May 4
A month ago today I was dropped off at Springer Mountain in Georgia and began the most unusual journey of my lifetime. Today, I walked out of the Smoky Mountains, 240 miles from where I started. It feels like a long way until I realize that it is just a little over 10% of the total journey. The walk has just begin.
I have been so fortunate to have shared this first month with two very wonderful people. Johnny Walker joined up with me just a short way into the adventure. It was hard to see him stop this week due to leg and back pain.
Highlander (George) has been my constant companion and friend since my first step on the trail. His experience and positive encouragement have kept me on track during some of the early, tough days when I wondered what I was doing. He is far beyond me in ability and physical condtion, but has chosen to stay and keep us a team.
Tonight, as we walked into Standing Bear Hostel, I knew I needed to call home to check on things. Once again, with a borrowed phone and using a certain "spot" on the hillside, I was able to reach Susan. The news she gave me was that my Dad was dying and I needed to come home.
A special thanks to my sister in law, Debbie, who drove around for hours to find me on a lonely dirt mountain road. Thanks to her I am at home tonight and will see my Dad tomorrow morning.
Thanks for all of your prayers. At 240 miles, the hike is on a temporary hold for a few days. Highlander will continue his hike, unhindered by my speed and limitations. I will miss him greatly when I get back on trail, but am pleased to know he is advancing strongly northward. He is one of the finest people I have ever known. I will never forget him. "Forward McDuff!"
A month ago today I was dropped off at Springer Mountain in Georgia and began the most unusual journey of my lifetime. Today, I walked out of the Smoky Mountains, 240 miles from where I started. It feels like a long way until I realize that it is just a little over 10% of the total journey. The walk has just begin.
I have been so fortunate to have shared this first month with two very wonderful people. Johnny Walker joined up with me just a short way into the adventure. It was hard to see him stop this week due to leg and back pain.
Highlander (George) has been my constant companion and friend since my first step on the trail. His experience and positive encouragement have kept me on track during some of the early, tough days when I wondered what I was doing. He is far beyond me in ability and physical condtion, but has chosen to stay and keep us a team.
Tonight, as we walked into Standing Bear Hostel, I knew I needed to call home to check on things. Once again, with a borrowed phone and using a certain "spot" on the hillside, I was able to reach Susan. The news she gave me was that my Dad was dying and I needed to come home.
A special thanks to my sister in law, Debbie, who drove around for hours to find me on a lonely dirt mountain road. Thanks to her I am at home tonight and will see my Dad tomorrow morning.
Thanks for all of your prayers. At 240 miles, the hike is on a temporary hold for a few days. Highlander will continue his hike, unhindered by my speed and limitations. I will miss him greatly when I get back on trail, but am pleased to know he is advancing strongly northward. He is one of the finest people I have ever known. I will never forget him. "Forward McDuff!"
RSS Feed