Week 1 | Appalachian Trail Thru Hike 2023

This video is sponsored by Cold Weather Campers Anonymous.
In this video, I share the struggles, lessons, and joys from my first week on the Appalachian Trail.
Music by Cherry Blossom Special:
open.spotify.c...
As always, thank you for your continued support!
Instagram: @AppalachianAdventurista
Venmo: Appalachian Adventurista

[@vanmiles6979]

Getting too embedded with a tramily can cause serious issues if you allow it to make you push yourself to far. In 2019 I worked SO hard to keep up with my tramily. I finally lost them after hot springs. By then I had damaged the tendons in my feet so badly that I had to go home. Please be careful with this and ONLY do what’s right for your body, even if you lose your hiking partner. You need to put yourself first or risk your hike. I learned this the hard way. -Festus-

[@DartmoorPaul]

So true to hike your own hike. I watched @BadBatHikes try to keep up and almost broke herself before she had the sense to just let them go.

[@TravelingOutsideTheBaatz]

Hello there fellow class of 2019-er cheers!

[@vanmiles6979]

Hello! What was your start date? Wondering if we may have crossed paths. I started March 12th.

[@chuckmoseley1028]

Start Trail✔...Meet Tramily✔...First trail magic✔...First big mile day✔...First on trail injury✔...Sounds like you're on a thru hike!!! Congratulations on a great beginning! You're smart to listen to your body and do what you're doing to make it work. Thank you for letting us tag along! 🙏♥

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you so much!!

[@peterquinter8130]

Love trail magic 🎉. Maverick

[@Toro153]

Great video, great start! I fully believe that if we each pick up one piece of trash and flick one stick off the trail per day, the trail will be the natural wonder we all dream it is.

[@appalachianadventurista]

Agreed!

[@jd7861]

Fully appreciate your attitude and outlook, especially when it came to picking up the micro trash! You didn’t throw blame or give any shade to people or get upset, just I am here, I wanna do better for the next group that comes behind us. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you!

[@RickINFJ]

Well said, she is a true steward of the land.

[@chriskelly6559]

In '17 it was pick up at least one candy wrapper or bar wrapper piece, in '18 it was three, in '19 it was 5. Not to be mean about it, but day hikers are the trashiest.

[@stillwaterhiker]

Good luck and you will do awesome. You'll love it.

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you!

[@frolege1]

7:20 “He whipped out a cherry pie from his pocket” … has to be the best line from this video

[@appalachianadventurista]

It was the craziest thing. 😂

[@terrybearden5123]

Agree! Got a good chuckle out of that line. 😂😂 You accepted a cherry pie, from a guy that he pulled out of his pocket and he calls himself Chillbilly!?!? 😂 You have much more faith in humanity than I!!! Loved the update! Excited to be following you on your journey. All the best. ❤

[@sigmalife0570]

Tysm

[@pamelalynn3767]

Thanks for sharing. love your commentary and video footage.

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you!

[@Get_Some_Nature]

One small but important thing that I noticed is that you are still using the original Sawyer water bags. They will fail on you. I recommend a 3 liter CNOC bag. 3 liters is enough to cook dinner then breakfast and still have a liter to carry in the morning.

[@qsbroom]

Really sorry About your knee..you really do have to listen to your body.A bad knee injury could, as you know, dash your dreams! So be careful, and Hike your own hike...great video..thanks so much for sharing.

[@dfhauck]

My father got me started backpacking in the 70's. He always insisted we pick up other's trash and leave camp better than you found it.

[@appalachianadventurista]

I absolutely agree!

[@dennispatterson-AT2025]

Hi there! That knee pain will not last. Don't worry too much about it. Last year at the same location I thought my knees were done. I was using my trekking poles as crutches. I took a day off for rest and stretch, following a couple of short days of hiking and stretching. My knee pain pain was gone...be patient, you'll have to work through 100 other pains and challenges...mentally, emotionally, physically and spirituality. You can do this!!!

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you! My knee has been doing better every day.

[@Maureen.walkdontrun]

You’re back, baby! What an incredible group of women out there this year of our age group. So incredibly proud of all. Love to hear what gear you got rid of.

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you!!

[@deborahchadwick210]

Great first week. Our weather has been do cold and nasty at the edge if GSMNP. Thank you for sharing!!

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you!

[@ItsRubysMomsTurn]

Yay. I’ve been not so patiently waiting for you to share with us. Happy Trails 💕

[@appalachianadventurista]

You and me both! Thank you!

[@Get_Some_Nature]

Pushing big miles at the start to stay with other hikers is not a wise move. The best advice for beginner hikers that I ever heard was "Listen to your body!!!" Overuse injuries will end your hike. I successfully thru-hiked the entire trail last year. Class of 2022! I never did more than 10 miles a day the first month. I added miles slowly, from 8 to 10, then 10 to 13. I was doing 16-18 by the 3rd month. I stayed at 16-18 for most of trail. The White Mountains are a totally different beast than the rest of the trail and will definitely shorten your daily mileage. Take it easy! Be a turtle!!! Slow and steady get you to Katahdin!!!

[@InTheWoods81]

Nice! Glad you're doing weekly videos and paying attention to the experience.

[@dannythecamper4186]

Good video with some good views, so let's keep on hiking 😊😮 that was a big beautiful water fall..

[@shakeymorris6008]

Great start to your hike. You are still early in your hike. Make sure to listen to your body and not get injured. The trail will provide friends as you hike. Hike on !

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you!

[@DASHToTheEnd]

You’re r finally on trail!!! Awesome! I do section hikes. I know your down hill knee pain issues , it can be frustrating. Due my fixed window I unfortunately have to do big mile days out of the gate. You have the luxury of time, so definitely cut your pace in half and your knee will rebound in time.

[@Tailsnpaws]

Looking forward to follow your adventure. Stay well and keep your own pace and you'll succeed.

[@TravelingOutsideTheBaatz]

We will never forget that night before emotions! Glad you checked out the sunset. Enjoying the small things will make your journey. I know it is said all the time, but seriously listen to your body. It is very important! Thanks for following LNT and helping with trash. That is awesome.

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thanks for following along!

[@mollybutcher5487]

Yay!!! You’re doing it!! Good luck on your thru hike!! So excited for you.!!

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you!

[@boxman48patrickcasey32]

You aren't the first hiker to hit Neels Gap with a sore knee...that downhill "walk" from Blood Mountain is mighty tough. You were smart to take a day to let the knee rest up and to start exercising the quads. Knee health is all about having the correct muscle strength around the joint. You're using your head, and have a great attitude...and that knee pain will be long forgotten as you stand on top of Katadin on healthy strong legs !!!

[@appalachianadventurista]

It was a tough decent to be sure. Thanks so much!

[@bratttt100]

Yay !!!! Best of luck. Cheering you on from NH !!

[@kozmiczian]

. . . really indescribable, that 1st day . . . 💭

[@gaylewalker4239]

Beautiful day to start your journey. You look so happy and excited. A great first week. Keep trekking. 😀

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you!

[@micah6-8]

Hope you continue to heal and enjoy the journey. 🙏🏼

[@shirleyhall1924]

Sounds like you may be some of the few who actually gain weight while on trail. 😂

[@aadmonk]

Thanks for sharing your journey! The big smile on your face the first few days says it all.I hope your knee feels better/heals very quickly.

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you! It’s been a little better every day.

[@donrobinson5540]

Good luck with the knee. Don’t let your enthusiasm to make miles wreck your body. Everyone I know says “Take it easy at first.” Best wishes from Cleveland, TN!

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you!

[@cwesley2005]

Love all of your videos!

[@cjm3013]

I found your channel a few weeks ago and watched your lead-up videos - really looking forward to following you along your journey! I'm planning to hike the trail in 2027 when I retire, so I'm in the very early planning stages. Good luck and enjoy... I'll be living vicariously through you the whole way!

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you!

[@annier8078]

So awesome to hear that you’ll be hiking it post retirement. I want to hike the AT so bad, but I don’t see us being able to do it before the kids are grown!

[@michaelhollowell9306]

Good to see you hiking! My future trail name is Hollywood and I visit NC now and then. I like to hike the AT out of Hot Springs. I feel like a kid in a candy store when I do. But for now, I'm watching from CA and thank you for taking me on this journey with you. Take it easy on that knee and the best of luck from "Hollywood."

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thanks so much, Hollywood!

[@bigmannlittlehammock257]

Looks like a great start and week! Enjoy the journey, thanks for taking me along.

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you!

[@turtlemummatreks9786]

Well greetings from Australia. Im totally turtley too🐢🐢🐢

[@RickINFJ]

I really like this vlog format you've chosen; a weekly digest if you will. Do exactly what you're doing for your knee. Back off accordingly, stretch, exercise etc. You'll acclimate, don't let it rattle you. ✌️

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you!

[@sundaymorninghikes6275]

Always leave a campsite better than you found it! 100%!!! Looking forward to following your journey!

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you!

[@chuck7812]

Whoo-hoo! The first step!

[@remirez2k3]

im sure you have finished your thru hike by the time you see this message but for any future hikes a suggestion that i learned while homeless for a while about carrying water and keeping it with you in your bag is to carry a small piece of slastic grocery bag and slip it between bottle opening and cap of the bottle to keep it sealed

[@fajrihain572]

Nice trail thru hike 👍

[@CdnBiggles]

Good start! Looking forward to following along on the journey.

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you!

[@MrMorton]

Yay! Your epic journey is on! I pray that you will have a safe and beautiful hike! I know that it'll be an immense amount of work but I hope it'll be fulfilling and awe inspiring! Thanks for sharing your progress!

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you!

[@darrellmarcks6304]

Well over a thousand. Wow. I was 52. It's amazing to know that many people went through. Good luck!

[@susanb4481]

HYOH! Finding a tramily early is nice but trying to keep up is not a good idea. If you formed one, you will form another.

[@luannmack-drinkard8498]

I remember that climb up from Bly Gap was brutal. Muskrat Creek shelter used to be a big a-frame with a big population of mice. Nice to see the new (to us) shelter. I think we were there in 1988 or 9. Thanks for stimulating my memory bank! Happy Trails!

[@williambrennan9662]

Good luck safe travels and just enjoy it !

[@lorismith8479]

Use either a soft knee brace or Sports tape to support the muscles while you continue to hike and build strength…I’m a Massage Therapist….Have fun

[@JennyFleming]

Cheering you on from North Alabama! 👏🏻👏🏻

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you!

[@jamesadams2334]

I've been following your posts for over a month and didn't realize that I met you at Gooch Gap! I wish I would have known it was you. Where you are at in the hostel is only about 3 miles from Gooch Gap down the road from the farm house. I wish I would have known you were there. I would have picked up your whole group for the St. Patrick's Day Party at Gooch. We had 12 pizza's, beer, soft drinks, snacks and a cake for the hikers and we had about 7-8 Alumni at the party. It's great having a Tramily and the friendship is invaluable BUT, the Tramily isn't as important as your health. LISTEN to your body! It is truly the only way to get to Katahdin. You two are hiking strong and have a great attitude. Keep it up, you are going to have a blast this summer. Good luck, Hike Safe, Hike Strong. geek

[@appalachianadventurista]

It was great to meet you Geek! Thanks so much for the donuts!! My favorite kind of trail magic.

[@jamesadams2334]

@@appalachianadventurista Hike Strong Girl!

[@chadm8868]

Great first installment! Take care of that knee. I would love to see you cook up one of those great dehydrated meals that you made. Happy trails!

[@appalachianadventurista]

I’ll try to show more of the cooking, etc. Thanks so much for following along!

[@nathanflanders171]

From Gooch to blood mtn is a tough haul! Good luck.

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you!

[@preacher1511]

Hey Aly, it is very impressive the way you have started off. Like a seasoned thru hiker. You really seem to have this as under control as is possible on any major thru hike. Just keep being smart about your knee, and any other health issues. Listen to your body and your own common sense, which you seem to have plenty of. Great first week. God bless.

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you!!

[@walterpaton8698]

Excited for you. I have about 11 months. Thank you. In Massachusetts I give trail majic.

[@robertsanders8866]

Excited to see u out there!! Great vid! Use ur trekking poles to roll out your quads at night. U will usually find a sore spot that's tender then push down tht spot hard n hold for untill it softens it will hurt! but turns n to a bruise next day then goes away!! It's magic trust me. Hike on!!!

[@stephenmterry]

Thanks for the great video. I know you did a video on your hammock setup, but please show us some more of your hangs throughout your journey.

[@appalachianadventurista]

Will do! Thank you!

[@havelegswillhike]

I hope the knee heals quickly! Great to see your first week on the trail. Looking forward to more!

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you!

[@ourbestdayever1396]

Your approach to this huge undertaking is wonderful. Articulating how you’re feeling is something lacking from other hikers. Your calm demeanor is peaceful. As you said “one day at a time”. I attempted a thru in 2019. Hoping to try again next year. Looking forward to following along with you both, this year. Blessings and prayers for you two for safety, and strength physically and mentally. JBird.

[@sandra4710]

Good luck to you! You have a great start and an awesome attitude! You will do it girl!! Cheering for you!

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you!!

[@Glazehikes]

Really enjoyed this first episode. Thanks so much for picking up the micro trash- love this. I’m adding this to my hikes. Thanks again for the video. Peace and happy trails.

[@patricechandler586]

Following your trek to learn. We’ll be there in a few years.

[@darrylgabritsch9110]

Good luck and safe travels on your journey of a lifetime! Awesome that you picked up other people's trash! I do that too on section hikes. Watch your early miles until your body adjusts. The adage is less than 10 miles per day for the first 200 miles unless you did a lot of training. Tramilys come and go. Hike your own hike.

[@JS-ji5bl]

Glad I found your channel good luck on your thru hike .. 🤙🏻✌🏻

[@RedCatt423]

So happy to see your first trail post. Does your hiking partner have a channel? You seem to be loving it so far. Great vlog

[@appalachianadventurista]

She does not. Thanks for following along!

[@markcummings6856]

Excited to see your start. Commendable to be picking up the trash. I really don’t see how that r value of only 2 foam pad is handling 20 degree weather. Happy Trails

[@Josephhikes]

Good to see your on your way and already past Neel Gap . Good Luck and Good Health! If you don’t mind would you show or tell what the knee strengthening exercise is ?

[@appalachianadventurista]

Sure thing! For stretching, doing a standard quad stretch with hips pushed forward is great. The exercises are… 1) while laying on your side with hips stacked, do leg raises with toes pointed straight out … 2) Sitting with legs outstretched, do leg raises with toes pointing out slightly.

[@Josephhikes]

@@appalachianadventurista Thanks I have that same knee cap problem. 👍

[@airzillarocks]

Thru Hiking has exploded in popularity especially the AT - The trail is not the mega, solitary vibe it once was, cool nonetheless - Shelters are quite overrun these days... \m/

[@appalachianadventurista]

Luckily shelters haven’t been overrun since the early days. And you’re right, it’s a much more common activity these days.

[@MJG70]

Go Turtles! So excited for your journey. You look great, fit and happy. Balance and pace is so important. Bigger miles come later. Adjust, enjoy and have fun!

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you!

[@dragontrek]

That's me in the corner... I hope you and the other fast people from week 1 are doing well and that you have found someone else to take the penultimate spot in Yatzy. All the best. /Kensei

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you!!

[@paulaalekson4109]

Was so anticipating your start! So glad you are off. Looking forward to your updates. Please take care of the knee!! Cheers!

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you! My knee is doing better every day.

[@paganostott]

You are amazing and I am so proud of you! I look forward to the next update! Love you - Aunt Lisa Aunt Donna and Jackson ❤️❤️❤️

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you! Sending love up to NY!

[@justtryhikes]

I hope your hike is going well for you! ❤

[@appalachianadventurista]

It is. Been thinking about y’all lately. Hope you’re doing well!

[@MrsStevenBrown]

When did you start? I don’t see a date of start, and I’m watching from BC Canada 🇨🇦, hoping to do this trail someday! ❤

[@appalachianadventurista]

I started March 13.

[@judeoliver5256]

What a absolutely wonderful account of early days on the trail with their associated ups and downs. I love the crisp pace of your videos, the interesting commentary of your progress, your thoughts, experiences with other and appreciation of the history and nature along the trail. Wishing you prompt healing of that knee. (I have a similar condition and understand the annoyance....). Look forward to your next video.

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you so much!

[@MrRacheljoey]

was it your fourth or fifth night on trail at Above the Clouds? I start (the approach) in a few days and scheduled it for my third night and now watching this that might be WAY too ambitious. Really enjoying watching your journey. Thanks for picking up some trash for those of us behind you! Happy hiking!

[@appalachianadventurista]

It was our fourth, and that was on the verge of how far out ATC hostel would pick us up. Only because we had a group of 8 all together did we get a shuttle from Neels. Good luck!! Hope to see you somewhere on trail!

[@arawilnas2905]

I have been really enjoying all the videos leading up to your hike. Thanks so much for sharing your journey with us. I also struggle with knee pain when hiking large miles that have long descents so I feel your pain! You're going to do great though! You have a great attitude, and it's OK to feel down about it too, but I'm glad you're still enjoying all the beautiful moments. Happy hiking!

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thanks so much!

[@DonYourBackpack]

So exciting to see how excited you are. I can't wait to get to do the AT one day! 😀

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thanks! You absolutely can!

[@wendyswanders2023]

Great video! I hope your knee is feeling better ❤

[@appalachianadventurista]

It is - thanks Wendy!

[@aimlesslyrunning5127]

🙌here we go! 🙌 I love how educational you've been and how eco minded on the trash pick up you are, if everyone does a little bit it makes it an incredible experience. So excited for you & cannot wait to keep watching your journey. REMEMBER TO STRETCH MORNING AND NIGHT! lol you likely already do but might help if not to avoid some issues, but those down hills are a B$#%^ anyways.

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you! If we all do a little, we can make a huge difference.

[@suehancock5573]

Wishing you all the best of luck on your journey 😊 Take one step at a time for your knee! Have fun and stay safe & Hike On. 😊🥾🙏🏕️🧗‍♀️🤙

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you!!

[@mattaylor8935]

Come ot there soon

[@MH-nz4mv]

THERETHERE🙌

[@RickINFJ]

I forgot to mention in my post...thank you so much for grabbing the micro trash! I hope your stewardship is contagious to others. ✌️

[@KevBoneT]

Yes, well said.

[@appalachianadventurista]

Thank you so much! I think if we all do a little, we can make a big difference.

[@CanCanHikes]

Hey, Girl! I know you finished. Congrats! I’m doing some planning for next year. When did you start?

[@Monica1268]

It sounds like you chose your layers well! Can you please reply on what they were? Also, what day did you leave? Thanks!

[@appalachianadventurista]

Check out my pre and post trail gear videos! I share info about them in detail.

[@PamHallthetravelingnurse]

What did your pack weigh? I saw it weighed in the beginning. Just watching to catch up! Enjoyed your prep vidoes!

[@appalachianadventurista]

My pack weighed 21lbs fully loaded at the beginning. I’ll give an updated weight after trail.

[@thrifty9797]

I remember meeting you and your obnoxious tramily, lol. Youre much nicer in your videos.

[@matthansen5337]

Hi! Which day on the calendar was the day you started? Would you adjust that at all if you were to do it again? Thanks.

[@appalachianadventurista]

I started on March 13, and I think it was perfect. I enjoyed being on the front end of the ‘bubble’ for sanitation and lodging sake. I hardly had to worry about booking hostels or finding space in shelters if I wanted.

[@frolege1]

Love that you’re picking up micro trash .. you’re a good person

[@americanclassicmetal7913]

Just curious, what was your start date? I’m trying to plan a NOBO attempt.

[@appalachianadventurista]

March 13!

[@lucindaturnis6605]

Kuddos on doing trail maintenance 🗑 Do you stretch and / or do yoga on trail at all?

[@appalachianadventurista]

I have stretched nearly every day. Somehow it never seems to be enough, but I’m doing my best to support my body. 😅

[@MaryPonder]

Hi just wondering what did you use to charge your phone? Did you like it or would you choose something else?

[@appalachianadventurista]

I used an Inui 20,000mHa charging block which worked wonderfully! It’s a little banged up now, but I still use it regularly.

[@jamesbailey9838]

👍

[@pmedeirosnewenglandusa]

Value details of indigo butterflies and ice floes etc.

[@suemoore1965]

👣 WEEK ONE IS DONE

[@frolege1]

You’re a very good narrator.

[@LyThiDao251]

Hello

[@marcaisjackson33]

Where did you get your pants from?

[@appalachianadventurista]

They are Columbia pants I found on sale at a Columbia outlet.

[@kozmiczian]

. . . tendonitis. . . vitamin I. Dont push, do a12s . . . pick up your 20mi days in VA . . get a patella support, drug store.

[@Traveler1965]

It was funny watching this today as I just found it. You’re walking less than 10 miles a day, so I was thinking it will take you over 240 days to finish. Will be interesting to watch the subsequent weeks. Great video I plan to do it in 2026