Date: 2019-08-04
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Miles today: 0.0

When leaving home I debated whether to ask Rachael to accompany me to Amicalola Falls in Georgia for my departure or to just leave from home, saying our goodbyes there. I opted to travel alone, knowing that a clean emotional incision heals quicker and relieving her of the task of getting home. We embraced outside the Union Passenger Terminal in New Orleans at 5:00 on Sunday morning, March 10, 2019, and not long after, this great adventure began with a lurch of a locomotive as I sat in an Amtrak coach car seat. It now ends with the thrust of jet engines as the airplane taxis towards the runway in Bangor, Maine. Little did I realize that the adventure that I anticipated taking 6 months would end in four months and a few weeks, 121 days of actual trekking, with the realization and accomplishment of an unbelievable dream. A goal that only 15% - 20% of hikers who set out would realize. Though I've contributed to my journal faithfully, I will attempt to put it all into context within this written conclusion. Here goes:Over the months of planning and acquiring necessary equipment, I pushed myself out of a comfort zone as I've done countless times before, but this was a giant leap. As I set out on the first day the feeling of independence and apprehension were both very real, however I remained confident in my physical and mental preparations, equipment acquisitions and planning. Although I carried everything on my back that I would need, I would soon learn that the mental toll of a trek of this enormity can not be overstated and that every decision would have consequences, good or bad. I trekked alone as my intentions were to have time for thought and self reflection. Self reflection about where I stood in life, things I wished to improve on or change within, and to take stock of the many blessings of health, marriage, family, grandchildren, friends and career success that I have enjoyed. When at campsites in the evening, and not stealth camping, I would often visit with other hikers for human interaction, tips for managing my hike and to gather new meal ideas. I've friended some incredible people along the way, some with diverse backgrounds, varying political views and religious beliefs, all proof that with a common thread of interest we can all co-exist. Some have chosen to hike with me, but during this time conversation was often limited due to physical exertion and individual focus. I've had a few favorite partners at times, but having a continuous hiking partner was difficult due many variables. Through all of the adversity of freezing temperatures, long arduous ascends and descends, scorching heat and vicious insects, I've remained confident and independent. I've managed this hike in mind and body with great care and thought, ever cognizant that a mistake or misstep could end it all. Although I've reminded myself that failure is not fatal, I knew that this would serve as little consolation should it become a reality due to injury or illness.I have made a conscious effort to look over my shoulder, as the views are often better from another perspective. Along the way, I've taken every opportunity to trek out to overlooks, observe areas or monuments of cultural or historical value and learn while doing so. Whether standing on a mountain with treetops at my feet, wading through clouds or negotiating muddy bogs, the majestic value of this whole experience and my first hand encounter with nature can not be overstated. I've celebrated every mile, every climb, every state line crossed as well as every other little milestone that I could identify all in the motivational quest to accomplish my ultimate goal. For every tough mountain, I told myself that I'd never climb that one again. On the extremely cold nights or mornings or rainy days, I convinced myself that these conditions won't last.I've also enjoyed the diverse character of small town USA as each has it's own ambiance. When retreating to a town seeking refuge from severe weather or to resupply and rest, I reveled at the opportunity to eat non-trail food, as well as shower and wash laundry, as being dirty and the constant foul stench of my body and clothing wore on me. One of the best feelings and my favorites was to wash my hands in warm soapy water. Often, I would stand at the lavatory for 5 minutes with warm water flowing over my hands, as it was a reprieve from the cold feeling of hand gel used on the trail.Soon days became weeks and weeks became months as the forest transformed around me from winter to spring and eventually summer. A few days or a week ago seemed like an eternity as the miles and experiences are pushed from memory and places and occurrences begin to run together. The further north I trekked, people wanted to know and talk as they were intrigued by my efforts. I greeted them all with courtesy, taking a few minutes to answer questions or take a photograph with them, but at some point my pack became heavy, daylight becomes limited and I must go.The trek has taken a toll on my body as my joints ache. My arches have flattened and my feet are now a whole size larger. With a daily caloric burn rate of 5000-7000 calories a day, I've done my best to eat as much and when ever I could, especially in town, however I've lost approximately 25 pounds. I've traversed a trail taking over 5 million steps, through 14 states, and 8 national forests, consisting of 2192 miles. I've learned that a thru-hiker trekking from Georgia to Maine will climb and descend a total of 91 miles. This is an elevation gain and loss equal to climbing Mount Everest almost 17 times. With my experience, I offer the following thoughts of reflection. In everyday life when we're attempting to justify a purchase or an idea to ourselves or loved ones we'll say "hey, you only live once." I'll challenge and counter this thought process by saying we only die once. I intend to live everyday while making the most of my life. We give our best to our families, workplace and all that we do, but are we giving the best to ourselves. I'm reminded of this lately as I've lost friends who have died, never enjoying a day of retirement or what they've worked for in their lives. We have one life to live and may we never say "I wish I would have" to something we wanted to do, accomplish or experience. Great things never come from comfort zones. Be your best everyday because the life you change may be your own.I've prayed daily and often on this journey and God and I have had some really frank conversations, especially during times of severe weather. He'd often respond with beautiful scenery, a gentle breeze, sunshine, gale force winds, snow, sleet or thunderstorms with nearby lightning strikes. Regardless of conditions and sometimes fearful, I've never felt alone or closer to God. It's my appreciation that although the trek was always a formidable mental challenge, the first third of the journey was physical with strenuous, seemingly never ending ascends, descends and terrain changes. The second third was predominately mental and the final third was a deep spiritual experience. By spiritual, I'm actually referring to the human spirit while grasping a better understanding of myself through extraordinary experiences and adversity. The true peace and freedom that I've come to know and enjoy on this adventure can not be put into words. The scenery and the countless moments of self-reflection will forever be embedded in my heart and memory. I've come to realize that I may have needed this adventure more than I wanted it. For that I am forever grateful.One of the most heartwarming experiences on this journey has been the overwhelming generosity and caring attitude of total strangers whom I've met along the way. I offer a special thanks to all of the trail angels who have borne the expense of visiting, feeding and lodging me all in an effort to move me along. Some are family, some are friends, and others are people whom I¢ve met for the first time, while others remain absolutely anonymous, providing trail magic along the way. Although I thanked each of you personally from the bottom of my heart, you will never know the actual impact you've had on helping me physically and emotionally. To all who have followed along in spirit, I thank you for your well wishes, thoughts and prayers. Many have cited courage, inspiration and other flattering compliments regarding my accomplishments. For that I also thank you as your words were frequently inspirational. I don't see myself as doing anything special. I simply woke up everyday, stepping out of my tent, a shelter, a hostel or hotel room, embracing the wonder of a new day. Sequentially, I put in a hard days work, often hiking 10-16 hours a day, never fixating on an end goal, but focusing on the day at hand. Although each state possessed it's own challenges, special beauty, distinct personality and uniqueness, the Whites in New Hampshire have been some of the most difficult mountains. They've also provided a great sense of accomplishment, beauty and peace. Despite the distraction of the mosquitoes, gnats and flies, Maine has been the most beautiful with numerous ponds dotted about the landscape and majestic views. Although I've taken numerous photographs, simply carving a square out of a magnificent landscape seems to do an injustice to the incredible grandeur of it all. My encounters with wildlife along the entire trail have also been memorable. My Appalachian Trail journey has provided me with a great deal of enjoyment and personal satisfaction. In some aspects it has freed my soul in a sense and aided in my transition from my former professional life. While it's difficult to describe where this wilderness journey has taken me, I'm certain that I've become a better person. Nature and the trail have emphasized how insignificant we are as individuals on this earth and reinforced the importance of embracing the moment and investing in those we love. Perhaps in the coming weeks, I'll come to terms with understanding the enormity of my accomplishment, but for now I will hold my loved ones, pet my loyal dog Abigail, and relish in the comforts of home. Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It's the courage to continue that counts. Winston ChurchillDuane "Tank" SchexnayderDshake234@yahoo.comAppalachian Trail Thru-HikerNOBO / March 11 - August 1, 2019