How it Took Me Over 40 Years to Start the AT
I’ve had this dream a long time, over 40 years in fact. I first learned about the Appalachian Trail because I hadn’t learned enough in school. During summer vacation between the third and fourth grades my parents gently broke the news to me that I’d be seeing a tutor to make up for some poor grades. I was surprised, not that I had poor grades, but that I had any grades at all. No one explained the whole “you are graded” concept to me. I thought it was just a place to hang out and hear stories, draw pictures, and play games involving letters and numbers. What does this have to do with the AT? One day my tutor had me read an article about the Appalachian Trail and an idea formed that never really left my mind. I’d really like to find that article today. I think it was a National Geographic World Magazine (for kids) circa 1977. So, this is a nearly lifelong dream; call that reason number one.
Life Happens, in a Good Way
I never forgot about the AT but I did develop other loves and interests. The common thread was that nearly everything I gravitated to was an outdoor activity. Duluth, Minn., is an outdoor playground along the shore of Lake Superior. I hiked, camped, canoed, skied, fished, and biked my way through life but one interest began to dominate: aviation. I became inspired, or obsessed, by anything that flew and with the help of a few key mentors I focused my life toward the goal of flying. That meant getting a college degree, so I could become an officer, so in turn become a pilot, and live what I hoped would be an exciting and challenging life. Somehow that all happened and I completed Air Force pilot training, and made a career. Along the way I married Brenda, the girl of my dreams, and we raised two boys into young men. We were an active outdoor family, always traveled and camped, including some epic backpacking and hiking in the Sierra, Yosemite NP, Rocky Mountain NP, Grand Canyon NP, the Smokies, and Big Bend NP. There wasn’t any time to thru-hike during these years but it was always in the back of my mind that I would when I retired. By 2010 I was on my last assignment in Pensacola Fla., and began to make plans. Reason two: I’m at transition in life.
Life Happens, in a Bad Way
On Easter morning in 2011 Brenda woke me up to these words, “I have a lump.” Tests led to a diagnosis, and the diagnosis led to treatments. She completed multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation. For a brief period in 2013 we thought we were in the clear. I did retire but remained in the same job, flying for the Air Force, but as a civilian pilot now. We took a trip to northern Georgia and visited Amicalola Falls SP and Springer. While there we took these pictures, and sitting on the rock designating the Southern Terminus of the AT I wrote:
“I’m only here for a visit but someday I’ll be back to start a long adventure.”
It seemed so close. We had beaten cancer. Brenda was behind me 100 percent to thru-hike the following year. It was a return to happy times and optimism. Just a few weeks later we found out her cancer had returned and spread. Four years later she was gone. Her fight was heroic and she never gave up. I don’t want to relive it here but we were very open about the experience and together documented it on our CaringBridge site. If you want to learn about a strong woman facing an impossible situation with incredible bravery and grace you can do that here.
Devastated, but Life Must Go On
Big dreams die hard. Brenda died six months ago to the day I’m typing this. Since then I’ve downsized and moved back home to Duluth to be closer to our sons, family, and the place I truly love. We talked about this, what I would do “after” many times over the years. I’m not over it, I’m not just moving on. There hasn’t been a day I don’t think about her. But while it is getting easier I still have a long way to go. I need a break from the intensive caregiving she required, and I was honored to provide, over the past extremely difficult years. I need to heal and reflect. I need to find out what is next for me. I’ve walked an average of five miles a day every day since she passed. When I’m outside and moving I feel the most normal. That’s reason number three. I need time and space to heal, reflect, and hope.
I have many other reasons, goals, and expectations for my hike but these three are the foundation. Fulfill a lifelong dream, mark a transition, and reflect on the past while contemplating the future. The others will reveal themselves over time. Thank you for reading and I sincerely invite you to follow along.
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Comments 36
Wow, Pete. That just puts a lot in perspective. My husband, Ray “OneFoot” Galli, is setting out on March 15 for his AT thru hike attempt. I hope you two have the opportunity to meet in person – &, perhaps, I’ll see you out on the trail when I’m sprinkling some magic up north this summer. I look forward to following your adventure.
Hello Pete
I’m sorry to read of your loss but I look forward to following along with you on what, I’m sure, will be a wonderful adventure.
Thank you I’m excited to start the adventure
Hi Pete! I look forward to reading about your experiences on the AT, and wish you the best of luck on this next journey.
Pete,
I’m so happy you’re going to do this. You’re exactly where you need to be on your journey and I hope this brings you all the space for reflection, healing, and most of all hope. Remember that there is no “right” way to work through grief and loss and be gentle with yourself. Can’t to read your updates!
Kim “Nike” Rigby
Thank you Nike, you are a example for me.
I can’t think of a better way to cherish Brenda’s memory. You amaze me, Pete! I am eager to follow your act 2.
Thanks Julie!
I am so excited for you and I can’t wait to follow your journey!
I truly can relate as I lost my 20 year old daughter almost 10 years ago and I’m still learning to deal with the loss. I hope the time, beauty and serenity of the trail will give you some peace as you make your way through the loss of your wife. I’m leaving on my AT hike April 10, maybe we will run into each other along the trail. Take care.
Thank you and I’m sorry for your loss. I’ll look for you, I start on March 14th but it is a long journey our paths could very well pass.
Hello Pete. Thanks for sharing. Sorry about your loss and I hope you can find more peace hiking the AT. 🙂
Thanks Ian, peace is out there.
Brought tears to my eyes!!!! Such a wonderful story. Looking forward to more.
Thanks Debbie, I hope I have a lot of good experiences to pass.
Thanks for letting us follow you on this incredible journey. The AT changes everyone who hikes it in many ways. I hope we can meet up with you and Dixie on your way through Virginia.
I’d love that. I’m really looking forward to seeing old and new friends along the way.
Can’t wait to live vicariously with you PETE on this journey. Maybe folks can meet you along the trail and spend a couple days walking along? Mike
Absolutely, I’d love to meet you and others out there, bring dog treats!
Beautiful story. Looking forward to hearing the Adventures that are ahead for you. Thanks for sharing your story. Enjoy all those beautiful sunrises and sunsets along your way. Take care.
I will, thank you!
Pete, I think about you every day. You are a great person, spouse, father and officer. Good bless you and good luck! I hope this brings you closer to Brenda than ever and you recieve clarity in your journey.
Mike Rafferty
Thank you brother!
Pete, I can’t wait to follow your journey. One day, I will thru hike but for now I section hike and I am super excited for you! Loved reading your story and wish you well on your journey.
Thank you
Thank you for sharing. I hope we cross paths on our journeys.
Thank you, I hope we meet, I leave on 14 March
First, my condolences to you for the loss of your wife. There is no pain like the loss of a love. It is always with us.
Second, I’m excited for your hike! I’m hoping all goes well for you and that you endure to the end of this incredible journey; your dream of a lifetime.
God bless and Godspeed.
Thank you so much!
Wishing you peace on your journey northward. There’s a great book entitled “Hiking Through” by Paul V. Stutzman who Thru-hiked the AT after losing his wife to cancer. An easy read and one well worth it if you have time. Happy trails!
Thanks Dennis. I read the book a few years ago and enjoyed it. A lot of parallels to my situation. We would all agree nature is a great healer.
Looking forward to hearing your adventures and thoughts.
Best of luck Pete. I look forward to following you. If it works would love to join you for a bit as you pass through New York.
That would be great
So sorry for your loss. I will be starting the trail on April the 5th. Maybe our paths will cross. I am 61 and have lost a brother, mother and most recently a sister. Thankfully I still have a wife of 41 years that supports me on this hike. Good luck and may God bless.
Hi Pete, your story is beautiful. I lost my husband to cancer. I learned that time does not make it easier, but with time we get better at handling it. I, too have always dreamed of hiking the trail. My friends are NOBO, Trish and rob from Tampa. I hope your paths cross! Take care of yourself and nurture your spirit!
Godspeed ?