AT - Update #3

On Thursday morning, April 19, I boarded a bus at the Pittsburgh Airport for a several hour trip to Morgantown (WV) where I was deposited at a parking garage with very few services nearby.  I sat for five hours waiting for my connection to Charleston (WV), which arrived at 6:00 PM.  The passengers included an older man who was somewhat verbal and unruly.  The driver stopped and took him off the bus to talk with him twice.  Then, when he acted up again, the driver turned the lights on and went back to speak with him.  I saw him with the man's ID making a phone call.  A short while later, we stopped "for a smoke break".  The police showed up and took the man to the ground right outside my window!  Sad!

An hour layover at Charleston late at night and then a ride to Witheville (VA) for another hour layover.  A long trip to Knoxville (TN) - which was WAY out of my way!  Then an early morning trip to Bristol (TN) - my destination.  All-in-all, 24 hours and lots of adventure!

I quickly arranged an Uber ride to Damascus (VA) where I re-engaged the AT with a half-mile walk along a former railroad bed.  Then the trail headed up the mountain and kept me moving upward the rest of the day.  It was a good test for my hip, which hasn't bothered me yet (PTL!!!).

I camped alone that night.  The next day offered more mountain-climbing.  I knew I had several very challenging mountains to cross before the elevation leveled out, but it surprised me how hard it was finding the top of these mountains.  I spent three days gaining elevations over 5,000 feet!  Those three days were warm and I hiked in short sleeves!

Day four held some unique challenges including very strong winds that actually blew me off the trail many times.  I was exhausted toward the end of the day as I thought I approached the top of 'Buzzard Rock' mountain.  Then it opened to a massive bald area that continued up for another half-mile!  The temperature dropped significantly and I had to stop to add clothing.  Upon reaching 'Buzzard Rock', the view was IMPRESSIVE!  But it was getting late and I needed to find a place to camp.  [I was told that those who came after me had to cross this area on their knees because of the fierce winds;  plus, it immediately fogged in and they saw no view at all!]

I found a flat space beside another tent and set up for a long night of high winds that made it difficult to sleep.  At 5:00 AM, it rained!  At 7:00 AM, I was up and on the trail for a day of phenomenal wind.  At first I lost elevation and then began to gain it again after a road-crossing.  It was another forever climb that sucked my energy.  Toward the end of the day, I capped the mountain in a mist and was first into a shelter (PTL!).  It was a long evening.  Four other guys eventually joined me.  The wind howled all night and the rain poured down!  I was glad to be in a shelter since my tent was soaked.

The next day, we hiked all day in a downpour with cold wind blowing.  The trail turned into a creek.  In spite of having bread bags on my feet, they still were soaked because of the depth of the water on the trail.  I entered the Grayson Park area and started seeing evidence of ponies!  :-)  Toward the end of the day, I reached the next shelter and parked for the rest of the day and night.  Again, five others joined me.

NOTE:
Backpacker's midnight is 8:00 PM!  I have never seen anyone stay up later than that.  Most are in the sack by 7:30 PM and don't emerge until 7:30 AM.  Sheer exhaustion makes you yearn for sack-time!

Three ponies showed up that evening and tried to run off with anything we left lying around.  We had to be forceful in scaring them away.  One, in particular, would come right up and try to grab food out of your hand!  It was intimidating at first.

The next morning:  more rain and mist!  Pack up and head out!  By the end of this day, pretty much everything I had (except my sleeping bag) was soaked.  Hypothermia was becoming a real threat due to the cold temperatures.  I got lost that day;  the trail was VERY POORLYi blazed in the Grayson area.  Fortunately, my GPS kept me heading for a point of intersection with the AT.  Actually, I think my faux paux may have saved me a section of steep climbing.  I didn't mind.  :-)  I was walking in a thick fog/mist anyway, so there wouldn't have been any views.

I arrived at my next shelter and intersected with several hikers who were all moving on.  I began to shiver and knew I had to make a decision:  move on or get into my bag asap!  I saw that a road crossing was 1 1/2 miles ahead.  Eight miles up that road was Troutdale, VA where a Baptist Church operates a hostel.  Unforunately, we'd had no phone service for five days to call for a shuttle.  I arrived at the road and began walking toward Troutdale.  There was very little traffic and most was going the other way.  The sun broke through and I stopped to take off my rain gear.  Due to my hearing, I almost missed a coming car - but spun around and stuck out my thumb.  An older couple stopped and picked me up and delivered me to the hostel door (PTL!!!!).

The hostel is a two-room, plywood bunk room with a heater.  Water is outside along with a picnic table and port-a-potty.  Not luxury, but a BLESSING!  All the pastor asks is for a donation.  They also offered a shower down at the church and even provided a towel!  It felt great.  At 7:00 PM, I went down for the Wednesday night Bible study.  Pastor Ken Riggens taught on Romans 1:16 and it was amazing!  There were six of us!  Wonderful people.  I asked if anyone knew of a way for me to get to Marion (VA), which is a larger town with hotels and a Walmart for resupply.  The pastor's wife, Mary, offered me a ride the next morning at 7:00 AM.

She dropped me at the outskirts of town and I walked to a Bojangles for a great breakfast!!!!  Then I chose a hotel and dropped my bag in the lobby (trusting it would be ok).  I took my dirty laundry and walked a mile to a laundromat to wash my clothes.  Walking back, I stopped at McD's for some french fries and saw some other backpackers.  I also stopped at Dollar General and Walmart to resupply.  By then, I was able to get into my room (1:30 PM).  I settled in and unpacked my gear and began to recharge my phone/chargers as well as communicating with family and friends.

I'd been dreaming about Pizza Hut, so I decided to walk another mile to eat there.  I opened the door and it was raining!  Oh well, what's a little rain?  I walked it anyway and thoroughly enjoyed my meal.

It's now Friday, and Mary is going to pick me up and return me to Troutdale at the end of her work day.  Backpackers call a day off a 'zero day';  it simply means no miles!  It's not uncommon to take two zero days together.  Mary has suggested that I "slack pack" the next section.  That means that I hike a section of the trail with a very light pack and then return to the hostel for another night inside.  It's very tempting since rain is forecast for tomorrow.  After that, however, the forecast shows lots of sunshine for the next week!  Woo Hoo!

My biggest problems:
1.  Exhaustion!  I get really tired climbing these never-ending mountains!
2.  Loneliness!  I really miss Debbie and interaction with others.  My hearing makes it difficult to participate in conversations (especially when it's windy and rainy).

Thanks for your kind thoughts and prayers.  I hope you enjoy following my minimal progress.  Don't forget to lift a prayer for the ICCM children!

A COMPASSIONATE MAN

In Jeremiah 38-39, we see a contrast between a compassionate man and a rebellious king.  Here's the gist of the story:

The city of Jerusalem is under siege by the Chaldeans and King Nebuchadnezzar.  Jeremiah is God's prophet and Zedekiah is the king of Israel who has rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar.  Jeremiah proclaims that if Zedekiah and the people will surrender to the Chaldeans they will be saved but the city will be destroyed. 

This is NOT what Zedekiah wants to hear.  Jeremiah's words stir the people's hearts to such an extent that some actually do surrender to the Chaldeans.  Some of Zedekiah's court officials are rankled by Jeremiah's persistent warnings.  They go to Zedekiah and complain that Jeremiah is a traitor who should be put to death.  Weak, weary Zedekiah gives in to their outrage and turns Jeremiah over to them.  They drop him into a muddy cistern and leave him there to die. 

Meanwhile, another court official, Ebed-melech (an Ethiopian) learns of Jeremiah's fate and intervenes by approaching Zedekiah.  In essence, through his compassion for Jeremiah, he appeals to the conscience of Zedekiah and implores the king to rescue Jeremiah from his miserable plight.  Realizing his hasty decision from earlier, Zedekiah authorizes Ebed-melech to take thirty  men to rescue Jeremiah from his muddy tomb. 

Ebed-melech gathers some old clothing and rushes to Jeremiah's aid.  He instructs Jeremiah to wrap himself in the old clothes to protect him from the ropes as they lift him from the cistern.  Then they take him to the king's court where he is protected and provided daily bread from the king's rations. 

Fast-forward eighteen months...

The Chaldeans break through the walls and the city falls into their hands.  Zedekiah and some of his soldiers make a break for the Judean plains but are captured and returned to King Nebuchadnezzar.  Zedekiah is forced to watch as his sons and court officials are killed.  Then his own eyes are blinded and he is chained and led off to Babylon as his royal city is utterly destroyed. 

Interestingly, King Nebuchadnezzar hears of the prophet Jeremiah and gives instructions that he is not to be harmed.  Surprisingly, the king orders his officials to give Jeremiah whatever he wants.  Jeremiah is free to return to his home and live among the poor who are left in the land to care for the vineyards and fields. 

But God is not finished yet.  Remember the kindness of Ebed-melech? 

God gives Jeremiah another message - a message for Ebed-melech:

"This is what the Eternal, Commander of heavenly armies and God of Israel, promises you:

'Look!  Very soon I will bring disaster not prosperity on Jerusalem and her citizens as I warned through Jeremiah.  And you, Ebed-melech, will see all this happen with your own eyes.  

But do not worry, for I will rescue you on that day so that you will not be taken prisoner by those you fear.  I will protect you, and you will not die in the war.  Your life will be your reward because you trusted in Me.  I, the Eternal One, declare this to you.'"

Ebed-melech's rescue of Jeremiah was not directed by God, but was a result of Ebed-melech's sense of justice.  He did what was right - and God saw it...and God rewarded it!!!!!

God is always watching!  He sees our acts of kindness.  He notices when we seek to right a wrong.  He is aware of our compassionate actions.  And He is the ultimate rewarder!  

Walk in the knowledge that your good deeds and kind words are not unobserved.  They are seen and heard by the One who truly matters!  Trust Him!  

AT - UPDATE #2 HOLDING PATTERN

I made some unwise decisions that took me off the trail at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) in North Carolina (mile 136).  I wanted to be in a town to celebrate Easter, so I pushed hard for nine days doing 9-13 miles/day.  At the end of my sixth day, I noticed a soreness in my right hip;  however, I was still 25 miles from the NOC.  I did 10 miles the next day and, of course, my hip became even more sore.  The next day, I did 9 miles and limped into the camping area still 6 miles from the NOC.  By the time I reached the NOC, I couldn't put any weight on my right leg.

I stayed overnight in a cabin with two trail friends who moved on up the trail the next morning.  I hitch-hiked to Bryson City, NC and got a room at a Sleep Inn for the next three nights.  I sat and watched TV until my sitter was sore!  I did limp to a United Methodist Church to worship.  Monday morning, I got an Uber ride to a car rental dealer.  Not having a major credit card prevented me from renting a car.  :-(  They felt bad and offered me a ride to another hotel about two miles away where I spent the day trying to arrange a way home.

Eventually, a lady took me to the Asheville airport and I flew (via Charlotte) to Pittsburgh, arriving after midnight.  I have been resting at home since then.  On Friday of that week I went to see my doctor who gave me a shot in my right hip bursa.  I am feeling some better, but am clearly not fully recovered.  I intend to wait until I feel full strength before returning to the trail.

I am nearly through North Carolina and within two days of entering the Smokey Mountain National Forest. This is an area that I am much excited to hike through.  I am probably within a week of reaching Clingman's Dome - a place where I once hiked a small section of the AT dreaming of the day when I would hike there.

I have been resting at home since arriving here very early last Tuesday (4/3).  I expected immediate results from the shot I received, but I'm still having days of discomfort.  So, I continue to rest my leg with hopes that I will see a full recovery and be able to return to the trail.

Thank you for your prayer support for me and for the kids of ICCM!  As I mentioned earlier, the trail was hard and I have been put to the test physically, but it was exciting to be on the trail meeting people and experiencing the rugged wilderness of northern Georgia and also North Carolina.  I had several former thru-hikers tell me that I am past the worst - that was encouraging...

AT - UPDATE #1

Well, I've been out since March 9th and I'm still at it!  PTL!

I'm currently in Hiawassi, GA.  I was here on Sunday and attended a wonderful Baptist Church.  Now I'm back because of the nor-easter that is tormenting all backpackers.  I didn't plan this stop, but it was necessary.  Last night was SO COLD!  Whew!  I couldn't feel my fingers! 

I'm on a public computer, so this will not be refined.  I can't tie it up too long.  I know that miles is a big issue to family and friends, but it's really not to me.  There are no mile-markers on the AT.  You use the trail guide and maps and apps to locate yourself.  Anytime I do report my mileage, I will add the 'Approach Trail' 9 miles because it was about the hardest section I've done so far.  Although Blood Mountain was also a major challenge.

The hiking is hard!  So many mountains that never seem to end!  You reach what you think is the summit only to discover that the trail turns and heads up more.  This happens over and over and over again! 

But, my legs and lungs are getting stronger - I can feel it.  They say you get your 'trail legs' by Tennessee - we'll see.  But I am doing better.  After climbing the 1,000 steps to the top of Amicalola Falls, I was seriously questioning my decision to do this! 

About 80% of the hikers are in their 20's/30's.  They are friendly to me and I enjoy the camaraderie with all the hikers.  Most are friendly.  When they pass me on the trail, almost always they will ask if I'm ok.  It renews my confidence in the younger generation.  There are a few guys older than me and a few my age.  I've also tracked with a few in their 50's. 

Some say that many of the younger ones are 'spring-breakers' who will leave and then return to the trail at the end of the semester.  Could be.  Thru-hikers quickly recognize one another and enjoy a special connection. 

There are lots of encouragers on the AT.  If they sense you're down, they'll try their best to cheer you up and keep you going.  Just this morning I was told:  "Hal, never quit on a rainy or snowy day!"  :-)  If it wasn't for these encouragers and my family and friends, I might have quit that first week. 

I've seen friends drop off because of knee problems - lots of those!  Several struggled with back issues and had to leave the trail.  A 'ridge runner'* told us that he came across a man several miles in who had hit the first hard climb.  He had his pack off sitting in the middle of the trail and he was standing there staring at it!  I can appreciate that vignette! 

So far, every day has been utterly exhausting!  You reach your campsite or shelter area and just collapse.  You still have to set up camp and prepare your meal, but you wonder how you'll ever get it done.  Sometimes you have tio hang a 'bear bag' which can be challenging.  A benefit of staying at shelter areas is that they almost always provide wires to hang your food from - VERY HELPFUL.  They're now adding 'bear-proof boxes at some areas which is even nicer (easier). 

Everyone is in bed at 8 PM.  You rise with the sun, prepare your breakfast, break camp, pack up and hit the trail.  At first, I was slow, but I'm often on the trail before 8:30 AM now. 

I have no physical problems - thank You, Lord!  I'm truly grateful for this!  Especially when I see so many others struggling. 

I'm learning so much!  Much by making mistakes.  More by watching others.  There have been some spectacular views;  I've much appreciated them.  I've slept on shelter floors more than I expected - mostly because of the bad weather. 

I'll soon be leaving Georgia and entering North Carolina.  That'll feel good! 

I miss Debbie more than I expected.  But she's been my #1 prayer partner along with the rest of my family (and many of you) - THANKS!   When you pray for me - please also lift a prayer for the children of ICCM!  Their needs far exceed mine and we want our gracious God to watch over and provide for them! 
\
Sorry for the scattered thoughts, but I'm trying to get as much in as I can quickly. 

I've had signal more than I thought I would, but I still have to be careful for my battery supply.  If you have specific questions, put them on the FB feed that sent you here and I'll try to answer.  I'll be on wifi the rest of today (Wednesday). 

BLESSINGS on you all on this first day of spring.   Ha ha ha ha....

*  A ridge runner is someone who works for the AT Conservancy and hikes the trail and checks the shelter and camping areas for problems of any kind.  They're VERY HELPFUL people! 

AT - THINGS I'LL MISS

OK, we're going to do this David Letterman style:

10.  THRONE TOILETS

I'll still see them on occasional visits to restaurants and hostels, but for the most part, I'll be using privies and cat holes.  Oh well, I got used to 'squattie potties' in China, so I guess I can endure this, too.

9.  TELEVISION

Since retirement, I enjoy an hour of news every morning and another hour every evening.  I also watch a few shows with Debbie.  It's relaxing and entertaining.  Won't be any of that in the great outdoors.  But, God's display will replace it and I'm TOTALLY excited to see His handiwork!  The mountain views are a big part of why I'm doing this!

8.  POPCORN

Anyone who knows me knows that I eat popcorn six or seven nights a week!  I'll really be looking forward to a big bowl of buttery popcorn when I get back! 

7.  MY CHAIR

Almost every evening, I fall into my recliner chair to read, watch TV or nap.  :-)   With Debbie in hers beside me - all is right with the world!  All I have to sit on for the next six months is a small foam pad that I luxuriously stashed into my backpack.  I'll be thinking about that chair every night!

6.  SUNDAY NIGHT NACHOS

Just about every Sunday night, Deb and I enjoy a big tray of nachos with melted cheese and jalapenos on them with a large bowl of home-made salsa!  I might be able to hit a few Taco Bells along the way, but it'll be a far cry from what I really like!  Sunday nights are going to make me think of home!

5.  GOING TO CHURCH

I've almost always loved being part of a church family.  Right now, Deb and I worship with the New Springfield Church of God family.  We're just beginning to get to know folks there.  I love to worship!  I'll miss that huge!!!!!   I will find a church on Easter Sunday.  I may occasionally be in a trail-town on a Sunday.  If I can shower and launder my clothes, I'll try to attend church from time to time.  Otherwise, every day will be a worship day as I walk through the green tunnel of God's wonderful creation!  Count on it - I'll be worshiping the Lord EVERY DAY!!!!!!

4.  MY BED

I love my bed!  It's a memory-foam.  When I laid on it at Goldstein's, I got up and told the clerk that we'd take it!  She was shocked!  I've never regretted my decision!  I love my bed with its heating pad!  Wow!  So comfortable.  But, my sleeping mattress will be better than any of the pads I've used in the past while hiking.  I spent $50 on it!  Deb, Troy and Missy have all tried it out;  they were each impressed!  So, I'm hoping I'll sleep well on the trail!

3.  DRIVING

I love to drive.  Always have!  I got my license one week after I turned 16, and have been driving ever since (except the three years we were in China).  I love my 2004 Xterra, that drives like a truck and has lots of rattles and other noises.  Driving relaxes me.  I love long trips with Deb.  But, I'm going to slow it down for the next six months.  From 70 mph to 2 mph.  No regrets!  When (if) I reach Mt. Katahdin (Maine), I'll probably be scared to death with my first ride in a car again!  :-)

2.  MY FOOD

I love to eat!  It's a daily pleasure.  Whether its a visit to Wendy's, Pizza Hut, McD's or home-made meals, I love to eat!  Three times a day works well for me!  :-)  When I get to do it with Deb or others, it's all the more enjoyable.  I'm a slow eater!  EVERYBODY finishes before me!  I think I got this from my Mom.  I've prepared scores of 'freezer bag meals' for my trip.  Some of them will be delicious!  I'll have

• home-made chili over mashed potatoes
• spaghetti and meat sauce
• vegetables over mashed potatoes with gravy
• oatmeal/fruit breakfasts
• granola breakfasts
• potato/cheese,bacon bits breakfasts
• barbecue dish
• PB&J tortilla lunches
• jerky and beef-stick and cheese
• gorp

But, when I get home, I'll be ready for a trip to Das Dutch Haus in Columbiana - hopefully on a Thursday night when they serve that delicious 'Chicken Dribble' soup (my personal name for it)!  

1.  DEBBIE

We started walking together in 1968, when she first asked me out (she denies that, but it's true).  That's a long time.  I love her more than myself!  She's an amazing wife and mother and I am grateful to God for a godly wife every day!  She 

• comforts me
• serves me
• encourages me
• prays for me
• loves me
• and blesses me

and she does these things faithfully EVERY DAY.  I don't deserve her, but God has been gracious to place her by my side!  Thank You, Lord!  

I will miss her and think of her constantly!  I'll connect with her as often as I can.  She'll meet me in Carlisle, PA, when I get there and we'll take a few days to rest and relax together.  I can't wait!  Say a prayer for her while I'm away - she's going to miss her antagonizing and extremely humorous husband a lot!  

That's my 'Top Ten List' of things I'll miss the most.  Tomorrow's the big day!  Woo Hoo!

AT - WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU?

I have a good friend who frequently asks me this question.  He is a knowledgeable and generous man who has helped me with quite a few projects over the years.  He moved to South Carolina a year or two ago and I really miss him.  His modeling of generosity of time and talents has inspired me. 

Like everyone, I struggle with being self-centered and selfish.  I admire people who are self-giving, but often struggle and fail to get there myself.  I am fully aware of what a selfish thing it is to take off for six months and hike the Appalachian Trail.  I have struggled over that.  Of late, I've been praying about it.

However, in a recent conversation with my sister, Beverly, I received a confirming word from God.  She is one of the first people I turn to for prayer - because I KNOW she prays and I know she loves me!  :-)  I wish I could quote her exactly, but I'll just have to do the best I can based on a faulty memory.  She assured me that she would be praying for me on this journey.  She reported that she had struggled with 'how' to pray for me.  Then she had come to the conclusion that she should pray that God would thoroughly renew me spiritually and bring me home a totally new man in Christ! 

That resounded in my spirit!  That's what I want!  That's what I need!  That's what I long for.  There have been so many major changes in my life since 2012.  To some extent, I've been floundering.  But somehow, through the word from my precious sister - I have a new-found hope! 

Now, a personal word:
I have been backpacking before and I know that it's a solitary experience.  One of the many reasons I love it is because it reveals my utter dependence on God!  I need Him for:

• strength
• companionship
• courage
• wisdom
• and to help me overcome fear.

When I'm on-the-trail, it is an ongoing (often out-loud) dialogue with God.  I sing and talk with Him and praise Him!  I enjoy His presence and deepen my relationship with Him.  

So, I'd like to make an offer to you today.  I'm entering what could be a six-month school of prayer.  If you'd like to put something on my prayer list, I'd love to covenant with you about your need or concern.  I will only share your concern with God!  I will print (and laminate) a list of all concerns I receive along with your names.  I will periodically pull it out while I'm hiking and bring your needs before our loving and powerful God. 

If you would like me to be praying for your concern, simply share it with me via:

• email:  halinasia@psmail.net
• text:  (724) 944-3881, or
• Facebook - Private Message

Keep in mind that I leave March 9th, so you'll need to respond quickly!  Meanwhile, God bless you!

AT - PREP

Two weeks from today I will - Lord willing - be on the trail!  Preparing to hike the Appalachian Trail is a gargantuan project that has several facets.

1. preparing myself physically
2. preparing food and planning food/supply shipments made by Debbie
3. selecting/purchasing gear and making decisions regarding the backpack and its weight

I've been doing some training on the North Country Trail which is near my home.  It has some challenging climbs that are helping to prepare my legs for the Smokies.  I try to do exercises every-other-day that include an upper body workout and lots of stretching.  I'm also on a low-sugar, low-carb diet to drop additional weight before I hit the trail.  

Thru-hikers have a voracious appetite and tend to dream about food all day!  I will carry about a week's worth of food with me when I leave.

BREAKFAST:

• oatmeal/flax/metamucel plus rehydrated fruit
• home-made granola with dried milk  (can be eaten with added water or as a snack)
• breakfast taters  [see video]

LUNCH:

• I have two tubes, one filled with peanut butter and the other with jelly.  I will carry tortillas for sandwiches.  I'll also have beef stick, cheese, and Tracie made me jerky and fruit roll-ups!

SUPPER:

• I'm making many meals using the freezer-bag cooking system.  [see video]
• I'll eat in town and eateries along the way.
• Especially on the southern end, churches and other groups set up feeding stations on the trail to the delight of thru-hikers!
• I'll buy resupply items in towns occasionally along the trail.
• Debbie will strategically ship me resupply packages from time-to-time.

I'm trying to keep my pack as light as I can to make my journey more enjoyable.  I have traditionally carried over forty pounds, but I hope to keep it well under thirty for this trip.  You can read the blog article "AT - IT'S GETTING REAL" for a list of most of my gear.

Some are asking how I feel?

Physically, I feel really good.  I am obviously very excited to get started.  However, I do have anxiety.  I have never backpacked for more than a week!  What makes me think I can stay out there for nearly six months?  I have concerns about ticks, poisen ivy, getting sick, bad people, snakes and bears.  I'm apprehensive about staying dry and warm during the typical, serial rainy days that the AT is famous for!  [Thru-hiker saying:  "No rain - no Maine!"]

What do I look forward to most?

• the independence of the experience
• adventure
• great scenery
• camaraderie with other thru-hikers
• testing myself
• standing on Mt. Katahdin in central Maine!  

Here are a couple of videos you might enjoy:  

https://youtu.be/-3OPyu1B2ZI

https://youtu.be/iY4CPyJdGHo

https://youtu.be/n3eJqvpIZ8c