It’s MY Party, I Can CRY If I Want To! [My Birthday on the Appalachian Trail]

[@lindiemoon]

Pac-Man literally being a pack man! A thoughtful gift 😊😊 happy birthday 🎉

[@TeeGreen222]

But NEXT YEAR on your birthday….you’re gonna be tellin stories about how you kicked and screamed and laughed and cried and fought and scratched and clawed your way to Mt Katahdin. Yes ma’am!! AND I’M HERE FOR IT ALL!! ❤

[@thecreativecountrycrafter]

Definitely give yourself grace! Not only are you hiking the AT - you are taking 30K people along with you! The videoing, editing and posting is a massive job! Also, you have been sick. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and feelings. I appreciate your honesty about the good, the bad and the ugly. I believe it is good for you to deal with your emotions as you go along, even as hard it is at the time. I believe when you look back on this birthday later on, you will smile and remember that you celebrated it on the flippin' Appalachian Trail and that, my dear, is most remarkable! Praying for you! You will do this! Without doubt! You are one tough cookie!

[@tinkersgonecamping]

You took the words right outa my mouth. I was thinking the same thing!!!

[@todd4480]

I feel like your videos will serve as a training tool for many wannabe thru-hikers for many decades.

[@khadijahmuhammadkebe9062]

Such a thoughtful gift from Packman!!! Your trail friends are the best!!! I'm glad you found them on your journey ❤

[@geeelouise649]

Happy Birthday! Its ok to let yourself feel however you're feeling. If you feel like crying, then cry. No shame in that. It gives you a chance to process everything. I love binging your videos, but its its always okay to take a little break. I've learned over the past month that taking care of your mental health is extremely important for overall wellbeing. You got this Ranger!😊

[@JulieJordanScott]

Crying 12 times in 4 Months sounds like a badge of honor for so few cries! I would have cried about the Mary Oliver poem tacked up on the shelter! 😂🤣😂 You amaze me. I love your videos (long ones) and the short ones. It’s so good that you are talking about your feelings. That word “should” is poison… birthdays can be super disappointing…. Big hugs to you wherever you are now… hope you’re looking back on this day with…. Whatever you’re feeling, it’s all good.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Very wise, thank you!

[@mikaelaolsen8835]

Cry if you want to but you will soon look back at that as one of your best birthdays ever.

[@tennesseeyaya1830]

I would have fallen a hundred times on those muddy trails. I so enjoy your weekly videos, and I’m binge watching all your previous hikes while I wait.

[@mac091151]

Here is this old man’s attitude on having a bad day. To me there is no such thing as a bad day. It is this though, “Every day is a good day, it is just that some are better than others.”

[@SherryAnnOfTheWest]

When Packman took your pack and you cut to you hiking "unencumbered" through the woods, my husband said, "suddenly, she moves like a gazelle!" LOL

[@CB-ei6ez]

We r so proud of you, happy belated birthday 🎈🎂🎈🎂🎈🎉😂, sendung you love 💕 💕 💕 💕 💕 ans light 🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️. ..we are with you in Spirit

[@popspops3795]

Happy birthday, Maddie. You are such a sweetheart heart. I love the fact that you acknowledge your feelings. Good or bad, they exist, and when you acknowledge them, you learn how to deal with them. Most people would have ignored them and then given up, or worse, would have not even started. Regarding a set day for you to upload videos, I believe that we (your subscribers) will watch your videos whenever you upload them. The most important thing above all is that you are safe, healthy, and happy. Everything else is manageable. P.S. You inspire me to leave my cave and see the sun again.... Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay happy. Pops

[@vanessa91614]

You are killing it. It takes insane athletic and emotional abilities to walk 2000+ miles in 6 months or however long it takes. Ive really appreciated these videos and how your friendships have developed. In the past you were power walking to meet up with them and now they are with you (even caryong your pack). I love how you guys are close enough to share hotels with each other even being the solo woman with 2 grown guys. As a reminder - even in the real world people take time off work and vacations. You have been powering through way more than 8 hours in wild conditions. Happy birthday. You will look back one day and smile. Youre almost there. 🎉🎉🎉

[@katfish000]

Thoughts on your birthday day 🎉😊you were amongst friends. Sunset included. Feelings are a good thing no matter how hard 😊

[@jamesadams2334]

Happy Birthday Maddie! You may be frustrated, and you may be crying but you are kicking ass girl! You guys are doing great. I know that it may not seem like it, but you don't have much further to go. Enjoy what's left! geek

[@ChrisfromFL]

For some reason this year was the first year since 2012 that I picked 5 vloggers to follow up the AT and all are females. Of the 5 one I figured would quit before finishing, and she did, even though she made it further than I thought she would. I always figured you'd be one that would complete your hike. Hang in there, your emotions are real and that's part of any long distance hike. Thanks for taking us along!!

[@krystyns]

I remember being overwhelmed when I first went on a beer run while camping in Vermont! So many unique options just right there in the grocery store🤩

[@mikemoore4016]

Happy birthday, you made it through the easy 2/3 of the trail. Now the FUN begins.

[@williambranham6249]

First of all Happy Birthday. I was through there in ‘98 on my thruhike with my fiancé. I was amazed the rocks roots and streams looked exactly the same as did the mud after 25 years. Wink Wink!😮 I was disappointed the fire tower was closed for your sake. We were allowed to climb it. Everything has its day I suppose. We were fortunate to be there on a beautiful Sunday and the warden (retired ) who manned that tower was there telling stories about his time working for the US Forest Service., I believe there was still a small hut or building there that he used during bad weather and he also said his wife and friends would come up with food and to chat. It was a fun experience.

[@teresadofredo9908]

Maddie I cannot believe it has been a year already. I started watching around this time last year. Ironically that was a crying video too ( the van was stuck in the mud). I love that you are vulnerable and humble enough to share the truth of through hiking. I could never do it, for health reasons so I live vicariously through you. What a great group of friends you have found. Here is to another year around the sun girl!

[@janmariolle]

What an amazing job you did placing the camera so we could see you squeeze through rocks. You certainly capture the difficulty of the terrain. The AT looks like one tough trail which makes it that much more of an accomplishment.❤Thank you for these gritty videos.

[@sherryzee2634]

As you've said, one day at a time, one step at a time. As John Denver said, "Some Days are Diamonds and Some Days are Stones." And those days as you've noted are often dependent on where your mind is which often depends on how your body is sending messages (ie, rested, worried, exhausted, depleted, not well, everything going your way, etc.). You are actually doing excellently and your tramily is just as beautifully hearted as you. And, just so you know, lots of hikers have cried through these very same sections - men and women. You impress us even more by working through the stress and exhaustion as well as the delightful and amazing. Bless your heart and steps

[@glynnmorgan6422]

Happy birthday sweetie You got this!! Keep on keeping on. Love your attitude and candor. Keep up with the great views and videos ....

[@jaspersteve9420]

The true reason for a beer in a beautiful place! Enjoy and know you will smile about the good and bad times as life happens

[@onthedownside]

Your videos are inspirational in the morning! I hiked all of the AT in pa and other sections. YEARS AGO!I'm handicapped older and an introvert. I only get groceries & go to the dispensary usually. Your videos are like my kick in the butt to get stuff done!HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you!!

[@turtlemummatreks9786]

Youve achieved some unique and quality camera angles in this post🎉

[@28105wsking]

Happy Birthday! Thanks for the journey! Hope you are warm and dry somewhere!

[@marksr8784]

Awesome video 😊 Happy Birthday ⚘️

[@AF-tv6uf]

You may be crying, but we're all celebrating your birthday. :)

[@Get_Some_Nature]

I know you post these videos late, but I hope you had a great birthday Maddie!!! ❤🎉🎉🥳🤠😊

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you!!

[@katestewart6274]

I haven't celebrated my birthday in almost a decade. I just find it to be a very low day. Even though it was a rough time and perhaps disappointing, I'm glad that you were in a beautiful place and with friends.

[@Elizabeth-pt4bv]

You're doing well, don't be so hard on yourself. Happy belated birthday. You are allowed to be frustrated and cry, what you're doing isn't easy and at times, emotions take the better of us. Thank of how much you have accomplished and what challenges you have already done. You're awesome!!!!! 😊

[@jackpine4347]

Happy Birthday, Maddie! Such a kind and generous gift from Pacman (Packman) to carry your pack for you up the mountain - you have a great tramily. As always, you are completely honest about your emotional state and how it affects your hike. Despite the challenges, you clearly have the mental fortitude to get past your lows and keep going. You say you have a bad day every day, but do you really? Is every moment of every day bad? Clearly, you seem perfectly cheerful at times, so think about it. What an adventure you are on, what a challenge! What an accomplishment to hike 2200 miles and to see as much as you have seen and experience as much as you have experienced! One thing for sure, when you have climbed Katahdin and reached the sign at the end of the trail, you will cry your Xth cry as tears of joy for all you weathered, endured, enjoyed and experienced.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

No, you’re right, not every day is bad. I was saying that out of frustration, and I thought I said after that that it wasn’t true, but I could have forgotten!

[@paumonok]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlacesYou did say it…but because you are such a very in the moment individual I think you may let the bad moments overwhelm all the good ones. I’m suggesting that when you recognize the bad is coming on think of all the good. There’s an old Jewish saying - Tracht gut ahz vill zayn gut - think good and it will be good. Let the good overwhelm the bad whenever possible, not the other way.

[@SlickMaximus]

Great video title to be sure!

[@cinramirez8627]

I don’t mind the cry count, Maddie. You have put yourself through a lot walking all these miles that you have walked this far. But you’re a trooper and I believe in you. Just have to keep your eye on the prize. You’ve come too far girl and you’ve got two great companions giving you a boost along the way. You got this! ❤

[@Janetbringsawareness]

🎉❤🎉❤🎉❤🎉 not wrong to have feelings!🎉❤🎉❤ One of the Best humans alive Ranger 🎉

[@deglerja]

I wish I was there to give you a hug!

[@michaeledwards-us7nd]

Happy birthday Maddie. That is one rocky trail. Michael from Ireland

[@jimschlabachpeacefuloutdoo7327]

You are an AT rock star! Happy Birthday!

[@scottye1925]

I felt for you on this video. Hopefully the days forward will be a lot better. You definitely need fun days to counter those ugly days. Stay safe and happy belated.

[@porkchop5678]

Happy birthday Ranger watched every post since you started.

[@ANJamesPhD]

Pretty liatris at 0:27, great start to a hike! Glad that you enjoyed your day, relaxing. Beautiful sunset. And then you pass a beautiful pond. Remember, one day at a time, don't think ahead.

[@annnaegele1846]

Happy Birthday to YOU!!!🎶 I almost cried when Packman carried your pack for you. That was just sooooo sweet!❤

[@SolsticeOnAnOdyssey]

What I am finding quite interesting is over hearing the conversations from the other backpackers in the back ground of your filming your experiences.

[@sylviebouffard3977]

Happy birthday! Here in Canada we put our hockey players on a stand like heros. Let me tell you that i follow you like a hero! Your videos are like hockey games that you score with scares and rewards well earnd...( well...maybe my translation is not perfect😅) dont give up your the best❤

[@melshea2519]

Hippo Birdies from the "Ottawa Way Cafe "BACON WRAP 😊

[@philliplee1193]

Don’t sweat it, Ranger, you’re doing fine. Forget about ‘what if”s, once you start feeling bad over what if’s, well it might take a while looking back and going, “ yeah but” in a positive way. .kind of a don’t tempt the fates kind of thing. Keep being careful you may not be a BMW but you would be expensive to fix . This from someone who fell off the ladder

[@Sarahr98998]

Packman is so sweet!!!

[@bethhicks9289]

🎉 happy birthday 🎉 Some of the best advice giving to me before was each day try to find at least 4 things that made you smile or you enjoyed seeing, doing or a wow moment. It helps a lot on the bad days. Helps figure out if your on the path your meant to be on.

[@dawnsteisslinger353]

You show the real stuff Maddie. How you must place your feet, what happens when you take a missed step, how you have to carry your pack differently to fit though and of course ALL the beauty you have seen. I agree with others that you’ll look back on this birthday and remember the good, this special time with your friends. Also my opinion that was a beautiful sunset with that gorgeous mountain behind it. Reminded me of GSM at Clingman’s Dome. Not all birthdays are what we expect them to be but this one by far will stick out then all the rest. Happy Birthday Maddie!!❤

[@ceoofmemes1967]

Happy birthday, Maddie! Also, great song choice for a title,lol.

[@ChipChoc00]

You are such a tough trooper! Thanks for all you do to share your adventures with us. Happy Birthday! 🥳🌲🌲🌲

[@msmarshall854]

Love your videos, Maddie. And, I hope you succeed at this

[@tomellis3218]

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you happy birthday dear ranger happy birthday to you; I realize this is belated happy birthday. You’re an amazing woman you’re so strong and by being strong you’re able to let your emotions be shared with others, which is a sign of a strong person. I’m so excited for you and know you were summit. Katahdin and I look forward to your videos as you arrive there and upon your arrival your great celebration. Keep on going. Continued prayers for your safety for joy to be in your heart, and for your goals to be met.❤😊

[@wanderingwithbob2472]

Happy Belated Birthday. Beautiful place to celibate. What a friend to carry your pack on your Birthday. Take a couple of Zeros, if you need to decompress. Group dynamics can be tough. Sometimes you may need to hike on for your own sanity. They will catch up. Thanks again for sharing all of your adventure.

[@jeannenimmo5]

Happy Birthday, young lady and thanks for sharing your journey with us. For whatever it's worth, try not to let the 'highs' be too high and the 'lows' be too low. Often it can be the wide swing between a high and a low that can spell what may seem to be abhorrent thoughts. Remember, the journey is a process and not a result - try to control what you can and let the uncontrollable(weather, mud, rocks, etc.)take a back seat in the grand scheme of things. Be well, stay safe. 🥾

[@IgraineOhnefurcht]

Packman is such a cutie! 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@bobhamulak3646]

Hey Maddie! Happy Birthday! That was really nice of your friend to carry your pack on your birthday...a great present. I always enjoy your videos, even if you do get a little emotional. The cry counts are just part of life's struggles. Just try not to let them ruin your day. Doing what you're doing is pretty exhausting, so you're entitled to let a little emotion reveal itself. Just keep your focus on Mt. Katahdin. You're getting closer and you're doing great! Keep it up! Well, once again, be safe and ENJOY! And Maddie, if any part of your stress is because creating these videos is taking up too much of your "R&R"-time, by all means take a break from it! We, your viewers want you to be happy and rested. We appreciate all your hard work, and will understand if you need a break!

[@amerphoto1]

You are only human Maddie, and you are doing something most humans cannot possibly do even a portion of what you have gone through. Just keep thinking of the last cry you will have? The cry of joy you will have on top of Katahdin! And believe me, you will break down and cry...a cry of accomplishment and joy! I just hope you do not have many more cry counts in between.

[@ISLEOVUE]

Lovely Ranger, nice photography. Vermont so pretty, I want to cry too. Can't wait till you reach Katahdin, woo hoo. Take care, stay well, and enjoy the trail. PS ... stay hydrated along the way

[@woodchip2782]

The face you made while crunching that dry ramen patty was priceless!😂 You’re lucky to have such nice patient friends…😊 take good care of them…

[@ShowMeAnAdventure]

Happy birthday!! ❤ Just wanted to say I’ve made a new habit of watching your video every Wednesday, BUT ALSO, I’m so happy to hear that you took time for yourself! Especially on your birthday!! If it means you miss filming or posting a video-so be it. Sending you all the best wishes. You’re doing really hard things!! ❤

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you!!

[@Hikewithsammich]

Emotions are so raw and on the surface out there. You can cry if you want. What an amazing day! ❤

[@yesidtac7863]

Execelente recorrido

[@audiosaurus6511]

I just got back from doing the AT, but i like watching your video's while eating (Ron 78)

[@SolsticeOnAnOdyssey]

I think birthdays always bring up emotional stuff. It does for me. I've actually come to expect it. I think you subconsciously just reflect back on your life and the past year where you've been how far you've come and where you're going. I think being on a hike like that allows for the truth of your inner world to come to the surface nothing can be pushed down or hidden in that kind of environment.

[@predzhead]

Looks like the best birthday ever.. smile Ranger.. 🎉 your crushin it👊🏻

[@JackieFarkas]

You are such a joy to watch. I love your videos. Hike on

[@wildflowersadventures]

Happy birthday! I really appreciate your videos. You’ve given me and my daughter such encouragement to attempt our thru hike next year. Thank you! 🙏🏼💙

[@joesoutdoorplaces]

Happy Birthday. You are way tougher than that trail.

[@ChipChoc00]

Thanks!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you!

[@sarahsiskin6780]

Happy birthday! You’re near the end now so try and let the stress go and enjoy the rest of the hike. Loving watching you on this adventure

[@elainesmith-koop4968]

You got this Maddie! Buy yourself a new shirt for a birthday present!

[@ClairenParkerontheRoad]

You're all good Ranger Happy Birthday!!

[@FloridaYalta]

Happy birthday 🎉🎉🎉

[@madpakke]

Keep going ranger💪🏻 i need your uploads😬 to keep me going

[@tennesseeyaya1830]

Virmud was awful, happy belated birthday, you are doing awesome.

[@scotn9226]

Maddie! Love your videos. Enjoy your shorts the best. They focus me in on if your having a good day or maybe not so good. Thanks so much for bringing me along.

[@kristalann1973]

What a beautiful gift the hotel owner picked you guys up and took you for a resupply…delicious beer and a hot tub with friends…plus PacMan carried your pack so many lovely things for your birthday…I wonder how different your bday was this past year and if you were missing those beautiful miles you hiked last year…I know it’s hard to see beautiful things in the moment when your frustration is getting the best of you sometimes❤

[@billmoore4996]

Golly bum you are doing a great job. I am so excited for you and all that you have accomplished. Never stop exploring.

[@pegspun]

Thank you for keeping it real! You are doing a great job, Maddie … remember one day at a time! Happy Belated Birthday 🎂 🍺

[@reginafinch9377]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Thank you for taking us along on your journey! I look forward to your videos! Glad to see Smoke and PacMan are doing well!

[@jeffreyking3807]

You go young lady.. can honestly say I don't miss putting on cold wet shoes. Love the bouldering..

[@tennesseeyaya1830]

Beer gives me headaches, I’ve completely given them up for that reason.

[@jasonjones5213]

Love the videos, Happy Birthday!

[@bobdillon3884]

Its my birthday too and going up to maine with all the mosquitos and mud hoping there's no crowd - sounds like a plan. Laugh at yourself a little, it helps. I really think hikers are protien deprived.

[@jonbroadsword7572]

Happy Beer-thday! 🥳

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

@ 10:45 😂 you said so much without a word! Also, Happy belated b-day! Thanks again for sharing your awesome journey with us, it’s been amazing!

[@davidprovost3537]

Welcome to Vermont - mud and craft beer capital of the AT. I was drinking a Conehead (made in my hometown) while watching this! Good choice.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

No way!! I love that! Someday I want to have my own beer of the month club so people can taste along with me like that!

[@davidprovost3537]

Yes way! My neighbor works for Zero Gravity and now and then will bring home an unlabeled bottle for testing. Life's pretty good!@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces

[@angiemcpeek3530]

Happy Belated Birthday from one worrier to another! I hope you enjoy the rest of your AT journey!

[@leaderspeakusa]

Happy Birthday fellow hiker! You'll be fine. Just keep one step at a time and it's your hike - do it your way! Spanky SOBO: 2002, 2008

[@WanderingWithWanda]

Thanks for the video Maddie! I love watching your progress as you get closer and closer to the end. You've come such a long way, you should be so proud of yourself! Hang tough Ranger.

[@aandpforme]

🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🗣️happiest birthday wishes!!!!!!

[@hopeard3512]

Happy birthday! And I’m so glad you took the day off from working on videos! Also, Smokemaster is adorable ❤

[@dixielambrecht7009]

Beautiful ferns and that angle of the mushrooms was so cool!

[@resourcefulqueen]

Thanks for sharing your experience. You have me thinking. What is a criteria for a "good day"? Some would offer that ANY day we wake up is the criteria a very good day. Or is the criteria for a "good day" one when we are comfortable ? Congratulations on spending your birthday on the AT! May you rest well. Again, thanks for sharing it with me/us. Maybe you will write a book about your trail experiences and go on a speaking tour to sell and share. Onward!

[@karendixon5262]

Happy Birthday!!!!

[@lonleyndn]

Happy Birthday Little 🙂

[@DebCampos]

Happy birthday ranger 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎈🎈🎈!