These were very good points, Stella.👍 But it all played out as it was supposed to. Like helping Tally, meeting Coyote and Leffe, and averting the rain issues here in Maine. One big thing I took away from your vlogs was doing a better job of letting go and bouncing back. 😊 Congratulations again on this achievement, we'll done indeed. ✌️
No regrets from me. I feel fortunate to have found you at video day 1 and followed for four months. You are an amazing person and hiker. Whatever you do, don't second guess your accomplishment
Stella you are someone who is in touch with her emotions, passions, and dreams. You instinctively knew how you had to hike to achieve the challenge you had set for yourself. You did a masterful job, and inspired many along the way.
It seems to me that you are likely a very determined person and a can see you pushing for miles and avoiding breaks. I'm glad that your knees are doing much better! 🌸🧡
I’m glad you are continuing to keep in touch with your followers thru these follow-up vlogs. It’s quite a feat you accomplished, especially sticking it out through those rough spells, demonstrating the amount of perseverence and determination you have. Kudos to you!
The lessons learned are your gifts from the AT. Great Reflections on self-care. You showed great wisdom beginning when you did...YOU FINISHED! Once and done! Bravo!
I really enjoyed this. You have always kept it real and honest with your views (fans), so this was another layer. Thanks for continuing to post. Colorado looks beautiful.
Dear Stella I totally agree with Chris. They are definitely lessons not regrets! I just so so appreciate hearing you state that you wish you would’ve taken more zeros because the whole time I followed you from the day you started even before you started when you were planning. But from the time you started, I kept talking to you like you could really hear me ha ha! But I kept saying, Stella relax take a break! because I know you are a very very strong and driven woman and I admire you so much for that! But my goodness that trail is so incredible and sometimes it’s really great to stop and smell the roses and enjoy the nature and rest your body ❤️ I really look forward to seeing your next video when you talk about all of the other ideas and things that you would like to talk about because I really really love hearing about your lessons on the trail and what you experienced because I want to do that trail someday. That’s my dream, I hope I can be in good enough health to do it. I’m going to try my best Colorado looks so beautiful! I really hope you have a wonderful wonderful life there. You are in my thoughts and prayers every day.🙏🙏💗
Going out now miserable Florida heat to walk 5miles- U helped inspire me, thank you. Reminded me of when I worked Yellowstone Park 2013& hiked like crazy
I was waiting for you to mention the tent. You were extremely lucky that Leffe is the person you ended up hiking with. A lot of people probably would not have been too keen on having another person in their not very big tent through two states. Personally, I would probably be worried that they were only begrudgingly letting me join out of guilt because the bugs were so bad, and not that they necessarily were eager to share the space with me. But like I said, you got lucky with Leffe, and he seems to be a very compassionate and kind person. So you were probably fine. I wouldn’t say there are things you SHOULD regret… But I was surprised that you didn’t mention leaving so early and not being at least slightly in the bubble. In the first half of your hike I definitely recall a good chunk of comments about you being alone and lonely, and that a lot of waysides you were excited to reach were actually still closed. I wasn’t really until you joined back up with Leffe and Coyote that you seemed to get cheerful again. There was definitely a somber patch in the middle where you were alone and seemed pretty sad. So I kind of expected you to mention that. But again, not saying you SHOULD regret it, just that I thought you might. Regardless, you finished the trail, and you appear to be in good shape and good spirits, so that is the main thing. A huge accomplishment, and thank you so much for sharing it with us!
Thank you for sharing Stella! "A good pilot is compelled to always evaluate what has happened, so he can apply what he's learned." Viper to Maverick in the first Top Gun I think there is a difference in "regrets vs what would I do different next time." I hope to begin my hike this Fall and you shared some real wisdom here. Thank you and congratulations!
You had the most excellent trail experience at hostels up and down the trail. More hostel nights, it seemed, than lots of other hikers. You finished so no regrets !! Your timing always seemed perfect in the moment.
Regret is just one of many bi-products of the amazing capability of the mind to reflect backwards in time and analyze our decisions and actions. We shouldn’t give it too much credence for countless reasons. Thank you for reminding us all of that one Stella. You are one hell of an inspiration.
Not regrets, just learnings. Bravo Stella, you’ve completed something very physically and emotionally difficult. You persevered when the going got tough, time and time again. A role model for young women.
Good morning Stella! Congratulations again on an Outstanding Appalachian through Hike. 🎉❤ You have impressed me everyday of your Strength and Determination to thrive and Achieve your end goal. Not everyone I'm sure is in as great shape physically & Mentally as you are when starting out on their hike. l asked if you would do anything different just to help others that might want to attempt the hike themselves. The things you discuss might be a life saver to someone not prepared for the hike. I'm glad you met a someone to hike with that could keep your pace. 😅 I still think its better to hike with another hiker just in case you get hurt. It's good to hear that your knees are getting better. Long term knee pain is not fun at all. Its good to hear from you again and I hope you're enjoying your time off and have something exciting planned for your future. Best wishes Always! 🙏 ❤
.. You did Great !! Easy to look back and be critical of yourself .. It's NOT a race ,, as they say take time to enjoy the time and place where you are .. We all have different reasons to be out on trails in the wild but cherish the experience .. Decisions are made daily somtimes in the moment ,, there is no playbook or at least shouldn't be .. Huge Accomplishment to finish ,, be proud ,, give yourself a well deserved pat on the back ... Stay Safe and God Bless ..
Sorry for an off-topic comment - but you should adjust the straps of your bike helmet so that it fits properly. If it's so far back and if you really fall (which I hope you don't) it can do more damage to your neck/spine.
I like your short post-trail videos! They help me feel still connected with you. I'm glad you made the analysis at the end where you said that you regret not taking more zeros and pushing yourself so hard, HOWEVER, if you hadn't you would have gotten caught in all that flooding in New York & New England. So there were unknown benefits to doing that after all. I do have one big regret about my last section hike of the AT -- I regret breaking my leg in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area on April 30th. I'm not sure how I could have prevented that. But I still feeling the repercussions of it. I can only walk a mile-and-a-half now, and every step hurts. It's very annoying. But hopefully, this too shall pass.
it's good to self reflect. You can carry those lessons forward. and note: all your "regrets" revolve around your self-care. Keep that in mind for sure. Thank you for your journey. It's been wild to watch you. My hubby and I are just leaving for a Hanover to Rangeley section. Expecting mud,bugs and rain. Bigly! Will let you know our regrets when we return!
Reaching out because you moved to my home town! I’ll keep it secret. Been watching your adventures for years and I’m so excited for you… this is a wonderful place to live. My husband and I have lived here for over 30 years and we are avid hikers… our biggest through hike so far, was the Camino in Spain, (we vlogged it on TH-cam) We’ve also been section hiking the Colorado trail. Love to connect… Your spirit is bright! Wishing you all the best!!! 😊
Taking a leap backwards in thought is a pondering for an alternate present. What ifs make an interesting conversation. Yet, by changing the past it upsets the present. You probably would not have met Leffe. What you have incredibly succeeded in doing was done as it should be. Instead of calling it a regret, I would say it is lessons learned. Most of the things we do in life is trial and error. We can’t learn if we don’t make mistakes. Humans have survived because we have learned to adapt, improvise and overcome. More is lost through inaction than taking a chance and making a mistake. Be well. Wishing you good fortune and good health!
This topic is so helpful. I start my SOBO CT hike August 8 and I am wanting to take it slow and squeeze every bit of enjoyment out of it and hike it with minimal regrets
Fun fact - some of the touristy shops sell t-shirts with a large picture of mosquito and the caption "Maine State Bird." Most of the flying biting insects in ME and NH are most active from Mid-May to Mid-June, but that time period can shift by a couple of weeks or be a bit longer depending on spring weather. However, once mosquitos come out (sometimes as early as April), they are present until frost comes in the fall. Thankfully they are not as thick or swarming in the fall, so fall hiking is great, but they are still around. Sometimes if there is a warm spell during the winter months you might be able to spot one or two hearty ones that emerge. Peace, Love and Kindness.
You finished the AT and didn’t get kicked off trail. Your points are all valid but everything happens for a reason . You are very strong and your journey was incredible ! Many behind you have voluntarily left the trail because of the dangerous conditions . You and Leffe were on the trail at the right time! Thanks for sharing your thoughts ! Hope to hear more from you soon!
Regrets are just a tool we use for self improvement for the future. Not a negative thing really. To me, your list sounded like "take more time for me, my body, my health, heart and mind. Have fun. Forgive myself ". You did an amazing athletic push, but that always comes at a cost. Next thru hike you will remember this list.
You made hiking the AT look easy Stella! I'm sure it wasn't! It was a joy following along with you! Your town in Colorado looks lovely, you're so lucky to live near a pretty bike trail like that! :)
Good morning Stella .. no regrets it's a learning experience; mistakes make the best learning ..to awnser a question you asked at the end the only mistakes is zeros in the whites the risks you two took were a life threatening factor..especially on the preasentiaks. Short haystack and Lafayette. My heart was heavy watching those videos...we lost a hiker in white out condition in November her name was Emily Satoro 💔 in the same place you were struggling those high winds..I'm so glad your safe..however never trust the whites they are so unpredictable 😢..that's where I so wished you took time off..until the crossings were safer and weather all together ❤️ glad your both safe and I watch you and tailor all the time I may not comment because most of time I watch you guys on big screen TV so I can't comment..I will be attempting AT next year.2024 I would love to do utube just need to learn how..last question Laffy going to finish his thru hike in October maybe you can join him and utube him just a thought..anyways keep up your videos you are such a inspiration to many of us.
Pennsylvania is called the Keystone State, like a keystone holding together a stone arch, of the original 13 British Colonies.... No surprise then, its halfway challenge on the AT, the Rocky Underfoot!
I think its awesome!! Congratulations again. Wish you had experienced the Whites in more clear weather.especially Franconia ridge.That's ok. Looking forward to more updates. So so true about the past weather here in New England. Vermont wow.👍🌲
What a nice surprise getting this video pop up at midday again in the UK👍 I miss the daily uploads, they became part of my morning routine with coffee and biscuits😀 Looks beautiful there in Colorado. (who won the tennis?😂)....🇬🇧💙👋
Enjoyed watching the later part of your hike when I found you. Google Vermonts flooding disaster that happened this week. I’ve spoken to a few through hikers that I passed by this week in West Hartford VT. Warning them if our really bad weather here in the northeast. More rain coming for the foreseeable future!
Looks like a beautiful area. Glad to see your wearing a helmet😊 Don't take this the wrong way but the front should be lower on your head, protect that noggin. I tell my grandkids bones heal, your brain doesn't❤ You shouldn't have any regrets, you did awesome! Live and learn
You should have no regrets!! One thing I always thought of when watching your videos. You should write a book. About hiking and backpacking I know it would be a great one.❤❤❤
Yeah, I was recommending at the beginning of your hike of taking your time and smell the roses so to speak but in hind sight you made the best decision and got ahead of the flooding in VT. A little more care of your knees was the only thing you could have done better but who am I to really say it when in 98 I nearly blew out my knee in Va from rushing and trying to keep up with others ;-)
It’s good to have regrets, it gives us something to reflect on, and also will help other people. Question: Did you have your knees examined by a doctor, or have any X-rays done? How do your knees feel now?
Well you definitely went too fast. You did finish before all the flooding, but you missed out on the best time of the year in New England. Which would be the fall and all the fall colors. It's hard to enjoy your hike when it's raining, snowing and cold.
Just me, but when I see a garage like that I expect to see her pull out some old, classic motorcycle, some Triumph, Norton or maybe a Harley-Davidson. As I said, just me, had a "wha"? moment and then she pulled out a bike...whew. And I ride bikes, not motorcycles, just had this image in my head for a moment.
You're lucky you finished. Some are having to pause their hike for a while. The New England states are pretty flooded right now and rivers and streams not passable.
I think you should add how many on trail zeros you might have taken and go camping somewhere to make up for it, than you'll have no regrets. Eventually you might be able to do what I do or the outdoor review guy does and find a camping location that you love that is for sale. I have a lakefront house in the woods with enough acreage to camp on as well, the privacy and experience never gets old.
Well now you know Stella 😂 I mean you make a good review of your hike and it's a good thing for the next one 👍 but you know if you had done your hike differently well some nice things that you had enjoyed maybe would haven't happened so I guess it was the way it should be . Even this year in Quebec weather is so strange heat wave smoke from fire storm too much rain or not enough and a lot a lot of mosquitoes too 😵😂 have a good summer 💚
Hmmm.......sugar.....didn't I hear that about a year ago on the first day of the CDT lol. I must say I always did worry about your nutrition and getting enough protein. Maybe a video on nourishment on the trail??
Not necessarily as a 'regret,' but if you had it all to do over again, would you have started later in the spring? The reason I ask is that the flood waters/rains may have subsided by then(it was an unusual early summer)and given way to real summer and, as the season wears on, the bugs lessen in numbers and intensity, up north. Both things might have been more manageable with a bit of a later start. Thanks for sharing. Be well, stay safe. 🥾
I really appreciate your honesty, I think the advice was very sound. I've seen a lot of hikers establish a morning yoga routine and skip zero days and ended up regretting it so they definitely are essential but yeah I feel like your gut knew you needed to push bc the trail sections would be closing 😅. I was worried about the Tarp, I'm from the East coast and the rain here with bugs can be so next level annoying that having even just a netted tent seems essential to me. I'd love to see a comparison video of East vs. West coast gear that you felt is essential and not so essential. Eating healthy on trail is a major concern for me bc I've seen a lot of Dollar general re-supplies and sugar loaded caches and loved the broccoli slaw idea. Did you find it harder to find that up north for resupply or did you just end up craving more sugar lol sorry for the long comment.
You did a great job and be happy you missed the bad weather. Atrip to consider for the future would be to do the 100 mile wilderness in the fall. Maine is absolutely beautiful then and not being pushed to finish the AT, you can take a bit more time to enjoy the views.
Thank you for this retrospective of your AT thru-hike. I'm curious how much getting off-trail on the CDT impacted your drive to stay on-trail on the AT? Was there some motivation to prove to yourself that you could still thru-hike a long trail, especially having done so with the PCT?
It’s amazing that you hiked through all of Pennsylvania without taking a zero but I would recommend combining a zero day with a little fun excursion to a nearby waterfall/swimming hole for cold water soaks as well as a much needed R & R and a break from the trail. For example, excellent opportunities for cold water soaks exist at Hackers Falls and Tumbling Waters Falls in the Delaware Water Gap area. The AT goes right by the Allenberry Resort in Boiling Springs. SPLURGE for 1 night, swim in their pool, get their famous sticky bun and espresso and relax, dip your feet in the yellow breeches river. Believe me, you’ll be rejuvenated and re-charged for the journey ahead. Same goes for Hot Springs NC. Book an hour at the Hot Springs Resort for a soak overlooking the French Broad River and feel free to jump in the river for hot/cold water therapy. In Elk Park NC There’s Elk River falls right off the trail, a classic swimming hole and a great place to take a zero. Overall Run Falls in Shenandoah,I could go on and on but my point is it’s just as important to SCHEDULE ahead of time your zero days as it is to schedule supply pick-ups, but furthermore, make them creative,fun, therapeutic/rejuvenating and not just a necessity based on sheer exhaustion.
Good video… did you have your helmet on backwards? Needs to ride more level on your head and protect your forehead… especially if you are filming while you are riding! Hahahah 👍
Yep, icing, stretching, and anti-inflammatories is a must for swollen joints. And sugar is a killer, adding to inflammation. For your next hike, I hope you do research in to how you can eat better to be sure you consume enough protein and carbs. A body needs a lot of fuel for through-hiking.
It really is very common for thru-hikers to identify a need for change to better their situation on trail and then not follow through -- hiker sinning -- and then you pay for it later!
@@StellaHikes Since you are in Northern Colorado, you should hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Go really early in the morning to avoid the crowds and entry restrictions. Also I like your bike vlogs like this. Maybe you can explore more of the bike trails in your area. 👍
I recommend Medicine Bow peak-Snowy Range about 2 hours from you in WY-so beautiful! It was my first backpacking trip in the early 90’s. Even though gear was heavier back then, I don’t regret it. 😊
I too regret not taking enough Zeroes. If I do it again (with my wife), I will certainly take more. I also regret not taking videos of the people I met, so I can remember them better.
On trail zeros sound great but man.. if you feel guilty for taking zeros anyways, you should feel the guilt as you see your hiking friends hike past you while you are just posted up at a shelter haha. Town/hostel zeros are where it’s at so you can get good food and good rest with the plus of not having to watch your friends walk past lol. Those make zeros worth it to me, personally.
Maybe you felt that taking "zeroes" somehow made you appear you were slacking in some way? You weren't, of course. But in your head, you felt it was. 🤷
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These were very good points, Stella.👍 But it all played out as it was supposed to. Like helping Tally, meeting Coyote and Leffe, and averting the rain issues here in Maine. One big thing I took away from your vlogs was doing a better job of letting go and bouncing back. 😊 Congratulations again on this achievement, we'll done indeed. ✌️
Good morning Stella!
Call them "lessons" not regrets.
Life is one big lesson.
Take care & congratulations! ❤
Every morning I wake up will teach me a lesson.
No regrets from me. I feel fortunate to have found you at video day 1 and followed for four months. You are an amazing person and hiker. Whatever you do, don't second guess your accomplishment
Oh, those trademark Stella sighs. Thanks for sharing your journey.
Stella you are someone who is in touch with her emotions, passions, and dreams. You instinctively knew how you had to hike to achieve the challenge you had set for yourself. You did a masterful job, and inspired many along the way.
It seems to me that you are likely a very determined person and a can see you pushing for miles and avoiding breaks. I'm glad that your knees are doing much better! 🌸🧡
no”regrets” .. You finished it. To me that’s a large accomplishment.
DITTO 🎊
It’s a huge accomplishment..... absolutely NO REGRETS! RESPECT!!
Exactly, total respect! Maybe
"What I'd do differently if I hiked the AT again",would be a better phrase. ✌️
You should have NO regrets, girl! You didn't know what you didn't know! These were learning opportunities! What an accomplishment! You are AMAZING!!!
Nothing wrong with having regrets; that is how we learn and grow.
I’m glad you are continuing to keep in touch with your followers thru these follow-up vlogs. It’s quite a feat you accomplished, especially sticking it out through those rough spells, demonstrating the amount of perseverence and determination you have. Kudos to you!
The lessons learned are your gifts from the AT.
Great Reflections on self-care.
You showed great wisdom beginning when you did...YOU FINISHED! Once and done! Bravo!
Congratulations, Stella, you did it, and you did it well!!
I really enjoyed this. You have always kept it real and honest with your views (fans), so this was another layer. Thanks for continuing to post. Colorado looks beautiful.
Dear Stella I totally agree with Chris. They are definitely lessons not regrets! I just so so appreciate hearing you state that you wish you would’ve taken more zeros because the whole time I followed you from the day you started even before you started when you were planning. But from the time you started, I kept talking to you like you could really hear me ha ha! But I kept saying, Stella relax take a break! because I know you are a very very strong and driven woman and I admire you so much for that! But my goodness that trail is so incredible and sometimes it’s really great to stop and smell the roses and enjoy the nature and rest your body ❤️ I really look forward to seeing your next video when you talk about all of the other ideas and things that you would like to talk about because I really really love hearing about your lessons on the trail and what you experienced because I want to do that trail someday. That’s my dream, I hope I can be in good enough health to do it. I’m going to try my best Colorado looks so beautiful! I really hope you have a wonderful wonderful life there. You are in my thoughts and prayers every day.🙏🙏💗
Going out now miserable Florida heat to walk 5miles- U helped inspire me, thank you. Reminded me of when I worked Yellowstone Park 2013& hiked like crazy
Life is much to short for regrets - live and learn and be happy for the opportunity. Best to your future adventures.
Yeah, you finished just in time ,..super bad weather in Vermont and NH
I loved your positivity Stella. Also enjoyed your journey. There’s no regreting just learning. Hike on!
What's so cool is that the same chill beats go along with you whetever you go
So jelly
I think you were so smart to finish early inspite of the bugs. You had an amazing adventue!
"No ragrets" ...we're the Miller's ref....you havr no need to regret anything..it unfolded the way it did and it was a complete success ...well done
I was waiting for you to mention the tent. You were extremely lucky that Leffe is the person you ended up hiking with. A lot of people probably would not have been too keen on having another person in their not very big tent through two states. Personally, I would probably be worried that they were only begrudgingly letting me join out of guilt because the bugs were so bad, and not that they necessarily were eager to share the space with me. But like I said, you got lucky with Leffe, and he seems to be a very compassionate and kind person. So you were probably fine. I wouldn’t say there are things you SHOULD regret… But I was surprised that you didn’t mention leaving so early and not being at least slightly in the bubble. In the first half of your hike I definitely recall a good chunk of comments about you being alone and lonely, and that a lot of waysides you were excited to reach were actually still closed. I wasn’t really until you joined back up with Leffe and Coyote that you seemed to get cheerful again. There was definitely a somber patch in the middle where you were alone and seemed pretty sad. So I kind of expected you to mention that. But again, not saying you SHOULD regret it, just that I thought you might. Regardless, you finished the trail, and you appear to be in good shape and good spirits, so that is the main thing. A huge accomplishment, and thank you so much for sharing it with us!
Thank you for sharing Stella! "A good pilot is compelled to always evaluate what has happened, so he can apply what he's learned." Viper to Maverick in the first Top Gun
I think there is a difference in "regrets vs what would I do different next time." I hope to begin my hike this Fall and you shared some real wisdom here. Thank you and congratulations!
Let's nominate Stella as the AT Maverick!
You had the most excellent trail experience at hostels up and down the trail. More hostel nights, it seemed, than lots of other hikers.
You finished so no regrets !! Your timing always seemed perfect in the moment.
Yeah, I hear what your saying but as a viewer from Day 1 it was so much fun to watch!!!!! Thanks Stella for all the GREAT VIDEOS!
Regret is just one of many bi-products of the amazing capability of the mind to reflect backwards in time and analyze our decisions and actions. We shouldn’t give it too much credence for countless reasons. Thank you for reminding us all of that one Stella. You are one hell of an inspiration.
You finished it young lady. That is awesome. Shouldn't have any regrets. See ya in the next one.
Not regrets, just learnings. Bravo Stella, you’ve completed something very physically and emotionally difficult. You persevered when the going got tough, time and time again. A role model for young women.
You are an endurance champion and I'm sure glad I don't have to try to keep up with you ! I think you're amazing.
You got it done and at this point that’s all that matters! Great job🎉
What a great and fun video ❤ Always love the ending - bye! 😊
Good morning Stella! Congratulations again on an Outstanding Appalachian through Hike. 🎉❤ You have impressed me everyday of your Strength and Determination to thrive and Achieve your end goal. Not everyone I'm sure is in as great shape physically & Mentally as you are when starting out on their hike. l asked if you would do anything different just to help others that might want to attempt the hike themselves. The things you discuss might be a life saver to someone not prepared for the hike. I'm glad you met a someone to hike with that could keep your pace. 😅 I still think its better to hike with another hiker just in case you get hurt. It's good to hear that your knees are getting better. Long term knee pain is not fun at all. Its good to hear from you again and I hope you're enjoying your time off and have something exciting planned for your future. Best wishes Always! 🙏 ❤
.. You did Great !! Easy to look back and be critical of yourself .. It's NOT a race ,, as they say take time to enjoy the time and place where you are .. We all have different reasons to be out on trails in the wild but cherish the experience .. Decisions are made daily somtimes in the moment ,, there is no playbook or at least shouldn't be .. Huge Accomplishment to finish ,, be proud ,, give yourself a well deserved pat on the back ... Stay Safe and God Bless ..
Sorry for an off-topic comment - but you should adjust the straps of your bike helmet so that it fits properly. If it's so far back and if you really fall (which I hope you don't) it can do more damage to your neck/spine.
Absolutely a good comment - at least she wears a helmet - and I've perchance used my helmet in such a way that needed it to be worn correctly.
All I can say is you a brave young lady! And strong . Enjoyed watching the last part of your hike
I like your short post-trail videos! They help me feel still connected with you. I'm glad you made the analysis at the end where you said that you regret not taking more zeros and pushing yourself so hard, HOWEVER, if you hadn't you would have gotten caught in all that flooding in New York & New England. So there were unknown benefits to doing that after all. I do have one big regret about my last section hike of the AT -- I regret breaking my leg in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area on April 30th. I'm not sure how I could have prevented that. But I still feeling the repercussions of it. I can only walk a mile-and-a-half now, and every step hurts. It's very annoying. But hopefully, this too shall pass.
it's good to self reflect. You can carry those lessons forward. and note: all your "regrets" revolve around your self-care. Keep that in mind for sure. Thank you for your journey. It's been wild to watch you. My hubby and I are just leaving for a Hanover to Rangeley section. Expecting mud,bugs and rain. Bigly! Will let you know our regrets when we return!
Reaching out because you moved to my home town! I’ll keep it secret. Been watching your adventures for years and I’m so excited for you… this is a wonderful place to live.
My husband and I have lived here for over 30 years and we are avid hikers… our biggest through hike so far, was the Camino in Spain, (we vlogged it on TH-cam) We’ve also been section hiking the Colorado trail. Love to connect…
Your spirit is bright! Wishing you all the best!!! 😊
Taking a leap backwards in thought is a pondering for an alternate present. What ifs make an interesting conversation. Yet, by changing the past it upsets the present. You probably would not have met Leffe. What you have incredibly succeeded in doing was done as it should be. Instead of calling it a regret, I would say it is lessons learned. Most of the things we do in life is trial and error. We can’t learn if we don’t make mistakes. Humans have survived because we have learned to adapt, improvise and overcome. More is lost through inaction than taking a chance and making a mistake. Be well. Wishing you good fortune and good health!
This topic is so helpful. I start my SOBO CT hike August 8 and I am wanting to take it slow and squeeze every bit of enjoyment out of it and hike it with minimal regrets
Congratulations 🎉on finishing 👏
BEAUTIFUL BIKE PATH!!!! REALLY COOL!!!!
Fun fact - some of the touristy shops sell t-shirts with a large picture of mosquito and the caption "Maine State Bird." Most of the flying biting insects in ME and NH are most active from Mid-May to Mid-June, but that time period can shift by a couple of weeks or be a bit longer depending on spring weather. However, once mosquitos come out (sometimes as early as April), they are present until frost comes in the fall. Thankfully they are not as thick or swarming in the fall, so fall hiking is great, but they are still around. Sometimes if there is a warm spell during the winter months you might be able to spot one or two hearty ones that emerge. Peace, Love and Kindness.
You finished the AT and didn’t get kicked off trail. Your points are all valid but everything happens for a reason . You are very strong and your journey was incredible ! Many behind you have voluntarily left the trail because of the dangerous conditions . You and Leffe were on the trail at the right time! Thanks for sharing your thoughts ! Hope to hear more from you soon!
Regrets are just a tool we use for self improvement for the future. Not a negative thing really. To me, your list sounded like "take more time for me, my body, my health, heart and mind. Have fun. Forgive myself ". You did an amazing athletic push, but that always comes at a cost. Next thru hike you will remember this list.
Stella I love your blogs and hope to see you do more.
Agree!!
You made hiking the AT look easy Stella! I'm sure it wasn't! It was a joy following along with you! Your town in Colorado looks lovely, you're so lucky to live near a pretty bike trail like that! :)
Good morning Stella .. no regrets it's a learning experience; mistakes make the best learning ..to awnser a question you asked at the end the only mistakes is zeros in the whites the risks you two took were a life threatening factor..especially on the preasentiaks. Short haystack and Lafayette. My heart was heavy watching those videos...we lost a hiker in white out condition in November her name was Emily Satoro 💔 in the same place you were struggling those high winds..I'm so glad your safe..however never trust the whites they are so unpredictable 😢..that's where I so wished you took time off..until the crossings were safer and weather all together ❤️ glad your both safe and I watch you and tailor all the time I may not comment because most of time I watch you guys on big screen TV so I can't comment..I will be attempting AT next year.2024 I would love to do utube just need to learn how..last question Laffy going to finish his thru hike in October maybe you can join him and utube him just a thought..anyways keep up your videos you are such a inspiration to many of us.
Pretty minor changes. You did an awesome job with this trek! ❤
Good morning Stella!😊
You are very brave Stella... sitting on grass with white pants. lol Keep these videos coming. You're awesome!
Pennsylvania is called the Keystone State, like a keystone holding together a stone arch, of the original 13 British Colonies....
No surprise then, its halfway challenge on the AT, the Rocky Underfoot!
There are no mistakes just lessons.feel proud . you did well.
Smile is radiant 😊
I think its awesome!! Congratulations again. Wish you had experienced the Whites in more clear weather.especially Franconia ridge.That's ok. Looking forward to more updates. So so true about the past weather here in New England. Vermont wow.👍🌲
What a nice surprise getting this video pop up at midday again in the UK👍 I miss the daily uploads, they became part of my morning routine with coffee and biscuits😀 Looks beautiful there in Colorado. (who won the tennis?😂)....🇬🇧💙👋
Enjoyed watching the later part of your hike when I found you.
Google Vermonts flooding disaster that happened this week. I’ve spoken to a few through hikers that I passed by this week in West Hartford VT.
Warning them if our really bad weather here in the northeast.
More rain coming for the foreseeable future!
You did an awesome job. You made it. ❤
You should do a cool down hike, like the Camino de Santiago in Spain.
Finding more ways to take care of yourself seems like a good plan for the future ❤
Looks like a beautiful area. Glad to see your wearing a helmet😊 Don't take this the wrong way but the front should be lower on your head, protect that noggin. I tell my grandkids bones heal, your brain doesn't❤ You shouldn't have any regrets, you did awesome! Live and learn
You should have no regrets!! One thing I always thought of when watching your videos. You should write a book. About hiking and backpacking I know it would be a great one.❤❤❤
You did what you thought best at the time🌻👣
Yeah, I was recommending at the beginning of your hike of taking your time and smell the roses so to speak but in hind sight you made the best decision and got ahead of the flooding in VT. A little more care of your knees was the only thing you could have done better but who am I to really say it when in 98 I nearly blew out my knee in Va from rushing and trying to keep up with others ;-)
Tremendous accomplishment. Hike your hike no regrets!
You should not have any regrets.
You did you hike you way.
Please keep videos coming.
Regard Indy Diver
It’s good to have regrets, it gives us something to reflect on, and also will help other people.
Question: Did you have your knees examined by a doctor, or have any X-rays done? How do your knees feel now?
Well you definitely went too fast. You did finish before all the flooding, but you missed out on the best time of the year in New England. Which would be the fall and all the fall colors. It's hard to enjoy your hike when it's raining, snowing and cold.
I am impressed that you did the hike so fast. You really pushed and now you're in decompression mode. What's next?
Great insight into the impact of sugar on inflammation!!!
Just me, but when I see a garage like that I expect to see her pull out some old, classic motorcycle, some Triumph, Norton or maybe a Harley-Davidson. As I said, just me, had a "wha"? moment and then she pulled out a bike...whew. And I ride bikes, not motorcycles, just had this image in my head for a moment.
You're lucky you finished. Some are having to pause their hike for a while. The New England states are pretty flooded right now and rivers and streams not passable.
True, it’s good you finished when you did. It would have been much more difficult if you got caught in these rains.
I think you should add how many on trail zeros you might have taken and go camping somewhere to make up for it, than you'll have no regrets. Eventually you might be able to do what I do or the outdoor review guy does and find a camping location that you love that is for sale. I have a lakefront house in the woods with enough acreage to camp on as well, the privacy and experience never gets old.
Well now you know Stella 😂 I mean you make a good review of your hike and it's a good thing for the next one 👍 but you know if you had done your hike differently well some nice things that you had enjoyed maybe would haven't happened so I guess it was the way it should be . Even this year in Quebec weather is so strange heat wave smoke from fire storm too much rain or not enough and a lot a lot of mosquitoes too 😵😂 have a good summer 💚
Food is medicine…if it’s healthy. 😊Listen to your body. Great video. Great you made it through before the flooding though.❤
Hmmm.......sugar.....didn't I hear that about a year ago on the first day of the CDT lol. I must say I always did worry about your nutrition and getting enough protein. Maybe a video on nourishment on the trail??
Not necessarily as a 'regret,' but if you had it all to do over again, would you have started later in the spring? The reason I ask is that the flood waters/rains may have subsided by then(it was an unusual early summer)and given way to real summer and, as the season wears on, the bugs lessen in numbers and intensity, up north. Both things might have been more manageable with a bit of a later start. Thanks for sharing. Be well, stay safe. 🥾
I really appreciate your honesty, I think the advice was very sound. I've seen a lot of hikers establish a morning yoga routine and skip zero days and ended up regretting it so they definitely are essential but yeah I feel like your gut knew you needed to push bc the trail sections would be closing 😅. I was worried about the Tarp, I'm from the East coast and the rain here with bugs can be so next level annoying that having even just a netted tent seems essential to me. I'd love to see a comparison video of East vs. West coast gear that you felt is essential and not so essential. Eating healthy on trail is a major concern for me bc I've seen a lot of Dollar general re-supplies and sugar loaded caches and loved the broccoli slaw idea. Did you find it harder to find that up north for resupply or did you just end up craving more sugar lol sorry for the long comment.
The weather is still crazy in the north east-rain,rain,
and more rain , hot and humid
The universe colluded with you to get you complete before the big floods
You did a great job and be happy you missed the bad weather. Atrip to consider for the future would be to do the 100 mile wilderness in the fall. Maine is absolutely beautiful then and not being pushed to finish the AT, you can take a bit more time to enjoy the views.
Thank you for this retrospective of your AT thru-hike. I'm curious how much getting off-trail on the CDT impacted your drive to stay on-trail on the AT? Was there some motivation to prove to yourself that you could still thru-hike a long trail, especially having done so with the PCT?
Stella Hikes and Stella Bikes
It’s amazing that you hiked through all of Pennsylvania without taking a zero but I would recommend combining a zero day with a little fun excursion to a nearby waterfall/swimming hole for cold water soaks as well as a much needed R & R and a break from the trail. For example, excellent opportunities for cold water soaks exist at Hackers Falls and Tumbling Waters Falls in the Delaware Water Gap area. The AT goes right by the Allenberry Resort in Boiling Springs. SPLURGE for 1 night, swim in their pool, get their famous sticky bun and espresso and relax, dip your feet in the yellow breeches river. Believe me, you’ll be rejuvenated and re-charged for the journey ahead. Same goes for Hot Springs NC. Book an hour at the Hot Springs Resort for a soak overlooking the French Broad River and feel free to jump in the river for hot/cold water therapy. In Elk Park NC There’s Elk River falls right off the trail, a classic swimming hole and a great place to take a zero. Overall Run Falls in Shenandoah,I could go on and on but my point is it’s just as important to SCHEDULE ahead of time your zero days as it is to schedule supply pick-ups, but furthermore, make them creative,fun, therapeutic/rejuvenating and not just a necessity based on sheer exhaustion.
Interesting...driven by Allenberry a couple times after a day hike....
@@TheJhtlag Beautiful Location right on the Yellow Breeches Creek and we’ve had the whole resort to ourselves on the two occasions we stayed.
Good video… did you have your helmet on backwards? Needs to ride more level on your head and protect your forehead… especially if you are filming while you are riding! Hahahah 👍
Would you consider videoing a hike on Manitou Springs Incline? 😊
Yep, icing, stretching, and anti-inflammatories is a must for swollen joints. And sugar is a killer, adding to inflammation. For your next hike, I hope you do research in to how you can eat better to be sure you consume enough protein and carbs. A body needs a lot of fuel for through-hiking.
Are you going to do any of the trails up around Estes Park Co. Im in Loveland co ive hike most of the trails up there.
🦋
Interesting thoughts on your hike! Thanks for sharing.
Please have someone show you how to properly wear your bike helmet.
It really is very common for thru-hikers to identify a need for change to better their situation on trail and then not follow through -- hiker sinning -- and then you pay for it later!
What is your next hiking trip?!
Not sure yet! Any ideas for me?
@@StellaHikes Since you are in Northern Colorado, you should hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Go really early in the morning to avoid the crowds and entry restrictions. Also I like your bike vlogs like this. Maybe you can explore more of the bike trails in your area. 👍
I recommend Medicine Bow peak-Snowy Range about 2 hours from you in WY-so beautiful! It was my first backpacking trip in the early 90’s. Even though gear was heavier back then, I don’t regret it. 😊
Section J with me on the PCT!
Would you rate the three long trails . . . 1) Hardest . . . 2) most fun . . . 3) ads vs dis . . . 4) Gear diffs . . .
6) Accesses . . . etc . . . ?
I too regret not taking enough Zeroes. If I do it again (with my wife), I will certainly take more. I also regret not taking videos of the people I met, so I can remember them better.
On trail zeros sound great but man.. if you feel guilty for taking zeros anyways, you should feel the guilt as you see your hiking friends hike past you while you are just posted up at a shelter haha. Town/hostel zeros are where it’s at so you can get good food and good rest with the plus of not having to watch your friends walk past lol. Those make zeros worth it to me, personally.
Great job and interesting 🤔
Wat about Kali the dog?
Have an amazing day
The Lost Sloth 🥾🔥💪❤️✌️
U r correct some hikers coming off of Bemis mtn. Could not make that river crossing
You are so awesome…. ✌️
Maybe you felt that taking "zeroes" somehow made you appear you were slacking in some way? You weren't, of course. But in your head, you felt it was. 🤷