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Apr 3, 2022 : Goat Roper Appalachian Trail

Holed Up at Fontana Dam

80 to 90 mph Winds in the Smokies

I’m sitting in Fontana Village on a gorgeous day.   Of course, I am wishing I was out on the trail.   The voice of reason has somehow kicked in due to extremely high winds in the Smokies.   It looks like there will be an over 50-person bubble trying to leave tomorrow morning.   Shouldn’t take them long to be ahead of me.

Incentive to Keep Me Hiking

I have decided to ask anyone who is following me to consider pledging any amount per mile they would like.  All money raised will go to a solar system for our Church in Longville MN.

I will be giving a small gift from the trail to each person who pledges any amount.  Also, the person who pledges the most will receive a heart rock that I carried on my trek.

Here is a link to the pledge site.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_AbZjaKdPs5E3aAv187Xk7qWqEiPJ7W8h4KaLnT7DH5lp4Q/viewform

I don’t know what the over-under bet is in Vegas right now, but I will say if you pledge a dollar per mile you will already have $200 invested, so all I can say is be careful.   These 78-year-old legs just may see Katahdin yet.

Thanks for all the encouragement I have received.

Love from the trail.

May your legs be strong

May your pack feel light

May the trail and people you met bring joy to your heart

 

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Goat Roper
Apr 3rd : Goat Roper
Author Page
Goat Roper's Bio

I am a 78-year-old recently widowed after 57 years of marriage. We have 3 children, 7 Grandkids, and 4 Great Grandkids. I have wanted to hike the AT since experiencing the mountains while in the Navy in Charleston, SC. I have been canoeing the BWCA nearly yearly since the early '60s. I am looking forward to spending some alone time on the trail, at the same time I am looking forward to meeting new friends and experiencing all the trail has to offer.

Comments 2

  • Evie : Oct 12th

    I’d loved to live your life. I love Fontana. My gpa was a Dills. My family lived up there during the time The road to nowhere was built. I live in Albemarle,NC. How I yearn to go back. I have relatives buried up on a hill after you drives ross the bridge. I also have the cremated remains in Fontana lake. You made me smile , thank you.

    Reply
    • Evie Biby : Oct 12th

      Let me see if I can correct my mistakes.I have 2 uncle’s that have their cremated remains in Fontana Lake. I have relatives buried at Paynetown Cemetery on the hill aftér you drive across Fontana Dam. Again , you made me smile.
      Sincerely, Evie

      Reply

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