Date: 2008-10-09
From: Millinocket AT Lodge

To: Home?
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After coming down from Katahdin yesterday, the rest of the day was kind of a blur. I still couldn't help but think about all the many people I had metalong the way and how they were apart of this?For those that started with the same dream and excitement, but for what ever reason were called from or left the trail, I can only try to imagine what they must have felt? There are probably no words that could bring comfort to them, but to those I had the priviledge of sharing this trail with, regardless of how long or short we shared it, I want to thank you.I don't really know how much or little of an impression I leave, whether I was helpful in anyway or made a difference to someone? But I remember those who made an impression on me? Some happened in mere seconds, others developed over time and some were from just observing a reaction to a situation.Regardless, I could not have enjoyed my adventure the way I did, had you not been there. So to me, you will always matter and perhaps our dreams will allow us to cross paths again?            I was wide awake at 04:00 a.m., I couldn't sleep and the snoring prevented me from trying. I sat in the kitchen of the hostel and quietly watched TV until the Appalchian Cafe opened for breakfast. I have spent so much time there that I recognize the faces and feel like a local myself. I walked down the street of Millinocket one last time. Taking as much in, to preserve my memory of this little town. When Sprite, Freckles & I loaded the car in front of the AT Lodge, the owner Paul came out to see us off. He had made a friend and a lasting good impression. He has been successful in his vision of what is possible? Proving this, with the AT Lodge & Appalachian Cafe'. I wish he and his wife the very best and hope more of his visions are realized. Thanks again my friend, take care.The 2 hour drive to Bangor was full of chatter. Though it was raining, the scenery was still beautiful. Trying not too, but unable to do so, I couldn't help but think how this was going to be the last time we would be together?It was so unlikely how it all happened way back when? None of us ever could have imagined? We have been together from the beginning and shared so much?   I could never think of the AT now without thinking of them. And without a doubt, in all my wildest dreams about the adventure I would have on the AT, I could never have Dreamed it Better!We stopped briefly at Dunkin Donuts so they could have something to eat and helping to stall for a little more time.I had told them I was bad at the goodbye thing, I have had some painful ones in the past and they haven't gotten any better. So upon arriving to the fairly small airport, I got out and walked to a mail box to send off my 2000 miler registration form. As I returned, I held back from the emotion of letting go. We hugged, and I waved my hand for them to get going. The words would have never been appropriate in encapsulating what we had shared and how to fittingly say goodbye. We hugged again, and I stood waving until they were out of sight.It was probably to our advantage that the feeling of absolute finality had not hit us yet. It will be strange in the coming days, especially tomorrow when they will not be there.Turning my head from the past and now facing the future, I proceeded through the doors to begin the journey home. I am different in many ways, So therefore I expect I will find changes. What exactly, remains to be seen? Now it is time for this body to rest, I have people I need to see and gear to put away.