Day 20 - Storms & 17 people in Sassafras Gap Shelter: bravery, bullying, & my 12 yr old friend, Ford

[@Elizabeth-pt4bv]

Thank you. You have a voice for those that couldn't or won't. The long lasting trauma of being bullied goes on for a lifetime. Your videos are about the trail, but so much more. Thank you 😊

[@Maureen.walkdontrun]

Very important topic, Nonnie. I enjoy your chats with your followers. Stunning day!

[@offthebeatenpath2590]

You’re amazing and an inspiration!

[@michellemichael7920]

Way to go, Nonnie! Great day with great messages. Keep going my friend!

[@kristenschust]

Yay Nonnie! I love your videos and thanks for letting us follow your trek. Keep telling your stories they are important, thoughtful, needed and inspirational. Go Nonnie Go!

[@fitnessfreak498]

your happiness and joy of hiking shines through great videos

[@wildflowersadventures]

Jael and I loved your message! Thank you for speaking the truth in love and grace! 💙

[@SomyLomy]

Thank you so much for your words Nonnie!!! When you are bullied, it leaves marks and scars. You cope but you remember. That's why it's important to teach kids to stand up for others and not take bullying lightly. Standing up for yourself, and staying true to yourself isn't easy in this society. It doesn't matter which country you come from! Many people join the masses to be accepted. What I do understand. But you betray yourself. Anyone who goes their own way and remains true to themselves doesn't always have it easy. But one is more satisfied. Every "Nerd" (anyone who doesn't fit in) has more self-confidence than people who adapt to the masses. They don't need others to tell them who they are. They know it! Be proud of it! So, again...Thank you with a BIG 🤗 for pointing it out loud! And guys... please teach your kids that they are as perfect as they are and that they don't need to be ashamed of themselves just because they "don't fit in". We all are unique and special! Please take care Nonnie! 🤗🤗🙋‍♀️

[@luckyotter623]

As someone who was bullied as a child, thank you for speaking up about them. Being kind to others is so important, especially right now, with so many bullies in powerful positions. Kindness is needed now more than ever.

[@bryguykayaker6000]

Sounds like Ford is a leader and wise beyond his years. I dealt with my bullies the wrong way at least when I was young. I called it covert mayhem lol I will leave that right there! My worst bully in high school saw me at the 30th reunion and was the first person to recognize me and greet me with enthusiasm and it floored me! He is a really great guy these days.

[@annwelter6869]

I just love your message Nonnie! Hurting people, hurt people!! People who have to tease others are really hurting inside, but don’t want you to know it! I loved that you carried that tomato out that is exactly what I would want to do is have some real food. I am enjoying your videos keep doing you. I am watching all the way till you get to Katahdin you go girl!😊

[@tj3954]

You sound so happy! 🙂

[@roberttrough6439]

Nonnie your amazing and your grandson is amazing Way to Go FORD proud of you young man!

[@jessiecassidy9497]

The fact that you were bullied at the hostel bothers me so much. I guess there really are bullies everywhere. 😢

[@ksw8415]

Yes, but Nonnie handled those jerks perfectly!

[@stculp]

Glad to see your orienteering skills are improving and growing....without relying on Far Out. Great job on learning your spatial surrounding Nonnie! 💕💕

[@jamesbonner5989]

Everyone gets cozy in that shelter, good you got there early.

[@michaelbutler4961]

Good advice, Hike~~On~~>

[@mandm6587]

Yeah! Nonni's back! I missed you, and was praying you were okay.

[@roberttrough6439]

Well said on bullies. I agree 100%

[@BOSmith1958]

Another beautiful day hiking. Noonie Go.

[@roberttrough6439]

Even the tallest strongest trees fall to a bully wind 💨! Best not to be to rigid in life bend with the wind 🌬.

[@popeyehikestheappalachiant2699]

I new when I saw the Mtn Laurels, that I wouldn't be able to find a stealth, tent site. It was always too steep. 😁 I couldn't do the shelters, too crowded for me. Looks pretty steep there, I bet I just kept hiking. I should watch my old videos.

[@judithpearson3968]

Hey Nonnie - the trail and the views were fantastic today. Could have done without all that climbing. We both sounded like a couple of stem engines, just a-huffing and a-puffing. I've been in my share of toxic relationships. Thank heavens for healthy ones. Carol & I have been together for a little over 30 years. Looked like a full shelter. Hope everyone went to bed early because it sounds like ya'll had a not so quiet night. Be careful in the wet weather. Oh, I hope you're checking yourself for ticks each night. I've already heard of people who have found them on their bodies and of 1 person who has been diagnosed with Lyme disease. You might want to pass that on to others. See if Jason will let you introduce him to us. Tell him I said "Hi Marine". Be careful and stay safe.

[@MaryTravels53]

Speaking of big boulders….also take a moment to see where you are stepping as snakes may be coming out for a bit of warmth from the sun on the rocks!

[@babyboomerbackpacking]

I think we have all been bullied to some level whether we recognized it or let it bother us.

[@roberttrough6439]

The Sun is good for trees. So all the trees reach for the Sun!

[@roberttrough6439]

If you want a tomato you eat a tomato.

[@chasing-the-afterglow]

I know what you mean about that hiker food....I have to be mindful so that I don't regret it the next morning

[@flowerpower1980]

So how the heck do the people on the top floor get up to go pee at night? Do they climb over everyone?😮😮😮

[@suehancock5573]

I like you Noonie you have a good heart. 😊😊 I do not like bullies either. 😡 let your light shine bright. 🌞Glad you got a nice place at the shelter before the rain. ☔️ Now rest up and Hike On. 😊🥾🏕️🧗‍♀️🪵🪨💕😴