Wednesday, November 5, 2008

It is quite a task to summarize our experience for the last five months of our lives. It was definently the hardest thing we have ever done physically and emotionally: from bouldering over slippery rocks in Maine, to a record wettest July in Vermont, to drought through PA, NY and VA, to an unexpected snow in NC. These plus grimy living conditions were only a few of the obstacles we faced. The trail definitely gave us more than we bargained for, and we quickly learned along our trip to seperate our A.T. "experience" from hiking. This trip was also one of the most rewarding undertakings of our lives. To climb to the top of a mountain for a breathtaking view using our own physical strength was more than rewarding. Eat your heart out Bill Bryson, you lazy bum. We won't soon take modern conveniences for granted. We were also very fortunate to keep good health along the entitrety of the trip. We are walking away from this experience with a better understanding of each other and memories that only Andrew and I can understand. So many people helped us along the way, especially our family and friends. There are simply too many people to thank over this blog. Thank you to all of you who found a way to encourage us along the trip. The trail community/environment introduced us to some of the most generous and hospitable people either one of us has ever met.
Our next endevour is to find a place to live and jobs in our fair city of Chattanooga.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Our family of four met you at Fontana Dam in Tennessee. Of our many memories of hiking the GSMNP in October, we always recount to friends meeting the two of you. Thank you for that memory and congratulations on the completion of the Trail. God bless you and your young marriage.
-JimKimMichael&Abbey (Indiana)

Gregg said...

HOLLER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!