of insulation, it helps the fuel vaporize when it’s been asked. (Little square of corrugated cardboard works for me.) Good, clear explanation.

  • @robertburgess749
    @robertburgess749 Před 2 měsíci

    An actual review in a vr world of sponsored gear adds identifing as reviews as if people cant notice the infomercial idiot is fake. Thankyou for being real

  • @TieWolf
    @TieWolf Před 2 měsíci

    Okay, great info and content, but lord can we talk about that bear hang clip - that was a GORGEOUS HANG. Nicely done!

    • @TheMostImportantStep
      @TheMostImportantStep Před měsícem

      Thank you! Definitely more fool proof than a traditional hang, especially here in the Rockies!

  • @julioc.7760
    @julioc.7760 Před 2 měsíci

    nuts hit my stomach real hard i dont ear them

  • @markswishereatsstuff2500
    @markswishereatsstuff2500 Před 2 měsíci

    I can attest to the strength of the Sawyer pouches. Didn't do the bleach long term storage thing last year. When I went out this spring on an overnighter, nothing would come out except a few drops. Back flushed a few times and finally got a weak dribble using all my hand strength squeezing the pouch. Didn't burst. Took 20 minutes to produce a liter.

  • @coolhand6656
    @coolhand6656 Před 2 měsíci

    Polenta is shelf stable as as is gnocchi. Both great options that are filling and tasty.

  • @joeyc666
    @joeyc666 Před 2 měsíci

    The video of the dogs in the makeshift pram were adorbs :)

  • @onthefly4711
    @onthefly4711 Před 2 měsíci

    If you are talking about first aid you should also add a muzzle for your dog: Even the best trained and calm dog could be stressed because of an injury and therefore act agressively. To make sure that people can help you and your dog, you should always have a muzzle with you. It´s also helpful if an extrication via helicopter is needed and your dog is not used to that. If you are hiking in more difficult terrain, you should always use a harness in combination with a solid leash with proper carabiners so you can secure him in case he falls.

    • @TheMostImportantStep
      @TheMostImportantStep Před měsícem

      I agree with the muzzle, though it’s easy to make one out of other materials such as glaze wrap or a bandana in a pinch. I’ve hiked with my dogs in some of the remotest landscapes in the US (Alaska off trail, Central Idaho, etc) as well as more technical hikes (class 2+ and easy class 3 climbs) and still have never felt the need for a harness even hiking solo with a 70 lb GSD. If you feel you need it then by all means bring it, but I wouldn’t say it is mandatory for everyone.

  • @denniskielton2447
    @denniskielton2447 Před 2 měsíci

    Serious question about mountain house here. How does ANYONE think those are sustainable when there is only 1/4 of the calories you need (on a regular day not hiking) in a pack? You'd have to eat 4-5 of those a day on a hike to sustain, at $10 a piece that's $50/day for food alone. You may as well order Uber Eats to the trail at that price haha. Those are just a luxury, a treat after a cold day, but hardly a meal unless you eat snacks all day.

  • @denniskielton2447
    @denniskielton2447 Před 2 měsíci

    Knorr's is $1.65 here in northern IN, and that's "on sale." Prices must've gone up in the last 3 years (shocking, I know)

  • @ManWithLamp
    @ManWithLamp Před 2 měsíci

    Beautiful

  • @MoutainGuyAdventures
    @MoutainGuyAdventures Před 2 měsíci

    I’ve explored that range. They are some remote mountains. 👍👍. You had some good water!

  • @ventreale
    @ventreale Před 2 měsíci

    This was so helpful! Lots of great commands I haven’t seen before that would be useful. I recently got a half Belgian malinois puppy (12 weeks old now) and am looking forward to going on trail walks and hikes with her in the future.

  • @RunningUphill
    @RunningUphill Před 2 měsíci

    Great video! Thank you for sharing your adventures 😊

  • @richardrand1537
    @richardrand1537 Před 2 měsíci

    Wow I can’t believe you took a little dog also. I’d be so concerned for rattlesnakes. Praise God you guys made it.

    • @TheMostImportantStep
      @TheMostImportantStep Před 2 měsíci

      I actually didn’t see any rattlesnakes on that trip, too cold in New Mexico by that point if I had to guess.

  • @trakyboy5128
    @trakyboy5128 Před 2 měsíci

    Well now u went and did it again Bailey !!!!! But I would like to have seen the rafting part included !! But that me How did the doggies do on the rafting ??? I can just see prima sitting there looking out at the head of the raft. head 4wrd . Waiting r c what's coming. 😅 It should b BIZY this time of year !!!! Some places more so than others. Glad to see you out and about again. Nice to see you have someone to share the journeys with. It's on your face😂 , I'm happy for you !!!!!! Hope the puppies are regular guppies cuz there's lots of water there for them to swim in 😮😅😅

    • @TheMostImportantStep
      @TheMostImportantStep Před měsícem

      It’s pretty challenging to film the rafting and this section wasn’t very long (took us about 2 hours), but I’ll try to get more next time! The dogs took to it like champs as usual, tolerating my shenanigans.

  • @tangenttrails
    @tangenttrails Před 2 měsíci

    I like the diversity of this route. Thanks for sharing!

  • @vickietyer1611
    @vickietyer1611 Před 2 měsíci

    Awesome!

  • @A-K_Rambler
    @A-K_Rambler Před 2 měsíci

    Thank you for Sharing!

  • @Window549
    @Window549 Před 2 měsíci

    Love your videos and especially when you include your beautiful dogs 🥰🥰🥰 Can wait to see your next video ❤

    • @tracykooken2606
      @tracykooken2606 Před 2 měsíci

      bold if recorded w recent temps 😢 !!!!! but it shows u how amzingly full of surprises the S.W offers !!!! 😊. ps.. fellow hikers, there r much easier trails than this. dont b discouraged. its not far from Grand Junction and diff trail heads n routes availabe and of course the Swim holes !!!!.... dont b shocked if u c a nudist along the way 😅. ( ps ...i suggest ear plugs of some sort to keep the silty water out of ur ears😮😊 . just a fyi ) great trip girl !!! bet the kids LOVED swimming !!!!!!!!!!!!!! mine think they r fish 😂😅 ! ATB !!! who's the 'friend??'😂🎉 so good to share the trail very happy 4 all or u !!!!!!!!!!!😊

  • @bubbalovesoatmealadventure108

    beautiful film

  • @Ghostrider-71
    @Ghostrider-71 Před 3 měsíci

    Great video, I lit my MSR PR2 tonite for the first time, new owner.