Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike Day 24...The Smokies are Really Hard

[@laurienuhn5350]

We want it all…the good, the bad and the ugly. Thank you for sharing it with us. I know tomorrow after some sleep will bring new strength. So sweet of Largo sleeping. I’m sure he wanted to get things set up in the tent so you would rest and relax even though he was tired. I love that. What a wonderful young man you and Will are raising.

[@WorldTowning]

It is all coming!!!

[@earlybird4733]

Sunshine, you are looking so healthy! I believe your body is loving all that exercise! Captain navigated you right past the GA/TN sign! Maybe it was during the night hike.😂😂 You are in good space…quality time with Largo in the beautiful woods….somewhere❣️⛺️🏔🧘‍♀️😏

[@WorldTowning]

Oh what a kind compliment. I feel stronger on most days. Thank you. My body is so loving the exercise.

[@TheChantybb]

Omg that cartoon bear almost gave me a heart attack! 😂😂😂

[@addictedtobass8232]

Same lol

[@TammyLynn-163]

Me too! I jumped! 😂

[@WorldTowning]

Me too when I watched it, this is Jessica

[@tammydialgray2835]

Is there a lot of salt in the meals you are trying? Are you staying hydrated enough? Since, you were both exhausted it’s really good that you stopped. I hope you got good rest. The kindness you two share with each other is always uplifting. Hope you have a wonderful day!

[@WorldTowning]

Yes, too much salt. We are definitely staying hydrated enough.

[@Candlesinthewoods]

Humans are truly amazing :). 💕

[@WorldTowning]

they sure are

[@bethhelfrich1227]

Thank you for your honesty and sharing the struggles that are real when hiking long term. Hope you get recharged and enjoy your adventures again. Please take care!

[@WorldTowning]

We will always keep it real

[@charmaineslater7632]

Have a better great day tomorrow!! 😀

[@WorldTowning]

Thanks! You too!

[@suecox8355]

Lack of sleep is tough no matter what you do. Hi Captain. 🦋❤️

[@WorldTowning]

So true!

[@markswishereatsstuff2500]

I read the book, Walk In The Woods and just recently saw the movie of it with Robert Redford and Nick Nolte. It was hysterical.

[@WorldTowning]

I saw the movie too, so funny.

[@lets_go_see_]

Like that trail, life has its UPS and DOWNS! It's all good!!!!!!!

[@WorldTowning]

exactly.

[@dianematson2393]

I have been listening each morning on my way to work. I really am enjoying your music choices and the conversations.

[@WorldTowning]

Awh, thanks for joining us every morning.

[@suemoore1965]

❤️❤️❤️💛💛💛💚💚💚💙💙💙 LIKED VIDEO AND APPRECIATE YOU KEEPING IT REAL

[@WorldTowning]

always

[@CindyTaylor-mr4wf]

Thank you so much for sharing the real trail journey! You are an inspiration, even on the poopie days! ❤

[@WorldTowning]

Thanks for watching!

[@julianlord5366]

First place I slept in in Spain on my current very lengthy Camino, in Catalonia right next to the French border to be more specific, was mostly like that shelter that you filmed. With some differences, but the main similarity with mine is in those wide wooden benches to sleep on. Also up in wooded hills, no running water, no electricity, pitch black, and so on. There was a vicious Pyrenean wind too, which made me grateful to be inside. Though it was not a modern wooden hut, but it was a small mediaeval/renaissance squat stone tower, that I was very, very grateful for. I had beers and charcuterie to keep me happy, but alas !! No cheese !! I met two blind pilgrims on the Camino Português section of my Camino in 2022, great people. They had personal guides rather than dogs, for one of them some of the guides were family, but I was most impressed by both !!

[@WorldTowning]

Humans are so amazing.

[@mccarthympma]

That blind hiker was probably “Shades” and her guide dog, “Blaze”. They are really amazing! Hope you get to talk with her!

[@mccarthympma]

Also, you are still a bright spot despite having a down day! You were still finding things to smile and laugh about. And, Largo… what a sweet son and an awesome hiking partner! Hope you slept well! Walking into Spring was one of my favorite things during my thru-hike🩷🌸🌼🌿

[@WorldTowning]

Very cool.

[@WorldTowning]

Awh, thanks. We have to laugh through it all.

[@michelleostrowski1246]

I just wanted to let you know that even though it was a tough day for you, watching your videos is definitely a "sunshine" part of my day and I love the daily vlogs. Also, Will has definitely kicked up the musical interludes and I like the new selfie stick angles (even though I said I missed the drone). Thanks for keeping it authentic. I love Good-To-Go meals too!

[@WorldTowning]

Awh, thanks so much!!! Self stick is so cool, glad you like it.

[@Goingplacesafterall]

Thank you for your honesty. Not enough KZbinrs admit to feeling down on the trail.

[@WorldTowning]

We can only keep it real so everyone benefits.

[@ladidi5222]

You have to listen to your body thank you for being honest, but that’s the way you are and that’s what I like😊

[@WorldTowning]

So true! Love the honesty, can't live without it.

[@elizabethblau7182]

You are still Sunshine even when you're elaborating on feeling low. You're human. I appreciate the truth. I can relate. A good nights sleep goes a long way. May you have that for night of day 24!! Sunshine and Captain...keep up the great work!!! I LOVE Watchung your videos. I'd love someone to do the whole AT with.

[@WorldTowning]

I appreciate that, thanks. Yes, you can do it too!

[@marilynm5024]

Thank you for sharing the ups and downs. So real, so honest.

[@WorldTowning]

always!!!

[@valeriemcnabb197]

20s uphill into the Smokies would be tough to start for anyone. Enjoy Tennessee!!!!

[@WorldTowning]

I know, we were crazy thinking that.

[@Golfpt62]

I love yalls honesty. I have been watching thru-hikers for probably 5 years now and you are by far the most real ones I have watched. You are correct as most make it seem like it is no big deal and every day is good. Just remember one step in front of the other and off to Katahdin yall go

[@WorldTowning]

Awh, thanks. We can't act and don't want to vlog if we can't keep it real, no one benefits if we pretend. Thanks for valuing that.

[@BarlowSaraAdventures]

Hugs ❤ you are so amazing for sharing it all. Love and happy Hiking tomorrow

[@WorldTowning]

Thanks Sara! I know you get this.

[@toomuchgarden6898]

In this section, you can tell if your shelter is in Tennessee or North Carolina by the privy. If there is a privy, then you are in NC. If there is no privy, then you are in TN.

[@MaryanneN_]

Oops. I should have read all the comments before posting mine!

[@WorldTowning]

thanks

[@bryanmcdermott4204]

That's a well-circulated heuristic, but Double Spring is in Tennessee and has a privy.

[@LJ-pp9wj]

I’m sorry you’re having an off day. We all have them. Tomorrow is another day and I hope it’s a Great one. Sleep well

[@WorldTowning]

Thank you, yep, tomorrow is a new day.

[@joanhall3718]

I wonder if you ate enough calories and protein for the strenuous day. Several times I’ve been on really hard hikes and gotten to a point where I didn’t feel like I could go farther. I wouldn’t be hungry at all but after forcing myself to stop, eat and take a break my energy would magically return.

[@SlickMaximus]

My comment to day 23. Quality food nutrition makes my physical and mental life better. -------------------------------------------- In my opinion video showing foods sold at AT resupply locations will help hikers avoid pre shipping food boxes. Especially small resupply like Fontana dam. Audio is not needed just video slow enough to read package label and optional readable shelf sticker price. Have not found one video of food resupply details available on AT locations. My nutrition study indicates these foods heal body wear and tear from hiking plus promote better SLEEP from protein and cheese calcium: First is protein from peanut butter (no hydrogenated fat if possible), nuts, seeds, eggs, hard cheeses will avoid mold for 7 days or more without refrigeration (for calcium or vitamin k2 in swiss, cheddar, mozzarella, etc), dried beans with cold soaked lentils cooking in 10 minute simmer, meat either canned, bagged, or raw cooked near town. Next is vegetables, fruit, oatmeal. Personally I avoid food packages like Mountain House as I feel lentils are healthier and less expensive. Human biochemistry to reduce body pain by healing small injuries each night. Pro weightlifter steered me to literature by Gabrielle Lyon indicating 30 grams protein at one meal is minimum required to turn on enzyme mtor which repairs and rebuilds damaged muscle. I assume repair of damaged connective tissue (ligaments, tendons, fascia) requires mtor activation also. More than 50 grams protein at one meal is less effective at repairing body and best eat protein above 50 grams at next meal. Most hikers snack all day unaware of mtor activation purpose

[@lindalisettehiggins8028]

We noticed on our Camino , the days where we didn’t consume enough calories during the day and the evening that next day was excruciating physically and mentally. I know it’s hard because you need to carry all the food but start writing what you eat vs calories burned and see what kind of deficit you have. Nuts are good to eat as well. Keep up the great work and be safe. I liked Largo ‘s buff the other day but didn’t get the full picture.

[@WorldTowning]

Largo is good. I (Jessica) need more for sure.

[@WorldTowning]

Thank you. I am working on making better food choices.

[@WorldTowning]

we are working on getting better at this.

[@jennifercocharan4526]

2nd page. Point is this.....i learned to love the lake...i even give it flowers....talk to it....clean it up.....ans im blessed I got to learn this.....bc those people on the boats didn't.. I learned to respect nature. Enjoy it. Feel it. Slow down. So when you hike the AT. You cant hike it with thoughts of finishing.....hurrying....getting it done......the trail now owns you. Not you own the trail. Give ot the utmost respect it deserves. And let the race part go. And yes I did that too....paint as much and best as possible. It didnt work out. And im a better painter bc of it. Happy trails......and feel mother nature.....so she or he can nurture your soul.

[@WorldTowning]

beautiful. Love mother nature

[@hikingmovie]

My friend and I had some hard days in the Smokies on my thru hike last year. I think it was a combo: the elevation causing problems including lack of sleep and the extreme cold. The terrain wasn’t easy, but didn’t seem like it should have been as hard as it was. I only hiked 6 miles one day. We just couldn’t make it to the next shelter.

[@WorldTowning]

The Smokies are hard! Thanks for sharing your journey.

[@Danielle-rb2jk]

When you told us Captain was sleeping i turned my phone volume down so as not to wake him up. 🤦🤦🤦 I obviously need more sleep too! 😂😂😂 Loving the vlogs. ❤

[@WorldTowning]

Ha, I love it! You made me laugh out loud.

[@earlenepreher193]

The Blind Hiker is on trail she has a volg

[@sheilahenry7279]

What is it?

[@WorldTowning]

what is the vlog?

[@addictedtobass8232]

There is in fact a blind female hiker currently through hiking with her service dog.

[@sheilahenry7279]

Does anyone document her journey? Is there a site to view her?

[@WorldTowning]

I have no idea, but if I find out I will let you know.

[@elizabethblau7182]

Id LOVE to have one of your patches!!! How can I get one even tho I'm not on trail. Love the vlog. Another awesome job Will!!! Keep up the great work Captain, Sunshine, and Will.😊❤

[@WorldTowning]

email me your address [e-mail]

[@attract1234]

Aww Jessica that normal, good days bad days. You are missing a bit of TAC a Tac, with Will as the French would say.

[@WorldTowning]

so true

[@jillhoola3653]

Check out LMNT, put that in your water as you need more electrolytes after sweating lots. Good stuff. I'm rooting for ya'll God bless you

[@WorldTowning]

Thank you. We do use LMNT! I love it, but not the chocolate flavor.

[@goldpop5001]

The southern half of Maine is also tougher than the Smokies, along with the Whites.

[@WorldTowning]

That is what we hear.

[@sandrap3047]

Well of course you are tired! Did you forget that you are climbing mountains? You both are doing great! I miss Will too! It’s so weird seeing you without him! Where is he? I thought he would be joining you every now & then for resupply & shuttles. I thought he would be at Chica & Sunsets but he wasn’t! ☹️

[@WorldTowning]

Ha, I know. We miss him too. He will join us on some hikes, but not quite yet.

[@lorispeers7690]

Momma said “there’d be days like this”! I had mine that 24 mi day we took a wrong turn on the Camino!

[@WorldTowning]

Oh Yep, I can relate. Thanks Lori.

[@julianlord5366]

Oh !! Got one -- This is World Towning AT Sea on the AT. Needs an ad hoc intro and/or outro day to day I think, I like it anyway.

[@WorldTowning]

Oh I like that. Thanks

[@MaryanneN_]

At the shelters, if there’s a privy, it’s North Carolina, if not, it’s Tennessee. TN doesn’t do privies.

[@WorldTowning]

Oh, good to know. thanks.

[@sheilahenry7279]

Funny, earlier you had a song that had no music for a bit & I thought it was Largo singing. I thought he sang well then realized it wasn’t Largo. Like your “at sea” hat.

[@WorldTowning]

Ha, he does have a nice voice though. Oh thanks, part of our sailing swag. They are very warm.

[@beckyraver7959]

❤❤❤❤

[@julianlord5366]

eh, not sure that ZH is a proper 24 !! Keep on walking though, that overcomes all. I really love Will's music track.

[@WorldTowning]

He is sooo good at the music choices

[@stephanieaston7178]

My mom has glaucoma, so she’s going to go blind. I hope that she doesn’t lose her independence. I hope that she gets a seeing eye dog. You won’t catch her on a trail, though, because she gets tired easily, and doesn’t want to fight to regain her energy(I tried to get her to go for walks with me in the woods, about 3 years ago). Me, I’m very different. I want to increase my fitness level! I want to keep on walking until the day that I die, and will do everything in my power to stay mobile! When I do eventually hike the Appalachian Trail, I won’t tell my mother until I am actually on the trail, because she would try to discourage me. I’m 42 years old, so….. My brother never had to deal with that, but I’m the baby of the family.

[@WorldTowning]

You can do it. Just make a plan and stick to it

[@rjzlwop3153]

So you think you saw a blind person on the trail, that is so cool. So maybe since you saw a blind person, you can understand that there might be blind people watching your Vlogs, so when you point as something and say over there, we have no idea what you’re talking about. Is it to the right? Is it to the left? Is it behind you? Is it in front of you That sided people take. Keep up the great hike and y’all sound like you’re having a blast.

[@WorldTowning]

We have always had some blink viewers and we do our best to vlog while speaking to all the sense as we have deaf followers as well. Glad you are here.

[@johnmaliskey7951]

No TP ??????????? This is when you really miss the Bidet ....................... 😆

[@WorldTowning]

Ha, true

[@jennifercocharan4526]

I got to tell you something. And its winded. So here goes. I live on a lake.....and I never really liked it much for personal abusive reasons. I never owned a boat either ......and I would get jealous watching people on their motor vehicles....Now I'm grown up. I live here again and taking care of my dad. Im also a plien air artist. So I started to pain the lake. I had no way to get on it.....besides a I inflatable jet ski the first season....everyone laughed .....i did it anyways. One day Victor the jet ski got loose from me all the way across the lake and I had to swim back a long ways.... Next season I invented a painting easel you put in the lake and a seat out of a noodle and 2 tennis rackets....painted on that for a season...fish would bite me....swim for long distances.....people stopped laughing. Then i found a old abandoned lonely boat.....and I'm learning the currents. How strong currents are in the middle to use the shoreline....I also read in the bible that water is living...i believe it. Before all this I was hiking everywhere and painting...still do.

[@WorldTowning]

Thank you for sharing your story.