He's taken more than 5 million steps, some with people he'll never forget, some with Wildcat with whom he's fallen in love during this unpredictable journey, many alone. He's learned a great deal about America and showed others more about the country they live in and the history of its evolution. He's suffered and experienced moments of bliss unlike any he's ever imagined. He's become closer to our earth, nature and it's creatures, even though he thought he was connected before. He's returned to his roots and and explored places of wonder both within and without. He's altered in many ways and may not know in years how. For a shy, private guy he's opened himself and his soul to his followers and to someone very special beyond his dreams. He's accomplished his dream of walking from Georgia to Maine, but it isn't over and may never be. As many thru-hikers reveal they think of the Appalachian Trail every day and many return each year, even for just a section.
Now Loner, and the friends he's made from the Class of 2012 who have summitted Katahdin, join the few, the very few - at the moment, less than 14,800, over the history of the Appalachian Trail, out of the entire population of the world - who have ever completed the Appalachian Trail journey.
And here they are ....what we've all been waiting for the last series of videos and Loner's summit of Katahdin.
Loner2012AT http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lW98etV5H3M&feature=plcp
I've been watching Jeff's videos on YouTube. His decency, kindness and intelligence shine through on every clip. Congratulations on bringing such a fine young man into the world. Glad he's back safe with you now.
ReplyDeleteI have an 11 year old son, am hoping we'll hike the AT together at one point, we'll see : )
If you plan for it you will do it. I think the AT would be a powerful father son journey. I'm glad I had the chance to experience Jeff;s journey through his videos. It's a luxury we didn't have just a few years ago for those of us who can't physically make it (Or even mentally - Pennsylvania in the summer would have been it for me).
ReplyDeleteand thanks for your following his journey and his kind comments - O', glad so many people got to know Jeff as his family does. He is a kind, thoughtful and independent man who knows that there's more to life than what;s easily handed to you. We're very glad to have him home, but hope he gets some time to hike - because I know the At will always be stirring in him - he was exposed to so many experiences, people and parts of America most of us don't have the chance to. As the parent of an AT thru-hiker - when you and you son do take to the trail find a way to communicate with your family as often as you can - even though Jeff turned 40 on the trail = I worried about him and missed him as if he were 12, even though I was confident that he had prepared more than most hikers and had a good working knowledge of life in the outdoors.
good luck on your plans!
Gail