Week 5 | Appalachian Trail Thru Hike 2023 NOBO 

I know all about be alone. Living in a nursing home is all about loneliness. Id give anything to be where your at. Mother Nature is life

A lot of what you are struggling with is due to your speed. You are a fast hiker and because of that, you tend to hike away from others. I had the same happen to me on my first hike and had trouble figuring it out and dealing with it. I was well aware of it on my second hike and just dealt with it. If you slow up to let them catch up you can still hike alone during the day and stop at a pre-determined spot in the evening to all be together. After about a week you will find that you and one or two others in the group are arriving in camp at 1pm, 2pm, or 3pm. This is the time where you and the other fast ones have to decide whether to break away and your smaller group go on they're own because stopping at 1pm or 2pm every day will also wear on you. The other alternative is to open up yourself to anyone that you have a connection with who hikes close to your speed but ultimately, you're only going to be with for 2 or 3 days. If that is your choice, that's fine, if you are willing to open up to someone you've only known a day and will only hike with for the next 2-5 days. That is what I ended up doing. I have 3 friends that over the two thru hikes I ended up hiking over 600 miles with them and they have remained extremely good friends to this day. I usually talk to them at least once a week to this day. I have about 500 friends that I met along the way and only hiked with them for 3-7 days but we are still friends and talk occasionally but definitely stay in touch. I settled on that form of friendship and hiking and it made me think clearer and less lonely and isolated on my hikes. It wasn't perfect but it got me through. Everyone is going through similar thoughts you just happen to express yours. You have to figure out which way will suit your hike and just deal with it. Good luck with your feelings and problem and I hope that your feelings will work out as well as mine did. Hike safe, Hike strong, HAVE FUN! You have the speed, you have the endurance......get on top of the mental hike! You got this girl! You're doing fine. geek P.S. I have spent most of my life outdoors but your knowledge of Flora and Fauna just blows me away!

I love your honesty in your hiking. The section of trail from Erwin to 19E is one of my favorites - I’ve done it as a section hike twice now! I’m excited to keep watching your journey!

I enjoy the format of 1 video per week. I appreciate the work you put in to make it interesting, the precise nature detail you work into the story, and your self awareness during the process. Wishing you an enjoyable, injury free beautiful journey.

28:43 I follow so many on here and they all have pretty much the same format. But I absolutely love when you are identifying all the flora and fauna! Taking time to enjoy the little things in nature is key to keeping you spirits up. I am envious of your ability to identify birds by their songs. Love the honesty and energy, keep up the positivity and stay strong and hike long! Good luck!!

I have watch 5 or 6 vloggers over several years on the AT and only one of those people found a hiking partner/ tramily. It seems a lot of pressure of these long hikes it finding this but it seems that it rare to find.

❤ ANOTHER WEEK DONE... GO YOU

The joy on your face when you hear that warbler sing!!

I would think I might be lonely 😔 too especially when you first leave families. Hope you are better at being alone soon. I would think you might get used to it? Love your videos! Wishing they were more than once a week. 😊

Love you calling out the names of the wild 🌺 flowers 🌸

Hi TC, I like your videos a lot because you show the trouth of hiking the AT. It surely is not an everyday fun walk and the ups and downs belong to it. You've got it absolutely right, the AT is not only a hike to MT Katadhin, the longer you hike the closer you get to yourself and your real needs. Always enjoy the beauty of the trail and the kindness of the people and be strong for the times when luck won't be with you :-) Don't let the trail crush you - just be a tough TRAIL CRUSHER (TC)! All the best for you and hike on...

Your killing it and making great progress. I’ve been following you since you started planning your hike. I’m inspired by your positive attitude. When things get tough you plow right through. Us humans are social creatures. But spending time alone is a good thing. It gives you time to separate yourself from the insanity of the world and be alone with your thoughts. You did that and came out a stronger person. I don’t know you, but I have to say that I am proud of you. I’m rooting for you to make it all the way. I can see how strong you are and I’m very sure that you will complete the trail. Keep pressing on one step at a time. I’m enjoying every step you take. Wishing you the best.❤

I love how you appreciate the flora and fauna on trail. Thanks for sharing your feelings. It's helping me realize how lonely I have become. All the best to you

Your blog is wonderful! So inspirational, and I so appreciate your outdoor knowledge! Thank you! Godspeed!

400 miles fantastic. Thank you for sharing your loneliness on trail. I think it’s mor common than you think. Not many talk about it. A lot of people can’t put their finger on it, but you did. For that reason you will get more from the trail. Stay safe , enjoy keep heading north.

First time watching,Beauty Spot about 30 minutes from my house,400 miles is something to be proud of 👏 …..our temps are setting record lows for this May , But it’s still Beautiful 🍃🌿

400+ miles! 👏👏👏 You are smart and self aware. You do a great job of self analysis. People who are good at that can also problem solve and find solutions! You are on the right track.

Well, it’s been quite awhile since I had an opportunity to watch your Trail videos. I was very touched to hear your confessions of loneliness on the Trail, but totally encouraged how time on the Trail afforded you clarity to examine and find your root cause of being unsettled. Great video, with great sections of Trail, some of my favorites. So sorry I have apparently missed you coming through TN, young lady❣️😔 Would have loved to spend some quality time with you at my Trail magic❣️😃 So happy you got to reconnect with your family and boyfriend❣️🥰 All in all, I think you are very grounded in your self identity, and very articulate in your communications❣️👍🏻👍🏻😎 God bless and keep you safe, as you go, hiker❣️🥾🥾🥾 emoji, the TN Trail angel❣️🙂

A big day. Keep that smiling face.

Congratulations on 400 miles! I hope as you spend more time "living in the moment", even when you are alone, you won't be lonely. Thanks for the video. You are amazing!

Love seeing my (relatively new) neck of the woods! I love your videos - especially learning about all of the flora in the area. Best wishes as you continue your journey northward!

I thru hiked in 95. Great videos! Keep your head up! Your doing great!!

Do you know where you fit in with the Myers Briggs personalities. It may explain some of your emotional feelings. You can always take an informal test on your phone. Answer the questions as honestly as you can. It’s helped me understand myself better. I’m totally different I enjoy the isolation and solitude. Although I do connect with people and enjoy their company. Then I need to go solo. Something to think about. Have a great hike! Enjoy, you’re doing great. Trail teaches us all something! Trail provides. 😊 You do you !

Thank you for sharing the beautiful details of the trail.

Your smile in the kayak with your boyfriend says it all

Hi TC, thanks for sharing your worries and concerns. Feel high, feel low and keep your faith. You never know what's around the next bend... 🙏✌️

I'm really enjoying your journey. Love your format and balance of appreciating nature and positivity and what you are struggling with and discovering what you want/need to stay healthy. Thank you for putting yourself and your journey out there for others to enjoy. You really are a TC, Trail Crusher, as someone else commented. I know you are all done, but I'm still cheering you on as I watch your journey unfold.

I was at that shelter today!! The hike down to carvers gap is all rocks - hard on the legs. You’re doing great. Keep heading North!!!

You are doing great!! ❤. I think most hikers are lonely at some part of there journey. 😊 so glad your family met up with you again. What a great pick me up! Hang in there your doing great. 🥾🏕️🧗‍♀️😊. Congratulations on 400 miles!!

Thank you for sharing with us. I'm glad you identified what was bothering you and figured out what was best for you and your hike. 🙂 One curriculum does not perfectly suit every individual. Beautiful footage! 29:25

Thsnk you for sharing. A beautiful section. Keep being amazing. Keep growing. Keep trekking. 😀

love your videos. I hear the loneliness in many people doing thru hikes. looks like a lot of beauty there!

Finding your tribe is so important.

400!!! 🥳🥳🥳amazing! You are doing great! I loved that you found out the source of that feeling you were having and did some introspection. I think eventually that feeling of solitude will go away as you get used to the isolation; either that or you find your tramily again. Keep your chin up! Sending love ❤

You’re doing great! So proud of you. Love your videos. I hear you on the loneliness, although you’ve experienced trail longer than me so I can’t imagine

Beautiful scenery/ video. I loved seeing you do a mini happy dance at 400 miles ;-) Take care of yourself.

So good to see you smile! You are doing amazing!

Certainly understand the struggles of HYOH and family to share the experience with on a deeper level....would think compromising miles and adjustment to stay around others would be hard too

As you continue on - you will settle into a more consistent group and when that happens you will have the opportunity for a closer style relationship. HYOH - which could be hiking with a specific group - early one. Being tied to a group also has downsides - it can impact your hike. Town stops, where you stay, how much you spend, and how fast you can go. HYOH - enjoy your hike. We are all different. When I hike, I am quick. (I rarely stop). Most people I pass once. It is just not possible for me to join groups. People that I chat with that seem interesting I trade emails, and stay in touch. I however like the solitude. Early on I avoided shelters as there were too many people. Have fun on you hike. I enjoy the videos.

Hey. Watching and learning and enjoying your journey. Glad you decided to “slow your roll” a bit and wait for the crew. The balds were awesome when I did them in Oct last year. You are doing great. Enjoy each step. Walk on!

Girl you are moving right along! Keep it up!

YUP, THAT'S THRU-HIKING! 👍👊🇺🇲😁

You are doing AWESOME !!! Thank you so much for sharing your adventure !!!

On feelings of isolation and tramily, I'll say that your feelings are totally normal and real. In my hike last year, I didn't start making real connections until late Virginia or Pennsylvania. Those friends turned out to be people I had already known for hundreds of miles, just hadn't had time to really connect with. I really started making friends after Delaware Water Gap. You may end up getting split up from these real connections too, it happens, but you'd be amazed at how the trail reunites people. That friend you last saw 600 miles ago might just pop back up one day. I guess what I'm trying to say is give it time. You'll definitely find folks who will be long term friends, and ones that you'll end up summiting with. I have no doubt of that.

Great video, your sound is superb. Love me some ramps, especially in ramen. Hiking from 5-5, 23 miles; not bad. Happy Trails

Really enjoying your videos, I'll be turning 64 and retiring in August - doing my thru hike next year. I like your identification of the plants along the trail, my Dad grew up in Kentucky and he taught me many of them when I was growing up. What type of pine trees are those on Unaka mountain? maybe eastern white pine? just curious. Keep up the good work on your hike, your doing great.

Like Brittney said..."My loneliness is killing me (and I), I must confess I still believe (I still believe), When I'm not with you I lose my mind, give me a sign, hit me baby one more time."

Tysm.😊

Hey great videos! Binge Watchung when I can. You don't mention your hiking partner. Are y'all still hiking together at this point?

Did your hiking partner who started the trail with you stay back, or did they get off the trail?

Anne Hathaway does the AT, except more articulate and better knowledge of the flora. Well done and Persist through it all.

I wish you had met and hiked with Taylor from New Hampshire. I think you two would have been a perfect hiking pair and she was missing her hiking partner from 2021. I think she might be a little ahead of you but timelines are hard to determine on the videos.

Cold

Your smarter than most . Those blow up pads are comfy but doesn't matter how much you pay for it it will flat 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

You go UP and then go DOWN .. then REPEAT about 1000 times … that’s the AT

How many days are you going without a bath/shower? I used to be able to manage that topic much better than now. In my old age I prefer a shower daily

where in your backpack ,do you place your bear can at?

So what is your target date for finishing up? I know this is a hard question to answer

Hey I really enjoy your vlogs. I’d like to send you some trail magic. Is there any thing you want? I can send you a REI gift card. Or food and treats if the trail. How about pay fora stay at a hostel. You choice. Let me know. Planning on hiking next year. I’d e happy to help….

Did your hiking partner leave the trail?

What happened to your hiking partner you started with?

What plant identification app do you recommend?

. . . thing is, when you're 'thru' hiking, no one cares . . . 1😮.

Family is nice and Jesus can fill the void

Stop with the huge mile days if you want to be part of a tramily. Most hikers are doing 10-15 daily at your point on the trail. You are risking overuse injuries by pushing big miles. Not worth it.

I want to be away from people. I don't like people.