I still think training (your teaching experience) and taking small groups hiking would be the best of all worlds! I would love to do a section hike with you as a bucket list thing! Who else would like to do this? I am an east coaster. Doesn't have to be the AT but could be!
Focus on yourself, don't worry about what others might think. Go back to basics and start all over again. Joining a hiking club is probably not the worst thing to do. You'll meet like-minded people there. I could also imagine guided hikes (one or several days). But hiking, especially in the mountains, is only a (two) seasonal thing. Of course I'd love to see you back here on UA-cam (even more so in real life😊), but YT isn't everything. Whichever path you take, I wish you good luck, success and inner contentment! Happy trails! 💛 and 🤗 from Germany.
We support you, Stella! If you aren't excited about what you're doing, it's a sign you need a major change and it is always okay to change. Hormone swings aside, you haven't seemed like your heart is in it this time. We will be here even if you just become a weekend warrior, whenever that is. or not!
Sometimes it’s just not there… maybe you need YOU time for your head. I live by this mantra: Be you Do you Live you Your dreams will always be there. When you are there as well, is when it all aligns…
Thanks for sharing both ups and downs. I think that's quite common to feel conflicted when hiking. I hope you are talking with other hikers/vloggers to get some ideas, input, their feelings and experiences. I am sure that they will have valuable thoughts. Dixie, Nahamsha/Taylor etc. You and other vloggers inspired me to hike the Appalachian Trail NOBO this year. I ended at Harpers Ferry with conflicted feelings. I had lost a lot of weight, i didn't feel well, had different health issues, it was extremely hot and a lot of things were going on back home with family and close relations. Conflicting feelings, ups and downs are a part of the game. I wish you all the best! 😊
There's no sense in pushing yourself to do something you don't have to if you're no longer finding joy or fulfillment. I think you made the right choice. Save the hiking to look forward to later when it feels right. I'm praying you find whatever it is that grounds you and brings you contentment. As a fellow loner, I know it gets hard sometimes not being tied or tethered as you say to something solid. After plan B comes, plan C and so on.. It'll be interesting to see what it is you do next. Sending you lots of love, sweet girl. 🥰❤️🤗
The way she is doing it right now would burn anyone out. She's better off taking a time out and coming up with a better strategy regardless of what that ends up doing.
Having watched you for a while now I can feel your uncertainly. The joy is there in small bursts but I also feel the anxiety in you getting in the way of the bliss I have seen you experience on other hikes. I wish you only the best in figuring out what is next - many of us are on the same journey regardless of age and prior experiences so here’s to us figuring it out and supporting each other in our progress. 💗
Good morning StellaHikes. Just getting back following the CDT section hikes. Trails are a wonderful place to feel grateful of challenges in life. If you are ever passing through Monterey Tennessee in Putnam county. Look me up I’m always here and maybe have a professional chat on the outdoor adventures.
I think you've made the right decision Stella, seemed like your heart wasn't quite in it this time. Interested about the " putting the focus on you guys" idea. I'm hoping to do the AT in 2026 maybe I could reach out to you somehow for some advice/support etc. Your a special person Stella. Wishing you all the best from across the pond. 💙🇬🇧🙂
I worry about you Stella ❤ I hope you find your way. I’m in a bit of a similar period myself. But, my next chapter is retirement! I just need to figure out the where. My heavy working years are done. And, I’m looking forward to spending time outdoors and volunteering with animal rescues. Best of luck to you!
Thanks for sharing, we don’t need all flow and all positive. Big hug, take care of yourself, the trail will be there. You are amazing, you’ll find the folks to share goals with.
I feel for you. During the AT, you seemed so upbeat and grounded. I hope you find whatever it is you're looking for, Stella. You did the AT. That's so amazing and always remember YOU DID THAT!
Suggestion: Finish this. Get it done and out of your mind. Then look for a teaching position in an out-door private school. It should satisfy your needs to be out of doors; give you a few months off to hike on your own; and provide fulfilment in teaching others about the healing that can come of being in nature. Try Brentwood Academy in Nanaimo, BC for example. The path forward is not always obvious as in your last video or even my tag lol!!
I think the closure of this hike will be good for you, but the timing must be right. You got out there and did amazing. There's no regret in that. 👏 Solitude is beautiful, but isolation is treacherous. You're a very introspective person, so I know this has been mulled over thoroughly. You're wise enough to know that you had to do something different and have taken steps toward that. 😊 The answers will come and you'll know when they're right. Never stop seeking and wondering. Believe in yourself and your journey. Take care Stella ✌️
Stella, I started watching you on your AT thru-hike so I decided to start from the beginning. I am watching your second video from the PCT...to quote the wise Stella, 'When something seems so grand, just taking one step at a time can get you there and help you accomplish what your're trying to attain." So, listen to that Stella - it applies to off trail as well as on!
Hey Stella, You are such a strong, intelligent young wonan. I think you need to take time to unwind & relax. To refleect on what the mmost important things in you life are. To think about what aspirations you have for the future. And then make those aspirations a reality.
Thank you❤. Your honesty is appreciated In our lives journey, I think all of us, regardless of how old we are at one point have come to a cross road. There is a time in your life that you’ll really know what direction when and where to go. One day you’ll look back on this and realize, what a good place you are in and how you have grown. Stay in touch we appreciate you😊
When there are too many obstacles on your path, it is good to pause. I will be driving out from mn to az in a few weeks, over RMNP, thru utah by grand canyon on the way. If you want to do az trail, i could /would assist you as you live the dream
Hey, Stella! It's so good that you are going with the flow of what feels best for you right now. Hiking is your passion, so I believe it will fit into your life in the right way and at the right time.🌻
It feels like you need to be with friends and family to get a support base . Watching your vlogs ,my thought of you being alone on the trail is not the best for your safety and well being . After a while being strictly with yourself , it must get old . My personality is a lot like yours , very independent and really can be aloof . I think your at a crossroad in your life wanting more support and something to lean on . This is how I would talk with my own daughter , who is going thru alot right now in her life .
I totally agree… I don’t think her spirit is in it and you can tell she’s like super depressed. She needs friends or family if she any around . But being alone by yourself in a vulnerable state is not good
Making it in social media is not all that easy., and I question its viability over time, plus I’m not sure if the fit is right for you. Fort Collins does offer many outdoor opportunities though, so it may be a good place for you to stay. Re-settle yourself, find a job in education, whether it be math, the outdoors, or nature center. Join a hiking club to meet like minded folk. Day hikes are okay, an overnighter is okay. Reset your priorities. Keep us posted, at least for a while.
I think you made the best decision for you right now. It’s important to do something you enjoy but that can also support your life style. I think you also need to be around people who support and love you. We wish you the best and lots of love and happiness.
I understand how your feeling,ive been alone for several years now and it's very hard to meet a person that shares your same interests,the mountains of north Ga,NC, and Tennessee are really beautiful if your interested in moving something like that might be of interest to you,I sure hope the best for you and that everything works out the way you would like them to,stay safe and blessings for you
Stella, I think you need to take some time to figure out what You want and need in life and then make that happen. You're a strong independent woman with an education that puts you in a positive position, you just need to figure out what you want to do long term. I made some suggestions on some potential career moves, teaching with summers off to hike, doing your videos to promote hiking for specific communities (working with the Chamber of Commerce so you get paid). But it's your life and I think you need to spend some time figuring out what you want to do and where you want to live. Good luck!!!!
I respect your thinking and decisions and think you have reached a difficult but wise conclusion. Life is no single straight path and you have simply reached a branch and made a decision. Although I am glad you are not planning any more hitches in the short term. I can appreciate how that was wearing on you. Rest, relax and take time to plan your next step. The trail will always be there when you are ready. Looking forward to seeing what comes next ❤.
Growing pangs. It will work out as it's supposed to, but the angst is necessary. It will lead you to what's next. Remember, you don't need to figure out your entire life. Wishing that inspiration comes your way so you can find your joy.
I wish you all the best. It is not easy to find oneself, clearly. I think I would do better at it the fewer the distractions I had. You seem to have a lot of distractions trying to complete your hike. My hunch is you have made the right decision.
Not sure if you have access to another car, but I did see a vlogger do the whole AT with 2 cars. Basically he went NOBO, but when he hiked he hiked SOBO back to his southern most car. He then drove it X miles North of his other car and repeated the process. It was great for resupplies and town hops always being a week or away from a vehicle. Good luck with life Stella on what ever path you take.
Sounds like an extremely expensive way to hike. Owning a car costs about 5000 to 10000 $ annually including all expences. Renting a car is about 400 to 600 $ weekly including insurance
@@pikeshike Oh sure, but he already owned the cars and his family dropped him off at the start of the trail and picked him up when it was over. My issue in doing it is finding a safe place to park it without it get vandalized. He never had any issues.
I am like you in not knowing where I want to be grounded or if I even want to be officially grounded with the expense of a house and everything that goes along with owning a house. Rent is outrageous and I’m working 2 jobs and still barely covering everything. I work from 8-9 sometimes later and it’s tough. I too am in the school business as a TA and it pays ok for maybe years ago.
It's difficult to rent now without having a friend or even just a random roommate to share costs. With your variety of experience and education, if you go the 9-5 route you might find working in the commercial sector rather than public as more lucrative for you. We're rooting for you no matter what you decide to do.
I'm so sorry that you're so conflicted. It's the worse feeling! Waiting until next year while you try to find yourself I think is a good idea. I will be sad if you leave social media as I've been following you since the AT. Things WILL fall into place! We are all so proud of you for making these hard decisions. In the meantime, I will keep looking for anything you post! Your photography skills are fantastic. Maybe there's an online Outdoor magazine or website that needs someone to go out take beautiful nature pictures/video of nature ( with voice over if they are videos). You could be your own boss. You are so talented with so many natural born gifts. Chin up girlfriend. We've all got you! ❤
Stella, you are a beautiful and charming young lady. I don’t think I saw you any happier than when you were seeing that young sailor fella. I have been married over 47 years. Interest come and go but there is no better satisfaction than having a soul mate. Hang in there! You will do great!
Honestly, nobody hikes the CDT the way you are trying to do it. (Southbound, solo, with car.) It's not that you should give up the triple crown goal, it's that you need to rethink your strategy. Kate Cloud a very strong female hiker talked about going southbound but was delayed due to her mom getting cancer and her grandmother dying. Maybe she hikes it next year? She is one of many that would make it a better hike for you. You can hike alone when you feel like it but too much alone will be problematic on the CDT. Even if you kept your car having a partner would make the situation that much easier with two vehicles, most hikers of coarse don't bring the car.
Your online community is string, but I get it, you want to find your "person". But you still have to do what you want to do, otherwise you'll always yearn for what's the trail like. What about being a park ranger, some come with housing? Work at an outfitter or hostel a long trail, like the AT. Don't settle, keep thinking and search for what truly is a good fit for you. Good luck
I still think training (your teaching experience) and taking small groups hiking would be the best of all worlds! I would love to do a section hike with you as a bucket list thing!
Who else would like to do this?
I am an east coaster. Doesn't have to be the AT but could be!
Focus on yourself, don't worry about what others might think. Go back to basics and start all over again.
Joining a hiking club is probably not the worst thing to do. You'll meet like-minded people there.
I could also imagine guided hikes (one or several days). But hiking, especially in the mountains, is only a (two) seasonal thing.
Of course I'd love to see you back here on UA-cam (even more so in real life😊), but YT isn't everything.
Whichever path you take, I wish you good luck, success and inner contentment!
Happy trails!
💛 and 🤗 from Germany.
We support you, Stella! If you aren't excited about what you're doing, it's a sign you need a major change and it is always okay to change. Hormone swings aside, you haven't seemed like your heart is in it this time. We will be here even if you just become a weekend warrior, whenever that is. or not!
Sometimes it’s just not there… maybe you need YOU time for your head. I live by this mantra:
Be you
Do you
Live you
Your dreams will always be there. When you are there as well, is when it all aligns…
Thanks for sharing both ups and downs. I think that's quite common to feel conflicted when hiking. I hope you are talking with other hikers/vloggers to get some ideas, input, their feelings and experiences. I am sure that they will have valuable thoughts. Dixie, Nahamsha/Taylor etc. You and other vloggers inspired me to hike the Appalachian Trail NOBO this year. I ended at Harpers Ferry with conflicted feelings. I had lost a lot of weight, i didn't feel well, had different health issues, it was extremely hot and a lot of things were going on back home with family and close relations. Conflicting feelings, ups and downs are a part of the game. I wish you all the best! 😊
There's no sense in pushing yourself to do something you don't have to if you're no longer finding joy or fulfillment. I think you made the right choice. Save the hiking to look forward to later when it feels right. I'm praying you find whatever it is that grounds you and brings you contentment. As a fellow loner, I know it gets hard sometimes not being tied or tethered as you say to something solid. After plan B comes, plan C and so on.. It'll be interesting to see what it is you do next. Sending you lots of love, sweet girl.
🥰❤️🤗
The way she is doing it right now would burn anyone out. She's better off taking a time out and coming up with a better strategy regardless of what that ends up doing.
@@tomphillips3162exactly. And plus I think she needs a buddy to talk to bc she’s just talking to a camera.
Having watched you for a while now I can feel your uncertainly. The joy is there in small bursts but I also feel the anxiety in you getting in the way of the bliss I have seen you experience on other hikes.
I wish you only the best in figuring out what is next - many of us are on the same journey regardless of age and prior experiences so here’s to us figuring it out and supporting each other in our progress. 💗
Good morning StellaHikes. Just getting back following the CDT section hikes. Trails are a wonderful place to feel grateful of challenges in life. If you are ever passing through Monterey Tennessee in Putnam county. Look me up I’m always here and maybe have a professional chat on the outdoor adventures.
I think you've made the right decision Stella, seemed like your heart wasn't quite in it this time. Interested about the " putting the focus on you guys" idea. I'm hoping to do the AT in 2026 maybe I could reach out to you somehow for some advice/support etc. Your a special person Stella. Wishing you all the best from across the pond. 💙🇬🇧🙂
I worry about you Stella ❤ I hope you find your way. I’m in a bit of a similar period myself. But, my next chapter is retirement! I just need to figure out the where. My heavy working years are done. And, I’m looking forward to spending time outdoors and volunteering with animal rescues. Best of luck to you!
Thanks for sharing, we don’t need all flow and all positive. Big hug, take care of yourself, the trail will be there. You are amazing, you’ll find the folks to share goals with.
I feel for you. During the AT, you seemed so upbeat and grounded. I hope you find whatever it is you're looking for, Stella. You did the AT. That's so amazing and always remember YOU DID THAT!
Suggestion: Finish this. Get it done and out of your mind. Then look for a teaching position in an out-door private school. It should satisfy your needs to be out of doors; give you a few months off to hike on your own; and provide fulfilment in teaching others about the healing that can come of being in nature. Try Brentwood Academy in Nanaimo, BC for example. The path forward is not always obvious as in your last video or even my tag lol!!
Just sending you a big hug Stella you have a lot of talent I am sure you will find you way soon 💚
I think the closure of this hike will be good for you, but the timing must be right. You got out there and did amazing. There's no regret in that. 👏 Solitude is beautiful, but isolation is treacherous. You're a very introspective person, so I know this has been mulled over thoroughly. You're wise enough to know that you had to do something different and have taken steps toward that. 😊 The answers will come and you'll know when they're right. Never stop seeking and wondering. Believe in yourself and your journey. Take care Stella ✌️
Stella, I started watching you on your AT thru-hike so I decided to start from the beginning. I am watching your second video from the PCT...to quote the wise Stella, 'When something seems so grand, just taking one step at a time can get you there and help you accomplish what your're trying to attain." So, listen to that Stella - it applies to off trail as well as on!
🥹🥹🥹 thank you Susan!!
@@StellaHikes ❤
@@susanlevine9092true! Hello 🤗 from Poland 🇵🇱🐶 and my countryside channe!
Hey Stella,
You are such a strong, intelligent young wonan. I think you need to take time to unwind & relax. To refleect on what the mmost important things in you life are. To think about what aspirations you have for the future. And then make those aspirations a reality.
Thank you❤. Your honesty is appreciated In our lives journey, I think all of us, regardless of how old we are at one point have come to a cross road. There is a time in your life that you’ll really know what direction when and where to go. One day you’ll look back on this and realize, what a good place you are in and how you have grown. Stay in touch we appreciate you😊
When there are too many obstacles on your path, it is good to pause. I will be driving out from mn to az in a few weeks, over RMNP, thru utah by grand canyon on the way. If you want to do az trail, i could /would assist you as you live the dream
I'm glad I found your channel during the CDT hikes. I'd say you gave it your best. You're awesome.
That’s great news! It sounds like you’ll be helping others reach goals and help yourself stay active and focused on what you love to do.
Hey, Stella! It's so good that you are going with the flow of what feels best for you right now. Hiking is your passion, so I believe it will fit into your life in the right way and at the right time.🌻
It feels like you need to be with friends and family to get a support base . Watching your vlogs ,my thought of you being alone on the trail is not the best for your safety and well being . After a while being strictly with yourself , it must get old . My personality is a lot like yours , very independent and really can be aloof . I think your at a crossroad in your life wanting more support and something to lean on . This is how I would talk with my own daughter , who is going thru alot right now in her life .
I totally agree… I don’t think her spirit is in it and you can tell she’s like super depressed. She needs friends or family if she any around . But being alone by yourself in a vulnerable state is not good
Thank You For Sharing Excited to see What Nexted
Making it in social media is not all that easy., and I question its viability over time, plus I’m not sure if the fit is right for you. Fort Collins does offer many outdoor opportunities though, so it may be a good place for you to stay. Re-settle yourself, find a job in education, whether it be math, the outdoors, or nature center. Join a hiking club to meet like minded folk. Day hikes are okay, an overnighter is okay. Reset your priorities. Keep us posted, at least for a while.
I think you made the best decision for you right now. It’s important to do something you enjoy but that can also support your life style. I think you also need to be around people who support and love you. We wish you the best and lots of love and happiness.
I understand how your feeling,ive been alone for several years now and it's very hard to meet a person that shares your same interests,the mountains of north Ga,NC, and Tennessee are really beautiful if your interested in moving something like that might be of interest to you,I sure hope the best for you and that everything works out the way you would like them to,stay safe and blessings for you
I hope you find your way. I love watching your videos. ❤
Stella,
I think you need to take some time to figure out what You want and need in life and then make that happen. You're a strong independent woman with an education that puts you in a positive position, you just need to figure out what you want to do long term.
I made some suggestions on some potential career moves, teaching with summers off to hike, doing your videos to promote hiking for specific communities (working with the Chamber of Commerce so you get paid). But it's your life and I think you need to spend some time figuring out what you want to do and where you want to live.
Good luck!!!!
I respect your thinking and decisions and think you have reached a difficult but wise conclusion. Life is no single straight path and you have simply reached a branch and made a decision. Although I am glad you are not planning any more hitches in the short term. I can appreciate how that was wearing on you. Rest, relax and take time to plan your next step. The trail will always be there when you are ready. Looking forward to seeing what comes next ❤.
Growing pangs. It will work out as it's supposed to, but the angst is necessary. It will lead you to what's next. Remember, you don't need to figure out your entire life. Wishing that inspiration comes your way so you can find your joy.
I wish you all the best. It is not easy to find oneself, clearly. I think I would do better at it the fewer the distractions I had. You seem to have a lot of distractions trying to complete your hike. My hunch is you have made the right decision.
Not sure if you have access to another car, but I did see a vlogger do the whole AT with 2 cars. Basically he went NOBO, but when he hiked he hiked SOBO back to his southern most car. He then drove it X miles North of his other car and repeated the process. It was great for resupplies and town hops always being a week or away from a vehicle. Good luck with life Stella on what ever path you take.
Sounds like an extremely expensive way to hike. Owning a car costs about 5000 to 10000 $ annually including all expences. Renting a car is about 400 to 600 $ weekly including insurance
@@pikeshike Oh sure, but he already owned the cars and his family dropped him off at the start of the trail and picked him up when it was over. My issue in doing it is finding a safe place to park it without it get vandalized. He never had any issues.
Hi Stella, oh those life decisions. We enjoy your videos. Keep in touch please. Take care.
I am like you in not knowing where I want to be grounded or if I even want to be officially grounded with the expense of a house and everything that goes along with owning a house. Rent is outrageous and I’m working 2 jobs and still barely covering everything. I work from 8-9 sometimes later and it’s tough. I too am in the school business as a TA and it pays ok for maybe years ago.
ahh stella ,i guess u know what is best 4 u.hope whatever u choose to do, works out 4 u.....goodluck.
Winter is coming. Lots of hikes in New Mexico and Arizona. Any friends down there?
I feel your pain Stella. Get off that trail. You need a clear head. You’re young and have plenty of time
It's difficult to rent now without having a friend or even just a random roommate to share costs. With your variety of experience and education, if you go the 9-5 route you might find working in the commercial sector rather than public as more lucrative for you. We're rooting for you no matter what you decide to do.
I'm so sorry that you're so conflicted. It's the worse feeling! Waiting until next year while you try to find yourself I think is a good idea. I will be sad if you leave social media as I've been following you since the AT. Things WILL fall into place! We are all so proud of you for making these hard decisions. In the meantime, I will keep looking for anything you post! Your photography skills are fantastic. Maybe there's an online Outdoor magazine or website that needs someone to go out take beautiful nature pictures/video of nature ( with voice over if they are videos). You could be your own boss. You are so talented with so many natural born gifts. Chin up girlfriend. We've all got you! ❤
Stella, you are a beautiful and charming young lady. I don’t think I saw you any happier than when you were seeing that young sailor fella. I have been married over 47 years. Interest come and go but there is no better satisfaction than having a soul mate. Hang in there! You will do great!
@Dan, hello Dan from Poland and my channe😊
Honestly, nobody hikes the CDT the way you are trying to do it. (Southbound, solo, with car.) It's not that you should give up the triple crown goal, it's that you need to rethink your strategy. Kate Cloud a very strong female hiker talked about going southbound but was delayed due to her mom getting cancer and her grandmother dying. Maybe she hikes it next year? She is one of many that would make it a better hike for you. You can hike alone when you feel like it but too much alone will be problematic on the CDT. Even if you kept your car having a partner would make the situation that much easier with two vehicles, most hikers of coarse don't bring the car.
Your online community is string, but I get it, you want to find your "person". But you still have to do what you want to do, otherwise you'll always yearn for what's the trail like. What about being a park ranger, some come with housing? Work at an outfitter or hostel a long trail, like the AT. Don't settle, keep thinking and search for what truly is a good fit for you. Good luck
Listen to your gut and your body.
WORK is a 4 letter word.
So is HIKE.
Hmmm maybe take a break from hiking, the trails will be there. To me it looks like you are a bit lost on what you really want to do.
Stella, stop hitching. It's dangerous. You need to find a shuttle arrangement if you are going to continue.