Date: 2013-12-08
From: Winding Stairs Gap

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: snow

Had a great weekend with Crunchmaster (his name by the way came about because of TH Foods supplying him regularly with their Crunchmaster brand crackers and snacks).I slacked Trevor this afternoon from Winding Stairs Gap to Rock Gap (3.7 miles). It was pouring down rain with no signs of letting up. Temperature was around 40 degrees. We discussed his options while sitting in the car at Rock Gap and he wisely chose to hike the 1/10 of a mile to the shelter rather than add an additional 3.7 miles to the next shelter. The weatherman is calling for rain for tomorrow and Tuesday. Wednesday through Friday looks good. Saturday they are calling for 40% chance of showers, but that may change as we get closer. Trevor plans to summit on Saturday morning. I'm planning on going up Friday evening and hiking into the shelter, either the Springer Mountain Shelter (1 mile) or Stover Creek Shelter (1.8 miles). We will decide later based on when we can get up there, what the weather will be like, and whether Trevor would want to join us for his last night out. If he does, then we'll go to Stover Creek shelter.Weather is something we have always taken in stride on our weekend trips to the mountains. A weekend in bad weather is quite different than for a week or more, which is what Trevor has faced, with a break of reasonably good weather yesterday.Sending your son out in the rain by himself was not easy, though I have full confidence in him and his gear. Its always better when you have someone with you for company. We know of hikers ahead of him and behind him, but none on this next stretch.The end of this journey is bittersweet, for both the hiker and his supporters. I've looked forward to learning how his day went, what he discovered, what he experienced, and what he captures on a photo. I will miss that. For Trevor, he will look forward to resting his body, and enjoying comforts at home...comforts he likely will no longer take for granted.Many hikers would prefer to hike 'anonymously' and would rather not have to journal at the end of each day. Trevor obtained financial support based on an agreement to share with others what he experienced, both in word and in pictures. Sharing openly, frankly, honestly, both the good and the bad is what he was urged to do. I'm quite pleased with the work that he did throughout this journey, allowing others a glimpse of what trail life is like. The disadvantages is the loss of privacy. One advantage is the opportunity to get support that wouldn't otherwise be available. Rich, Heather, Fidgit, Mamie, and Rob offered a place in their homes for a reprieve from the trail. That was very special for Trevor and for his hiking buddies. These individuals did this out of the goodness of their hearts, expecting nothing in return. I don't know if any of these and countless other 'special' encounters would have occurred if Crunchmaster had hiked privately and anonymously. Sharing openly also makes the hiker vulnerable to criticism, which when done positively and constructively, can be an opportunity to learn and grow. I have appreciated very much, and I know Crunchmaster has, as well, all the encouraging and kind comments that have been shared on his guestbook. This has been another very positive part of this adventure, that could not have occurred had a low profile approach been taken.Spiritwalker, thanks so much for your guestbook entry, and for reminding us of the appropriate way to respond to others, even when it is harsh and hurtful. And you supported it with a quote from my favorite book. I obviously have some growing to do in this respect.As we near the end of this journey, I'll be collaborating with Crunchmaster, on providing you, the reader, the follower, with lesson's learned. We would welcome your questions and will try to answer each one as straightforward as we can. One question that was asked today by Bob from NH was "would you ever do this hike again?" Trevor indicated that he would, though the thought of doing so at this moment isn't very appealing to him. The answer to that question is deserving of more than a "yes" and may be different 1 month, 6 months, or a year from now. There will be more on this later.For those who have bothered to read my rambling and gotten to this point...I will add Trevor's FB post to the end of this once he submits it, so come back later, and know that it will be at the bottom of this long post.Here it is..."My dad and I stayed in town all morning just relaxing and eating. I wasn't planning many miles so we had tons of time. I actually fit my 3.8 miles in without having to hike in the heavy rain. I got to the shelter around 4:00 and I'm the only one here. This last week is going to be the loneliest week of my life I'm sure. There is a 100% chance of rain tomorrow and a 70% chance Tuesday, but after that the weather should be fairly good. There is a slight chance of rain on the day I'm going to finish but I really don't care what it does as long as I get a picture in. 100 miles to go!"