Thank You!

Post date: Sep 11, 2016 11:7:30 PM

As I approach the end of this hike I'd like to thank all the brave souls that joined me for part of the hike.

Yoda who knew nothing about hiking or camping before joining but decided to give it a go. His company was a much needed boost as I came out of the Smokies. I wish his foot problems had not occurred but the time he was able to spend with me was very nice. Especially Max Patch which I'll always remember. Thank you Bob.

Messiy had scheduled a full two weeks on the trail. He was also very generous with his time and overall support. This time it was me who had a problem, the infamous Anterior Tibialis which messed up his time and mine. His family was also involved including his parents and his wife Jennifer who drove to Virginia and drove both of us home. I'll remember the beautiful hike around McAfee Knob with Messiy with great fondness. A special thanks to Mark and the entire Brumm family.

My daughter Sisu made the effort to join the hike for several days and I count this as some of the most precious time spent. I'll always remember Woods Hole Hostel and time spent there with Anna. Thank you Anna!

Brother Keith, known as Beef on and off the trail, came out but his trip was ended in one day due to a foot injury. Thanks Keith for making the effort- at least you got to spend one night in an AT shelter!

Brother Brick (who would have been Slick on the trail) went through a lot to arrange his trip- the trip that never was! Again, it was the Anterior Tibialis that ruined it. Thank you so much Brick for all your efforts. We'll get a hike in one of these days- John Muir Trail, 2017??

Fritillary, my niece, and her boyfriend Flatboard took time out of their busy schedules to drive from Boston to Vermont, hike into a shelter up a steep rocky climb in the dark, and then join me for a difficult 18 mile hike up and over Mount Killington. They also kept our car for over a month in busy Boston. Thank you very much Angela and Harry!

Packman my son-in-law drove from Milwaukee to Rutland Vermont in about one day and was able to spend several days with me on the trail, including a 21 mile day. We had some very nice one on one time, especially at one shelter where we waited out the rain. Thank you so much Tyler!

D-Day joined me in Connecticut and his presence was especially appreciated at a time when I really needed company. I'll never forget him arriving in Kent ready to go after a mixed up travel itinerary and only a few hours of sleep but, even so, charging up some surprisingly tough hills. Our day in Great Barrington was very nice, even though he took advantage of a tireD Birdman and whipped me in a game of chess. Thank you Dan!

Limey was a particularly valuable hiking partner bringing me through the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It was so nice to have a consistent hiking companion during that stretch. I'll remember the many peaks we passed over, especially Mount Washington. Thank you very much Brian!

A nice surprise was when Scooter and Goldthread flew in to Bangor, Maine on 9/6 and then did two day hikes with me on 9/7 and 9/8. Thank you Melanie and Harrison!

Mostly I'd like to thank my wonderful wife for her unwavering support and frequent trips east to help out a tired hiker needing some Tender Loving Care!