Date: 2018-10-16
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Miles today: 0.0

Gordon's 2018 Journey: Dennis Cover Road TN (419.6 AT mile marker) to Bland VA (591.2 AT mile marker)STATS:172 miles on the AT (190+ total miles of walking)41,800 ft elevation gain432,000 steps15 days on the trail (14 1/2 hiking)11.8 miles/ day averagePEOPLE ON THE TRAIL: We met 43 thru hikers:41 were SOBOers and 32 were Flip FloppersThere- were 4 husband and wife teams2 were NOBOers and both had Flip FloppedWe met 24 section hikers doing hikes of a few miles to 500+ miles. Only 4 were doing hikes longer than 172 miles.We did not meet any hikers as old as me and only one, No Doubt, was older than Mike.80% of the hikers were in their 20's.THE THING ABOUT THE HIKE I WILL NEVER FORGET:Camping at Chestnut Knob Shelter with General Selva, his wife, and their security detail. General Selva is the 2nd highest ranking military officer (4 star) in the armed forces and the highest ranking officer in the Air Force. A graduate of the Air Force Academy and an Eagle Scout. He is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His trail name is "Flat Top".FAVORITE THING THAT TOOK PLACE ON THE TRAIL:The 17 mile hike through Grayson Highland State Park - Great views, ponies, long horn cows, and the opportunity to meet some great people.The stay at Woodchuck Hostel in Damascus VA. We needed a break. We had a great host (Woody or Woodchuck), interesting bunk mates, a delicious breakfast, and great meals at the Damascus Diner.The night we spent in Atkins VA at the Comfort Inn where we ordered pizza takeout and watched the Chiefs beat the Broncos.The hike along the roaring stream/ creek for 12.5 miles as we were leaving Damascus VA. It was the best day I had on the trail to think about all the good things I have in my life, my family and friends, and how lucky I am.HARDEST PART OF THE TREK:The first 2 days before we had our hiking/ trail legs we did 19 miles in 1 1/2 days with steep (very steep) climbs. I was exhausted at the end of both of these days.The 4200 elevation gain and 12.5 miles headed to Chestnut Knob Shelter.THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE IN THE 2 TREKS:Springer to Hot Springs was 274 miles (26 days) vs 172 miles (15 days).The first trek I was alone and had more time to reflect and think. The second trek I was able to share the experience with Mike Pearce.Both treks involved great views, great times, some challenges, meeting lots of interesting people and creating memories for a lifetime.Last year since most of the hikers I met were just starting their trek (NoBoers from GA), a lot of them (over 50%) did not meet their objective in hiking distance. This year almost all of the hikers we met had already hiked all summer and had already completed 1600 to 1700 miles of their trek (mostly SoBoers). A large percentage of this group were going to finish their goal of reaching Springer Mtn (2170 miles).BIGGEST FEELING OF ACCOMPLISHMENT: Completing 172 miles on the AT in 14 1/2 days.Setting a goal and achieving it.HIKING PARTNER:Mike Pearce, Yakker, was a great hiking partner. I enjoyed the numerous conversations we had and getting to know Mike better. The support he provided made the hike easier and very enjoyable. After I left the trail Mike continued his hike for 6 more days (Oct 7- Oct 12) and his sister and her friend joined him for this final week. They did an additional 64.9 miles therefore Mike did a total 236.5 miles. That is great!!!THANKS FOR FOLLOWING:We had over 5000 people visit this Journal. Most days we had over 400 people look at the Journal.FINAL THOUGHTS:Still the 3 words that come to me when I think about hiking the AT:PEACEFUL - the opportunity to enjoy the views, the sounds of the forest, the surrounding wildlife and the solitude of the walk.PEOPLE - it is great to meet so many people and hear their unique stories.ACCOMPLISHMENTS - setting goals and achieving them or doing the best you can to achieve them is very rewarding.As happened with my 2017 trek, I am hopeful this journey will have a positive impact on how I view people and my surroundings. I know it has increased my awareness of how important it is to appreciate and cherish the people you love. The time on the trail has helped me reconfirm what is important in life and how I measure success.As I write my Final Thoughts about my 2018 trek, I do realize I am the "luckiest guy in the world".Thanks for following along this year.The Luckiest Guy in the World,Gordon