Day 23 | Appalachian Trail Thru Hike 2024 | Singing in the rain…until we weren’t.
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- Опубліковано 16 кві 2024
- Day 23
We love rainy days and don’t mind hiking whilst it’s raining . But the rain and cold combo isn’t our favorite!
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Please put this towards a new raincoat for little bear.
Wow, thank you so much. 🥹
We will do just that. 🙏🏼💙
I’m glad y’all trained for cold weather emergencies. As a teen I was surprised by a cold front with rain while on a motorcycle. I didn’t have any rain gear or extra clothes. I would have certainly died from hypothermia had I not stopped at a home and asked for help. Fortunately an elderly gentleman took me in and gave me dry clothes while he dried mine. I shivered under several blankets for quite some time. In the meantime the rain stopped. After a few hours I got back on the bike and made it to my destination. This is my story as to why I’m so devoted to survival fire making.
Mama Bear, I am so impressed with how well you have taught Little Bear to handle the challenges of the trail. What she is learning will make her stronger and able to face life’s difficulties as she grows up. You are an inspiration. Little Bear, you are blossoming and becoming more confident each day. Well done on how you are handling the challenges. Your journey is always inspiring. Hike on Bears.
Well known Georgetown b-ball coach John Thompson once said that athletics doesn’t build character, it reveals it. I think that is so true in this situation as well. This experience will certainly teach LB a great deal and build her confidence - but I think it certainly reveals her strong character! ❤❤
Thank you so much. I’m so proud of her. 💙
I agree, mostly. I think it most certainly reveals character, but I have also seen it build children into stronger versions of themselves. All of my children have grown up in Jiu Jitsu and wrestling, and I’ve seen great growth from them all throughout the years. 😊
Two rules to live by on every hike: Take good care of your feet and don't do anything stupid like getting yourself killed. Lt. Dan.
As a Mother you are making all the right decisions. Do not listen or respond to the Trolls. They are not any where's near your level of life. I completed the AT Sept 26th 2008 and love reliving my hike through you and Little Bear. Do not worry about the rain we are waiting for you in Maine. Thank you for the time you take to record. Zephyr 08
Thanks so much Zephry! Encouragement from you is so helpful to us, because having already completed the AT yourself, you know! And that feedback holds a lot of weight in our minds. We appreciate you. 🙏🏼💙
All good decisions you made Mama Bear. 🙂 LB communicated, and you took action. 👏 Very wise choice to get off trail. I hope you find a good alternative for LBs rain gear. Take care bears 🐻 ✌️ (that includes Ellie Bear)
Being comfortable with being uncomfortable. Love how you said that and love the parenting.
Mama Bear your musings are truly ministering to me during this season of my life. Praise God for you both!
Thank you! 🙏🏼 God bless! 💙
Mama Bear - Great lesson on being prepared and the value of shakedown hikes. My granddaughter is very much enjoying your videos since she is the same age as Little Bear. We really appreciate all of what you are doing to bring attention what it takes to succeed on a through hike. Blessings on your travels.
I usually can’t leave a comment because I watch on my TV in the morning while I drink my coffee. It is so apparent that LB is having a blast! Though getting soaked is never fun esp when it’s chilly out, I’d rather be snowed on! Thanks for putting out such great content, I am so happy I found your channel! God bless you both, prayers for a safe and amazing adventure!!
I definitely agree about the snow! I’ll take snow over rain any day!
Thanks for being a part of our adventure! We love sharing it with you. 😊
I honestly don’t think any rain jacket can be 100% waterproof where you don’t get at all wet. With sweat, even with the cold it’s bound to happen especially in drenching soaking rain. That’s my experience anyway. Great thinking mamma bear. Happy trails.🤟🏻🥾🏔
Agreed. All raincoats will eventually wet through.
Waterproof is like fireproof. Just resistant.
Safe & Warm 👍🏼
Go Mama Bear & Little Bear Go!
👟🐻🐻👍🏼
Seeing Ellie is the highlight of my day... :)
The mama bear was very evident in you today ❤, when walking and taking care of precious cargo, the protective instinct was out in force today and I believe almost all moms can relate to your adventure today.
Most definitely. 💙
Wise decision to get out of the rain and off that slippery trail! ❤ Stay safe and warm! Enjoy your "forced rest!"
("He makes us lie down in green pastures; He leads us beside the still waters!")
Most definitely! It paid off for us! 😊
So glad Little Bear let you know when some thing not right. You have taught her so well.Great job both of you
Also hopefully not to get hurt.
As you said, you were vigilant and prepared to jump into action to mitigate the problem of becoming wet. This is where many people fail and become beyond a point of recovery and get hyperthermic. And you had a backup plan to set up your tent if need be and get into dry clothes and your quilts. Kudos to you for being prepared and taking care of Dear Little Bear!
Thanks so much. Safety and preparation are always top priority for me. Those shake down hikes prepared us a lot. We’re grateful for the knowledge and experience we gained before coming out here.
That was a 'Scottish Weather' day. I have found Columbia kit to be not good quality but there's nothing which holds out all day in those conditions. The best you can do is wear good thermal layers so that dampness doesn't suck the warmth out of you. Children do get cold more easily than adults but Little Bear did a great job of hiking on despite the conditions.
Hopefully today you are in better weather conditions and making progress once more.
FYI, all rain jackets will "wet out." Sometimes from the inside as you sweat while hiking.
Good base layers should keep you warm even when you are wet. If they don't they need to be replaced. Improper washing/drying will destroy a fabrics ability to keep you warm even when it's dry.
You are such a good mom (and you too little Bear!). Making decisions logically one step at a time with little Bear and always making sure everyone is safe and that spirits remain high. No hyperthermia, no slipping accidents. Perfect, well done Bears!
Love watching you all!! I wish you all the best! And from my experience with rain jackets, the water resistant will leak through and the water proof will not, so I have learned to always look for water proof. Stay dry & stay safe!!! ❤
I do't know if it was the same storm since the videos are a bit delayed but I did see that some people had to be rescued by rangers due to severe hypothermea, which I bet is a very expensive bill later on. I am glad that you found a place to go so you could dry out and stay warm.
It was and the storm was crazy!!
What a day! I know you were disappointed to have to get off trail, but knowing what I'm sure you know now about that storm, it really worked out in the best way. I watched other hikers who had already entered the Smokies have to race to get to Newfound Gap to get off trail before the road closed! Scary! I was so glad to see you two safe and warm!
Most definitely. It was a wise decision for us and it really paid off. We heard quite a few scary stories that could’ve gone very badly. Safety will always be our priority. And I don’t want to put rescuers in harms way either. 😊
I remember this weather a little over a week ago, my husband couldn’t sleep at night in our own bed and we kept saying, thank goodness we’re not hiking right now! It was fierce! And the gusts were 40MPH!
You made the right decision. It's better to regroup at Fontana and make sure conditions were right in the Smoky Mountains.
Stay strong. You've got this. Enjoy the journey.
A tough day but you soldiered on, made good decisions and stayed safe. Enjoy the unplanned rest! You’re both so amazing. Love to you from England. ❤
Thank you! 🙏🏼 Number one goal is to stay alive! 😂
If you don’t make it to Mt. Katahdin….you can always go back and finish your thru hike anytime. If you do,you do, smiles before miles…enjoy your hike 🩷
Thanks! Just taking each day at a time. One mile at a time, and enjoying our time together. 😊
Totally agree with sheltering with weather like that. There will be plenty of warm days down the trail. Enjoy being warm and dry!
😂 you guys are up early. I’m just up because of that age where I have to get up and visit another room of my house. 😂
The two of you make the best team! Great decisions made today 👍 What a blessing to have that heater and warm hand dryer when you needed it! ❤
Love adults who use their God-given senses to be safe when necessary. Great call Mom.
Thank you!🙏🏼
I always have a large trash bag in my pack. Poke a few holes and it can be used as emergency rain gear
I am constantly amazed at how great you are as a mum to little bear and in general (I’m sure). God speed!
Thanks you! 💙🙏🏼 I love my children so much. They are one of my greatest joys.
Every book I've read about the AT hike does emphasize embracing the journey. Katahdin is everyone's goal, but remember the beauty to slowly take in along the hike. Six months, day and night, is a long time to be in the woods. Cherish mother nature's gifts one day at a time ! Enjoy! I hope my time is next year 😊
Thank you. We’re taking one day at a time and focused on the moments within the journey and not just the destination. 😊
Thank you for sharing, I so much enjoy watching and learning things I never knew about the trail. I have learned alot is a state of positive, rezilant attitude that you 2 carry. CONTINUE TO BE ALERT OF SURROUNDING. 😊
Edited to tell LB I'm glad Elle made her cameo appearance; a wrap-up's not complete without her.
Thanks for the report. Enjoyed both of you giving insightful comments as usual. Sorry you didn't get to press forward as you had expected, but sounds like you made the right decision. Enjoy your enforced hiatus with friends. LB's rain jacket failure reminded me of the spray cans of water repellent we used to have for everyday use, and wondering if that's still an option. Seems like a product made for heavy duty use like hiking should have held up longer, though. God bless you as you continue your journey. ❤
I think you have a very healthy and excellent outlook on your hike, and life in general, thank you for sharing your thoughts! Mama Bear, the memories you are creating with your daughter are priceless! Liquid sunshine isn't always fun especially when it's cold. I'm amazed at what a trooper Little Bear is! Glad you decided to stay at the lodge and wait out the weather. Don't let anxiety about mileage interfere with enjoying your hike, the miles will come. Cheering you onward!
Thank you so much! We’re enjoying every single day out here. It’s been awesome…even on the tough days, we’re still so thankful to have this opportunity. 😊
You know you are from Florida when the rain makes things more beautiful LOL.
I always love the saying, "It's the not the destination, it's the journey.”
Does the rain jacket have vents for air circulation?
I know I am about a month behind but I was thinking about you guys for the past few weeks that we been having rain on the east coast almost every weekend.
You guys are awesome. Great trail names. How about giving Ellie a trail name. Let her be baby bear now.
I would suggest you get something to attach your umbrellas to your pack strap so you can still use your poles. I used some Paracord and cord locks. But you can buy things for this as well. You will both be much drier while still staying safe using your poles. Stay safe. Love and hugs.
The smokies,
Appalachia, is no joke. Living here, we can see every kind of weather in one day. Not until
May 15 is it safe to plant a garden. You can have snow, sleet, rain, 70s, 20s, wind… you can’t really trust the weather on your phone. Elevations vary and each few miles can be different. You did the right thing.
Forgot to say, falling trees are a thing with wet and wind. Better to not
Be out there
100% agree. Thank you for that confirmation. The Smokies felt like a whole different ballgame when it came to weather! It’s not something to play around with for sure.
WOW loved the way you jumped into action mom!! 😱 You are the best👏👏👏👏 ! Safety first. 😊 Rest up & goodnight. 💤😴. Goodnight Ellie!! 😻
Thank you! 🙏🏼
Two very wise bears indeed. 🐻👍
🥾🐻🥾🐻🥾🐻🥾
No worries. You’ll get there!
And always fun to see Ellie Cat 😻
I love you two and I ALWAYS look forward to the ELLIE cameo!!!! :)
Awesome attitude! Great job dealing with problems! Straight up hiker trash 😂 Love it! May God continue to keep you!
Loving sharing your adventures! Wisdom often calls for spontaneous decisions. If the slopes and trees don’t allow you to pinch your rent, you can huddle Under a ground sheet. Or footprint. Your fly will wet out with contact. Can’t believe Lil Bear still has her umbrella! Trail name Mercy a few years back. You guys are great!
You need GORTEX rain jacket
You two are doing awesome. It was smart to get off trail , don’t feel bad about it. Remember, it’s not a race, do what you need to be safe.
Most definitely. And it definitely paid off for us! 😊
I dont need to tell you what a great mom you are… but I am! Daughter before self. ❤️
Great decision making. I like your number 1 rule. Don't die. Its clear that you prepared for the AT. Mentally and physically. Sounds like Little Bear needs a new rain coat.
So glad you made it safe to shelter! I don’t know if you have tried this before or not, but in the winter, fall and early spring I do bring along the hot hands but also, the “stick onto your back” heat packs. I can’t remember the actual name of them lol BUT… they are great at keeping your back warm which in turn keeps the rest of you warm. Also the hot feet ones like the hot hands. Even if you just carry one each for emergencies, it might be worth it? Not good about Little Bears rain jacket 😮 I know that your videos are delayed to where you actually are, so…I hope you were able to find her a new jacket to will keep her nice and dry❤ Enjoy the couple of days in the hotel. I’m sure you’ll make wonderful memories with the other hikers. ***Side note: I saw an AT Thru Hiker Vlog from a couple that got caught in the cold rain. The guy actually stripped down/took his clothes off and tucked them safe into his pack to stay dry and just wore his rain gear. That way, his clothes stayed dry as did his sleep clothes. Seems like a really smart idea so I thought I’d share 😊❤
Thanks! The back patch, I think I know what you’re talking about. Good idea for when it’s very cold. They definitely warm you up. Just heavy to carry out.
Rain jackets all wet out, but the insulating layers are to keep you warm…so I’m not sure in cold weather, what he did was a smart choice. Fine for the summer probably. Best thing to do is to always have a dry set of clothes (our wool sleep clothes for us) tucked away safely.
Good choice to get off trail to avoid the weather especially in the Smokies. Wind, rain and cold are a bad combination. Don’t worry about a couple of days off you’ll get back into a roll real quick as you probably know by now. BTW. I haven’t found a rain jacket yet that doesn’t eventually wet thru. They all do at some point. You’re right that in the summer when it rains you most likely will not use it. You get more wet from sweating using a jacket than you do from the rain. 😅
Definitely a good choice! So glad we were smart.
You gals are killing it. Smart move to hunker down at Fontana Dam. Yours and Little Bears safety is what comes first. ❤
Definitely. Thank you!
you girls rock lol 😂 I love hiking and camping, but that’s some hard-core stuff right there you go girls ☔️
Good call to stop at Fontana. Plus the Smoky Mountains weather system is one of its own - if it was bad where you were it was likely worse up there! And, Mama K isn’t going anywhere. 🥾
You are so right!!! We made a very good decision based on some of the stories I heard. It paid off for us big time. So thankful!
Wind and rain can actually be riskier than freezing weather, so you made the right choice. I spent years backpacking with teenagers and you do have to treat their health more seriously when it comes to potential hypothermia. So you did the right thing. And…..if you decide to replace the Columbia jacket frogg toggs at Wallmart are cheap, light weight, and do the job for rain and are actually good for warmth too. And now for wildflowers, trillium cuneatum is 3 petalled with a cone shaped bloom in the center (1 red/purple, 1 yellow). Native to georgia and a good portion of the southeast.
Thank you! love the flower education. 💙
And yes, I completely agree. Wind and rain can be so dangerous. And the temps were dropping, too. Not a good combo for sure.
Hi Mama Bear and Little Bear! I’m Foxworthy; I met you two on the top of Wesser Bald (before we got snowed on at the shelter). I’m so glad I stumble upon your UA-cam channel. I’m now off trail and back home. I’ll be cheering you two on from afar!!❤ Happy Trails!!
Hey there! So glad to have met you! That was a fun day! Thank you for following us along. 💙
Mama bear you have such a calming way about you.
💙🙏🏼
Glad you found a nice warm place to warm up. Sorry you have to get off trail for a few days. Maybe you can get Little Bear a new rain jacket sent to you before you have to leave Fontana. Safe travels.
I like that LB knew herself…started to panic a bit and self calmed. Figured it out and carried on.
Thx for Ellie sighting
Little Bear you will look back at these videos and see yourself gaining in confidence and maturity through the hike, almost as each day goes by.....Mama Bear you are a great role model....The pair of you enjoy and stay safe.
Better to be safe then sorry. I’m glad you had a plan… most people don’t have a plan more then they will buy something else… but you need a plan to keep you safe.. you guys are doing great!
Safety first. Your doing great and have plenty of time. Enjoy the Smokies
I no longer use any rain jacket that requires reapplication of a DWR or one that claims breathability. 100% waterproof is the way to go, ventilate with pit zips. Good ole Frogg Toggs or Lightheart Gear which is more costly but with pit zips and other features. You guys are awesome 💪🏻
Thanks! Nothing is 100% waterproof and will eventually wet out (from the inside or out) in heavy down pours with blowing wind, but Little Bear’s jacket is a complete failure. She has been wearing mine and we will get another one soon. 😊
What a blessing that heated restroom is to have right there at the right moment! And you are now fully ensconced in the hiker trash nomenclature 😂 Good job! 🙌
I do hope you are able to get LB a new rain jacket that is a little more reliable. And/or hands free clips for the umbrellas. I have the Gossamer Gear ones (I think it's GG) but I haven’t had to test them in high winds, so I don't know how well they work in those conditions. They're great when it's not windy though.
Strong ladies! Bold and you both are very much a team.
I would love to see after you finish and get back home....and the kids in the neighborhood ask Little Bear "What did you do over the summer"? Man is she gonna have some stories!
Hahaha, right?! She will have the greatest stores to tell. 😊
Better to be safe than sorry! It's so exciting that you two are in my backyard..well sort of, I'm in Asheville, NC. ❤and🔦
Thank you! Safety first!
Adapt, Adapt, Adapt! This is the key to getting to Katahdin. Stay safe and I'm looking forward to seeing the two of you in the Smokies.
geek
Wise words! Adapt and overcome! 💪🏼
Thank you! 😊
Enjoy watching you both on your journey. I believe the togetherness ,day to day struggles, and breathtaking moments will create a special bond you both will share forever. Continue to keep safe...
Keep Ellie the cat dry..
Enjoy the Smoky's... Fingers crossed for the perfect weather.
Glad that you're out of the weather and recharging in warm, dry, cozy togetherness. All is good!
Thank you! Safety first. The Smokies and bad weather are no joke.
My highlight of the day is watching your vid! Thanks for sharing your journey with all of us. Prayers for safety on trail, and no injuries. I hope Elle continues to stay dry. You know how cats hate to be wet!
Awesome job!
Don’t be bummed! You are making progress in God’s time 😊 Blessings to you both 💕
Love Ellie the cat!
Smart moves, team work always is the best. Doing great. Stay safe.
☔️great job ladies. Smart choices, staying safe👍🏻👏👏
Kids are so resilient !
Wise decision to avoid the Smokies in bad weather. They are no joke. One of my early hiking companions on my thru hike was near a group that was struck by lightning and killed near Clingmans Dome while we were on a zero in Fontana Village. That could have been us!! So, glad you played it safe!!! Taking pride in being Hiker Trash is a sure sign that you're embracing the magic of being thru hikers!! So proud of you both! God bless and stay safe!!
Great job ladies. Don’t be bummed. Hypothermia is no joke … and Columbia is no serious hiking gear company. Check out other companies like Corinthia.
Wet='s slippery
Yes...Stay safe #1.
Hiker bubble 'party' till weather breaks.
U 2 are awesome!
Thanks for remembering Elli!
Thank you 🙏🏼
Same happened to me and daughter. She was on a Columbia rain jacket and I was on an Outdoor Vitals Tushar. Hers soaked in quicker than my Tushar. I don't think Columbia seals the stitches area properly and those soak in faster. At least the one my daughter was using.
Yeah, so strange. We’ve tested it several times prior and it was fine. She’s wearing mine now and we’ll get a new one soon once we are in town. I also always carry a few extra trash bags just in case we needed it. 😊
You are the best mom! I love watching your journey everyday ❤
Mama bear check out micro spikes from rei they will ship to your next resupply
You are we making good decisions. The umbrella is far larger diameter than I thought it would be as a backpacking version… how much does it weight. Rain gear there seems to be pro & con as to cortex rain gear, pro water proof ; con usually slightly heavier due three layers versus two & you will sweat more . So which do you tolerate better rain water wet or sweat wet??? Your thoughts. I’m sure you will swop out Little Bear’s rain gear for what?? ❤😊
Umbrella is amazing. It’s 6.6oz. We don’t mind rain in the warm temps. It’s freezing rain that is intolerable. Little Bear has been wearing my rain jacket and we’ll pick up another one when we’re in town again soon. 😊
I have hiked this same stretch in the rain and it is indeed very slippery. Count yourselves very fortunate to have only hiked one day in the rain so far in 23 days? Very unusual.
I'm glad to see that Ellie is safe too! Good call on your decision.
Hi Little Bear and Mama Bear, so glad you were able to get to Fontana and get warm. Eating Cheetos and drying clothes under the hand dryer. Hiker Trash, indeed. At least you didn't have to lay out your pads and quilts and sleep in there. Lol. Seriously, am glad you were safe and found a place to be, to get out of the weather. Unfortunately, weather is not something that we are able to control. Sometimes I wish we could. You two have a plan to deal with the unexpected and it helped with this situation. Know that I continue to pray for both of you. Glad to see Ellie made it through the wet and cold safe and sound. Ya'll take care of each other. Stay safe. Rest up. See you tomorrow.
Thank you for your prayers. 🙏🏼💙
Love watching your videos and the two of you work so well together! You are a loving, caring Mom and it shows in how Little Bear acts and talks. Kudos to both of you for training for this long hike. Enjoy your warm room and will be looking for you on trail in a couple days! 😊
Thank you so much. We’re glad you’re here to share our journey. 😊
50° with a 20mph wind can be a pretty substantial wind chill factor. So the feel like temp was probably 30°
Great video. Sounds like you are making good choices with weather and such.
Great job ladies!!!
Making sweet memories
You are both awesome. Thank you for sharing!
I loved Fontana! Enjoy! Thanks for sharing!
Great memorys for life
We had same exact situation last year hiking in to Fontana in cold rain. We stayed one night at resort and dried out. Then stayed at shelter the next night.
Good morning 🙏
Smart moves. Guessing you got in the smokies already. It’s been pretty weather here since Saturday. Can’t wait to see your views. 🎉
Glad you both got out of the weather and are safe.