Hey Salty...I cried too! Probably all of us did when we saw, and felt, the pain in your heart from a journey derailed. But please don't say, "...I likely won't be an AT thru-hiker this year." You ARE a thru-hiker to us!! Perhaps in the end, a thru-hiker is more defined by what's in his heart than the number of miles he completes. And you have the heart of a thru-hiker for certain. What made you so special was that combination of a gentle, sweet spirit on the inside and the tough-as-nails, gritty hiker on the outside. Your honesty and genuineness were exemplary. Even though what was destined to be one of the best hiking vlogs ever, must now take a pause, you have shown that while many vloggers can capture an audience, only an elite few can capture its heart... and you did both.
Just as you felt God on the trail, I hope you feel His presence now and know that nothing "just happens," not even sepsis. He causes some things to happen, and He allows some things to happen, but nothing "just happens" without His control. But whether caused or allowed, it's all filtered first through His heart of love, for His purpose and ultimately our good... even sepsis. We will miss you on the AT, but please keep your vlog going; you have much to offer. Praying for your complete recovery of both body and spirit. Your journey is not over... it's just on pause. . And thank you for being such a bright light shining through a window so deeply darkened by troubled times.
God was most definitely present and active in my journey, including the events to get me safely off trail (having cell service at camp for the first time in 5 days, one of my trail fam being an emt). I am so thankful for your kind words. You've been very uplifting!
I don't think "failed" is the proper label. You did hard things. You saw beautiful things. You fell in love with things. You learned things. You shared, and touched the hearts of kindred spirits. Most of all, you felt God. Failed? The journey is spiritual nourishment; the destination... just a rock. ;-)
I am soooo glad you are alright and that you're back home and feeling better! Please know that your vlogs have been my absolute favorite this year and I have great admiration for you! Your appreciation of life and all that you encounter inspires me and I truly wish you all the very best!
Condolences and Congratulations both are proper. This week I decided to make a project of helping to improve the diet of thru hikers by creating better resupply through production but even more through distribution. I’m fully aware some or most auto immune problems arise in the digestive tract. I noticed last year several hikers got some undefinable gut bug problem in Maine. Was it the pond water? Or, was it that being in a pasta coma finally destroyed the biology of their digestive tracts. I’m going to research that. Big talk by a 72 yr old stroke and heart attack victim but I’m going out there again and don’t want to die of Ramen overdose! I thoroughly enjoyed your vids and yes there is a special voice of God out there. And yes Virginia is gorgeous. And yes even we tough guys cry at the beauty at times!
Have been following your journey since Day 1. You are an incredibly strong, independent person. I have marveled at your ability to continue in the face of adversity. May God bless you with a quick recovery to full strength and health. You are a great example to friends and peers of the importance of making a plan and following through with it. You are a winner!
I’m so glad you’re ok. Even though you didn’t make it to Maine you still accomplished so much. You saw and lived things I can only dream about. Thank you for taking us along on your adventure. God bless.
I’m so sorry you had to end your thru hike this year, but the most important thing is that you are ok! I just started watching your videos this week, and I really enjoyed them, so thanks for sharing. And I’m glad that you got to experience all those picturesque sceneries and all the good (and the less good) days on the AT. You are so strong!
So sorry for your circumstances, kiddo. You’re a trooper. I’m certain your family is glad to see you and embrace you. Get strong. Stay safe. I’ll stay subscribed. 🙂
Just started watching your videos. So sorry to hear that your hike ended so unexpectedly. Hope you have the opportunity to hike the AT again . You should certainly be proud of what you accomplished. Best of luck - stay healthy!
I'm so sorry you hike ended this way for you but really glad you got off in time and got the help needed. Be safe and well. Thanks for taking along on your journey its been fun following!
Wow sorry to hear that, Glad to see you seem to be getting much better. I have enjoyed following along and hey, who knows, there's always another year and another thru hike. Good luck.
😢 I’m so sorry you got so sick. You are such a strong person to have hiked in that condition. I truly enjoyed seeing the AT through your eyes. You’re an amazing young lady.
I just saw your TH-cam video today about your gear, which then led me to this video. I am so sorry that happened. Continue to make videos of your adventures! You do an amazing job!
Congratulations! You took it as far as you could take it, and that is itself a righteous Victory. Glad you had friends to see you safely off trail, and for the joys you found on trail. Be sure to take the time to rest up and fully recover your health before becoming too overly adventurous young one. I know how serious sepsis shock can be, my daughter suffered the same at age one many years ago and was hospitalized for over a week. Scary. I know you're lucky you made it out alive, you were looking weak the last couple of videos.. As for me, you've only made me feel better about going with water purifiers as well as filters. God Bless.
Glad you’re feeling better and sorry about having to leave the trail at this time. Love your videos and thanks for sharing your journey with us. Would love to see more videos of other adventures you have but take time for healing! Take care!
I’m on the “Roller Coaster” in Va.right now doing a section hike with my best friend of 25 years. There has been tears as well. It’s absolutely beautifully painful. I’m sorry you got sick.
Hey you're still awesome! Glad to hear you're ok, and I really enjoyed your videos. Thanks for bringing us along and showing us the trail and views, keep on rocking it!! 🤙
I can empathize with you. I broke a bone in my foot in NY, 7 miles from CT. It's tough to know that you are done with something you really wanted to do. So glad you're feeling better. God bless you and keep you strong.
Glad you’re okay! Just came across your channel & watched it in 2 days. Too bad you won’t be back on the trail! Enjoyed watching your journey & your gratitude for everything! Hope to see you back on the AT in 2021! Best of luck to you!
That's a drag, your thru hike being stopped, but you accomplished so much, learned so much. No shame in section hiking the AT. Thank you for sharing your journey. It was greatly enjoyed.
What a bummer, septic shock can be just hours before death... so you indeed are lucky to have survived. 2020 has been a nightmare. Thank you for bringing me and others along, you make great video. In the end one can do the AT over their lifetime or just the one year, but you can't do it six feet under. You are a beautiful spirit, stay strong.
I just binge watched your whole AT series. It was a joy to tag along. Very sorry it didn’t end the way you intended, but you did achieve so much. Beautiful journey.
just watched all of your episodes... was really rooting you on, but immensely respect your decision to take care of your body, i know that was not easy.. thank you for the inspiration and the courage to begin on my journey this coming spring! hope you make it back to the trail, even in sections, whatever you need to do to continue the journey! best wishes
So sad and sorry for what you had to go through. But thank God you are OK and you got the help you needed. And how many people can genuinely say that they sensed God in the small beautiful things they found on a mountainside. I hope you feel that it was worth it, and I hope you treasure the experience in times to come. Thanks for the videos -- they were great, and you are an excellent filmmaker with a real and natural camera presence.
Glad that you sought help and that you are recovering so well. In watching the video you don't really look or act like you're feeling 100% in the days prior. The trail is not going anywhere so you can go back and pick up where you left off anytime. Thanks for sharing your hike with us. It was great to watch and hear your take on the experience. Be safe and well!
I am so sorry to see this. Some trails don’t end where you thought. One thing I will say is that you will lean from this and be stronger for it. If nothing else, sounds like you were grateful for your health in a way you haven’t been before. Wishing you a speedy recovery and many more adventures.
Just found your journey today. I was so rooting for you and all the other through hikers. Sorry that you didn’t go all the way but hiking is about enjoying your journey. I see that in every video. I’m fifty and didn’t get to the AT yet. The plan is for 2023
I loved your adventure and watched every episode. I'm a section hiker, dead set on hiking the entire AT. I think you're an absolute warrior. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!!!
First of all, grats to your accomplishments along the AT. You are truly inspiring, and enjoyed traveling along with you on your journey. Thank you for having me. Take care of your health and well being, ok! The trail will be waiting.....that is certain. Please do a gear video, and check in. Best wishes from Delaware, Terry.
I can see your disappointment but wow what an experience you had and your blog was truly inspiring. Don’t feel bad about making the decision to take care of your health. Grateful to be alive indeed! You are young and the trail will be there. Stay healthy and hike another day!
My wife and I just got done watching your AT hike. They were amazing and so are you! You are a strong and inspiring person and we appreciate you sharing your joys and heartaches. We're really bummed out for you, but glad you are healthy! Doesn't seem like a little life threatening illness will slow you down ;)
Hi, sorry you had to call it a day, it can be hard to take at the time but you need to be well! We' ll miss your company, you have a warmth and are a joy to watch. Stay strong , Mick & Rose from Rutland England.
I have loved following your journey. Your videos were so peaceful and touching to watch! I’m so glad you are okay and recovering. Side note: you have the whitest teeth I’ve ever seen 🤣 but anyway, you have made me even more excited about my AT thru hike attempt next year. Thank you and feel better!!
Oh, I'm so sorry, just found you on TH-cam and was really enjoying your videos. My daughter and I are hiking the AT in 2021, hope to see you back on trail. Take care and be safe.
I am so sorry for your difficulties out there. I was really enjoying the series, and I appreciate your honesty about your fears and dealing with being alone in the wilderness, because I will face those fears in April when I start out on the AT from Springer. I want to face my fears, and I was inspired by your bravery. Thanks for letting me tag along.
Your health as many have said its #1 and thank you for taking us along. I’m section hiking the AT and yes its beautiful, planning late August starting at Monson Maine to do the 100 mile wilderness.
I'm just so glad you're ok. You did great, with all the bad luck and weather this year. You need to be very proud of yourself. I can't imagine your disappointment, after all your planning and anticipation, but your health matters the most. The AT will still be here and you are young enough to try again. You still got to go and see things that most of us only dream of. I'm hoping to try the AT in 2022 and you are an inspiration. Stay strong and well.
This was probably the best AT documentary through-hike I’ve watched. Incredible journey! I’m sad to see it end the way it did - but you made the right choice. I felt connected to your story, to your struggles, and to your journey. It wasn’t ‘over done’ like so many other video blogs. Thanks for sharing your journey. Stay safe.
I am so glad to see you are recovering and doing better. What a scare for you! I have really enjoyed your videos and I am so sad for you that this has taken you off trail. I do understand your disappointment. This year has not gone as hoped for anyone. I have also given up on a thruhike this year even though I had planned and worked for so long to make it happen. For myself, I've decided to just start hiking north from where I left the trail in March. I'll go as far as I can until this fall. Then next year, I hope to be able to finish it off. For now the goal is to hike north. I hope you are able to find the right next thing. Adventures are waiting for you. Best of luck!
It was very entertaining to watch this whole process and Im sorry it ended differently then perhaps what you had hoped. We're all built differently and the AT is definitely easier for some than others. I'm a very strong day hiker and can go endless miles....as long as I can go home at night and recover for a few days with all of the usual comforts. There's no way that I'm physically built to handle the day in/day out grind and punishment of the AT, and you may or may not be either. But you killed it for 500 plus miles and I know you'll be back next year to try again. To me, that's a much bigger acomplishment than those who make it with many more physical and mental gifts built into their DNA. I'm not discounting anyone's accomplishments but I'm always impressed most by those that do more with less. Looking forward to watching attempt #2 in 2021. Cheers!
This is an interesting concept I've considered as well. I think my body build is a disadvantage for long distance hiking, but has been an advantage for running/triathlon. I'm planning to attempt more thru hikes in the future (probably a shorter one in '21 until I can financially afford another 6-month AT attempt). I may need to be a true ultralight to be successful, in addition to gaining more muscle mass. I hope you continue to push your limits in a way that works best for you! :)
Geeezus! You are just as beautiful as the AT itself... maybe the most beautiful i´ve seen about the AT... Seriously! Shook me up. Now I wanna do the trail just to dream about seeing you there.... Unfortunately nahh, it´s oceans apart and i´m off to the camino de Santiago. With sincere Saludos de España. ¡Buen Camino!
I am so sorry you got so sick but I’m glad your friends got you to the hospital in time. That could have turned a lot worse. I am glad you are doing better and you are right your health is the most important thing. I have enjoyed following you and you are truly a blessing and when you said You felt God out there he was right with you watching over you. I look forward to watching any videos you make in the future. Please take care of your health first and May God bless you in whatever you do.🙏❤️
You are one tough hiker!! I so enjoyed watching your AT journey….I summited Katahdin on Labor Day of 2020, and I know you would have made it, if not for your virus. I watched your 2021 CT hike also, and I can’t wait to return to the CT the end of June this year. God willing, I’ll finish it.
I, too, wish you the very best and am glad to hear you're ok. Your hiking vlog is one of the best and most enjoyable out there. Even if you do quit the AT this year, please keep the videos coming.
Grew up a Virginia girl and what you experienced in VA is why I’ve never left. I love hiking in Va and can’t wait to try a thru hike myself one day. I just recently started watching your journey and you did amazing! You embraced HYOH and took care of yourself which is priority number 1! I’ll follow you on your next journey ☺️
Please let me know how I can donate! I found your channel this morning and watched every video. Thank you so much for documenting in such a compelling way. I felt every gust of bone freezing wind and felt every joyous occasion of friends and sunshine. I hope you are doing better a month or so out! Thanks for keeping me inspired and telling the truth of the trails- the lows the highs.
Glad you are O.K. My pastor ask me say in one word to describe my thur hike and that word was spiritual. I came out a better person than I went in. Also the Conetinial Dive is all water on the west side flows into the Gulf. And other side into the Atlantic. Best of luck to you.And l am sure you will thur hike the A.T.someday.God kept you safe and always a smile on your face.🐅TIGERDUKE 🐅
Hugs, hope you get a retry another time. It shows the value of a good tramily, indeed. Yeah sorry cant help my self, but a continental divide is the point(s) at which. Where on one side the water(rivers) flow one way and at the other side of the point it flows another way. In this case, either vs the Atlantic ocean of the Gulf of Mexico.
So glad you are recovering. You are a delightful person. You and the trail vlog will be missed. The Lord's grace and mercy are evident in you. Next year is my 50th anniversary of my first A. T. thru hike. I start April 1 nobo from Springer. Hope to meet you.
I'm sorry to learn you had to leave the trail but am glad to hear you recovered and are home safe. I'm sure you miss the trail and your trail family. It looked like you had a good one. Eighteen mile days on end is a pretty demanding pace. I really enjoyed your videos and your beautiful spirit for the trail and all its beauty. I feel the same things when I'm out in God's creation enjoying all he has given us to enjoy as we work through our lives. You'll be back out there one day to complete your hike I'm sure. It's clear that you are tough and not one to quit anything you invest yourself in like your thru hike. As a side note, I use the Sawyer squeeze but do also carry Aquamira drops for any larger stream or questionable water source. I know some people who combine the two treatments for most of the water they drink along well traveled trails. Wild mentioned in one of his recent videos that an often confessed "sin" in the shelter journal at Priest Shelter in VA was the failure of some to bury their poop. Concerning. Take care.
I really had the time of my life. Thank you for your kind words. And yes, I most definitely will be doing two water treatments on future backpacking trips!
It's Tuesday Oct 27, 2020 ... 4+ months since you got off the trail but no less heartbreaking to see your amazing journey halted. You have a gift - story telling - and you do so in such a pure, joyful, and simply raw manner. Please know that in sharing your story you have inspired others and truly brought happiness to some 1.34K viewers in a time when it's need most. In my heart I believe you, like Bryson and others before you, are a Thru-Hiker. "(You) didn't walk 2200 miles, it's true, but here's the thing: you tried. So (you and Katz were) right after all, and I don't care what anybody says. (You) hiked the Appalachian Trail."
Well, I glad ur ok ,n doing better, just watched all ur videos, just love them, hope its not the last that we see of u,u do great at video, love ur smile as well, energy or spirit, I believe I would be able to get along with u ,usually young folks I can't, u have good spirit, ok be safe and be well pretty lady
Salty... just wanted to come back and add a few more thoughts. Consider a Patreon account or a PO Box where we could help with those medical bills and support future videos. Then if you're able to return to the trail, your budget won't be wrecked, and you could continue going north, only slower to protect your health. If bad weather were to make the last segment impassable, you would still be a thru-hiker to us. But first and foremost are your health and safety. Wishing you a speedy and complete recovery.
Salty, I am sure you are disappointed about getting sick. Your videos had great scenery, and I looked forward to every new episode. My son and I will be out there where you were around May 30 - June 1 later this year. We also use Sawyer filters. Can you advise me and other hikers the location you suspect had the bad water? Guthooks should also be notified if you used it. Get well. Hopefully you will return to the AT soon.
I don't have my guidebook with me, but I would say the suspect water sources: after coming down NOBO from Dragon's Tooth there is a road you can walk to a gas station. I filtered from two streams about .5 and then maybe 1.5 miles northbound from that road. However, there is a chance I was getting sick prior to the acute sepsis. So maybe filter and chemically treat around the entire triple crown area. The cow pastures combined with flooding possibly contributed. Have a fun trip!
I just binge-watched all your videos. Have you considered switching to a water purifier that targets viruses too? I also have an autoimmune disease (ulcerative colitis) and am currently thinking about switching to the Grayl Geopress, as it claims to filter 99.99% of viruses.
Hey Salty...I cried too! Probably all of us did when we saw, and felt, the pain in your heart from a journey derailed. But please don't say, "...I likely won't be an AT thru-hiker this year." You ARE a thru-hiker to us!! Perhaps in the end, a thru-hiker is more defined by what's in his heart than the number of miles he completes. And you have the heart of a thru-hiker for certain. What made you so special was that combination of a gentle, sweet spirit on the inside and the tough-as-nails, gritty hiker on the outside. Your honesty and genuineness were exemplary. Even though what was destined to be one of the best hiking vlogs ever, must now take a pause, you have shown that while many vloggers can capture an audience, only an elite few can capture its heart... and you did both.
Just as you felt God on the trail, I hope you feel His presence now and know that nothing "just happens," not even sepsis. He causes some things to happen, and He allows some things to happen, but nothing "just happens" without His control. But whether caused or allowed, it's all filtered first through His heart of love, for His purpose and ultimately our good... even sepsis.
We will miss you on the AT, but please keep your vlog going; you have much to offer. Praying for your complete recovery of both body and spirit. Your journey is not over... it's just on pause.
.
And thank you for being such a bright light shining through a window so deeply darkened by troubled times.
God was most definitely present and active in my journey, including the events to get me safely off trail (having cell service at camp for the first time in 5 days, one of my trail fam being an emt). I am so thankful for your kind words. You've been very uplifting!
So beautifully said
Take care of yourself, The Appalachian Trail isn't going anywhere. Thanks for letting us follow you on your journey.
Just checking in . How are feeling now? I hope you can get back hiking soon. Take care.
I feel God out there, too. Great statement. His intricate detail is everywhere. It's spiritual! It has been fun watching!
I don't think "failed" is the proper label. You did hard things. You saw beautiful things. You fell in love with things. You learned things. You shared, and touched the hearts of kindred spirits. Most of all, you felt God. Failed? The journey is spiritual nourishment; the destination... just a rock. ;-)
I teared up reading this. Thank you
I am soooo glad you are alright and that you're back home and feeling better! Please know that your vlogs have been my absolute favorite this year and I have great admiration for you! Your appreciation of life and all that you encounter inspires me and I truly wish you all the very best!
Tammy, I found your comments very uplifting during my journey. Thank you!
Condolences and Congratulations both are proper.
This week I decided to make a project of helping to improve the diet of thru hikers by creating better resupply through production but even more through distribution. I’m fully aware some or most auto immune problems arise in the digestive tract. I noticed last year several hikers got some undefinable gut bug problem in Maine. Was it the pond water? Or, was it that being in a pasta coma finally destroyed the biology of their digestive tracts. I’m going to research that. Big talk by a 72 yr old stroke and heart attack victim but I’m going out there again and don’t want to die of Ramen overdose! I thoroughly enjoyed your vids and yes there is a special voice of God out there. And yes Virginia is gorgeous. And yes even we tough guys cry at the beauty at times!
I think studying hiker diets could be quite entertaining! I actually barely ate Ramen at all. Have fun hiking!
Have been following your journey since Day 1. You are an incredibly strong, independent person. I have marveled at your ability to continue in the face of adversity. May God bless you with a quick recovery to full strength and health. You are a great example to friends and peers of the importance of making a plan and following through with it. You are a winner!
Glad you’re safe! Thanks for taking us along on your journey.
I’m so glad you’re ok. Even though you didn’t make it to Maine you still accomplished so much. You saw and lived things I can only dream about. Thank you for taking us along on your adventure. God bless.
I’m so sorry you had to end your thru hike this year, but the most important thing is that you are ok! I just started watching your videos this week, and I really enjoyed them, so thanks for sharing. And I’m glad that you got to experience all those picturesque sceneries and all the good (and the less good) days on the AT. You are so strong!
So sorry for your circumstances, kiddo. You’re a trooper. I’m certain your family is glad to see you and embrace you. Get strong. Stay safe. I’ll stay subscribed. 🙂
Just started watching your videos. So sorry to hear that your hike ended so unexpectedly. Hope you have the opportunity to hike the AT again . You should certainly be proud of what you accomplished. Best of luck - stay healthy!
You did great. Sorry your journey had to end this way. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us.
Take care of yourself! The very best of luck to you and yours!
I'm so sorry you hike ended this way for you but really glad you got off in time and got the help needed. Be safe and well. Thanks for taking along on your journey its been fun following!
So sorry that you had to get off, but glad that you're okay!! And glad that you got to see McAfee Knob - those photos were great!
Wow sorry to hear that, Glad to see you seem to be getting much better. I have enjoyed following along and hey, who knows, there's always another year and another thru hike. Good luck.
😢 I’m so sorry you got so sick. You are such a strong person to have hiked in that condition. I truly enjoyed seeing the AT through your eyes. You’re an amazing young lady.
I just saw your TH-cam video today about your gear, which then led me to this video. I am so sorry that happened. Continue to make videos of your adventures! You do an amazing job!
Congratulations! You took it as far as you could take it, and that is itself a righteous Victory.
Glad you had friends to see you safely off trail, and for the joys you found on trail. Be sure to take the time to rest up and fully recover your health before becoming too overly adventurous young one. I know how serious sepsis shock can be, my daughter suffered the same at age one many years ago and was hospitalized for over a week. Scary. I know you're lucky you made it out alive, you were looking weak the last couple of videos..
As for me, you've only made me feel better about going with water purifiers as well as filters. God Bless.
Glad you’re feeling better and sorry about having to leave the trail at this time. Love your videos and thanks for sharing your journey with us. Would love to see more videos of other adventures you have but take time for healing! Take care!
Thanks for the videos, glad you got off the trail on time!
Salty, Glad you are feeling better and hopefully one day you will get back on the AT. Really enjoy watching your videos.
I’m on the “Roller Coaster” in Va.right now doing a section hike with my best friend of 25 years. There has been tears as well. It’s absolutely beautifully painful. I’m sorry you got sick.
Feel super bad for you ..but super happy you're doing fine. Be well. It was nice following you.
Hey you're still awesome! Glad to hear you're ok, and I really enjoyed your videos. Thanks for bringing us along and showing us the trail and views, keep on rocking it!! 🤙
Please take care. Have been walking alone with y’all. You made a lot people enjoy a few moments in a day. Blessings.
Strong story girl. Thank you for sharing and never give up!
I can empathize with you. I broke a bone in my foot in NY, 7 miles from CT. It's tough to know that you are done with something you really wanted to do. So glad you're feeling better. God bless you and keep you strong.
Glad you’re okay! Just came across your channel & watched it in 2 days. Too bad you won’t be back on the trail! Enjoyed watching your journey & your gratitude for everything! Hope to see you back on the AT in 2021! Best of luck to you!
That's a drag, your thru hike being stopped, but you accomplished so much, learned so much. No shame in section hiking the AT. Thank you for sharing your journey. It was greatly enjoyed.
What a bummer, septic shock can be just hours before death... so you indeed are lucky to have survived. 2020 has been a nightmare. Thank you for bringing me and others along, you make great video. In the end one can do the AT over their lifetime or just the one year, but you can't do it six feet under. You are a beautiful spirit, stay strong.
I just binge watched your whole AT series. It was a joy to tag along. Very sorry it didn’t end the way you intended, but you did achieve so much. Beautiful journey.
just watched all of your episodes... was really rooting you on, but immensely respect your decision to take care of your body, i know that was not easy.. thank you for the inspiration and the courage to begin on my journey this coming spring! hope you make it back to the trail, even in sections, whatever you need to do to continue the journey! best wishes
So sad and sorry for what you had to go through. But thank God you are OK and you got the help you needed. And how many people can genuinely say that they sensed God in the small beautiful things they found on a mountainside. I hope you feel that it was worth it, and I hope you treasure the experience in times to come. Thanks for the videos -- they were great, and you are an excellent filmmaker with a real and natural camera presence.
Glad that you sought help and that you are recovering so well. In watching the video you don't really look or act like you're feeling 100% in the days prior. The trail is not going anywhere so you can go back and pick up where you left off anytime. Thanks for sharing your hike with us. It was great to watch and hear your take on the experience. Be safe and well!
May God continue to protect you! Looking forward to seeing you complete the AT!
Wishing you a blessed, healthy, adventurous 2022
🙏❤️✌️🤙🌏
I am so sorry to see this. Some trails don’t end where you thought. One thing I will say is that you will lean from this and be stronger for it. If nothing else, sounds like you were grateful for your health in a way you haven’t been before. Wishing you a speedy recovery and many more adventures.
Just found your journey today. I was so rooting for you and all the other through hikers. Sorry that you didn’t go all the way but hiking is about enjoying your journey. I see that in every video. I’m fifty and didn’t get to the AT yet. The plan is for 2023
I loved your adventure and watched every episode. I'm a section hiker, dead set on hiking the entire AT. I think you're an absolute warrior. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!!!
Sorry you had to end your hike, hope you are doing much better. Loved the videos, and the music along with them.
First of all, grats to your accomplishments along the AT. You are truly inspiring, and enjoyed traveling along with you on your journey. Thank you for having me. Take care of your health and well being, ok! The trail will be waiting.....that is certain. Please do a gear video, and check in. Best wishes from Delaware, Terry.
I can see your disappointment but wow what an experience you had and your blog was truly inspiring. Don’t feel bad about making the decision to take care of your health. Grateful to be alive indeed! You are young and the trail will be there. Stay healthy and hike another day!
Nice videos. Thanks for sharing. Good luck picking back up on the trail soon.
My wife and I just got done watching your AT hike. They were amazing and so are you! You are a strong and inspiring person and we appreciate you sharing your joys and heartaches. We're really bummed out for you, but glad you are healthy! Doesn't seem like a little life threatening illness will slow you down ;)
Hi, sorry you had to call it a day, it can be hard to take at the time but you need to be well! We' ll miss your company, you have a warmth and are a joy to watch. Stay strong , Mick & Rose from Rutland England.
I have loved following your journey. Your videos were so peaceful and touching to watch! I’m so glad you are okay and recovering. Side note: you have the whitest teeth I’ve ever seen 🤣 but anyway, you have made me even more excited about my AT thru hike attempt next year. Thank you and feel better!!
Thank you! I suspect no coffee on the trail helped keep the teeth white ;) Have fun next year!!
Oh, I'm so sorry, just found you on TH-cam and was really enjoying your videos. My daughter and I are hiking the AT in 2021, hope to see you back on trail. Take care and be safe.
How exciting to be planning! I hope your hike is amazing.
I am so sorry for your difficulties out there. I was really enjoying the series, and I appreciate your honesty about your fears and dealing with being alone in the wilderness, because I will face those fears in April when I start out on the AT from Springer. I want to face my fears, and I was inspired by your bravery. Thanks for letting me tag along.
Best of luck on your thru hike! The prep is so fun - I'm sure you're counting down the days.
Your health as many have said its #1 and thank you for taking us along. I’m section hiking the AT and yes its beautiful, planning late August starting at Monson Maine to do the 100 mile wilderness.
Have a great trip!
I'm just so glad you're ok. You did great, with all the bad luck and weather this year. You need to be very proud of yourself. I can't imagine your disappointment, after all your planning and anticipation, but your health matters the most. The AT will still be here and you are young enough to try again. You still got to go and see things that most of us only dream of. I'm hoping to try the AT in 2022 and you are an inspiration. Stay strong and well.
Thank you and best of luck in 2022!
This was probably the best AT documentary through-hike I’ve watched. Incredible journey! I’m sad to see it end the way it did - but you made the right choice.
I felt connected to your story, to your struggles, and to your journey. It wasn’t ‘over done’ like so many other video blogs.
Thanks for sharing your journey. Stay safe.
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for your kind words
I am so glad to see you are recovering and doing better. What a scare for you! I have really enjoyed your videos and I am so sad for you that this has taken you off trail. I do understand your disappointment. This year has not gone as hoped for anyone. I have also given up on a thruhike this year even though I had planned and worked for so long to make it happen. For myself, I've decided to just start hiking north from where I left the trail in March. I'll go as far as I can until this fall. Then next year, I hope to be able to finish it off. For now the goal is to hike north. I hope you are able to find the right next thing. Adventures are waiting for you. Best of luck!
This was a difficult year for all of us indeed. I love the simplicity of the goal to hike north. Best of luck to you!
It was very entertaining to watch this whole process and Im sorry it ended differently then perhaps what you had hoped. We're all built differently and the AT is definitely easier for some than others. I'm a very strong day hiker and can go endless miles....as long as I can go home at night and recover for a few days with all of the usual comforts. There's no way that I'm physically built to handle the day in/day out grind and punishment of the AT, and you may or may not be either. But you killed it for 500 plus miles and I know you'll be back next year to try again. To me, that's a much bigger acomplishment than those who make it with many more physical and mental gifts built into their DNA. I'm not discounting anyone's accomplishments but I'm always impressed most by those that do more with less. Looking forward to watching attempt #2 in 2021. Cheers!
This is an interesting concept I've considered as well. I think my body build is a disadvantage for long distance hiking, but has been an advantage for running/triathlon. I'm planning to attempt more thru hikes in the future (probably a shorter one in '21 until I can financially afford another 6-month AT attempt). I may need to be a true ultralight to be successful, in addition to gaining more muscle mass. I hope you continue to push your limits in a way that works best for you! :)
Geeezus! You are just as beautiful as the AT itself... maybe the most beautiful i´ve seen about the AT... Seriously! Shook me up.
Now I wanna do the trail just to dream about seeing you there.... Unfortunately nahh, it´s oceans apart and i´m off to the camino de Santiago. With sincere Saludos de España. ¡Buen Camino!
I am so sorry you got so sick but I’m glad your friends got you to the hospital in time. That could have turned a lot worse. I am glad you are doing better and you are right your health is the most important thing. I have enjoyed following you and you are truly a blessing and when you said You felt God out there he was right with you watching over you. I look forward to watching any videos you make in the future. Please take care of your health first and May God bless you in whatever you do.🙏❤️
Yes I really do believe God was watching over me! Thank you for following along :)
You are one tough hiker!! I so enjoyed watching your AT journey….I summited Katahdin on Labor Day of 2020, and I know you would have made it, if not for your virus. I watched your 2021 CT hike also, and I can’t wait to return to the CT the end of June this year. God willing, I’ll finish it.
I, too, wish you the very best and am glad to hear you're ok. Your hiking vlog is one of the best and most enjoyable out there. Even if you do quit the AT this year, please keep the videos coming.
Thank you so much :)
Grew up a Virginia girl and what you experienced in VA is why I’ve never left. I love hiking in Va and can’t wait to try a thru hike myself one day. I just recently started watching your journey and you did amazing! You embraced HYOH and took care of yourself which is priority number 1! I’ll follow you on your next journey ☺️
Please let me know how I can donate! I found your channel this morning and watched every video. Thank you so much for documenting in such a compelling way. I felt every gust of bone freezing wind and felt every joyous occasion of friends and sunshine.
I hope you are doing better a month or so out!
Thanks for keeping me inspired and telling the truth of the trails- the lows the highs.
Thanks for the kind comment. That was a “donation” itself :) And I am much better!
Sorry for you. What a shame. You seemed to be doing so well. I hope you make a full recovery. You still have lots to remember.
Glad you are O.K. My pastor ask me say in one word to describe my thur hike and that word was spiritual. I came out a better person than I went in. Also the Conetinial Dive is all water on the west side flows into the Gulf. And other side into the Atlantic. Best of luck to you.And l am sure you will thur hike the A.T.someday.God kept you safe and always a smile on your face.🐅TIGERDUKE 🐅
Enjoyed your sharing with us God bless you!!
You scared me on the edge of that overhanging point.
I'm glad you are okay. It sucks to have to stop, but your health is more important. Take care.
Excellent video. I'm thankful that we were able to hike a few days with you.
Me too! Ya'll were so fun.
Take it easy, take care of yourself. Much love.
Hugs, hope you get a retry another time. It shows the value of a good tramily, indeed. Yeah sorry cant help my self, but a continental divide is the point(s) at which. Where on one side the water(rivers) flow one way and at the other side of the point it flows another way. In this case, either vs the Atlantic ocean of the Gulf of Mexico.
Sorry you had to end you're hike! Good luck with what ever might be next.
So glad you are recovering. You are a delightful person. You and the trail vlog will be missed. The Lord's grace and mercy are evident in you. Next year is my 50th anniversary of my first A. T. thru hike. I start April 1 nobo from Springer. Hope to meet you.
Thank you. Best of luck on your second thru hike!
Glad you're okay. Wish your videos were longer tho. Gonna go watch the rest of your videos...
I'm glad you love my state. I'm sorry my state got you sick.
I came to this video now, how sad you had to stop your thru-hike, but as the situation is right now, I guess it was a good desicion! ATB 😀
I'm sorry to learn you had to leave the trail but am glad to hear you recovered and are home safe. I'm sure you miss the trail and your trail family. It looked like you had a good one. Eighteen mile days on end is a pretty demanding pace. I really enjoyed your videos and your beautiful spirit for the trail and all its beauty. I feel the same things when I'm out in God's creation enjoying all he has given us to enjoy as we work through our lives. You'll be back out there one day to complete your hike I'm sure. It's clear that you are tough and not one to quit anything you invest yourself in like your thru hike. As a side note, I use the Sawyer squeeze but do also carry Aquamira drops for any larger stream or questionable water source. I know some people who combine the two treatments for most of the water they drink along well traveled trails. Wild mentioned in one of his recent videos that an often confessed "sin" in the shelter journal at Priest Shelter in VA was the failure of some to bury their poop. Concerning. Take care.
I really had the time of my life. Thank you for your kind words. And yes, I most definitely will be doing two water treatments on future backpacking trips!
It's Tuesday Oct 27, 2020 ... 4+ months since you got off the trail but no less heartbreaking to see your amazing journey halted. You have a gift - story telling - and you do so in such a pure, joyful, and simply raw manner. Please know that in sharing your story you have inspired others and truly brought happiness to some 1.34K viewers in a time when it's need most. In my heart I believe you, like Bryson and others before you, are a Thru-Hiker.
"(You) didn't walk 2200 miles, it's true, but here's the thing: you tried. So (you and Katz were) right after all, and I don't care what anybody says. (You) hiked the Appalachian Trail."
Thank you so much for your kind words. I actually hadn't read that quote before - I've actually never read Bill Bryson's book. Maybe I should.
She is just stunning
Well, I glad ur ok ,n doing better, just watched all ur videos, just love them, hope its not the last that we see of u,u do great at video, love ur smile as well, energy or spirit, I believe I would be able to get along with u ,usually young folks I can't, u have good spirit, ok be safe and be well pretty lady
You done good. Heal and persevere. Semper Fi. Gapple
I will miss you. You made the hike entertaining. Your health is always more important. You will have another chance. It looked cool. See you later!
Starting from 5:15 you had such dark eyerings that I thought, is she sick? So it was! Thank Jesus, you are healed again.
Salty... just wanted to come back and add a few more thoughts. Consider a Patreon account or a PO Box where we could help with those medical bills and support future videos. Then if you're able to return to the trail, your budget won't be wrecked, and you could continue going north, only slower to protect your health. If bad weather were to make the last segment impassable, you would still be a thru-hiker to us. But first and foremost are your health and safety. Wishing you a speedy and complete recovery.
This is a good idea.
Salty, I am sure you are disappointed about getting sick. Your videos had great scenery, and I looked forward to every new episode. My son and I will be out there where you were around May 30 - June 1 later this year. We also use Sawyer filters. Can you advise me and other hikers the location you suspect had the bad water? Guthooks should also be notified if you used it. Get well. Hopefully you will return to the AT soon.
I don't have my guidebook with me, but I would say the suspect water sources: after coming down NOBO from Dragon's Tooth there is a road you can walk to a gas station. I filtered from two streams about .5 and then maybe 1.5 miles northbound from that road. However, there is a chance I was getting sick prior to the acute sepsis. So maybe filter and chemically treat around the entire triple crown area. The cow pastures combined with flooding possibly contributed. Have a fun trip!
That lion king reference had me dying 🤣
GODS in the little things in life awesome video thank you
Hope you are still doing well.🦋❤
I hope you can get back on trail next year. Bring hubby!!! Lol
A girl can dream :)
Thank you for letting me go with you.
I just binge-watched all your videos. Have you considered switching to a water purifier that targets viruses too? I also have an autoimmune disease (ulcerative colitis) and am currently thinking about switching to the Grayl Geopress, as it claims to filter 99.99% of viruses.
Well done …
The only thru-hike is life. Everything else is just section hiking ;) Take care !
I haven't heard that before. What a great phrase. Thank you
I've been following your journey and wanted to come back and see how you are doing?
I am doing so much better! Thank you for asking :)
Wow you had dark circles under your eyes thought you didnt look well at times.