A pep talk, a long walk, and Fresh Ground Leapfrog Cafe! 🥾♥️😇

Day 6 of my Appalachian Trail thru-hike.
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Thank you for supporting my vlog. Happy Trails!

[@KevinRStrauss]

So many thru-hikers vlog about their miles, peaks, route, shelters, etc. and those are a big deal and constantly top-of-mind. Personally, I love when you share about the experience, what you're thinking, feeling, how you're managing it all, your perspectives, what matters to you, what you're learning, etc. #goingsomewhere ☮❤🤝

[@soniadowney7427]

Without music ..the sounds of nature so important

[@coastalfarmhouse1820]

An elite athletic Trailstander! You’re too funny! Keep going!

[@sandrawestfield8239]

Love watching you. Such encouragement as I am recovering from breast cancer. You are a ray of sunshine. Many, many blessings to you.

[@0320ldkime]

Many blessings to you, sweetheart!!! Keep up that fight Sandra!

[@dorleenkellicutt904]

Sandra-I have pancreatic cancer. I had plans to hike in 2020, but was diagnosed in the fall of 2019. Since then, I hike one day or 4 days on the trail every year...just to keep my feet on the trail! And, I love following people on their journeys. For a while I couldn't do that. It made me sad. But, this year I am back to following and encouraging from afar! Peaks4Pounds-It is a mental game! Read all your support here and talk to people-they will lift your spirits when you need them. Best advice was to get back in the woods! Another thing I've heard is, "Never quit on a bad day". Get back in the woods! I love your determination to keep going! Congratulations on making our miles today.

[@sandrawestfield8239]

Thank you.@@dorleenkellicutt904

[@FunWithEnduringArts]

You GOT this girl!! 👍😁

[@sandrawestfield8239]

Thanks.@@FunWithEnduringArts

[@19stoney64]

Anxious to see every video coming out. You are such an inspiration to me. I was paralyzed neck down 2005 and with surgeries and therapy many years now, I’m going to get on the at trail April 2. It’s going to be so awesome if I get to meet you and thank you personally for your inspiration to me.

[@sheilahenry7279]

You are gonna be great to watch. I thought I had enough but just subbed to you.

[@19stoney64]

@@sheilahenry7279 I’ll be starting a new channel if I decide to video my trip.

[@sheilahenry7279]

Ok then I’ll wait

[@mhe8545]

❤

[@chillier]

Wow! Wishing you success also 😊

[@dorothycooley1085]

Lucky gave me the same pep talk. I set out bawling like a baby and he took me a side and encouraged me not to be so hard on myself. Just a step at a time.

[@darcyshikingdiaries]

Never give up on a down day, tomorrow is a new day and a fresh start! You are going to hurt and not feel like walking but you gotta just push through one stomp at a time! You Got This!

[@amerphoto1]

Everyone knows you because you have such a vibrant sense of humor and so goal oriented at the same time. You play the mind game as a winner each time it comes to play in your head! We all love you and are pulling for you!

[@PaulR-xq3no]

Thanks for your posting, so glad to see you’re back in trail. Yes, being outdoors can change your feelings of well being tremendously. I’m not a thru hiker but have been a day hiker since early childhood, so thankful I had parents/grandparents that ought me love of outdoors. Bacon on the trail, YES. Take care on trail. Wishing you a safe happy journey. Glad you have such a good attitude, not a race, in it for the long haul trail, step by step, inch by inch, by foot, by mile, by day. Happy hiking.

[@user-ky9lz7vo9m]

You Inspire Me!!!! You are awesome! You are doing it!!! I am now following your Journey. I’ve watched all your videos so far. Some were funny, some were educational and some brought tears to my eyes. You are brave enough to do what I have always wanted to do. I wish I was out there with you. You have given me the strength and determination to decide that next year I an going to try to conquer my fears, face my challenges, and set out to complete the AT. I live in Tennessee and often hike parts of the AT, but it’s time to do it all. I will continue to follow your Journey and root for you all the way. Keep going, Stump to Stump. That will be my plan as well. It won’t be a race. Slow and steady. I will be 62 next January and on March 1st, I will plan to start my Journey. Thanks so much for sharing yours. 😊❤

[@Bibs123]

I'm 5 foot 8. A year ago, I weighed 300 pounds. I vowed I would lose the weight for my kids' sake. Everyone says they would give their life for their family. But, I heard a guy say, "How many of you would change your life to be around for your kids?" It was a personal war, and I am now shredded, and I feel great. But, more importantly I feel such an amazing sense of reward and pride and I'm no longer prediabetic, my blood pressure is down, and my cholesterol is perfect. I had weeks the weight melted, and weeks I didn't lose an ounce while eating low calories and spending an hour on the treadmill every single day. My body hurt all over at times, but I dragged my backside out of the bed every single day at 4 am to exercise. The body will adapt. Just let your body adapt as you go! Push, but don't injure. You will get much stronger if you just hang in there! You got this! Always think about how you will feel when you reach that sign on Katahdin. Just think about how proud your loved ones will be for you; they will love you anyway, but they will be amazed by you if you make it. There are legitimate reasons to stop a thru hike, but don't stop because of a lack of confidence in your body to do it.

[@chaosncheckt9356]

Had the honor of meeting Fresh Ground last year on the AT right around lunch, just before the big climb to Dragon's Tooth. Food was soooooo good and he tried hard to get us to camp as he was going to stay, prepare dinner and then breakfast the next morning. Had to do the miles so after filling our bellies we pushed on. True definition of Trail Angel. Stay safe

[@kristietaylor7954]

Fresh Ground!!!! Love him ❤ Tell him "Woodstock" says hello! I'd LOVE to see a morning or evening/bedtime routine video soon! Happy Trails, Next Stump 😊

[@joanneflagg930]

Growing pains my friend. Starting is tough!! You already know to listen to your body, in my opinion, the one thing that provides for a successful hike. EVERYONE passed me which was a good chance to meet people AND I was enjoying my hike at my pace! You're doing it! ❤

[@deborahchadwick210]

Yay for Fresh Grounds. We support his efforts to help feed hikers. He is an amazing trail angel. Another trail angel/s..those who build you up and encourage you. Great support. Beautiful day in your neighborhood!!

[@janeslota4694]

Love you and your channel. I pick a few people to watch each year and just couldn’t get into any of them and then I found you. I live near the Foothills Trail and planned my first the-hike this spring and then I needed back surgery. I am still recovering. You give me hope so while you say our support is encouraging, you are giving back so much through this channel.

[@KaraKirtley]

Looks like Lucky was out doing some hiking! He really is the best. Awesome vid.

[@catblue6393]

I've heard AT hikers say a phrase, "The last person to Mount Katadyn wins!". Slow and steady gets it done. I'm impressed with people that have a slower pace & keep seeing people pass them but they keep going anyway. For many of us it's a journey, not a race. 🚶🧸👍🏻

[@atrailoforangeslices3506]

Lucky, Nimrod, and the entire gang at Above The Clouds are good people! You got this! 🍊

[@jeffgillis7512]

You are doing the AT for you not us or anyone else. We are just enjoying the walk with you. Hang in there as the mental and physical will cause forks in your road. You can do this!! Love watching you!

[@antbedy]

Congrats on another peak conquered, from one trail stander to another. Huge thanks to Lucky for the guidance and encouragement.

[@cathyparker6980]

I wish this old lady was in better shape and had the time to hike with you Laura. I love hiking 🥾 and am a trail stander myself 😂. In most endeavors, I am a “Snurtle” 🐌🐢. Perhaps that could be my trail name. What fun it would be to hike with you. Your positivity and sense of humor are contagious. Your biggest KY fan is cheering 📣 you on. 🤗

[@peaks4pounds]

Snurtle - I love that!

[@sticktheeagle]

6:20 I am fully with you about that healing process!! This is a big reason that I am doing it starting tomorrow. When you are feeling down, even a little bit of walking outside can do tremendous wonders. I have personal experience with this!!

[@kristenhamilton7062]

ETS - Expert Trail Stander. I love your attitude about your pace. I’d rather watch you do ETSing than someone get 20 miles down. You are showing us how to appreciate everything. Your kindness is what we need right now and ETSing is going to give you opportunities to spill your sweet kindness out. You got this!

[@fernharmon4092]

"My Feet, Ya'lls Wings". Love it! New subscriber right here. Keep on walking my friend.

[@dawnhermann6093]

Continuing to inspire and give hope to others while caring for yourself, Laura you are already so loved! Cheering for you from the middle of the mitten❤

[@peaks4pounds]

Michigan! ♥️

[@rebeccashiver4880]

I had my first AT cry on that rock!!! Like you, I was so slow and had to go stump by stump, slow and steady. Once I got to that overlook, I broke down! I did it! It was amazing!

[@karengriswold4537]

Hi Laura! What does Next Stump do on a day that there's no stumps to be found? For sure, you are outstanding.....on a trail! I just love your sense of humor and your humility. I seriously want to hike with you or at least give you Trail Magic when you make it to NH.

[@grootsadventures24]

Love it! Nothing better than a good hike and ending it with some Leapfrog Cafe. You got this!❤

[@elliemay3147]

You go girl!! You got this!!

[@deedleeve7786]

If it was easy, everyone would be doing but guess what? They aren’t and YOU ACTUALLY ARE!!! You do what is best for you because getting hurt is not gonna help you. Stop beating yourself up, you are hiking mountains and that is so impressive. You got this, girl!!!!

[@brittany1556]

“I’m an elite athlete at trail standing” 😂 thanks for the morning laughs. I gained 50 lbs in a year and slowly working it off, so I totally get this.

[@cathycolborn5105]

You’re the first person I’ve chosen to follow on their AT through hike this year. And girl, are you a winner! Keep up the excellent content!! Loved your comment about “trail standing.” 😂

[@hikingmovie]

Love Fresh Ground! You caught him twice in one day! I only caught him once last year. If you see him again tell him greyhound says hi. Love your channel. Keep going as slow as you need to. You can always flip up if you run out of time. No hurry.

[@glynnmorgan6422]

Nothing wrong with getting emotional. I get that way several times a day. It's actually healthy, along with the hiking. Keep on keeping on sweetheart. You got this!!!

[@lizd124]

You are loved. You are capable. You are going to hike the AT!!!! 🩷

[@UnboundCrow]

You have such a great sense of humor. Love it.

[@maureenmukhlis2934]

YOU’RE DOING IT 💗💗 Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us! Can’t wait to see the day 7💕 So exciting to watch as you get to experience that incredible trail🥰 THE LAST ONE TO FINISH WINS🙌🎉🎈🥾🥾🥾

[@julestaylor7913]

Peaks, you keep doing your thing your way and you'll be fine. Fresh Ground is the big brother of one of my best friends. He told me when he was in town visiting that the best and only way to get your trail legs is on the trail! Good job listening to Lucky and getting out there to just move. That pain you're feeling right now is just there to remind you that you're still alive and in the game! If you were a fish, Dory would tell you to just keep swimming, so just keep hiking and you'll be fine. You have no idea how many people you're inspiring with this journey! I'm cheering you on from NC, and dreaming of the day I get to take on this challenge myself. Stay strong, and look for the next stump.

[@susanjeter6385]

You are doing great! This first couple of weeks are tough. Your body and mind are making a big adjustment. You got this!

[@Randee04]

Be the little engine that could!!! "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can"

[@paulst4523]

I tell you, if i finally. Made it out onto the a.t. and came off the trail and met freshground i would probably start crying. Tears of joy. Keep on keeping on. Next stump

[@Groundhog65NH]

You are amazing!! Do NOT doubt yourself! We love your journey! Waiting for you in the Whites!❤

[@laurariddle9394]

YOU are such an inspiration! ❤. If EVER I could hike the AT….YOU would be the only one to hike it with and I’ve followed 100’s of women on KZbin….Keep going, you’re loved and blessed! 🥰🥰❤🥰🥰

[@5181888881fgbg]

I’m a little late watching but am binge watching to catch up. You are such an inspiration to me. You are raw and real. Love you and God bless you. Thank you for sharing your dream with us. Love your trail name and motto “one stump at a time”

[@pleok08]

Thursday, February 22nd: Day 6 with Fresh Ground! Super! Glad you had a good day! Good luck! Happy Trails! Ross08

[@andyhikes4305]

You have quickly become my favorite KZbinr this year. You're doing great darlin, you don't have to do big miles, just keep doing you. You're videos are great, you're the best trailstander on trail this year. Slow and steady, don't push to hard and you'll do fine, take the zeros when you need to. Happy trails, loving your videos. ✌️ Pepe

[@all-to-Him-I-owe100]

Laura, you have one of the kindest, most genuine, determined and inspiring personalities I have ever heard. You can do this! You will do this - and along the way you are going to inspire and encourage SO many people. When you say you are going places - you just don’t even know how true this is! Go get’em dawg!!! ❤

[@susanliverman9819]

I think you're awesome! An absolute natural -- and I love your sense of humor! Keep going somewhere ... and you'll get there 💜💜💜

[@mhe8545]

You are just beginning. Don’t get discouraged. You still need to get your legs under you. Many of us are cheering you on.

[@emiliepiche6483]

Knowing you, following you from Montreal, Canada. You have international fans. Continue your good job out there. I like how appreciative you are of being on trail. Inspiring! Stay safe.

[@atscott21]

You got this!!! Stay determined! When you think of quitting, think about your angers in life, the things that have really ticked you off and see what those thoughts do for your determination :) again, you got this P4P

[@tigercache4397]

Trail Standing expert....lol...love it. You're doing amazing! Can't wait to catch up on your videos.

[@TheChantybb]

Fresh grounds!!! 🥳🥳🥳 what an amazing way to start the day! You are such an inspiration to me! If you can do it, I can do it!! ! Thank you for sharing your journey and your feelings with all of us. Sending love ❤

[@armywife2505]

Looks like a beautiful day! Glad you got back out there with the great encouragement and was able to enjoy it and some FGLF trail magic! Wish I was walking with you!!

[@ianhall702]

You are one tough cookie!!!!! Keep on keeping on!!! Much love from Wales, UK!!!

[@musingwithreba9667]

Laura, you are an inspiration! I am so glad you got back out there. Lucky is right, the best thing for you when you're feeling down is to get out on trail 😊 I think you're keeping a great pace. Stay hydrated, mix in some electrolytes. And magnesium at bedtime may help with sore muscles and sleep. Of course bacon from Fresh Ground is always helpful 😋 so much better than trail mix 😂 I feel for you! We're about the same age, and I've got arthritis in my spine, so a full day of hiking can sometimes knock me right for a loop! But I love being out there. You're right there where you need to be. 🤗

[@dougwoods9885]

You got it! Just remember every step you take is one step closer

[@DivineMojo]

So inspiring! Yay you got to meet up with Fresh Ground! 😁👏🏼👏🏼💜

[@sheilahenry7279]

Great day for you! As they say never quit on a bad day. I love watching your videos first thing w/ my coffee I have to watch. I’m glad your HYOH. Loosing your stride is the number 1 cause of injury. Do your speed. Those of us at home are supporting you. You’re a beautiful person.

[@user-fp3bt4rs1w]

You are such a light and inspiration! This has always been a dream of mine. I have bad anxiety so not sure it will ever happen for me but I love watching your journey! God bless you on your travels!

[@engineers-daughter]

Greetings from another Laura and professional trail stander in Oklahoma. I'm 100% stealing that, by the way (will absolutely give credit to you, of course). I stumbled across your channel somewhere between days 2 and 3 and am so glad I did. I'm enjoying your updates and living vicariously through you until I can get my feet on a section myself. You can do this - one step at a time. I'm a praying person and will keep you in my prayers and follow your journey. Be safe and don't let the hurt stop you from having fun. You're in the midst of fulfilling a dream....and how amazing is that?! Blessings

[@peaks4pounds]

Thank you! 🥾🙏

[@carrieyoungblood2112]

Your humble gratitude and genuine enthusiasm for the adventure you are sharing with all of us is pure joy to witness. We ARE rooting for you all the way from Washington state! Keeping going because you can. One step or stump at a time. ❤

[@kevinb1756]

I’ve never set foot on the AT but I get the impression that there’s a strong sense of community. Cheering you on from Washington state and happy trails!

[@barbaramaccorkle6906]

A bag of bacon!😂😂 That's the best motivation I've seen!! Hike well..just to the next stump! (Awesome trail name!)

[@shirleyg6189]

I love your videos and your honesty! It is not easy! But you are getting it done one step at a time! Outstanding 🥾🥾

[@gregharmon3797]

Obviously from reading all the comments you have inspired so many people with your endeavor. Remember never quit on a bad day, you will have more good ones than bad. Look at it as one days journey at a time. I will be following you.

[@sherrambles]

P4P I love your content. You are cracking me up! I'm so glad to have found another elite trail stander! 😂 Thank you for being inspiring and best wishes to you on the rest of your trail standing and hiking!! ❤

[@nerakdane]

A whole lot of people are behind ya....you got this, bit by tiny bit, at your own pace xx

[@txdxs2]

Warrior miles. Be safe, be strong, one mile at a time.

[@rickrsk]

You are an inspiration, I am a big old guy, still very active but I got to pick up my game! Take your time, and hang in there!

[@Mitoosuns]

Fresh ground is the man....one stump at a time. You got this!!!

[@danapplegate3037]

Appalachian Trail is easy to follow. See that next peak,that’s it. You’re such an inspiration, keep on stumping 💪

[@HammerLane2Hiking]

A good piece of advice I heard years ago was to never quit on a bad day.

[@adventuremedic4538]

Little behind on your videos (pesky little thing called work) but so glad you worked through your doubts and got out there. It's wonderful to see the support and following you have!

[@hghikes4458]

Trail standing 😂 I am absolutely going to share that with friends. You are killing it! Such a special day to meet fresh grounds✨

[@robinbrown7953]

You have already hiked farther than many have…and taken on something that is challenging and at times can seem daunting and scary, but you are doing it…and miles are miles; they are all accomplishments to be very proud of. Just go at the pace you need, listen to your body and and be smart to keep your body healthy….and i would say that when you are in town to eat as much really healthy food that is available to fuel yourself, since options are a little more limited on trail…you are rocking it girl!!!

[@honey8636]

You’ve got this, one stump at a time. ❤😊

[@lindasimmons-pe9ew]

You are awesome. One foot in front of the other at whatever pace you choose will always get you somewhere. Just keep 🥾🥾🥾you got this girl🎉❤

[@jeannineowens3746]

Keep up the good work, remember, you're inspiring us all, one step at a time. Thank you!!

[@adventuresofpineappleshort4600]

Trail Standin' HaHA! Love it! Way to get back out there!

[@cryptowealthonyt]

Remember the feelings of the good days, so that way you can lean back on something positive on the bad days.

[@MsCricket1977]

You’re a badass Laura! I’m living vicariously thru you for now, can’t wait to get on this trail one day❤😊

[@lisalombardo2635]

Wow! So glad i found your channel you are such an inspiration. My dad and i were supposed to hike the AT a few years ago, sadly he was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer and passed away 3 weeks later 😢. This is my way of doin the trail vicariously through you. Thanks so much!

[@peaks4pounds]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[@karenpaulson]

Hang in there, girl. You are taking your taking and have so much support.

[@karenbrown893]

Good morning Next Stump! I start my morning smiling at your grit and determination. You will get stronger as you go. Seems like you are taking good care of yourself and listening to your body. A smart hiker knows their limits and respects them. Rest is as important as miles. See you tomorrow.

[@Liz_0531]

You’re doing great and you could not ask for a better support system. Thought it was awesome that Lucky was at Woody Gap when you got there! Soo cool! ❤️

[@renaecummings8068]

Love watching your journey. You’re quickly becoming the AT thru hiker I’m pulling for the most. Love your attitude. Stay strong. 🙏🙏

[@llo70422]

It's a state of mind so don't let negative in. You are in the most amazing environment and you can do this. One step in front of the other. Sheila

[@k2jb-deanblair681]

Hiking to AT is like trying to eat an elephant. It seems impossible but if you focus on one bite at a time, you’ll finish. So focus on one step and one day at a time. We are so rooting for you. - Jimmy Dean

[@cindyswimchick]

Nothing is gonna stop you! Cheering you on every video. May you have a bag of bacon every day for a snack Glorious!!!!

[@AmyQ97]

you got this!! You can do it! I am waiting for the day I can do it so you’re inspiring me! I’m in NJ and would love to give you some trail magic when you get to that point!

[@stevepoindexter1240]

Keep pushing on but remember to enjoy the journey, it's not always about the destination. Happy trails Laura

[@scootmandoo]

Truly enjoy your videos. Keep moving on at your pace, you're doing great. I'll be watching, enjoy your time in trail.

[@TiffanyReynolds-yh9ed]

You are an inspiration. So excited to see your journey! You've got this one stump at a time.

[@stacyann0810]

You have such a great attitude! That will take you farther than anything.

[@markglazer8972]

You so got this lady!!!!! We r waiting for you in VT So proud of you❤️ The Lost Sloth🙏🏻❄️🥾💪❤️🔥✌️

[@rvlife4us644]

You can do this!!! Dig deep. Following you for my inspiration to hike the AT.

[@kimberlypenney7216]

Don’t give up you got this! I love your personality. Your doing a great job, seriously!

[@DWNY358]

I'm enjoying your journey. You are approaching it smartly: not doing too much too soon, which is a recipe for injury. You will gradually adapt to higher mileage and efforts in time. all the best!

[@rambleswithscrambles4216]

Scrambles and Low Gear are pulling for you! Don’t let the mental game get you down.