Days 147-152 Audrey On The AT Appalachian Trail 2023

[@mb692100]

Hey North Star... Through all of the miserable mess you've endured to reach this point, now including bee stings and even more rain, there has always been this one constant-the inner beauty of the strength and depth and wholesomeness of your character even exceeds your outer beauty. And to get to witness that is a rare treat indeed. Covered in mud, sopping wet, bee stung, drenched in tears, and with a body the trail has beaten into a pulp, that inner beauty of your character shines as brightly as the actual North Star itself.

[@mb692100]

Hey North Star... Here's an idea for your classroom. Hang photos on your classroom wall of your start at the arch at Amicalola and your finish at the sign on Katahdin. Separate the photos by a distance of about 4-5 feet. Connect the two photos with a strip of poster paper. On that strip of paper, write the mileage of "2,198.4 miles." Next to the mileage number, write this question: "What does it take to hike this distance?" A graphic like that would give your third graders a visual of the magnitude of your thru hike and would provide an easy way to develop a discussion with them about such things as self-sacrifice, endurance, perseverance, adjusting and overcoming defeat. Those character traits are sorely missing in many young people today, as well as adults, and there is no one more qualified to teach that than you.

[@mb692100]

Hey North Star... Handle that new self-confidence with extra care! After Katahdin, one of the first changes a thru hiker notices in himself is a new and overwhelming level of self-confidence. That's good, but it can also be tricky. You'll swear you have more confidence than Napolean ever did when he crossed the Alps. And you'll believe you can do anything and everything. But that newfound confidence can lead you into making big decisions way too soon, decisions you may regret later, before you've had a chance to readjust to reality. So, give yourself some time to reacclimate back into civilization before making those monumental decisions. Wait at least a month before you start planning your Mount Everest expedition, or deciding to get married and have ten kids, or whether you want to become a professional wrestler, or start your own bluegrass band. Be proud of your new self-confidence; you earned every butt-kicking, bloodied ounce of it. Just give yourself plenty of time to let all those new ideas simmer a while on the back burner before you blast off.

[@jackcakeblack]

Congratulations to Abol bridge. You poor thing got stung by some yellow jackets, very painful. Look out for underground nests, very easy to step on a hole that is a nest then they come out and swarm you.

[@tresannrn8454]

You are amazing North Star. I'm sure you are Champion to your students as well. You are an inspiration! Can't imagine your emotions on this day. Can't wait to see your summit video!✌♥️

[@bigbranch1]

Dang You made me cry......just one more day .....God Bless.

[@notWL]

We ❤ you North Star. You’re doing way better than the Cardinals. Lol.

[@stephengarfield4691]

I am watching this today and you are by now back home.

[@suemoore1965]

I ALMOST FEEL LIKE YOUR VIRTUAL TRAMILY❤

[@adventuresofpineappleshort4600]

I HAVE GOOSEBUMPS!

[@jeannenimmo5]

INDEED, and BRAVO! You made it - Katahdin is in sight and within reach. While seeing the magnificence of the Maine forests and mountains and waterways, I couldn't help but think of Wallace Stegner's quote(excerpt): "Something will have gone out of us as a people if we ever let the remaining wilderness be destroyed..." We can surely destroy wilderness, but we cannot create it. Congratulations and can't wait to see your final video of the A.T. Be well, stay safe.

[@beckyumphrey2626]

Absolutely amazing inspiration!!!!!! You ROCK!!!!

[@mb692100]

Hey North Star... It's hard to contemplate a challenge more difficult than your thru hike from Georgia to Maine. But returning to your classroom to face a room full of third graders, only mere days after summiting Katahdin, may come close. With almost no time for your body and mind to recover from the beating you endured for five months and nearly 2,200 miles, just thinking about your having to face 20 to 30 rambunctious third graders everyday leaves me overwhelmed and exhausted. But the same resolve and strength that carried you to Katahdin will, no doubt, also enable you to climb this "mountain" that is now before you. Praying that you and your class will have an enjoyable and successful school year and that somewhere in the process you might finally get caught up on your sleep and some "real" food for a change.

[@LaDonnaShielded-kc7zm]

❤️North⭐Star❤️❣️

[@fredgarvin5964]

Wow. Good for you!

[@elkhound25]

Awesome !

[@KatieValleyBourdeau]

Yippie!!🎉

[@tracyazhikes]

👏🥾

[@ranger4327]

Great Job !! Congrats !!

[@Lv4_o2]

❤

[@gabriele1975]

Now don't you get me crying miss Audrey! 😘😘😘

[@eddie4082]

Audrey it has been so much fun watching your journey. Looking forward to seeing your next video. The view of Mt Katahdin from Abol bridge has to be the 2nd best view any thru hiker can experience along the entire trail. Second only to the view from the summit of Mt Katahdin. Thanks for bringing us along. Eddie

[@kathleenbutler8879]

I am with you........brought tears to my eyes also. You are my 2023 AT season hero🎉❤

[@rondabartlett6475]

Amazing hike! I hope you share your summit❤️. Be proud girl!!!

[@MudFlap62]

OMG. Can’t wait for the summit video. You’re awesome. What a journey. Well done.

[@edhespin4104]

Yay 😅

[@Elizabeth-pt4bv]

You're a guiding light. So proud of you. Congratulations 🎉 🎊 🥳. 😊

[@hikingheatherb]

Woooohooo. North Star has made it....katahdin is yours for the taking. I can only imagine the emotions, but hope to live them on my 2024 At thru-hike attempt. Yes, this Memaw will be 64 when attempting my 2024 thru-hike. Your posts have been a huge help for my preparation both physically and mentally.

[@PInk77W1]

I’m gonna try in 2024. I’ll b 63. May 1 start at NBound

[@daviddunham9830]

North Star By now you have finished! This old man and his wife have here in Maine have loved your trip from the start through teardrops and laughter. Congratulations, Great job, your students will be proud! Going to miss you. Good luck.

[@brg1965]

I can only tolerate watching you struggle bc I know you are home, warm and dry now! Burrito finished last week and is on her way home. I can't wait to give her a hug and cook her good food!

[@muskopf88]

I just totally binge watched this. Absolutely incredible. First one of these I’ve watched. I can’t wait to see the last one. I AM TOTALLY INSPIRED!!! Thank you. Just what I needed to motivate my life.

[@vadaboy]

You are awesome and relentless. Peace be with you.

[@rhousto1]

You're so close to that "pot of gold". You still have the same positive outlook you started with even after so many challenging days on the trail. Way to go, young lady.

[@billdawson9073]

Congratulations on crushing the 100 mile wilderness and reaching the bottom of the final climb. I’ve been following since the beginning and you’ve come a long way both literally and figuratively. You’re an awesome hiker and role model, way to go

[@TurnthePage]

This is so exciting! I can’t wait to watch you summit! I’ve been following you since the beginning and am so happy for you!

[@stevewright2241]

I’m happy for you. Congratulations 🎈🎊🍾

[@thislittlelifeaustin]

You did that!!!!

[@dfhauck]

Dang, you got me tearing up. Congratulations!

[@JackSheahan2012]

I'm late to this so I will keep the ALL-CAPS stuff for your much-anticipated summit video, which "North Star Nation" is eagerly awaiting. Knowing how this has turned out by now, I will offer infinite respect for you and your accomplishment. Truly the achievement of a lifetime. Once again, many thanks for vlogging, and keeping it real while you did it. I hope your school year is off to a great start. And of course, "the more you know". All the best, Jack NYC

[@chriscon8463]

Awesome job, Audrey. You’re rocking it! Can’t wait to see you summit!

[@davidpyles8270]

Anxiously awaiting the summit. Congrats !

[@lindaf6716]

I’ve followed your journey from the start and YOU ARE AMAZING! I can’t wait for your summit video!

[@FredPEggert]

Well Done Audrey! Congratulations!

[@stanthemanhikes2965]

I know the feeling. Those tears are well earned!!

[@richardross7219]

I hope that you took advantage of the blueberries. Deadlines make the trail harder. Your body is suffering from long term fatigue. It will take weeks to fully recuperate. You were tough and did very well. As with any big phase of life there are mixed emotions. You want to get done but you don't want the adventure to end. Happy Trails. Good Luck, Rick

[@fellowpatriot9162]

You are right there. Almost done. You are awesome!!!! I know you're probably feeling a wide variety of emotions. Your journey with your tramily is almost done. You gained friendships for a lifetime and hiking buddies for future trails. You are strong willed and determined. I'm very impressed with all you have done. Not to mention you have the best jokes around.

[@brianhourihan5613]

I totally understand why you are crying at the end of the video. The question is why the heck am I crying? LOL. So happy for you.

[@beck57]

What a beautiful view!!!! Mt Kathadin at Abol Bridge. Congratulations on your journey!!!! You are an inspiration. Thanks for taking us along! ❤️

[@JimHendrix_home]

Wow! I've watched every episode of your journey. I so much admire your courage, strength, and perseverance. As you face challenges in your life back in Missouri, I hope you are able to remember how unique and capable you really are.

[@amysteele856]

We’ve watched your entire hike and can’t to watch you finish the AT👏

[@TheChantybb]

Can’t wait for you summit video! I get emotional just to think about it 😩 and Im missing you and your videos already!

[@jeanyates6259]

Have enjoyed watching your videos so much! So proud of your dedication and keeping it real. An inspiration to all of us ! Best of luck ❤

[@qsbroom]

Woot-woot💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯✔️🥵You got it Audrey‼️Great video, beautiful countryside, this has been epic‼️Can't wait to see the grande finale‼️

[@edwardgwilcoxjr7232]

North Star Rocked! the journey on the 2023 AT thru hike with tears of joy along with faith in Audrey defeat of backpacking to Katahdin. ✌️♥️💪🇺🇸

[@lynnefinley4100]

25 miles a day?!? That’s about how many miles I put on my car in a week! You’re amazing! Loved your reaction to seeing your goal. I teared up, too.

[@reeseoutdoors9508]

I fellow teacher here! Been wanting to hike the AT for several years now and watching you feels like I am possibly watching my own future in a few years (hopefully 🤞) I'm so glad to see you made it to katahdin before your deadline! Hopefully you can relax a little before school starts (or that your school gives you a few days to relax!) so excited to watch you summit!

[@bird.1980]

Same here down in Florida but I work in IT dept of schools here. My boss knows Ive been hiking the AT in sections over the last 5 years and I'm 160mi away from Harpers Ferry where I really can't go much more without expensive travel costs. So I am thinking of just doing a Flip from HF up to Maine and taking 3.5months off instead of the whole 6. Really want to do the entire trail just not sure I can take that much time off. Either way I'm almost halfway there just by section hiking so flip may be my only option.

[@stevenr7014]

My heart is full of joy! So happy for you. You are an inspiration par excellence.

[@donnacarver5181]

You most certainly did make it!! Congratulations!!

[@marthawade5297]

Fantastic video. Can't wait to see the next one!!

[@tracypolitte8190]

WOOOWOOOOOOW I. SUPER PROUD OF YOU!!

[@kmarqu20]

You made it! I'm so very happy for you. Have been watching your progress and rooting for you the whole way. Good job and good luck with those last few miles!

[@jeanfrost5452]

Thank you for bringing us along, it's been a pleasure following you for 2183.4 miles. Looking forward to the last 15:)

[@99jkane]

Never doubted it. Appreciate how honest you have been in your vlogs. Rock on, NS!

[@wendygrw]

Cheers! Woot! You made it to Baxter state park. That view from the bridge is epic.

[@msears101]

You are getting to then end I hope when you are done, you keep making content. You are bit of sunshine, that we all will miss if you do not keep posting. I never doubted you would make it.

[@thislittlelifeaustin]

I love listening to the waves outside your campsite! Great spot

[@trotsky88]

You did make it! You are the best.

[@pamfitzpatrick3252]

Oh wow! You are a machine! 😳 😎❣️Blessings

[@rachescakes]

Yay! I’m sad to see your journey end, but so excited that you did it!

[@Craigsoutdooradventures]

Fantastic. Well well done. X

[@mjperkolator8854]

Excellent hiking those long days through the 100 mile wilderness. Great job Audrey!

[@cherylmiller1495]

I am so proud of you!!! Can’t wait till the next video!

[@wev2344]

Way to go! You are getting closer to the prize!

[@wio2189]

thank you

[@patstreet6690]

All right!! Looking forward to your summit video.

[@mb692100]

It's more anticipated than a tax refund from the IRS. All across the fruited plain and even upon foreign soil, multiple thousands of Audreyites wait with bated breath and frenzied anticipation for North Star's Katahdin video. Mothers pull their nerve-wracked children close to their bosoms, hearts of young and old alike begin to palpitate, pacemakers quiver, blood pressures rise exponentially, and even the climate seems to be affected, as the world feverishly and frantically awaits the video posting of North Star's victory atop Katahdin. Not since mankind sat entranced to watch the landing of the first men on the moon, has the world waited with such excitement as now. And matched only by a third grader's foretaste of the last day of school, the Audreyites breathlessly wait to see ol' North Star, clothed in tears of victory, standing atop Katahdin....... And the tension mounts!!

[@Porrohman19]

So pleased for you! You’ve been awesome - so looking forward to the final step. Got to go - I think I have something in my eye 😢

[@katieboyle3921]

Thank you for sharing!

[@justjonoutdoors]

Way to crush it, girl! You cut it close, but you pulled it out - I can’t wait to watch your summit video! Good Job!!!!!

[@KevinRuss]

Maine roots hurt so bad!

[@jeevjagostudios]

Wow! You really met the challenge of your schedule. I look forward to your summit video and hope you had a safe journey home.

[@robinfinehout1160]

So beautiful!

[@paulettebrochet2011]

Hey North Star! You are quite the inspiration! My husband and I have enjoyed your journey abd and cannot wait to see you summit Katadin. You will be such an inspiration to your third graders! I taught third grade for over 15 years. Also first, kindergarten and fourth grades. Now retired...living and hiking vicariously with you!!

[@jamesadams2334]

Girl, you are such a badass! I can't imagine doing the schedule that you did! You did it, you made your goal. Congratulations!!!! I would be so proud to have had you teach my children. Good job young lady! Enjoy the summit! geek

[@itguy11]

You're amazing! Your kids should be so proud of you! When I'm watching this, I'm sure you already finished, but the journey has been great to watch! I wish you the best in whatever else you do. Take care.

[@santabubba50]

Yay, can’t wait to see you summit…. Best of luck with your school year🎅

[@wanttogo1958]

You sure crushed the 100 Mile Wilderness. Nice job! I hope that good weather held for you summit day of Katahdin. We’ll see soon. I also hope your first week back at school teaching wasn’t/isn’t more challenging than your last week on the trail (rain, wind, chill, wet and dirty, hungry and stung by a bee twice no less). As an old Marine Corps recruiting poster stated “we never promised you a rose garden”. I’m looking forward to the grand finale.

[@drdv1974]

Yay! Can’t wait for the summit video! Great job!

[@randypeterson4146]

Such an awesome push you had to do to make your timeline 🙌🙌..So strong North Star...

[@TheJhtlag]

Wow, great. you've left more blood on the trail, at least more than anyone else has shown and now insect stings, along with all the rain, mud, smoke...despite that hauled through the 100 MW. Amazing. On the side, you missed Bad Bat by what's looking to be one day.

[@lindacano437]

😅❤❤❤👍💪🙏💛💛💛

[@PInk77W1]

Way cool. I hope to do it next year I’ll be 63

[@youngAThart]

Something about Mt Katahdin that gets my ‘allergies’ acting up every time! 🥹🥲 You are one awesome person 👏

[@OG-PapaDude]

All the feels. I don't know if I can handle watching your summit video. 😂 Congrats! I'll get that feeling next year.

[@allysonlayman4698]

Go get 'em! Proud for you. God bless!

[@erikgiggey4783]

every year there are a few that make videos ill miss, this year its you and a couple others

[@markfein8090]

EXCELLENT JOB

[@bevgipson1959]

Can’t wait to see your summit video! You are amazing!

[@papa-paul-uk]

Is there a summit video on its way? Fantastic job!!!!!

[@Ricochet2024]

North Star, you did it. Proud of you and enjoyed this journey. Doing mine next year, wish me luck...