Date: 2009-10-03
From: Katahdin Summit- Baxter Peak!, ME

To: Going home. Bark's Recap
Miles today: 0.0

We are heading south out of Maine in a car at the moment. It's nasty outside, real nasty. Things already feel different, but some things never change- like my lead foot. We are having no problems driving 70mph (or 85mph for that matter!) on the interstate as some said we would. But there is more than driving to think about. I think we'll be adjusting for a while. So... I've pulled out the ole pocketmail one more time to give a final farewell and summary of our hike from my prospective.Did the journey meet my expectations? It far surpassed it by anything I would have imagined! It was awesome..There is an asthetic beauty to the trail. There's still silence, breathtaking views, plush forrest, cool dry weather, wonderful wildlife, sunsets and sunrises that leave a person speechless. There are days that your energy is endless, when there is more trail magic than hiking, when laughter fills the silent forrest. There are moments of *happiness* like most people would expect- perhaps all the time on the trail. We are thankful for those moments, but they are not what made our experience what it was.I used the word *happiness* because happiness is often associated with external circumstance. However, there was more on this trail externally circumstancial that would make a person unhappy: Rain from GA-VA- hard rain, constant attacks from mosquito's, cold and wet, hot and wet, sweat wet, horrible odors, daily twisted ankles, constant fatuige, mental blocks, never ending green kaleidescope, trips and falls, broken gear, muscle pain, swollen limbs, cranky attitude, pointless ups and downs, getting ripped off in town, going hungry, not getting a hitch... and the list goes on. For me specifically- food poisoning, allergic reaction to a bug bite, stitches in my wrist, MRSA and a host of other things that I didn't have to get off trail for.I think is all about the condition of your heart. No doubt about it- this hike was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but it was such a joy! At some point I believe every attempting thru-hiker will come to a crossroads. The trail will not be fun and there will be a day that the finish line is all that's moving you. You feel purposeless, alone (even when you're with people), and at the end of your rope. BUT, this is the ticket my friends! THIS is what makes the trail what it is- the hard times! Finding the courage to continue, leaning on others, forcing yourself to stop and smell the roses and stumbling your way up to Katahdin. This is the pearl of the AT! This is the strength and bond in the community, and it builds proven character.I've narrowed it down and will contribute the success of our thru-hike to three main reasons.....#1. The Lord, Jesus Christ. He is the umbrella under which the other two reasons exist. As Col 1:17 puts it: "He is before all things and in Him all things exist." He sustained us, provided for us, protected us and enabled us with the wisdom to grow and learn. Because of His strength and promise we never questioned if quiting was possible. He kept us from certian injury and we leaned on Him intently.#2. The people. It's impossible to convey how thankful we are to have experienced such depth and authentic friendship. We have made friends on this trail that will last a lifetime. Some, we only saw for a short while. Others, we hiked with for over 1000 miles. Some finished and some didn't, some didn't even hike at all- doesn't matter- we are so overjoyed to have these people in our lives. The people alone are reason enough to do the trail! We leaned on each other to gain our strength. We were encouraged to the very end by so many people. We'll never forget our "Trail Angels," those that bent over backwards for us on the trail, who served and loved us. We were also uplifted constantly by those online who read our entries and followed along.#3. My Bride, my Buddy, my Beautiful- Berry! The greatest thing from the trail I get to take with me- my lovely wife. This was not her dream. She didn't even know what the AT was before we met. She conformed her will to mine. She supported me in the strongest sense, by completely denying herself. She has exemplified the meaning of love. She is captivating and full of grace. She was my biggest supporter on the trail, my biggest supporter in life. She strengthened me and gave me a reason to be courageous and protect her. She's my companion and the most beautiful woman in existance. The experiences on the trail brought us closer to one another. Our marriage has benefited.In the end, the trail is just that- a trail. It's a rock and dirt path, nothing more. There is more to life and more to live for. God and people last forever. Love and faithfulness are worth pursuing (Proverbs 3:3-4).Would I do it again? You bet, even southbound! PCT, CDT? Would love to!Favorite sections of AT: Maine is #1, White Mtns, PA, Southern VA, Roan Highlands, Big Bald, Max Patch, McAfee Knob.Favorite towns: Franklin NC, Damascus VA, Waynesboro VA, Great Barrington MA, Salisburry CT, Palmerton PA, Hanover NH, Rangely MEMost difficult section: NJ-NY for the mental effects and mosquitos. ME for terrain.Our average day: 15-18 milesBiggest day: 27 miles, which included 3 ridges and humpback in central VA.Shortest day (w/o a town): 2 milesIt took us exactly 6 months to complete the trail and it was the perfect amount of time. We were forward moving, but took every opportunity to see a town or grab a meal with friends. Also, we had 8 days of recoup from my various medical and sickness issues Zero days were wonderful! A big meal in town and rest did wonders for us on the trail. Also, on our zero days we had a lot of fun with our hiker friends.What's next?Berry and I are making a temporary move to North Carolina with the hope of setting up roots and finding empoyment near the AT in that region (hint hint, anybody hiring?). It is our desire to be near the AT and be involved with the hiking community.Thanks to all!!~Be a stream, not a pond. -Bark