Date: 2011-07-17
From: Day 129 Rutherford Shelter

To: Day 130 High Point NJ
Miles today: 2.6

First let me start off by telling you all, I have left the trail at High Point in NJ and probably will not be making it to Katadin this year¢¦.. I am not saddened by this revelation only truly inspired by the wonderful people I have met, the places I have seen, the things I have learned, in short everything I have experienced during my journey northbound from Georgia.  From the early days of March to today, my life has constantly been filled with wonderment and awe, my pictures, my journals will remind me forever what a wonderful trip this has been. ¢¦....I understand the importance of being 100% both physically and mentally in order to complete a task as demanding as a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. Given everything I have hiked through so far I was elated I made it to NJ, now trying to hike during a heat wave, my body had lost the strength to continue and I wasn¢t having fun anymore, hiking had become work, and as they say, ¢If your not having fun, it¢s time to go home¢ and realizing that, I went ¢off trail¢. ¢¦¢¦. I never want hiking to feel like work, it¢s fun, I really enjoy hiking and I want it to stay that way. ¢¦¢¦.Sometimes in life I don¢t notice nor value high enough what¢s right in front of me until it¢s not there, like my wife Gerrie.  I have mentioned how much Gerrie does for me, and yes I do appreciate it very much, what I haven¢t said, is she does this, and so much more, all the time. It¢s all those other times that I miss and want to take part in again. I am truly fortunate to have a beautiful home, a wonderful woman, and wife of 36 years, who wants to share it with me whether we¢re eating dinner sitting at the kitchen counter, watching TV or just holding hands.  Just being with her makes me truly happy, I love her and I miss her.Many of you have told me what courage you thought it took for me to undertake this hike and I was your champion.  I tell you now it took the same championship courage to decide to stop, and not continue on because I though I had to for someone else.  I continue to believe in Hike Your Own Hike.  I love hiking and will continue hiking for many years to come, and just maybe someday, I¢ll try a thru-hike once again or just be content with being a 2000 miler by picking up the sections I missed this year. ¢¦¢¦.To my friend and hiking companion, Danny Martinez, trail name Tramp, I want to say a special ¢Thank You¢ for your sustained friendship, support and everything we have been through together.  Even though we are many years apart in age, you always made me feel welcome. I feel privileged and honored that you shared with me your life experiences from traveling (Tramping) around this wonderful country. I¢ll always be your trail angel. ¢¦¢¦..And finally, Thank You all for your well wishes and encouragements, they were the fuel that kept me going when I didn¢t know I could, I might not have made it this far without them.  I am eternally grateful, thank you . ¢¦..Tonight life is still beautiful on the Appalachian Trail............ But I am no longer there.Total AT miles hiked during my last day 2.6 ........................ Nite all