i feel better now.
i absolutely cannot believe we are done with the trail. the only word i can come up with to describe it is "surreal." did we really do that?
the last 100 miles were pretty intense. it was bitter cold the whole time. we were struggling with the concept of being so close and yet having 100 miles to go. we just kept dreaming of the beach we were going to be laying on very soon, and that kept us motivated.
we trudged our way through north carolina and FINALLY got to georgia. we continued to meet more and more north bounders. we continued to meet more and more day hikers telling us the terrain up ahead was rough and maybe we shouldn't go over blood mountain in the rain, we shouldn't walk in the dark, we shouldn't try to make it 6 more miles to the hostel. it is amazing the difference between when we first started and the very last days. for example, a group of strong young men in their 20's were taking 6 days what we did in 2 days. no joke.
our last day was (of course) raining. and 50 degrees. we met a northbounder who was about 5 miles in that said he "loved" rainy and cold weather. talk to us in about another week, buddy.
a mile before Springer there is a parking lot where morgan and jesse met us to walk the last section with us. (we walked; tony ran). then it was over. just like that. just like high school and college. you go and go and then all of a sudden it's over.
people ask us daily if we would do it again. the answer is always yes, we would do it once. not again.
it's hard to explain the trail. it is more than a "hike." it is easily the hardest thing i have ever done. it is blisters and feet so sore you can't put your feet down. it is carrying your life on your back in a bag. it is making new friends that turn into your family. it is having to say good-bye to those friends. it is spending months away from your family. it is climbing mountains and being rewarded by heavenly views. it is climbing mountains and being rewarded by nothing. it is being deprived and cold and hungry and the next hour eating the best mcdonald's you have ever had. it is being so tired that sleeping on a wooden shelter floor feels divine. it is humbling yourself and sticking your thumb out for a ride from strangers. it is hiking miles and miles only to have miles and miles to go the very next day. it is not for everyone.
as happy as i am to be done, i am missing it just as much.
I am a friend of Marks fiance Heather Jo(she showed me your blog). I wanted to say congrats on your completion. I want to thru one day, but until then, my wife and I are section hiking. I enjoyed reading your posts and wishing I was doing what you got to do.
ReplyDeleteCongrats again!
I am Monster Mash's future father in law. Just a few more weeks and he will share my daughter's love. Doing what you did is an accomplishment and something you will be proud of forever. I supported Mark's decision from Day 1. If you ever are going to do something of this magnitude it must be done while you are young and strong. I commend you for your effort. as for those that question your motives or your work ethic, tell them to mind their own business. to do what you guys dis takes courage, hard work and guts. these are things that America was built on. Be proud. Enjoy the moment. Cherish the memories. Get a job when it's time. You will know when this adventure is over. Congratulations and thanks for keeping us updated on your progress.
ReplyDeleteThank you guys so much for reading our blog and keeping up with us!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see Mark and Heather Jo get married!
Michael--sometimes I think that section hiking would be just as hard or even harder than thru hiking because as soon as you get acclimated you have to go home and start again! it is good to have something to share with your wife like a love of hiking!