Brené Brown Would be Proud of these Hikers

"Are you ready to go on a 2000-mile hike?" a dad asks after gently shaking his 4-year-old awake.

The little guy rubs his eyes.

He replies sleepily, "Yeah.”

His mom says, “Good morning.”

Then he sits up in bed and says more confidently, “Yeah.”

Today we highlight the Sutton Family who hiked all 2198 miles of the Appalachian Trail in 2021 – dad Josh, mom Cassie, and 4-year-old son Harvey.

I want to tell you about the amazing establishment of the trail in the early 1900s, the first thru-hiker in 1948, and of course, Grandma Gatewood.

I want to tell you about Trail Magic, The Trail Days gathering, Tramilies (people who hike the trail together become a sort of make-shift family - a tramily), and hostels.

I want to tell you about the community of hikers who actively support one another, the healing that takes place on trail for many hikers, and the lifelong impact it has on people who make connections on trail.

But that will have to wait for another blog day.

I also have so much to say about how hikers connect with each other and nature.

So many things exist to say about the special communities of thru-hikers (ones who hike an entire trail from beginning to end). And, the Appalachian Trail Community is possibly the most magical of them all.

Those too will have to wait for another blog day.

Because today we are focusing on the Sutton Family. And, now you might think this is going to be all about how amazing it was that sleepy, little 4-year-old, Harvey was the youngest person to hike the trail (without ever being carried by his parents – he did the entire thing on his own two, little legs), finishing at the age of 5 and a few months.

You might think we’ll talk about what their family, pediatrician, and Harvey’s first-grade teacher thought of the excursion. (They are all interviewed in the newly released documentary Beyond the Tree Line.)

Or, we could talk about what the oldest person at 83 to hike the AT, M.J. “Nimblewill Nomad” Eberhart, thought about a 4/5-year-old hiking the trail and summitting Katahdin at the terminus point of the trail. (More on that later.)

Gatewood was the first female thru-hiker in 1955 at the age of 67 – and she did the hike in a pair of Keds sneakers, carrying a few items in a homemade bag slung over her shoulder.

What is most impressive about Cassie to me isn't just how well she mothers her amazing son, supports her husband’s and family's dreams, and takes on quests that scare her – all with bravery and vulnerability - but how she shares all those things with others.

Her willingness to share their family's journey on a day-by-day basis on YouTube is a remarkable testament to community and connection.

The family filmed during the day and Cassie curated and put together the videos - videos so engaging, I don't think I missed a single one while following their journey in 2021. Each video covers several days.

Joel Guelzo, who directed their phenomenal documentary which just released, joined them occasionally, getting more film with his professional equipment.

Joel does an excellent job with the documentary, adding layers with interviews of friends, family, the Sutton's pediatrician, and Harvey's Kindergarten teacher, but it's Cassie's images of them snuggled in the tent as a family, trudging through snow nearly up to Harvey's hips, and hiking with solemn determination while soaking wet on those days when the rain never lets up that engage you.

While the documentation of their trip is outstanding, it’s Cassie’s narration that connects their family to viewers. She shares her fears about her ability to tackle the entire trail, her struggles, and her joys. This is what makes the most impactful connection to anyone watching along.

She isn’t just sharing these things with posts on social media to her friends and family, she is opening up to the entire world, and she does it beautifully and courageously.

I don’t want to leave Josh out who narrates and shares as well. He was determined to spend as much time as possible with his son to solidify their relationship before Harvey went out into the world to start kindergarten (which happened a mere week after they summited Katahdin). He profoundly expresses the depth of what it means to spend dedicated time with his son and his wife. He also is open and vulnerable in ways that would make Brené Brown proud.

It’s my understanding that Cassie was the primary one who carefully curated these captured moments and loaded them to their YouTube channel every few days. This is no small task. Imagine hiking 15 miles up and down mountains all day with a heavy pack, getting to camp and Harvey still has so much zeal he is playing tag, and then finding the energy to share your day with others in meaningful ways.

They weren’t only being daring emotionally, but physically. Going on an expedition like this is risky – what if someone gets injured? What if Harvey gets hurt?

Maybe you have qualms about the wisdom of taking a 4-year-old on such an arduous adventure. If so, I encourage you to watch their documentary, Beyond the Tree Line.

Yet, you know what’s far more risky? Openly sharing your thoughts, fears, and feelings with others. The Suttons knew they were exposing themselves to criticism.

In fact 83-year-old Nimblewill Nomad, who broke his record as the oldest AT thru-hiker the same year, said he thought it was a terrible idea for a 4-year-old to be taken on the trail by his parents for a thru hike. Fortunately, they intersected on trail. Meeting Harvey for just a few minutes was all it took for Nimblewill to become an enthusiastic supporter as well.

Despite the certainty of criticism, they took the chance anyway. And, those of us who have followed have connected emotionally and benefited.

The Sutton Family is an inspirational example of how we can share our lives with others.

Sharing doesn’t have to be on a social media channel, it can be over a hot drink at the local coffee shop, during an extended-family dinner, or at a gathering with one of your communities.

When was the last time you shared a heartfelt joy, fear, or struggle with others in your circle?

Because of the Sutton Family’s courage and commitment to connecting with others, we get to see many scenes like the one this blog and their YouTube Channel open with. Over the course of their 209-day trek, my favorite scenes are of the three of them in their tent, snuggled together getting ready to sleep or waking up to face another day of hiking, because it highlights just how vulnerable they are making themselves.

Thank you, Suttons for taking the risk to share your lives and adventures with us!