Episode 7: Out Of The Smokies, Into The Fire | Newfound Gap To Hot Springs | Appalachian Trail 2022

[@basketsresale]

wow so beautiful with the snow!!! amazing

[@CScullyBrown]

Every year there are vloggers I look forward to watching as soon as videos are posted. This year it's yours. You're funny and real. I love the hilarity and honesty. Can't get enough. Thank you for sharing.

[@TrailheadJustin]

I really appreciate that 🙂

[@cumberlandquiltchic1]

Living in the smokies, I can tell you that 28 degrees in the morning is mighty cold! It’s damp! It’s a rainforest...plus wind. The bad part about starting so early on trail is it’s cold and snow, but you are far ahead of the bubble...it’s so busy in Franklin right now. So, you can afford to take your time and take zeros without feeling guilty. I’d start early if I go, for sure. Keep on going! Dang! I’m out of your videos now! Bummer! Lol Can’t wait to see what’s next. Xo

[@dogood2593]

6:45 omg 😆 that picture is the one you tell you future generations about. This experience will shape your future. Thanks for sharing it with us. And yes you look good today 🙂

[@tomcorcoran5562]

Love your integrity - you still honor those folk that live there - in a way you take the high ground when they stay low... you experience, absorb, and keep on. I have such respect for you - a person of character and you simply keep on hiking. Thanks!!

[@TrailheadJustin]

Thank you Tom 🙏🏾

[@juliesanford5807]

I was literally watching your water bottle attached to pack and wondering if you had it under your quilt over night? And now I see it’s slushy 😬 I’m so happy that you were rewarded with those beautiful views! +20 day, yayyyy 🎉 🎉🎉🥾

[@TrailheadJustin]

It was actually turning to slush as I was walking that morning 🥴

[@juliesanford5807]

@@TrailheadJustin the temperature difference in that 24-48 hour period was no joke! You went from shivering to sweating in no time ❄️ ☀️

[@TrailheadJustin]

@@juliesanford5807 The Smokies will put you through it like that

[@juliesanford5807]

@@TrailheadJustin and stillll, you shine 😍. I loved how you went and had that glass of wine with that lil piece of sandwich. It was well deserved, after Gatlinburg 🍷♥️🥾🏕

[@walterlangston4484]

had lots of mices at the Selter I stay at last week

[@g8torfan462]

Great views!

[@barbararall5498]

Your videos make me smile. I love your mellow attitude. Keep on hiking!

[@pennywilliams841]

Agree you are looking good 👍

[@pennywilliams841]

Makes me not to stop there (Gathinburg)when hike there in May

[@TrailheadJustin]

There’s also Cherokee nearby, which I hear has a very rich history. I almost wish I went there instead.

[@basketsresale]

nice video! Gatlinburg is super cool but the trail is just cooler! keep up the good videos

[@dugnantz6140]

I’m a hammock camper. Couldn’t get down with the shelters. To many people and critters. I stealthed it the whole way. Love watching your videos. ✌🏻❤️. Chivo 2014

[@TrailheadJustin]

So far I’ve had pretty good nights in shelters.

[@dugnantz6140]

@@TrailheadJustin I didn’t leave until April 1. I was in the bubble people everywhere until Virginia then they started dropping like flies 🤣. I did my hike after beating cancer, unfortunately it’s back so I’m living vicariously through you. ✌🏻❤️

[@TrailheadJustin]

@@dugnantz6140 I hope you beat it again!

[@basketsresale]

yeah not a fan of shelters either!

[@jkashley1234]

Thanks for the great videos! Really enjoying your journey.

[@suetaylor5758]

Glad you went to Mt Cammerer. My favorite view in the Smokies, and fun little climb.

[@eleanornold4634]

Justin, the smile on your face is telling me your dream is coming true. Sorry you ran into some unkind folks. Bless you for handling it well Safe travel.

[@bibianhuynh]

Love your videos, stay healthy and enjoy the hikes.

[@shirleybaker8709]

I am really enjoying your videos! Your journey, conversations, comments along the way are very informative, honest, & some are funny as well! I’m sorry you ran into very unpleasant folks & situations in Gatlinburg. Unfortunately, that’s the ugly part of life. Glad you are out of there & pressing on!!! You are doing such a great job! I’m not a hiker, but I can almost feel your pain going up the mountains! Glad you made it to Hot Springs with very nice accommodations! Take care, be safe, & Happy Trails to You! 🙂

[@TrailheadJustin]

I want everyone watching to feel my pain as I struggle up these climbs 😂

[@shirleybaker8709]

🤣. Be safe!!!!!

[@martinoutside]

Living the dream. I'm enjoying your video's. Stay positive, your heading north, just remember there are more of the good people than bad our there.

[@adventurenursekris]

I’m about to do this section in early October. Any specific advice is much appreciated!

[@TrailheadJustin]

Be aware of the weather forecast. Many roads going in and out of the Smokies close for something as small as high winds, and the weather patterns change quite drastically in this park. So the best thing I can say is play it smart. Be responsible with food storage and follow the rules about only staying at shelter sites. I believe this park has the highest concentration of black bears.

[@karjurassic8364]

This was packed with beautiful views! 💕💕💕 Thank you for taking us to the tower. 23.5 miles ? Damn !

[@TrailheadJustin]

The 2nd half of the Smokies impressed!

[@bloorazzberries]

Congrats on your first 20+ mile day! That view with the snow covered trees and blue skies was picturesque. Another great episode. And yes you look fierce! 👏👏 that thru hiker realness

[@lesliewilson1637]

Welcome to NC!! Congratulations on your journey so far. You have been thru a look & were over due a well- earned zero day. Thanks for the pictures & sharing your experiences. I have driven the Smokies. Pretty but glad to get out of them. Keep smiling & safe travels.

[@annetteevans5256]

Wowza.. congrats on the huge mileage! 🎉 Gotta say.. never seen anyone posting from a privey.. omgosh.. so funny. Be safe

[@TrailheadJustin]

I’m unique in that no place is off-limits for filming 😂

[@LifeWithNatasha45]

I live around Gatlinburg and we call it trash besides the scenery. Sorry that happened to you. I love your videos.

[@MHenry475]

Your rocking it! So proud of you! Glad you are having so much fun!!!!

[@ThanatosWings]

Thank you for the video. You're doing really great with this hike! Glad to see you out there at it again after the break. You look great! 😎

[@ChrisMaka]

Congratulations on making it through the Smokies. Looked like some spectacular views on the way out. Great to hear that you’re going strong. You’re doing awesome! 👏

[@TrailheadJustin]

The second half of the Smokies definitely blew me away!

[@SmilesforMiles7]

I’m sorry that Gatlinburg turned out to be kinda 💩. Looks like you are having some better weather now. Getting clear skies Inn the Smokies is a treat! Nice job climbing Charlie’s Bunion...With my slight fear of heights, that was a mini challenge.

[@SmilesforMiles7]

I spoke too soon...Snow and in the 20s is not fun!

[@TrailheadJustin]

The 2nd half of the Smokies still impressed!

[@andymytys]

That abandoned camp has been there since at least mid-Feb. Like you said, it’s a damn shame.

[@eddyarundale1566]

👋

[@pennywilliams841]

What hotel was the roach hotel

[@TrailheadJustin]

Quality Inn Creekside

[@ssue4q]

I totally agree! You look great! You're definitely rocking that headband! So colorful Luv it. Sorry about some of your experience in Gatlinburg. Although I must say it doesn't surprise me. I'm originally from Co.. NOT from the south. But I have lived in 6 Southern States. And the East Coast.& Ca. When I was only 25 years old the first time I moved away from home Co. was to Atlanta area. This was back probably you weren't even born yet 1984. I will never forget this horrible experience was way before smartphones,cell phones I didn't even have a camera at the time. This is when we FIRST got off the interstate first time in one of the suburbs of Atlanta. We come to this huge 5way intersection. My jaw drop to the freaking ground I know that for sure. There was flipping Klu Klux Klan stupid ignorant dressed in their w. Cloaks& hoodies (only time I'd ever seen that was in horrible movies) out leaflets to go to some s*** thing at Stone Mountain. I'm not black and that was so offensive to me.. I wanted to turn around and go back home at that point. You would NEVER see nothing like that in Colorado. Talk about a culture shock. One of those f****** a.h. had the nerve to come up to the car and handed a pamphlet I went off on him I said you can take that and shove it where the sun don't shine.And how can you even be out here?more important how can you even be part of this? how ignorant are you ? How come nobody's arresting you people.. His Eyes trough that f***** up Hood just seemed to look at me Goofy. I'm sorry but it is something that I'll never get out of my mind and I still can't get over it to this day! I deeply apologize if it's something I shouldn't have shared?? It was just devastating to me. Anywho Justin thank you for the beautiful Vistas. Really GREAT vlog as ALWAYS. Safe and happy travels😘

[@andymytys]

You might not see the KKK in CO but there’s plenty of racism in that state, mostly directed towards people of Mexican decent. I found it interesting how racism became so much more noticeable to me when directed towards a group of people I wasn’t used to seeing negative comments directed at. The racism in my area had become “normal,” “expected,” and, as a result, less shocking to me. An enlightening experience, for sure.

[@ssue4q]

. I didn't say there wasn't racism anyway. Especially nowadays because everybody from all over the country has moved to Colorado since they made marijuana legal way back in 2012 . .Colorado wasn't even a state during the Civil War we did not have MUCH history lesson at all about it in school. I guess because we weren't part of it? So again it was a culture shock for me. And if you grow up in Colorado in the error I did you're always going to have Mexican-American friends.. Colorado always had a lot of mexican-americans

[@andymytys]

@@ssue4q based on my experience, it seemed like a lot of resentment at perceived government aid, in addition to a general hatred toward illegals from Mexico, impacted anyone who looked Mexican, legal or otherwise.

[@andymytys]

@@ssue4q racism is more of an adult thing than a kid’s thing. And fewer and fewer kids are taking on the ideas as they grow to adulthood, thankfully. My experiences in Colorado that I wrote about started back in 1994. Not knocking Colorado, though. Racism in an American problem, and certainly Colorado as a whole is much more accepting than some of the Deep South states. In some respects, Colorado is a very progressive state. I love Colorado.

[@ssue4q]

I think I know exactly what you're talkin about that started in the 90's in Co. And I know the reasons why but I'm not going to get into all that. I think we've done this topic to death by now. And unfortunately you're right racism is everywhere. It's just something I'll never understand. Something can happen and be so devastating literally over nothing more than skin tone..

[@actoldlater...itsnevertool5288]

We slept in the Mt Cammerer tower - did you know you could do that? Maybe go back one day! 😃 I support your desire to take many detours as the trail presents them! This is your adventure of a lifetime! I got goosebumps when you mentioned El Chappo at Max Patch 💔 I’m typing as I watch and must say, I have never seen anyone vlog from the privy!! 🤣

[@TrailheadJustin]

It looked to me like the inside of the tower was under construction or something. But maybe in the future I’ll go back to spend a night! Lol I’ll vlog from anywhere - if it’s the full experience people want, the full experience they get!

[@karjurassic8364]

Wow!!! This video was packed with amazing views! 💕💕💕 Glad you took us to the tower. Congrats getting through the Smokies…23.5 miles…damn!

[@pennywilliams841]

Epsom salts bath is the best

[@iblamesummers]

3:23 disheartening about Gatlinburg because it is one of the few Southern cities on the AT that I eagerly desire to visit, but nonetheless...

[@TrailheadJustin]

I’d still encourage anyone interested to visit. I still had fun there.

[@celestesuter1148]

Woohoo for completing the Smokies, taking the Mt. Cammerer spur, getting up Max Patch and a well deserved rest! I’m not sure if there are Chipotle’s down there. We have a Qdoba here that is pretty close. If you find one, get the chips and queso or guac with your meal, yum! Since you mentioned bathroom habits, have you found your elimination habits much different on the trail? No one really talks about that much and it would be good to know what to be prepared for. Hoping to do part of the AT in the Shenandoah NP this summer to help determine if a thru hike is in my retirement future. Happy hiking! 🏕

[@TrailheadJustin]

I didn’t think I would talk about pooping this much, lol. I don’t think my bathroom habits have changed much at all. Sometimes I just have to dig a cathole before I go 😉

[@Tzippi]

Yay! I missed you!

[@blkmamba]

It is funny you had a similar experience to me in the area. I went there to visit Dollywood. Felt like once you left the park that it was not place where Black people were supposed to be.

[@naturenoticingwcj-n-seek4474]

Sorry you had that singled out experience ; you’re a memorable person for your many good qualities but sux to be noticed and only one turned away. Next time you’re in that area, go down the road in the other direction to Cherokee some interesting history there

[@TrailheadJustin]

I definitely want to visit Cherokee!

[@cumberlandquiltchic1]

There’s good and bad everywhere. We can’t change everyone, but you are walking your walk and I admire you. Keep your chin up. I guarantee you’ll meet far more good people, of all colors, beliefs, etc, than bad. Xo

[@andymytys]

I’m gonna give the lady at the wine tasting the benefit of the doubt, that she didn’t single you out as much as, yeah, only remembered you. It’s easy to think otherwise, because of all the other nonsense you experienced, but it’s true that you’ve got a unique presence, and it’s not easily forgotten. Sometimes that’s going to play to your advantage, sometimes not. It’s not easy being fabulous.

[@TrailheadJustin]

True. It’s not easy 😂

[@traveler7999]

You know there is no perfect town and you might see things you don't agree with but that is how things are. The Smokies are beautiful and challenging. I know you are glad to be through them

[@mikelavelle5019]

Justin ... this is the first video i seen of yours "after you started" .. I was following you, Jay and Dancer last year. I think Gatlinburg wears on anyone after awhile.

[@nicholehikes]

I’m sorry you had to deal with that. It’s unacceptable. Not on my list of cities/towns to visit.

[@danratliff4779]

Justin I live in the Smokies around Gaitlynburg. You will not find a better class or harder working folks anywhere else. Sorry you had a bad experience. I will be hiking the AT in September and if we happen to meet on the trail let me make it up to you. Dinner and beers on me. PS love your videos.

[@TrailheadJustin]

Let’s do it!

[@possumj7307]

Gatlinburg is like the midway at a county fair.

[@eadankins3862]

Congrats on getting out of the Smokies and being able to soak in that tub

[@danratliff4779]

Morning Justin. I tried to send you some money via PayPal put the Email address in your description was not recognized by PayPal.

[@TrailheadJustin]

Oh sorry! I only include my Venmo in the description. I hardly use PayPal, but I do have an account. You should be able to find me there @JustinTucker13. And thank you!

[@annajo1963]

Congratulations you are out of the smokies.

[@Ohhhj0]

Yo! Mother Nature ain’t playin’ it went from sunny to a winter wonderland and back to sunny. The fck is that all about?😂😂 🤯

[@TrailheadJustin]

The Smokies takes no prisoners 😂

[@frolege1]

I feel your pain with those stupid ass Confederate flags and other messy things. As for Gatlinburg, it's an economical engine for the local area. I'm sure it provides tons of jobs and taxes to the local community and state. The town may not be your cup of tea but I would think there's a lot more good than bad there.

[@TrailheadJustin]

@George Frole I agree. I’d still encourage anyone interested to visit.

[@bradorndorff7408]

My family was racist, every thing was n word this and Mexican that and everything else that is ignorant. My brother in law proudly carried a kkk membership card. I had neighbors that would practice running in groups through the woods at night dressed in the goon suits with white dogs. I could go on and on but I want you to know brother l was always opposed to that ignorance and stupidity ✌️❤️ That was in southern Pa. 12 miles from Gettysburg.

[@TrailheadJustin]

I remember an interesting experience I had in Gettysburg several years back. Pretty much the same vibe I felt in Gatlinburg, unfortunately.

[@jsmn612]

I call you Daddy Long Legs cause who tf else's pov look like they driving on the trails? Gazelles, that's who. If I couldn't hear your feet crunching I'd suspect you had a drone getting all them speed shots. Leaving everyone in the dust like girl bye.

[@TrailheadJustin]

I call them stilts. I’m not the tallest, but I do have some long limbs that can move quick 😂

[@TrailheadJustin]

Driving on the trails took me out 🤣🤣🤣

[@andymytys]

Someone needs to make a meme, “Man enough to stand, not skilled enough to get it all in the bowl.” Sad!

[@TrailheadJustin]

Please make that!