Day One | Today is the day | Appalachian Trail Thru Hike 2024

[@allenhansen7783]

Highlights are Roses, Lowlights are Thorns and a Bud is what you are looking forward too the next day. Roses, Thorns and Buds!

[@preacher1511]

Wow, guys. Epic first day. Beautiful forecast for the next several days, what a great way to start. I love that y'all are already "stopping to smell the roses" by taking the occasional blue blaze. I know you won't be able to take all of them but the two you took today were so worth it. Just adds to the overall experience. Mama Bear, please don't feel obligated to respond to every comment. Y'all have so much ahead of you and editing takes a lot of time and effort. I can't speak for everyone else who comments but for me, it's such a pleasure just to be able to share this journey with y'all. That's enough for me. Stay warm and God bless.

[@markbeno5452]

I still get chills seeing that plaque on Springer; your starting point, my finishing point in 2022. If you take your time and enjoy each day, you’ll make it to Mama K. After your adventure you’ll think about the trail every day for the rest of your lives. I’m jealous of y’all!

[@dalemerkley1245]

This must be a thrill for you Mamma bear to be embarking on this trip with your brave daughter Little Bear. Praying for you both on this adventure!!

[@susietopspin]

Great first day. Careful out there with the Norovirus. As someone who has had it, it is not fun.😫. Happy trails.🤟🏻🥾🏔

[@sheilahenry7279]

I’m so excited y’all have started. LB putting the sticker in the sign-in book was so cute. Sharing your own magic was very inspirational. Seems you met so many at the start & you stopped to visit. Nice & slow miles, many smiles. The waterfall was beautiful. Be sure to wash hands a lot. You don’t want to get sick & in the bubble might be really hard to avoid the germs. You are beautiful!

[@RickINFJ]

Your joy is contagious bears. I couldn't wait to get home and watch this. 😀 The falls were beautiful. Yes LB, your 1st trail Snickers is important. 😂 I laughed when LB put the food in the bear box. I was like, wait...a bear is putting food IN the bear box. It's an AT conundrum. 🤣 Great day one ladies. Rest well ✌️

[@SheGoneAgain]

What a nice way to give a little back to those who work so hard to keep the trail maintained! Awesome start, and glad you are taking your time and enjoying the experience. Hope you sleep well…with all those hikers around you, their chatter will lull you to sleep.

[@janetmartz2905]

Congratulations on a great start! The Boy Scout Troop my sons belonged to called the highs and lows of their campouts “Roses and Thorns.” I always enjoyed when those were shared and I enjoyed hearing yours for your first day. Happy hiking!

[@wildflowersadventures]

Hey! Thanks! It’s been amazing! I like that, “roses and thorns. Thanks for sharing!

[@dogtired1]

at summer camp we did rose and thorn! for good and bad thing of the day

[@johnalden5821]

I am really happy that you got a nice day for your start on the Trail. May there be many more! At the end, you asked for what to call the day-in-review. We always use "roses" for the highlights, "thorns" for the tough challenges, and "buds" for the things we are looking forward to the next day. So, I humbly suggest roses, thorns and buds for the Wild Flowers.

[@Whocares302]

Oh my goodness I sure hope to meet you both when you’re in my neck of the woods in Maine :) Safe travels!

[@wildflowersadventures]

That would be great! Maine feels so far away, but the time and miles feel like they’re flying by! 😊

[@jshenderson]

Peaks and valleys would be a good way to describe the highs and lows of the day.

[@jillaubin481]

Michelle gave me a ride in 2022 when I was on an anniversary hike. She rocked. Found us a place to stay in bad weather even though everyone was full up. She found us a hostel. You gals are doing great!!! How about Bloopers.

[@judithpearson3968]

What a great day. Loved the falls. I love moving water. The sight and sound make me happy. Loved the sight of you playing together on the whirly gig thing. Looking forward to day 2. Take care. Snuggle together to stay warm tonight. Stay safe.

[@nanabd]

Congratulations 🎉🎉 😢 and THANK YOU for taking ALL of us on your journey. Sending you huggs and blessings as you start another journey/chapter of life. ❤❤ Becky and Kevin, NH Ps we're gonna miss ya 😊

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you so much! We hope you’ll continue to join us in all of our adventures. We’ve had quite a few since getting off the AT. And…stay tuned….we have an epic adventure planned! 💙☀️🙏🏼

[@michelle_nolan]

So happy to see this video. Can’t wait for more and I love how you are meeting people and sharing them with us.

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you! The people are the best part of the trail. 😊

[@Bipolarhiker]

You two are the Bernstein Bears of the trail. Momma Bear, what you’re doing with your daughter is truly amazing through Gods Grace. You’re showing her early how to be mentally prepared for the life’s challenges she’ll face in life. By doing this trail you’re showing her how to overcome the mental and physical challenges she’ll face. She’ll look back on her experience with you and will be able to tackle any of life’s obstacles. Me and my family are soo proud of y’all. Please please check each others feet and when yall are at lunch, take off yalls shoes and socks and let your feet breathe and dry out. It would be good to elevate yalls feet so they can have a break also. Change your socks at lunch and let your socks dry out. When you start the trail again you should rotate your socks with a new pair. In the morning change back into a dry pair of socks and repeat throughout the day. I call the feet the, “tires” of the body. Taking care of those tires will help prevent feet disasters!!! Drink drink drink water. You don’t want kidney stones or get dehydrated. One request. Could you give Brian and his daughters a shout out? That would make them excited. My daughters and I want to be internet angels and send yall a care package to y’all down the road. We want to ship yall some of your favorite foods and treats. God bless and looking forward to more videos from yalls adventure!!!!

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thanks so much! All very good advice for sure. We’re pretty diligent all those things (most of the time, except for when we get excited, hahah). My husband and I have raised all of our children in the strong mentality of, “we do hard things.” We are preparing them to adapt and overcome any of life’s challenges. This trial will be an excellent tool for sure. We will be sure to give shout outs soon, especially to our sweet family. They are the best support team we could ask for. Thank you for your kindness. We really appreciate you. 🙏🏼💙

[@abc-wv4in]

Iirc, this cemetery is where one solo female hiker spent the night and was very scared of two-legged predators in such an isolated place. She said she prayed to God to help her not feel so afraid, and immediately a truck pulled up and just sat there, making her even more absolutely terrified! ??!!! It turned out it was a big group of Army Rangers, LOL. She said she slept like a baby. (This may have been Sunny, but not absolutely sure.) Some would say coincidence but I think it's awesome in the true sense! She didn't pray she'd be safe (she'd have likely been safe even alone and scared), but prayed to not feel afraid. Talk about a specific answer! Sounds like a joke that Army Rangers immediately showed up to spend the night nearby. Congrats on a great first day on the AT. Happy hiking to you both and God bless! Great videos, btw, and your daughter is precious.

[@jhayft0703]

It was Sunny!

[@tammymcdowell9469]

Hello Mama Bear and Little Bear! I am a new subscriber and I can't wait to get caught up on all of these videos! Yall got this!! Remember, Hike your own hike.

[@brendametube]

What a FANTASTIC day ONE! Sooo happy for and proud of our BEARS! Wonderful captures of the beauty all around and the amazing people too:-) Thank you so much for taking us along! God bless you Bears💕We’re with you all the way!

[@terrycooke7930]

How awesome that you get to hike with your daughter, what wonderful memories you will make!! Excited for the two of you! May you enjoy every step of your adventure!! You are well prepared! The AT is the most beautiful trail!! 🦋

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you! We’re having a great time! 🙏🏼💙

[@PatriotPopp19]

You guys are so lucky and blessed to be able to do this together...ive been tryin to get where i can hike the AT for 6 years now . Ill just never be able to afford it...but if i could and if i had kids i would want them to do it with me.. that time and experience together is beyond priceless.

[@jamesbonner5989]

Great start to this amazing adventure, enjoy your hike. Reports of norovirus in the Georgia section, stay safe.

[@erdinesmi1904]

What you do for your daughter is amazing. Spending time in nature and learning to handle mental and physical challenges is so important and these experiences will stay with her for the rest of her life.

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you so much. It’s been the way my husband and I have raised all 4 of our children. We say, ‘we do hard things.’ Preparing our children’s strong mindset to adapt and overcome any of life’s challenges. 😊

[@frolege1]

1:22 Is this kid too adorable .OMG ..she is one amazing cool cat..love the backpack.

[@rhsumm]

Congratulations on the beginning of the adventure that lays ahead. Boy Scouts call recapping the highs and lows of their adventures “Thorns and Roses.” Take care and God bless!

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you! God bless. 🙏🏼💙

[@lostmomoutdoors8696]

Yes, we like to do 'roses and thorns' after our campouts. It's a nice way to hear everyone's perspective on their adventures.

[@PaulR-xq3no]

Great. Congrats on Day 1, SteppinOff onto your AT thruhike. Been watching more and more thruhikers since early January, and the thruhikers are Amazing. So disciplined day after day, overcoming bad weather, injuries, and just plain exhaustion. Have much respect for everyone out there giving it their best. Safe Hiking to You. Boots on the Ground 🥾

[@marieb4]

So exciting! Cannot wait to watch this adventure! Best to you both. ❤️

[@bluegrassbodhisattva9839]

Congratulations on starting! Wishing you the best adventures and looking forward to seeing you both summit!

[@kozmiczian]

beautiful day to start, very excited for you, knowing how it feels, to start . . . have a great adventure . . . following . . . I spent the night, right there at Long Creek, back a few hikes-ago. Happy Trails, @kozmiczian

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you! We had an amazing journey! 🙏🏼 Happy trails!

[@nitsymccarthy7803]

Lucky kid to do the trail so young. Enjoy the adventure! (Trail Angel Nitsy - PCT)

[@Midwesterny]

Yay 🥾🥾great start ladies!!

[@iwnlis4347]

Congratulations on your start!!! Thank you for sharing with us you two’s journey. Happy hiking and be safe and careful.

[@mhelen7360]

Great first day! Loved that you took time to do some off-trail exploring. Excited to see the cemetery. I have a friend whose family originally lived at Hickory Flatts, and we always planned to walk up there and see the cemetery but never did. So now I've seen it through your eyes :-)

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thanks for sharing. It was a very nice cemetery. Exploring the blue blazes are fun, and this one isn’t very far off trail.

[@jayray720]

🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️👟👟👟👟⛺🔥🌞 that was so sweet of you to think about the thank you cards for the trail angels and the people that help you on the trail Little Bear looks like she's having a great time cute cat pillow stay safe and happy hiking 🐻🐻

[@CPlus903]

Great first day. Keep pushing North!

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thanks! It’s been awesome out here! 💙🙏🏼

[@donrobinson5540]

I like “Thorns and Roses” for lowlights and highlights of each day.

[@mariakaniewski8528]

I was going to suggest this. This is what I’ve always used!

[@OBloveslife]

Well done first day vlog/hike! Melted my heart right off with the thank you (paying it forward) then made me laugh with the dance. I hope you did not get too cold that first night. Hopefully that will be your coldest!

[@ninacherry3997]

Take precautions! Norovirus is already taking people down on the trail.

[@cnresearch]

Highlight & a Challenge? Good luck. Thanks for sharing

[@goldpop5001]

Great start to the journey! Brings back memories. I wish you the best, take your time and enjoy!

[@carriann3725]

Hi just came across your video. So glad I am able to learn about Appalachian Trail. Thank you for sharing your adventures with us 💖🤗

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thanks for being here! 💙🙏🏼

[@charliejg]

Congratulations on completing day 1! Been hearing news that a viral bug is hitting the trail. Take care and use sanitizer! LOL! I do lots of AT day hiking so maybe I'll get to see you in Pennsylvania! All the best on your journey.

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thanks so much! Yes, Noro is going around for sure. News travels fast on trail and we’re all looking out for each other. Quite a few people have fallen ill, and some even evacuated off of trail because of it. We are being careful and diligent. Just a side note, hand sanitizer doesn’t kill Noro, so be sure and always have soap and wash your hands as much as possible.

[@charliejg]

@@wildflowersadventures Good tip! I'm an elementary teacher and just love seeing you guys do this. Such a fantastic educational opportunity for your daughter and time together that will bring long term benefits. Take care!!

[@jefe3539]

Congrats on your first day and for sharing your highlights. In scouting we share roses, thorns and buds at the end of the day.

[@eagleeyecherryp3355]

Maybe it's already mentioned here, but be careful with all those people you come into contact with. The Norovirus is around and affecting some hikers already. Avoid physical contact with others including possessions. Wash and sanitize often. Proud of you guys and good luck. I'll be here following. 👊

[@eagleeyecherryp3355]

Oh, and Ramdino On The Trail has a KZbin channel you need to connect with. You can update him on your status and progress and he shares valuable information with all and has connections with people and Trail Angels you might need along the way.

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thanks. We know Ramdino and are on his hiker list. His news comes from all of us on the trail. We take care of each other and word spreads fast. We update each other on all kinds of things, including noro. We also communicate with the ridge runners and receive alerts via text from the ATC.

[@amynapier3551]

So excited for you. Glad you have great weather as you begin your journey. Thanks to Michelle for taking you to Springer. Love your side trail adventures. Lunch by the waterfall is awesome. Some say roses and thorns for recaps but I prefer peaks and valleys. Enjoy these precious mother-daughter memories. Hope you have many happy trails ahead. You've got this.

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you! The blue blazes were awesome today! Such a fun day all around! Looking forward to all there is to come.

[@ASAC85]

Congratulations on day 1 of your adventure on the AT; looks like you two had a stellar 1st day. Best of luck; will be following along on your journey.

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

.. A days end thoughts to be Favorite moments and least favorite ... ... Always look to the beauty and wonder of the trail ...

[@wildflowersadventures]

I like that! It’s hard not to see the beauty on the trail, even when the days are tough. We’re just so grateful to be out here. 😊

[@sandra4710]

Cheering all the way for you two! A mother/daughter trip of a life time! What a treasure you are creating. Safe hiking!

[@MoreGroundtoCover]

I burst into tears of joy the moment I saw Little Bear introduce us to Ellie Pillow - the joy in her face and her love for her cat... I feel the same way about my rescue kitties, plus it brought back very fond memories of the custom pet pillow my grandmother made for me when I was young. Praying you both have a wonderful and blessed experience throughout your adventure. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you! 🙏🏼 💙

[@joesoutdoorplaces]

Fantastic first day. I am happy you and Little Bear are finally underway. Take care.

[@wildflowersadventures]

It really was! And the days just keep getting better and better. 🙏🏼💙

[@WaffleHikes]

In Scouts we say, “Rose, Thorn, and Bud.” I wish we had done the side trip to the cemetery. Seeing the tents was surprising. When we came through, it was Hawkeye and me in the shelter and one other tent! Great first day. I’m going to try to keep up as service allows!

[@beckytaylor6088]

I'm so excited for you both to be starting this journey! May God bless you and protect you along the way. Like others have said Peak and Pit for Highs and Lows or I've also heard it Peak and Valley

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you so much! We’re stoked to be out here. It’s been such an amazing adventure so far!

[@diane4253]

Peak and Pit! So excited to follow along on your adventure!! Stay safe!

[@annemarie3769]

Peak and Pit of the day!!! Many families, including mine, voice our peak and our pit of the week. God bless, enjoy!!!! I'm enjoying the videos!

[@wildflowersadventures]

Good suggestions. Thanks for watching and sharing our journey with us. 😊

[@Betty-xe2pg]

Hello, Mama Bear and Little Bear. I’ve been following all your videos and think it’s awesome. Our 20 year old grandson left on April 7 but he is ahead of you now. Was hoping he would get to see you. He’s missing his 7 siblings and parents. Good luck!

[@wingmanhoy3999]

Congratulations, awesome beautiful vlogging, hiking and scenery, wishing you both all the very best.

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thanks so much! Trying our best to film as authentically as possible. We’re honored to share our journey with you all. 🙏🏼💙

[@musingwithreba9667]

Woo hoo! I got butterflies for you when you hit the trail! 😂 Be careful out there when you're at shelters, Norovirus is taking hikers down already! It's about a month early this year 😮

[@TWolf317]

Such a fun first day! This may be a minor point, but I grew up in Tennessee and am very glad you guys say "Appa-latch-ian" and not "Appa-lay-shun." You pronounce it correctly. 😁

[@wildflowersadventures]

Hahaha, thank you! We worked hard on that. We hope to retire in GA/E TN or NC in about 5 years, so we’re practicing being local. 😂

[@TWolf317]

@@wildflowersadventures I've lived for several years in both TN and in NC. I would choose TN any day over NC. 😄

[@SteveBoon-z4u]

How lovely are you two! At eleven years old, my god how mature. Can't wait to watch more.

[@garyputnam4181]

Thank you for hiking day 1 it was awesome looking forward to day 2 ladies safe hiking.

[@RickINFJ]

Hmm, I think a daily reflection without categorization is sufficient. 😊 When we overcome a difficult/negative thing, it ultimately becomes a positive. (wisdom/grit)

[@dannythecamper4186]

Good video with some good views, nice water fall, with a cold night, so let's keep on hiking 😊

[@v.brackins2265]

Best foot forward!

[@gabicerrahikes]

Such a beautiful first day for you guys!

[@simplystavish]

Hooray so excited to follow your journey!!! Thanks for sharing your day 1 with us.

[@lynnetracy3826]

Thorns and roses is an appropriate high/low for hikers. Go get ‘em ladies!

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thanks! 🙏🏼 💙

[@jamesadams2334]

Glad you had great weather for your start. On your way to Mama K. Hike safe, Hike strong, Have fun! geek

[@mhe8545]

Yay! Watch out for Norovirus.

[@valane178]

I was so excited to see your day 1 video. I know you are much further ahead. Stop warm and watch our for the norovirus. It doesn't usually start in GA. Wishing you much happiness on your journey. Happy Trails...Winkle

[@wildflowersadventures]

Hey Winkle! Thanks so much! We were excited when they finally uploaded! Yes, it took awhile to get these videos uploaded, but we have several scheduled for the rest of the week. Noro is big on trail right now, so Little Bear and I are being very careful. 🙏🏼💙

[@valane178]

By the way a friend and I maintain the trail from the Cheese Factory to Tray Gap. You may or may not have already reached that area.

[@allenstocks6074]

Love Build a Dream!!!! How special is that to meet him!!! Amazing!!! Can’t wait to see you on his video!!!! Congrats on a great start!!! 😊

[@AlaniSugar]

I stopped for lunch at those falls too! It was right after I got my trail name, and I was so excited to introduce myself with my trail name.

[@wildflowersadventures]

Aww, how cool! The falls are so beautiful. Definitely worth the blue blaze miles! What’s your trail name and how did you get it?

[@AlaniSugar]

@@wildflowersadventures Lost Child. I got lost twice on that first day, between Springer and Hawk mountain shelters. Luckily not lost enough for it to be a scary experience, just enough for a funny story! I thought it was funny and was telling someone that I "only got lost twice so far today" and later that day ran into the same person so he named me Lost Child. It fit me well and I was excited to start introducing myself that way!

[@stanthemanhikes2965]

Great 1st day so exciting. I think a 2.5 to 3 difficult rating is good for that hike from Springer to Hawk for you two. Hope the great days are continuing as you hike north. When recapping at the end of each day you could say “the highs and lows” just like the mountains and valleys you’re hiking 😊

[@librab103]

I am so excited to be able to follow you on your one in a life time adventure. I hope day one is a prelude to how the rest of your hike will go.

[@lisasescapades]

I’m so happy to finally see ya’ll on trail. 😊🙏

[@Muggleborn_Adventures]

A term that was used When I was a girl scout leader was thorns and roses.. At the end of every activity or trip or camping trip, we got together as a troop and discussed the thorns (not so good or things we'd change)and roses(the best things or something that made positive impact) Great to see a video. Have a great time on your journey and please watch out for the Norovirus.

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thanks so much! I just heard that from someone in Boy Scouts. Nice! And yeah, Noro is all over the trail. We’re being very cautious. Thank you! 🙏🏼

[@paulalee9324]

Off you go, what a great first day! Prayers for continued health and joy in the journey, from one therapist to another.

[@HikingWithShawn]

Best of luck! I can't wait to see more. We're rooting for you in the Hiking with Shawn household!!

[@jwmab]

Thorns and Roses, goods and the not so good. ❤

[@OutsideComfortZone]

What a cool adventure for you two! Keep on hiking and making memories!

[@Go-With-Mo]

And so it begins. My granddaughter and I will be following your adventures as you head north. Praying for safety and blessings as you hike.

[@wildflowersadventures]

Yes!! We’re off! And having the grandest of times. Thank you both for being here. We’re excited to share our journey with you. 💙🙏🏼 Thank you for your prayers and blessings. We receive them!

[@garyhog64]

Peaks for the highlights and Valleys for the lowlights. So looking forward to following your adventures!

[@SherryD235]

Awesome first day!! 🥰

[@scotthuff2051]

Rose, Thorn, Bud is classic, but I also like Peak (high), Valley (low), Horizon (hope/goal for tomorrow)

[@jimmyjohnstone5878]

I don't have children of my own but did a lot of day hikes and week long camping trips on trails in Scotland with my nieces and nephews when they were aged about six to late teens. It's a great age to get appreciation of the outdoors, wildlife and self. Hopefully the weather is kind to you as you get used to the trail life.

[@scruffybackpacker1299]

Good luck and good hiking. Stay safe and trust your gut feelings. The weather is wishy washy this time of year.

[@WalkingWombat27]

A rose and a thorn. High and low

[@jessicanewell7775]

Love all your purple fashion highlights!! Looking great girls and cant wait to follow you down the trail. My momma and I loved our girls trips when I was LB's age (and we still do), but this is an epic adventure!! Enjoy all your special moments together.

[@terryhunter1384]

WOW! Awesome first day. The cards!❤️. ( Have now subscribed to Build the Dream. Looks interesting.) 😊👍

[@wildflowersadventures]

Hey! Thanks! It was truly an awesome day! And we have loved giving the cards out. It’s so important to me that we make every single person feel valued and loved when they are around us. We hope to spread as much love and light as possible on our trek. 🙏🏼💙

[@raktoda707]

Great start, wishing you both the best ofeverything

[@vickifg13]

That was a wonderful day and thanks for sharing it with all of us. Happy Hiking ⛺️🥾🥾

[@lisamonalisahikes]

I’m so happy for you both! I have no doubt you will complete your hike. What a wonderful experience. We are praying for you!

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you so much! Your prayers are everything! We’re glad you’re here and you can share in on our experience. 🙏🏼💙

[@lynnott6292]

So happy you have started your journey. Prayers for a safe and amazing journey!

[@robertcallahan1046]

Congratulations on getting started. I know you are so excited! It's clear you're enjoying every moment. I'm so proud of you for being ready to share tokens of gratitude with those that assist you on your journey. I wish I'd thought of that! God bless as you progress up the trail. Prayers for you both!!

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you! God put it on my heart to do so. I just hope and pray to share our love and light with everyone we meet on trail. 🙏🏼💙☀️

[@charlesjohnson9662]

Great start, you guys are gonna be fun to watch, wishing you good health all the way to Katahdin!

[@dawnseely1013]

lowLIGHT may be fitting as those obstacles, struggles, and challenges ... "lows" are the exact places and times where Christ shines his LIGHT to steer you, strengthen and grow you, both, individually and together, on a hike of a lifetime to carry you through. 🎉 Love a 2 1/2 - 3 EASY - GREAT day for a first day! Happy trails🥾

[@FreeBirdUSA]

Congratulations! Know you both will have so much fun. Enjoy your adventure.

[@markviers998]

Looks like a great start, chilly but still great weather. Enjoy!

[@wildflowersadventures]

Absolutely. And so far, we avoided the rain…coincidentally, but we have. 😂 We’re ready for it though: No rain, no pain, no Maine!

[@mountainjackietr511]

Loved your video; thank you for sharing!! Hope you continue to enjoy your journey! cheering you onward!