Date: 2015-08-23
To: Dallas, GA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

After finishing my journey, we had a pleasant and safe trip home to Georgia. It's great to be home and to be with family once again.I thank God for giving me this unique opportunity to enjoy His beautiful and perfect creation. Not a single mile passed that I was not in awe of our Creator and His beautiful creation. This was indeed a spiritual journey, as well as a physical journey.I am often asked which was my favorite state or part of the Appalachian Trail. I can never narrow my choice to one part, because each part was unique and special in its own way; but maybe the most special part was the people I met along the way. I met so many extraordinary people on this journey, people of all ages and backgrounds. What a privilege it was to get to know and hike with so many amazing people. I wish I could recall every name, but this 63 year old mind would unfortunately miss some. So many people made it possible for me to experience this journey, and so many made it so special. I wish to thank each and everyone who helped make this the experience of a life time. Specifically, I wish to thank the following:My family for allowing me this time away from them and giving me their utmost support.Mrs. Gray Ghost for all that she did to support, encourage, and share this experience. She is truly my "trail angel".All of you who read my journal and sent me words of encouragement. When things were tough on the trail, your words of encouragement made everything better.All of those, in addition to my family, who saw me off in pouring rain at Springer Mountain: Gregg, Lisa, David, Caroline, Craig, John, David, Sarah, Lynn, Karla, Grayson, and Allie.All of those who joined me on the trail and hiked with me: Luke, Stephen, Daniel, Mandi, Frank (Tenn and NH), Christian, Tuck, Tanner, Liz, and Rob.My friend John who always encouraged me and had already booked a flight to hike with me in New Hampshire. Unfortunately, I injured my foot and had to return home before this could happen, but we will find time to hike together on a future hike.David who sent me the delicious, homemade, dehydrated Shepard's Pie meals and inspired me to make dehydrated meals, while I was at home recuperating from my injury. I'm now convinced that I can make meals at home that I will enjoy more than any trail food that I can buy.Dennis and Connie who sent many words of encouragement and also gave me a sheet of Tyvek, which I spread out on the floor of every shelter I slept in. The shelters are also inhabited by mice, and it was nice to have something between my air mattress and sleeping bag and the floor. I used it over 60 nights.All of my coworkers who gave me gift cards, supplies, and best wishes for my journey when I retired in 2013.All of the many trail angels who provided wonderful food, fellowship, encouragement, and transportation.Terry, Rob's friend, who opened up her home to us when we really needed a chance to cleanup and refuel ourselves for the journey ahead.Laurel at the Teahorse Hostel in Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, who drove me to the medical clinic when I fell down the mountain. She drove me there, picked me up afterwards, took me to the supermarket, and then back to a hotel. I offered to pay her, but she wouldn't hear of it. Those who prayed for God's protection for me.Rob who became a dear friend. On two occasions, when I was sick, he refused to leave me, even though it greatly slowed his progress. He was always positive, even when he was struggling, and I never heard a negative word from him.   He was a constant inspiration and positive example for me. Thanks, Rob!My friend Whitewater, AT 2012, PCT 2014, whom I hiked with in December of 2013, to test my equipment and readiness. He and Mrs. Whitewater also provided wonderful trail magic when I was at Stecoah Gap in NC. I must have asked him a thousand questions during my preparation in 2013.Liz and Mrs. Gray Ghost for their assistance with my journal entries. Each day I would write it out on paper, take a picture with my iPhone, and email it to them. It took extraordinary patience to read my handwriting and get it into readable form on my journal site.I'm sure I may have left someone out. Please forgive me, because it was not intentional. Thank you all, and may God bless each of you.