Stella, you have already completed the AT & summited Katahdin and I have been following your two or three after AT vlogs with great joy. But I wanted to catch some of your earlier pre-AT vlogs like this one. I find Thru hikers always commenting on the wonderful community of fellow thru hikers, past & present …. Trail angels & the towns along the way. Yet one thing very common in watching AT Thru hikers …. Many arrive to the trail initially by themselves and join up with other hikers but over the months the group they started with changes to another group even three or four times. Some after hike reviews it has been very common to talk about the group dynamics , ages to physical levels & obvious, personality traits. No one I said they didn’t like some of the people they hike with you they hated them we’re really talk very negative. They got something good out of all their interactions, but it did look as you mention that people felt good with a trail family concept, and some of even described it as the Trail family being cliquish, and you might not fit in or don’t feel part of. I’ve seen some older people in their 50s maybe 60s start off with those in similar age but by the time they finish and summit they’re a mixed group of different ages and I didn’t know how that was explained and if you could maybe give some insight on that. I’m 71 and I thought about the AT and maybe too old, not in the necessary physical shape needed but I have a yearning for the experience it would be interested know how many people in their 70s that you ran into on the trail if any?
By the time of this comment you are already well into Virginia. Just catching up to your pre- hike videos this morning. I have never had foot issues while on trail but I am guilty of not drinking enough water and I always tend to overload my pack. Materials were heavier for my 98 AT hike but I also carried too much weight in snacks and extra food.
Your hat and earring game are ON POINT. 👒🧢 Thanks for the tip about the shoes... I was going to wear my Louboutins, but I'll switch to Manolos now. 👠😉 I call it the Appalachian Runway or the Appalachian Catwalk. Great tip about staying hydrated in the cold... Not being afraid of being alone is such a strength and I really admire that I you.💚
Stella, you are just the most honest, and beautiful soul I know. Your love of nature is so tangible and I can't wait to follow you as you explore this trail. And connecting with people that will be special to you will also be a gift.
You 2 did so amazing. The views were stunning, trail beautiful and miles were like seasoned pro's. Well down. Thanks for letting us join you. So appreciate the videos
Stella you are such a wonderful person. One can only love you. Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability. You make me proud to be a hiker. Love and hugs.
I’m so glad the algorithm suggested one of your videos before you start the AT. I’m excited to follow your hike! I’d love to see you talk more about backpacking alone. None of my friends wanna go but I’m tired of missing out so I’m gonna be doing more solo stuff this year. Definitely nervous about it though
Do not start too early on the AT…. On the AT, the only reason I would start before middle March to mid April would be if u have a hard & fast end date….
Common mistakes: 1. Wrong shoes 2. Too little stretching 3. Too little water 4. Too much weight 5. Too few breaks Unexpected mistakes: 6. Cooking all meals / too little snacks 7. Not handling experiences properly that didnt't meet the expectations (love that one!) 8. Going compromise in order to not being alone 9. Focusing on trail family / social dynamics too much
Great job putting out consistent, interesting hiker content! When I’m on a long distance hike, I build my miles and days around breaks. I make sure I have 30-60 minutes to be present, relax, and soak in the freedom. Sometimes packing out a trail beer helps 😊
I did the whole dehydrate thing going up Mt Mitchell!recently. It was cool and I wasn’t thirsty or sweating. Luckily I learned the hard way before I start the AT. I start next week. Have fun and good luck!!
Would love a separate video on this expectation thingie. I believe this hit me big time during my thruhike (360km) last summer and I struggle to learn from it / put a good next step in place.
I am SO HAPPY you're going to be walking my favorite trail. Looking for a Stella video is the best way to start my day, and that you'll be walking in my neck of the woods - Wow! Can't wait to hear about your walk!
I love following you! Seriously one of my favorites and I’ve watched many! I have definitely made some of those mistakes, and learned quickly! Are there specific stretches you recommend? I’d love to see a video of them and teach my girls before we set out next year. ❤
All good points! The flow of trail life comes and goes, that’s why HYOH (hike your own hike)is vital. Several people I knew had issues with kidney stones because they did not drink enough, another reason to make sure your water intake is not overlooked too.
I loved when you said you didn't want to be afraid to do it alone. I made a video on that exact subject! I think you're awesome and I so look forward to watching your AT journey. I think we would vibe. Maybe you can finish the CDT with me haha!
Awesome list and I also appreciate some of your vulnerability as that takes a lot of courage! I feel like you could create a separate video for each mistake (maybe you'll inspire me to create some videos). I especially appreciate the Common Mistakes because they seem to repeat constantly for so many of us such as hydration, taking breaks, stretching and rolling muscles, etc. I'm excited for you and your adventure!
You are definitely a true/real thru hiker. Great thoughts and realizations of what it takes to journey in the wilderness. You are a magnificent person with great self analysis which will expand your life. I hope we meet on the Appalachian Trail this year. I start 3/18 from Springer Mountain. Favor follows you!
Have faith that you will make this thru hike. Not as hard as P.C.T. A thru hike is as hard mentally then physically. Most overcome your mind trying to defeat you. Stay focused. Best of luck 🤞 Appalachian Adventures Guides.
@@jhonyermo Not as hard as P.C.T. almost 500 miles more miles to hike than A.T., and reach elevation as high as 14,500 on Mt Whitney. Blow Downs, Dodging fire closers. Have thru hiked A.T. also. But in my opinion yes P.C.T. was harder Appalachian Adventures Guides. A.K.A. 9 LIVES 🐾
Thanks for sharing. You seem to be in a good space. Love to see it! I typically do section hikes with a bff. But, last year, she had COVID, so I went out on my own. And, I definitely got a bit creeped out at times. Not from animals, but men. That is, until I’ve chatted with them enough them deem them safe. I do carry mace when I’m solo. I feel sort of wimpy carrying it. But, I have had a run ins with some weird men. So, feel more at ease if I have it.
I’m a 61-year-old male and I carry pepper spray (for the humans), a mini air horn (for the mountain lions), and a lightweight pocket knife for just about anything else. It’s all about peace of mind so you can focus on and enjoy the beauty of nature. No shame in that.
Always enjoy your videos and can't wait to follow your AT Journey...You are starting in the bubble so you will have so many options on who to choose as a tramily...I'm sure you will make the right choices and hope it is everything you want it to be... Wishing you the best as always...🙌🙌
Most of the things you talk of are all normal things .being alone is something you need to get use to . Most the time I prefer it. Love ya keep on hiking!
It's really hard to avoid all these mistakes. Just, if you don't feel valued or even loved, it is at least as much the problem of others as it is yours. The wrong hiking partners can easily ruin the time on trail because they stress you out. Also, sometimes I hike with people I wouldn't spent time with in normal life, it is just the situation on trail that makes it convenient. Thankfully it is easy to walk away from people on the AT.
@Stella Hikes it's beautiful. I enjoy hiking in the UK. No dangerous animals to worry about and only 1 midly venomous snake that hides from humans. Switzerland. Oh my. So beautiful
It was enjoyable. Thanks for the positive energy
Stella, you have already completed the AT & summited Katahdin and I have been following your two or three after AT vlogs with great joy. But I wanted to catch some of your earlier pre-AT vlogs like this one. I find Thru hikers always commenting on the wonderful community of fellow thru hikers, past & present …. Trail angels & the towns along the way. Yet one thing very common in watching AT Thru hikers …. Many arrive to the trail initially by themselves and join up with other hikers but over the months the group they started with changes to another group even three or four times. Some after hike reviews it has been very common to talk about the group dynamics , ages to physical levels & obvious, personality traits. No one I said they didn’t like some of the people they hike with you they hated them we’re really talk very negative. They got something good out of all their interactions, but it did look as you mention that people felt good with a trail family concept, and some of even described it as the Trail family being cliquish, and you might not fit in or don’t feel part of. I’ve seen some older people in their 50s maybe 60s start off with those in similar age but by the time they finish and summit they’re a mixed group of different ages and I didn’t know how that was explained and if you could maybe give some insight on that. I’m 71 and I thought about the AT and maybe too old, not in the necessary physical shape needed but I have a yearning for the experience it would be interested know how many people in their 70s that you ran into on the trail if any?
👍👍👍
By the time of this comment you are already well into Virginia. Just catching up to your pre- hike videos this morning. I have never had foot issues while on trail but I am guilty of not drinking enough water and I always tend to overload my pack. Materials were heavier for my 98 AT hike but I also carried too much weight in snacks and extra food.
Your hat and earring game are ON POINT. 👒🧢 Thanks for the tip about the shoes... I was going to wear my Louboutins, but I'll switch to Manolos now. 👠😉 I call it the Appalachian Runway or the Appalachian Catwalk. Great tip about staying hydrated in the cold... Not being afraid of being alone is such a strength and I really admire that I you.💚
You'll do amazing. What ever will be, will be. Enjoy your journey. Thank you for sharing your experiences. Keep trekking. 😀
Stella, you are just the most honest, and beautiful soul I know. Your love of nature is so tangible and I can't wait to follow you as you explore this trail. And connecting with people that will be special to you will also be a gift.
Great info to put out there, so true about the water, even in your daily life..
You 2 did so amazing. The views were stunning, trail beautiful and miles were like seasoned pro's. Well down. Thanks for letting us join you. So appreciate the videos
Stella you are such a wonderful person. One can only love you. Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability. You make me proud to be a hiker. Love and hugs.
I’m so glad the algorithm suggested one of your videos before you start the AT. I’m excited to follow your hike!
I’d love to see you talk more about backpacking alone. None of my friends wanna go but I’m tired of missing out so I’m gonna be doing more solo stuff this year. Definitely nervous about it though
Do not start too early on the AT…. On the AT, the only reason I would start before middle March to mid April would be if u have a hard & fast end date….
Or if you don't want to hike in a crowd! The weather was better in February this year then
March
Common mistakes:
1. Wrong shoes
2. Too little stretching
3. Too little water
4. Too much weight
5. Too few breaks
Unexpected mistakes:
6. Cooking all meals / too little snacks
7. Not handling experiences properly that didnt't meet the expectations (love that one!)
8. Going compromise in order to not being alone
9. Focusing on trail family / social dynamics too much
Thank you for listing these out like this haha I need to do that in the comments more! Or put in chapters!
Great job putting out consistent, interesting hiker content! When I’m on a long distance hike, I build my miles and days around breaks. I make sure I have 30-60 minutes to be present, relax, and soak in the freedom. Sometimes packing out a trail beer helps 😊
I did the whole dehydrate thing going up Mt Mitchell!recently. It was cool and I wasn’t thirsty or sweating. Luckily I learned the hard way before I start the AT. I start next week. Have fun and good luck!!
Would love a separate video on this expectation thingie. I believe this hit me big time during my thruhike (360km) last summer and I struggle to learn from it / put a good next step in place.
I am SO HAPPY you're going to be walking my favorite trail. Looking for a Stella video is the best way to start my day, and that you'll be walking in my neck of the woods - Wow! Can't wait to hear about your walk!
I love following you! Seriously one of my favorites and I’ve watched many!
I have definitely made some of those mistakes, and learned quickly!
Are there specific stretches you recommend? I’d love to see a video of them and teach my girls before we set out next year. ❤
Wow great information. You are a blessing. After my P T is over next year I'll begin hiking with my son.
All good points! The flow of trail life comes and goes, that’s why HYOH (hike your own hike)is vital. Several people I knew had issues with kidney stones because they did not drink enough, another reason to make sure your water intake is not overlooked too.
I loved when you said you didn't want to be afraid to do it alone. I made a video on that exact subject! I think you're awesome and I so look forward to watching your AT journey. I think we would vibe. Maybe you can finish the CDT with me haha!
Good video! And that tapestry on your couch reminds me of a great game, Cosmic Wimpout!
Awesome list and I also appreciate some of your vulnerability as that takes a lot of courage! I feel like you could create a separate video for each mistake (maybe you'll inspire me to create some videos). I especially appreciate the Common Mistakes because they seem to repeat constantly for so many of us such as hydration, taking breaks, stretching and rolling muscles, etc. I'm excited for you and your adventure!
You are definitely a true/real thru hiker. Great thoughts and realizations of what it takes to journey in the wilderness. You are a magnificent person with great self analysis which will expand your life. I hope we meet on the Appalachian Trail this year. I start 3/18 from Springer Mountain. Favor follows you!
Have faith that you will make this thru hike. Not as hard as P.C.T. A thru hike is as hard mentally then physically. Most overcome your mind trying to defeat you. Stay focused. Best of luck 🤞 Appalachian Adventures Guides.
Harder than the PCT
@@jhonyermo Not as hard as P.C.T. almost 500 miles more miles to hike than A.T., and reach elevation as high as 14,500 on Mt Whitney. Blow Downs, Dodging fire closers. Have thru hiked A.T. also. But in my opinion yes P.C.T. was harder Appalachian Adventures Guides. A.K.A. 9 LIVES 🐾
Thanks for sharing. You seem to be in a good space. Love to see it! I typically do section hikes with a bff. But, last year, she had COVID, so I went out on my own. And, I definitely got a bit creeped out at times. Not from animals, but men. That is, until I’ve chatted with them enough them deem them safe. I do carry mace when I’m solo. I feel sort of wimpy carrying it. But, I have had a run ins with some weird men. So, feel more at ease if I have it.
I’m a 61-year-old male and I carry pepper spray (for the humans), a mini air horn (for the mountain lions), and a lightweight pocket knife for just about anything else. It’s all about peace of mind so you can focus on and enjoy the beauty of nature. No shame in that.
We miss you at school Stella
Awe hi! I miss you all too!!
Always enjoy your videos and can't wait to follow your AT Journey...You are starting in the bubble so you will have so many options on who to choose as a tramily...I'm sure you will make the right choices and hope it is everything you want it to be... Wishing you the best as always...🙌🙌
So many mistakes to make, so little time🤣🙃😉😇
I am definitely guilty of not taking enough breaks. Some days the closest I get to sitting down is squatting to pee.
Most of the things you talk of are all normal things .being alone is something you need to get use to . Most the time I prefer it. Love ya keep on hiking!
It's really hard to avoid all these mistakes. Just, if you don't feel valued or even loved, it is at least as much the problem of others as it is yours. The wrong hiking partners can easily ruin the time on trail because they stress you out.
Also, sometimes I hike with people I wouldn't spent time with in normal life, it is just the situation on trail that makes it convenient. Thankfully it is easy to walk away from people on the AT.
Like ok
After the AT, you will love hiking in Europe. 2024
Actually, I’m kind of really hoping that’s true 🤩
@Stella Hikes it's beautiful. I enjoy hiking in the UK. No dangerous animals to worry about and only 1 midly venomous snake that hides from humans. Switzerland. Oh my. So beautiful
You are beautiful and I love you but in my opinion you use the word "like" way too much.
Thanks still new to making vids like this so one step at a time and eventually I’ll be better at describing my ideas without the filler word! 😅
I was counting how many times she said “like” …I lost count after 46 times! Lol
But she’s so presh..Can’t help but to LIKE her!😄