My Tribute To The Appalachian Trail (Short Film)

I just cannot possibly begin to put into words how I feel about my thru hike so I don’t know who I would be kidding writing it all down here. Since returning home I have been so frustrated with myself and the way I have felt about the trail, primarily because I don’t know how to feel about it. I have these beautiful memories of my experience but I cannot yet fathom or process what I have done.

I think we all agree that we just want a way to show others and sometimes even remind ourselves what it really was like to hike the entire Appalachian Trail. So I poured my heart out and created this film from my journey to do just that. I hope it captures the emotion of a post trail mindset to all who watch it. I hope it inspires people and reminds you how beautiful life was, is, and will be on the trail.

Enjoy.

-Cole Brian (Mowgli)

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Comments 20

  • Chris G : Nov 15th

    Really enjoyed the video thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Cole Brian : Nov 16th

      Thanks! I am glad you enjoyed it 🙂

      Reply
  • Doug C : Nov 16th

    Beautifully done. Both the film and the walk. What an experience. I hope to do so as well some day. My time is running out but there is still hope.

    Reply
    • Cole Brian : Nov 16th

      Don’t let that hope go away. You will do it!

      Reply
  • Rose : Nov 16th

    So beautifully done! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Cole Brian : Nov 16th

      I am glad you thought so 🙂

      Reply
  • Lisa : Nov 16th

    I hope to thru-hike soon. You perfectly captured my ‘why’. Your video gave me goosebumps of excitement.

    Reply
    • Cole Brian : Nov 16th

      And I am too happy that my video did that for you!

      Reply
  • TicTac : Nov 16th

    Music from 0:55 -> 1:25 is too loud, I couldn’t understand what you were saying? And again around 1:30. I think if you toned down the – very nice piano, just should be in the background, not the central feature – music a little, it would make the video more compelling.
    Otherwise, a really nice video journal, and I am happy you decided to share it with us.
    Sydney/TicTac

    Reply
    • Cole Brian : Nov 16th

      Hey just a heads up it most likely is how you viewed it. I edited the video pro headphones so it should be accurate however I noticed when I watch it on my TV with the surround sound off the music gets overpowering because the speakers can’t handle it all!

      Reply
  • Gene / Ebird : Nov 16th

    GREAT JOB
    Perfect Audio and Music choices . I will be a NOBO in 2019 at the age of 62. I have hiked a lot of the northern parts but truly look forward to doing the entire AT at one time.
    Enjoy your memories these are things no one can ever take from you and will make your later years worth reliving in your mind with no regrets in life . Continue making great memories and encouraging others to do the same by sharing your experiences in this type of positive fashion.
    Again Thank you for taking the time to share your Experience and feelings both were very positive in nature.

    Gene / Ebird

    Reply
    • Cole Brian : Nov 16th

      You are absolutely more than welcome and I wish you success in 2019!

      Reply
    • Clydette : Dec 20th

      I too plan to thru hike when I turn 62 and retire .Whuch will be 2020 .

      Reply
  • Susie McGeorge : Nov 16th

    Perfection As you I cannot find words to describe your video your short video that has said so much and instilled the reasons why Iam going to do this hike before I turn 50 .Iam almost 42 now but it’s been my dream since I was little and seen a photo of the trail in a Nat Geo mag as a child Thank You for sharing a smidgen of your journey in life and good luck in the sailing life hiker to sailor you’re amazing

    Reply
    • Cole Brian : Nov 16th

      You can and will do it I believe so! Don’t let your dreams be dreams and go for it! Im glad I could help inspire 🙂

      Reply
  • Zachsquatch : Nov 17th

    The trail provides.

    Reply
  • Sandeep Asokan : Nov 27th

    Thank you for the video! Very inspiring! For your next adventure, you should check out Seraffyn, the adventures of Lynn & Larry on their self-made, 24 foot sailboat.

    Reply
  • Jolly Roger : Dec 2nd

    Loved the Video…
    Not sure if you remember me from the blocked cow pasture.

    Reply
  • Clydette : Dec 20th

    I loved your video.I dream of thru hiking the AT and it is hard to explain to others why?.I know it must change you in so many ways.

    Reply
  • Rebecca : Jan 4th

    When watching your video I felt that confusion and clarity were constantly balancing each other out. I want to do the AT starting end of Feb and in case you have time and are interested to chat or skype then please let me know, I’d love to get a better insight into your experience; the video captures well the confusion and clarity I have, even before starting the trail. Would love to get your perspective.

    Reply

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