Day 59 | Appalachian Trail Thru Hike 2024 | Marion, VA

Day 59
Heading into Marion, VA!
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Thanks again! We’re so glad you’re here!
Inquires: [e-mail]

[@gmonteith]

Love the message on Little Bear's phone screen: "If you focus on the hurt, you will continue to suffer. If you focus on the lesson you will continue to grow." Great advice for anyone.

[@wildflowersadventures]

Me too! 💙🙏🏼

[@elizabethcole5582]

Cows are such inquisitive creatures!! They'll walk right up to you if you let them. But they don't realize how big they are, LOL! And what a great picture of your husband and his K-9!!! We thank him for his service!!! Stay safe!!

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you! 🙏🏼 💙

[@wanderingsofasparrow]

Oh my son is the cook at Wooden Pickle! I'm so glad you enjoyed it ! Happy Trails!

[@wildflowersadventures]

It was soooo good!! Highly recommend going there. 😊

Have to say that when you go into these adorable towns- it thrills my heart to see THE AMERICAN FLAGS flying!

[@wildflowersadventures]

Me too! 🇺🇸🙏🏼💙

[@RickINFJ]

The cows were happy to oblige you. 😊 Wild Flour Bakery! Very clevah. Wow, LBs plate of mac n' cheese was sprawlingly huge! Shout out to Brian and all of the officers and K9s out there. Thank you for your service. Rest well in Marion bears. 🐻❤️🐻

[@dpresnell1]

Another awesome video! Thank you, Officer Santos and Kyra, for your great service protecting and serving our Great country. You are appreciated! Thank you, Bears, for posting this video and stills. Little Bear's expressions say it all. May God continue to keep and bless you both and your wonderful family. I know their support is vital for you to make this journey.

[@neliareal830]

Happy Memorial Day to Brian & Kyra! Coming from a retired LEO shot in the line of duty! Be Safe and thank you for you service and above all please be Safe! Great video Mama Bear and Little Bear! Awesome food 😊

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you for your service! 🖤💙🖤

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

...Good Morning... Moove over guys , a couple of Bears coming through...

[@wildflowersadventures]

🐻 🙏🏼💙

Her SWEET VOICE at the conclusion of your videos- ❤😊 It’s precious and warms my heart. What a delightful way to end the day. Thank you.❤

[@wildflowersadventures]

💙💙💙

[@jamesquinlivan7876]

First the rain and then the wake up call from Mother Nature, the birdies singing the hearts out.. wake up, wake up! A beautiful day and zero to come. Loved the tribute to, ‘Big Bear’ your husband, Mama Bear, your father, Little Bear, Officer Brian Delos Santos your hero and ours too here on the Space Coast. Thank you officer, Santos, for your service and protecting us. 👍💙👮‍♂️🐕 Awesome! Love and light to you and all of us.👍🐱🧸🐻🥾⛰️🌅💙🙏

[@wildflowersadventures]

🇺🇸🙏🏼💙

[@lizwallace273]

How sweet to honor your husband and Kyra! I loved seeing their picture. My brother is a retired LEO and he adopted a shelter puppy, Pete. Pete is a smart boy and they have recently certified for search and rescue. They train with their S & R group almost every weekend in our local state parks. If someone is lost in the woods, Pete will find them!

[@wildflowersadventures]

That’s awesome! Thank you for your brother’s service and his continued service with his SAR pup. 🐾💙🐾

[@jujudavis65]

You two are celebrities 🥳 💕 You got another shout out from Hiking Dancer all the way from the PCT! What a great community 😊

[@wildflowersadventures]

She’s awesome! 😎

[@dawnseely1013]

Messy morning taken in light-hearted stride🌧️ Those sweet cows... Who knew, a portal. Couldn't help but think of Narnia. Thanks to your husband, sweet Kyra and to all of law enforcement for their service!

[@maureenmukhlis2934]

Thank you Officer Brian and Kyra!! We honor and love all police officers! My father and my uncle are retired Washington DC police officers 🥰💕🙏 Marion looks like a beautiful town🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you for their service! 💙🙏🏼

[@lonleyndn]

Please tell Officer Brian that I said "Thank You For Your Service".

[@wildflowersadventures]

Sure will. Thank you! 🙏🏼 💙

[@lynnbailey9976]

Oh my gosh a portal. That’s directly where I would go with that too. I’m not the only weird one

[@wildflowersadventures]

Haha! The funny things you see on trail! 😂

[@deborahpratt8311]

Can’t believe you are already almost on day 60. Crazy… Those cows were so funny. What beautiful countryside. Can’t believe how much rain you guys are experiencing. But it makes everything so lush and beautiful 😊Be safe continue to enjoy

[@tresannrn8454]

This Hostel… Merry Inn..( lol.. love word play) was started after I left. I lived for several years just off the AT in Marion. I’m happy to see the hikers more prevalent there. Now, I live just off trail in the Shennies… Blue Ridge Mtns are sweet. My Dad and Grandfather have a flag at the Courthouse. Both of them Angels now. It was nice getting a glimpse of Marion! Thank you for taking us along. Please give your husband (Dad) a huge appreciative reverence for his service…and the furry officer / partner by his side.✌️🙂❤️

[@laurawacker4378]

Don't forget to stay at WoodsHole a few days north. A wonderful stay, fresh homemade meals, farm animals, and peace!

[@wildflowersadventures]

It was AMAZING! One of our favorite hostels for sure. 😊

[@Pamela_Army_Chick]

Thanks for your service Mr. Brian Delos Santos and Kyra! I hope you guys were able to get the supplies you needed while in town. Little Bear always selects the best treats to eat. Be safe Mama and Little Bear. Congrats on almost 60 days. Do something special.

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you! 🙏🏼 💙

[@carrieplummer5356]

Great job! 🥾🥾 I will miss you both the next 5 mornings. I’m off to hike the MA section of the AT!!! I will catch up on all the missed videos when I get back! ❤ 😂

[@amynapier3551]

@carrieplummer5356 Hope you have many, happy trails ahead.

[@wildflowersadventures]

Happy trails! We hope you have a magical time! 🙏🏼💙

[@melaniecarlisle4771]

Thank your husband for his service as well as his comrades and all K-9's. Continue to hike safe and listen to your bodies. Rest when you can..your making good time! So proud of you both .🙏👍🥰 Love your videos..look forward to them everyday

[@jujudavis65]

And yes! God Bless your husband and all Police officers across America for their service! 🙏

[@wildflowersadventures]

🙏🏼💙🇺🇸

[@christiinohio681]

Your walk past the cows made my day❤

[@wildflowersadventures]

🙏🏼💙

[@deborahpratt8311]

In celebration of your husband and all our wonderful police officers. Thank you for your service

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you 🙏🏼 💙🇺🇸

Cute PORTAL comment- where would it go to? The possibilities are endless

[@randyboyett1366]

Enjoy your zero day!! Glad you shared the tribute to your husband and k-9 Kyra! You guys did absolutely wonderful with Little Bear and I’m sure all of your children are top notch as well. Be blessed and be safe!!

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you. We are so proud of all 4 of our children. They are amazing people and we’re blessed to be their parents. 🙏🏼💙

[@cathyparker6980]

Thank you for your family’s service! ❤🇺🇸 ❤🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸❤️

[@wildflowersadventures]

It’s our pleasure. 💙🙏🏼 🇺🇸

[@jhayft0703]

I’m sorry everything was dirty, but at least you both kept dry and comfortable all night! That’s the most important part!! ❤❤❤❤ enjoy Marion!!!

[@CL-fr9yx]

Thank you for your service Officer Brian and Kyra. Heros, you are !!

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you! 🙏🏼 💙

[@baothiletran-ef8zn]

thank you!

[@marilynm5024]

From mud and rain to town and food! That was a huge plate of Mac n Cheese. The steak dinner was large too!!

[@user-zj2mw2qw7m]

I love waking to birdsong. A wet day with a zero to look forward to. Cheers! G

[@gina5827]

Marion looks like such a cute town. We've only stopped at Dip Dog traveling through. 😊 Thankful for all our law enforcement officers like your husband and Kyra. 🙌

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you! It was a nice place to zero. 😊

[@Mommasu4]

Even though it was raining, the woods look so peaceful. Always my happy place. I don’t know if little bear’s backpack rain cover came with the white blaze on it or if she put it on there, but it’s cool, and so appropriate!

[@LookUp1991]

Thank you for your brave service officer Brian!! #BlueLine ❤

[@wildflowersadventures]

🙏🏼💙

[@Lovesracing19]

Love the birds singing. The cows were so pretty. Wow, your food looked great! Safe travels.

[@suzannelegeza1292]

I wanted to wash your tent for you so bad! And you had to pack that into your backpack! Do the hostels offer tent washing? Anyways, it turned out again to be a beautiful day! And those adorable cows! 🥰 Thank you officer Santos and Kyra for your service! ❤ I pray for all of your safety and blessed travels! 🙏🙏🙏🙏♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you! It gets messy out here a lot. Kinda just get used to being dirty. Becoming comfortable being uncomfortable is key out here on trail.

[@offroadracer99]

I hate packing up a tent after a thunderstorm, especially after camping on dirt. Part of it I guess lol. You guys are doing great. Thanks for sharing

[@wildflowersadventures]

Yeah, it’s no fun at all. 🤨 But definitely a part of it!

[@dwayne5698]

I soooo respect what they do for veterans on Memorial Day?

[@GoAheadandHike]

Thank you to our men and women in blue! Our hometown heroes!

[@mb5387]

Little Bear: “Hiker Trash” - Hilarious 😂😂😂 Excellent call on Trail Days. I’ve seen some of the videos coming out. Looks like it was fun. But not what you needed right now. Wise Momma. Pressing onward. Go girls go!

[@kangarooelectricllc7721]

I remember back in UK being chased across a pasture by a cow, it was exciting and terrifying at the same time. So glad u didn't experience that 😂 wild ponies yesterday was cool to see also. Safe travels to you both 😊💞🐻🧸

[@wildflowersadventures]

Haha, that sounds like an interesting day. 😂

[@luisahirsch5654]

Marion seems like a cute little town! That is such a nice tradition with the Mexican flags! Such a touching tribute at the end! Thank you to your husband's service and all police officers to help keep us safe! God bless!

[@mountainjackietr511]

Love love love the birds’ songs in the beginning!!! The cows looked truly perplexed! lol Oh to have Little Bear’s energy level! The two of you continue to amaze me! Hike on!

The FLAGS - ❤

[@wildflowersadventures]

🇺🇸💙🙏🏼

[@lyndajefferson5929]

My nephew is a Deputy sheriff for St John's County 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@wildflowersadventures]

We are thankful for his service. 🙏🏼💙🇺🇸

[@richardharries3164]

Oh my goodness, the mud!

They take it all in stride- however it was 😮

[@judithpearson3968]

Loved the walk through the cows. Laughed at you talking to them. Reminded me of me trying to make my way through our clowder of cats. There are only 3 of them, but they are all large cats with long, fluffy tails. I go through shuffling my feet, saying "excuse me, pardon me, excuse me". The cows moved over for you. Often the cats don't. Lol. Ya'll are so fun to watch, good videos, your great attitudes despite sometimes daunting circumstances, you're real, and your camaraderie between the 2 of you and also with other hikers. MB, are you a psychologist, counselor, or social worker. Just curious. Ya'll are doing so good. The town food looked delicious. Ya'll take care. Stay safe. See you tomorrow.

[@wildflowersadventures]

We love the animals of the AT. 💙 We talk to all of them! They’re friends. I am a mental health therapist.

[@lauraboggs4415]

Those cows!! I would have been a little nervous passing them but they didn’t seem to mind it. Lol. And that mac and cheese little bear got was HUGE!! 😂. Wondering if she ate it all??

[@wildflowersadventures]

LB loves cows! 😊 She ate more than half and took the rest back to share with our friends at the hostel.

[@suehinze1566]

I see you have 2 officer's in the family. Thank you to Officers Santos and Kiera for your bravery and service. May God watch over all officer's and being them home safe each day. Looked like a fun hike on the trail after a crazy night of storms. Beautiful views❤ Looks like an amazing dinner at the Wooden Pickle, Holy cats! Seeing all that yummy food is making me hungry. What is confused mac and cheese? I bet it was good. It was nice that Cool Breeze joined you for dinner. To top it all off a nice bottle of wine. Hope you had a great zero. Be safe, have fun, you're both doing amazing ❤ ✌️🫶

[@suehancock5573]

Thank you for your service Officer Santos and Kyra! 🇺🇸 After that wet morning you both did great! 😊 WOW that steak and little bears Mac & cheese! Yum! Enjoy your zero day & Hike On!! 🥾🇺🇸🏕️🙏🧗‍♀️😴

[@mhelen7360]

The cows looked like they wanted to visit with you, and not a one of them was growling, haha. Marion seems to be a lovely town. Neat that your shuttle driver knew who you were. Touched that you closed with the tribute to your husband and Kyra.

[@donaldtotten5102]

Awesome hike! My dog would have gone crazy seeing those cows 🐄 she’s part cattle dog 🐶 journey on! 🌻✌️❤️🦆donnie duck

[@Gollum-sn6bf]

When you explain something to someone and they look stupefied , I liken it to a cow looking at a new gate.... You guys continue to amaze me. I hope you have enjoyed my little part of the world and hope the rest goes well as you move on.

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you! 😊

[@stone8654]

It's funny how Cow's stare at you Go Mama Bear & Little Bear Go! 👟🐻🐻👍🏼

[@TheJkilla11]

Thats cool that the lady recognized you guys! you are pretty special !

[@MaryTravels53]

Wow! Thant must have been one big storm! I know you were glad the two of you were able to keep dry. When you get to the next town, shower, and take a good nap and get some good food! Instead of potholes, look out for ‘Smokin mounds!

[@michaellocke2766]

"WHAT A JOURNEY" RAIN SPLATTER MAKES A MESS. STREAM CROSSINGS. NICE. !! FOOD AND PLACE TO REST LOOKS GREAT.😊

[@suemoore1965]

🎨 YOU GALS ARE AMAZING

[@dannythecamper4186]

Good video with lots of good beautiful views, nice shelter, so let's keep on hiking 😊 with some good foods ❤

[@GoAheadandHike]

I love how the town honors the military for Memorial Day. Both the fallen and veterans.

[@wildflowersadventures]

Me too! 🇺🇸💙🙏🏼

[@jimrubyhike]

Love Coach! True trail angel!! Keep on truckin!

[@dianamazzullo9065]

Thanks for showing the Robin. I don’t get to see them in AZ. I’m from PA originally and do miss these birds. Enjoying your hike immensely ❤️👍

[@bobbibruggemeyer612]

Thank you for your service “Dada” and Kira❤

[@stacymcmahon453]

An eventful day! My kids would have been exasperated with me if we saw those cows, because I'm one of those dads who says " oh hi there, Cheeseburger!" or "yo, T-bone, what's up?" And I don't know exactly why, but the fancy shelf display of instant backpacking meals was hilarious to me. Like seeing Ramen on fine china. And finally, thank you to Officer Brian (Papa Bear?) and K-9 Kyra for your service, and for supporting MB and LB on their journey of a lifetime!

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you! 🙏🏼 💙

[@SydHalley]

That was the biggest plate of mac and cheese I’ve ever seen! Could Little Bear finish it? 😂😂 Great video! Enjoyed the cows

[@wildflowersadventures]

It was huge! No, she ate well over half though. She took the rest back to the hostel and shared with our friends there. 😊

[@Mwilke3789]

Look at that food!!! Amazing 😍

[@richardharries3164]

Looks like I’m the first to comment today, which is brilliant! Wow, what a night! I hope you get some good rest and food in Marion. ❤❤

[@wildflowersadventures]

We did. Thank you! 😊

[@loririchardson3547]

Great job today. The cows seem used to people. Happy Hiking

[@ky-gearguy1742]

I spent the night at Trimpi shelter Thursday night before trail days started on Friday. It seems I did not miss you guys by much. Good luck and I will be finishing Maine in September and would be thrilled to see you. I admire the experience you are giving Little Bear and know this is not easy.

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you! 😊 Maybe we’ll see ya in September!!

[@xrrtracks]

The Flag display in Marion is awesome

[@i4cutigers]

Very cool. ❤and 🔦

[@jayray720]

🚶‍♀️🐻👟👟🚶‍♂️🐻🐈👟👟⛺ I just love the cows Marion looks like a really nice little place you both enjoy your zero stay safe and happy hiking love and light to you both and goodnight Ellie 😺🐈

[@KarenMurphy-yh4yg]

Trail Days looks like fun… but chaotic! Probably a good call, I would hate to give up that many days to attend it.

[@WalkingWombat27]

Thx to your hubs and Dad. Why does LB need new poles? I said she went 700 miles…didn’t think they wore out in any way? Is it the tips?

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you! One pole broke at the joint. They lasted a long time. Time for new poles! 😊

[@musingwithreba9667]

That plate of macaroni 🤯 Did you eat the whole thing LB? that was huge!

[@wildflowersadventures]

Almost! The rest she shared with our friends back at the hostel. 😊

[@benjaminbarnett8779]

Slow down Little Bear, wait for Mama.

[@susietopspin]

You can order pizza at 511 shelter in PA as well.😎. Happy trails.🤟🏻🥾🏔

[@wildflowersadventures]

Nice!! 😊

[@susietopspin]

@@wildflowersadventures I meant 501 shelter. Not sure why I said 511 😂. Happy trails.🤘🏻🥾⛰️

[@turragorman59]

❤

[@1903A3shooter]

LITTLE BEAR needs to stay closer to MAMA BEAR. LOVE from VA.

[@wildflowersadventures]

She’s never too far in front of me. 💙🙏🏼

[@Jeremy-lp8wn]

I think trail days would be a bad environment/exposure for little bear

[@wildflowersadventures]

Nah…just like with all mass gatherings and festivals, you have to know when/where to go. It sounds like a fun experience, just not one we wanted while heading north. Maybe next year we’ll go for a day or two.

[@jamesbonner5989]

Nice quote on Little Bear's phone. Careful around a mama cow if she has a new born calf. Eat all that dinner ?

[@Jeremy-lp8wn]

Just don't quit No matter what, I got tempted to quit in New Hampshire but New Hampshire and Maine are the best but I'm really worried about little bear in the river crossings in Maine, they should have Bridges

[@wildflowersadventures]

Great advice! Just don’t quit. Keep going. Thank you! 🙏🏼 Please don’t worry. We will be safe and continue to make choices to keep safety as a priority. 😊

[@xrrtracks]

Wow that rain storm sure messed everything up, did you guys sleep ok?

[@wildflowersadventures]

We slept great! 😊

[@richardharries3164]

I’ve just been reading about ticks and I was wondering if you’ve come across any yet. I know you’ve been using the permethrin so hopefully that keeps the little fellas away. X

[@amynapier3551]

They treated their clothes with permethrin before their hike. They recently treated the clothes again at a hostel.

[@wildflowersadventures]

Ticks are definitely high on my short list of concerns. We are periodically re-treating our clothing, shoes, and gear with Permethrin (just retreated again today actually). We do frequent tick checks as well. We have only seen 3 thus far…none attached though. We’re being vigilant.

[@markviers998]

Wet start for sure but doesn't look like it slowed y'all down at all.

[@Jeremy-lp8wn]

True story, on my thru hike I met a family from New Hampshire on Clingman's dome, I have a hard copied photo a lbum of this, so they offered to let me stay for a week and I did then I got back on trail but they loved me so much at Maine they invited me back to the Monadnock Bible Conference to work and I did, then one weekend a group of Korean kids came and wrecked the place with the most extreme Tangible Heavy Presence of Yeshua

[@Stormy-14-]

👍👍❤️❤️🐈🐈‍⬛

[@chrisnorris76]

Sorry Momma that blow down is your problem! She has dinner on her mind!😂

[@wildflowersadventures]

Hahaha yep!!

[@tomellis3218]

Which cell phone service provider do you utilize, I have heard Verizon gets the better/most service connections?❤😊

[@wildflowersadventures]

AT&T

[@Flipperwi715]

I just wonder how you clean that tent. or does it go in the bag, and it's dealt with in town? Once again, Thank you both you're amazing.

[@wildflowersadventures]

You can’t really clean it on trail, so we just have to deal with it. Not fun and you just feel so dirty. Getting comfortable being uncomfortable is key out here.

[@Flipperwi715]

@@wildflowersadventures Thank you for responding. I really was wondering. I also started walking more and created a hiking shopping list, I fully blame the both of you for lighting this fire and motivation in me to experience hiking.

[@davidcochran595]

Hoping I get service in NYE Montana so I can keep up ! I really appreciate you and lil Bear sharing this awesome journey! Happy trails

[@wildflowersadventures]

I hope so too! Happy trails 😊