PARENTS & THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL: Trail Talk w/ a mother of two thru hikers

Welcome to the 4th edition of Trail Talk, a series where we explore other’s experiences being on the Appalachian Trail. This episode we introduce my mother, Debbie, to the channel. Our family has had a lot of experience with hiking and camping since I was little. The Appalachian Trail became a conversation point six years ago when a thru hike became my dream. My mom has a lot of good advice for parents of any adventurer ..weekenders to potential thru hikers. Question Navigation: Do you remember when I first brought the trail up to you and dad? 1:17 How did you prepare for the possibility of me hiking alone? 3:56 How was it leaving me at the beginning of Springer Mountain to start my Thru Hike? 6:52 What were your feelings when I failed? We’re you relieved I was off trail? Or upset for me? Also how did you process me failing? 12:16 When we brought the trail up again was it any different then the first time I brought it up? 15:33 Did sending us off feel any different than sending me off in 2017? How did it compare? 19:55 What resources did you use when we were hiking? 28:15 Can you speak on the trust that you feel parents should have. 30:15 Did you think we could complete the Appalachian Trail entirely? 34:32 How did you keep tabs on us? And what would you do if you couldn’t locate or communicate with us? 35:30 How did we plan an “on-trail-visit”? 38:56 We know you guys were extremely helpful when it came to mail dropping some food and supplies. How was it coordinating those mail drops? 41:09 How has your views of the trail changed since the beginning? 48:09 What are some pieces of advices you have for parents sending their babies off on a Thru Hike? 56:29 Do you have any future plans?! Thru hiking? Or backpacking trips? 59:12