Day 53: Zero Day and 40 Years

I Do

Forty years ago today, a very pretty, very young woman walked down the aisle at the Calvin Seminary Chapel and stood next to a very lucky young man and said “I do.” Unlike a lot of young grooms, I wasn’t the slightest bit nervous or scared. For once in my life, I knew I was getting exactly what I wanted and that it was absolutely the right thing.

And I’m more sure of it today than I was then. She was then, and still is, my North Star.

Her Too

Forty years is a long time. Six months on the AT seems long too, but will be gone in an eye-blink, just like 40 years has. But in fact, our six months hiking the AT will be a little more than one percent of the time we’ve been married. What a huge gift Northstar gave me when she agreed to support this little adventure.

A Roanoke Zero

We spent our zero day doing whatever Northstar wanted, which fortunately didn’t involve walking anywhere in the rain. Resting played a big role, as did eating food that others cooked, served, and cleaned up after.

We’ll be back on the trail to start on the Virginia Triple Crown tomorrow. And I’ve got something special planned for the 700-mile mark.

Daily Stats:

  • Start: Trout Creek (Mile 676.7)
  • End: Trout Creek (Mile 676.7)
  • Weather: Didn’t matter
  • Earworm: None
  • Meditation: Pr. 31:6
  • Plant of the Day: Magnolia (outside our window)
  • Best Thing: Northstar
  • Worst Thing: Nope. It was a good day.

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Comments 7

  • thetentman : Jun 3rd

    Your trail name should be ‘Lucky’.

    Reply
    • Jon : Jun 3rd

      Indeed.

      Reply
  • Flash : Jun 3rd

    Congratulations to both of you for still liking each other after 40 years.

    Reply
    • Jon : Jun 3rd

      Thank you! And we do!

      Reply
  • Debbie Carney : Jun 3rd

    Happy Anniversary. My husband and I will be at 34 yrs next month. He said he would support me if I wanted to do the AT. I don’t think he would do as much as North Star. Congratulations and enjoy.
    Blessings to you both.

    Reply
  • Homeward : Jun 4th

    What a blessing is the Proverbs 31 woman. I thank God for mine nearly every day (42 years and counting). I love the name Northstar!

    Reply
    • Jon : Jun 5th

      Indeed. Worth more than rubies.

      Reply

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