I SNAPPED: A Mental Low Point on My AT Thru Hike

[@lloydberges3533]

You got this ranger.

[@swirlytwirl1089]

Do you remember pre-trail Maddie and your encouraging vlog to her? ... take a moment to breathe...it'll all work out as it should... go easy on yourself... ❤😊

[@MaryPonder]

Sometimes I am harder on myself than I would be anyone else. That is not good for my mental health. What I do is I imagine my best friend or my daughter or grand daughter going through a difficult time and what would I say to them? Write it down. Now say that to myself. You are going through such a hard task. Be kind to yourself. We all love you. And I think you’re awesome.

[@flashconti]

Hey Ranger - I wore camo compression tights sprayed with Perethrin & thin long sleeve merino wool top (also treated) - was tiny bit hotter but worth it to get no bug bites. We also learned to camp on higher ground, away from the water with less mosquitoes and a breeze. Still used bug wipes at dawn and dusk. You’ve got this! - Flash 52, author of Only When I Step On It.

[@wildflowersadventures]

just finished your book a few months ago. Congratulations! What a life changing adventure. I enjoyed reading it. 😊

[@designdoctor247]

oooohhhhh u r the BEST friend EVER to give Maddie this wonder advice...Lord send her what she needs to be safe and healthy!!!

[@NYDaughter1972]

Maddie, you are a beautiful and wonderful human being who is entitled to have bad days just like everyone else. You're amazing! Don't forget that!❤

[@nymph40]

True dat

[@jetv1471]

I cried about that man who hosted you all like that …. Literally cried

[@ashleys_sadness]

Hang in there. Take care of yourself and your mental health.

[@woodswalker3088]

Thanks!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Wow, thank YOU!

[@resourcefulqueen5109]

Thanks sharing your day.... enriching spa, wet clothes, the conveniences, struggles, cookies, hospitality, surprises and and positive self talk. That is a lot in a short period of time! Such a nice photo of you sitting on a rock at the pond. I image you will appreciate looking at it when you are a senior citizen. : )

[@designdoctor247]

6:29 Pack man Pack Man for the WIN!!! u r AWESOME!!! Aeropress man!!! eeeekkkk gotta love him!!! ❤

[@lovesallanimals9948]

I love how you are considerate of whether people want to be filmed, that is so rare today 😊

[@saner6888]

So glad to see you ended this vid on a positive note! Tom was a bit of what you needed. ( I really love seeing smoke master, he’s just so chill💛)

[@Janetbringsawareness]

Thanks! You are the most realistic human. Just real in all ways. So inspiring

[@sallys2423]

Hang in there Ranger, you're doing it! We're all rooting for you.

[@designdoctor247]

yes yes 😊🤗🥰

[@KaraKirtley]

My heart goes out to you. At this point in the trail for me, I'd never been that tired and worn down in my life. I don't think people talk enough about the toll the trail can have on a hiker with stress, anxiety, etc. Navigating dangers, weather, treacherous terrain and trying to get miles is all sooo hard. You are doing great though. Try to go easy on yourself. You've already done so much more of the trail than the vast majority of people ever will!!! Just remember, the pain is temporary and before too long all of these days will be great memories of Type 2 fun. Also - if you weren't able to post another video your whole hike and post them when you get back, we would all understand and still watch (I posted all of mine after trail!). It's so much more important that you enjoy your time on trail. You've got this, and you've got a lot of people cheering you on and supporting you! 💛

[@Get_Some_Nature]

I bent/ broke 3 sets of poles last year. I fell in a few creeks. I fell in a mud bog and was covered head to toe in mud, including my pack. I had to rinse everything in the next creek. It's all part of the experience. The bug bites, heat and falls make you tougher. It shows you that you are tougher than the trail. Autumn is coming and I promise it will be getting better! You can do it! You have what it takes to finish the trail! We love you and believe in you! I know what it's like to suffer through the summer. Please don't think about stopping. You have worked so hard and come so far! You will regret it the rest of your life if you short change yourself by quitting. Think of the adventure that awaits you in New Hampshire and Maine. I promise it's worth it! The AT Class of 2022 is rooting for you! You can DO it!!! ❤❤❤

[@markviers998]

"The straw that broke" I see what you did there 😂Sorry you were having a stressful day, I'm sure even though you're not stuck in the office (unlike someone that I won't mention) there's still plenty of things that will wear on you but you can be sure we're all sending good thoughts.

[@jackcakeblack]

Do what you can, no stress. You got some beautiful footage of the trail; I give you an A+ for filming. I like the no music, with sounds of the trail only. Thanks for sharing.

[@jimmymalone3494]

Ranger good see you are in a better mood.I love your videos and good luck to you.

[@tomellis3218]

Ranger/Mattie you are amazing . If this is your bad self then I would hike with you on any trail on the worst day.😊❤ You inspire others just by including us with the highs & lows of trail life. I’m so committed to continue to look forward to your flogs and each Wednesday is a hi-light of my week to be see how you are succeeding . On to Katahdin…. ❤😊

[@jamesadams2334]

Don't let the trail stress you! You are hiking on your terms! Don't let the trail turn into your boss. You are doing great! Enjoy the remaining trail, it is what you have hiked from Georgia to see. The best is yet to come! geek

[@designdoctor247]

oh oh that is a GREAT chapter title for book..."Do NOT let the trail be your BOSS!"

[@gretat1087]

The best thing about your videos is how real you are. Thank you for showing the challenges of this journey and not just the fun. As others have said, if you need to take a break from posting we will all happily watch them once you’re off trail! Take care of your spirit and body first!!!!

[@RC_0669]

Love watching you so much Maddie! What if you went to every other week on videos? Your supporters will support you!

[@bigbranch1]

Thanks! Great videos....love your talk....God Bless.

[@mikaelaolsen8835]

Don't worry too much about it getting cold. When you are outdoors all the time the skin relearns to do its job: keep you warm/ keep you cool. You will feel fine in lower temperatures than you did before this hike. Loving your videos!

[@johanagranada2845]

Don't let the hard days get to you

[@ClairenParkerontheRoad]

You're doing great! I think the difference is that you are open about your experiences. I melt down in my car with the windows rolled up lol.

[@aprilfensom6412]

I'm glad you were able to count and breathe into a better mood. Sometimes it's the small things that make people happy.

[@bootson_au]

It takes a lot of resolve to keep going when you've hit a stress point. You're doing a lot better than many of the people I know. Keep it up!

[@BBBYpsi]

Maddie I have been along on this journey the whole time but have not made many comments because I'm just sitting back watching and observing. Just remember the bad experience will only make you stronger and wiser and I'm glad to see that you were in a better mood at the end of the video. Hang in there young lady. You are doing amazing on this journey.

[@WickedKoala12]

Tom is absolutely amazing. He helped me out when I got injured this year. You've got this! Enjoy the rest of the trail. - Reese's Cup

[@JulieJordanScott]

Your authenticity is unmatched and I am grateful for you!!!! My heart is with you -

[@1z1zmike]

I like the way you can just stop and change your focus to something positive!🙂🙏

[@LauraMichellez]

Sending you a virtual hug.

[@dougwoods9885]

Sometimes you have to stop and look around at where you are take a deep breath and move on. Don't worry you got this

[@sherryzee2634]

Just so you know, YOU ARE A BLESSING! And, we all have to pick ourselves up and dust off (in your case dry out😉)

[@joeberger3035]

Every thru hiker hits a low sooner or later. You are doing great put the smile back on your face and enjoy yourself.

[@justiceforMarvel]

Your videos make my day; your attitude is amazing. Hang in there, Ranger! ❤

[@robertknowles2699]

'Kentucky Woman' Those mossy rocks and 6 x 2's scare me most. Last summer decending into creek crossing my knee struck a rock. Yet home was close here by Lake Erie. Pleese use extra caution crossing a crik . The Mug Root Beer looks satisfying.

[@barker316]

the bad days are what make the good ones-great job Maddie!❤

[@rayweiland5160]

Hey Maddie, In a few weeks you will be passing a southbound hiker that goes by the trail name “Hawk.” This is his 8th time hiking the AT. Maybe you two could swap a few stories and pick up a few pointers from him.

[@TheLynzrex00]

I’ve been loving watching my way through these videos. I love how honest you are about your emotions. I can totally relate. When I make my videos I try to keep it light most of the time but the few times I broke down for whatever reason are my favorite memories. It’s good to remember that it’s hard but it’s worth it!

[@JOJOHN-19]

Just love watching your journey from Australia

[@iandenholm2198]

Following your journey (HI's & Low's)from New Zealand. Keep your spirits up.

[@catherinebrown1343]

Love your videos! But if they’re stealing your joy, finish them after you finish. We can wait!

[@AlabamaCannabisCoalition]

Totally agree. ❤ Enjoy your tramily and the trail.

[@mcfaddenhall2896]

I appreciate you sharing the cloudy days.

[@bobhamulak3646]

Hey Maddie! It's nice to see you again! It looks like you're having a bit of a hard time. Cheer up, that dark cloud will pass. Count your blessings...You're young and healthy, and although you might not be on top of the world right now, you're doing something really remarkable with your life that should make you so proud for all the rest of your life! I can guarantee that years from now, you will look back and always remember the year 2023 as the year you hiked the AT, and you won't even remember that you broke your pole! Try not to let your emotions ruin a good time! Well, I'm glad that you're doing well. Keep it up! You're in the home stretch. When you get to Katahdin, relax and get yourself a nice cold beer. Well, stay safe and ENJOY! And we really do appreciate all the work you do to make these videos for us. Thank you Maddie!

[@jasonjones5213]

I love how you don't hold anything back.Very inspirational videos.

[@ChipChoc00]

I’m sorry it’s been so hard lately. 💕

[@VivianInTheOC]

Cliffhanger!! So glad you got to feeling better. Thanks for all the videos. I enjoy each and every one of them.

[@Bane-l7h]

Soldier on, Ranger. Deep breaths and sharpen your spirit by grinding, like you've already shown us you do. ✌🏼

[@sharonspangler8118]

You are doing great!!!! Don't worry about videos, enjoy the hike. And I love that you share your true feelings. 😊 I can't believe I've followed you from the beginning, this is really fun for me.

[@SunshineT1965]

You are doing an amazing thing!! And yes, some days are going to be better than others. Wander off into the woods and cry and scream and let out all your frustrations! Then come back and move on. Hang in there, kiddo! All you can do is the best you can every day.

[@dawnsteisslinger353]

I’ve never had issues with mosquitoes it’s always the gnats. BUT spiderwebs REALLY get me. There is nothing like walking into one and stop to wipe it off your face and then start to walk and yep right back into another one. Waving my sticks like a mad woman hoping to hit the web before it hits me. I hear your frustration. I do love your positive side as well. I’d LOVE to hike with you. Everyone has good days and bad. You have it all Maddie and it really shows. Just put one foot in front of the other.

[@gregtaylor3432]

Thank you for your honesty!! Sending all the encouragement can from my home in NJ.🤟

[@JamesBoddie]

What an awesome adventure. Beautiful scenery. Thanks so much for sharing. You are doing great.

[@jeannenimmo5]

"Little do ye know your own blessedness; for to travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive, and the true success is to labour."(Robert Louis Stevenson). Travel well, Maddie - one foot in front of the other. Be well, stay safe.

[@marytoutloff2838]

If that's your worse self, we all need to take a lesson from you. Wish I could hike with you a few hours and carry your stuff. I have daughters probably close to your age. I know your folks must absolutely adore you. SO PROUD OF YOU STICKING WITH IT THROUGH THE BUMPS AND BRUISES, MOSQUITOS AND BROKEN POLES. Life can feel like one big stretching rack. I pray you get some rest, relief, cool breezes, healed skin, and whatever else you need. Praying for you.

[@arandompersonp9883]

Thank you for posting your adventures, enjoying following along. Wow twenty miles!

[@MichaelS00]

Well SNAP back into it!!! You are so ridiculously close! But honestly, don't let anyone but yourself dictate your schedule. You've got folks praying for you!

[@mimihikes1466]

Glad things are looking up! Im so inspired by your adventure, the highs and lows!

[@thexxit]

gotta love all forms of yourself, even the annoying ones! it's good to recognize your feelings and speak them out loud, it's part of changing your mood. keep going! lots of people care, esp your friends.

[@dianeschmiane]

Maddie, we all have bad days. Take deep breaths, come back to center, and smell the trees. The poles can be replaced, you don't have to finish in one go, people will come and go from your life, the videos will get posted eventually... just focus on each moment, and you'll be fine. ❤

[@meh45]

We CAN do unimaginably hard things! YOU can do THIS! Not bragging rights, yet seeing yourself through the lows and highs. You are learning and you are achieving, even when you think differently. Be blessed and power on! We are here cheering you on and are proud of you no matter what.

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

You inspire me everyday!!

[@dianeralph4642]

You are amazing!! You’re doing something only a few can do! You’ve got this!! One step at a time, one day at a time. Stay safe and continue to enjoy the rest of your journey 🥾🥾🏕️🪵

[@_andy_gibb_]

It's inevitable there'll be days like that - especially where mosquitoes are concerned!! - and sometimes you just have to let out that frustration so you can equalize again. Like many here, I think you're doing amazingly well and am sending every ounce of moral support I can from behind my keyboard! What a wonderful way to end a long day with dinner prepared by someone else and then to have a friend bring you a coffee treat - those are great moments.

[@Kari-bb3rm]

I appreciate your honesty and transparency. I hope you're doing great now!!!

[@rs916]

Hang in there, you got this!

[@mountainman969n.e.c.5]

Hi Maddie, glad you're feeling better, The mountains are tough Your doing great. You can try fixing your pole with a strong stick widdle one to fit in the pole and hammer it in it won't be as strong, but you can still walk with it. Have fun out there.

[@helenarubio3371]

thank you for sharing & documenting your journey! Please be safe ❤

[@DD-gd3fr]

I hear that long times on the trail will open your heart and mind. Please hang in their , part of your spiritual growth. Your doing wonderful sweety! God bless 👩‍🦯

[@RexfordHoldings]

Your amazing journey inspires us, thanks for sharing.

[@sarahsiskin6780]

You’ve got this, onward and upward!

[@marytoutloff2838]

I second the motion on what Kim Scnei below said. I was having a rough day. Some disappointments and some limitations and then I got a message from my landlord saying we have your rent checks for Sept and Oct. Cut $200 off of the Nov one so you can have a fun time shopping for Christmas. There are good people out there. People with coffee makers. People who wait for you. People who cut you a much needed break. So glad to be travelling this road with you and a few others...otherwise I would not be able to.

[@RickINFJ]

You so deserved this 21:26 Wish I could give you a hug Maddie. Even the sweetest of souls (such as yours) have a breaking point. Great idea putting your frustrations to work for you on that 20 mile day! How nice of Smoke to get you that cookie dough coffee! Take care Ranger ✌️

[@findingtruth2717]

You hang in there!!❤

[@TheCarefreeCamperthd8z]

Great inspiring videos! Stay strong!!

[@wildwolf8983]

You are doing great, almost there. Take a deep breath.

[@marilynthomson9564]

Another great video! You are a trooper and I think you are pretty amazing!

[@WanderingWithWanda]

Rooting for you and every step you take, good days and bad! You got this! Go! 🚶🏼‍♀️

[@wvover8079]

I remember that you had some pretty stressfil, hard times while you were living and traveling in your van... like when you got stuck in the mud in a very bad place for that to happen... but you got through it and all the other hard times and completed your goal.... and I dont know where you are at on the trail and how far you have to go yet, in real time.... but feel sure you are working through it just fine. If editig and uploading is causing you too much stress and worry about getting the miles ... you could always just film, but give yourself permission to wait and edit and upload once you are finished.... you wouldnt feel so much pressure and we would still get to see your hike... i know you would find that hard because you have high standard, but if it keeps you on the trail and happier, I say do what you need first, and worry about all us.. the viewers later.... thanks for another great, realistic veiw of life on the trail.

[@taylorbottini2758]

I love your videos so much! I can't wait to catch up and be current! You're amazing and I love your spirit!

[@Vizzini_KungFu]

Sometimes a good cry can be a good motivator. Keep going Maddie! Ps that pasta looked so good!

[@berniebroering7438]

Maddie, Ranger, You got this! Sure the trail trolls will push you off the wobbley bridges if they can, and sadly they got you once but I hope that someone comes up with a replacement section for your hiking pole. You do shound like you could use a beer though! Cheers Madds!

[@williamwadejr5302]

I’ve been following along and have wondered about when the weather is gonna turn. Georgia you got nice weather all the way to the end of October but up in the Northern states September is probably gonna bring some more colder temps.

[@willscott9435]

Hello from Tennessee! Just want to say that I enjoy your videos from the trail. I'm not able to follow in your footsteps but maybe some day. But in the meantime I will cheer you on toward Katahdin. Smoke Master, the coolest dude on the AT.

[@designdoctor247]

3:18 AMEN and Praise Jesus! 😊

[@chrisharmon5453]

If you were in the West Coast you would have dried FAST. I hike for a living and purposely take my cotton long sleeve button down (sleeves for protection collar cuz work cotton cuz it stays wet longer lol 😅) and dunk it into a water cooler I bring along just for that purpose. 😮😂😂 I’m dry within half an hour usually except for where my sweat soaks thru. But you are definitely right about not making good decisions when mad 😡 and sometimes it can be hard to mellow out enough on your own to realize that. Yay for friends and a good cup of coffee. 👏👏🫂🫂🫂😻😻

[@lindiemoon]

Truly the ups and downs of the trail. I feel bad that you feel so the burden of making these videos (even if it is self imposed, as you say). I hope once you’ve finished recovering off trail, that you get to go and can do some hikes, even just short ones, and just enjoy the simplicity of it without feeling like you need to file! Xx

[@harryhartley1466]

You are doing great! Keep it up!

[@johnlaycock583]

Keep the faith! It was wonderful that you found your friends.

[@mac091151]

Ranger you got this. I want to let you know that you are one person who made my favorite list. Unfortunately I had gotten hurt at the 1205.5 mile point in PA. I will need to finish the trail next year 992.9 to go. Mac 71 from Utah.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Mac! Good to hear from you! Sorry your plans for this year didn’t work out how you planned. Congrats on getting to PA, that’s still an accomplishment in itself! Best of luck for next year too!

[@BaronReed-rj9rz]

Great people are grown out of adversities. Small minds avoid difficult times and abandon the goal. Strong minds are willing to walk through the difficulties while never loosing sight of the goal. Therefore, the question is: What is the goal and am I willing to pay the price in order to reach the goal? I believe that you are a truly amazing person and you are a blessing to the world.

[@G-h-o-s-tt]

Smooth seas never made a skilled sailor. Keep your head up & don’t forget to enjoy the ride.

[@cheesecake1003]

I found the Bush and Banter podcast episode with Elina Osborne to be insightful, (at 43 minutes), regarding struggle with balancing time spent on work vs. just hiking. She has good insight.

[@KevinRStrauss]

Wow, I really felt your pain. It must have been so hard. Truly the downs and ups of AT thru-hiking. What a wonderful finish staying in a friendly person's yard. The dinner & breakfast looked so comforting! We're cheering for you! ☮️❤️🤝

[@chrissys9968]

Aloha MADDIE. Alway LOVE ehen you all have a place to rest and the treats yummy You keep smiling LOVE and GOD Bless You all ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Creekdigger65]

Welcome to the CREEKDIGGER club! Now you know how I got my trail name lol! I SOOOO feel your pain! Keep smiling and laugh about it!

[@dmunman]

Please look up plantain. It’s a plant that typically grows in lawns. It’s used to treat bee stings and insect bites. Glad you didn’t get hurt.

[@JennyfromtheTrail]

So sorry that happened to you!!! Ugh I have had the same problem with those type of boards, very very slippery!! I think the natural tree logs are better then the treated wood.

[@harveyjeffreys8445]

Hang in there! You have got it!