I attempted a thruhike on the AT this year. I hiked alone most of the time. A couple of times, I partnered up with someone who had a similar pace, but only for a week or two. I turned 70 in July and got off trail with a meniscus tear from a slip and fall in the mud in New Hampshire in late September. Type 2 fun is REAL! The emotional roller coaster is real! "Accidents" are, unfortunately, very real! 😮 The push for miles is real! I got so much support from so many people! I felt that I let them down when I left the trail, even though I left because of injury. I didn't do food shipments to post offices. I bought dried foods at markets along the way, enjoying the challenge of putting together a different menu every time I shopped. I cooked "town food" in every hostel with a kitchen. I often led the effort to do group dinners there whenever I could, and there was always extra for hikers who just showed up. It made my day making theirs. Walking alone was good. Camping and eating with others was better. Friendships made around the dinner table were instantaneous, genuine, and lasting. I didn't complete the journey, but I enjoyed the 💩 out of it. I will try again as soon as I heal up. Tinker, halfway, 2023.
I can relate to issues with my knee meniscus -- It was over eight months before they could operate -- WHY DID YOU START YOUR HIKE ALONE??? ARE YOU GOING TO HIKE THE WHOLE A.T. AGAIN OR JUST THE PART YOU DIDN'T FINISH???
You are absolutely correct that people making videos only show the highlight, show the happy trail. Thank you so much for the most refreshing trail video I've seen in YEARS!
Wonderful video! So glad you felt everyone rooting for you! I sure was! I still am as navigate this new trail life has taken you down and I know you will make it! You're may favorite!
This was very interesting, very informative, & very cool! At age 74, with a body slowly falling apart, am still camping & doing day hikes. Discovered your channel only very recently & have been watching your series from the beginning. Grew up near the trail in VA & greatly enjoy seeing places from my earlier life. YOUR videos are wonderful. Love your positive attitude & constructive comments. Keep up the great work!
Things no one told me about afterwards: *Hiker hunger continues for months after your hike. Amazing how fast your old weight returns *The feeling of having cotton balls stuffed between your toes lasts for over a year. *The urge to head directly to the small packaged food section of a grocery store lasts months.
This is spot on! Good job. Even with people around you on the Trail, ultimately you hike alone. I found myself thinking long thoughts about my past and struggling with many of those memories. A few times I wept as I walked, weighed down by bad decisions, lost loves and family, things I said or did that were not unforgivable but unforgettable, at least for me. There was also this shock going back into “civilization” and finding out about current events, as though you thought time had stood still.
Love it all, keep the posts coming. When my husband dis 700 miles he said the same thing about news traveling up and down the trail. Another great job. Thanks for continuing to post.
Excellent video Bat, I was stunned. The up and down feeling is what I am experiencing now at this ghetto I live in. So much advice, so wonderful, thanks and Congratulations 🎉!!
excellent video. About Type 2 fun, in early 2012 a bunch of us hiked from Lake Pedder to Cockle Creek in Tasmania, and every day was a solid wall of waste-deep mud, dense scrub in all directions with only a narrow barely-visible path, and it never stopped raining. I was so glad to have my oiled canvas long coat with me for that. I was barefoot for most of it, as were a few others. We got lost a few times, had arguments, and three people had to fly out halfway due to illness & injuries. Every night when we reached a camp spot, it was like finding an island in the middle of the sea of mud. Each morning when we stepped out onto the trail we were hit with the 10 hour pain to get through. But every moment of that hike is still burned into my mind as the most real time of my life. Senses were heightened, and by the end I felt like I could keep going forever. Great hikes really come down to the people you do them with, I've found.
Love this. It's very true about sense of distance. People make fun because walking long distance is not a big deal when they want to hop in their cars to get somewhere in less than a mile.
Watching for the 30th viewing. Best 2023 post trail video. Two questions for your next Q & A. Getting medication refills. And did you notice backpacks with locks on the trail. Thank You.
@@badbathikes I hope you keep making hiking videos, but if you ever decide to stop hiking, I could see you making other types of videos for RUclips. Maybe comedy entertainment videos or something. You are quite a character. You are fun to watch. 👍
You are a force to be reckoned with!!! I so enjoyed the hike with you. You're an inspiration! I wish the video was longer and more detailed. It went too quick. I watch while on my treadmill but now I am kicking my butt outside regardless of the weather.
It's so true...all of it! I followed your journey on another account. Love your channel and I love your insight! Congrats on the successful completion of your thru hike, lady! You are awesome.
I absolutely love your honestly while on trail and off. I have watched 100's and yours continues to be 100% truth. Last spring I hiked 400 miles and let the mind chatter and straight ups and downs take me off. Im going back in the spring to pick up where I left and complete the journey, with a different mindset of course. Thank you for being authentically you.
My husband and I are visiting Roan Mtn State Park and came to Carvers Gap and hiked over to Jane Bald and turned around but I was so excited to be on the AT and thought about you a lot on it!
That last one is so true...everyone I follow on YT, I am rooting for each and everyone! My goal is to be on the AT within the next couple of years and I use your vlog as well as others here on YT to keep me inspired to get out and hike. I would love to do a thru-hike but realistically as it is now I will probably only be able to do sections. I enjoyed your documentary as well....sorry about that life situation towards the end of your thru-hike....I hope you are doing well now.
Virtually every thru-hiker does this type follow-up video, but none that I’ve seen have been so entertaining and enjoyable. And as far as everyone rooting for you? I think it’s safe to say that you’ve had, and still have, 5k+ people rooting for you! Even after your thru-hike is done your videos are a highlight of my week - and always leave me smiling! ❤❤❤❤❤
I can't imagine ever having enough time to through hike the Appalachian Trail but I would love to be able to some day. One thing I was wondering about, maybe you could make a video of, what is it like to have to go back to work after the trail? How do you handle daily life after the trail?
BB do a video about how your diet/eating has changed since coming off the AT. Do you crave your fav snacks you ate on trail or are you sick of them? Is your body reacting to more/less calories now compared to calories/foods on AT? Weight gain? Continue to lose weight? Etc. I hope my line of questions make sense.
In the same line as the magic comment. I’ve heard people say, “The trail provides”. But it’s not the trail, it’s the kindness and thoughtfulness of people. Good video!
Love this - definitely want a video on biggest regrets while hiking and what you would do differently if and when you re hike. I hiked in 2000:and again in 2003. Will do it once more for sure ~ I love your videos because so much has changed and so much has stayed the same
I’ve watched MANY HUNDREDS of AT thru hike videos (& I’ve hiked many sections). This video is one of the most informative. You tell it like it is. Thanks.
Oh wow what a nice video !! I am so glad you feel that your followers were there for you !! I worried ! I cried ! I was sad when you were sad ! I was happy too with you !!! 😊 you are so kind so full of happiness ! Thank you for that beautiful moment ❤
I have loved your videos from day one! And every Friday, I am grateful that you have not gone away! Your content is fabulous! And your personality is ever so lovely! Also, I am enjoying your sticker on my Nalgene bottle! It is a very nice addition to my collection!
Excellent video. One of my favorites. I love hiking and did parts of AT around my area so like to watch this content. I’ve seen AT hikers experience what you said but nobody really puts together in words as you just did. Good job! Waiting for more on your channel 😊
I am not bad mouthing day hikers as I am one but on a gorgeous Saturday anywhere, especially in the Whites, you will NOT be alone. There have been days where if I were to have collected a dollar for every person I passed on the trail, I could fill my gas tank a few times. I love a crowded trail. A crowded trail gives me a sense of safety. I am so paranoid of getting hurt on the trail and not being found for days. I have never heard of Type 2 Fun but I know what you mean. On many of my hikes, I'll be in so much pain or so tired and I will say that I will NEVER go for another hike but 2 days later I am pulling out my maps and guidebook looking for my next adventure. I hiked the Hancocks YEARS ago when I was bagging 4,000 Footers. In my mind it was an easy hike. I was reminded quite quickly, this Summer, that there is no "easy" hike in the Whites. The AT isn't the only place that's a small world. In 2015 I hiked up Falling Waters Trail and the Franconia Ridge with a couple of guys I met on the trail from Massachusetts and a few YEARS later, I was hiking down Mt. Washington and the same two guys recognized me on the trail. That was really freaky. Kyle Hates Hiking had mentioned in one of his videos that it's not uncommon to poop your pants on a through hike.
Great video! One thing that I didn't expect but I experienced a lot on trail was the number of international hikers! It was so interesting to learn about different cultures and their perspectives on America as the trail moved north. There were several days when I hiked with 2 or 3 international hikers but only 1 or 2 Americans.
Love your opening statement! I've hiked two "FLASHs". (F'n long ass hikes) (500ish in '17 and 1000+ in '20) I've made best friends for a lifetime and cannot wait until next year when I make my 3rd Thru-attempt and meet my next tramily.
Thank you for your interesting info! It looks to me quite stressful true hiking for long distances! You must have passion for it! I do feel that if I’m into the Appalachian trail, I will do it by sections, in a group and with fun and not rush!
So many people asked me, "What was your favorite view, experience, place...?" That question just stopped me in my tracks. Favorite view," My feet" .... It was just being able to do it and the feeling it gave me at 68.
13:45 - amongst the large group of travellers we were with before 7 of us did that Tasmania hike, a bunch of them took bets on who would drop out first. The one American in our group, everyone thought was the toughest of our 7 and would no doubt make it all the way. But 5 days in, from his feet getting injured inside his perpetually-soaking boots, he was barely able to walk, and his body temperature plummeted. Fortunately at the halfway point there's a plane runway that gets one arrival per day, so he flew out and had to recover for a couple of weeks in Hobart. The hikers in our group who people were betting against to drop out, turned out to be the strongest. Me and one other guy (both of us barefoot most of the way) felt stronger every day, to the point that by the time I had reached the end, I felt like my body was the fittest it has ever been. I want to get back to that feeling again
Hey Bad Bat, great video, interesting commentary! I just learned a new term "Type 2 Fun"... but I know exactly what you are talking about, it's my favorite kind of fun! Yeah, it involves some suffering, but you'll remember it years from now. Congrats on finishing the through hike and keep on hiking!
Great video! Two things about the AT that I thought of... - Body odor, sometimes you're going to stink, others are going to stink badly. - I experienced strong food cravings like never before in normal life.
I would think just the opposite, I've backpacked and had a phenomenal sense of time as long as I could see the sun, have a sense about how light it is. I could tell you within say five minutes what time it is w/o looking at my watch after calibrating outside for a few days, I think the body has a very natural sense of time. On the other hand, I'm also retired and understand that sense completely, today's another Saturday for me...but tomorrow's the real Saturday, but today is - doublechecks - is Friday.
Awesome video. Great comments. It's hard to show 2 hours of walking thru mud and rain. You did a great job of capturing both sides of a thru hike. Thanks for sharing... Sorry the AT was just a river for a trail this year.
This is really cool! I saw your trolls vid and the fella you and your friend ran into at the shelter is one of many reasons why I’m bringing the hammock system back into play. I can camp anywhere i want as long as I’m quiet and be low impact. I’m also a recovering alcoholic so I definitely don’t want anything to do with established backcountry sites on weekends as they tend to turn into frat houses. And yes, I did run into a very squirrelly character on the AT once in Maine with my daughter. We had to camp next to a really big group. So… no backcountry sites for me.
I suppose there are sections where you have to make decisions as to how and where each and every step should be placed. Never thought about that. We typically walk mindlessly thru every day, no worries about how to place our feets!
Great video. One thing I noticed. Some people on trail like to fear monger. Example, “Wait until you get to the White’s, they are so hard”. Yes you have to slow down in the White’s but I was 58 when I thru hiked and I made it through. Just chill out and take it one day at a time. You are not hiking 2200 miles, you are hiking 10-20 ish a day.
I appreciate you sharing. It's wonderful to see you share wise counsel and life lessons on the trail. Since my time many many years ago, there have been numerous changes the way others appoach it. It will benefit other intrepid people. Any journey is unique, regardless of the people you encounter along the way. There are never two identical journeys, and any guidance will aid others in their quest for knowledge tramily life is fun but short lived and meeting new people is exciting. Bless You BadBat Happy Trails!
Decisions are not less in quantity but can affect you more. At home deciding to not eat breakfast as you overslept is not a big deal but not eating on the AT could be dangerous. Making miles..somewhat self imposed but as in real life there are deadlines, go too slow and you won’t make it to the end before Katahdin closes, go too fast and you may risk injury which slows you more ,move thru the Smokies too slow you might run low on food. Good to have goals but make them realistic and allow yourself to adjust as needed. I personally think you did great on your decisions. The tramily not being a full trail thing was interesting and something I didn’t realize. I’d love to see regrets and mistakes as a video. Good point on videos being highlights, the suck is mot shown.
Yes we are rooting for YOU. THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS are great to finish or to not finish. I'm sure that's personal. Thankyou for sharing your thoughts 😊 and experiences 🎉hope things are going better.
Wow! One of my most favorite videos of yours. I'll bet you could create a Part 2! So insightful and helpful for setting expectations. Please create a "regrets" video and maybe an expectations, "common knowledge" that is or isn't so, surprises, and maybe day-in-the-life video. I just really appreciate how real & genuine you are. Can you imagine someone actually saying, "I really hope you fail at your goal."? It seems like the AT really restore faith in humanity. Why is that?
Beulah, you gave us a balanced exposure. Believe me, you showed us the good, the bad, and the ugly. You are the gutsiest woman to have done a video. What you did at the end was to plant your claws into your experience--the whole thing--and viciously keep EVERYTHING from being taken from you. Good on you! You made me think. How do you grieve if what you are grieving is a memory you don't face? I should shut up, because time has passed for you, and I only saw your video yesterday. Along the subject of what you talked about here, I was rooting for you really hard. Thank you, again.
Great video. I would add just one more thing that many hikers get... hiker amnesia. I can pretty easily forget all the wet days, steep descents, and bugs and just remember all the goodness and beauty on the trail. Congrats on your hike!
Thank you for the info I did learn a few things I didn't know like the fact that everyone even the experience people don't know what they are doing I guess because the weather is unpredictable , I did understand that there is a lot of Planning that goes into this which is one of the reasons I haven't done it I'm lousy at making plans and I have noticed how others have lost tract of time and keep pushing for more miles and the more they do in a day's worth of time the less fun they are having
One thing that resonated with me was the misery on the way to the days goal and the ecstasy when it was achieved. I never through hiked but I did day and weekend trips, mostly in the Whites and Baxter State Park quite often. Climbing while sweating bullets and being attacked by insects and walking through spider webs is really no fun. But at the top of the mountain with a nice cool breeze and hopefully a beautiful view, that’s what makes it all worthwhile and allows you to minimize the effort expended to get there.
I’ve only done a teeny bit of the AT, I live near the PCT. I backpack often, but can’t thru-hike until I retire soon. I know no one who doesn’t have a pee’d on myself story and I bet there are more of the other kind, they just won’t mention as often. Love your enthusiasm.
I concur there is a ton of stuff that happens on trail that doesn't make it to social media. So my advice going into a long distance adventure is to do it without any expectations.
I hiked the AT in 2021. I want to add to your comment on slowing down in the mornings. I think way too many people on trail are trying to rush. I slowed way down around northern virginia. I enjoyed each day a lot more. It actually bothers me to watch people try to do 20s every day. You can't do that and really enjoy the trail in my opinion.
Other thing no one told me about: Everyone sleeps with your food. If you’re not comfortable with that, then don’t go to the popular campsites. :( Balancing being social and wanting to be safe ish was hard
It was a nice surprise to see you pop up today. Love your videos. One on regrets will be interesting. Looking forward to your live video. Hope you’re feeling good about yourself and moving forward.😊❤
Just found this post, Bad Bat - Fizzix here. Hiked with you and Scorch a bit in PA. I also managed to finish. My post hike observations: 1 totally agree about hiker hunger and weight coming back. 2 post hike depression is a real thing - easy to see why people jump right back on the next trail. 3 it is amazingly difficult to explain a thru hike to non-hikers. Yes, it's 2200 miles of walking which everyone kinda understands. But try to explain the bonds with other hikers and the AT itself and I have found that I just just draw polite stares. Great to hear you finished. I was never in doubt.
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
I attempted a thruhike on the AT this year. I hiked alone most of the time. A couple of times, I partnered up with someone who had a similar pace, but only for a week or two. I turned 70 in July and got off trail with a meniscus tear from a slip and fall in the mud in New Hampshire in late September.
Type 2 fun is REAL!
The emotional roller coaster is real!
"Accidents" are, unfortunately, very real! 😮
The push for miles is real!
I got so much support from so many people! I felt that I let them down when I left the trail, even though I left because of injury.
I didn't do food shipments to post offices. I bought dried foods at markets along the way, enjoying the challenge of putting together a different menu every time I shopped. I cooked "town food" in every hostel with a kitchen. I often led the effort to do group dinners there whenever I could, and there was always extra for hikers who just showed up. It made my day making theirs.
Walking alone was good. Camping and eating with others was better. Friendships made around the dinner table were instantaneous, genuine, and lasting.
I didn't complete the journey, but I enjoyed the 💩 out of it. I will try again as soon as I heal up.
Tinker, halfway, 2023.
15:08
I can relate to issues with my knee meniscus --
It was over eight months before they could operate --
WHY DID YOU START YOUR HIKE ALONE???
ARE YOU GOING TO HIKE THE WHOLE A.T. AGAIN
OR JUST THE PART YOU DIDN'T FINISH???
You are absolutely correct that people making videos only show the highlight, show the happy trail. Thank you so much for the most refreshing trail video I've seen in YEARS!
Hiking with braids in 2020 was pretty emotional.
Wonderful video! So glad you felt everyone rooting for you! I sure was! I still am as navigate this new trail life has taken you down and I know you will make it! You're may favorite!
And this is why people rooted for you Badbat.
This was very interesting, very informative, & very cool! At age 74, with a body slowly falling apart, am still camping & doing day hikes. Discovered your channel only very recently & have been watching your series from the beginning. Grew up near the trail in VA & greatly enjoy seeing places from my earlier life. YOUR videos are wonderful. Love your positive attitude & constructive comments. Keep up the great work!
Things no one told me about afterwards:
*Hiker hunger continues for months after your hike. Amazing how fast your old weight returns
*The feeling of having cotton balls stuffed between your toes lasts for over a year.
*The urge to head directly to the small packaged food section of a grocery store lasts months.
I would walk into a public bathroom and my first thoughts were, “do I need a little extra TP?”
We kept eating like we were on trail and gained way more than we were before we started! Omg 🤦♂️
Outstanding description of trail life and life in general!
Out of the gate you had me laughing…”nobody knows anything” … all great info and you are a gem 🌻
This is the best 2023 AT hikers video. The best and real.
This is spot on! Good job.
Even with people around you on the Trail, ultimately you hike alone. I found myself thinking long thoughts about my past and struggling with many of those memories. A few times I wept as I walked, weighed down by bad decisions, lost loves and family, things I said or did that were not unforgivable but unforgettable, at least for me.
There was also this shock going back into “civilization” and finding out about current events, as though you thought time had stood still.
I’m not hiking and I could cry for the same reasons!
Love it, your perspective is simultaneously familiar to us home watchers and dreamers, and also charmingly unique. Keep us in the loop.
Love it all, keep the posts coming. When my husband dis 700 miles he said the same thing about news traveling up and down the trail. Another great job. Thanks for continuing to post.
Excellent video Bat, I was stunned. The up and down feeling is what I am experiencing now at this ghetto I live in. So much advice, so wonderful, thanks and Congratulations 🎉!!
excellent video. About Type 2 fun, in early 2012 a bunch of us hiked from Lake Pedder to Cockle Creek in Tasmania, and every day was a solid wall of waste-deep mud, dense scrub in all directions with only a narrow barely-visible path, and it never stopped raining. I was so glad to have my oiled canvas long coat with me for that. I was barefoot for most of it, as were a few others. We got lost a few times, had arguments, and three people had to fly out halfway due to illness & injuries. Every night when we reached a camp spot, it was like finding an island in the middle of the sea of mud. Each morning when we stepped out onto the trail we were hit with the 10 hour pain to get through. But every moment of that hike is still burned into my mind as the most real time of my life. Senses were heightened, and by the end I felt like I could keep going forever. Great hikes really come down to the people you do them with, I've found.
Love this. It's very true about sense of distance. People make fun because walking long distance is not a big deal when they want to hop in their cars to get somewhere in less than a mile.
I’m glad for your continued updates and love your attitude. As the saying goes “your attitude determines your attitude”
Love, love, love to hear everyone is rooting for you!!! I am planning an A.T. thru- hike nobo in 2024.
Did you go? Did you make it???
Yes we all were rooting for you!
Loved all the videos! Keep them coming!
Watching for the 30th viewing. Best 2023 post trail video. Two questions for your next Q & A. Getting medication refills. And did you notice backpacks with locks on the trail. Thank You.
I am so happy you out there still making videos! You kept it real!
I love making videos! And they shall continue 🦇
@@badbathikes I hope you keep making hiking videos, but if you ever decide to stop hiking, I could see you making other types of videos for RUclips. Maybe comedy entertainment videos or something. You are quite a character. You are fun to watch. 👍
Excellent! Many perspectives I hadn't hear after watching dozens of A.T. thru hikers vloggs. Thank you for sharing!
You are a force to be reckoned with!!! I so enjoyed the hike with you. You're an inspiration! I wish the video was longer and more detailed. It went too quick. I watch while on my treadmill but now I am kicking my butt outside regardless of the weather.
It's so true...all of it! I followed your journey on another account. Love your channel and I love your insight! Congrats on the successful completion of your thru hike, lady! You are awesome.
I absolutely love your honestly while on trail and off. I have watched 100's and yours continues to be 100% truth. Last spring I hiked 400 miles and let the mind chatter and straight ups and downs take me off. Im going back in the spring to pick up where I left and complete the journey, with a different mindset of course. Thank you for being authentically you.
My husband and I are visiting Roan Mtn State Park and came to Carvers Gap and hiked over to Jane Bald and turned around but I was so excited to be on the AT and thought about you a lot on it!
Thanks for making this video - so insightful, something that very few hikers mention.
That last one is so true...everyone I follow on YT, I am rooting for each and everyone! My goal is to be on the AT within the next couple of years and I use your vlog as well as others here on YT to keep me inspired to get out and hike. I would love to do a thru-hike but realistically as it is now I will probably only be able to do sections.
I enjoyed your documentary as well....sorry about that life situation towards the end of your thru-hike....I hope you are doing well now.
Virtually every thru-hiker does this type follow-up video, but none that I’ve seen have been so entertaining and enjoyable. And as far as everyone rooting for you? I think it’s safe to say that you’ve had, and still have, 5k+ people rooting for you! Even after your thru-hike is done your videos are a highlight of my week - and always leave me smiling! ❤❤❤❤❤
much needed , I knew you were not sugar coating when you got really sick . I hope everything is coming together for yoy
I can't imagine ever having enough time to through hike the Appalachian Trail but I would love to be able to some day. One thing I was wondering about, maybe you could make a video of, what is it like to have to go back to work after the trail? How do you handle daily life after the trail?
BB do a video about how your diet/eating has changed since coming off the AT. Do you crave your fav snacks you ate on trail or are you sick of them? Is your body reacting to more/less calories now compared to calories/foods on AT? Weight gain? Continue to lose weight? Etc. I hope my line of questions make sense.
Congratulations on your thru hike! Huge accomplishment! I followed your entire journey! I leave in March to make my attempt!
Good Luck on your attempt!
Good Luck on your attempt!
In the same line as the magic comment. I’ve heard people say, “The trail provides”. But it’s not the trail, it’s the kindness and thoughtfulness of people. Good video!
Love this - definitely want a video on biggest regrets while hiking and what you would do differently if and when you re hike. I hiked in 2000:and again in 2003. Will do it once more for sure ~ I love your videos because so much has changed and so much has stayed the same
I’ve watched MANY HUNDREDS of AT thru hike videos (& I’ve hiked many sections). This video is one of the most informative. You tell it like it is. Thanks.
Thanks for the tips and encouragement. I step off in March 2024, and this was sooo helpful ❤
Did you make it??????
@StamfordBridge had to delay a year
@@direwolf_adventure OK, well, good luck for next year!
@@StamfordBridge thank you!
Oh wow what a nice video !! I am so glad you feel that your followers were there for you !! I worried ! I cried ! I was sad when you were sad ! I was happy too with you !!! 😊 you are so kind so full of happiness ! Thank you for that beautiful moment ❤
Great content! I have watched and read AT trail journals for years and this was very informative. I hope to hike it someday.
Im starting trail mid Feb. This was honestly an awakening, thank you so much.
I really appreciate this, you are a good distraction when I needed it. Thank you
Thank you for sharing your AT journey with us.
Really enjoyed this vid, moreso than any prep vid. Thank you so much, well done
Thanks for video again, peace out
We rooted for you on the trail, and we are rooting for you still!
I have loved your videos from day one! And every Friday, I am grateful that you have not gone away!
Your content is fabulous!
And your personality is ever so lovely!
Also, I am enjoying your sticker on my Nalgene bottle! It is a very nice addition to my collection!
All wonderful points. I honestly can't imagine doing that walk. So I have to live the hiking life through you and others that can do it. :)
Excellent video. One of my favorites. I love hiking and did parts of AT around my area so like to watch this content. I’ve seen AT hikers experience what you said but nobody really puts together in words as you just did. Good job! Waiting for more on your channel 😊
I love this, thank you for the encouragement!
I am not bad mouthing day hikers as I am one but on a gorgeous Saturday anywhere, especially in the Whites, you will NOT be alone. There have been days where if I were to have collected a dollar for every person I passed on the trail, I could fill my gas tank a few times. I love a crowded trail. A crowded trail gives me a sense of safety. I am so paranoid of getting hurt on the trail and not being found for days.
I have never heard of Type 2 Fun but I know what you mean. On many of my hikes, I'll be in so much pain or so tired and I will say that I will NEVER go for another hike but 2 days later I am pulling out my maps and guidebook looking for my next adventure. I hiked the Hancocks YEARS ago when I was bagging 4,000 Footers. In my mind it was an easy hike. I was reminded quite quickly, this Summer, that there is no "easy" hike in the Whites.
The AT isn't the only place that's a small world. In 2015 I hiked up Falling Waters Trail and the Franconia Ridge with a couple of guys I met on the trail from Massachusetts and a few YEARS later, I was hiking down Mt. Washington and the same two guys recognized me on the trail. That was really freaky.
Kyle Hates Hiking had mentioned in one of his videos that it's not uncommon to poop your pants on a through hike.
Wonderful and veeeery interesting video. Thank you for addressing these things. Please keep em coming! Yes, we are STILL rooting for you!
Great video! One thing that I didn't expect but I experienced a lot on trail was the number of international hikers! It was so interesting to learn about different cultures and their perspectives on America as the trail moved north. There were several days when I hiked with 2 or 3 international hikers but only 1 or 2 Americans.
Love your opening statement! I've hiked two "FLASHs". (F'n long ass hikes) (500ish in '17 and 1000+ in '20) I've made best friends for a lifetime and cannot wait until next year when I make my 3rd Thru-attempt and meet my next tramily.
Thank you for your interesting info! It looks to me quite stressful true hiking for long distances! You must have passion for it! I do feel that if I’m into the Appalachian trail, I will do it by sections, in a group and with fun and not rush!
Good list!! All are spot on. Especially everyone is rooting for you. It’s weird to have that attention yet so true.
So many people asked me, "What was your favorite view, experience, place...?" That question just stopped me in my tracks. Favorite view," My feet" .... It was just being able to do it and the feeling it gave me at 68.
13:45 - amongst the large group of travellers we were with before 7 of us did that Tasmania hike, a bunch of them took bets on who would drop out first. The one American in our group, everyone thought was the toughest of our 7 and would no doubt make it all the way. But 5 days in, from his feet getting injured inside his perpetually-soaking boots, he was barely able to walk, and his body temperature plummeted. Fortunately at the halfway point there's a plane runway that gets one arrival per day, so he flew out and had to recover for a couple of weeks in Hobart. The hikers in our group who people were betting against to drop out, turned out to be the strongest. Me and one other guy (both of us barefoot most of the way) felt stronger every day, to the point that by the time I had reached the end, I felt like my body was the fittest it has ever been. I want to get back to that feeling again
Hey Bad Bat, great video, interesting commentary! I just learned a new term "Type 2 Fun"... but I know exactly what you are talking about, it's my favorite kind of fun! Yeah, it involves some suffering, but you'll remember it years from now. Congrats on finishing the through hike and keep on hiking!
Great video! Two things about the AT that I thought of...
- Body odor, sometimes you're going to stink, others are going to stink badly.
- I experienced strong food cravings like never before in normal life.
I really enjoy your videos. They are entertaining and informative.
I am glad to hear your thoughts on the journey. Good job!!!
Your videos brighten my day! 🥰
Great video❤
I think what surprised me most was the lack of alone time. Wasn't used to that.
great to see you b.b
No sense of time? You just described my life as a retiree! 😂
Was thinking the very same thing! 😂😂
I would think just the opposite, I've backpacked and had a phenomenal sense of time as long as I could see the sun, have a sense about how light it is. I could tell you within say five minutes what time it is w/o looking at my watch after calibrating outside for a few days, I think the body has a very natural sense of time. On the other hand, I'm also retired and understand that sense completely, today's another Saturday for me...but tomorrow's the real Saturday, but today is - doublechecks - is Friday.
You get my vote for my favorite AT blogger this year. Very sorry I didn’t feed you in pa.
This was quite good! Thanks
Excellent video. Haven’t really seen one like this. Yes, happy trails to you too.
Awesome video. Great comments. It's hard to show 2 hours of walking thru mud and rain. You did a great job of capturing both sides of a thru hike. Thanks for sharing... Sorry the AT was just a river for a trail this year.
This is really cool! I saw your trolls vid and the fella you and your friend ran into at the shelter is one of many reasons why I’m bringing the hammock system back into play. I can camp anywhere i want as long as I’m quiet and be low impact. I’m also a recovering alcoholic so I definitely don’t want anything to do with established backcountry sites on weekends as they tend to turn into frat houses. And yes, I did run into a very squirrelly character on the AT once in Maine with my daughter. We had to camp next to a really big group. So… no backcountry sites for me.
I suppose there are sections where you have to make decisions as to how and where each and every step should be placed. Never thought about that. We typically walk mindlessly thru every day, no worries about how to place our feets!
Great video. One thing I noticed. Some people on trail like to fear monger. Example, “Wait until you get to the White’s, they are so hard”. Yes you have to slow down in the White’s but I was 58 when I thru hiked and I made it through. Just chill out and take it one day at a time. You are not hiking 2200 miles, you are hiking 10-20 ish a day.
I have said that the Whites are no harder than the rest of the trail. You just get less miles from the amount of effort you put into it.
I appreciate you sharing. It's wonderful to see you share wise counsel and life lessons on the trail. Since my time many many years ago, there have been numerous changes the way others appoach it. It will benefit other intrepid people. Any journey is unique, regardless of the people you encounter along the way. There are never two identical journeys, and any guidance will aid others in their quest for knowledge tramily life is fun but short lived and meeting new people is exciting. Bless You BadBat Happy Trails!
Decisions are not less in quantity but can affect you more. At home deciding to not eat breakfast as you overslept is not a big deal but not eating on the AT could be dangerous. Making miles..somewhat self imposed but as in real life there are deadlines, go too slow and you won’t make it to the end before Katahdin closes, go too fast and you may risk injury which slows you more ,move thru the Smokies too slow you might run low on food. Good to have goals but make them realistic and allow yourself to adjust as needed. I personally think you did great on your decisions. The tramily not being a full trail thing was interesting and something I didn’t realize. I’d love to see regrets and mistakes as a video. Good point on videos being highlights, the suck is mot shown.
"No, no, no one knows what they are doing. ". Best 2023 AT hiker quote.
That was awesome!
And that’s why you are so adored!!!
Yes we are rooting for YOU. THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS are great to finish or to not finish. I'm sure that's personal. Thankyou for sharing your thoughts 😊 and experiences 🎉hope things are going better.
This was a great video! Thank you for sharing your wise words, encouragement, and honesty. Keeping it real helps us have realistic expectations.
Wow! One of my most favorite videos of yours. I'll bet you could create a Part 2! So insightful and helpful for setting expectations. Please create a "regrets" video and maybe an expectations, "common knowledge" that is or isn't so, surprises, and maybe day-in-the-life video. I just really appreciate how real & genuine you are. Can you imagine someone actually saying, "I really hope you fail at your goal."? It seems like the AT really restore faith in humanity. Why is that?
Beulah, you gave us a balanced exposure. Believe me, you showed us the good, the bad, and the ugly. You are the gutsiest woman to have done a video. What you did at the end was to plant your claws into your experience--the whole thing--and viciously keep EVERYTHING from being taken from you. Good on you! You made me think. How do you grieve if what you are grieving is a memory you don't face? I should shut up, because time has passed for you, and I only saw your video yesterday. Along the subject of what you talked about here, I was rooting for you really hard. Thank you, again.
Thank you for sharing these! Most informative one I've seen :)
Great video. I would add just one more thing that many hikers get... hiker amnesia. I can pretty easily forget all the wet days, steep descents, and bugs and just remember all the goodness and beauty on the trail. Congrats on your hike!
It's like childbirth, you forget the pain😂
Love watching your hike. Thanks for keeping it real. Will u be doing a video on the expense of the trail?
Enjoyed this video and all the others.
Great talk! Help me to understand the experience so much better.
BB you are a very Honest and Gracious Women!! Love your video's and loved watching your AT Hike
When will there be tents demo? We passed at Sunrise Mtn, Stokes State Forest, NJ. I pedaled by.
This is a wonderful video. What an accomplishment. Through hiking is not in my cards but I think this contains things for all types of hikers.
Thank you for the info I did learn a few things I didn't know like the fact that everyone even the experience people don't know what they are doing I guess because the weather is unpredictable , I did understand that there is a lot of Planning that goes into this which is one of the reasons I haven't done it I'm lousy at making plans and I have noticed how others have lost tract of time and keep pushing for more miles and the more they do in a day's worth of time the less fun they are having
One thing that resonated with me was the misery on the way to the days goal and the ecstasy when it was achieved. I never through hiked but I did day and weekend trips, mostly in the Whites and Baxter State Park quite often. Climbing while sweating bullets and being attacked by insects and walking through spider webs is really no fun. But at the top of the mountain with a nice cool breeze and hopefully a beautiful view, that’s what makes it all worthwhile and allows you to minimize the effort expended to get there.
I’ve only done a teeny bit of the AT, I live near the PCT. I backpack often, but can’t thru-hike until I retire soon. I know no one who doesn’t have a pee’d on myself story and I bet there are more of the other kind, they just won’t mention as often. Love your enthusiasm.
I concur there is a ton of stuff that happens on trail that doesn't make it to social media. So my advice going into a long distance adventure is to do it without any expectations.
I hope you are doing great 😊
I hiked the AT in 2021. I want to add to your comment on slowing down in the mornings. I think way too many people on trail are trying to rush. I slowed way down around northern virginia. I enjoyed each day a lot more. It actually bothers me to watch people try to do 20s every day. You can't do that and really enjoy the trail in my opinion.
Absolute pro tips. Did the PCT in 22 and could relate to all of these ❤
Nobody knows anything is strangely comforting lol. Having people root for me over constant scrutiny sounds wonderful. I should have left yesterday lol
Other thing no one told me about:
Everyone sleeps with your food. If you’re not comfortable with that, then don’t go to the popular campsites. :( Balancing being social and wanting to be safe ish was hard
Awesome!
Good stuff. Thanks
It was a nice surprise to see you pop up today. Love your videos. One on regrets will be interesting. Looking forward to your live video. Hope you’re feeling good about yourself and moving forward.😊❤
Just found this post, Bad Bat - Fizzix here. Hiked with you and Scorch a bit in PA. I also managed to finish. My post hike observations:
1 totally agree about hiker hunger and weight coming back.
2 post hike depression is a real thing - easy to see why people jump right back on the next trail.
3 it is amazingly difficult to explain a thru hike to non-hikers. Yes, it's 2200 miles of walking which everyone kinda understands. But try to explain the bonds with other hikers and the AT itself and I have found that I just just draw polite stares.
Great to hear you finished. I was never in doubt.
Thanks for sharing that info. I hope you’re doing alright❤️