HARDEST DAY 😰 sideways wind and rain on franconia ridge I was terrified ✨AT day 98

[@Adventuresover40]

Holy insane hike... I am so grateful you had your hiking bubble with you. That would of been so hard alone. The three of you were so blessed to be together. Thank you for sharing this journey.

[@wendygrw]

Wow. That was a treacherous hike. Wind, rain, snow on the ground in places. The warm soup would have been nice, for sure. Thank you again for taking us along with you. You showed what it is really like up there, not just the pretty parts.

[@williamking2249]

Lonesome Lake and the hut is a fun day hike for us. It gets busy on weekends. Franconia ridge (only ) on nice days been lucky. The views are awesome. My fav. The Whites are boss aren't they.Wishing you fun in Maine. Little side note they had to rescue a pair of hikers on Franconia ridge this weekend it was in this mornings news.🌲👋

[@RickINFJ]

When the Whites rear their heads...oh boy. Thank heavens you all made it to the shelter safely. Ascents, descents, wind and horizontal rain. 😮 You were incredible Nyx. Rest well! ✌️

[@libertyvilleguy2903]

Stella, you’re mentally, physically, and emotionally TOUGH. Hang in there, we’re excited to see you reach your goal.

[@DanJackson-nl5om]

I am thankful you had someone to hike with! Looked intense.

[@amniealdred827]

Stellar I'm so glad your all okay this video really scared me so much where you were is where we lost Emily, with those same conditions of white outs..my heart was so heavy watching this please be extra careful in the whites weather is so unpredictable xo safe travels on the rest of your journey ❤️

[@mburke49]

Whoa! What a tough day and no views…so thankful the three of you are together.

[@RobertSmith-km6gi]

I was an audacious hiker in my day so very long ago but I definitely would not have attempted Franconia Ridge in that weather. I’ve seen it start like that and just an hour later get many times worse. People have died on that ridge of exposure in mid summer! I’m not chastising you I’m just a little concerned for your safety. I watched the Maine live vid so I know you’re okay. There are places in Maine that can be just as dangerous especially MAMA K herself. Godspeed.

[@sanman8359]

So true!

[@patriciabarnhart1886]

We lived on Portsmouth NH/Kittery, Me area in 1966 - snowed the first part of June.

[@lostinthewoods8234]

The look on your face from about 8:24 onward says it all!! lol I am always amazed at the volunteer hours and sweat that it takes to create those rock climb stairs.

[@jewels07]

Wow Stella, what an awful hike today 😳🙁. Glad you had your tramley!

[@NeroHikes]

The AT will be like that for the remainder of the trail. Katahden being the most dangerous. Always remember the weather is worse on the peaks. Expect cloudy ice and snow on the peaks. Thunderstorms can be really scary above tree line. The huts will do work for stay in the whites. Usually just cleaning up after breakfast. If you want to stay in the dungeon at the lake of the clouds. Make sure you are there early. It fills up fast. Winds on Mt. Washington gust an average of 90 mph. 60 mph gusts is a good day on Washington. All the huts have a wether forecast posted. Check them all and plan accordingly. Be safe and stay alive. I’ve seen most of you videos. I know you are a real through hiker. Use your best judgment.

[@peterschlicht-t4k]

so sorry you missed the view on Franconia Ridge. One of prettiest on the trail.

[@WalkingWombat27]

Sure you missed the Franconia Ridge views but boy did you have an amazing hike….what an accomplishment! Glad you all have each other for support !

[@1024Pete]

Be well. Wishing you peace and happy days ahead.

[@jamesquinlivan7876]

Well, well, well! What an adventure! Glad you are with other hikers and yes now you are hiking on treacherous downhill paths with little or no switchbacks with snow , ice, and torrential rain, that is dangerous part of the AT and what I experienced on the Northern part of the Long Trail in VT. Be careful and stay alert. What an accomplishment for all 3 ! Hope for better weather etc. Forever onward, Stella! 🥾👍🙌👏

[@frolege1]

Wow, Stella and team … that was scary entertaining to watch .. unbelievable

[@Cindyscrossstitch]

It hard to imagine snow this time of year but there it is. Very windy up there. Be safe👣🌻

[@joankline343]

That's quite a workout 😅 and just a little breezy on top of the mountain. It's a shame that there wasn't a visible view because I bet it was amazing. Happy hiking to you! Be careful stay safe and enjoy your Hike. 🙏 Thanks to each of you for sharing your journey 🎉❤

[@1024Pete]

Wow! Steep rock climb. Nice challenge. Thanks for your effort. The view was the reward. Actually, it was a good view of the inside of a cloud. Wind, rain, snowy trails, steep rock climbs and descents. Nature’s tooth and claw took a bite and a swipe. A very thrilling day. Thanks for having strength in spirit to move forward.

[@sanman8359]

That was some experience! No wonder the Whites are so deadly. One moment it’s like heaven and in a moment it becomes like this. Glad you are hiking with Leffe and Coyote.

[@kellyfromiowa1849]

Kudos to you for recording during a difficult hike! You showed how the weather can turn up there.

[@mjperkolator8854]

Glad that rain wasn’t snow! ☔️🌲⛄️ good job on that ice and snow. Your poor knees and body that looked like tough day.

[@Judy-fi7ce]

What a hike! Wind, fog. rain at night with slippery rocks. Understandable that you were terrified. Good that you made it to the shelter and had some warm food! You're doing great! Getting close!

[@marthawade5297]

What a day! You should all be impressed with yourselves. That kind of perseverance requires one to dig deep. A day you'll likely remember-because you accomplished something very hard. So nice to have a tribe.

[@judytombaugh2990]

So glad you made it through - what a challenge. Sure hope you get to see some epic views after your next challenging climbs. 💜

[@mjperkolator8854]

Great job! I was tired and almost breathless watching form my chair drinking my coffee. Watched tour live the other day so I know you made it through the Whites. Whoo Hoo!!

[@justsmitty1709]

Ever hear the expression "last to Katadin wins." ? How about "smooth seas do not a sailor make." Glad i have always had the leisure to try to hike the weather. Never liked to climb the mountain and not see the views. Crushing miles is tough, but not for me. Be careful out there. Some hike for the destination others for the journey. Happy trails.

[@lawrencejump7391]

Yep, I remember those kind of days.

[@karlhenderson2267]

I’m glad the new Altra Olympus hikers are being out to good use and I’m hoping they are keeping your feet dry (11:31 mark). Darn, that bad weather at North Kinsman probably also killed any plans to take the blue trail over to check out the outstanding flume gorge boardwalk once you crossed 93 (next day I presume). Oh well. it’s onward to Mt. Washington, then the beautiful pristine ponds and lakes of the 100 mile wilderness., Bigelows, KATAHDIN ! And it looks like you’ve got a fun, energized tramily to help you get there. A quick question for all hikers : for waterproof socks, I’m looking at Sealskinz and Showers Pass, any other recommendations? Much appreciated!

[@christinashepard8787]

Yikes …welcome to New England

[@stevematosky1086]

The Whites are tough enough without challenging weather. Glad your “bubble” made it thru safe!

[@Tzippi]

This is year eight for me watching thru hikers and I can’t wait until the Whites! I wish it would have been clear for you! Hope your knees feel better soon, but I think by the time you finish I’ll be in CVille, and I have my first hikes planned! It has been amazing watching you every morning with my cat and we know you are almost at the end. We ❤ you and we are so proud of you! What’s next?

[@joeciezkowski277]

I hiked the Presidential Range like 30 years ago. One of my clearest memories is hiking over Mt Lincoln in rain, wind and fog like you experienced. At the time it was a nuisance; today, it counts as one of the most fun things I’ve ever done! Try to enjoy it!

[@sanman8359]

Wow….what great memories….💥💥

[@jeannenimmo5]

Mt. Lincoln is in the Franconia Range, not the Presidentials.

[@Self_Proppelled]

Franconia ridge is my favorite hiking spot. Too bad for the rain. The views are spectacular!

[@judylord4875]

Good morning. I have morning coffee every morning while catching up with you. Have enjoyed your trek.

[@youweremadeforthis]

I was terrified for you. Wish you better weather. Glad to know you made it to Maine. Makes this easier to watch. Be safe.

[@gregbeem9428]

That was the fewest Stella Smiles I’ve seen in a video so I know it’s really hard. 🙏🏻 praying for your success and safety.

[@isabellakathleen3533]

Battling the beasts of New Hampshire and you were more than impressive. You are rockin it!!!

[@garylindenmuth7468]

God bless what a hike

[@maureenmukhlis2934]

Oh my goodness Stella!!! That looked like it SUCKED!!! I know it’s nice to hike with other people, but that was not fun or safe😳😳 PLEASE BE CAREFUL OUT THERE!! I was scared to death watching you! If I ever get to do that trail, I will not be in any hurry to get up to the high country until mid summer. Let all that ice melt🥶🥶 I am praying your next day gets better 🙏🙏🙏

[@sanman8359]

I recall similar weather on Mt Lafayette many years back. There were 10 of us near the summit. The weather was actually fine although it was cloudy. We were all chatting and saying how lucky to have such "decent" weather. All hell broke looks once we summited. Insane wind, hail and lightning and cracking thunder. All our us threw our poles away and lay flat on the rock to avoid getting fried while being pummeled by hail. I looked to my left and saw a Singaporean couple chanting some prayers. My daughter, the eternal optimist, said "dad, this is so much fun. Let's just run". I just flattened myself even more on the rock..... :-). In 20 min, it was clear and the evening sun came out!

[@Amilliondreams87]

Epic video, rofl makes it feem like your hiking Everest with all the wind and white outs. Glad you made it through!

[@Fearless_leader_hikes]

Glad you made it safely across the exposed ridge. But sad that you missed out on the beautiful views you get from Franconia Ridge! Hope you get to hike it again on a clear day!

[@vickifg13]

That was some bad weather. Stay safe and Happy Hiking.⛺️🥾💞

[@jeannenimmo5]

WELCOME - to New Hampshire, and some of the toughest trails anywhere - no switchbacks - just up, just down. And the winds? They arrive like driven nails and can exceed 150 mph in any month of the year. Sorry you didn't get the views from the Franconia Ridge - they're magnificent when the days are clear. And - not many mention it, but that Garfield Ridge Trail is pretty strenuous. After the stay at the Garfield Ridge Shelter site, there's a short downhill to Galehead Hut, then a rugged climb up South Twin. Love the Whites. Be well, stay safe.

[@mariewalker1755]

Happy you made it through FR You had every right to be terrified I've done it twice in good weather.

[@libertyvilleguy2903]

The brief stretches of trail I’m glimpsing - a bit surprised at how primitive the trail looks. Would expect the AT to be wide and well worn, being the amount of traffic it gets. Hang in there Stella!

[@1z1zmike]

Quite the climb today…well done!🙂🙏

[@MrsJoyism]

The Kinsmans and Franconia Ridge in one day is rough. I hiked Franconia in super high winds one day and got knocked over so many times I lost count, so I'm sympathetic to how hard it was. I'm glad you weren't solo up there, that's potentially pretty dangerous.

[@ATLPeer]

Go glad all 3 of u made it to campsite without injury. Cheering you on from ATL!

[@christopherdurand8912]

Fantastic job to the entire group, been there myself. Super sketchy but still fun. Thumbs up!!

[@adamnichols3506]

We were on north Kinsman Saturday. Rainy day it was .

[@lisa_eeyore]

Wow, what an adventure! You are an awesome hiker and I love watching your videos! :)

[@thatdatachick6503]

I’m happy that you’ve got buddies.

[@lyndajefferson5929]

That was truly a challenge for you three today with all the wind and the rain and the snow and all the climbing up and down. I'm glad that your at a shelter or camp site. What state are you in?, stay warm and stay safe and take care of your knees.

[@jeannenimmo5]

The White Mountains of New Hampshire.

[@donhyslop8173]

My wife and I were so looking forward to your hike along Franconia Ridge. Too bad that you had such bad weather that day. The views there are one of our favourite spots in the Whites. Hope the water crossings in Maine won't be too difficult. Wishing you all the best from Nova Scotia.

[@shannamcclennen9143]

I am so sad for you that you didn’t get to enjoy the Franconia Ridge views! Some of the best in the Whites! You will have to come back again and do it in the sunshine

[@Angelthequeen321]

Wow ,you folks covered so much of the most difficult parts of the whole trail in one day ,incredible too bad it was socked in ,missed some of the most beautiful views in the whites ,also see you tried moxie ha ha ,it is an acquired taste ,I discri b e it ,has carbonated cough syrup !!!

[@janetbronner6403]

I am so glad that you guys made it safely. Yikes! I was very nervous for you…. Hope tmrw will be a better day for you guys!

[@barndoorhostel365]

Looka like you had a rough day. Hopefully tomorrow will be warmer and not wet! Dianne

[@Sprogblogger]

Ugh. I'm sorry you missed the views on Franconia Ridge, but glad you're safe, and glad you were able to do this section with friends!

[@robertdesrosiers4743]

try that on snowshoes at -15 f

[@wildflowersadventures]

That looked very scary. I’m glad you all made it safely. I hope when I get to that part next year that I have people to walk with. Seems like it can go from mild to bad quickly.

[@jeffrothwell5899]

wow, you are a trooper, way to fight through, crazy day for sure.

[@nooksandcrannies9871]

Welcome to the whites. Whatever the weatherman says is only to be taken with a grain of salt. I know your put by now, but WOW, that will test your skills. GREAT JOB! I’m in Maine and it’s been 5 days of rain. Hopefully there will be sun by the time you get to Rangley.

[@Elizabeth-pt4bv]

What crazy weather and no views. That's rough. Thank goodness you're all experienced. I would have found a closer shelter than attempt what you all did. Whew!!! Glad your safe. Be careful

[@KevinRStrauss]

Hardest day yet is no joke! You all earned it today. Not that you need more "bragging rights" but you've got them! Please try massaging your quads. Your knees will thank you.

[@sheilaturner5127]

Wow! Beyond tough day! Hoping tomorrow will be better.

[@katfish000]

Whoa there is nothing you can't do. Sorry the view wasn't there. This hike had an everest type of feel. Glad you weren't alone. I really respect your hike.

[@MichaelPower212]

1820.2* - Total miles from Amicalola Falls. 83.7% - Accomplished. 354.6 - Miles remaining to Katahdin (2,170). 18.5 - Miles this day from Eliza Brook Shelter (1796.9) to Garfield Ridge Shelter (1815.4) 18.6 - Average miles per day for the third day in a row. 20.2 - Average miles per day less the 8 zero days. 19 - Estimated days remaining to Katahdin. * All mileage from the NPS/ATC map. End of week 14. 126.1 miles this week at an average of 18.0 miles per day. 58 - Off trail accommodations. 28 - Shelters 12 - Stealth camping

[@danielleshea8782]

Wow great job Stella! I’ve been watching you for months and I’m from New England, you should be so proud of yourself. The Whites are no joke especially when still partially snow covered. I know your in Maine now but just wanted to reach out and say Bravo!

[@endymion8672]

In the Twin States and in the South/North Twin Mountains (near Franconia Ridge). They say Wind and Rain are twins too😏Now we need a twin thru hiker to you, but that will be hard because you're pretty special😘

[@thomasconnors7511]

I done the ridge many times. The last time iI hiked down Liberty Spring solo in the late fall at night. Stupidest hiking mistake i'i've ever made.i i'm glad you had support. 🙂

[@jimhenderson387]

This day looked positively horrible and im so glad i was here in my house dry and warm. In the Whites, if you see that the weather is going to be wretched , are there hotels or hostels where you could ride it out? Or are you stuck with nowhere else to go? You're a tough cookie, Stella!

[@Devonshire27]

Such a bummer that you didn't get clearer days in the Whites. Such a gorgeous area.

[@mattvalentine]

Franconia Ridge is my favorite hike in New England. Shame the weather was bad.

[@crochetmima1443]

Franconia ridge has the most beautiful views in the Whites. Was there a reason it had to be done in such awful weather?? I guess I just value beauty over miles…

[@MichaelPower212]

It would have required a two day layover. As near as I can make it, tomorrow (day 99) is more of the same.

[@crochetmima1443]

@@MichaelPower212 Unfortunately, people die up there when they try to outrace the weather. Sometimes it’s just safer to wait it out. Just looking at it from a Mom’s point of view. I was terrified for her!

[@pattypatten1626]

Aw to bad F Ridge was socked I .. it’s so beautiful up there. I’ve been there with same conditions.it’s no fun

[@AMCD18]

Insanely hard Stella! 😮👏🙏🏻

[@brendastevens5714]

Hi Stella, I'm a new subscriber. I'm enjoying your vlogs. Cheering you on from Maine!💙

[@stevecarney6750]

That looks hard and kinda miserable glad you made it.😊

[@popeyehikestheappalachiant2699]

Franconia Ridge is no joke. Did the Pemi Loop two Summers ago and it was sleet and freezing rain, the whole time across. Ridge runners warned us not to cross (unless we were prepared) but we were fine. Beat up, but fine. That area claimed two hikers, last year. Did the ridge feel like it took forever to cross?

[@carriehagstrom9777]

Looks like a tough day! But you guys rocked it!

[@jasonborrelli3633]

Insane conditions, great job!!

[@alanwbelcher]

I’m glad you made it safely. You didn’t mention your knees so the terror drove the pain away, I guess. Sorry you had a bad crossing. Franconia ridge is amazing on a sunny day, as is Garfield. Take care out there!

[@chriswhittington294]

YOWZA! That was an insane hike! So glad you are all ok. The Whites are no joke.

[@ffstopP]

Yikes! "No soup for you." Bummer. But you made it. Good for you. Walk on.

[@SlyDvl]

All I can say is damn! Much respect. 👍

[@larrypeake7632]

Elevation, rain, snow, wind and cold. YIKES!!!

[@frolege1]

I hiked the Franconia Ridge last Aug but drove up Mt Washington …. lol

[@robertdesrosiers4743]

down and to the right home

[@kozmiczian]

Signs say . . . Don't go up there, if there's a chance of weather. You like to test yourself, we all do, but in the Whites or Mahoosics, NEVER! The 'up' on Garfield! Damn, you made it! phew! . . . 😜.

[@kellycyr7038]

Dangerous hike, glad you made it to the shelter in 1 piece.

[@dr.mommybudgets3127]

be careful out there girly! glad y'all made it safely to the shelter.

[@tamoshanter6268]

Too bad you didn't get to see the views, but now that it is over, it is a part of the hike you will never forget. Be careful with those knees, you are pushing them. No fun setting up camp in the dark but glad you had something hot to eat.

[@zoeazsss5035]

At 9:44 looks like Great Wall of China. :) Stay safe out there. Hunker Down.

[@jduggan4129]

Wow what a crazy day. Glad you guys are safe. Love you California Joanna

[@cjengland2365]

Geez, my knees hurt just watching you go up those rocks! Pretty views early on to prep you for a tough day later. Still not a fan of hiking at night, especially in rain. Glad you made it to the shelter.