Q&A: Talking all things Appalchain trail | Start date, quitting my job, money, hostels, fears!

[@lauraevelynashley]

Lemme know if y’all have any questions 😊

[@jhonyermo]

What is name of the cat in the window?

[@JayWandersOut]

Lady Di's in Damascus had the softest sheets, best breakfast, and the most awesome dog along the trail

[@lauraevelynashley]

Added to the list :)

[@darakoontz8960]

2023 hopful also February start! Hope to see you out there!

[@lauraevelynashley]

Woot woot! Us crazy Feb people!

[@jackpumkinhead9583]

bring it ALL if your starting in february! it’s cold

[@lauraevelynashley]

Yessss

[@danb2490]

Woo hoo another February starter. I'd bet I'll be slower. But I'm ok with it.

[@lauraevelynashley]

Same here!!

[@markjohnson6291]

My favorite hostel is the Green Mountain Hostel in Manchester Center, VT. I was there 12 years ago, so maybe things have changed. A close second is Rock and Sole Hostel in Schuylkill Haven, PA. The home cooked meals are amazing!

[@lauraevelynashley]

Added to the list! Thank you

[@NathanVoodooShearer]

My first year i did the AT I started in February it was awesome. Stop at the lodge and say hi, im the chef there =)

[@lauraevelynashley]

Are you actually?!?! That’s dope

[@NathanVoodooShearer]

@@lauraevelynashley yes I took a job here after the AT they know I'm doing it again next year.. I live at the state park so I get to hike the stairs twice a day to get to work lol.. I run the kitchen, I'm actually off today and tomorrow heading up to springer mountain right now. 19 degrees tonight . Last night was a white out fogggggggy as it gets lol

[@lauraevelynashley]

@@NathanVoodooShearer that’s awesome!

[@polarbeartreks]

Wow, thanks LEA for the shout out!!

[@lauraevelynashley]

Of course!! Hope your enjoying trail life!

[@dowowens6214]

I will be starting in February . It's cold but worth it. Once you start hiking the cold is not so bad.

[@lauraevelynashley]

The cold never bothered up anyways! ❄️

[@judithpearson3968]

Hope the race went well. Sounds like you're more and more ready and that you're really getting excited. I think February is a good month to start. I'm excited for you and will be anxiously awaiting your first video from the trail. Stay safe.

[@lauraevelynashley]

Thank you! Yesss races went well! I’m sharing more news in next weeks video:)

[@stanthemanhikes2965]

Hi just found your channel. I thru hiked in 2022 and summitted on Sept 8. My 2 favorite states were NH and Maine and yes the views are epic and the routes up and down very challenging to say the least. But the views definitely are worth the climbs. Woods Hole Hostel is a definite one not to be missed. I would also highly recommend Mountain Harbor which is right down the street from Station 19E. Mountain Harbor was such a fun place and has the best breakfast on trail no doubt. Also we had called Station 19E and found them to be a little rude. I would only stay there if not enough room at Mountain Harbor B&B and Hostel. Also I would recommend The Notch Hostel in Woodstock NH and The Cabin in Andover Maine. Have a great time and I look forward to following along. Oh BTW. The tic toc thing was hilarious and ridiculous. Whoever stated that has never hiked the AT much!!!

[@lauraevelynashley]

For sure about the TikTok thing! Def a made up rumor. But ya know.. that’s how myths are created and sustained. Thanks for the recs

[@thomasmoss583]

End of March but I guess we all going to be at trail days 😁

[@lauraevelynashley]

Haha trail daysssss!! Yes I’m hoping to make it down for that. We will see how I plan that one

[@layyyry]

Chica and Sunsets is a good hostel. I visited them 2 weeks ago to check out the place. Franklin, NC

[@lauraevelynashley]

Yes I heard it’s great.

[@betsybarbera9806]

Green Mountain House Hostel in Manchester Center, Vermont is a superb hostel. I've stayed there twice, once on my end-to -end hike of the Long Trail and a second time on my thru hike of the AT in 2022. Highly recommend. I also liked the hostels that provided home cooked meals. A few I recall- Weary Feet Hostel VA, Woods Hole VA, The Cabin in East Andover, ME. I really enjoyed the Inn at Long Trail in VT - great food and atmosphere.

[@betsybarbera9806]

not sure why some of this is crossed out.

[@lauraevelynashley]

Thanks! I’ll add them to the list! Thanks

[@bill8384]

The AT is a very social trail. There are hikers everywhere! You will meet lots of folks! As early as you're starting, snow is possible through Virginia! Snow season in the Shaneys ends in June. You should run into Freash Ground!

[@lauraevelynashley]

I would be so ecstatic to meet Fresh Grounds! I heard he just hurt his eye though. I hope he’s okay.

[@bill8384]

@lauraevelynashley Craig Mains (Hawk) is southbound on Big Bald today. Day 166. Check him out. He's on his 7th? AT thru hike.

[@lauraevelynashley]

@@bill8384 will do!!

[@olddudeonthetrail72]

Not hiking the A.T. but I do have a big thru hike coming up, with a lot of planning involved, and some days I feel like it's so far off; other days I think OH MY GOSH IT'S RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER! lol. I imagine you feel that way, too.

[@lauraevelynashley]

Yessss totally I do. Good luck!

[@olddudeonthetrail72]

@S. M. Thank you! The Foothills Trail in South Carolina.

[@seekingotheropportunities2280]

You asked 😂. These are some hostels I found particularly interesting. I spent several nights at each of these because I’m an expert slack packer 😬 -Woods hole hostel (625.4). Made from chestnut logs! -Dirty Dancing was filmed at Mountain Lake lodge, just 5 miles down Rt613 at mile 663.3. It’s not a hostel, but it’s a unique hotel destination! (Need to arrange a shuttle or walk 5 miles, it’s a gravel rd and not busy) -There are 2 “Stanimals” hostels in Virginia. (Need to call for rides) 1st one by the James River foot bridge (787.3) and the 2nd near the beginning of the Shenandoah national park(864.4) *Now is what I called “Mansion Hopping”. Great historical buildings: -Just as you walk out of the Shenandoah National Park, “Mountain House” is just 100 yards up the road Rt 522 (972.3) -Bears Den Hostel-right at Bears Den Rocks (1005.5) -Ironmasters Mansion Hostel in Pine Grove Furnace (1106.4) that’s next door to the “half gallon challenge” -Doyle Hotel in Duncannon, PA (1149.5). Civil War Era hotel/hostel. Hope that helps!

[@lauraevelynashley]

Wow! Dirty dancing! What a throw back reference. That would be cool to stay there. Thanks for all the recs. I’ll add them to my lists:)

[@varitek]

Hi Laura. Thank you for filling us in and more detailed. Honestly, I have never heard of Appalachian people stealing anyone. I think that was a bit dramatic. You will be safe out there and all the fellow hikers are there for each other. 💪You will crush it. You are the first thru hiker I have followed from start to end. I have followed many others like Taylor from New Hampshire, but picked her up on KZbin halfway thru. Also, all the questions about job after trail to me is not important. Just have a blast on trail. So psyched😀💪 Also, can I give you my information for when your ready, so I can help pay for a few of your stays. Just being trail angel. For security reasons I can give you my info as opposed to other way around. Look forward to next weeks video.

[@lauraevelynashley]

Thank you. Very sweet. Yes I also agree the Appalachian mountain people story was a bit dramatic. But ya know, friends will be worried for ya and try to make up any excuse to get you to stay haha. If you ever want to donate towards my hike, my venmo is always in the description. You can just list want you want it to be use towards and that’s what I will use it it for. I appreciate you thinking of me :) no worries if not. I never expect donations.

[@varitek]

@@lauraevelynashley oh yeah I plan on it. Thank you Laura. 👍😀

[@lauraevelynashley]

@@varitek of course :)

[@milestogowithyou1157]

Mountain Harbor Hostel- best breakfast on trail. It's off of 19E tho so if you do the station you'll miss it!

[@lauraevelynashley]

Oh really? Hmmm well we shall see when we get there

[@Bluehathiker]

Starting late February myself. Maybe see ya! Good luck either way. Enjoying the vids. I’m about to start my announcement and following videos. 🤙

[@lauraevelynashley]

Yay!!! Good luck!

[@gabicerrahikes]

Omg I was literally just talking about the mountain people to someone. It’s cause it’s trending on tik tok right now to fearmonger about the Appalachian mountains

[@lauraevelynashley]

Hahahaha people gotta stop with this stuff.

[@Bibs123]

I've lived in San Francisco, Dallas, and in Eastern Kentucky. I've also been to Afghanistan, Somalia, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico. People that think the US is a bad place are nuts, and the kindest and most decent people I've met were in Appalachia; it's not even close. I'm amazed at the ignorance of people that spread garbage like this. Grow up, put the phone down and do some rational thinking.

[@gilbolhuis7697]

A hostel to consider in VA that was legendary in my day is Rusty's Hard time Hollow for the true AT experience. Rusty has been serving up hikers since the 80's and I hear that he is back open and is listed in Farout (was closed for health reasons for a while) but I have not seen anyone post about being there most opt for the Brewery down the road.

[@lauraevelynashley]

Sounds good

[@strongertogetherdj]

I'll see ya when I see ya!! I probably won't because of our start times but that's cool! I just want to see y'all finish the thing!! I'll be following the shelter logs and then trying to catch up to people to get the full story!! 🤣 Station 19 & Woods Hole would also be on my list to stop at if given the opportunity! I don't know if you're like me but I'm at the point where I just really want to be out there doing the thing!!! May the odds be ever in your favor!! 🤘🏻👊🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@lauraevelynashley]

Dang! Hunger games reference 😂 yes I am totally in the same boat. So ready to just be on trail.

[@layyyry2022]

I’m leaving on my AT thru hike early February. Hopefully the White Mountains will cooperate with the snow melt and weather by mid to late May!

[@lauraevelynashley]

Yesss please

[@safromnc8616]

W/your background I would expect you could find a job anywhere....My GF runs a school up in the bush in AK. They are ALWAYS looking for people willing to move up there and they will pay you handsomely. If you wish to continue exploring via your job....It IS a little different than Fla. FYI... Also, if the Hike Inn is open, that would be a cooler way to start, than to stay in the Lodge @ Amicalola, Check it out.

[@lauraevelynashley]

Yes I have heard about Hike Inn! I don’t think that would work out for our flight plans unfortunately. I will look more into it though :)

[@safromnc8616]

@@lauraevelynashley It is 5ish miles from the Amicolola parking lot and you actually take a side trail over to it, but I don't think it's really too far from the approach trail. I can see the trail plain as day but I can't think of what is called what...in regards to trail names.

[@lauraevelynashley]

@@safromnc8616 yes I’ve passed by it on the approach trail before. I know exactly where it is.

[@trailingtempest8383]

What do you think will be your favorite guilty pleasure when in town? What type if food or self care rituals!

[@lauraevelynashley]

One thousand percent will be pizza!

[@Josephhikes]

I should have put this on your bear bag hanging video, but I just thought of this today when I was practicing my bear bag hang. The rock bag kept hanging up , so I got a half ounce fishing weight and tied it on my bear bag line and it went right through the limbs and never got hung up ,so far at least 😁 So if carrying a .7 oz weight isn’t an issue it might be the way to go.

[@lauraevelynashley]

Nice! Yes I think I have some gear I can throw in the bag.

[@Josephhikes]

@@lauraevelynashley I quit using the bag and just use the fishing weight to get the line through the limbs . The zpacks back I had is what kept getting hung up , the weight just sales thru. You can tell I think I’ve reinvented the mousetrap or something 😂🤦‍♂️

[@lauraevelynashley]

@@Josephhikes ahhh okay

[@IWOLFOUTDOORS]

Hey, love the videos. I will be hiking the AT in 2024 (hopefully) Just watched this video, and people kept asking if you will be return to teaching. I have a 10 year plan starting in 2024, that consists of hiking the AT, PCT and CDT with many hikes in between. But also, I am having a van built to travel the USA and Canada. So, I said all that, to suggest to you, why don't you consider traveling around and do more hikes etc.. and start a career as a tutor and do Remote teaching while traveling. You get to set your own schedule, make good money and travel. With your education and experience, you would do great. Well, have a great day and good luck with your hike and all you do...

[@lauraevelynashley]

Thank you! I appreciate that. It is def something I have considered. There are online teaching companies that I have worked for in the past. Def something I am considering. I am not really trying to set up a plan for myself. For once in my life, I want to enjoy my freedom. I love you plan! Good luck and hopefully I’ll get to meet ya out on trail :)

[@IWOLFOUTDOORS]

@@lauraevelynashley that is what my whole plan is about. FREEDOM, so I totally get what you mean. For once, I want to wake up and not know where I am going. Well be safe. And yes hopefully the trails make our paths cross. Remember while on trail, to stop and look behind you, some of the best views are the ones we have already past.

[@MizSazz]

Trail names? Are you going to pick your own or work it out on trail?

[@lauraevelynashley]

Haha that’s a great question.. def work it out on trail. I do have a trail name from the Girl Scouts if nothing comes up to fall back on

[@trailingtempest8383]

@@lauraevelynashley Ummmm is that the one I think it is orrrrrrrr

[@MizSazz]

@@trailingtempest8383 I do like your idea that ones Howdy the other is Partner idea

[@Zapruderfilm1963]

February Peep!!! I’ll be starting at the arch on the morning of the 28th!😀👍 My Mom was also a teacher. She was working on her Doctorate when I came along. Due to that she never got back to her studies. She always told me I was more important. 🥹♥️ I hope I get to meet you!!!😀👍

[@lauraevelynashley]

Awwww so sweet of your mom!