It hasn’t felt like this ✨ 20 miles | Day 3 CDT section hike

[@jarr1520]

Just remembering the dog that followed you forever on the AT😊

[@wandering_butnotlost]

Sending you a mental hug babe, you got this!!

[@carriehikes]

Keep going Stella. We all have doubts sometimes or don't feel well, push through and take each day a step at a time. We're all rooting for you!😊

[@MrMorton]

I think you are quite brave for many reasons but one is that tarp. The lack of floor would really make me nervous. Hope you start feeling better soon! ❤️‍🩹 🌸🧡

[@laurahykes9206]

I am so worried about you Stella. You don't sound good. Don't feel defeated if you have to pack it in. This may not be the right time. As always, stay safe out there.

[@jamesbailey9838]

Stella always looks 18 years old. She found the secret to aging somewhere and isn't sharing. 😂

[@carriehikes]

Also- Personally, I find the more hiking I do then the more my mental health improves but it can be hard to make that initial step when I'm feeling bad.

[@sanman8359]

Thank you for sharing your journey - beautiful views. About feeling bad, remember you are bringing a lot of joy to many people. How many of us can honestly say that? No harm taking a few days off and continuing on. But I agree with you that being at a crossroads in life can be emotionally draining.

[@robinaevans5090]

You’re stronger than most Stella! I hope you work through the sickness and continue hiking. I’ve missed watching your video’s.

[@joankline343]

Good morning Stella! 20 miles at that elevation sounds pretty good to me, especially if you haven't hiked that high for awhile. Don't be so hard on yourself. Maybe you caught something that's going around or got bit by a tick and didn't know it. Maybe do less miles until you get used to it. Haha 😂 I think you need a hiking companion to take your mind off your troubles. You have to much time to think about what you could have, should have been, kinda thing. I admire your strength and determination to go all out and do something different. Your stronger than you realize. If you want to do something different, that's fine as well. We're here to support you. Hope you get to feeling better soon! 🙏 Be careful, stay safe and enjoy your Hike. 🚶 🏕 🍳 🔥 😊 🙏

[@Crazy-s8s]

Thinking of you and keeping you in prayer Ms Stella🙏🏻❤️

[@mathfan0918]

So sorry that you ended up sick! That's a hard situation to be in.

[@dougsneider722]

It’s great to see you back on the trail. Best of luck!

[@edwardgwilcoxjr7232]

Regroup, question everything and proceed. Safety first high up in those mountains. Yummy, yum, yum calorie up. Hydration a plus. 🐂 Wow its pretty!

[@edwardgwilcoxjr7232]

👍

[@edwardgwilcoxjr7232]

👍

[@lezliebrown7163]

Hang in there, girlie. Definitely do whatever you need to, to stay healthy and safe. Only you know the circumstance and what you're capable of. Sending lots of love and prayers your way. ❤️❣️❤️

[@paulamaddox2148]

I've missed your video's

[@Judy-fi7ce]

The best thing to do for altitude sickness is to get to lower altitude, as you know. You did great mileage. Keep hydrated and take a day to rest.

[@zmanky17]

Hi Stella, I'm sure these videos are delayed so I hope you started feeling better. Hang in there and hopefully you'll find your stride! It's doesn't appear that your heart is in this hike....good luck and I hope you make it through! Zman

[@OldManDaniel]

Stella . . . listen to your body. Pace yourself and enjoy the moment. Don’t beat yourself up. And you figured it out 😅

[@judylord4875]

You are incredibly brave to hike alone.

[@tomellis3218]

You are battling mental and physical factors. Praying for you. ❤😊

[@martinmoss317]

I hope that you feel better. I've heard of a strange virus going round North America that just makes you feel dizzy and lasts a couple of days. I hope that is just something simple and you can shake it off without jeapordising your hike.

[@PositivelyKyleHikes]

Keep on keeping on, Stella. So many are here for you.

[@jameshunt1221]

Well , your videos post later than where you are; so it is; definitely not drama and definitely you are sick. Best wishes for whatever your choices; health comes first; right. take care as always.

[@jimkarasek4046]

Never quit on a bad day.

[@DeborahNagurski-by8nn]

One day at a time...acclimating .

[@mikepowers1196]

Sorry to hear that you aren't feeling well.hope you feel better soon.it was good to see you smile at the end.today is day 11 of my dog Roxy who I had 14 yrs. went to the Rainbow 🌈 BRIDGE. It's been a tough 11 days and I feel such a deep sadness in my soul .much love from Trail Town USA aka Damascus va 🙂🐕

[@StellaHikes]

Roxy 💔

[@jessiefalkenhagen3743]

I think there is a good chance you haven't had enough time to acclimatize🙏💙Many people take a day or several days to stay put at a higher elevation to give their bodies a chance to adjust. There are so many factors that could be messing with you at the start of this hike, and not having your allergy medicine is another. If your sinuses are being affected by the sneezing (either clogged or super dry), you may be mouth breathing to compensate, and that gives you the bad dry mouth. We forget how much moisture we lose just from breathing. I do wish there was somewhere to get some supplies, like Claritin, electrolyte packs/tablets, ginger candies for nausea, etc🍀🤞Know that we know you have good instincts, and whether you choose to continue on, take a down day or two, or just end the hike for now, your supporters get it and understand! I do feel like there is still a fight in you and a desire to continue on; it's just scary when you don't feel optimal, and weighing your options in that scenario is very logical. I don't recall if you hike with an Inreach or similar beacon, but if not, could you say so so maybe we could pool up some donations in the comments here?🙏

[@RickINFJ]

Your health is paramount. Could be a culmination of things..altitude sickness, a virus, and allergies. You sounded really congested at the end. I know when I don't feel well, my mind and emotions are a wreck too. Do whatever it takes to heal so you can enjoy this journey. 😊

[@jeannenimmo5]

My suspicion is that it's the altitude that's causing the physical symptoms. It's most probably a good idea to camp about 1,000 feet lower than the highest point reached during the day's hike. That way, the body can acclimate more easily, thoroughly and more quickly. And about that Wilderness First Responder - I took that route, some years years ago, until I realized that my responsibility level - and thus the threshold for potential legal actions against me, should I make a small error or misjudgment - went up dramatically. The exposure, due to my knowledge level, went up to the point that it became a cause for concern. Be well, stay safe. 🥾

[@lostinthewoods8234]

Well what a 'cliffhanger'!! Some really beautiful scenery. Hope you end up feeling better. Get more calories and protein in you!!

[@suemoore1965]

FEEL BETTER QUICKLY... HUGS

[@jzoop1]

You have altitude sickness. Nausea, weakness, headache, no appetite, tired. When you feel that bad you should get to a lower elevation. Sleep low, hike high. You will feel better soon.

[@Taz90]

If you feel you may have altitude sickness, maybe try hiking at a slower pace so your body can adjust!? But please, listen to your body. If you need to bail on your section hike, then do so. Altitude sickness can be serious, even life threatening occasionally. I will continue to pray that GOD will keep you safe. And that HE will give you the wisdom to know if you need to bail on you section hike, or not.

[@frugalsquirrel1725]

There are people that say anyone who ventures alone into grizzly and mountain lion territory without a firearm is gambling with their own life. I'm not from that part of the country so I don't really know, but I wonder just how risky this hike is for the lone hiker unable to defend themselves with lethal force.

[@walterpaton8698]

Good morning beautiful from Massachusetts

[@jasonjones5213]

Just found you again, Good luck!

[@cynthiasmith4966]

❤

[@justinmarten3224]

some people get this idea that hiking is going to be a breeze,sadly mistaken

[@abigailfitzgerald7508]

Dramatic

[@cynthiasmith4966]

Such awesome views EVERYWHERE! WHAT a trail! More challenging and far more beautuful than the AT.

[@carolanne7869]

Are you taking in electrolytes or just water? Love electrolyte tablets at REI

[@vickifg13]

I know from the AT you are very picky about what you eat and drink. Which I do believe lead to your health issues there and now. I am just a nurses assistant but are you putting electrolytes in every other bottle of water you drink??? If not you need to be doing that for awhile until you start drinking water right.

[@garyb5877]

You asked the question. Sick or just dramatic. Just dramatic.

[@StellaHikes]

😂

[@tracyazhikes]

Are you drinking electrolytes?

[@swirlytwirl1089]

Tuck a clean small smooth pebble/rock into your cheek/under your tongue to help with the very dry mouth, or find some nice long stalks of grass to chew the sweet end ...

[@wtr7]

If it is AMS, back down a 1,000 feet... Try again. Maybe Sleep and relaxing will help.

[@bethcook1576]

Altitude sickness

[@OBloveslife]

Yep, drink more water

[@Finally35]

Your body needs to get use to what your doing. Lower miles I think is what you need for awhile.

[@Chris_Martin707]

My advice, which might not even be worth 2 cents. If you still feel that bad in the morning, get off trail for a day or two.