Just Retired and Getting Ready

OK first post, which means it will be full of mistakes and lack the pizzazz of many of my younger counterparts. Nonetheless, I need to get a post out there to get this thing started.  Soooo, like the header says, “Just Retired…” , After 40 years of progressively responsible professional development in Adult and Juvenile Corrections and Detention, I decided to opt out of the work-a-day world and start tackling that “bucket list”.

First up, the AT.  I picked up AT hitch-hikers in my hometown of Pearisburg, VA in my younger years and was fascinated by the nomads and pilgrims who came through each spring and early summer.  I learned lessons quickly, only once did I let the hikers in the front of my truck.  It took two weeks to air out.  They were grateful for the lift in the back of the truck just as well. The last couple of years of work I started putting my equipment together, reading everything AT I could get my hands on and talking to everyone I could find who had thru hiked or section hiked any of the AT.

I plan to begin a NOBO hike starting March 23rd.  Happens to be my late Mother’s 100th birthday.  All the talk about huge numbers expected at Springer in early spring has me thinking about a flip-flop.  I’ll discuss that more fully in another post closer to departure.  So, first post to get things started and a big overview of my intentions.  I’ll detail things more fully as I go.

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Comments 8

  • Brian : Dec 2nd

    Prayers will be your way sir! Great on you! I’m hoping to do it for my 50th B-day….in 7 years…lol. Let us know any webpages/journals you start.

    God bless!

    The Chief

    Reply
  • Karla : Dec 2nd

    Good for you! I’m heading out in March for my first thru-hike and though not officially retired, I’m taking the time now before I’m physically unable to go. I’ll be praying for you and hope to see you on the trail!

    Reply
  • Tom : Dec 2nd

    Congratulations! I am 1 64 yr old male and had the privilege of being employed by the ATC as a Ridgerunner for the 2015 season in Ga. I can tell you, that most carry way too much food and water, keep your weight down so as to enjoy the journey. By the way, I also have experience in corrections. Happy Trails!!

    Reply
  • Yolanda Moore : Dec 2nd

    I’ll be leaving on my first thur-hike about the same time. I’m retired and a widow. I’m doing this for myself and my husband! I’m 71 yrs. young! Hope to see you there!

    Reply
  • Bob McFarlane : Dec 3rd

    Great first post Charles! I hope to be in your shoes in about 22ish years. I’ll be sure to follow along online this summer. Safe travels!

    Reply
  • James Burlingame : Dec 4th

    Enjoy. I retired and did it last year (age 61). Just ignore the first two weeks while your body adjusts.

    Reply
  • Charles Edwards : Feb 15th

    Thanx for all the good wishes. just getting the hang of the whole “Blog” thing. Just put up a couple more posts and starting to figure it out. Sorry about not replying in a timely fashion to these first posts to my blog. I’ll get better.

    Reply
  • Hobbs : Mar 27th

    Charlie – glad you haven’t tripped over a tree limb yet! I miss you, although you left a terrific person in charge and very capable staff at the helm of your former “ship”. You’ll be reassured, I suspect, that the “usual suspects” I represent are frightened to death about the mere thought of being in the country and the woods, with all the creepy crawlies, and snakes – one of my city darlings said to me about snakes, out of the blue – “did you ever notice they don’t have feet?” I answered, “why yes, in fact I have noticed that about snakes – and some people don’t have ‘feet’, even though they walk upright.

    Be careful out there, Charlie!

    Reply

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