Date: 2014-08-01
From: Katahdin Peak

To: Home in Tennessee
Miles today: 0.0

As I sit here in the airplane flying at 400 MPH, I think of how quickly I will cover the hundreds of miles that it just took me months to hike. It becomes very obvious that the purpose of my hike was not speed! So what was the purpose of hiking 2,185 miles? Why would I allow myself to be separated from the family and friends that I love so much? Why did I hike the AT? Or, as I was asked countless times, "So, why are you doing this?"Before I began my hike when I was asked this question I struggled to give an adequate answer. The day after my hike has ended I still don't have an answer that satisfies most people who ask the question. I can say this, it is an experience that has added deeply to who and what I am. I have come to appreciate my God and many things and people in a way that I did not prior to this trek. On the trail one has much time to think, contemplate, and reflect. I've spent many hours praying for people who I would barely mention in prayer. I've thought of how indebted I am to so many people in my life who have given of their lives to make me the person I am. I have considered what I have given my life to up to this point, and what have I gained or lost as a result. Had I not spent the last 4 1/2 months on a wilderness path, I probably would have never had these mental exercises. The trail no doubt has had and will continue to have an affect on my person. Physically the trail has been every bit and more of the challenge I expected it to be. Several parts of the trail were harder than any I had ever hiked. Thankfully, I met those challenges. I was so blessed and thankful that my health and condition held up throughout the hike. Several of the men my age who started the hike were forced to end their trek due to injury. I probably fell 25 times or more on this hike. Any of those could have ended my journey, but thankfully they were not serious enough to do so. Emotionally this has by far been the hardest thing I've ever done. I have vowed to my wife that God-willing I will never be apart from her this long again. My children and grandchildren have been missed in a manner that I never want to experience again. I have missed my church family greatly, and I am looking forward to seeing so many friends and business associates again. What I leave behind on the AT will have a lasting impression on me. The AT community is one of the most wonderful things I've experienced in my life. The fellow hikers that I shared life with, the many hostel owners, and the hiker friendly people that supported me for the past 140 days were awesome. Rich memories will be mine as I think back of this hiking adventure. So am I glad I thru-hiked the AT? You bet! Would I do it again? No way! Once in a lifetime is enough for this boy! My bucket list has nothing more on it! Oh there are some things Bean and I hope to do, but my life has been very blessed and I am so thankful to have had this amazing experience. The opportunity to use this hike as an introduction to and fundraiser for Special Kids (see specialkidstn.com) has also been very rewarding. In closing I must say thanks one more time. Thanks most of all to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Day after day He filled my heart with joy and song as I hiked the long miles. Thanks to my best friend and encourager, my wife, Bean. Thanks to my family, two of which hiked with me, Kady and David. Thanks to my church family and business circle. I also want to say how much I appreciate those who came and hiked with me, Jeff, Greg, Matt, Stuart, Rick, Justin and especially Bob. I may not have made it through the hardest part of the AT, the White Mountains, without the support received from Bob and Debbie Dray. And lastly, thanks to each person who followed my journal, sent a text or message, called, encouraged, or prayed for me during this hike. Your support means more to me than you can imagine and you've blessed and humbled me with your attention. Blessings on Ya!So there will be no more "Later On". This is Signing Off . . .