What Is He Seeing?
The Next Thing...Sorta. A funny thing happened as I was ruminating about The Next Thing: I landed a role in a wonderful movie - "The Funeral Photographer." Mark Strauss, a dear friend of mine, wrote the sceenplay for this short thriller, and on a whim I auditioned for a role, any role. And somehow ended up being cast in a principal role. Here are a couple of shots from the set. Given that I had no prior acting experience, I was a bit anxious about this, but found it all to be an incredible experience, made so by the wonderfully supportive and patient crew and fellow cast members. A big thank you to all! #thenextthingsorta #thefuneralphotographer #actingdebut #actingswansong
Dec 13 Three Oaks, Michigan
The Next Thing...Sorta. A funny thing happened as I was ruminating about The Next Thing: I landed a role in a wonderful movie - "The Funeral Photographer." Mark Strauss, a dear friend of mine, wrote the sceenplay for this short thriller, and on a whim I auditioned for a role, any role. And somehow ended up being cast in a principal role. Here are a couple of shots from the set. Given that I had no prior acting experience, I was a bit anxious about this, but found it all to be an incredible experience, made so by the wonderfully supportive and patient crew and fellow cast members. A big thank you to all! #thenextthingsorta #thefuneralphotographer #actingdebut #actingswansong
The Next Thing - Still Contemplating. First, I want to thank everyone for all of your great ideas as to what I should consider as my next endeavor. Roughly 70 folks shared ideas through Instagram, Facebook, texting me, email, calling me, and chatting with me on the street. Thoughts ranged from climbing Mount Everest, to hiking another long trail like the Pacific Crest Trail, to experiencing every Michelin Three-Star restaurant in the United States. By the way, there are 14 of them, including two in Chicago. But the jury is still out as I continue to mull over the myriad of wonderful suggestions. Given that I do not plan to undertake whatever might be next until 2021, I have plenty of time to decide and plan. Again, thank you so much for your wonderful ideas, and please keep those cards and letters coming in! 🙂 #thenextthing #stillcontemplating #mullingaway
Nov 26 New Buffalo, Michigan
The Next Thing - Still Contemplating. First, I want to thank everyone for all of your great ideas as to what I should consider as my next endeavor. Roughly 70 folks shared ideas through Instagram, Facebook, texting me, email, calling me, and chatting with me on the street. Thoughts ranged from climbing Mount Everest, to hiking another long trail like the Pacific Crest Trail, to experiencing every Michelin Three-Star restaurant in the United States. By the way, there are 14 of them, including two in Chicago. But the jury is still out as I continue to mull over the myriad of wonderful suggestions. Given that I do not plan to undertake whatever might be next until 2021, I have plenty of time to decide and plan. Again, thank you so much for your wonderful ideas, and please keep those cards and letters coming in! 🙂 #thenextthing #stillcontemplating #mullingaway
Query: The Next Thing? It has been a little over a year since I finished my last "thing," a six-month-thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. I have to admit that I have thoroughly enjoyed the downtime, even taking into account my knee-replacement surgery and subsequent rehab, both resulting from the aforementioned walk. The best part of the break: spending time with Laura, family and friends, and especially, our first grandchild, Sienna! Interestingly, during this long break I have frequently been asked: "What's next?" I am sincerely gratified by the interest shown in my endeavors, and must admit that it has gotten me thinking again about "the next thing." So as I mull this over, I would be interested if you have any ideas that you wouldn't mind sharing as to what my next thing might be. Thanks, and I look forward to hearing what you come up with! #thenextthing #newchallenge #pushingtheenvelope
Nov 5 New Buffalo, Michigan
Query: The Next Thing? It has been a little over a year since I finished my last "thing," a six-month-thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. I have to admit that I have thoroughly enjoyed the downtime, even taking into account my knee-replacement surgery and subsequent rehab, both resulting from the aforementioned walk. The best part of the break: spending time with Laura, family and friends, and especially, our first grandchild, Sienna! Interestingly, during this long break I have frequently been asked: "What's next?" I am sincerely gratified by the interest shown in my endeavors, and must admit that it has gotten me thinking again about "the next thing." So as I mull this over, I would be interested if you have any ideas that you wouldn't mind sharing as to what my next thing might be. Thanks, and I look forward to hearing what you come up with! #thenextthing #newchallenge #pushingtheenvelope
One Year. October 5, 2019. Today marks the one-year anniversary of summiting Mt. Katahdin in Maine and completing my thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. As it so happens, Laura and I are in Barnard, VT visiting friends who live only a short distance from the trail. I did a much needed zero at Pam and Stan's home when I came through last year. What better way to commemorate the day than to go for a stroll on the trail on a beautiful, fall day. #oneyear #summitday #timeflies #appalachiantrail #2018appalachiantrail
Oct 5 Barnard, Vermont
One Year. October 5, 2019. Today marks the one-year anniversary of summiting Mt. Katahdin in Maine and completing my thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. As it so happens, Laura and I are in Barnard, VT visiting friends who live only a short distance from the trail. I did a much needed zero at Pam and Stan's home when I came through last year. What better way to commemorate the day than to go for a stroll on the trail on a beautiful, fall day. #oneyear #summitday #timeflies #appalachiantrail #2018appalachiantrail
New Plate. When I returned to civilian life after completing my A.T. trek last year, I decided to change my Michigan license plate and kicked around a number of possibilities before settling on the attached. Any thoughts on the relevance of the license plate number? And for those thru-hikers in other states, I think that there is a pretty good chance that this number is available if you are interested. #2190.9 #2018appalachiantrail #nationalparks #backpacking #hiking @appalachiantrail
Jul 18 New Buffalo, Michigan
New Plate. When I returned to civilian life after completing my A.T. trek last year, I decided to change my Michigan license plate and kicked around a number of possibilities before settling on the attached. Any thoughts on the relevance of the license plate number? And for those thru-hikers in other states, I think that there is a pretty good chance that this number is available if you are interested. #2190.9 #2018appalachiantrail #nationalparks #backpacking #hiking @appalachiantrail
The Reunion. Earlier this week, Laura and I were visited by two fellow Appalachian Trail thru-hikers: Easy Bake and Wingman. It was wonderful seeing them again, and to commemorate the reunion we did a nice hike through the dunes at Warren Dunes State Park. This is where I did a fair amount of training before my trek on the A.T. last year. And while I'm still in recovery mode after my knee-replacement surgery a little over eight weeks ago, I did manage to get to the top of Tower Hill and beyond, albeit bringing up the rear. Our reward for the morning hike: ice cream. It was just like old times. #thereunion #oldfriends #warrendunesstatepark
Jun 15 Warren Dunes State Park
The Reunion. Earlier this week, Laura and I were visited by two fellow Appalachian Trail thru-hikers: Easy Bake and Wingman. It was wonderful seeing them again, and to commemorate the reunion we did a nice hike through the dunes at Warren Dunes State Park. This is where I did a fair amount of training before my trek on the A.T. last year. And while I'm still in recovery mode after my knee-replacement surgery a little over eight weeks ago, I did manage to get to the top of Tower Hill and beyond, albeit bringing up the rear. Our reward for the morning hike: ice cream. It was just like old times. #thereunion #oldfriends #warrendunesstatepark
Before and After. Late in the morning of April 3rd I checked into Skokie Hospital for full, left-knee replacement surgery to correct something that was about 40 years in the making and culminated with with my 2,190 mile thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. The surgery was done by a wonderful surgical team and took approximately 90 mintues. Then within two hours of clearing post op, a crack physical therapist was taking me through the paces of a series of exercises, then had me up and moving down the hall for a short promenade. After a fitful night's sleep, the physical therapist had me up again taking on a more extensive series of rehab exercises, which included various, seated leg drills, climbing stairs, and attempting a sub-four minute, 40-feet "sprint.". All previous records are still intact, and footage of the trek, along with some other action shots, are attached. Then approximately 24 hours after I cleared post op, we gathered my thing's and I was sent on my way. Now the real work begins. #beforeandafter #thelongwalkback #realworkbegins
Apr 5 Skokie, Illinois
Before and After. Late in the morning of April 3rd I checked into Skokie Hospital for full, left-knee replacement surgery to correct something that was about 40 years in the making and culminated with with my 2,190 mile thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. The surgery was done by a wonderful surgical team and took approximately 90 mintues. Then within two hours of clearing post op, a crack physical therapist was taking me through the paces of a series of exercises, then had me up and moving down the hall for a short promenade. After a fitful night's sleep, the physical therapist had me up again taking on a more extensive series of rehab exercises, which included various, seated leg drills, climbing stairs, and attempting a sub-four minute, 40-feet "sprint.". All previous records are still intact, and footage of the trek, along with some other action shots, are attached. Then approximately 24 hours after I cleared post op, we gathered my thing's and I was sent on my way. Now the real work begins. #beforeandafter #thelongwalkback #realworkbegins
Paying the Piper. A little over a year ago, on March 25, 2018, I embarked on my thru-hike of the 2,190 mile Appalachian Trail. On April 3rd of last year I hiked 11.3 miles to a campsite at Betty Creek Gap, and was 97 miles along the trail, three miles short of hitting my first mileage milestone. Tomorrow, April 3rd, one year later, I will be doing a different walk, this one from the car into the hospital for my full, left-knee replacement surgery. The first image that I attached is of my left knee, and as you can see, the cartilage on the inside of the knee has vacated the premises, and it's pretty much bone on bone. That might explain why my left knee was swollen, stiff and sore for the last five months and 1,800 miles of the hike. For old times' sake, I've also attached my video at the start of the trek, along with a couple of other shots. So another journey of sorts begins tomorrow, and we'll just have to see how it all works out. Put it on the board, Murray! #payingthepiper #hopalong #collateraldamage
Apr 2 New Buffalo, Michigan
Paying the Piper. A little over a year ago, on March 25, 2018, I embarked on my thru-hike of the 2,190 mile Appalachian Trail. On April 3rd of last year I hiked 11.3 miles to a campsite at Betty Creek Gap, and was 97 miles along the trail, three miles short of hitting my first mileage milestone. Tomorrow, April 3rd, one year later, I will be doing a different walk, this one from the car into the hospital for my full, left-knee replacement surgery. The first image that I attached is of my left knee, and as you can see, the cartilage on the inside of the knee has vacated the premises, and it's pretty much bone on bone. That might explain why my left knee was swollen, stiff and sore for the last five months and 1,800 miles of the hike. For old times' sake, I've also attached my video at the start of the trek, along with a couple of other shots. So another journey of sorts begins tomorrow, and we'll just have to see how it all works out. Put it on the board, Murray! #payingthepiper #hopalong #collateraldamage
Just Breathe. I do think that Spring is just around the corner, and the birds at the marsh certainly think so. #justbreathe
Mar 25 New Buffalo, Michigan
Just Breathe. I do think that Spring is just around the corner, and the birds at the marsh certainly think so. #justbreathe
Diamonds and Just Breathe. On a recent walk along the beach near our home on a chilly morning, I found pieces of ice that looked like diamonds strewn on the sand. While wonderful to walk along and look down at the various collections of light, what was even more wonderful was to simply stand and watch, and listen to, the waves roll in that had carried the glass to the beach. It is sometimes hard to believe that this is a lake and not an ocean. #justbreathe #diamondsonthebeach #piecesoflight
Mar 18 New Buffalo, Michigan
Diamonds and Just Breathe. On a recent walk along the beach near our home on a chilly morning, I found pieces of ice that looked like diamonds strewn on the sand. While wonderful to walk along and look down at the various collections of light, what was even more wonderful was to simply stand and watch, and listen to, the waves roll in that had carried the glass to the beach. It is sometimes hard to believe that this is a lake and not an ocean. #justbreathe #diamondsonthebeach #piecesoflight
A Winter Walk. A couple of days ago a cold front moved into the area that brought a steady snow throughout the afternoon. Sitting inside and gazing out it was as if I were looking into a snow globe. Later I went out for a walk through a wooded area near our house. It was quite cold and windy, but beautiful, and I did not see another soul who was out. I ended my trek back where I started, and shot a video of the snow falling on the marsh behind our home, which I have attached, along with other images from my winter walk. #justbreathe #awinterwalk #insidethesnowglobe #inblack&white
Mar 7 New Buffalo, Michigan
A Winter Walk. A couple of days ago a cold front moved into the area that brought a steady snow throughout the afternoon. Sitting inside and gazing out it was as if I were looking into a snow globe. Later I went out for a walk through a wooded area near our house. It was quite cold and windy, but beautiful, and I did not see another soul who was out. I ended my trek back where I started, and shot a video of the snow falling on the marsh behind our home, which I have attached, along with other images from my winter walk. #justbreathe #awinterwalk #insidethesnowglobe #inblack&white
Just Breathe: The Dance. It has been some time since I shared a Just Breathe piece. But very high winds in the area brought a wonderfully choreographed dance of the trees behind our home. Periodically throughout the day I sat and looked out at the extraordinary performance, and then found a wonderful piece of music to accompany it. The Dance. #justbreathe #thedance
Feb 24 New Buffalo, Michigan
Just Breathe: The Dance. It has been some time since I shared a Just Breathe piece. But very high winds in the area brought a wonderfully choreographed dance of the trees behind our home. Periodically throughout the day I sat and looked out at the extraordinary performance, and then found a wonderful piece of music to accompany it. The Dance. #justbreathe #thedance
Three Minutes. In 1968 artist Andy Warhol said the following: "In the future everybody will be world famous for fifteen minutes." I suppose that this is as good as it will get for me, but I'm thinking that my tenure will run more like three minutes instead of the stated fifteen. Earlier this week I finally received my copy of the AAA Living Magazine article covering my thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. It is a wonderfully written piece with the photography of Chris Bennett, and will hit around 6 million households. I'm honored that AAA said that this is the first time that they have featured a AAA member on the cover. I am also pleased that they featured my fundraising for the National Park Foundation in the article. Again, contributions to the NPF can be made through my website: www.athike.jollyoutthere.com. If interested, there are additional photos, videos and material about my hike on the AAA Living website: aaaliving.acg.aaa.com/travel/the-appalachian-trail-hike. If they somehow ask for a zip code to get to the article, use 49117. Again, thank you to AAA for doing the article on my hike and the NPF, and Chris for the incredible photos! #threeminutes #appalachiantrail #appalachiantrail2018 @appalachiantrail @goparks
Jan 18 New Buffalo, Michigan
Three Minutes. In 1968 artist Andy Warhol said the following: "In the future everybody will be world famous for fifteen minutes." I suppose that this is as good as it will get for me, but I'm thinking that my tenure will run more like three minutes instead of the stated fifteen. Earlier this week I finally received my copy of the AAA Living Magazine article covering my thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. It is a wonderfully written piece with the photography of Chris Bennett, and will hit around 6 million households. I'm honored that AAA said that this is the first time that they have featured a AAA member on the cover. I am also pleased that they featured my fundraising for the National Park Foundation in the article. Again, contributions to the NPF can be made through my website: www.athike.jollyoutthere.com. If interested, there are additional photos, videos and material about my hike on the AAA Living website: aaaliving.acg.aaa.com/travel/the-appalachian-trail-hike. If they somehow ask for a zip code to get to the article, use 49117. Again, thank you to AAA for doing the article on my hike and the NPF, and Chris for the incredible photos! #threeminutes #appalachiantrail #appalachiantrail2018 @appalachiantrail @goparks
Here is a very nice post from Laura regarding a program that I did yesterday about my hike. Thanks, Mrs Santiago! : Very proud of Fred R Jolly sharing his hiking adventures at Fernwood Gardens yesterday afternoon! Nearly 70 people came out in the snow to hear tales and see photos/videos of his "long walk." He's still raising awareness of and funds for the National Park Foundation -- now more than ever they need our help! See www.athike.jollyoutthere.com for coverage of his hike and more information on how to donate through Crowdrise. Way to go, Sweetie! #athike #fernwoodbotanicalgardens #thxmrssantiago @goparks
Here is a very nice post from Laura regarding a program that I did yesterday about my hike. Thanks, Mrs Santiago! : Very proud of Fred R Jolly sharing his hiking adventures at Fernwood Gardens yesterday afternoon! Nearly 70 people came out in the snow to hear tales and see photos/videos of his "long walk." He's still raising awareness of and funds for the National Park Foundation -- now more than ever they need our help! See www.athike.jollyoutthere.com for coverage of his hike and more information on how to donate through Crowdrise. Way to go, Sweetie! #athike #fernwoodbotanicalgardens #thxmrssantiago @goparks
The Certificate. It is official now, I just received my certificate from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy acknowledging my successful thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. They also included an "AT" patch and "2000 Miler" patch, free of charge. And the only thing that I had to do to receive the above, was walk the 2,190.9 miles from Georgia to Maine. Worth every step. #thecertificate #appalachiantrail #2018appalachiantrail #nationalparks #backpacking #hiking @appalachiantrail @goparks
Dec 8 New Buffalo, Michigan
The Certificate. It is official now, I just received my certificate from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy acknowledging my successful thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. They also included an "AT" patch and "2000 Miler" patch, free of charge. And the only thing that I had to do to receive the above, was walk the 2,190.9 miles from Georgia to Maine. Worth every step. #thecertificate #appalachiantrail #2018appalachiantrail #nationalparks #backpacking #hiking @appalachiantrail @goparks
So long, Santiago. After an eight month run my beard is no more, and I am once again a clean-shaven member of society. I must admit that it was fun while it lasted, and was perfect for the trail, but I just wasn't sure what to do with it. Given my over six months on the trail, I also wasn't exactly sure what might be in there. I would occasionally have nightmares that when I finally cut it off, I would find that four ticks had taken up residence. So about two weeks ago I began the process of removing it. But instead of taking it all off all at once, I decided to take it off in stages and capture each of these, as the odds are that I will never cultivate this kind of facial crop again. So that is what is attached, my long goodbye to Santiago. #solongsantiago #appalachiantrail #2018appalachiantrail
Nov 29 New Buffalo, Michigan
So long, Santiago. After an eight month run my beard is no more, and I am once again a clean-shaven member of society. I must admit that it was fun while it lasted, and was perfect for the trail, but I just wasn't sure what to do with it. Given my over six months on the trail, I also wasn't exactly sure what might be in there. I would occasionally have nightmares that when I finally cut it off, I would find that four ticks had taken up residence. So about two weeks ago I began the process of removing it. But instead of taking it all off all at once, I decided to take it off in stages and capture each of these, as the odds are that I will never cultivate this kind of facial crop again. So that is what is attached, my long goodbye to Santiago. #solongsantiago #appalachiantrail #2018appalachiantrail
The Metamorphosis. While I did not turn into a large insect during my 6 1/2 months on the Appalachian Trail, I did go through a transformation that some might consider to be Kafkaesque. Besides losing around 30 lbs., my facial appearance also changed rather significantly. Over the course of the trek, I would periodically take a selfie to chronicle the change. The attached video captures the transformation from clean shaven civilian, to rather grizzled thru-hiker with a bit of a patina. #themetamorphosis #kafkaesque #beforeandafter #worseforthewear #appalachiantrail #2018appalachiantrail #nationalparks #backpacking #hiking @appalachiantrail @goparks
Nov 25 New Buffalo, Michigan
The Metamorphosis. While I did not turn into a large insect during my 6 1/2 months on the Appalachian Trail, I did go through a transformation that some might consider to be Kafkaesque. Besides losing around 30 lbs., my facial appearance also changed rather significantly. Over the course of the trek, I would periodically take a selfie to chronicle the change. The attached video captures the transformation from clean shaven civilian, to rather grizzled thru-hiker with a bit of a patina. #themetamorphosis #kafkaesque #beforeandafter #worseforthewear #appalachiantrail #2018appalachiantrail #nationalparks #backpacking #hiking @appalachiantrail @goparks
26,000. As you may recall, an important element of my Appalachian Trail thru-hike, was to raise funds for the National Park Foundation (NPF), with my goal being to raise $25,000. Now that I have successfully finished my trek, I am pleased to report that to date I have pushed past my original goal, and have contributions and gift commitments that total $26,000! I would like to sincerely thank all of you who contributed and helped me achieve my goal. It is very much appreciated. And for those who haven't had the opportunity to contribute, please consider doing so by going to my website: www.athike.jollyoutthere.com. Contributions can be made through Facebook and Crowdrise, which can be easily accessed on my website. As I noted previously, our National Parks are a national treasure, and they need our support now more than ever. Thank you. #26000 #nationalparkfoundation #appalachiantrail #2018appalachiantrail #nationalparks #backpacking #hiking @appalachiantrail @goparks
Nov 21 New Buffalo, Michigan
26,000. As you may recall, an important element of my Appalachian Trail thru-hike, was to raise funds for the National Park Foundation (NPF), with my goal being to raise $25,000. Now that I have successfully finished my trek, I am pleased to report that to date I have pushed past my original goal, and have contributions and gift commitments that total $26,000! I would like to sincerely thank all of you who contributed and helped me achieve my goal. It is very much appreciated. And for those who haven't had the opportunity to contribute, please consider doing so by going to my website: www.athike.jollyoutthere.com. Contributions can be made through Facebook and Crowdrise, which can be easily accessed on my website. As I noted previously, our National Parks are a national treasure, and they need our support now more than ever. Thank you. #26000 #nationalparkfoundation #appalachiantrail #2018appalachiantrail #nationalparks #backpacking #hiking @appalachiantrail @goparks
The Partial Ginsburg. OK, it wasn't the Full Ginsburg, a reference to attorney William Ginsburg's appearances on five Sunday morning news shows back in 1998, but the two programs that I had last night were about all that I could handle. Early in the evening, I gave a presentation on my AT thru-hike to around 70 people at the New Buffalo Library. Harbor Country Hikers, a local hiking club, sponsored it. Then 1 1/2 hours later, I did an hour long interview on the Michiana Story Hour with Gregg Fraley. Both were wonderful experiences, and I even had a couple of my friends from the Navy almost 40 years ago call and text into the show. I certainly enjoyed both programs, but I'm thinking that they almost took as much out of me, as doing the trail! ( As an aside, there will be a rebroadcast of my radio interview next Tuesday evening, November 20, at 10:00 P.M. EST, at 93.5 FM, or online, at www.radioharborcountry.org. If you go to the online site at the above time, just click on "Listen Now" to hear my interview.) #partialginsburg #radioharborcountry #harborcountryhikers #radiodebut #michianastoryhour
Nov 14 New Buffalo, Michigan
The Partial Ginsburg. OK, it wasn't the Full Ginsburg, a reference to attorney William Ginsburg's appearances on five Sunday morning news shows back in 1998, but the two programs that I had last night were about all that I could handle. Early in the evening, I gave a presentation on my AT thru-hike to around 70 people at the New Buffalo Library. Harbor Country Hikers, a local hiking club, sponsored it. Then 1 1/2 hours later, I did an hour long interview on the Michiana Story Hour with Gregg Fraley. Both were wonderful experiences, and I even had a couple of my friends from the Navy almost 40 years ago call and text into the show. I certainly enjoyed both programs, but I'm thinking that they almost took as much out of me, as doing the trail! ( As an aside, there will be a rebroadcast of my radio interview next Tuesday evening, November 20, at 10:00 P.M. EST, at 93.5 FM, or online, at www.radioharborcountry.org. If you go to the online site at the above time, just click on "Listen Now" to hear my interview.) #partialginsburg #radioharborcountry #harborcountryhikers #radiodebut #michianastoryhour
Radio Debut. For those who are not in the area and might be interested in hearing about my thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, I will be interviewed by Gregg Fraley on his Michiana Story Hour show this Tuesday evening, November 13, from 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. EST. The program is at 93.5 FM, or you can listen to it online at: https://www.radioharborcountry.org. Just go to the site at the above time, and select "Listen Now." I hope that you enjoy the interview! #radiodebut #radioharborcountry
Nov 11 Three Oaks, Michigan
Radio Debut. For those who are not in the area and might be interested in hearing about my thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, I will be interviewed by Gregg Fraley on his Michiana Story Hour show this Tuesday evening, November 13, from 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. EST. The program is at 93.5 FM, or you can listen to it online at: https://www.radioharborcountry.org. Just go to the site at the above time, and select "Listen Now." I hope that you enjoy the interview! #radiodebut #radioharborcountry
Just Breathe. #justbreathe
Just Breathe. #justbreathe
They Came With Me. While I hiked a majority of the AT solo, I wasn't alone. For you see, in addition to seeing other hikers periodically, I also carried a bit of home with me. Laura gave me two kernels of corn that came from the family farm, one each for my now deceased Mother and Father. Laura also gave me a small heart, and Claire and Kyle gave me a horseshoe charm and small medallion of an angel for my journey. Our friend, Suzanne, also contributed an angel medallion. Can one ever have too many? Lindsay and David gave me a small rock that paired with a bit larger rock that remained at home. The wonderful thought was to do the hike, and then return back home with the rock. Both of us safely made the return trip. And as if the above were not enough, Elizabeth made a beautiful dreamcatcher that I had on my pack for the entire trek. While the wear and tear took off most of the feathers, the rest of the dreamcatcher came through with flying colors, and, I might add, received many compliments along the way. So they were all with me every step of the way, along with the many who conveyed ongoing, wonderful words of encouragement and support through Facebook comments, and many cards and letters that Laura would deliver to me when she met me on the trail or sent me a resupply box. And all of this, made all the difference.
Oct 12 New Buffalo, Michigan
They Came With Me. While I hiked a majority of the AT solo, I wasn't alone. For you see, in addition to seeing other hikers periodically, I also carried a bit of home with me. Laura gave me two kernels of corn that came from the family farm, one each for my now deceased Mother and Father. Laura also gave me a small heart, and Claire and Kyle gave me a horseshoe charm and small medallion of an angel for my journey. Our friend, Suzanne, also contributed an angel medallion. Can one ever have too many? Lindsay and David gave me a small rock that paired with a bit larger rock that remained at home. The wonderful thought was to do the hike, and then return back home with the rock. Both of us safely made the return trip. And as if the above were not enough, Elizabeth made a beautiful dreamcatcher that I had on my pack for the entire trek. While the wear and tear took off most of the feathers, the rest of the dreamcatcher came through with flying colors, and, I might add, received many compliments along the way. So they were all with me every step of the way, along with the many who conveyed ongoing, wonderful words of encouragement and support through Facebook comments, and many cards and letters that Laura would deliver to me when she met me on the trail or sent me a resupply box. And all of this, made all the difference.
Just Breathe. You didn't think these were going to end, did you? #justbreathe
Oct 9 Monson, Maine
Just Breathe. You didn't think these were going to end, did you? #justbreathe