Day 59 - My first 21 mile day | Appalachian Trail 2020

Appalachian Trail 2020 Thru Hike Day 59

#appalachiantrail #thruhike #backpacking

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Instagram: @hikingwithbraids
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My backpacking gear:

[dbstewart]

I guess that was the answer from waymark, a big nope on the help. Good to know this about a company ! Good feedback from you, Braids.

Congratulations on the mid way point, as you say sorta. You are an inspiration!

[bokehbabe]

ULA is going to be my next pack. Can't wait to see what you have to say about it.

[markrebeor]

Hi Gretchen, I hope that ULA pack works for you, I hate seeing you that uncomfortable while your hiking. It robs you of the peace of the trail. I drove down to the Smokies from NY last week and hiked up Clingmans and over to Andrews Bald ( because of your video with Angela) I absolutely fell in love with those mountains and unique forest’s. It’s so lush and the rhododendrons were in bloom. The next day I drove to the Roan Highlands and hiked Carvers Gap to 19e and a shuttle back to Carvers. I have so much respect for you because you hiked with a full pack from Grassy Ridge Bald to 19e. Your a real fighter Gretchen, don’t let anything stop you!

[steverensh]

I can see that you don't have your pack adjusted correctly. By pulling the load lifters all the way in you cause the shoulder straps to be in a upper loop. Loosen the load lifters really loose, then pull the shoulder straps tight from the bottom until they are coming straight out from the pack over your shoulders. This will bring the hip belt up higher. Fasten the hip belt next. Then the very last thing is to pull the load lifters in a bit but not too far. Basically the load lifters will just pull the top of the pack closer to you but usually only get it to stand up vertically. Again if you pull the load lifters all the way you cause the shoulder straps into a curve and the distance between your shoulder straps top and the hip belt is increased, which you don't want.

[celestesuter]

Oh my gosh! You just quoted part of my favorite Robert Frost poem! You the gal!

[WaffleHikes]

Bonfire! Aaugh! We stayed at the hostel about 0.4 from there last season and walked back to have a great burger and ice cream, only to discover a sign that read, "Coming Soon." Glad they were open for you guys. The mountain laurel is gorgeous! Keep on churning out the miles and posting the videos! OMG! Robert Frost! Awesome.

[jongrider]

You said "It is what it is". That cliche' is oh so true as well as "it ain't what it ain't". Keep on adapting Braids you got this.

[jsweevil]

Oh listening to that creek as you walked across the bridge makes me ache to my core to be up in the mountains hiking.

[seniormoment]

Glad to hear that you are getting the new pack from ULA so quickly. I strongly considered the OHM 2.0 when I was researching packs.Happy so far with my Gossamer Gear G4-20. I’m backtracking this weekend to pick up the Smokies, which I bypassed earlier due to closures, and then will be headed back up to Marion, VA to pick up where I left off in VA. Might see you later this summer/fall when I head up to Maine and flip to SOBO. Best of luck with the new pack; hope it resolves your back and shoulder pain issues.

[nicksleptzoff]

Just to let you know. The flowers you're seeing are mountain laurel which also are the state flower of Pennsylvania.

[susankaempfer]

Awesome! Hope that pack is exactly what you need!

[marymaroney]

Welcome to the ULA converts!! Traded up from Osprey a couple years ago and never looked back. Mine is a red Ohm, just FYI, Little River Trading Co in Maryville is a local dealer. Loving your videos. Oh yeah...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

[dannythecamper]

Good video with some nice views 👌, pretty mountains ⛰ flowers 💐, so let's keep on hiking 😉

[billthompson]

Yes you said Caledonia correctly, lol. I love that area. I go to church camp close to there, and a couple times I have camped there and hiked for a couple of days and left trail magic. I also know a couple places to stealth camp in that area. One of them a short walk from a little restaurant/bar. The double shelters above Caledonia are in my humble opinion the nicest ones on the entire AT.

[rayrp]

Its going to get alot rougher. Trail angels are out here if you need us. Hike on!!

[cachemacstrailtime]

I really like my ULA pack the sizing chart is dead on. My pack fits perfect. You are going to Love it.

[gabrielalarcon]

Thanks again braids, for stopping to see those beautiful flowers, we don't have it in CA , but we have a chimney rock next to the PCT, my blessings to you.✌️👍💪

[stanthemanhikes]

So glad ULA came thru for you and hope the pack is working well for you. I've done that section of trail a few times but I've never hit it when the Rohdodendruns are in such bloom. That trial looks beautiful right now.

[whatkjsaw]

Can’t wait to see how your ULA pack goes. You have your trail legs for sure. You can be 20mi sure about that. The flowers everywhere sure make it pretty. Thanks for sharing, hike on! ⭐️

[donnaburns]

You are killing it! Stay strong and hike on!!🙏🙏🙏