Date: 2005-02-15
To: Domino Ireland's New Adventure
Miles today: 0.0

Some of you know this and some of you dont. I'd like to tell everyone about the next path my life's journey will head down:The Appalachian Trail (AT) awaits. From Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mt. Katahdin in Maine, I am off to to take on a dream I have had for many years; to Thru-Hike the Appalachian Trail- 2170 miles; a 5 to 6 month journey.On Friday, I resigned my position with the Village of Pinecrest- Pinecrest Gardens. After the hike I will see where I end up; where life leads me. But, for now, my lease is up and my stuff will go in storage. The gear is being accumulated and the specific plans are being set.It is ok if some of you do not understand or approve of my desire, reasoning, ability, sanity or finances in regard to this important trip. I expect nothing and yet everything; no, anything. I truly appreciate the support that people have already shown and the support people have pledged. I will need it!On my backpack I will wear a piece of cloth with: www.bafound.org Providing support networks and educational resources to raise public awareness regarding early detection and treatment of brain aneurysms. I will put out a press release to this regard as well.[My mother is paralysed from complications due to a cerebral aneurysm and my family lost our beloved "Memma" last year after many complications stemming in part from brain aneurysms. A brain aneurysm is a weak bulging spot on the wall of a brain artery very much like a thin balloon or weak spot on an inner tube. Aneurysms form silently from wear and tear on the arteries, and sometimes can form from injury, infection, or inherited tendency. Anyone at anytime can have a life changing experience from this silent foe. Without the financial backing and public/press coverage that other life threating ailments such as Cancer, Heart Disease, AIDS and Lung Disease have, the awareness and positioning of research for aneurysms goes on as silent as the aneurysms themselves. This is very sad really, considering the potentials for the lurking danger throughout our world. My wish is that nobody ever has to feel the impact of an aneurysm on their life or the lives of loved ones. Just one of these silent enemies can and, if it occurs, will affect many. I dedicate my trek to my Mother and Grandmother as well as everyone else who has ever been or ever will be challenged by this quiet killer.]To myself, I dedicate the experience. As far as the Thru-Hike goes, I am off on trail sometime between March 13th and 17th. There are many ways you can learn about what a thru-hiker goes through and what the adventure entails. I'll leave that to you and a Google search to find out, if you are so inclined. My goal is to wrap-up my trip before my birthday in September on the 24th. I have a general schedule as to being places and such but want to be free to journey at a pace that is free from to many specifics other than my basic/survival related needs. Some of you have said you will join me for portions of the trail and I certainly welcome that. I will start alone but, as the AT brings out many to make the journey, I am sure I will have others to look after me (and I them) soon after the bulk of us hit the trail next month traveling with the season to make it thru! Please take the time to check out some of the stats on AT Thru-hiking.I am still in the process of deciding many details about the trip. As you might guess, it takes alot of planning to walk, stay well hydrated, take shelter, eat, stay warm, stay cool, sleep and walk some more for 2170+ miles. A special thank you to those of you who have provided gear and moral support thus far.I have added you to this AT 2005 hike list because each of you are special to me and/or I have a connection to you that involves this endeavor. There will be a few updates and such that come out over the next 6 months on this list. No promises, but as the opportunity presents itself for me to do so I will. There are towns and such along the way. I will seek out computers when I can and have updates sent. If you wish to be removed from this email, I understand completely; no worries, just reply and I will take you off the list.There are a few ways any of you could assist me (if someone wanted), as some of you have already said you would. One is that there are mail-drops/resupply points along the way in which a care-package(s) is the treat of all treats on the trail. If you are interested in this please send me an email. I can give you a list of the posts, general types of foods/supplies needed and approximate days I will be in what areas. Thank you in advance! Another way is to be sure to visit the aneurysm website www.bafound.com and www.alink.org and just read. This will help us all. If any of you want my Mom's information so you can send her a note or phone call every now and then please ask.And, I sure could use some emails of encouragement between now and mid-March. Also, pray, meditate, send me some of your energy and/or throw a little luck my way over the next 6 months. Whatever your beliefs, I'll take some energy from any postive and powerful spirit. Also, please do not reply or send emails after the middle of March so that my hotmail mailbox does not overflow. If you could, take me off those "group" forward lists that jokes, pics and time-sensative advice goes out to me from. Yes, you can add me again in October if it is not to much trouble on you.My favorite poem and inspiration is The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost. If you get a chance to read it again, please do. And from Jimmy B's The Last Mango in Paris I quote..."There's still so much to be done!"Dont worry about me, I am also taking Jimmy's advice from the song Cowboy in the Jungle: "We've gotta roll with the punches, learn to play all of our hunches, make the best of whatever comes your way. Forget that blind ambition and learn to trust your intuition, plowin' straight ahead- come what may..." Now for any questions, suggestions, jokes, pokes or other words from you folks, just reply to me at dominoi@hotmail.comThank you for reading this all the way through. I had to get this off my mind so I can move on to the next task.As always, keep a smile on your face, Domino Ireland