Springer Mountain to Hawk Mountain Shelter - Day 1

[@squirrelcovers6340]

FINALLY! I've found a hiker to follow that doesn't constantly have the camera on themselves while they incessantly ramble. THANK YOU.

[@chasingblazes2022]

Awesome, thank you!

[@peterodonnell3861]

Well done, what a great attitude, really looking forward to day 2.

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank you!

[@KatieValleyBourdeau]

Love everything about this video! I will keep the Whites company until you get here. Lol I am so excited to follow your journey. Happy Trails 👣

[@hikewitheagleike]

It's fun to see the trail again through your eyes. Your tattoo reminded me of this verse from Matthew “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Enjoy.

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank you Eagle Ike and that is a beautiful verse 🙏. Perhaps where ‘one day at a time’ was derived from. Glad you enjoyed the video and so grateful to you for all your advice & insight.

[@dodge_walks]

Good luck and happy trails!

[@FollowThomas]

Beautiful hike. Reminds me me own hike there. 👍

[@michaelessig6376]

So happy to have found your channel. Great first video.

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank you so much!

[@RedCatt423]

Enjoyed the narrative and the sites as you walk. For me it's a virtual connection to the trail and the hiker. I will follow along the journey.

[@pennywilliams841]

Love your video and you are not boring

[@chasingblazes2022]

Oh thank you!!!

[@ericahubbard8703]

You’re the best! Can you show us a shot of you making your food??

[@chasingblazes2022]

Yes I can! Xoxoxo

[@nancyannebassett3922]

What a great start to your video diary. Love seeing your smile and looking forward to seeing more.

[@chasingblazes2022]

Love you and thank you xo

[@andreahubbard4725]

I love and admire you. Thank you for taking us on this journey with you.

[@chasingblazes2022]

I love you! Thank you for coming with me ♥️

[@jencov1]

Great video. I loved seeing details at the shelter such as privy and bear box, as well as info about the AWOL guide. Helpful for a future section hiker, thank you. 😎 Loved your reflections in the tent at the end of the day as well. ❤️ Happy Trails!

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank you! Appreciate your feedback 🙏

[@blueskynancy3396]

LOL! "Better Be Maine"..... I was so excited to view your first video! Awesome start my friend! And you gave me chills when you talked about Blue Sky! That's me! :-). Fingers crossed I see those rhododendrons in bloom when I start on March 22. I plan to stay at Hawk and Hooch as well. Great to see you there now. 😃

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank you for everything my dear 🙏. Your friendship and partnership in the planning has been everything to me! Love ya xo

[@Dalethe1]

I just found your channel. I really like your presentation of the trail & look forward to catching up on your AT journey & following along. Happy hiking 🥾

[@chasingblazes2022]

Awesome, thank you!

[@suzanholder2525]

I am watching your thru hike again!

[@chasingblazes2022]

Ha ha me too!

[@gerilosiniecki421]

Every year I choose someone to follow on their hike on the A.T. I usually watch a few videos and yours sounded like a determined woman ready to meet the challenge. I'm happy you are supported by family and friends and your husband. Looking forward to vicariously walking the trail with you.

[@emmachute9042]

Amazing video!! Great first day for you. So proud of you. Love you so much 😘

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank you so much!! Love you xoxo

[@autumnsun45]

Sooo happy you're here, and excited to follow your journey Michelle!!! Thanks for being so real about the gamut of emotions you felt as this day approached, and as you said goodbye to your dear Jim! I didn't think you were ever boring or rambling. And when I ever heard you say..."awwww" as you got to the first sweet stream crossing, I felt like I met a kindred spirit. I love that you are appreciating the new friends, the owls, and the adventure, and taking it one day at a time seems wise. BTW, I often take pictures of trees looking up above me, like you did at one point. I never feel alone in nature. I pray for you to have a beautiful long walk filled with many sweet surprises!! ❤Suzi

[@gaylewalker4239]

Great start. Thank you for sharing your journey. Keep trekking. 😀

[@walterpaton8698]

Good luck. Most places in New England, I offer trail majic.

[@susanb4481]

Nice first day. I like the mixture of pix and video.

[@chasingblazes2022]

Glad you enjoyed it-thanks for following!

[@baskets8429]

Happy hiking ! Great vid

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thanks!

[@MrMorton]

Great video (you're doing just fine!) I hope you have a beautiful hike and I'll be glad to share in ones you choose to share!

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank you so much! Happy to have you along for the journey!

[@heatherfrost603]

What an amazing experience we get to "join" you on. Thanks for sharing this with us and all your amazing videos and raw emotions too. You got this.

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thanks lady! Appreciate the support 🙏

[@timothybassett6410]

You are AMAZING! Great first day. Your preparation and narration is fabulous. Tomorrow is going to be another amazing day.

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank you so much! Each day is a gift 🙏

[@penelopeguerreroperez5244]

❤😂🎉😢- all the feelings! Can’t wait to see more xoxo xoxo xo

[@jaredarsenault7451]

You're great! keep it up. You can do it! Excited for u!

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank you!

[@HubbardsWorld]

Hey Michelle, you are amazing on so many levels. Thank you so, so much for sharing your journey. We look forward to seeing so many more videos of your journey. You’re strong, you’re tough!!! You got this. Love you Michael

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank YOU! Love you xo

[@anotherpenny1942]

That moment when you realize you’re not the only one who puts the water bottle cap in your mouth when filtering water. New subscriber! 😊

[@chasingblazes2022]

Ha ha ha I can’t help it lol.

[@lindas4122]

I love the video Michelle and that you are taking us all along on this incredible journey. ❤

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank you for joining me! So happy to have you on the trail with me!

[@otway00]

I live 30 miles due north of Springer Mt. Takes me about 2 hours to drive there due to the roads

[@TeaParty45]

I followed you last year and really enjoyed your channel. I learned a lot from you and many others and have decided to attempt a thru hike myself starting at Amicalola Falls on February 21, 2024. I hope you and your family are doing well! Take care.

[@williamking2249]

👋 Hi from NH, I hope your Thursday night went good. Currently its 34° here in NH. Hope you have a great friday. Enjoy your day. We subscribed and be following along. Press north.👍🌲

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank you!

[@kaiserwilhelmnh932]

Congrats on a great start

[@KenBeaulieu]

You crack me up with how you crack yourself up! Keep on keeping on and see you at Camp 43 soon!

[@chasingblazes2022]

Oh dude, you know that’s happening all day long ha ha ha! Your encouragement has been awesome!

[@anitamckenzie4895]

Thanks for bringing us along. Loved this video!! Be careful and walk on woman!!

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank you! 🙏

[@wildflowersadventures]

Happy trails! I’m cheering you on and hoping to learn from you this year and I prepare for next year. Thanks for taking us along and sharing your journey! 💙

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank you and feel free to ask questions. Enjoy the planning stage!

[@Lisa-ws8qn]

Informative video! Thank you for detailing your trip so far. I can't wait to watch more. Happy Trails 😊

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank you for joining me! Appreciate the feedback also.

[@mikebowman2598]

Loved your video. It’s nice to see what you see while you talk and we’re not always nasal gazing, lol. It’s always the right call to stop when you feel it’s time. You’ll be glad you did in the long run. Enjoy every minute, it’s a wonderful adventure.

[@chasingblazes2022]

Ha ha ha yeah I don’t want everyone starting at my nose all day! Eeek! Seriously though, appreciate your comments and thanks for watching! Loving it all.

[@randypeterson4146]

Thanks for taking us along... Really enjoyed this video and good to see a little of camp life...I'm out on a trail every weekend and know what it is like but most never show any of their camp time...🙌

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thanks for joining and appreciate the feedback!

[@russelldarnall]

Thanks for sharing your adventure

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank you for watching!

[@planner722]

Just found your channel. I’d recommend getting a coupler to go between your sawyer and clean bottle. You can then get your water and just hang it up and it will filter while you set up camp. Happy trails!

[@hollyd4969]

YOU ROCK LADY!!! Loved watching your journey and 1st day❤️ Can’t wait to follow along. What an inspiration!!

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank you!

[@lolygeno99]

Yahooo. Looking forward to the next chapter!!! Keep moving your feet but make sure they’re always in TODAY. You’ve got this and Gods got YOU! I love you, Kiki!! ❤ODAAT

[@chasingblazes2022]

Love you xoxo

[@TravelingOutsideTheBaatz]

So excited to follow your journey. My wife and I are A.T. class of 2019 we completely understand your emotions. That first week is especially crazy. YOU GOT THIS 👍👊 Remember smiles over miles & just 1 step 1 day at a time.

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank you and I appreciate your words of advice. I need to remember smiles not miles big time!!!

[@oldmanjimh3165]

Been to Hawk Mt., lived in PA, now in Maine.

[@judyrobinson9556]

I enjoyed your video. Nice shots of the trail and waterfall. Looks like you had really nice weather for your first day. Very wise not to push too hard at the beginning and give your body time to adjust. I'll watch for your next video. Take care.

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank you very much! Happy to have you join me on this adventure!

[@nadinegrubbs424]

Just started watching your channel. I need to catch up but I will the next week or so. Just watching your first video I feel you can do this!! I cheering for you girl🎉

[@chasingblazes2022]

Welcome aboard! Thank you!

[@jeffwills9577]

What a perfect weather 1st day!

[@chasingblazes2022]

Yes it was!

[@onwardwithOmi]

Congratulations on your start! Looking forward to following your lead very soon

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank you and YAY! When do you start? It’s really amazing!!

[@oldwagon-pens]

I think you are starting out strong with a great positive attitude. I look forward to seeing your videos. Have a great hike.

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank you!

[@kathylyon8848]

You got this!!!

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank you 🙏

[@jeffanderson2759]

Hawk Mtn. is used by the 75th Rangers for training. You could find several shells on the mtn. I remember hiking in this area in the 70s.

[@chasingblazes2022]

So cool!

[@jamesbonner5989]

Just found your channel, retired Navy also. New sub, stay safe and hike on.

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank you for your service! 🇺🇸 ♥️

[@RhodySeth]

Nice lookin' waterfall. This feels like a good year to start early, considering the weak-ass winter we're dealing with. Enjoy!

[@chasingblazes2022]

Ha ha ha why not start early right?! The waterfall was amazing!

[@alowatsakima8950]

Just wait until you get to laurel Falls, right before Hampton, TN. Most people miss Potato Top because there is no sign. But great view and stealth camp site. If you stay at a Hostel, find a ride to Ridgewood bar-b-que, you will not be disappointed. Loved living in that area for about 5 years.

[@chasingblazes2022]

Loved Laurel Falls!!!

[@HubbardsWorld]

You got this!!! ❤Joseph

[@chasingblazes2022]

Oh sweetie ♥️. Thank you so much & I love you xoxoxo

[@bonnieruggieri7340]

Hello Michelle. Came across your AT thru hike video and wanted to wish you the very best of luck. I'll be rooting you on from MA. Stay safe, warm and hydrated. Head north! 👣🏕

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank you very much & happy to have you along for the journey!

[@andybauer1473]

Stay safe and enjoy!! Keep on trekking!!! Speedbump

[@chasingblazes2022]

Hey Speedbump! Thank you so much and it was awesome meeting you!

[@MrArnold213]

Following you hard. You do your trail. That's all we ask.

[@rebeccamccormack5012]

You go girl…routing for you!!🎉🏕️🥾

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank you!

[@stanthemanhikes2965]

Hi Michelle. Just found your channel and subbed. Congrats on your start. My hiking partner and myself thru hiked last year and will be out doing trail magic thru out the spring so who knows maybe our paths will cross at some point. Good luck to you and blessings and prayers as you continue your journey. God bless!

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank you 🙏

[@andyhikes4305]

Amazon has an adapter to connect your bottle to your filter, it's called a cleaning adapter. It connects your bottle to your filter, way easier, never spills, under $3.

[@andyhikes4305]

Cleaning coupler... Not adapter. Don't tighten down tight, leave loose for air to escape as water flows in.

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thanks for the info!

[@Bohonk212]

Good luck and have a great journey! Bo Diesel 2018

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank you 🙏

[@richvantrieste9284]

Hey great video. By the way they make an attachment to go from the sawyer to your bottle. Makes life easier. its like $3. well worth it

[@chasingblazes2022]

Ahhh thank you! I’ll have to look for that. Thanks for watching!

[@richvantrieste9284]

Yeah it’s a blue coupling that hooks the bottle to the sawyer. I got it from cnoc. I saw a lot of people using it. This also allows you to use you water bottle to back wash. Enjoy your hike

[@sharonbabineau528]

I just ran across your channel. I'm looking forward to following your journey! I live in Virginia near the AT and I'm absolutely obsessed with it, lol. Someday I'll thru hike it. I got to meet Speedbump last summer when I took a week-long trip to Georgia for some day hiking. I hiked from the approach trail to Hog Pen Gap, and stayed in an airbnb at Neels Gap. Anyway I wish you ALL THE BEST! :)

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank you!

[@johnmys5am]

9 miles the first day is perfect. Low mileage the first few days is great for reducing injuries. Good luck!

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank you!

[@josegomez-no1up]

I stopped the video and subscribed as soon as you said your first snack was going to be salami and cheese. Stay safe, enjoy your walk, take your time, and listen to your body. Loved the book showing the mileage.

[@chasingblazes2022]

Ahh yes salami & cheese always puts a smile on my face. Thank you!

[@colleenhikes]

my best piece of advice for camp is claim your spot, then hang your bear bag line, if there isn't a provided bear box, pole or line. It took me way to long to start doing this lol... too many times trying to hang after dark! - jet 21'

[@chasingblazes2022]

Great advice and thank you! Good thing with starting in Feb is there’s not huge competition for sites…yet!

[@ricktaylor7816]

Start slow and low with the miles. Build up slowly and most of all, keep on keeping on. Enjoy your journey.

[@chasingblazes2022]

Yes! Thank you!

[@KevinPhillips-xd7lr]

Hi there! Just found your channel and nice to semi-meet you. Thanks for sharing- I look forward to following your journey. I also might be able to help out some when you are around Roan Mountain (up to a few days before or after mi 400), as I live there, know the area, do some trail magic, have a rental, etc. Hope to hear from you or Jim, and maybe meet you in person.

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank you and happy to have you join the journey!

[@budmouzon9941]

There is a small cave to the right of the falls with a hole up on top of the rocks where you can see into it. Also many years ago you could read the names of civil war members along with there companies chiseled out in the large rock top also near the hole on top of cave. The last time we were there sadly we saw a lot of people have defaced the rock making if very difficult to find the civil war names.

[@chasingblazes2022]

Oh wow...so much history!

[@panhandlejake6200]

A suggested adjustment for your pack - it may or not make a difference for you. Check that the frame stays form to the particular curve of your back - requires a mirror with a loaded pack. My stays were too vertical at the top and acted as springs when I tightened my shoulder straps. The stays tried to straighten and pulled the straps against the front of my shoulders. Bending the straps to add a little curve that better matched to the back of my shoulders improved pack comfort a small but noticeable amount. It is a little effort to reinsert the stays into the channels - do so with an empty pack so that you can work the channel around the bottom end of the stay. Have a GREAT hike !

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank you! Appreciate the advice!

[@Bibs123]

I love Mark Twain. He's one of my hero's; the humor and intelligence drew me to him when I was a teenager. Your quote from him reminds me that I need to go back and read some of that stuff. It seems that as life has gone on, I've lost that feeling of excitement reading such wonderful pieces of l literature. It's a smart move to go slow at first, and don't make fun of Southerners🤠 could tell you were from the North after three syllables LOL! You might try some glucosamine chondroitin for the healing injuries. You should never worry about the content of your video; they are for your family and yourself to document your amazing journey, plus it was inspiring to see you talk about your emotions and gratitude. Stay strong and good luck on your hike!

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank you very much! Appreciate your humor…I really do love the south. Southerners are so incredible and kind. I wish I could say y’all all the time without sounding like a goof ha ha ha. Make today the day you go to the bookstore or library and get a book that will make you feel alive and thanks for watching!

[@dawnseely1013]

Love your pace and your laughter along the way and outlook for one day at a time - Matthew 6:34 from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. His words and guidance go before you well.

[@SandraBatakis]

Love you!

[@chasingblazes2022]

Love you too xo

[@brianwofford3831]

Hey, I just stumbled onto your channel. I like the way you are filming. I will try to follow your hike. Please allow an old hiker to give you a tiny tip, not a criticism. Lower your sternum strap 2-3 inches and loosen it up. Never allow the tightness of that strap resrtrict your breathing.

[@chasingblazes2022]

THANK YOU! I’m grateful for your advice! Huge difference! I’ll take all the advice I can get. Thanks for following!!

[@patriciabarnhart1886]

Very much enjoyed your introduction and first day - thank you. As a lone hiker, bet your husband is happy you have made contact with some upstanding hikers right away for that just-in-case moment. Gosh, you did way better than many I watch struggle that first day. Simply listen to your body because that shifting pack will feel darned heavy in places on the trail sooner than one might expect.

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank you so much. You’re spot on about listening to your body. It’s about getting to Maine! Both my husband and I feel quite blessed that these guys were on my path and we hit it off. That said, I have been doing my best to mentally prepare for solo hiking.

[@19stoney64]

I have watched all kinds of channels of thru hikers to prepare myself for my time in 2024. All the channels I’ve watched have had to deal with emotions from one day to the next, male and female alike. Bottom line is one foot in front of the other til you reach the top of katahdin. I’ve also learned it’s ok to let your mind know that’s it’s going to be hard. Flow with the day, everyday. Also think of the many people who would like to be able to do what you’re doing. Your eyes are going to get to see things that those people will never get to see. I tend to think about things like and it helps me when I’m hiking and it’s tough. I subbed to watch your journey. Another thing I hear is to not try to do crazy miles the first few weeks. Build it up and gain your hiking legs. Ok I’ll shut up.

[@chasingblazes2022]

You’re right! Thank you 🙏

[@trailrideadventures]

Giddy up Day one.

[@chasingblazes2022]

Oh yeah!! It's gonna be amazing!!

[@riffoutdoors3673]

Amazing flow rate on that Sawyer!! Lol

[@chasingblazes2022]

Right?!

[@bluegrassbodhisattva9839]

Wow. I just came back and re-watched this. You hat is BLACK - which is a big difference from at the end. So much changes on a thru hike apparently even your hat color. 😂

[@chasingblazes2022]

I know! It's crazy how much it changed over the 5 months!! Thanks for watching!

[@danielsmalley5794]

Noted your comments about the weight on your shoulders. Be sure to learn and utilize the ability to alternate bearing the pack load between your waist(hips) and your shoulders. If you aren't adjusting between those two several times during the day, then you probably aren't utilizing that they way you need to be. I had to do the same when I started too. Not trying to tell you how to do things, just some advice for whatever you think it is worth. Love the first day video. Enjoy the journey.

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank you!

[@peterreich7873]

16:45, those were Barred Owls!

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank you!

[@timwiles258]

Good wish

[@chasingblazes2022]

Thank you!

[@wesleykremer3916]

This is a marathon and you aren’t going to Mama Katahdin in a day. Most of the videos you see are folks who pushed their bodies too hard at the start. Listen to you body!!!! Thank you for your AWOL overview. I look forward to following along as I have my 2023 guide.

[@chasingblazes2022]

You’re 100% right. Thanks for joining the journey 🙏

[@RichardH01075]

What trail is recorded in the title clip (intro)? My girlfriend and I have hiked all 48 including the W48 but disagree on the location.

[@chasingblazes2022]

Ah this was from the summit of West Baldpate in Grafton Notch Maine!!

[@soniadowney7427]

Too much talking

[@chasingblazes2022]

I'm sure there are other KZbin videos that you may find more your style-there are so many to choose from!