Date: 2005-08-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Walking. One foot in front of the other. It is one our first "tricks" we learn as humans. It seems amazing that one can perform this trick over and over and end up walking 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine. It is a more amazing thing that you are led the entire way by an unassuming marking called a white blaze - whether it is painted on a tree, a rock, a road sign, or a post. This marker goes on and on (seemingly) forever, then stops on a jumble of rocks. Just get on the trail and follow the blaze. And that's what I did.A thruhike is an amazing challenge, but it is not something that I take "credit" for accomplishing. There were so many people who made my summitting of Katahdin possible.First of all, I want to thank my wife, Amy, otherwise known as Biscuits!, for all of her support. For one year prior to the hike she rode the emotional roller coaster with me as I struggled with whether I should to this, could do this, etc. For the first three months of my hike she was my base camp, driving up to resupply me while I was in the South, then preparing packages for me while I was in the mid-Atlantic region. For the last two months she was the best hiker buddy a guy could ever have - a wife that loves to backpack!Secondly, I would like to thank my family for their support. My brother (and his wife) sent many care packages along the way. Their unwavering belief that I would make it really bolstered my spirits at all the right times. My parents, while concerned about their son undertaking such a journey, supported me to the very end, even coming up to Maine for a celebratory dinner at Joshua's in Wells.Lastly, I would like to thank all of the hikers that I spent time with. I divide my hike into three sections, and I would like to recognize the hikers from each section.South:Feather and Heidi - The three of us started off together and learned how to do long-distance backpacking together, including slogging through snow and snow avoidance in Franklin, NC. Will and Amy (Helmet and Catapult) - Once I settled into a hiking groove, Will and Amy provided perfect company over several weeks. They were always funny and were a pleasure to be around.Early Bird - Early Bird knows how to hike. I got better (yes, you get "better" at thruhiking) during my time with her. She could crank out miles and was very disciplined about achieving her goals, all the while seeking out and having fun.Mid-Virginia to NY:Day Tripper - I reached a new plateau in my hiking skills and approach with Day Tripper. She could crank out miles and loved having a good time.T-Rex - What can I say about T-Rex? We hiked together for over a month. T-Rex fit the pattern of hiker that I enjoy - one that wants to do their miles and then enjoy life. T-Rex and I always seemed to find frosty beverages at the end of the day, could always coax a laugh out of each other in the face of adversity (weather, terrain, etc.), and always had a good time. T-Rex is the man and will go on to accomplish other great feats, I'm sure. All I can say is that I've never snored with another man like I've snored with T-Rex. NY to ME:Biscuits! - See note above. My wife rules.Graham - We met Graham just north of Hanover, NH, and hiked to Katahdin with him. He is reserved, polite, and slightly shy - not at all what I expected out of a Scotsman! Graham, however, is a hoss of a hiker. He would prefer not to be in the lead because his long legs would carry him off and away. He could navigate the nasty rock jumbles with seeming ease - Biscuits! and I would follow his lead through these sections. Graham sent us his pictures for NH and ME. His very first picture was taken just after he got off the bus in Hanover. Amy and I happened to be walking on the other side of the street at that time, and we are in the picture, seemingly walking out of the frame. I think we were meant to hike with Graham - it certainly was a great match. It's funny, we ate, planned, complained, laughed, slept in close proximity to, and hiked within ten yards of Graham for over a month. It was very hard on us to just pull the plug and lose this great friend. I have a feeling we will be traveling to Scotland soon to hike with him again.Team Juggernaut - The team included Biscuits! and Graham, and then added Scrubs and Bob (Five-O). The team really was a driving force for each hiker, propelling us on to the Big K in a "no matter what" type of way. We flew through the miles and had a great time doing it.So, I have nothing wise to say, other than to encourage everyone to go do something that you thought you couldn't do. It's as simple as that...