Day 63 | Appalachian Trail Thru Hike 2024 | River Crossin’,Snakes,Views, Hostel!

[@dpresnell1]

Another awesome video! Yes, glory to God and His precious son Jesus. Church on trail... God is certainly with you both. Thank you for posting this video.

[@suehancock5573]

Yikes Snakes!! 🪱 you did so great crossing that creek! Especially Little Bear! 👍👍 so glad you met Story and had that church service! 🙏. God is all around you in the woods! Amen. Stay safe & Hike on!! Goodnight bears & Ellie 🇺🇸🥾🧗‍♀️🐻🐻🧗🏻🏕️

[@FreeBirdUSA]

It was so funny when that bug got whacked by the ceiling fan. I couldn’t stop laughing! 😂😂😂

[@oldmanoldtruck]

Little Bear's antics in the background while you're talking are hilarious. She's quite the entertainer. You ladies are handling the adversities like true champions!

[@sheenarader6495]

What a blessing to meet "Story" and have church! Also, friends to encourage you across the high water and safely past the snakes! Another great blessing to have clean, dry clothes, bodies and beds! God is good! Watch out for those snakes! 😊 ❤ 🙏

[@wildflowersadventures]

Amen! So many blessings! 🙏🏼💙

[@jhayft0703]

Loved it! Love all your videos!! Keep going!! You got this!! GOD bless you both!!

[@robertbarnes4]

I think I get off the trail every Saturday and go to church on all of those small towns would be so cool. I’m all caught up now. You are rocking it ❤️👍

[@HikeMichigan]

What a fun day! Psalm 3:3 “But You, oh Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.” Provider! 🙌🙏💪🥾

[@Lovesracing19]

Looked like a great day of hiking. The water crossing looked fun. Beautiful views. Safe travels.

[@marykay-hm3zc]

Little Bear you had me laughing so hard when that bug hit the fan and your facial expressions 😂you guys are hysterical and so awesome, I love and look forward to your videos everyday

[@LeaC816]

I know the saying is “The trail provides” but I can’t help but smile at how God gave you the spiritual boost with the church fellowship and ending the day with clean clothes and family communications after having the draining days with the heat, humidity and no signal. 😊 I am looking forward to seeing the day of slack packing and the change of pace for y’all on the trail. You ladies are such a joy to watch on your adventure! Thank you for letting us all tag along!!

[@wildflowersadventures]

God 100% provides for us…every single day, in so many ways. We are so grateful to Him! 🙏🏼💙🙏🏼

[@michaellocke2766]

"EVERY DAY IS AN ADVENTURE ON THE TRAIL" SNAILS, SNAKES AND STREAM CROSSINGS. OPEN PASTURES NICE VIEWS. TRAIL FRIENDS. NICE PLACES TO STAY. THANK YOU FOR SHARING.😊

[@suzannelegeza1292]

Good morning Bears! This was one of my favorite videos to watch. You experienced so many fun things and shared it with us all. Thank you! 😊 Have fun tomorrow on your 20 mike slack pack! I cant wait to watch that! 😀 Stay safe 🙏🙏♥️♥️

[@mhelen7360]

What a wonderful day, starting with church with Story and ending in Burke's Garden, aka God's Thumbprint. Interspersed with interesting snake encounters and a river crossing that wasn't by bridge. Looking forward to your hike tomorrow; that should be a nice change of pace. LB and Elle, you sly creatures!!😚

[@martinliebmann1374]

You are both doing amazing! You’re going through hostel alley at this point! I loved them all. Weary Feet is wonderful. You’ll love love love Woods Hole and Neville! And if you stop at Angel’s Rest you’ll meet Hot Tamale and see the angel I painted on the window of the trailer! You two are having such a great time and you are very impressive combining work and hiking and your videos! That is so much! Kudos!

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you! We’ve enjoyed all of the hostels! Each one is special and unique.

[@dianamazzullo9065]

Snakes 🐍😳. They terrify me. You guys are really brave being so close to them.

[@stone8654]

Go Mama Bear & Little Bear Go! 👟🐻🐻👍🏼

[@KarenMurphy-yh4yg]

That was a exciting day! Rivers, snakes and views… oh my!

[@luisahirsch5654]

What a wonderful place to have a church service out in nature! That is so true what Story said about God being with you every step of the way and every step of the AT! That is how God will lead you to Katahdin! Wow! "River crossin" for sure with the fording of the water. I don't recall many people showing that part in VA, but I am guessing it has a lot to do with how much it has rained. I think last year and the year before was more of a drought. There is no drought this year with the rain we have been having (I live in NJ). Fording the river must have been a fun experience! God bless! Love your videos!

[@wildflowersadventures]

Amen! He has and will continue to be with us every step of the way. Our Provider and Protector! 💙🙏🏼

[@RickINFJ]

Nice 'river crossin'! There is something very zen about watching you two have lunch and a chat. 😊 It nourishes my soul. So true that acceptance of a less than desirable situation takes its power away. It's obvious you both have honed your mental grit. I heard that bug get sent by the ceiling fan! 😂 34:03

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thanks! We’re in a good groove. 9lbs for me is a lot. I didn’t have it to lose in the beginning, so I’m feeling the weight loss pretty significantly. Hoping my metabolism is going to level out soon. 🙏🏼

[@RickINFJ]

@@wildflowersadventures I sincerely hope so too MB. 🙏

[@LookUp1991]

Love AT church!! Thanks for sharing that. Its so much easier to see His love and provision in nature, away from the noise and craziness ❤

That Little Bear Game is a great plan to pack up- the determination is delightful- Taking the deliberate quiet moments is a great life choice Mama Bear.

[@wildflowersadventures]

💙💙💙

[@jamesquinlivan7876]

Good morning, Bears! Yes another adventure. Loved the spiritual time, the “River Crossing “(Roadrunner), snakes, open fields, the whack a bug with sound effects, the magical appearance of Miss Elle Cat. Enjoy your slack packing experience! Forever onwards Bears! 🐍🐱🧸🐻🌅🥾⛰️👍

[@cherokeesurvival8340]

PERFECT VIDEO MY GORGEOUS LADYS .... HAPPY HAPP Y MEMORIAL DAY BE SAFE

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@jayray720]

🚶‍♀️🐻👟👟🚶‍♂️🐻😺👟👟⛺🌞 you both did great on the river crossing when little bear had me tickled when she moved to the sunspot I always do that and there's no better place than have church then out in God's beautiful nature love and light to you both stay safe and happy hiking and goodnight Ellie 🐈😺

[@wildflowersadventures]

Sunspots are so nice! Church on trail is amazing. 💙🙏🏼

[@allenstocks6074]

According to a professional snake ID page, the first snake is a Harmless Eastern Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis).

[@donaldtotten5102]

I’m so glad that Lick Creek wasn’t that high for you both. Burke’s Garden is also the highest elevated valley in Virginia. Let’s Go Bears! 🌻✌️❤️🦆donnie duck

[@adventuresofpineappleshort4600]

This was probably my favorite evening recap 🤣

[@JeffJensen55]

Be fun to have someone at home video Ellie’s reaction to you guys on TV.

[@wildflowersadventures]

Awww that would be so cute.

[@dannythecamper4186]

Good video with some good news, 2 garden snakes and a big black snake, so let's keep on hiking 😊

[@maureenmukhlis2934]

I love your determination 💗WE DO HARD THINGS🥰 You both are so strong 💕💕 I can’t blame Little Bear for jumping up from a spider 🥹 That’s my kryptonite 😂 I am so afraid of spiders. I just can’t help it🤣 Love your plan for the hostels🙌🙌🙌

[@mardeclardy2961]

You 2 are doing so well! Too funny..L.B. curious at snakes & jumps for spiders.😅 I can tell the difference in the videos when you are clean & not. Another vlogger stopped at a laundry mat in Roanoke because they too could no longer stand the smell of their pack or their tent condition. Good luck there. The vinegar suggestion might be a good idea. Enjoy your slack packing and platinum blazing...you have earned it! Keep up the Ellie cameos 😊

[@judithpearson3968]

Good morning, Bears. LB & MB, the whole time you were walking through the high grass, all I could think of was "tick city". Kinda scary. The trail was great today, good views, snakes, flowers. Ya'll are doing so great. 20 miles. That's a long way for tomorrow. I know ya'll can do it. Loved the creek scenes. Looked like you were having fun. Ya'll take care. Stay safe. See you tomorrow.

[@Groundhog65NH]

Just love watching your daily vlogs! Cannot wait for you to be here in NH!! ❤❤

[@wildflowersadventures]

Can't wait!

[@AmyStoneYT]

Such a wonderful day you had! ❤ Keep smiling ❤

[@richardharries3164]

Another beautiful day. It’s awesome how you both deal with the difficult bits, like damp clothes. Not fun first thing! Love your videos and especially the natural way you chat and banter - that makes it seem like we’re in the video with you. Bless you and thank you. Love and hugs. R. ❤❤

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thanks! Yeah putting on damp clothes in the morning is quite unpleasant. But, you get used to being uncomfortable. It’s just part of this journey.

[@mb5387]

“ The itching begins before the scratching ends” This is a saying among the trekking community. It’s a real thing. It will hit you long before you finish the trail. It’s the feeling of wanting to do something like this again. Little bear- You were discussing the feelings you were gonna have the final time you pack up your backpack. There will be all kinds of weird feelings the last several weeks of the trail. Looking forward to you both sharing all of those feelings with us.

[@TheGrandmateresa]

Great day and great video. River crossing was fun!!

[@neliareal830]

Wow 🤩 that was an exciting day! I be like little bear at the sight of a spider 🕷️ running for cover! Snakes are okay! Lol 😂 love 💕 the garter snakes, don’t know the black one, kind of big for a racer, maybe a type of coachwhip! 😮 love the views 😊

[@traceywetselaar2256]

Wow what a beautiful place to have church service. God bless both of you. Love watching your videos.

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you! 😊

[@dawnseely1013]

Love the 9am service on the log with Story!

[@melaniedodge2859]

Just a tip that will hopefully help. When you get a chance to wash your backpack use vinegar along with detergent. It works to neutralize odor. I’ve had a cleaning business for 30 years and it’s worked on many things. Including cat pee which can be hard to eliminate the smell. I’ve never washed a backpack so can’t say for sure it will work but it might be worth trying. Stay safe and many prayers for you both as you continue on your journey.

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you! We’ll give it a try! 😊

[@rickjurgen5440]

I carry 1 or 2 half liter nalgene bottles. If hot water is placed in them, and they are inserted into socks, the socks will dry overnight.

[@PhillipRygiewicz]

God will get you to the end of your journey.

[@wildflowersadventures]

Amen 🙏🏼

[@musingwithreba9667]

River crossin'! 😊 Snakes on the trail! Still no rattlers, which is good! Although that black rat snake was looking pretty intimidating 😳 😂

[@wildflowersadventures]

None that we’ve come across yet. Others have, so we know they’re out here.

[@tgrant74]

I know it has to be hard to put on wet stinking clothes after a nights sleep in tent. That rain sounded so soothing on your tent. Would have been tempted to just sleep a while longer. Thank you for taking the time to stop and show us the scenery along the way. I am having to live vicariously thru you and Little Bear. Watch out for the snakes and enjoy the hostels!! Hike On and be safe!! 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thanks! It’s definitely unpleasant. Rain in the tent is quite nice…just makes for a heavy tent to carry the next day.

[@chrisnorris76]

LB feel the same way about backpack sweat as she did the poo story. 😂

[@suemoore1965]

🌺💕 TWO OF MY FAVORITE GALS

[@wildflowersadventures]

💙🙏🏼

[@tomellis3218]

Have caught your posts for a while so I have been catching up. I so enjoy your photography & all the people you meet up with on trail. Keep safe . ❤😊

[@marilynm5024]

While you ate lunch, I had breakfast. I enjoy watching your vlog while I start my day. You both are learning how to endure. That snake was really trying to look so intimidating.

[@thesunshinesyndicate981]

Missed you guys by a day! God bless you and good luck!

[@wildflowersadventures]

Sorry to have missed you. God bless! 💙🙏🏼

[@RedCatt423]

Enjoyed the chats you two had with us.

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thanks! 😊

[@gregmortonoutdoors]

Burke's Garden Hostel is just a fantastic place. I stopped in there in '22 and wished I had spent the night.

[@jamesbonner5989]

Good job on the stream crossing. Small Garter snakes and a big black rat snake, who did not look happy, lol. another nice hostel.

[@stevenvarner9806]

24:36 Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis), the official state snake of Virginia. Here in San Diego County, our species has bright red replacing the beige (Thamnophis sirtalis infernalis, though the state calls the southern version "South Coast Garter Snake"). One subspecies that's red and turquoise only lives near San Francisco (Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia). There are about a dozen subspecies in North America. • 26:41 Eastern Ratsnake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis). This one is relatively young as you can still see its dorsal (back) pattern a bit. They puff their heads up and look more like a pit viper and rise up to strike better.

[@walterpaton8698]

Tigers, snakes, and bears, oh my.

[@DeRocco21]

i wore knee high socks for the grass

[@williamking2249]

Another great day on trail.That water was a little chill wasn't it! Have fun 🌲👋

[@kathyfales8689]

Each day brings new adventures and you both rise to every new challenge! Great day, Story set the tone and you were blessed with trail magic and a great hostel. Great plan for tomorrow, we’ll be watching. Take care and God Bless! ❤

[@wildflowersadventures]

Yes! Thank you! God bless! 💙🙏🏼

[@WalkingWombat27]

Leaf litter for the win

[@shellynoble4298]

Put on wet clothers had to hard. Sound so excited to do slack packing.

[@wildflowersadventures]

It is very uncomfortable, but we’re used to it. Just have to accept it and move on. 😊

[@emilymurphy2926]

Thank you for another great video and one quick question. How are the mosquitos?

[@wildflowersadventures]

You’re welcome. Not an issue yet. 🙂

[@mountainjackietr511]

Love it when you open your videos with LB in the peaceful bliss of sleep! What an adventure the two of you are on; that was quite the cool river crossing!! The Midwest is undergoing major storms and tornadoes right now (Memorial Day weekend) and I can't help but think of you and pray that you will remain safe when the storms get to you! Cheering you onward!

[@wildflowersadventures]

We had a few severe storms here, too!!

[@lindacummins9888]

LB your new shoes are no longer new. 😊

[@BrendaA-treehouselady]

Cheering you on from the Northeast Kingdom! Momma Bear to help with weight concerns, when you take each one of your zeros in Towns, pick up and drink some high calorie Ensure or Boost. Dried fruit is helpful on trail and if you can add carrying some protein powder to add to your water. Love, light and blessings to you both.

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you for the suggestions. 💙🙏🏼

[@xrrtracks]

That last snake you video'd look like a Timber Rattler

[@Kallapryy]

Alternately titled :"...it hits the fan!"

[@wildflowersadventures]

😂

[@susietopspin]

What a blessed day with many highlights. Happy trails.🤟🏻🥾🏔

[@LemireCassie]

Amen! I just love when church happens in the most random of times and areas. It is such a blessing. I just found you yesterday, well, let's say the Holy Spirit led me to you. I now know why. I so would have loved to have done this hike with you and your daughter; it is so hard to find a Christian to do a thru hike with. I'll keep praying. I will also pray for you both on your journey. God Bless.

[@kathybunce309]

LB I love those caramels you’re eating ❤

[@lynelljansen8057]

I thought she said camels lol. I wondered what are those. 😊

[@wildflowersadventures]

They’re so good!

So glad that the river crossing 😮 was on a day you’re already ‘damp’. ❤ plus you looked like it was kinda fun 🤩! Thanks for explaining the TRIFECTA of hostels. HYOH. Happy to Hear you’re going to complete that trifecta goal 🥅-

[@wildflowersadventures]

Me too!! It was pretty fun! Definitely an added element to our daily adventures. 😊💙

[@gregharmon3797]

Mama bear if you get time look up info on Burkes Garden it’s quite unique geographically

[@wildflowersadventures]

We did and even had a whole info session from a local. It was a treat to hear him tell us all about it. Such an interesting place, geographically!!

[@walterlangston4484]

Rember crossing this river mints before the storm hit and walking over a houry in the heavey rain 🌧️ then finding camp for the night fun trip

[@kleenexhikes]

Ah yes, the pack rot has begun! After my AT thru i cleaned my pack with a brush. Afterward the straps wouldn't hold as well. Yes, every day of a thru hike is hard in some way, but so rewarding as well. You guys are rocking it!

[@wildflowersadventures]

Very true!! Thank you! 😊

[@j817madi]

Looked like an awesome day on trail. The hostel/farm was gorgeous. LB was hilarious with that giant bug hitting the fan. Ya'll are making it look easy and we all know it's not.

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you! 😊

[@RalphPreston]

Wait till you get to Maine for river crossings. Last year, they were pretty wild.

[@wildflowersadventures]

Can’t wait!

[@valane178]

What an exciting day...church, snakes and river crossing. Enjoy your slack pack back to the hostel. What a great way to tackle those miles. A great plan to enjoy hostel hoping. I would do the same. Happy trails...Winkle

[@wildflowersadventures]

It was wonderful!! We enjoyed it.

[@jameswhitman8710]

Well, I’m down here in your neck of the woods(north Florida) and it’s like a sauna.So watching those cool mountain streams in the shaded woods is killin me! Enjoy!

[@wildflowersadventures]

Florida is soooo hot!! 🥵

[@dalevodden1359]

Hay the unknown soldier here you have some severe storms heading your way I'd find shelter at a hostel if you can if not hunker down in a trial shelter , you girls are doing great as far as I can see , iv Ben watching your videos everyday so stay safe stay dry happy trails and God Bless . The unknown soldier 🪖🌹🥀🌷🍀

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you. We’re safe. It was a pretty bad storm for sure! 🙏🏼

[@amynapier3551]

How do you deal with wet clothes when they can't dry over multiple days? Do you wash them in hot water at a hostel or add some vinegar to get rid of the smell? Thanks for sharing your journey. You've got this. Keep shining bright.

[@wildflowersadventures]

We just put them on wet and deal with being uncomfortable. At the hostels, we just wash them with regular laundry detergent. It’s worked great so far.

[@kangarooelectricllc7721]

Hi bears, another great video. Question when u crossed the stream and left your shoes on did you put bags over them? Lovely scenery as usual. Love your videos. Save travels 😊😘

[@wildflowersadventures]

Nah, we just walked through the river.

[@angiejenkins2575]

OMG I laughed so hard when that wasp/bug hit the fan that I literally peed in my pants 🤣🤣🤣. You guys crack me up! I love you my Bears so much! What an exciting day you had. Many memories created today. So happy to see you all had church as well. God is so good! Stay safe and journey on. You’ve got this and God is with you e every step of the way! We love and miss you two! Happy trails! ❤️❤️❤️ 4:15 pm.

That’s too funny

[@wildflowersadventures]

lol, so funny!! Love and miss you, too! 💙🙏🏼

[@vibelife5133]

✌️❤️

[@Stormy-14-]

👍👍❤️❤️🐈🐈

[@lukasmakarios4998]

The "triple crown" of hostels? 1. Weary Feet 2. Woods Hole 3. Angel's Rest I wonder how those will compare with your favorites so far.

[@wildflowersadventures]

We have enjoyed every hostel so far….some more than others, but each is really special and unique in their own way. We appreciate the ones where they provide a good meal or you are close to a good restaurant. Oh and a hot shower is the best!

[@preacher1511]

Hey guys, I have missed y'all. Been moving from TN to NC the past two weeks and we are finally getting settled into our new home. Great to see you having church with Story. And I am really loving seeing LB taking a more vocal role in the narratives. She's a natural. You two are a great team. Those ridgelines at 25:45 were just spectacular. Glad to be back, keep it up, and God bless.

[@wildflowersadventures]

We hope your move went smoothly and you’re getting settled into your new home. Glad to have you back and sharing our journey. 😊 It’s been amazing! God bless! 💙🙏🏼

[@offroadracer99]

How long miles wise before you noticed you and Little Bear getting your “trail legs?”. You guys seemed to have a fair amount of base fitness when you hit the trail. Thanks for sharing your journey. You make it look so easy.

[@wildflowersadventures]

Hmmm, not really sure. It was definitely gradual, but definitely felt a big difference at the end of GA. An even bigger difference now that we’re in VA.

[@CindyAltwies1]

❤❤

[@a.ramosakadrumgrl6677]

At least with that river crossing your shoes are clean from the mud.

[@wildflowersadventures]

Yes!! 👍🏼

[@plontkegurl9529]

Is there anything out there battery operated that could help dry your clothes little faster in the tent? Fan maybe that doesnt weight much?

[@Jeremy-lp8wn]

I think it would be super interesting if you flip flopped southbound then you can enjoy the trail more and Not be stressed about the deadline, my year we were 3 days late but they let us through, MOST IMPORTANTLY be aware the river crossings in Maine can be very dangerous according to how much it's been raining. It's really stupid that Maine has Not put in bridges like in Nepal, so I would consider getting Little bear a life jacket and tie a rope to her, or there's a new thing called a pack raft that's like a lightweight inflatable kayak, you can watch videos of when the water level was high and adult barely made the river crossings in Maine

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thanks!

Leaf litter- that’s a great term for it. Giving that backpack a good washing will make a great difference. Is it worth switching out to a brand new, even exactly same, backpack half way through the trip?

[@wildflowersadventures]

Can you believe I was so focused on treating our clothes, and gear…including our packs, that I forgot to wash it before I sprayed it with Permethrin?!?! 😫 Now I’ll have to wait until we re-treat our gear again, lol…another month or so. It’ll be fine. 😂 And probably not worth getting a new pack. They’re pretty expensive and should be fine once we remember to wash them.

[@emilymurphy2926]

Wakamole!!! I heard it. Lol

[@wildflowersadventures]

😂😂😂

[@lisamonalisahikes]

How large are your food bags? Love watching your journey, my daughter is my hiking partner too.

[@wildflowersadventures]

Not sure about the capacity. They are the standard bags from Hilltop Bags.

[@rondabartlett6475]

Great hike girls! can you share what brand your watch band is please?

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thanks! Coros Apex 2

[@joesoutdoorplaces]

“Water Crossin”

[@suecox8355]

🦋❤️

[@walterpaton8698]

I can provide trail magic in Massachusetts. A replacement backpack.?? Food, socks, please let me know.

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@johnalden5821]

If you are looking to add calories to your diet, and specifically carbs, one thing you could add is tortillas, which I don't think I have seen you guys eating on trail. They are good for making wraps using the proteins (tuna, chicken packets, peanut butter) and I think they hold up pretty well without refrigerating. They will add some weight, but just think of that weight as going into you as you walk.

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thanks! We have had them periodically. We got tired of them for a bit, but it might be time to eat them again.

[@sharoncarter2218]

How did the packs cross the river?

[@wildflowersadventures]

I carried both of them.

[@sharoncarter2218]

One at a time … you’re the best Mama Bear!