In 1990 there were only 3-4 hostels on the trail. If fact, there were only about 5 privies on the trail. No shuttles, you had to hitch everywhere to towns and trail magic was maybe an occasional someone paying for your meal in a restaurant or giving you a ride to town. There was only 1 or 2 spots of trail magic on the trail for the entire length of the A.T. Damn girl, you got grit! 20 miles in Crocs? I've never heard of anybody doing that! Especially in rain! You're hiking very strong, very committed and doing great. Keep it up, don't waver, and keep smiling. geek

I just love that phrase " can't get anymore me then I am right now". I just love my crocs but haven't tried hiking in them, LOL. thanks for being real Maddie.

You definitely are a Trooper. Maybe that should be your trail name. 😄 You’ve got a great attitude and good job embracing the suck. Embracing the suck in a beautiful location is better than embracing it in a boring office or somewhere else. Good luck and keep going! Hope you don’t have to embrace to much suck though. 😄

I always carried 2 pair of socks last year. Hike in 1 pair, rinse them at the end of the day. Then tie them to the back of my pack. By rotating 2 pair, I mostly had dry socks each day. Wet trail runners is just something you get used to. You can use a hair dryer to dry them. I always carry Leukotape to cover blisters. Wet socks and trail runners will cause blisters. When I feel a blister forming, I stop and tape up. Leukotape is waterproof and won't come off until you remove it. You are risking a fall by hiking in Crocs. They don't work in mud or wet rocks. Stick with your trail runners.

Buy a trash compactor bag to use as a pack liner. I use 2.5 gallon ziplocs from Walmart as dry bags. They work great to keep my items in my pack separate and dry. I never store my tent inside the pack. It gets strapped to the outside. So if I have to set up in the rain, my pack is closed until it's inside the tent. Next morning the pack gets repacked and closed up and the wet tent is on the outside away from everything else. I recommend you look into a different tent. I owned that same one in 2021 and it never kept me or my stuff dry. It holds so much condensation. Worst tent I ever had! I used a SMD Lunar Solo last year on my successful AT thruhike. Loved that tent.

Maddie, I enjoyed this Vlog, and admire your spirit. I can empathize with you, on that leg of the AT. Many years ago I backpacked from Georgia into NC and past the NOC as you have done, so your video brought back many vivid memories. Endured heavy rain storm, soaked clothes and boots, and muddy/slippery trails, including that Jacobs Ladder and steep inclines under a full pack. Getting some Trail Magic (unexpected) was a real boost to morale! I remember that vividly. Also, sat at the NOC by the river and felt the same as you mentioned. My friendly suggestion related to the rain and rainwear issue you have faced comes after years of backpacking and hiking in the humid south and East. Get a poncho and wear it over your pack and body. This will keep you dry, and allow enough air circulation so that you will not get wet from soaked parka that can't breathe out the moisture fast enough, in the high activity (hiking) and high humidity (or rain) conditions. I highly recommend this for the AT, and you can wear more comfortable clothes (shorts and wicking base layers) underneath the poncho. Just make sure to put the poncho OVER your shoulder straps and pack, not under it. It should go over everything, including your pack. You want the poncho to be loose, so that air flows under it as you hike. I am confident that will be much more effective and more comfortable than the constant umbrella snags and more comfortable than close fitting rain parka and pants, which can get soak through. I also recommend wearing a "trucker hat" or ball cap with brim and "MESH" fabric body, under the poncho. That will help keep the poncho hood off of your head, and help with air circulation there too, and can help reduce the rain in your eyes or drips from trees on your face. A cheap hat is OK, but look for the ones with mesh fabric and and some form that sits above, not close to head). Hope that's clear. Happy trails! (subscribed)

Beer Stipend!!!

Thank you for sharing videos of the trails, the scenery is beautiful. I can tell a difference in you since you started. I think you are getting your trail legs and confidence now because you sound more confident on the trail now. Keep up the great scenery videos and enjoy the journey in the now time because there’s only now in the present. Have a great day.

Watching you is way better than the theater. You are so real. Your outlook on life is amazing

Walmart has tent stakes that are in a cross shape to keep from spinning. You got this Maddie! You're a trooper!

Hiking in the rain is very demoralizing but when you watch it on KZfaq it's so relaxing. Stay strong you are doing great. For a trail name you should be Beerjoy or BBP. Beer in beautiful places short. If anyone ask it will direct them to your KZfaq channel. I think it suits you.

It was nice to meet you at the shelter just outside of Erwin when you were filming some of us around the campfire. Unfortunately, the weather forced us off the trail until fall. (Retired section hikers can do that when through hikers cannot.). Good luck as you hike to Maine! Steve Lambert

You need a poncho...if you keep it on the outside of your pack, its quick to get on without taking off your pack and it covers you and your pack and keeps your pack dryer too and you can still keep your umbrella for the sun and to shade you when you take your breaks in the summer

"Embrace the suck"...LOL! Hang in there. You're doing fine! You're building character and fortitude in yourself, and you should be proud of your accomplishment! Remember that even a bad day hiking is always better than a good day at home doing nothing! Love those hot pink 'Crocs'! Maddie: Stay safe and ENJOY!

You are a trooper Maddie! Way to rock the crocks.... but I kept thinking you were going to slip and fall or twist an ankle.... but you did it. You need a way to keep the things that you need to stay dry in a separate plastic bag... so that when you get to camp you will at least have dry sleep clothes and sleeping bag... I know you probably know this... but Im an mom, and we always have some kind of advice... ☺

Authentic, don’t ever change

Hiking in crocs is Aussie for hiking in thongs (flip flops for you Americans). I was expecting you to come a crocker more, so to have just one fall. Amazing. Smashin’ it Mads.

Hey Maddie! You probably don't remember but I watched all of your videos of the SHT before my thru hike of that trail this past fall and I reached out to you about it. So, I actually own a hiker hostel, Stumble Inn, on the AT in Front Royal , VA if you need anything when you come thru!

As someone who seems to have a wet cloud that follows me anytime I backpack, I say the same thing. Nothing is going to keep you dry. I feel like many jackets last in rain but not many last 10hrs of hiking. That's what we need! I recently just sucked it up and bought a non breathable jacket. It works great in colder weather when I'm not sweating but otherwise it gets wet inside from sweat. Love your journey and keeping it real!

I walked through a week of rain. Everything soaked, fallen trees, nasty falls, terrible chafing everywhere, every water source flooding. It's brutal on your mental fortitude.

Absolutely amazing and you are too! What a inspiration you are.

im enjoying the fact that you are not surgar coating the hike , great job

Soggy day and to do it in Crocs. You definitely embraced the suck for sure. The hotel was a great bonus. Go to hostels and hotels all you want, it's your hike, enjoy it. You're doing amazing and thanks for videoing. 🙂

This was cool to watch. You did great. You reminded me how much a luxury a hot shower can be. I always hike in crocs and they're the best. Stomping through puddles and rivers is a welcome refresh instead of something to avoid

Fontana Dam...from The Fugitive...near Joyce Kilmer State Park...guy who wrote poem about the tree...HUGE trees there

Stubborn, strange and strong. Keep it up.

I like the recurring format

I can see how hikers destroy hotel rooms with the dry out process.

I love your honest determination! With that you can overcome anything!

Hey Maddie 👋 I love my Crocs, which are also pink. 😊 Maybe not ideal footwear for a through hike, however, problem solving is one of your strengths. Embracing the yuck isn't easy or fun, yet sometimes the best option. Thanks for always keeping it real. Happy Trails!! 🎉 🍻💜🌄

You're killing it... don't stop!

Never really thought about hiking in Crocs but I did see a documentary on a couple of environmental surveyors in the mountains of northern California who hiked every type of terrain in Teva or Chaco style all terrain sandals. They specifically said because it was so wet in the areas they surveyed that normal hiking boots or shoes would either give them blisters, no matter the precautions they took, or foot fungus. With the sandals they had neither even after thousands of miles on the job. I've only ever worn my Tevas on or near rivers but come to think of it even after hours of walking and being wet I never did get a blister. I got some water shoes from Cabelas simply for the better grip on slick rocks and they work very well but I could see the mesh/fabric uppers getting rough after hours on up and down sections. A little too late to tell you now for this section of trail but there will probably be a little outdoor shop somewhere along the way if you wanted to try the sandals. At the very least if you get them then it won't rain anymore. Lol

Lol! What a tough day! Love your attitude!!! And you are in super shape!!

You might enjoy the book about Grandma Gatewood. Mother of 11, thru hiker in her 60s

My sister and gf hiked in the rain today too.. funny they also said they’re embracing the suck. Both slipped and fell on rocks today, not good since they’re both in 50’s, but spirits are good. These are the days you’ll remember! You’re doing great Maddie! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

Huge Croc fan….but you have some mad respect from me for doing 20 miles in them! I am enjoying your hike - stay tough!

Your positive attitude is so infectious! 🦑

Hi Maddie, your an inspiration, love your attitude and positive vibes, love your videos, 👍😀⭐️

I like my Marmot rain jacket. It has a DWR coating, and armpit zippers so you can ventilate.

Love your videos Maddie!

Great video!! Really glad you were able to warm up in the end + awesome trail magic in the sucky weather!!

Fontana Hilton 28 spaces. Get 'Superfeet' . . . you sweat inside rain jackets, there really is no solution to cold rain on AT. You must have proper hypothermia defenses, however, others too . . . bug defenses, poo-system, water system, sleep system . . . lots a lil kits to make life easier. Breathable shoes . . . as the season goes . . . 'Bounce box, USPO, up trail is a great remedy for gear, etc. Just a bit of old school local knobage😜.

Another great video! Thank you so much.

"Embrace the suck", I'm gonna see if that one works for me.

Great vlog. You have a wonderful attitude. Thanks!

for sure U are really brave to be out there in the woods by yourself so yes take good care of you and thanks for the video 🐺

Great job on second week! You are really doing amazing!😊

I had to subscribe! You go girl💯💯🤙🙏

Love your attitude! Have fun too!

Enjoyed your video!! I hope you are doing great Maddie and I hope you have a great week.Good luck to you.

it just can't be the greatest thing to hike in the rain, but i guess we need rain at times, wishing you sunny trails. really some great scenery , thanks for doing these videos

Cheering you on! Hopefully the weather starts improving for you. Hang in there. I like the questions you cover each week. Great idea!

Hi Maddie, glad i checked out your vlog, really nice presentation ... you're rock' n it ... :)

Awesome update. I hope your having better weather this week and going into the weekend. Myself I use Merrells and I have the different types vented ect; although I'm not thru hiking I just wear the days weather. I like the idea of the umbrella, it is light after all. Have fun press north. Good mileage for this video.🌲👍

You’re smashing it 🤩 well done

Go Maddie go! You have the right attitude and I'm so glad you are enjoying the experience whether tough or easy. I imagine sleep will get easier, but you're doing ok. My rainy day footwear is neoprene socks inside my Altras - feet stay warm regardless of being wet, and everything dries out pretty well when the rain stops. Hopefully getting the right shoes will stop the blisters. Umbrella - I love my brolly on hot sunny days in open terrain, not so much slogging through the jungle. When you are thrashing through soggy undergrowth there's not a thing in the world gonna keep you dry, you just have to stay warm enough and be sunny on the inside. Do whatever it takes to keep your sleeping bag dry, though. Have fun, have adventures, and thanks again for sharing :)

Wish I could do what you do, ms. Beer :-)

More good stuff!

Pretty in pink... crocs... Cheers Maddie 🍻

I'm. With you. I hate blisters. Hope yours get better

Your backpack umbrella is awesome! I know you'll get the bugs worked out though 😊

Great video. Make sure you drink enough water and eat enough! GO MADDIE, GO!!

Sometimes it takes some brainstorming to get the creative juices flowing. So here are some possible trail names to consider or get you started thinking of even better options. Sienna. Van girl. 48. (A name of one of the memorable beers you had on your adventures). Croc. Blister. Soggy. Kentucky. Hope that helps you get started on thinking of a meaningful trail name that you can embrace.

When commenting I haven't watched all of your video but I certainly plan to do so. You mentioned brewery's and I hope you are enjoying a few along the way. I'd love to hear about the local flavor when you come along them on the AT

Same weather Central Europe; it is April. April is doing what he wants, sometimes rain, sometimes sunny sometimes snow.😂

The trail is a series of separate trails strung together. " going someplace" would be more like the Natchez Trace

No rainy day is going to stop Maddie from having quirky VIBES…MADDIE……MADDIE….MADDIE…🍺🍺

I've got a trail-name for ya, Maddy. Croc-a-Style. Cheesy, perhaps, but it's a crocodile pun on account of you styling out the rain in crocs. Alternatively, there's Rock-the-Crocs.

6:24 JUMPSCARE 😂

This video confirms why I should never hike the AT … looks sucky in all that rain.

Have you considered a poncho with a hood for rain gear? I know it may create heat and sweat, but might keep your legs drier.

I got terrible plantar fasciitis from hiking in crocs. Be careful..

Re: wet stuff in pack making other stuff wet. I've often wondered about this exact situation. If I were to set up and tear down in the wet, am I not wetting everything in the pack? I guess the answer is a liner in the pack into which goes all "must stay dry" (down, matches) stuff, roll it closed, then stuff in the wet stuff?

13:17 praise GOD!!! 😊

I loved the F H . It reminded me of a bus station on steroids. 🤣

🤘💯😉

Some people just trying to scare you is all now i live in NC and i know the mountains in NC are pretty steep. I mean clingmans dome is the highest spot on the A.T but u seem to be in good shape so i wouldnt worry about it to much but im suree it will get intense for a while have fun ❤. O wow im glad u didn't get hurt falling down the hill u got to be careful girl. I know your determination is high but u can over push your self and get hurt. 😢

Crocs your a trip. Hey if it works it works

'Waterproof' clothing doesn't keep the wearer completely dry. 'Waterproof' shoes are useless. They get wet over the top, running in via socks or when you go in puddles, then they take a long time to dry. Wear sock liners and another pair of socks on top. That means buying shoes to fit that combo. Wet feet by day is just one of the things to put up with. Having dry socks for night is important.

🥾☔️⛺️💜👋🏼

Now I’m watching your JMT videos! So which is harder JMT or AT by far?

My friend who walk it said you need about 4k to make the trip comfortable not counting gear

Write a book about the AT evolution since it’s inception

You need to buy a poncho it keeps everything under it dry got any army surplus one heavy duty and cost 12.74

I would have been pooping my pants when you couldn't open the coffee

I love it, give up, just drink hot water

Take extra precautions with steps please😊

I also chicken wing better on my right side of my pack😂nothing wrong with being stubborn strange or strong willed!!!❤

no prolonged rain will bleed thru all rain gear

Trail Name : The Reporter or Brewsky

Am I the only one who fell in love with Maddy? This can't be healthy 😬

You should stop at Kincora hostel if you want to see a early hostel and meet an AT hall of famer.....Bob People's!!!!

I am looking for an umbrella clip. Where did you get yours? I can’t find one like it anywhere! Thanks.

You definitely don't want Gore-Tex or boots. Hoka or Altra trail runners are by far the best!

Norther. Lol. ...... Your funny. Lol

hope you left them a bad review to warn other hikers haha

Hey Maddie what editing software do you use to do all your videos and are you doing everything from your phone? Thinking I might want to start doing videos like you too and would love some insight from someone that is ahead of me. Thanks.

It would be very difficult and risky to survive on Appalachian Trail with the way Maddie travels on this kind of trail.....

gangster

I'm curious to know how many hours the 20 miles took. Did I miss you give that information?