Date: 2013-12-14
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: moderate rain

Trevor hasn't yet downloaded his photos so what I initially share here are photos others took. I'll add his photos and journal entry later. The weather didn't disappoint, in fact it enhanced the ending. Steady rain and at times high gusting winds greeted the welcoming party on top of Springer Mountain. Temperature was in the high 30's with a little ice in the rain at one point. What this did was demonstrated to all those who were unfamiliar with what hiking in the winter on the AT can be like.On the evening before summit day, Crunchmaster spent an enjoyable time eating around a fire with Travis, his brother, Gary, his uncle and hiking partner, and me, his father, at Hawk Mountain Shelter. We stayed up late for hikers, about 9:00, and then retired to some warm sleeping bags.In the morning Gary and Travis packed up their packs and took them back to the truck at Hightower Gap, and then came back to the shelter to join Trevor for the remaining 8 miles of his journey. Travis and Gary discovered the advantage of having hiker legs as Trevor, like a horse racing to the barn, set a 4.2 mph pace to the finish line. I took my pack back to the truck and then drove down to the bottom of the mountain and led several cars containing the welcoming party up to the Springer Mountain parking area.When we got there Trevor, Travis, and Gary were waiting and the entire welcoming party hiked the remaining 1 mile to the top of Springer. Trevor arrived first and others followed for a quick group shot. All this was in fairly heavy rain. On the return trip down to the parking area gusting winds brought the rain in sideways and added some ice pellets for good measure. Probably the worst kind of weather you can hike in with heavy downpour with temperatures a little above freezing. Snow would have been better.Once back at the parking area the rain stopped and the group gathered around for a celebratory toast.Crunchmaster appreciated all his friends and family that came out to support him as he crossed the finish line.Many thanks to the following who were able to be a part of the final mile to the finish:Iris Pyke, motherTom Pyke, fatherSharon Brown, grandmotherTravis Pyke, brotherBrittany Pyke, sister-in-lawGary Pyke, uncleBill Pyke, uncleElizabeth Pyke, auntMatt Nash, cousinBrandon Babbitt, high school buddyBryce Babbitt, Brandon's brotherWes Babbitt, Brandon's father and good friend of mineHunter Jones, high school buddyJay Jones, Hunter's father, and good friend of mine (National Sales Manager of THC Foods, who sponsored Trevor through providing a supply of Crunchmaster crackers throughout his journey)I'd also like to recognize other family members who were unable to be at the finish line but would have liked to have been and who provided much support throughout Trevor's hike:First and foremost, Ron Pyke, grandfather and hiking buddy, who passed away during Trevor's quest and whom Trevor has dedicated this hike toMarilyn Pyke, grandmotherThomas Pyke, brother in COLauren Necko, brother's girlfriend, also in COJan Nash, auntJack Nash, uncleVirginia Pyke, auntMark Brown, uncleSusan Brown, auntand a slew of cousins and their families--Jill, Kelly, Chad, Cherri, Adam, Tima, Kama, Zeb, Kim, Chad Jr, Joby, Keith, Becca, Elizabeth, Wes, Jen, Alaina, Krista, Kalie, Logan, Jon, Dominique, Caitlin, Andy, Lexi, Stephanie, Leila, Bryce, Clara, and BrysonHere's a few photos..."Well today was my final day on the trail! My dad, brother, uncle, and I woke up to a snow and rain mix which quickly turned to all rain. We were on the trail at 7:50 with just 8 miles to go. About 3 miles in, it turned to an absolute downpour! We made it to Big Stamp Gap at 10:00 and waited for a few minutes for everyone to show up. I was only 1 mile from the finish and was very eager to get moving! I was joined on the last mile by many friends and family. Around 11:00 a.m. I reached the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail! 5 months and 10 days earlier I had stood on top of Mt. Katahdin! I would like to thank everyone for the prayers and support! I couldn't have done this without everyone's positive comments. Even the negative comments motivated me to keep going. I'd also like to give a special thanks to all the other hikers I was able to hike with on the trail! There were a lot of them and here they are: Milkrun, Cerveza, Harpo, Groucho, Maverick, Passing Traveler, McLovin, Doctor, Foxy, Grub, Ziploc, Google, Wolfbird, Cool Blue, Sherpa, Shuffle, Rebar, Wood-Butcher, Fives, Gospel, Sumo, Mr Blue Sky, Skunk, Wooly, Breeze, Hover Job, Treegasm, Ninja, Smooth, Bartender, Yogi, Chimp, Squared Away, Chewie, Pumba, Puppy Pack, Potter, Buck, Stub, Hotspot, M-Dot, El Flaco, Delta, Buddy Backpacker, Captain, Hurc, Hobbit, Junco, and Chicory! I hope I didn't miss anyone, and if I did I'm sorry. Most of all, I'd like to thank my dad for being my biggest supporter. There is no way this trip would have been possible without him. For now, I'm going to kick back and relax. But who knows, I might be going on another adventure very soon! Thanks everyone!"Here are more photos from Crunchmaster's camera...."