Thru Hiking Family of 8 - Your Thoughts?

[Slo-go'en]

They have inadequately knowledge of their situation and surroundings and inadequately geared for being there. It is a recipe for disaster.

Lets see if they make it out of the Smokies without rescue or death, seeing how nasty the weather will be.

[kestral]

I read these posts, watch the videos and am reminded of the famous quote about pornography. “I can’t define it, but I know it when I see it.” This has crossed to child endangerment.

This is is a narcissist using his children to publicize himself. And the mother? Perhaps she has been sucked into his world for so long she doesn’t recognize this as bizarre. I love seeing kids outside, but 3-4 hours to get warm, hypothermia to a toddler, hot packs on toddlers hands and feet and unable to move away from them, losing temper and “flicking” toddler. ( that’s what is documented and admitted to by the father, what got edited out?) Who is the adult?

Take a few weeks to let the weather warm at least.

I know many fine devout individuals from different religions, and am proud to be counted as their friends. However, extreme religious identification can lead to cult like behavior. An intelligent, charismatic man can twist scripture to say whatever he wants. Add isolation from others, dependence on the father for food, warmth, basic survival.... lets just say I wouldn’t drink their coolaid.

All this being said, I hope I am completely wrong and that these folks have an excellent experience, and that they achieve their goals. I respect people who live outside the box, but the kids don’t have a choice, and kids crave security and safety - go out and explore, but have a safe nest to be nurtured in when you come home, whether home is a tent, a trailer, or a mansion. We are all just learning, but the wise learn from the mistakes of others, hence my love of white blaze and other informative sites.

Again, take a few weeks off to let the weather warm at least.

[Mugthumper]

I must be a glutton for punishment, because I did end up watching all of their on trail videos. I realized there was only 5 or so, so the investment wasn't too much. I almost feel guilty about giving them clicks, but what can I say Youtube is like videocrack.

These people are attention seekers who are basically selling themselves to us, the audience. Like a couple of others stated, it really does feel like some audition for a reality show. The way they come across is so disingenuous.

Its all about the drama, drama, drama. Seriously, talk of being in survival mode on day 3, and not knowing what they were going to eat, while sitting in a cabin at Neel Gap? GTFO.

Starting in the first couple miles of day 1, they constantly ignore their better judgment. They themselves are freezing, even while walking all day, but think their 2 year old in the carrier is the warmest of any of them. That boy is way colder than either of the parents. They stated that he already has sunburn and windburn on this face also. It has already gotten to the points where he tells then "owie, owie, cold cold" and the mother actually says that the best thing to do is to ignore him and keep walking. The father, and I use that term loosely, says; Its sad to see him hurting, but it's really not worrying me. Then he busts the kid in the mouth and draws blood because the child is crying.

I mean, seriously, if some of you can't see the complete lack of common sense and judgement, I don't know what to tell to you.

[lonehiker]

I don't know if they will complete the trail. My gut tells me that they probably won't. But, one thing for sure is that they have made it further than many and as an aside most that start the AT do so with inadequate knowledge. Another note is that their vids are only a few minutes long out of a 24 (or more) hour time period. So I think it a bit absurd to draw any conclusions about what is actually going on from the tidbits you see. I get a chuckle about all the comments about why the kids were sick. Do you suppose it is possible that their digestive system revolted because they gorged themselves on pizza (and anything else they could get their hands on)? I suspect much of the negative comments, especially on the youtube site, stems from parents' feelings of inadequacy as they watch the family attempt this as they pay for their kid's video game subscription so they don't have to interact with them. As to the kid always shown sleeping; this could very well be the only quiet time that allows for filming. Who knows as it is all speculation.

To preempt those going to ask about the kid being flicked in the mouth. No I don't condone that method of discipline. I do not, however, believe that it is child abuse.

A recipe for disaster? How so? There are so many bailout options that if anything got really disastrous they could easily get out. Cold weather is not a disaster. I've seen many thru-hikers having to sleep with every stitch of clothing on so don't see anything particularly unusual about their gear failings. In fact, I've not seen them do anything that I haven't observed from the typical crop of prospective thru-hikers. To include, spitting toothpaste into, or at least close to, a water source. If you haven't seen it you haven't been on many trails.

[Gambit McCrae]

I don't know if they will complete the trail. My gut tells me that they probably won't. But, one thing for sure is that they have made it further than many and as an aside most that start the AT do so with inadequate knowledge. Another note is that their vids are only a few minutes long out of a 24 (or more) hour time period. So I think it a bit absurd to draw any conclusions about what is actually going on from the tidbits you see. I get a chuckle about all the comments about why the kids were sick. Do you suppose it is possible that their digestive system revolted because they gorged themselves on pizza (and anything else they could get their hands on)? I suspect much of the negative comments, especially on the youtube site, stems from parents' feelings of inadequacy as they watch the family attempt this as they pay for their kid's video game subscription so they don't have to interact with them. As to the kid always shown sleeping; this could very well be the only quiet time that allows for filming. Who knows as it is all speculation.

To preempt those going to ask about the kid being flicked in the mouth. No I don't condone that method of discipline. I do not, however, believe that it is child abuse.

A recipe for disaster? How so? There are so many bailout options that if anything got really disastrous they could easily get out. Cold weather is not a disaster. I've seen many thru-hikers having to sleep with every stitch of clothing on so don't see anything particularly unusual about their gear failings. In fact, I've not seen them do anything that I haven't observed from the typical crop of prospective thru-hikers. To include, spitting toothpaste into, or at least close to, a water source. If you haven't seen it you haven't been on many trails.

You ol' freedom fighter you You would make a good defense attorney.

Subjecting a 2 year old to those conditions and making him sit in a damn carrier all day, tieing his jumper sleeves with hot hands inside of them, making his lip bleed...Are you freakin' kidding me??

I have never been a fan of the PETA snowflakes of our time asking the question "Would you want to be locked in a little cage like that poor chicken?!" BUT
Would YOU want to be in that carrier for 8-12 miles a day, with your sleeves tied at the end with no control over if those hot hands are actually too hot and burning your fingers or toes while the rest of your body is borderline hypothermic? What about if you crap your pants while your in said carrier and when doing so it pushes you over the edge and you start to cry, instead of the person that you are suppose to view as your protector helping you, he turns around and gives ya good pop in the lip "SHUTUP" he says, and turns around to continue walking. Yea...Sounds like real fun

[Feral Bill]

I decided to take action and sent an email to GSMNP with a link to their Youtube channel. I stated that I had no firsthand knowledge but thought they should check up on them. I did not do this lightly. Probably some people would question my judgement in my on outdoors activities with my kids when they were young. Still, it had to be done. Now I can sleep soundly.

[lonehiker]

You ol' freedom fighter you You would make a good defense attorney.

Subjecting a 2 year old to those conditions and making him sit in a damn carrier all day, tieing his jumper sleeves with hot hands inside of them, making his lip bleed...Are you freakin' kidding me??

I have never been a fan of the PETA snowflakes of our time asking the question "Would you want to be locked in a little cage like that poor chicken?!" BUT
Would YOU want to be in that carrier for 8-12 miles a day, with your sleeves tied at the end with no control over if those hot hands are actually too hot and burning your fingers or toes while the rest of your body is borderline hypothermic? What about if you crap your pants while your in said carrier and when doing so it pushes you over the edge and you start to cry, instead of the person that you are suppose to view as your protector helping you, he turns around and gives ya good pop in the lip "SHUTUP" he says, and turns around to continue walking. Yea...Sounds like real fun

Do you honestly believe they are hiking their mileage non-stop? What do you suppose they are doing on breaks? Are you suggesting that while they take breaks and eat lunch that mom is simply standing there with him still in his carrier? How have you come to the conclusion that the kid was borderline hypothermic?

[Gambit McCrae]

Do you honestly believe they are hiking their mileage non-stop? What do you suppose they are doing on breaks? Are you suggesting that while they take breaks and eat lunch that mom is simply standing there with him still in his carrier? How have you come to the conclusion that the kid was borderline hypothermic?

I did not say I think those things, I said 8-10 miles a day, not 8-10 miles non stop.

From Medicinenet.com:

signs of hypothermia in babies
-An accurate axillary (armpit) or rectal temperature below 36.4 C (97.5 F)
-A weak cry.
-Low energy level.
-Lethargic.
-Reddish and cold skin.
-Cool feeling of extremities and abdomen.
-Poor feeding.
-Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

I decided to take action and sent an email to GSMNP with a link to their Youtube channel. I stated that I had no firsthand knowledge but thought they should check up on them. I did not do this lightly. Probably some people would question my judgement in my on outdoors activities with my kids when they were young. Still, it had to be done. Now I can sleep soundly.

Good on you Bill. Hey if they check up on them, and all is well then all is well. Better safe then sorry

[kolokolo]

Gotta say, all of these posts and YouTube views might just be giving the family the type of attention that they are after.

Just sayin'.

[Mugthumper]

Hey lonehiker. For me it is about being a responsible parent. This family is not one you would see in your prospective cop of thru hikers. Out of the thousands that get on trail every year, how many start on March 1st with a 2 year old? My guess is not many or that none have even attempted it. They seem ill equipped for doing so which compounds the problem. I have no issue whatsoever with the other 5 children, even the 7 year old even though I wouldn't even dream of it.

I personally have been planning for the past 6 months for this summer to take my 7 year old on trip from rockfish gap to harper's ferry. I decided just last week that I will likely wait at least 1 more year to take him with me on a longer trip. It isn't the physical commitment that I worry about. I talk to him about it and he just isn't ready for a trip of that length. We will stick to overnighters for the time being and I'm happy with that. I want his love of the outdoors to come from his own appreciation and not because I forced my own wants on him selfishly. We are in scouts, play baseball, kayak, fish, and of course hike. He's no couch slug glued to a smartphone. Just for perspective.

Now taking a 2 year old out there right now, I certainly have issue with. A 2 year old only has a couple ways to tell you something is wrong, by saying that it hurts or by crying. That child has done exactly this and from the sound of things very frequently. Their response? They talk about how she thinks the best thing to do is ignore him and keep walking. The father says that he knows his son is hurting but it doesn't really worry him. Sure, lots of options for bailout, but I'm fairly certain that they wouldn't even realize if their son was experiencing hypothermia. They just aren't knowledgeable. Look at the videos where they put him in rain clothes and cable tie the legs and arm openings closed, the child is likely constantly soaking wet and of course freezing.

A 2 year old in a child carrier just isn't your typical thru hiker.

On the flip side of the argument. As you said, we are only seeing a fraction of their day. What is more likely, that they only turn on the camera when the kid is asleep, or that what we are seeing is what is happening, a child who is almost always sleeping or lethargic, ignored, told to be quiet when he does voice his discomfort and then smacked in the mouth out of anger and frustration? We see only what they show us.

[Knee Jerk]

This is "mommy content" and it exists solely so people can comment on it. Which is awful.

It's the world of social media, driven by the need to be famous. Which is awful.

It's the "Kardashian Effect" in action and somehow they'll figure out a way to make money off this. Which is awful.

I predict Oprah will be all over this in 3... 2... 1...

Wait, does Oprah still have a TV Show? I dunno, but my advice would be don't click on it, don't look at it and don't comment on it because it only gets them what they seek - notoriety.

[Gambit McCrae]

Just posted a new video

[lonehiker]

From Medicinenet.com:

signs of hypothermia in babies
-An accurate axillary (armpit) or rectal temperature below 36.4 C (97.5 F)
-A weak cry.
-Low energy level.
-Lethargic.
-Reddish and cold skin.
-Cool feeling of extremities and abdomen.
-Poor feeding.
-Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

Hmmm, lets see:
Armpit rectal temp-absolutely no data to support that it was below 97.5d
weak cry-not enough data to substantiate this.
Low energy level-no data on this as we don't see his activity during breaks in camp etc.
Cool feeling of extremities and abs-no data to support this
poor feeding - no data
hypoglycemia- no data
Reddish and cold skin - he had red cheeks.

Yep we have hypothermia on our hands here!

[FranklinBeans]

To preempt those going to ask about the kid being flicked in the mouth. No I don't condone that method of discipline. I do not, however, believe that it is child abuse.

I can assure you that hitting a toddler in the face and drawing blood is legally a crime and child abuse in all fifty states.

[Coffee]

I can assure you that hitting a toddler in the face and drawing blood is legally a crime and child abuse in all fifty states.

Sure is.

The problem with these people (the adults) is that they are just not likable and come across as self indulgent, attention seeking (hey, look at ME) and whiny. Who needs that in a trail video when there are so many good ones?

[MuddyWaters]

Sure is.

The problem with these people (the adults) is that they are just not likable and come across as self indulgent, attention seeking (hey, look at ME) and whiny. Who needs that in a trail video when there are so many good ones?

Just my take on it but I pretty much think all u tube videos that people make are" hey look at me".

Why else would idiots review things that have been reviewed dozens of times already. Or especially review things without ever having used them. Just take them out the freaking box and give their opinion of them.

Because people are retards. Looking for some attention. That they have no other way to receive.

[kestral]

Sure is.

The problem with these people (the adults) is that they are just not likable and come across as self indulgent, attention seeking (hey, look at ME) and whiny. Who needs that in a trail video when there are so many good ones?

Absolutely right.

shame on moi for feeding their narcissism.

back to Darwin on the trail for me!

[Slo-go'en]

It's like a slow moving train wreck which we can't stop watching.

In this last video, the baby doesn't look very happy at all. At least not until they got to the heated pool.

They sure have a lot of baggage.

He has to be flying a drone.

Sure, just shake off all the ice from your tent onto the motel carpet.

If this video was uploaded today, maybe they turned around and went back to Fontana, but it was only speculation they got that far.

[Puddlefish]

Haven't watched the video, I don't like to reward attention wh... seekers. I just want to state that my prior comment was based on a general family hiking with kids, and their chance of finishing the trail. These parents sound horrible, but there's no rule that horrible people can't have kids, or can't be on the trail.

[Zed]

They are carrying a drone. They had a prehike video where they griped about how much grief they got on hiking forums when he asked about hiking with it.

He says he's keeping it legal where he's flying it. I don't have an issue with drones as long as I don't see it or hear it. I got a 6am wakeup call from a "film crew" with a drone at Table Rock above Grafton Notch last fall. For a split second I thought I was going to have to get physical with the "director" as I was leaving but cooler heads prevailed.