Date: 2008-06-05
From: New Song's home

To: Home--Final Thoughts
Miles today: 0.0

Where do I begin?Though I was unable to complete this journey to Katahdin, I was truly fortunate to have had the opportunity to chase a lifelong dream. So few of us ever have that chance to find the time in our lives to test ourselves and look over the horizon. I have and that special time of my life will always be treasured.Regrets? Absolutely none! From the beginning, I knew that I was testing the limits of my well-used body and that the time could come when it could longer stand the pressure. I approached this hike with a plan to be safe and to protect the body¢s weak points as well as possible. I did that.So, what do I take from this 600+ mile experience? This hike was by far the most rewarding and impacting adventure in my life. The rewards are countless but allow me to share my most meaningful thoughts.Natural connections¢My time spent in the woods truly renewed my connection to nature and the value of protecting this quickly diminishing resource. I will miss but never forget the sounds of the forest and their calming effects.A new me¢Losing thirty pounds in 10 weeks is truly remarkable for me. The fitness that comes with that is astounding as well. Though there are easier ways to do that, the experience was the real prize. Physical changes are nice but the new inner peace is a benefit of my hike that I hope to retain for years to come.Kindness--- Nowhere else in my life¢s journey have I experienced so much genuine love for one¢s fellow man. The countless acts of good will provided by strangers to me and my fellow hikers have made a permanent impression on me. Loving trail angels, friendly trail towns, and conditionless helping hands from many wonderful people have renewed my faith in my fellow man. My thanks are heart felt.Friendships---Without question, my most significant treasures taken from the experience are the wonderful people that I met. The bonds formed in very short periods of time are lasting and will remain for a lifetime. We shared a common experience with similar challenges and a single goal. I will count many of my hiking companions as true friends and hope to keep in touch with them for many years to come.Gratitude--- Following one¢s dream to hike the AT is a lofty idea that captures many people¢s imagination. Many give far too much credit to the hiker in this endeavor. In my humble opinion, far too little recognition is given to those left behind to keep our lives going. They provide valuable support that is so essential. They also supply that vital sustenance of moral support that is so critical to the soul. For me, I had several wonderful people who gave me the kind of support in words and deeds that made my time on the trail so rewarding. They know who they are and, I hope, they know just how much they mean to me.Last, but certainly not least, I am so grateful to the readers of my journal like you. So many of you sent me notes of encouragement that had far more impact than anyone can imagine. For those who simply read my journal entries, it gave me great joy to know that you had interest in my hike. I hope that you found it as enjoyable as it was for me in preparing it.In leaving the trail, I left many good friends and hiking companions who continue the day-to-day trek to reach a goal. I wish for them a safe journey full of beautiful days, starry nights, incredible sunsets, far-reaching views and success in reaching that illusive but meaningful summit at the end of the hike. They will be in my thoughts every day.In conclusion, I promised to keep this journal light and fun. I apologize for the less than light entries in recent days. With that, I must report that the Beast (3/17) is resting comfortably in my spare room. He and I became close friends despite his penchant for telling unfunny jokes. Mr. Funk (3/24) has not been seen for some time though I suspect that he is curled up tightly in the same drawer with my old hiking clothes. The midges (4/26)¢thankfully they stayed out in the woods with my old buddy Chewy¢s friends, the caterpillars. And lastly, there is a little white mouse (4/2) somewhere in the mountains of North Carolina who sits around at night with a wry little smile on his face.Thank you so much for reading.