My SCARIEST Mistake on the Appalachian Trail [Please Don’t Do This!]

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  • Опубликовано: 17 ноя 2024

Комментарии • 156

  • @drivingmissmolly
    @drivingmissmolly Год назад +159

    For anyone who comes across something like this in the future here’s some advice from a swiftwater rescue operator: DONT string your line across the river at a 90° angle to the current vector. Angle your rope at least 45°, or more, with the side you’re trying to go to being downstream, and the current will actually help push you toward the other side of the riverbank, rather than the current trying to rip you away from/off of the rope and then having to swim for it (you can see the line forming a steep “v” shape when the first person is trying to cross and this is very dangerous) You will never be stronger than a river, ever. Also, with any water deeper than knee high, it’s highly recommend to float rather than walk to avoid foot entrapment (something ranger may have dealt with when she said she was stuck, and the current can and will push you to the river bottom and drown you) Also, always stay on the downstream side of any rope, the first person across did at least that correctly. Another option (not available here) is if there are multiple eddies in the water (formed by rocks or stationary objects blocking the current) you can send your best swimmer to the first one, downstream of the eddy NEVER upstream, and then do a human chain with each person catching the next swimmer and then repeat until everyone is across. Also, before attempting to cross, appoint one person to call SOS with a device if anything goes sideways. Good luck adventuring and stay safe!!!

  • @jamesadams2334
    @jamesadams2334 Год назад +21

    "I don't have any rice because I ate it last night." Has to be the best line I've heard yet in an A.T. video. Doing great Ranger, keep it up!

  • @Get_Some_Nature
    @Get_Some_Nature Год назад +28

    7:20 I crossed that river last year in the morning all alone. It was up to the tops of my thighs. I took my time by carefully placing each step and never lost my footing. It was scary how strong the current was. I think this river should be the number one priority for a bridge across it by the Maine Appalachian Trail Club!!! It's ridiculously that you have to ford such a wide and strong river! I'm glad you all made it across safely! ❤

  • @jaapongeveer6203
    @jaapongeveer6203 Год назад +14

    When the going gets tough, the tough get going. You've proved you're tough enough to finish because you've made it this far.

  • @TurtleMyrtle12
    @TurtleMyrtle12 Год назад +26

    I was so nervous for you!!! 🥺 Dozer is a good guy to be able to read the room and come down to help you out. Glad he was there!

  • @TheSpiralLab
    @TheSpiralLab Год назад +7

    Oof that was hard to watch. So glad you’re all ok. ♥️♥️♥️

  • @joesoutdoorplaces
    @joesoutdoorplaces Год назад +14

    I am extremely proud of you. Congratulations for conquering your fear and getting it done.

  • @wildflowersadventures
    @wildflowersadventures Год назад +7

    This video made me tear up. Not because you struggled, but how everyone worked together as a team. 🙏🏼💙

  • @tennesseeyaya3315
    @tennesseeyaya3315 Год назад +5

    That rope looked more like string. That was scary, so glad y’all made it. I bet that burger and beer was the best thing ever. Hike on girl!

  • @nancysatori4744
    @nancysatori4744 Год назад +8

    I was so stressed out watching you cross the river, I think every muscle I have was contracted!😂 You all did great, but that was so dangerous! So glad Smoke showed up! 💜Hope you had more than one beer after that day!

  • @Terraducky
    @Terraducky Год назад +24

    This was a scary post- so happy you made it over that crossing! And- Smoke! He's safe too! You guys got this! I am like a worrying mom watching this progression- good job both of you!!!

    • @nymph40
      @nymph40 Год назад

      RIP steady Eddy who drowned crossing a stream on AT in VT07/23

  • @aandpforme
    @aandpforme Год назад +3

    I’m so glad you are okay… and everyone else too

  • @abigailjames7989
    @abigailjames7989 Год назад +1

    Swimming across was genius to get the rope across, but the swiftwater rescue guy has the best advice. You could see people fighting the current, but working together was the answer. Thanks so much for the reality of the situation.

  • @rubyhollowadventurer
    @rubyhollowadventurer Год назад +8

    Wow! Incredible ... this is your best video yet..frightening, brave, emotional, strong. Good job 👏

  • @resourcefulqueen5109
    @resourcefulqueen5109 Год назад +7

    Such an adventure Ranger Reporter. I am glad that a group of you were to together. Plus the rainbow greeted you, and the cotton helped your phone. Sleep well. This will all work out.

  • @frankfowlkes7872
    @frankfowlkes7872 Год назад +11

    Very scary, glad you, smoke, and your friends are okay. Hang in there the end is near!

  • @DistractedDaisy
    @DistractedDaisy Год назад +8

    Definitely stressful watching you. So happy you’re good!

  • @The_T-Man
    @The_T-Man Год назад +7

    You rock! You got this!

  • @jennifercocharan4526
    @jennifercocharan4526 Год назад +2

    Respect is earned with water.

  • @kathleenmichalek3126
    @kathleenmichalek3126 Год назад +4

    Wow. Thank heavens you are safe.

  • @jennifercarmack2405
    @jennifercarmack2405 Год назад +1

    You have no idea the relief I felt when I knew you were safe! 😮😮😮

  • @Overtheseathroughthehill
    @Overtheseathroughthehill Год назад +1

    Oh my gosh I started tearing up hearing the panic in your voice.😢

  • @Popeye.74
    @Popeye.74 Год назад +2

    I don’t usually comment, but you cracked me up with the comment about eating the rice! I really needed that laugh today. Thank you for keeping the humor!

  • @bobhamulak3646
    @bobhamulak3646 Год назад +10

    Geez Maddie, if your Mom & Dad see this video, they're gonna' have heart attacks! That was scary! I'm glad that there were a bunch of you trying to cross. There is strength (and safety) in numbers.
    (NOTE: I never wanted to mention this before, because I didn't want to worry you...I had been watching another young woman hiker on Y.T., Taylor from New Hampshire. She is about your age, but a little bit taller. She looked very fit and strong (athletic?), and was solo (NOBO) hiking. I'm guessing she started the AT about a month or so before you. Well, she came to a situation exactly like this, but she was alone. She hesitated to cross. Wisely, she decided to postpone her hike! She made the decision not to try to cross a fast flowing river and endanger her life. SMART GIRL!
    The Northeast has received more-than-normal rainfall this summer and fall, and there are ALOT of swollen rivers!)
    You've come a long way, and Mt. Katahdin is less than 100 miles away. Please, be careful!
    On a lighter note, I always enjoy when you do your mock 'interviews'. You're a natural correspondent!
    Glad you're doing well...keep at it!
    Stay safe (please!!!), warm and dry, and ENJOY!

    • @BeerinBeautifulPlaces
      @BeerinBeautifulPlaces  Год назад +2

      That’s good that she didn’t cross! I’m glad she was able to find a way out

    • @bobhamulak3646
      @bobhamulak3646 Год назад +2

      Yeah, me too! She wasn't too far from home, and I think her Mom came and gave her a ride home.
      She made a wise decision, and is able to hike another day!
      I'm glad that your friends were there to help you across, and give you support! Good friends like that are priceless!

  • @missionaries7575
    @missionaries7575 Год назад +5

    That spot looked scary because others were there the longest trying to move:/ glad your ok 🎉

  • @maureenmukhlis2934
    @maureenmukhlis2934 Год назад +9

    OH MY GOODNESS!!! The whole time I was watching this I was screaming at my screen “ NO DONT DO IT!!” So FREAKING SCARY 😳😳😳 I just so very glad you all are ok!!

  • @28105wsking
    @28105wsking Год назад +5

    That was so scary! Im screaming NO NO GO BACK at the screen and its butt clenching time in my living room! LOL! Sweet lady, I was so scared for you! I hope you are warm and ok! Im glad you guys all made it and are ok. I think I would have waited till the crick went down. Remember that old saying, "Good Lord willin' and the crik don't rise!" It really means a lot more now!

  • @khadijahmuhammadkebe9062
    @khadijahmuhammadkebe9062 Год назад +10

    I love the support you guys are giving to each other 🙏🏾❤

    • @BeerinBeautifulPlaces
      @BeerinBeautifulPlaces  Год назад

      I wish it was under different circumstances, but it was a very “team-building” moment!

  • @krissmith2004
    @krissmith2004 Год назад +2

    So glad you got to experience that. Unforgettable.

  • @annwroblewski2668
    @annwroblewski2668 Год назад +3

    This was the scariest video yet. So glad you were in a group for crossing that river. More experience for next time! ♥️

  • @Elizabeth-pt4bv
    @Elizabeth-pt4bv Год назад +4

    So glad you're all okay. I wouldn't have crossed, and I'm a good swimmer. Just glad you were with a group and made it to Shaw's

  • @NYDaughter1972
    @NYDaughter1972 Год назад +6

    Yay! Another Maddie video

  • @nadezhdagavrilyuk2878
    @nadezhdagavrilyuk2878 Год назад +6

    It made me so nervous watching this river crossing. Glad you made it. Be safe 🙏

  • @jimmymalone3494
    @jimmymalone3494 Год назад +4

    I am relieved that all the hiker are okay.Ranger good luck you all.

  • @whynotbekind1957
    @whynotbekind1957 Год назад +3

    Bless your heart…even your hairdo was having a hard day…lol. Seriously, glad you got across with the help and support of your friends

  • @saskhiker3935
    @saskhiker3935 Год назад +6

    This is what thru hiking is all about. Leave no one behind.

  • @jimschlabachpeacefuloutdoo7327
    @jimschlabachpeacefuloutdoo7327 Год назад +2

    Good job getting across. Glad you didn’t panic and had good people helping you.

  • @gwenwallace6175
    @gwenwallace6175 Год назад +4

    Maybe I missed something…but I would have jumped in the water to give you assistance! I did notice that packman took one arm out of his backpack. Smart!! Glad you made it!

  • @_andy_gibb_
    @_andy_gibb_ Год назад +6

    Oh my fairy godmother! That was terrifying! I honestly don't know if I could've done that crossing. So glad you made it safely and hope you and Smoke gave each other a giant hug when you reunited. And yay to a burger and a beer after that ordeal 🍔🍺!

    • @BeerinBeautifulPlaces
      @BeerinBeautifulPlaces  Год назад +2

      Just after he arrived at the hostel, I came outside and saw him. We ran to each other and hugged without saying anything for a while. :)

  • @scotbotvideos
    @scotbotvideos Год назад +4

    You're brave, Maddie. I couldn't have done that for love nor money.
    A pro-tip for other viewers is to put one's backpack into a dry bag which can then be used as a floatation device, then you can swim across. Of course, it's easy for me to say; I wasn't there.
    Anyway, it's all good. You survived and you strengthened your mental fortitude even more.

  • @edwardgwilcoxjr7232
    @edwardgwilcoxjr7232 Год назад +5

    Wow ! Toughness in the roughness working those challenging river crossing together. Breathtaking!Wonderful tramily backing you up an sticking together. Nothing like the canoeing trip. Mucky muck, muck embracing the suck on the 2023 AT thru hike and tramily meeting at the end.
    Thanks for sharing Ranger.
    ✌️♥️💪🇺🇸

  • @tonyaburroughs3349
    @tonyaburroughs3349 Год назад +2

    The most anxiety inducing video I have ever watched!!!

  • @joankline343
    @joankline343 Год назад +3

    That was one scary situation 😮 I've seen what flood water can do in the past and there's no way I'd want to try that. Thats one scary situation but I'm glad you all made it safely. I bet Smoke, the burger and a beer was a nice surprise and blessing. 😉 Have a great day! Be careful, stay safe and enjoy your Hike. 🙏

  • @adrianajones7181
    @adrianajones7181 Год назад +1

    So glad you are ok. Applause 👏🏽 to you for getting back on.

  • @ExploringCanadaInfo
    @ExploringCanadaInfo Год назад +5

    So much courage to share this! So grateful you are ok. Stronger, perhaps wiser, but still ok. 👋🇨🇦

  • @deglerja
    @deglerja Год назад +4

    So glad you are ok. That was a very scary ford.

  • @markviers998
    @markviers998 Год назад +1

    I gotta say that was one of the scariest video's I've seen, so thankful y'all all made it across!!!

  • @Janetbringsawareness
    @Janetbringsawareness Год назад +4

    Extremely proud of you ❤❤❤ congrats 🎉

  • @lindabraden5723
    @lindabraden5723 Год назад +1

    That was scary to watch! Glad everyone is okay. You all are too brave! 😫

  • @jackcakeblack
    @jackcakeblack Год назад +2

    Wow that was too deep to cross! Good to see that you made across safely, the water was getting deeper and deeper quickly...

  • @JackieFarkas
    @JackieFarkas Год назад +5

    Oh my goodness I am so glad you are ok. That was a very scary stream crossing. So proud of you and your friends.

  • @Get_Some_Nature
    @Get_Some_Nature Год назад +6

    I hope you enjoyed your time at Shaw's! It's one of my favorite memories from last year! I hitched up north to a grocery store in Greenville with a couple of friends and we split a bucket for our food drop. Meeting up with Poet in the middle of the 100 mile wilderness for our food drop was surreal. I was 3 days from summiting Katahdin on that day. The 100 mile wilderness and Baxter were just magical! ❤❤❤ Keep on doing what you do Maddie!!! You got this!!! 👣

  • @billysbikesbrews7183
    @billysbikesbrews7183 Год назад +2

    WOW !! That was Scary.. Good News your Safe.. You have a Awesome Family of Trail Mates.. That was very risky.. One thing is to be Challenging not Risking bodily injury.. A bridge is needed more sooner than later.. Awesome video series.. Be safe..

  • @buffyxander007
    @buffyxander007 Год назад +2

    Glad you made it through. Phew!

  • @evanss6141
    @evanss6141 Год назад +5

    Whoooo! So glad you are all safe. What a nerve wracking experience for you. I hope you don't let it get to much into your head. Take care and carry on.

  • @tomellis3218
    @tomellis3218 Год назад +2

    Wow….. such an adventure. So very glad you & Smoke Master are OK. That was G&D most sketchy river crossing . You are amazing. 😊

  • @helenarubio3371
    @helenarubio3371 Год назад +5

    and your friends are rootin' for you, enveloping you with their Love & Support. Them Witnessing your growing experience, shows commraderie.🎉❤ 9:29

  • @katfish000
    @katfish000 Год назад +5

    Wow the miracles that you've experienced are immense. I'm relieved 😌. Thanks for sharing this with us. It's a true lesson in safety and protecting your water gear. You're not a sad statistic. But a successful blessing through the mercy of God and all your fans prayers. Smokemaster thankyou for having smarts about you to catch up. ❤🎉😊

  • @all-to-Him-I-owe100
    @all-to-Him-I-owe100 Год назад +4

    Maddie! Scary but so glad everything turned out just fine! 🙏🏻
    Also…my husband and I hiked on the AT near Hiawasee, Ga this weekend and hit the Blue Mountain Shelter - saw Pack-Man if that was his signature in March of this year and saw a Maddie (but it said from California and I thought you were a Kentucky gal so not sure that was you…) anyhow we were sucking wind by the time we got there with a day pack hike - good perspective for me! Y’all are rock stars! Yes! You are!

    • @BeerinBeautifulPlaces
      @BeerinBeautifulPlaces  Год назад

      That's awesome that you saw Pack Man's name in the shelter log! It checks out that I wasn't the same Maddie because I don't think I signed the log til like Virginia

  • @jasonjones5213
    @jasonjones5213 Год назад +1

    Thanks for sharing, glad you made it ok.

  • @steveblake4187
    @steveblake4187 Год назад +5

    I was worried that you would hit the Piscataquis by Blanchard at a bad time. Lee made it rise 5 ft in only 6 hours. It's amazing just how quickly the rivers in Maine can rise.

  • @taylorbottini2758
    @taylorbottini2758 Год назад +1

    This video about made me cry. Everyone being encouraging and trying to help guide you then celebrating when you got there in the end after taking your pack off. Makes me so emotional. Such an awesome community of people

  • @luiscontreras7030
    @luiscontreras7030 Год назад +6

    I hope you know that you really have what it takes to become a international Journalist, the way you faced danger is a living testament of your professionalism on the trail. After you complete this journey please look into Journalism 🙏

  • @Bane-l7h
    @Bane-l7h Год назад +1

    We learn the most from our mistakes, or near misses. Glad you all worked as a team. I ditto the advice from the rescue operator, drivingmissmolly. There are tried and tested ways to approach something like this, and I bet you all will be researching and pondering ways to approach this differently next time, if needed. I know there can be a bit of a subtle 'peer pressure' or 'groupthink' in play with that many people; always okay to step back and question if that challenge actually needs to be undertaken right at that moment, to re-assess. As always, I appreciate your honesty, Ranger!

  • @bobdillon3884
    @bobdillon3884 Год назад +4

    The thrill of victory and the agony of defeet. Was that a rope or a string? Now that was a long ford for sure, and having others around defintely helps. Glad you made it!

  • @BBBYpsi
    @BBBYpsi Год назад +4

    The most important thing is your safe. Crossing that river was very dangerous. I do not think people realize the power of running water.

  • @AFloridaSon
    @AFloridaSon Год назад +6

    Glad you got through it okay. I'm glad Smoke made it. Thanks you for sharing your river crossing with us. I've been around water my whole life, but we don't have raging rivers in my part of Florida, so I'm not sure how I would have reacted. I hope the rest of your hike is a good time for you.

  • @RafaelbySuzannah
    @RafaelbySuzannah Год назад +1

    it seems like those are saved your life he directed you. You could hear him and he followed his instructions and it saves you. If he carried your pack of cross, did he cross twice or did he carry yours and his? I can't imagine how he did it but what a great group of people cheering you and then sharing their blankets with you that is so loving an amazing, amazing trail family. you were so tired, but you did it! Great group of people and despite danger working together = success!

  • @bigbranch1
    @bigbranch1 Год назад +2

    Thanks!

  • @sherryzee2634
    @sherryzee2634 Год назад +4

    OMG! Girl! That was scary as *#@! You guys freaked me out trying to get across that river. I have no doubt about nightmares on that one. I'm just thankful you all are safe! God bless you real good! (Certainly did that time)

  • @donl1846
    @donl1846 Год назад +1

    I am just very happy you guys are all safe.

  • @Barkdack1
    @Barkdack1 Год назад +1

    That was so scary, I was so nervous myself hoping that you would be okay. I guess it mentally messed me up I had a dream myself I couldn't cross the river and I had to walk in really deep.
    water. Following different hikers makes it really become personal to us and cheering for you guys.
    Thank God you are safe.

    • @BeerinBeautifulPlaces
      @BeerinBeautifulPlaces  Год назад

      Oh no! Sorry about that dream! Thank you for following along so closely, but that must’ve sucked!

  • @mybuggadog15
    @mybuggadog15 Год назад +1

    The most memorable part of this video wasn't that you almost lost it but that you didn't let go! Remember that for the rest of your life. 😉👍

  • @missionaries7575
    @missionaries7575 Год назад +3

    I too had an experience in a river in Washington state and it kinda haunted me until I thought ok it didn’t happen and I learned

  • @davidpineros5106
    @davidpineros5106 Год назад +1

    Wao, your trip is great, quite amazing adventure, I hope everything is getting better,

  • @stewartellis353
    @stewartellis353 Год назад +1

    Glad you and everone is ok !!!!!!!!

  • @stanr5645
    @stanr5645 Год назад +1

    Smoke take care of that young lady, she a GEM❤

  • @Ohiogirl419
    @Ohiogirl419 Год назад +5

    Omgoodness please be careful as there have been many that never made it out of there. 🙏🙏🙏

    • @BeerinBeautifulPlaces
      @BeerinBeautifulPlaces  Год назад +5

      I felt especially ashamed knowing others haven’t been so lucky. It’s amazing how much you don’t think about when you’re in the moment 😔

  • @audiosaurus6511
    @audiosaurus6511 Год назад +1

    That was some scary shit!

  • @Carcosahead
    @Carcosahead Год назад +1

    That strange feeling you where mention was PTSD 😢

  • @doubletimericepats
    @doubletimericepats 9 месяцев назад

    Girl, you’re the best, my favorite video so far😂 just started watching them. Shame my ass I fucking love it you’re making me cry every step of the way he is so good at what you do and I love you love your face.

  • @dougthebigdp314
    @dougthebigdp314 Год назад +3

    Yesterday's river crossing had my heart in my throat, this one was SO hard to watch...even knowing you obviously got through it. Tough people doing tough things. Ranger you don't give yourself enough credit, you may or may not be slow, or too self critical or whatever but you are one tough cookie and if it had been me there was no way I could have made a second attempt. Screw the detractors and nay sayers you keep doing your thing. Glad to see Smoke got through safely. Was that Mariposa early on in the video?

  • @sarahsiskin6780
    @sarahsiskin6780 Год назад +2

    Damn that was scary

  • @thomasmcdonald4745
    @thomasmcdonald4745 Год назад +1

    That river crossing was too frightening. Please be careful! Don't worry about how fast or slow you are moving along the AT, because unlike your friends, you are filing each step of the way. Think of yourself as a documentary film maker more than a hiker. Enjoy yourself, make and share your videos and be safe! You have a lot of people out here that want the best for you.

  • @edhespin4104
    @edhespin4104 Год назад +2

    That looked dangerous. I might have waited for the water to go down a little.

  • @1024Pete
    @1024Pete Год назад +1

    Bravo for your success! Thanks for the view. It was helpful and gave me pause for thought. The “Little Engine That Could” may have considered alternatives. Nevertheless, it seems the AT planners wanted to ensure hikers slogged through every possible tortuous obstacle. Seemingly, the master AT plan was to challenge hikers with all of nature’s inconveniences. Similar to the “Hunger Games” competitions without the harsh ending. There is a fine line between audaciousness and insanity. Both can be described as an obsessed desire to triumph with bold behavior. Both ignore the consequences of the actions taken. Except that the resulting outcome is either celebrity or infamy. That depends on a certain point of view. Either way, well-behaved people rarely make history. Be well. Be safe. I wish you peace and good fortune. Happy Trails!

  • @MrPlumberguy23
    @MrPlumberguy23 Год назад +5

    still getting stuff done

  • @celestesuter1148
    @celestesuter1148 Год назад +1

    Gosh, that was intense and terrifying😮😢. I am so glad you and your friends made it safely across. 😊 There’s no way I would have been able to cross that, even without a pack! For those that waited, did the stream go down? I think I would have waited until it was no more than knee deep though even that would have been scary! Here’s hoping the last sections of your hike are less eventful. ❤ Be safe and well!

  • @missionaries7575
    @missionaries7575 Год назад +2

    Glad for the string but I thought what if it broke? Kinda thin the other river I thought if you fell in at least if you were holding the string it could help.

  • @ClairenParkerontheRoad
    @ClairenParkerontheRoad Год назад +3

    Oh my goodness this was hard to watch I think I could see the water rising as it went on!

  • @joankline343
    @joankline343 Год назад +3

    Just curious, how did Smoke get across the river and did he go alone? I've really enjoyed him in your videos and I'm glad he's okay 👌 🙏

    • @BeerinBeautifulPlaces
      @BeerinBeautifulPlaces  Год назад

      He joined other hikers for the crossings. They had a harder time on the West branch of the same river, the one I called "crotch-deep" in Part 1. But luckily, they all got across everything okay!

  • @steveblake4187
    @steveblake4187 Год назад +1

    So, was it as much fun as sliding down rocks in the Youghiogheny?

  • @margueritemitchell1829
    @margueritemitchell1829 Год назад +3

    ❤🎉hello from Beautiful British Columbia Canada
    🇨🇦🖐🌲🚐🌳🦖🏞👍🌍❤

  • @dmunman
    @dmunman Год назад +1

    Good water shoes without laces or holes. Felt glued on the bottom. Won’t slip
    And least chance of foot entrapment.

  • @calex9398
    @calex9398 Год назад +2

    Pack Man, the leader of the pack man!

  • @davidprovost3537
    @davidprovost3537 Год назад +2

    surprised nobody thought to use the help of an inflatable pad, ala Colin Fletcher

  • @ithacacomments4811
    @ithacacomments4811 Год назад

    This day will come back to you .....over and over ....even when you are old like me.

  • @polesofdestinyhiking
    @polesofdestinyhiking Год назад

    I wish we had atleast used rope when we did a river crossing in the Sipsey...we just swam and floated on the bag to the other side...very very scary

  • @mamamuffin7170
    @mamamuffin7170 Год назад +2

    Kudos to whoever got your pack across…they would have had to cross 3 times? Yikes!

  • @michaelsorrentino3346
    @michaelsorrentino3346 Год назад +1

    Anything could have been floating by and hit and cut these hikers. An infection can lead to sepsis, and lead to a loss of a limb or death. This happened to a young man in my town recently getting out of his car during local flooding. Be careful in flood water/ lots of danger under the water.