An Amicable Divorce

image

There is just no way around it….we needed a divorce….and we were all stepping on egg shells trying to figure out how to do it nicely.

Greyhound had a taste of freedom from the Uncles and had turned in BIG mileage getting to a friend’s wedding.  She gained confidence in her hiking skills and ability to put in those miles comfortably.

Meanwhile the Uncles, Mtn. Goat & Chopper were putting in back to back big mileage weeks of 109+ and 117+ miles and struggling mightily.

The zero at Cousin Rick & wife Bev’s house was at the PERFECT time for recovery purposes.  It was also the perfect time to address the elephant in the room!

image

The discussion took place in the basement of Rick & Bev’s house on the first night (before the zero).  It was time to unleash the greyhound and let her run.  She’d learned all she could from her Uncle’s and it was time to really put her skills and conditioning to the test!

The plan was discussed and agreed upon.  Greyhound would split from Chopper & Mtn. Goat after the zero.  The Uncles couldn’t keep up with the big miles and they wanted Greyhound to have the opportunity to hike her own hike.  It would also give the Uncles a chance to throttle back their miles and get into a more comfortable range.  The Uncles were looking at 15-17 daily, while the Niece found comfort in the 18+ daily range.

image

The zero was amazing!  Our hosts pulled out all the stops (Rick & Bev are standing to the right) and Chopper & Mtn. Goat’s parents( pictured to the left, Duke & Dolores) came in, along with wives Mary (3rd from the Rt. standing) & Bobbi ( not pictured, she had to get back home to work).  Bev’s son is standing in the middle of the picture and gave up his bed for the Grandparents!

image

Steaks, sodas,YooHoos, beer, potatoes, Tasty Cakes, breakfast, lunch, dinner, swimming, resupply trips and help for the Uncles to slackpack 2 days to keep up with Greyhound and ease the emotional burden of her impending departure and our separation. Neighbors Ellen & Ted even joined in and Ellen is assisting with slackpack day 2 by bringing the backpack contents to the Uncles.  Ted supplied the local knowledge of the trail and they also had us down to their home for strawberry shortcake (which was delicious).

image

With a renewed sense of purpose and the comfort of knowing that this was the best decision for all 3 hikers and was happening at JUST the right time, the 3 prepared for their last night together.  They were all smiles and eager to see where the trail would lead them.  Tomorrow is another day and will be here soon enough!

Today’s hike is History, Tomorrow’s Hike’s a Mystery.  Right now is a Gift and why it’s called the Present.

Affiliate Disclosure

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!

To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.

Comments 16

  • TBR : Jun 7th

    Good plan, good attitudes — enjoy the trail!

    Reply
    • Duke Conrad : Jun 7th

      Thanks TBR.

      We’ve run into Greyhound several times today, the last time at lunch. She’s looking to do another 7 Mikes after we finish our day at Cove Mtn Shelter! Thanks for following g along!

      Chopper

      Reply
  • Helen Carpenter : Jun 7th

    Sounds like all of you are hoof ing it. Hope your feet are holding out. Be safe!!!!

    Reply
    • Duke Conrad : Jun 7th

      Helen,

      My feet just started to have minor issues. The other two have been pretty good…..but we gotta take care of dem hoofs…especially now that we’re in Rocksylvania!!

      Chopper

      Reply
  • Kathy Conrad : Jun 7th

    Greyhounds are trained to run once the gate or door is opened. Thus Kelsey is just doing as her namesake was trained! It sounds like you had a perfect parting. I know you and Mountain Goat are proud of that Greyhound. She’s going to excel and you two can do your own hikes without the pressure of trying to keep up with Greyhound. You are all living your dream at your own pace. Take care you three. We’re proud of you and love your latest blog, pictures and updates.

    Reply
    • Duke Conrad : Jun 8th

      Thank you my wonderful sister! She’s ready to chase her dream and create some lasting memories without having her Uncle’s hanging around….and you’re right about the miles Greyhound is way out of our league with what she’s capable of. We are indeed proud Uncles and we wish her the best with one cautionary word…..words. careful about the big miles and injury! We know she’ll do GREAT!!

      Reply
  • Jay Z II : Jun 7th

    I enjoy reading your articles. They are short, sharp & sweet, combined with good pictures, they tell a tale about something rather than a break down day by day. So keep up the good work man !

    Reply
    • Duke Conrad : Jun 8th

      Thanks Jay Z Ii

      Now I can say I’ve had both Tom Brady & Jay Z respond to my blog?! I absolutely appreciate your comments and it fits exactly with what I had intended….to infuse some story telling and humor whenever possible. Thanks for following along with the blog!

      Chopper

      Reply
  • Susan Griffith : Jun 9th

    Great story, tough decision but obviously the right one. So glad to hear you all are doing well and had time with family and now ready to go again. We are all cheering you on and just can not wait to see how the rest of the journey goes. I know it will be wonderful. Wishing you all the very best. See you in September as the song goes!!! Be safe!

    Reply
    • Duke Conrad : Jun 13th

      Thanks Susan,

      Every day holds new challenges and opportunities and we’re really looking forward to our visit with Cousins Mike & Karen! With Greyhound on her own, the stories get doubled! Thanks for your support and following along. Believe me, there are days when that helps us move forward;)

      Chopper

      Reply
  • Brancois Du Pyle : Jun 9th

    Well done and great communication Uncles (see pack mules) and niece Greyhound.
    Keep up the good journey and sharing on the blog.
    Wonderful picture with Duke and Delores and hosts. Tagging Bobbi was a smooth move…She is a good wifey and you are a good hubby!
    My best to all of you.

    Reply
    • Duke Conrad : Jun 13th

      Thanks Frenchy,

      It’s been quite an experience to say the least. The blog DEFINITELY helps us keep in touch (when we have phone service), so brother Francois….thanks for following!

      Chopper

      Reply
  • George : Jun 9th

    There is nothing harder than backpacking with someone. You are doing the right thing

    Reply
    • Duke Conrad : Jun 13th

      Thanks George,

      It was tough for us all, but the right choice as well as the obvious one for the best chance at success for us all….thanks for following the blog!!

      Chopper

      Reply
  • Old School : Jun 9th

    This Nuncle sez emphatically, Let er rip! The Hound will quickly find the amazing freedom that comes with a solo voyage. It is (and was for me ) a rare gift to truly walk alone. Though it was delightful to walk with yer niece,, she flys like the wind. You guys will just have to find some one else to give you the daily grief you so richly deserve!

    Reply
    • Duke Conrad : Jun 13th

      Thanks Old School,

      I’ll have a blog coming out in the next week or 2 where you and One. Foot will be prominently highlighted;). Greyhound has lived up to her me and with the shackles off is having that solo trail experience where she’ll certainly be learning a lot about herself! The same goes for us with the 1st lesson in northern Pa….slowing down a little;). Hope you’re getting over your malady!!

      Chopper

      Reply

What Do You Think?