I am an older hiker and overweight. I plan to hike the Georgia section, the first half, with my 13 and 15 year old daughters in the fall. I guess what I’m trying to say to you is great job! Because of your hike if I ever have an opportunity to do a through hike, I’m going to tell people that my goal is the hike as far as I can, as far as I want to. That way I don’t set myself up to feel bad like I missed the mark. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Hi Miss Kara! Tough decision but at the time was best for you, both physically and mentally. You'll have time to recharge and you are already purchasing new equipment so that means hopefully we see you back on trail. Miss Kara's Krew will be waiting for your return to trail! I appreciate you sharing your journey with us. Take care, happy trails and god bless you
No worries Kara. Life is like the trail. Bumps along the way but keep on hiking day by day! Your awesome and finish when you can! The trail will be there!
Totally understand your dilemma Kara. You made the best decision to keep yourself safe and from the possibility of harm. The body will tell you when you're at your limit not physically but as a whole. I'm glad I have been able to watch and see it from your point of view. And the best part is you're doing the AT. Which I want to do some day. I'm on track and losing weight, getting ahold of my health and fixing it. I've dropped almost 60lbs now. So exciting. Also it's great to be able to follow you on UA-cam versus Facebook.
Thank you so much, Joel! I really appreciate your kindness. And that's so awesome you are getting ready to hike the AT as well, and are getting in shape to do it! Look at you go!!!
Thank you for sharing the emotions that you were experiencing on the AT! I remember when I was on the Camino de Frances in 2018 and had many of the same challenges. I experienced tests physically, mentally, and spiritually. Were there things that I would have done differently? Yes, but I had to remember to “hike my own hike.” Always remember the wonderful people you met and the experiences you had, as these will never be forgotten! 💕
Thank you so much for your kind words, Kelly. And so cool you hiked the Camino! I have a friend on it now and I'm getting daily updates. It looks amazing! If I ever do another long hike... that might be the one, lol! Thank you so much for your kindness and for being here :)
Need a slower hiking partner, I'm headed out late next spring. LOL I have MS and hike with forearm crutches vs. hiking poles.No rush no worries, just enjoying the hike and my photography. No pressure, no race, just peace, God time and nature. God Bless you and its your hike, your way.
Oh yeah, I always need slower hiking partners :) That's so awesome you are heading out next Spring! You should totally do a UA-cam channel (if you want to). I bet it would be great! Thanks so much for your kind words and I'm excited for you on your hike!
It just wasn’t the right time for you to finish your hike. 😘 BUT please be so proud of yourself and all the miles you have accomplished 😊😊. The trail will always be there for you when you are ready mentally and physically! Also you will have all the right gear you need! 😊 🙏😊. I’ve watch other hikers in Vermont and New Hampshire and yes it is a real challenge! 🧗♀️. So for now rest and take care ! God Bless and smile ! I’m proud of you! 😊🙏🏕🇺🇸🥾🧗♀️🌻🌸💪
I started section hiking the trail in 2018. In 2019 I found myself in NH for a travel nurse contract. I hiked all of NH up through Pinkham notch. The Whites are definitely really challenging, but they’re 100% doable. I was 56 at the time. I’m also just 5 feet tall. I’m also a solo hiker. Hiking NH gave me the confidence to hike the whole trail. I understand the fear. Fear is such a thief. I’m always anxious before going. I go anyway. I go as prepared as I can be. I go because I love it so much. And I go knowing that I don’t have to go. Since you hiked a year ago and I follow you on Instagram, I have a feeling you will finish the trail. I hope the Lord helps you lay down your fear and gives you the courage to finish because I believe hiking the trail is a metaphor for life. ♥️♥️♥️
You are so right about fear being a thief. I had a hiking partner who was elderly. She was 75 when she started backcountry hiking but she passed away from lung cancer last year at 82.. It took me a few months to build up the courage to hike alone. I was anxious at first but now I am more confident. I have been hiking to same shelters for awhile just by taking a different route. This year I am going to hike the nine miles from the Foote Bridge to Punch Bowl shelter and spread my friends ashes along the way. This was to be her last hike we would take together because she her body was slowing down. I now longer fear of being alone, God is always with me.
That is SO encouraging, Micey. Seriously! I need to plan my trip back up to the trail to finish those parts, but I really appreciate you posting and saying what you did. Thanks so much for your kindness. 💛
Rose, I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. But very cool that you have been able to conquer your fear of being alone. And that's amazing you are spreading her ashes on the trail, that is such a special part of trail too.
I love my thermorest neoair xlite. I've had it for 10 years and never had a problem. I do keep it clean though. And I use a 1 dollar car windshield reflective heat screen from dollar tree as a pad below it to insulate it from the ground. I also use half of one of those as a sit pad. They weigh next to nothing, and they're cheap. Anyway, try section hiking with no plan. It's so much more enjoyable. Although you miss out on the new friends. You're going back anyway so never mind. LOL
Woah - you've had it for 10 years?! That's so awesome! That's the pad I actually switched to, so far so good lol. That's a good idea about using a windshield reflector for a pad - I have a roll of reflectix and could make something like that! The no plan section hiking sounds pretty amazing. Thanks so much for being here, I should have the next video out on Sunday! :)
@@KaraKirtley Cool. Yeah I use reflectix in the winter. It's heavier and bulkier than the cheap windshield screen, but it insulates better and lasts longer. Look forward to your next video.
I thought I saw a picture of you at Mt Katahdin so guess I’ll have to stay tuned! I commend you thru hikers! I can’t imagine doing what y’all do! No shame in quitting but I think you’ll get back on the trail! ❤
Hi this is coffee bean I went back on the trail this year I’m just doing section hiking I wish you all the luck in the world I think of you often you are a wonderful girl it was fun meeting you and hiking with you take good care
Coffee Bean!! That's so cool! What part did you hike? I'm so glad to have met you on trail, you're such a special person. Hope your time back on the AT has been awesome!
Hi Kara! I just wanted to thank you for sharing your hike with all of us. I'm sorry you had so many gear problems! I think that no matter how much of the trail you accomplished, you will be changed by it for the better. You can also look at it this way. You have a huge portion of the trail done, and now you can take your time and section hike the rest if you want. Thru hiking is great, but just finishing the trail, however you want to do it, is a great achievement. I'm section hiking with the goal of completing the trail in the next 3 years, and I'm looking forward to taking on the Whites....I think. I live in Chattanooga and would love to meet you and get your insight into the different sections of trail you experienced. Thanks again for all of the great videos!
Thank you so much for your kindness, Rob! I really appreciate your words. Sounds like you have a great plan with section hiking! I'm in and out of Chattanooga but hopefully we can get together when I'm in town at some point. :)
You made the right decision for you. You should be proud of what you have accomplished and the exciting journey you were on!!! You have a great future as you look forward. I enjoyed watching your adventure.
As a Christian , the Bible says let your conscious be your guide . I’m also a Christian Kara , some decisions are hard to make , I feel like you made the right decision for now . I summited Mt Katahdin on the 15th of June this year and it definitely was not easy in any way for me . I was 67 and now 68 I turned 68 on trail in August , it was a mind set for me , do or die , It wasn’t my time so I survived and am here to tell my story . Took me 9.5 hrs and ended up spending the night up there . The next morning , I call them my guardian angels , a family from Ohio had met me first thing in the morning . Father , son , and daughter, they stayed with me all day for 8hrs descending down the hunt trail , I had climbed up the Abol trail the day before to summit . I say climb , it was mountain climbing not hiking … many people do it with ease , older and younger than me . You just have to prep for it and get in your best possible shape , it won’t be a problem then . I didn’t do any of those things other than watch many UA-cam videos on summiting Katahdin and am a experienced hiker , with no rock climbing experience . I done it yea ! : ) bragging rights lol I have a selfie and a a 360 degree video to prove it ! : ) only by the Grace of god . Amen 🙏
Jim, oh my gosh I cannot believe you got stuck up on Katahdin overnight! That is seriously wild. You made it though! Very awesome. One of these days I'll be back to hike it! I think I'm going to take some rock climbing/scrambling lessons beforehand though to get ready for it, LOL!!! Thanks so much for your kind words :)
Hey. You made it a long long way. You put together exceptional videos that will be seen for years. You had little experience camping and hiking and were honest about that. Told people to get in shape first. , if your gut said it was time, it was time. Very proud of you. I have a suspicion you got back out there or some other trail. Either way please be proud.
I can understand completely why you chose to quit/break? from the trail. Sometimes we have to do what is best for our self in the moment. An added bonus: You were able to make wonderful new memories with your parents! I'm sure you will look back fondly on your extended road trip home :)
Thanks for sharing - I also had a hard time (hiking w injured leg) and wrote a book about my adventure “Only When I Step On It” has 700 reviews on Amazon. Congrats on your accomplishment. It’s huge compared to what average people do!
Just the fact that you hiked TO the moose mountain is incredible!! I know I couldn't do it. Don't be so hard on yourself. You accomplishment is impressive.
Whether you do quit or go back it sounds like a good decision that you pulled out for now for sure! So best wishes on whatever you decide, however hope you don't cut off too much of that beautiful hair!
Trust this old AT hiker all you reasoning was exact!! Good call!! Trail will be there when the time is right:) Hope you had a good family gathering. Home is where the heart is. Looking forward to see what you have coming. Be well and Trail on! TnT🤟
Never trust others opinion on whether the trail ahead is either "hard" OR "easy". Its all individual. That said, you did the right thing for you. As you know, mental fortitude is everything. I really hope to see you back out there at some point. You are an absolute pleasure to follow!
I have sooooo enjoyed traveling with you on your journey via you tube. Thank you for sharing your adventure and enabling us to see this beautiful country from the Appalachian Trail. I love your beautiful smile and positive attitude not to mention your wonderful singing voice. Your Christian spirit and happy heart was enlightening to watch. I wish you continued adventures and many more exciting times. Looking forward to your next journey.
🤣😉 Good catch!! I’ll just say this: The journey isn’t quite over yet! I’ll have a video out Sunday that explains basically everything lol! 💛💛 thanks so much for being here for this crazy ride, lol!
It's not too late to go back. Fix all your gear problems, take a little time and recover your outlook and when you feel prepared go back and try to finish. Just get yourself straightened out, rebuild your confidence and go back. If you've gone this far you are capable of doing it.
When you start to question your confidence in your gear and start to second guess if you should continue or not it is time to leave the trial. It doesn't mean failure it means you put yourself first and that is what keeps you safe. Everyone can hit the wall at any time and then you back off regroup and someday start again. Take care and you are right about Above the Clouds hostel being a standard in quality clean well ran hostels.
That’s a really great point! After everything that had happened, I was really concerned about being in danger or putting someone else in danger. One day I’ll finish! Thanks so much for your kind words 💛
Love your vids and Do Not feel bad you challenged yourself and pushed yourself much further than you probably thought you could. I am impressed. I hope you continue and finish the trail. I am posting a link to a youtube vid from BigFoot and he goes into detail about the section of trail in the White Mountains. It's always goo to be prepared and you made the right decision. Good luck with any and all of you endeavors. Namaste be safe and thank you.
I'll have to check out his video, that would be good for me to watch before going back to hike that section. Thank you so much for your kindness, Walt! :)
Hi Kara!!! I know it was not an easy decision for you at the time, but you made the right decision! No regrets. I think I know you a little and I believe that set back didn't keep you from the trail between then and now! Kara's Krew will always be here for you wherever you roam! All the best to you and your mom & dad. See you next time! P.S. Was this a premier I missed 😔?
Thank you so much for your kind words, Becky! Should be another video out Sunday with more adventures :) And nope, I didn’t do a premier tonight so you didn’t miss it! Hopefully soon I can do another one :) Thank you for your kindness, always.
Kara, hike your own hike. You are amazing and smart to listen to yourself. The trail will be waiting for you when you are ready. There is no doubt in my mind that you can come back to NH and kill it! Once you start putting one foot in front of the other you will find yourself on the ridge line and wonder why you ever questioned the NH mts. When you are ready those scary mountains will open their vistas to you and reward you over and over. Don't think you did not finish think what you did finish!
That's a huge pile of fear porn. Try not to take on the negative energy of others and dont allow yourself to absorb that energy and fear. If 500 people stood in a row and you burnt them all with a match they'd all say it hurt. But in human emotion, all 500 hurt in a different way. Some not as bad as others even though the word "hurt" was the same. Your journey is yours. I hope you didn't give up this dream because of the "words" and emotions of others. Good luck, blessings and keep an invisible bubble around yourself from the negativity and fear❤️
I’m just surprised that YOU were surprised at the difficulty of the White Mountains. I guess I thought you had done some research before you did a Thru Hike! There are so many UA-cam videos available that show these difficult areas.
I didn't, Alfred! LOL! I didn't research a thing about the trail north of Virginia outside of Katahdin. I couldn't even tell you which states it went through until I got to them. Would not recommend that method, lol! I'd read lots of books and watched a lot of videos of the southern states, but decided to do the hike just a few months before I left.
Hi Kara yep you made the right decision for all the right reasons. I have no doubt you'll finish at a later time. But the whites the presidentials all these trails and I know from watching a girl last year that there is some rock climbing involved which brings me to the question of the day. You mean to tell me you haven't watched any through hikers to see what that area is really like? I mean let's face it there's oodles of through hikers journaling the A.T. Trail through UA-cam vlogs . I have a hard time believing that you haven't watched ANY of them at the very least through the Maine portion. I say this because you're having so much anxiety and you've only talked to people on the trail. And you have your own UA-cam channel. So why wouldn't she watch a couple through hikers? Anyway doesn't make sense to me sorry. Good luck and as always safe and happy travels
Hi Ssue! I know, it really doesn't make sense. But I focused so much on the southern part of the trail and what it would be like to start and the first couple of months, that I didn't give a second thought to the last half. Although I'd dreamed of hiking it for years, I didn't decide to hike at that point until a couple of months before I left. I honestly never pictured myself past Virginia and somehow believed that Pennsylvania was the hardest state (ha ha!). I wasn't sure which states I was going to be hiking into next. I truly was clueless. Anyway, I had a lot to learn!
Many folks might not physically be able to get out and go hiking. So your videos can transport them out into nature allowing them to see the beauty of our great nation.
Enjoy seeing your mom's family. I am glad I got to see my cousin Michael Denton last Thanksgiving. We lost him unexoectedly last saturday at young age of 58. He passed away from a massive heart attack. His type I diabetes had done a bad number on his heart and arteries. It is a terrible disease that takes too many folks out of this world. His passing has further motivated me to take better care of my health. I have been a type II diabetic for past 5 years. I want to live much longer to watch my son's two daughters grow up into young ladies with their own families. I also want to be around to walk my daughter down the aisle way when she gets married. Ally is only 22 and working on becoming an RN. Her goal is to become an RN in the NICU or the regular baby nursery.
I am so sorry to hear about your cousin, Harold. My cousin Adam actually passed away right before I hiked the AT- of Type 1 diabetes. It’s terrible. His death motivated me in a way to go after my dream as he always encouraged me. I appreciate your kind words and I will keep the videos coming!
@@KaraKirtley my mom also had a guy cousin who lost a lower leg back in 1980's from having diabetes. I do. Ot want to allow my diabetes to control my life aswell. I started power walking back in March and have bee drinking matcha and moringa green teas which are much healthier energy sources without the jitters one gets from drinking coffee. I go get my 3 month blood draw done at labcorp the last week of August. I am looking forward to receiving my blood panel results. My A1C was 8.3 back on march 19th. I am hoping that number has come back down below 7.3 to 7.0 level.
Way too many people out there over exaggerate the trail being hard in NH and ME. Don't listen to anyone about the trail. You don't need their opinions. Just put one foot in front of the other and walk.. We hiked the last day of VT in Henri 4+ inches of rain. Sooooooo.... It was just rain.
Did you stay at Shaw’s in Monson? If you did, I definitely was there when you were. I was in Baxter the day you summited as well, I probably met you! I think someone was doing hot dog trail magic and some other yummy stuff?
I am an older hiker and overweight. I plan to hike the Georgia section, the first half, with my 13 and 15 year old daughters in the fall. I guess what I’m trying to say to you is great job! Because of your hike if I ever have an opportunity to do a through hike, I’m going to tell people that my goal is the hike as far as I can, as far as I want to. That way I don’t set myself up to feel bad like I missed the mark. Thank you for sharing your journey.
That's awesome, Marilyn! Hope the planning for Georgia is going well, that is such a special section. Happy Trails! 💛
Hi Miss Kara! Tough decision but at the time was best for you, both physically and mentally. You'll have time to recharge and you are already purchasing new equipment so that means hopefully we see you back on trail. Miss Kara's Krew will be waiting for your return to trail! I appreciate you sharing your journey with us. Take care, happy trails and god bless you
Yay, thank you so much Dan! Always great to see Kara’s Krew here :). Your kind words mean a lot.
Happy Trails!!!
No need to be sorry kara you did what u needed to loved t he hike. You need to do the joke foe
No worries Kara. Life is like the trail. Bumps along the way but keep on hiking day by day! Your awesome and finish when you can! The trail will be there!
Thank you so much for your kind words! :)
Totally understand your dilemma Kara. You made the best decision to keep yourself safe and from the possibility of harm. The body will tell you when you're at your limit not physically but as a whole. I'm glad I have been able to watch and see it from your point of view. And the best part is you're doing the AT. Which I want to do some day. I'm on track and losing weight, getting ahold of my health and fixing it. I've dropped almost 60lbs now. So exciting. Also it's great to be able to follow you on UA-cam versus Facebook.
Thank you so much, Joel! I really appreciate your kindness. And that's so awesome you are getting ready to hike the AT as well, and are getting in shape to do it! Look at you go!!!
Thank you for sharing the emotions that you were experiencing on the AT! I remember when I was on the Camino de Frances in 2018 and had many of the same challenges. I experienced tests physically, mentally, and spiritually. Were there things that I would have done differently? Yes, but I had to remember to “hike my own hike.” Always remember the wonderful people you met and the experiences you had, as these will never be forgotten! 💕
Thank you so much for your kind words, Kelly. And so cool you hiked the Camino! I have a friend on it now and I'm getting daily updates. It looks amazing! If I ever do another long hike... that might be the one, lol! Thank you so much for your kindness and for being here :)
Kara,
You were such an inspiration to me before I set off for the AT. Thank you for being so real!! You rock, girl
That is so sweet! Thank you! Happy Trails to you! 💛
Need a slower hiking partner, I'm headed out late next spring. LOL I have MS and hike with forearm crutches vs. hiking poles.No rush no worries, just enjoying the hike and my photography. No pressure, no race, just peace, God time and nature. God Bless you and its your hike, your way.
Oh yeah, I always need slower hiking partners :) That's so awesome you are heading out next Spring! You should totally do a UA-cam channel (if you want to). I bet it would be great! Thanks so much for your kind words and I'm excited for you on your hike!
It just wasn’t the right time for you to finish your hike. 😘 BUT please be so proud of yourself and all the miles you have accomplished 😊😊. The trail will always be there for you when you are ready mentally and physically! Also you will have all the right gear you need! 😊 🙏😊. I’ve watch other hikers in Vermont and New Hampshire and yes it is a real challenge! 🧗♀️. So for now rest and take care ! God Bless and smile ! I’m proud of you! 😊🙏🏕🇺🇸🥾🧗♀️🌻🌸💪
Thank you so much for your kindness, Sue! I hope you saw the video from tonight! Your encouragement means a lot 💛
I started section hiking the trail in 2018. In 2019 I found myself in NH for a travel nurse contract. I hiked all of NH up through Pinkham notch. The Whites are definitely really challenging, but they’re 100% doable. I was 56 at the time. I’m also just 5 feet tall. I’m also a solo hiker. Hiking NH gave me the confidence to hike the whole trail. I understand the fear. Fear is such a thief. I’m always anxious before going. I go anyway. I go as prepared as I can be. I go because I love it so much. And I go knowing that I don’t have to go. Since you hiked a year ago and I follow you on Instagram, I have a feeling you will finish the trail. I hope the Lord helps you lay down your fear and gives you the courage to finish because I believe hiking the trail is a metaphor for life. ♥️♥️♥️
You are so right about fear being a thief. I had a hiking partner who was elderly. She was 75 when she started backcountry hiking but she passed away from lung cancer last year at 82.. It took me a few months to build up the courage to hike alone. I was anxious at first but now I am more confident. I have been hiking to same shelters for awhile just by taking a different route. This year I am going to hike the nine miles from the Foote Bridge to Punch Bowl shelter and spread my friends ashes along the way. This was to be her last hike we would take together because she her body was slowing down. I now longer fear of being alone, God is always with me.
That is SO encouraging, Micey. Seriously! I need to plan my trip back up to the trail to finish those parts, but I really appreciate you posting and saying what you did. Thanks so much for your kindness. 💛
Rose, I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. But very cool that you have been able to conquer your fear of being alone. And that's amazing you are spreading her ashes on the trail, that is such a special part of trail too.
I love my thermorest neoair xlite. I've had it for 10 years and never had a problem. I do keep it clean though. And I use a 1 dollar car windshield reflective heat screen from dollar tree as a pad below it to insulate it from the ground. I also use half of one of those as a sit pad. They weigh next to nothing, and they're cheap. Anyway, try section hiking with no plan. It's so much more enjoyable. Although you miss out on the new friends. You're going back anyway so never mind. LOL
Woah - you've had it for 10 years?! That's so awesome! That's the pad I actually switched to, so far so good lol. That's a good idea about using a windshield reflector for a pad - I have a roll of reflectix and could make something like that! The no plan section hiking sounds pretty amazing. Thanks so much for being here, I should have the next video out on Sunday! :)
@@KaraKirtley Cool. Yeah I use reflectix in the winter. It's heavier and bulkier than the cheap windshield screen, but it insulates better and lasts longer. Look forward to your next video.
I thought I saw a picture of you at Mt Katahdin so guess I’ll have to stay tuned! I commend you thru hikers! I can’t imagine doing what y’all do! No shame in quitting but I think you’ll get back on the trail! ❤
Thank you so much, Sandra! 💛💛
Kara looking forward to continue following you on your journey , where ever it may be, Happy Trails
Thank you so much, Tony!
Happy Trails :)
Hi this is coffee bean I went back on the trail this year I’m just doing section hiking I wish you all the luck in the world I think of you often you are a wonderful girl it was fun meeting you and hiking with you take good care
Coffee Bean!! That's so cool! What part did you hike? I'm so glad to have met you on trail, you're such a special person. Hope your time back on the AT has been awesome!
Hi Kara! I just wanted to thank you for sharing your hike with all of us. I'm sorry you had so many gear problems! I think that no matter how much of the trail you accomplished, you will be changed by it for the better. You can also look at it this way. You have a huge portion of the trail done, and now you can take your time and section hike the rest if you want. Thru hiking is great, but just finishing the trail, however you want to do it, is a great achievement. I'm section hiking with the goal of completing the trail in the next 3 years, and I'm looking forward to taking on the Whites....I think. I live in Chattanooga and would love to meet you and get your insight into the different sections of trail you experienced. Thanks again for all of the great videos!
Thank you so much for your kindness, Rob! I really appreciate your words. Sounds like you have a great plan with section hiking! I'm in and out of Chattanooga but hopefully we can get together when I'm in town at some point. :)
@@KaraKirtley That would be wonderful!
You made the right decision for you. You should be proud of what you have accomplished and the exciting journey you were on!!! You have a great future as you look forward. I enjoyed watching your adventure.
Thank you so much for your kindness, Golly Molly!
I’ve enjoyed your videos so much! You accomplished so much and I admire you for it! Keep on hiking! I’ll be looking for you!
Thank you so much, Diana! :)
As a Christian , the Bible says let your conscious be your guide . I’m also a Christian Kara , some decisions are hard to make , I feel like you made the right decision for now . I summited Mt Katahdin on the 15th of June this year and it definitely was not easy in any way for me . I was 67 and now 68 I turned 68 on trail in August , it was a mind set for me , do or die , It wasn’t my time so I survived and am here to tell my story . Took me 9.5 hrs and ended up spending the night up there . The next morning , I call them my guardian angels , a family from Ohio had met me first thing in the morning . Father , son , and daughter, they stayed with me all day for 8hrs descending down the hunt trail , I had climbed up the Abol trail the day before to summit . I say climb , it was mountain climbing not hiking … many people do it with ease , older and younger than me . You just have to prep for it and get in your best possible shape , it won’t be a problem then . I didn’t do any of those things other than watch many UA-cam videos on summiting Katahdin and am a experienced hiker , with no rock climbing experience . I done it yea ! : ) bragging rights lol I have a selfie and a a 360 degree video to prove it ! : ) only by the Grace of god . Amen 🙏
Jim, oh my gosh I cannot believe you got stuck up on Katahdin overnight! That is seriously wild. You made it though! Very awesome. One of these days I'll be back to hike it! I think I'm going to take some rock climbing/scrambling lessons beforehand though to get ready for it, LOL!!! Thanks so much for your kind words :)
I’m not giving up on you. Whether you finish or not I look forward to your next video. Praying for you and your future.
Hey. You made it a long long way. You put together exceptional videos that will be seen for years. You had little experience camping and hiking and were honest about that. Told people to get in shape first. , if your gut said it was time, it was time. Very proud of you. I have a suspicion you got back out there or some other trail. Either way please be proud.
Thank you so much for your kindness and encouragement, Da Jo 💛
I can understand completely why you chose to quit/break? from the trail. Sometimes we have to do what is best for our self in the moment. An added bonus: You were able to make wonderful new memories with your parents! I'm sure you will look back fondly on your extended road trip home :)
Yes! Thanks so much, Millie!
Thanks for sharing - I also had a hard time (hiking w injured leg) and wrote a book about my adventure “Only When I Step On It” has 700 reviews on Amazon. Congrats on your accomplishment. It’s huge compared to what average people do!
Looking forward to watching you again!
Thank you so much, David! I should have another video out Sunday 🤞🏽
Just the fact that you hiked TO the moose mountain is incredible!! I know I couldn't do it.
Don't be so hard on yourself. You accomplishment is impressive.
Thank you so much, Bart. That's so kind! :)
Whether you do quit or go back it sounds like a good decision that you pulled out for now for sure! So best wishes on whatever you decide, however hope you don't cut off too much of that beautiful hair!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Jon!
Trust this old AT hiker all you reasoning was exact!! Good call!! Trail will be there when the time is right:) Hope you had a good family gathering.
Home is where the heart is.
Looking forward to see what you have coming. Be well and Trail on! TnT🤟
Thank you so much for those kind words, Tracey.
I really appreciate them! 💛
Never trust others opinion on whether the trail ahead is either "hard" OR "easy". Its all individual. That said, you did the right thing for you. As you know, mental fortitude is everything. I really hope to see you back out there at some point. You are an absolute pleasure to follow!
Very good point, Kathy. Thank you so much for your kind words! 💛
I have sooooo enjoyed traveling with you on your journey via you tube. Thank you for sharing your adventure and enabling us to see this beautiful country from the Appalachian Trail. I love your beautiful smile and positive attitude not to mention your wonderful singing voice. Your Christian spirit and happy heart was enlightening to watch. I wish you continued adventures and many more exciting times. Looking forward to your next journey.
You are so kind, Karose! Thank you so much for being here for the journey 💛
Yay! We will get back to the trail! I can tell. 😽❤
Thanks so much, Cathleen! :)
YOU DID THE RIGHT THING. GOD BLESS
Thank you so much, Lonnie! :)
Reading through the comment and I feel you are being sneaky 😄
Would be wonderful to see that you did get out there and finished this journey
🤣😉 Good catch!! I’ll just say this: The journey isn’t quite over yet! I’ll have a video out Sunday that explains basically everything lol! 💛💛 thanks so much for being here for this crazy ride, lol!
It's not too late to go back. Fix all your gear problems, take a little time and recover your outlook and when you feel prepared go back and try to finish. Just get yourself straightened out, rebuild your confidence and go back. If you've gone this far you are capable of doing it.
Good idea! Thanks so much, Nels :)
I believe that you listen to your heart and your attitude is beautiful when sad and happy 😊
Thank you so much for always encouraging me, Robert! :)
@@KaraKirtley you very welcome
When your head starts messing with you it's smart to step back and take a break. Still expecting to see you on the Kathadin sign!
That’s a really good point! And thank you so much, I hope to be there one day! :)
When you start to question your confidence in your gear and start to second guess if you should continue or not it is time to leave the trial. It doesn't mean failure it means you put yourself first and that is what keeps you safe. Everyone can hit the wall at any time and then you back off regroup and someday start again. Take care and you are right about Above the Clouds hostel being a standard in quality clean well ran hostels.
That’s a really great point! After everything that had happened, I was really concerned about being in danger or putting someone else in danger. One day I’ll finish! Thanks so much for your kind words 💛
Love your vids and Do Not feel bad you challenged yourself and pushed yourself much further than you probably thought you could. I am impressed. I hope you continue and finish the trail. I am posting a link to a youtube vid from BigFoot and he goes into detail about the section of trail in the White Mountains. It's always goo to be prepared and you made the right decision. Good luck with any and all of you endeavors. Namaste be safe and thank you.
I'll have to check out his video, that would be good for me to watch before going back to hike that section. Thank you so much for your kindness, Walt! :)
I think I will stay tuned to to see what happens
Yay! I should have another video out on Sunday :)
Hi Kara!!!
I know it was not an easy decision for you at the time, but you made the right decision! No regrets. I think I know you a little and I believe that set back didn't keep you from the trail between then and now! Kara's Krew will always be here for you wherever you roam! All the best to you and your mom & dad. See you next time!
P.S. Was this a premier I missed 😔?
Thank you so much for your kind words, Becky! Should be another video out Sunday with more adventures :) And nope, I didn’t do a premier tonight so you didn’t miss it! Hopefully soon I can do another one :) Thank you for your kindness, always.
@@KaraKirtley thank goodness lol ! See you on Sunday!
Kara, hike your own hike. You are amazing and smart to listen to yourself. The trail will be waiting for you when you are ready. There is no doubt in my mind that you can come back to NH and kill it! Once you start putting one foot in front of the other you will find yourself on the ridge line and wonder why you ever questioned the NH mts. When you are ready those scary mountains will open their vistas to you and reward you over and over. Don't think you did not finish think what you did finish!
Thank you so much, Ellen! I really appreciate your kind words 💛
That's a huge pile of fear porn. Try not to take on the negative energy of others and dont allow yourself to absorb that energy and fear. If 500 people stood in a row and you burnt them all with a match they'd all say it hurt. But in human emotion, all 500 hurt in a different way. Some not as bad as others even though the word "hurt" was the same. Your journey is yours. I hope you didn't give up this dream because of the "words" and emotions of others. Good luck, blessings and keep an invisible bubble around yourself from the negativity and fear❤️
Good point -
Thanks so much, Gypsy! 💛
I’m just surprised that YOU were surprised at the difficulty of the White Mountains. I guess I thought you had done some research before you did a Thru Hike! There are so many UA-cam videos available that show these difficult areas.
I didn't, Alfred! LOL! I didn't research a thing about the trail north of Virginia outside of Katahdin. I couldn't even tell you which states it went through until I got to them. Would not recommend that method, lol! I'd read lots of books and watched a lot of videos of the southern states, but decided to do the hike just a few months before I left.
Howdy neighbor didn't realize your 45 minutes away in Chattanooga. Just down the trail in north Georgia
That’s awesome! My old house was in Gainesville, GA. Hi neighbor :)
Hi ants kara tanks for the gift
You’re so welcome, Max.
I love you!! ⚾️
Finish up next year, thats still doing the trail.
Thank you so much, Richard! :)
Real talk
Life flows…. You got to do what’s right for you. The trail will still be there. Sometimes others will give you TMI!! You’ll get it done.
Thank you so much, Ralph! :)
NO FEARMONGERING! You can do it!!! Or you'll have to get a job. Now that's scary stuff.
Lol, that's what my dad said!
Hi Kara yep you made the right decision for all the right reasons. I have no doubt you'll finish at a later time. But the whites the presidentials all these trails and I know from watching a girl last year that there is some rock climbing involved which brings me to the question of the day. You mean to tell me you haven't watched any through hikers to see what that area is really like? I mean let's face it there's oodles of through hikers journaling the A.T. Trail through UA-cam vlogs . I have a hard time believing that you haven't watched ANY of them at the very least through the Maine portion. I say this because you're having so much anxiety and you've only talked to people on the trail. And you have your own UA-cam channel. So why wouldn't she watch a couple through hikers? Anyway doesn't make sense to me sorry. Good luck and as always safe and happy travels
Hi Ssue! I know, it really doesn't make sense. But I focused so much on the southern part of the trail and what it would be like to start and the first couple of months, that I didn't give a second thought to the last half. Although I'd dreamed of hiking it for years, I didn't decide to hike at that point until a couple of months before I left. I honestly never pictured myself past Virginia and somehow believed that Pennsylvania was the hardest state (ha ha!). I wasn't sure which states I was going to be hiking into next. I truly was clueless. Anyway, I had a lot to learn!
So now you are officially a bigfoot! You have a gift to do videos. Keep on going on day or short section hikes of the AT documenting your journey.
Many folks might not physically be able to get out and go hiking. So your videos can transport them out into nature allowing them to see the beauty of our great nation.
She gets married.
Enjoy seeing your mom's family. I am glad I got to see my cousin Michael Denton last Thanksgiving. We lost him unexoectedly last saturday at young age of 58. He passed away from a massive heart attack. His type I diabetes had done a bad number on his heart and arteries. It is a terrible disease that takes too many folks out of this world.
His passing has further motivated me to take better care of my health. I have been a type II diabetic for past 5 years. I want to live much longer to watch my son's two daughters grow up into young ladies with their own families.
I also want to be around to walk my daughter down the aisle way when she gets married. Ally is only 22 and working on becoming an RN. Her goal is to become an RN in the NICU or the regular baby nursery.
I am so sorry to hear about your cousin, Harold. My cousin Adam actually passed away right before I hiked the AT- of Type 1 diabetes. It’s terrible. His death motivated me in a way to go after my dream as he always encouraged me. I appreciate your kind words and I will keep the videos coming!
@@KaraKirtley my mom also had a guy cousin who lost a lower leg back in 1980's from having diabetes. I do. Ot want to allow my diabetes to control my life aswell.
I started power walking back in March and have bee drinking matcha and moringa green teas which are much healthier energy sources without the jitters one gets from drinking coffee.
I go get my 3 month blood draw done at labcorp the last week of August. I am looking forward to receiving my blood panel results. My A1C was 8.3 back on march 19th. I am hoping that number has come back down below 7.3 to 7.0 level.
Way too many people out there over exaggerate the trail being hard in NH and ME. Don't listen to anyone about the trail. You don't need their opinions. Just put one foot in front of the other and walk.. We hiked the last day of VT in Henri 4+ inches of rain. Sooooooo.... It was just rain.
I think you are right, Mad6! Thank you so much.
I was right in the same area as you at the same time. I wonder if we crossed paths
Woah, that would have been awesome! Did you thru hike? And did you have a trail name? I wonder if we did cross paths!
@@KaraKirtley yes thru hike 2021. Mad Rat. May 7- Sept 28. We took a lot of zero days in the last 6 weeks
Did you stay at Shaw’s in Monson? If you did, I definitely was there when you were. I was in Baxter the day you summited as well, I probably met you! I think someone was doing hot dog trail magic and some other yummy stuff?
I’ll be doing my Coot at Appalachian trail at Western Maine is it that tough??
I’m not sure, Kevin- I haven’t hiked it yet :)
@@KaraKirtley Alright thanks :))
Go back to where you left off and finish it when you are in a better head space.
Thank you so much, Paul! 😁
@@KaraKirtley Self care is very important. Take care of yourself and finish when you can. Still counts as a thru hike in my book.😁
Look at is fun i whanted to meet u and gushers in hanover nh
Dont bevieve weather horror storiery
Its hadbut nothing u cant handle
I'm sorry, Bud! Thank you for the kind words.
@@KaraKirtley no need to be sorry u did what u thought was best. There was no wrong way to go
your heart isn't in it just like in the song by Atlantic Starr