What will you remember more--the day you knocked off another 25 miles, or the stay at the historic hostel? Get those miles in when it's less interesting on/near the trail and take shorter days to enjoy the local scenery when it's available. (Also for us armchair thru-hikers, we marvel at 15 miles anyway!)
Stella, I'm "older" (64)....GET VORTEXED!!! You're doing something that for most folks is once in a lifetime or a bucket-lister for a lot of us. You're genuinely inspiring to watch. Not that it's necessarily easy for you. But you show a great side of what's possible for folks who are willing to put in the time and effort. Just have fun...♥
Your videos are never disappointing to watch! They are of your experience, whether zeros, miles, or epic frozen forests. This is your journey, your life, and that you choose to share it is a gift to us all. I hope you had a beautiful stay at the hostel and feel refreshed! 🌸
I think you’re going to be really happy at the end of this journey that you’ve chose to be flexible. You can have both big mile stretches and slow reflective experiences. 🎉
Let’s be clear….. you are not hiking to not disappoint anyone! You be yourself, that’s what we are here to watch. You are such a pleasant person and always positive.
I love that you are finding balance between crunching miles and taking your time. That is what hiking - and LIFE - are all about! I am thoroughly enjoying following your journey. You are a beautiful soul.
Yes! Yes! You are finding balance! You are “stopping to smell the roses”! These are the things you will look back on and be so glad you did. Staying at that hostel you had been hearing about is wonderful and you will not regret it. It really is the journey and not the destination. 🌲🌲❤️🥾🥾🌅🥾🥾❤️🌲🌲
I'm so proud of you Stella. Don't ever worry that you're disappointing anyone! I'm even more proud of you for doing what your body needs. Just remember that it's much better to do what your body is telling you to do, or you might end up with an injury or so much pain that you have to leave the trail. It's not a race and also when you slow down a bit you can see so much more of your beautiful surroundings and share it with us ❤
I'm glad you're being thoughtful about what you want this experience to be and why. Selfishly, as a video consumer, I hope you take it nice and slow so I have more Stella-days on the AT to watch. Your physical strength is impressive, but so is your mental strength--being flexible is so important, and really digging down into the why is even more impressive than cranking out the miles. I love your vlogs!
Definitely not disappointing at all! Remember it's the journey that's important, not the destination. Enjoy your experiences as they will the memories that you will reflect on in later years. Always a pleasure to be able to experience nature vicariously through you!
I love that, "stay true to yourself", that's a great phrase! Whether you know it or not, you follow your excitement first and foremost. It could be a high mileage day, or making a new four-legged friend, or staying the night at Hole-in-the-Wall, you do whatever is the best for you in the moment. Keeping a positive outlook, no matter what happens, is what is so attractive for people to keep following your journey. Keep it up!! ❤
Old hiker here also. Hike in your space and time. As you get further north, I'm sure you will have days that you will know you want to crush big miles. There will be days when a little vortex won't be a bad thing. I rushed through the Smokies in 79 only to go back in 85 to spend 8 days to experience it. You are doing great. Hike, your own hike . Happy trails, and stay safe.
You’re not disappointing us, we are here with you. Your blog was basically focused on how many miles you’re hiking. Don’t worry about the mileage. Just worry about one step in front of the other and enjoy the trail. Enjoy the beauty of the trail. Eat more pancakes! We love you and we’re rooting for you! ❤❤❤
Stella. I have run 14 marathons and I tell people all the time your body is your best guide. Your never a disappointment my dear. I love following your A.T. Thru Hike.
I and most people want to you to be happy hiking your own hike at the pace that makes you happy. I was more delighted that you took the time to enjoy Woods Hole Hostel. You are always a pleasure to watch and never a disappointment. Love yourself enough to enjoy each moment you choose to treasure. We already love you just the way you are.
I’m SO glad you decided to stay at woods hole! I know everyone has different reasons for hiking the trail and that’s cool, but I just feel like experiencing things that are unique to the AT (like this special hostel, or a particularly incredible view, or some other AT “tradition”) is so important! This is a once in a lifetime experience and something that should be “taken in” to the fullest. ❤
Please don’t worry about disappointing anyone! Enjoy your hike! Soak in the sights, the hostels, every experience!! So many of us wish we could be out there with you! I would be stopping everywhere my heart told me to stop💗 WHAT A BEAUTIFUL PLACE!! I’m so excited for you to be able to stay there🙌 HAPPY HIKING 💃💃💗💗🥰🥰
I'm really enjoying your videos so far. I've only hiked a few hundred miles of the AT in different sections. My first section hike was through Maryland with three other people. Our second day out of Harpers Ferry one of the other hikers in our group had a strap break on his pack. He called the very nice lady who had agreed to shuttle us around and asked if she could meet us a a road crossing with a needle and thread so he could make repairs. She told him that at the next intersection from where we were there was a small restaurant called The Old South Mountain Inn sitting right next to the trail. She offered to meet us there with the needle and thread and let us put our packs in her car while we enjoyed an unplanned Sunday lunch. It was all you can eat with salads and pasta and all kinds of deserts and although we looked a little out of place next all the other people in their church clothes we had a really great lunch. While waiting to pay I read some of the signage near the register. The "Inn" had been there a very long time as it turned out. At least four different US Presidents had stayed there. John Brown had met with some of his financial backers there just days before his failed raid on the armory at Harpers Ferry. George Washington had surveyed the road that runs in front of the building long before becoming a General. A truly amazing place that we would have completely missed had my friends pack not broken. Upon returning home after our hike someone who had thru hiked years earlier asked me if I had enjoyed my trip though Maryland. I enthusiastically told her how much fun I'd had and asked if she'd visited the Old South Mountain Inn when she passed through Maryland. She paused for a moment and told me that by the time she got that far north she was only focused on doing the miles. There is so much more to that trail and the areas that it passes through than a lot of people seem to want to take the time to absorb. My advice... Take whatever opportunity the trail puts in front of you. The people, the places, and the big mileage days if that's what makes if memorable for you.
I loved hearing your thought processes about what's important. There's deep wisdom in seeking out balance. You'll find the right ratio that keeps the athlete in you happy, and the introspective and creative inner self positively stimulated. ✌️
This hike is all about what you decide it should be. That's the beauty of all it. Listen to what your body needs. You have nothing to apologize for. You are doing great as long as you are happy with yourself. That is what counts. Good blessings, and keep enjoying the process of making your way north.
Yeah, and it's not necessarily a decision you have to make at the beginning, maybe even a process of finding out what it should be as you go along, it's been interesting seeing other through-hikers undergo changes, not always happy thoughts but perhaps understanding things better.
Go Stella! Way to go. You've got some good balance going on! Everything is so beautiful; the streams, cabins and hills. I felt an overwhelming feeling of nostalgia this morning. Enjoy!!!
Rhododendron leaves are temperature indicators, the colder it is the more they curl, they bounce back when it warms up. Stella , unless you're under a time constraint, enjoy the process, slow down, see all you can. you will also meet more hikers, and the weather will get better. ~Mt. Goat (MYTH) We met in Hiawasee.
You never disappoint. You are doing such a great miles day after day. You are inspiring a lot of people. Listen to your body. Nobody is running away at this side of the channel 😉. All the best from Holland 🇳🇱
So glad you decided to stay at Woods Hole. I stayed there on my section hike thru Va. ❤ It is hard to find the perfect words to describe it- definitely an experience you won’t regret. It’s all about the journey. Glad to see you balance speed with the experience! ❤❤
Never disappointed! This is your journey your experience be true to yourself and enjoy every moment. Life is way to short than to do it any other way. Have fun …
Gosh, I don’t think anyone here would be disappointed in your miles. I think you can let that go. Staying in these hostels is really cool and tell us so much about Appalachian culture and hospitality. I LOVE your reviews of them. Plus, you get to experience so much by meeting hostel owners and experiencing their unique hospitality.
We "the viewers" have plenty of options to watch hikers that focus on big miles and forsake everything else if we want. I follow you because of the more human aspect. If you want to stop and smell the flowers, well then, I am going to smell those flowers with you. Do not let us dictate your hike, especially the haters. You hike the AT, I'll watch you hike the AT. Love and support from Cali.
Sometimes the best reflections can come from the place you feel the best positivity. That hostel by far had that type of atmosphere and ambiance, everything in its place, order restored despite being in the wild. Have fun, don’t need big daily miles just big daily smiles !!
Hi Stella, I enjoy listening to your reflections! Good life lessons for us all... figuring out what brings us the most joy and balancing that with goals.
Doing great Stella, I didn't realise blue blazes were possible short cuts, always thought they lead to a special view or something, then hikers would double back to rejoin the main trail, interesting. 🇬🇧👍
Rhododendron leaves do not fall off.. they tolerate the cold.. I’ve hiked through Shenandoah in Late May and all the flowers are blooming. I would slow down. It is unbelievable. It’s like being in a magical garden. Purples, pinks, orange azaleas 🌺 are also blooming
Everyday and every experience you have on trail is precious in its own way. (Coulda shoulda woulda) right that saying. Every place you pass by while on trail that you stop at becomes part of your hike. Breath it all in and see it.Those memories will be in your heart forever. Its not a race, there's no gold medallion. One day at a time and enjoy the every moment. And my goodness those home cooked meals they make. Priceless🌲😊
Enjoying your hike. Question..Why the rush? The wildflowers on trail are amazing..and aren't blooming that far north yet. Jay Wanders Out did a beautiful job of capturing the wonder of the trail last year. Glad you are able to hostel often and get good rest at night. Hike on. This isn't a race.
Woods hole hostel looked beautiful. I am a builder contractor and have done maintenance on old reconstructed old log homes and tobacco barns that are now homes and 2nd homes and other cabins which most were dismantled in VA. and rebuilt as homes here in the N.C. Mtns. Very nice looking place ❤️ And you're only disappointment would to not enjoy, have fun and would be to not listen to your body and metabolism if you feel you need to.... you hike the hike you want to. The only expectations should be that you enjoy the woods, the mountains and all that beautiful scenery and all the awesome people and other hiking souls you meet on your journey!!! Enjoy it all and happy safe footsteps to you girl 👣💚✌️🍀👍👣🌄
Stella, I love your videos! I’ve watched you from the beginning, and I love the way you take time to journal and really think through all of your thoughts. Please know that you are not disappointing anyone with low mileage days. It is so very important to take time for YOUR journey, for the beautiful things to see during the day, and the interesting hostels in which to stay. I hope you are able to connect with other hikers doing about the same mileage and get to know them. Life is all about connection with the others. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Many blessings along your way.
I'm sure your average miles will go up if want them to. But nothing wrong with talking it easy, your taking it easy is what most of us watching would consider a miracle day😊.
I bet you felt great strolling through the forest. Beautiful hostel. Great reflection about what your mind, body and spirit want out of your journey. Be you. Keep trekking. 😀
It's worthwhile to reflect on the reason you are doing this hike. It should bring you pleasure and a feeling of accomplishment. Slowing it down a bit will do both and you get to see and stay in some amazing spaces a little longer. That's a good use of your brain! No one on this channel will be disappointed in you.
Woods Hole is my absolute favorite hostel on the AT. It is a good place to reflect. And Neville is a jewel! I was set to volunteer for a week or two there in 2021 but the pandemic altered those plans. Maybe I'll do it this year.
Another great decision! Your journey, your way! Thank you for sharing with us! Love your videos! Cannot wait to see your hike to Dragons Tooth and McAfee! You are probably already there!
Yes, the rhodadendrons will defintely "perk back up" when the temperatures go up. They curl their leaves up, I've heard, to help keep them from actually freezing. I agree with most of the commenters here, don't worry about anyone else's thoughts. Your videos are great!
632.0 - Total miles fm Amicalola Falls at AT 623.5 15.2 - Miles for day 37, Mar 21(?) 17.1 - Avg. miles per day. Same as yesterday's 19.2 - Avg. miles per day less the 4 zero days Jun 21 - Estimated Katahdin summit date
You doing a great job my friend you doing the right thing you got to take care of your body and enjoy yourself I don't have a hike but fifty miles at the most name of a game is enjoying yourself keep on having fun and enjoying yourself and be very safe all my best Ramon
Hey Stella! You're fantastic! My wife and I have been following you since you started. We are doing section hikes across MD. and will be hiking Annapolis Rock, Black Rock, and High Rock areas heading NOBO to the PA line on April 7-8. It would be great to cross paths with you. Happy hiking! ❤❤🩹💙💛🧡💜
Stella, if you can afford the time don’t worry about the miles. Take time to enjoy each turn in the road. You never know but you may never pass this way again.
Hey Stella! Have you tried using a cork ball on your feet? It makes a huge difference for me rolling out my feet at breaks throughout the day and at night and in the morning. You’re doing amazing! Taking the time to enjoy the hike is the best decision you can make!
Wait, stop!! You are NOT disappointing anyone here that enjoys your vlogs. You said it yourself, you're out there to enjoy nature, the trail, not suffer thru the day, but to enjoy it. Don't be hard on yourself. Every hostel you stop out is a break on your body, you learn so much, meet so many people and your building memories. Take the low mileage days, enjoy your time out there. When you're close to Katahdin in the 100 mile Wilderness you'll be like, why did I go so fast, I'm almost done. When you driving home, you'll wonder why you went so fast and want to go back. So slow down for your body, soul and mind. You won't regret it. Remember, the last one to Katahdin wins, because they experienced and loved it the most. You're doing fantastic. Keep heading north on your terms. 😊
Just as an aside, Ramdino posted a picture of some other hikers posing with Stella at Woods Hole. heh, heh, she's finally meeting some people! Those Rhododendrons do that, they will "perk back up" when it stops freezing, how they protect themselves. If that blue blaze is what I think it is, it's a nasty, poorly marked climb, it basically goes straight up the ridge instead of the more gentle incline to the ridge by going east than west. On the other hand, it makes a really nice day loop by taking the AT then returning to a parking lot by returning down that blue blaze, yes, it was the old AT alignment now called the Ribble trail. The area's preserved through the New River Conservancy. Back of my mind to spend a few days at Woods Hole and do a few day hikes.
grrr "then" and to be more specific the area around Woods Hole is preserved by the NRC not sure about the earlier stuff - Kimberly Creek - but it drains to the NR so could be.
You are making good time/ progress. But, expect to slow down mileage from upper Pa through the end. You will be climbing monster rock formations, and much tougher navigation throughout. God Bless. Your strength is fun to watch.
Why even THINK about others’ opinions. This is your hike, and we watch because we enjoy your personality, and we watch to learn as you handle the day to day hiking.
I stayed at Woods Hole in 2021 when I hiked the AT. I thought it was pretty cool. It was like being in a California Hippie Commune. I loved it. I hope you are having the time of your life. Also be more careful from now on. You are in black bear country.
Because your videos are so long I decided to listen to them as a podcast while doing some chores. I was able to walk the dog and do my sit-ups during the 17 mins of this video. Multi-tasking Stella!!!! Lol
Certain rhododendrons and deciduous azaleas can survive temperatures as low as -35°F (-37°C). It is normal for some rhododendrons to exhibit leaf droop and curl at around 32°F (0°C).; the lower the temperature the tighter the curl. Leaf movement occurs rapidly and it is reversible as temperature warms.
wish i slowed down more on the trail. one of my biggest regrets. i started in july doing 20+ miles from day one. took my frist zero on day 30. dont beat yourself up over double zeros or taking time to relax. you get a patch at angels rest for doing a triple zero. by pennsylvania my feet were blown out. i would hobble out of my tent. my achilles tendon was killing me. my right calf muscle had compartment syndrom. i had lost 48 pounds by then. the camp food wasnt doing anygood. please take care.
Love your attitude. Perhaps next time you get vortexed, you can do a gear update video… I just saw your AT gear video from a month ago and it seems you were still figuring out what to bring. In that video, you had waterproof socks, but I guess you didn’t bring them. Do you regret that? What gear regrets/changes would you have made based on these first few weeks? Any new gear that was a surprise hit?
What will you remember more--the day you knocked off another 25 miles, or the stay at the historic hostel? Get those miles in when it's less interesting on/near the trail and take shorter days to enjoy the local scenery when it's available. (Also for us armchair thru-hikers, we marvel at 15 miles anyway!)
Stella, I'm "older" (64)....GET VORTEXED!!! You're doing something that for most folks is once in a lifetime or a bucket-lister for a lot of us. You're genuinely inspiring to watch. Not that it's necessarily easy for you. But you show a great side of what's possible for folks who are willing to put in the time and effort. Just have fun...♥
Your videos are never disappointing to watch! They are of your experience, whether zeros, miles, or epic frozen forests. This is your journey, your life, and that you choose to share it is a gift to us all. I hope you had a beautiful stay at the hostel and feel refreshed! 🌸
I think you’re going to be really happy at the end of this journey that you’ve chose to be flexible. You can have both big mile stretches and slow reflective experiences. 🎉
Let’s be clear….. you are not hiking to not disappoint anyone! You be yourself, that’s what we are here to watch. You are such a pleasant person and always positive.
I love that you are finding balance between crunching miles and taking your time. That is what hiking - and LIFE - are all about! I am thoroughly enjoying following your journey. You are a beautiful soul.
Yes! Yes! You are finding balance! You are “stopping to smell the roses”! These are the things you will look back on and be so glad you did. Staying at that hostel you had been hearing about is wonderful and you will not regret it. It really is the journey and not the destination.
🌲🌲❤️🥾🥾🌅🥾🥾❤️🌲🌲
I'm so proud of you Stella. Don't ever worry that you're disappointing anyone! I'm even more proud of you for doing what your body needs. Just remember that it's much better to do what your body is telling you to do, or you might end up with an injury or so much pain that you have to leave the trail. It's not a race and also when you slow down a bit you can see so much more of your beautiful surroundings and share it with us ❤
I am happy you jumped off because of the cold. Better warm than a popsicle. See you in the morning!
I'm glad you're being thoughtful about what you want this experience to be and why. Selfishly, as a video consumer, I hope you take it nice and slow so I have more Stella-days on the AT to watch. Your physical strength is impressive, but so is your mental strength--being flexible is so important, and really digging down into the why is even more impressive than cranking out the miles. I love your vlogs!
You are a beautiful soul and I love that you are sharing your hike with us😃
Definitely not disappointing at all! Remember it's the journey that's important, not the destination. Enjoy your experiences as they will the memories that you will reflect on in later years. Always a pleasure to be able to experience nature vicariously through you!
I love that, "stay true to yourself", that's a great phrase! Whether you know it or not, you follow your excitement first and foremost. It could be a high mileage day, or making a new four-legged friend, or staying the night at Hole-in-the-Wall, you do whatever is the best for you in the moment. Keeping a positive outlook, no matter what happens, is what is so attractive for people to keep following your journey. Keep it up!! ❤
Old hiker here also. Hike in your space and time. As you get further north, I'm sure you will have days that you will know you want to crush big miles. There will be days when a little vortex won't be a bad thing. I rushed through the Smokies in 79 only to go back in 85 to spend 8 days to experience it. You are doing great. Hike, your own hike . Happy trails, and stay safe.
You’re not disappointing us, we are here with you. Your blog was basically focused on how many miles you’re hiking. Don’t worry about the mileage. Just worry about one step in front of the other and enjoy the trail. Enjoy the beauty of the trail. Eat more pancakes! We love you and we’re rooting for you! ❤❤❤
Stella. I have run 14 marathons and I tell people all the time your body is your best guide. Your never a disappointment my dear. I love following your A.T. Thru Hike.
I and most people want to you to be happy hiking your own hike at the pace that makes you happy. I was more delighted that you took the time to enjoy Woods Hole Hostel. You are always a pleasure to watch and never a disappointment. Love yourself enough to enjoy each moment you choose to treasure. We already love you just the way you are.
I’m SO glad you decided to stay at woods hole! I know everyone has different reasons for hiking the trail and that’s cool, but I just feel like experiencing things that are unique to the AT (like this special hostel, or a particularly incredible view, or some other AT “tradition”) is so important! This is a once in a lifetime experience and something that should be “taken in” to the fullest. ❤
Please don’t worry about disappointing anyone! Enjoy your hike! Soak in the sights, the hostels, every experience!! So many of us wish we could be out there with you! I would be stopping everywhere my heart told me to stop💗 WHAT A BEAUTIFUL PLACE!! I’m so excited for you to be able to stay there🙌 HAPPY HIKING 💃💃💗💗🥰🥰
I'm really enjoying your videos so far. I've only hiked a few hundred miles of the AT in different sections. My first section hike was through Maryland with three other people. Our second day out of Harpers Ferry one of the other hikers in our group had a strap break on his pack. He called the very nice lady who had agreed to shuttle us around and asked if she could meet us a a road crossing with a needle and thread so he could make repairs. She told him that at the next intersection from where we were there was a small restaurant called The Old South Mountain Inn sitting right next to the trail. She offered to meet us there with the needle and thread and let us put our packs in her car while we enjoyed an unplanned Sunday lunch. It was all you can eat with salads and pasta and all kinds of deserts and although we looked a little out of place next all the other people in their church clothes we had a really great lunch. While waiting to pay I read some of the signage near the register. The "Inn" had been there a very long time as it turned out. At least four different US Presidents had stayed there. John Brown had met with some of his financial backers there just days before his failed raid on the armory at Harpers Ferry. George Washington had surveyed the road that runs in front of the building long before becoming a General. A truly amazing place that we would have completely missed had my friends pack not broken. Upon returning home after our hike someone who had thru hiked years earlier asked me if I had enjoyed my trip though Maryland. I enthusiastically told her how much fun I'd had and asked if she'd visited the Old South Mountain Inn when she passed through Maryland. She paused for a moment and told me that by the time she got that far north she was only focused on doing the miles. There is so much more to that trail and the areas that it passes through than a lot of people seem to want to take the time to absorb. My advice... Take whatever opportunity the trail puts in front of you. The people, the places, and the big mileage days if that's what makes if memorable for you.
So glad to hear you say all this. Enjoy the journey. Don’t rush it. You’ll be glad later. 🙏
I loved hearing your thought processes about what's important. There's deep wisdom in seeking out balance. You'll find the right ratio that keeps the athlete in you happy, and the introspective and creative inner self positively stimulated. ✌️
This hike is all about what you decide it should be. That's the beauty of all it. Listen to what your body needs. You have nothing to apologize for. You are doing great as long as you are happy with yourself. That is what counts. Good blessings, and keep enjoying the process of making your way north.
Yeah, and it's not necessarily a decision you have to make at the beginning, maybe even a process of finding out what it should be as you go along, it's been interesting seeing other through-hikers undergo changes, not always happy thoughts but perhaps understanding things better.
Go Stella! Way to go. You've got some good balance going on! Everything is so beautiful; the streams, cabins and hills. I felt an overwhelming feeling of nostalgia this morning. Enjoy!!!
Girl…you have to hike how you want!! No regrets! I’m glad you followed your heart.
Rhododendron leaves are temperature indicators, the colder it is the more they curl, they bounce back when it warms up. Stella , unless you're under a time constraint, enjoy the process, slow down, see all you can. you will also meet more hikers, and the weather will get better. ~Mt. Goat (MYTH) We met in Hiawasee.
Stella, we all support you. You’re doing great! Try not to beat yourself up and definitely hike your own hike.
Hi 👋 keep checking local weather often. Huge storms moving in again. Enjoy your wonderful hike. 😊
I am so happy you got to stay at Wood's Hole. HYOH! You are doing great. Thank you again for letting me share your journey thru your vlogs!
You never disappoint. You are doing such a great miles day after day. You are inspiring a lot of people. Listen to your body. Nobody is running away at this side of the channel 😉.
All the best from Holland 🇳🇱
So glad you decided to stay at Woods Hole. I stayed there on my section hike thru Va. ❤ It is hard to find the perfect words to describe it- definitely an experience you won’t regret. It’s all about the journey. Glad to see you balance speed with the experience! ❤❤
Never disappointed! This is your journey your experience be true to yourself and enjoy every moment. Life is way to short than to do it any other way. Have fun …
I love that you are enjoying the journey. I think you will look back and be grateful you did. What an amazing experience.
What a beautiful hostile. Happy trails 👣 Stella 🌻
Gosh, I don’t think anyone here would be disappointed in your miles. I think you can let that go. Staying in these hostels is really cool and tell us so much about Appalachian culture and hospitality. I LOVE your reviews of them. Plus, you get to experience so much by meeting hostel owners and experiencing their unique hospitality.
We "the viewers" have plenty of options to watch hikers that focus on big miles and forsake everything else if we want. I follow you because of the more human aspect. If you want to stop and smell the flowers, well then, I am going to smell those flowers with you. Do not let us dictate your hike, especially the haters. You hike the AT, I'll watch you hike the AT. Love and support from Cali.
Sometimes the best reflections can come from the place you feel the best positivity. That hostel by far had that type of atmosphere and ambiance, everything in its place, order restored despite being in the wild. Have fun, don’t need big daily miles just big daily smiles !!
I enjoy your videos. Your not disappointing. Do what's good for you.
Binge watching to catch up with you on your hike. I enjoy your videos..Gooooo Stella😊
Hi Stella, I enjoy listening to your reflections! Good life lessons for us all... figuring out what brings us the most joy and balancing that with goals.
It's nice that you are taking the days as they present themselves.
You are crushing it! you have a great outlook on life and living your best life! Thanks for the videos!
I think taking your time to enjoy your hike is what the AT is all about.
Doing great Stella, I didn't realise blue blazes were possible short cuts, always thought they lead to a special view or something, then hikers would double back to rejoin the main trail, interesting. 🇬🇧👍
I love that you got vortexed! Enjoy the trail!
Balance is the key to survival and success on the AT
You are NOT a disappointment. Periodt
Rhododendron leaves do not fall off.. they tolerate the cold.. I’ve hiked through Shenandoah in Late May and all the flowers are blooming. I would slow down. It is unbelievable. It’s like being in a magical garden. Purples, pinks, orange azaleas 🌺 are also blooming
Everyday and every experience you have on trail is precious in its own way. (Coulda shoulda woulda) right that saying. Every place you pass by while on trail that you stop at becomes part of your hike. Breath it all in and see it.Those memories will be in your heart forever. Its not a race, there's no gold medallion.
One day at a time and enjoy the every moment. And my goodness those home cooked meals they make. Priceless🌲😊
That whole explanation of the WHY is DEEP Stella. No wonder you journal.
Your journey, your way ❤
Enjoying your hike. Question..Why the rush? The wildflowers on trail are amazing..and aren't blooming that far north yet. Jay Wanders Out did a beautiful job of capturing the wonder of the trail last year. Glad you are able to hostel often and get good rest at night. Hike on. This isn't a race.
Woods hole hostel looked beautiful.
I am a builder contractor and have done maintenance on old reconstructed old log homes and tobacco barns that are now homes and 2nd homes and other cabins which most were dismantled in VA. and rebuilt as homes here in the N.C. Mtns. Very nice looking place ❤️
And you're only disappointment would to not enjoy, have fun and would be to not listen to your body and metabolism if you feel you need to.... you hike the hike you want to. The only expectations should be that you enjoy the woods, the mountains and all that beautiful scenery and all the awesome people and other hiking souls you meet on your journey!!!
Enjoy it all and happy safe footsteps to you girl 👣💚✌️🍀👍👣🌄
Stella, I love your videos! I’ve watched you from the beginning, and I love the way you take time to journal and really think through all of your thoughts. Please know that you are not disappointing anyone with low mileage days. It is so very important to take time for YOUR journey, for the beautiful things to see during the day, and the interesting hostels in which to stay. I hope you are able to connect with other hikers doing about the same mileage and get to know them. Life is all about connection with the others. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Many blessings along your way.
Forget above your average of miles and disappointing viewers , ENJOY THE JOURNEY !!!! ❤❤
So proud 😁
I'm sure your average miles will go up if want them to. But nothing wrong with talking it easy, your taking it easy is what most of us watching would consider a miracle day😊.
Hi Stella, I'm so happy for you that you got to stay at such a special and magical hostel, and thanks so much for sharing with us! :)
Nice to meet you at Woods Hole. Best of luck on the rest of your hike.
Smart move staying at Woods … looks like a gorgeous place
Hah Hah! Sometimes you just have to let yourself be vortexed. Thanks for bringing us along for the journey.
I bet you felt great strolling through the forest. Beautiful hostel. Great reflection about what your mind, body and spirit want out of your journey. Be you. Keep trekking. 😀
Hike your own hike! Love following you!❤
It's worthwhile to reflect on the reason you are doing this hike. It should bring you pleasure and a feeling of accomplishment. Slowing it down a bit will do both and you get to see and stay in some amazing spaces a little longer. That's a good use of your brain! No one on this channel will be disappointed in you.
Woods Hole is my absolute favorite hostel on the AT. It is a good place to reflect. And Neville is a jewel! I was set to volunteer for a week or two there in 2021 but the pandemic altered those plans. Maybe I'll do it this year.
Another great decision! Your journey, your way! Thank you for sharing with us! Love your videos! Cannot wait to see your hike to Dragons Tooth and McAfee! You are probably already there!
Yes, the rhodadendrons will defintely "perk back up" when the temperatures go up. They curl their leaves up, I've heard, to help keep them from actually freezing. I agree with most of the commenters here, don't worry about anyone else's thoughts. Your videos are great!
632.0 - Total miles fm Amicalola Falls at AT 623.5
15.2 - Miles for day 37, Mar 21(?)
17.1 - Avg. miles per day. Same as yesterday's
19.2 - Avg. miles per day less the 4 zero days
Jun 21 - Estimated Katahdin summit date
Don't hike for us, hike for you! I appreciate hearing your honest reactions to what you experience on your journey. You're doing great... keep it up!
You doing a great job my friend you doing the right thing you got to take care of your body and enjoy yourself I don't have a hike but fifty miles at the most name of a game is enjoying yourself keep on having fun and enjoying yourself and be very safe all my best Ramon
Hey Stella! You're fantastic! My wife and I have been following you since you started. We are doing section hikes across MD. and will be hiking Annapolis Rock, Black Rock, and High Rock areas heading NOBO to the PA line on April 7-8. It would be great to cross paths with you. Happy hiking! ❤❤🩹💙💛🧡💜
Your doing awesome just keep one foot in front of the other and you will be done before you know it stay safe and warm. Happy Hiking 🏕🥾💞💞
Stella, if you can afford the time don’t worry about the miles. Take time to enjoy each turn in the road. You never know but you may never pass this way again.
Hey Stella! Have you tried using a cork ball on your feet? It makes a huge difference for me rolling out my feet at breaks throughout the day and at night and in the morning. You’re doing amazing! Taking the time to enjoy the hike is the best decision you can make!
Glad to see you didn’t play your self and stayed at woods hole truly a magical place
Your doing a great job!!!
Doing good enjoying the trail, not a race 😉
Getting vortexed..... Yup, that tends to happen in towns and hostels 😀
Stella,. You are an inspiration to me. I will be at Springer Mountain in March, 2024
Rhododendron curls up in cold and unfolds as it warms.
Wait, stop!! You are NOT disappointing anyone here that enjoys your vlogs. You said it yourself, you're out there to enjoy nature, the trail, not suffer thru the day, but to enjoy it. Don't be hard on yourself. Every hostel you stop out is a break on your body, you learn so much, meet so many people and your building memories. Take the low mileage days, enjoy your time out there. When you're close to Katahdin in the 100 mile Wilderness you'll be like, why did I go so fast, I'm almost done. When you driving home, you'll wonder why you went so fast and want to go back. So slow down for your body, soul and mind. You won't regret it. Remember, the last one to Katahdin wins, because they experienced and loved it the most. You're doing fantastic. Keep heading north on your terms. 😊
Hike and enjoy! No worries
Just as an aside, Ramdino posted a picture of some other hikers posing with Stella at Woods Hole. heh, heh, she's finally meeting some people! Those Rhododendrons do that, they will "perk back up" when it stops freezing, how they protect themselves. If that blue blaze is what I think it is, it's a nasty, poorly marked climb, it basically goes straight up the ridge instead of the more gentle incline to the ridge by going east than west. On the other hand, it makes a really nice day loop by taking the AT then returning to a parking lot by returning down that blue blaze, yes, it was the old AT alignment now called the Ribble trail. The area's preserved through the New River Conservancy. Back of my mind to spend a few days at Woods Hole and do a few day hikes.
grrr "then" and to be more specific the area around Woods Hole is preserved by the NRC not sure about the earlier stuff - Kimberly Creek - but it drains to the NR so could be.
Enjoy your hike....getting 'vortexed' is rarely a bad thing...lol
You are making good time/ progress. But, expect to slow down mileage from upper Pa through the end. You will be climbing monster rock formations, and much tougher navigation throughout. God Bless. Your strength is fun to watch.
"I slept in today, slept till 6:15" haha! 🥰
Why even THINK about others’ opinions. This is your hike, and we watch because we enjoy your personality, and we watch to learn as you handle the day to day hiking.
I stayed at Woods Hole in 2021 when I hiked the AT. I thought it was pretty cool. It was like being in a California Hippie Commune. I loved it. I hope you are having the time of your life. Also be more careful from now on. You are in black bear country.
Because your videos are so long I decided to listen to them as a podcast while doing some chores. I was able to walk the dog and do my sit-ups during the 17 mins of this video. Multi-tasking Stella!!!! Lol
George how do you listen as a podcast I am in the same boat with chores that need to get done
I like 20 mins max, too..watching 5. I often have to forward thru long vids.
I wish her videos were longer😂😂
Just showing her face for the full time,,maybe she could show the trail.
Love to see you doing 15 mile days! Enjoy this trail,, you may not hike it again anytime soon.
Hike your own hike the way YOU want to do it…personally, I believe a balanced hike is the way to go but you’re the hiker!
Certain rhododendrons and deciduous azaleas can survive temperatures as low as -35°F (-37°C). It is normal for some rhododendrons to exhibit leaf droop and curl at around 32°F (0°C).; the lower the temperature the tighter the curl. Leaf movement occurs rapidly and it is reversible as temperature warms.
smiles over miles...dont look back a year from now and wish you had slowed down.
No disappointment here. Just do what you need to do. Thanks
You never disappoint.you are truly inspiring in your effort.all the best from saugus mass.
If she would show more of the trail,,her videos are all focused on her face.
wish i slowed down more on the trail. one of my biggest regrets. i started in july doing 20+ miles from day one. took my frist zero on day 30. dont beat yourself up over double zeros or taking time to relax. you get a patch at angels rest for doing a triple zero. by pennsylvania my feet were blown out. i would hobble out of my tent. my achilles tendon was killing me. my right calf muscle had compartment syndrom. i had lost 48 pounds by then. the camp food wasnt doing anygood. please take care.
It’s very possible to have a 120 day thru hike and still have a good amount of fun.
Love your attitude. Perhaps next time you get vortexed, you can do a gear update video… I just saw your AT gear video from a month ago and it seems you were still figuring out what to bring. In that video, you had waterproof socks, but I guess you didn’t bring them. Do you regret that? What gear regrets/changes would you have made based on these first few weeks? Any new gear that was a surprise hit?
The short day and staying at Woods Hole Hostel was a good reward for not taking the Blue Blaze. 😉
If you’re from Virginia and you watch Stella then you’re new state motto is “Virginia is for Stellas” lol