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The ‘Thank You’ Post
I’ve been back home for about 2 months now, and while I’m grateful to sleep in a warm bed and have running water, I still yearn for the trail. The Appalachian Trail was and will probably continue to be the hardest trail I’ve ever hiked. While the terrain was very challenging, I also had to deal with health issues and time constraints. But, through it all, I persevered and reached the end of the trail. I always say that a thru hike makes me a better person, makes me more of my authentic self, and I truly mean that. I feel so empowered to achieve my dreams and make my life more vibrant and full.
But, I couldn’t have had such an amazing journey without the people in my life. There were so many people, friends, family, trail angels, internet strangers, that spoke positivity and encouragement into my journey.
First, I’d like to thank Janitor for coming along with me on this crazy journey and sticking it out with me for as long as he did. I had zero expectations for how far he would make it, and I am still impressed with how he did given that it had been a long time since he’d last gone on an extended hiking trip. I’m grateful for the support he provided, both on and off trail, and I’m so happy that he will support me on my next go ‘round.
Second, I want to thank my family, especially my mom and stepdad. They tracked my location and updated a wall map of the AT with my stops along the way. Although I’m sure my mom would rather I stay home, she’s always willing and eager to mail a package to me on trail if I need it. Along with that, thank you to my family in NJ who took me in when I was sick and who always have an open door and empty bed for me.
I also want to thank all of the friends and family out there who were keeping up with my journey via my blog posts or on Instagram. It means a lot to have others in my life interested in my crazy hobby, so I’m always a bit surprised when you take the time to follow along and share in my journey. Thanks to all of my church family who prayed for me along the way and gave me ‘welcome home’ gifts once I got back.
Big shout out to all of the hikers and trail angels I met on the trail, too. No matter how long or short our conversion, or whether you gave me a pizza or a cold soda, you were an irreplaceable part of my journey. There were so many hikers I met whose names I might have forgotten. I didn’t start taking pictures of people until around MA, so there were even more faces I’ve forgotten. But, each and every person was special and I hope I get to run into you again!
And last, but not least, thank you to all of the loyal, committed readers of my blog posts! There were so many of you who commented regularly on my posts, and even more that were silent readers. I know a good chunk of you have followed along my journey from day one. It still boggles my mind that I can connect with so many people just by sharing my story, but I’m glad we were able to bond over this little trail called the AT. Even though I’ve never met you in person (although I did meet a few people while out on the trail), seeing your positive comments and your encouraging words lifted my spirits when they were down. I wish I could have responded to all of you, but I hope a big thank you will do. THANK YOU!!!!
I’m not quite sure what the future will hold, but I do know that I plan to hike the PCT in 2025! I really enjoyed the daily blog format (even though I fell behind a bit – oops!), but let me know if you guys have any other ideas on how to document my next thru hike. Until then!
P.S. I will probably post another AT reflections post, so this is not goodbye yet 🙂
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Comments 41
Congratulations Jen. You did such a good job. I look forward to following you on your next big hike! I hope you will blog it.
Congratulations Jen on completing the AT.
I’ve enjoyed making the trip with you on your good and bad days.
I’m 82 and still love to hike and enjoy the outdoors. I so envy your accomplishments 👍
A lot of vicarious pleasure to follow along and read! Thank you Jen.
Wow! Silent but avid blog reader here. I can’t hike anymore but I like to follow an AT hiker or two every year. The tricky part is choosing a hiker who writes well and regularly, and who I think will entertain me all the way to Katahdin. Aces to you on all counts!
Thank you for sharing with us so fully. Best of luck, and hope you hike (and blog) next year!
Congratulations Jen!!
After following your blog posts for most of your journey, I was eager to read your final trail update–your summit day for Katahdin. When I saw the Pic of you standing on the sign, I had the biggest smile on my face. It’s funny how following blog posts like this can get you invested in someone else’s journey; someone you don’t even know and might never know. But I felt proud of what you accomplished and persevered through. I’m happy for you, and I can’t wait to read through your PCT adventure.
A big thank you for your pics and stories of your journey. Makes me wish i was 30 years younger. Through your eyes and words, I felt like I was a part of your journey. I hope to follow you on your next adventure in 2025. Well done!
GET THAT TRIPLE CROWN, PRINCESS!!!! was 2 days behind you. awesome to read about your adventures. ✌🏼ᴍiɴioɴ
Congrats!!
I’ve been a regular reader and will miss your posts. I hope you do another hike soon!
Jen, I have really enjoyed reading your posts and following along on your journey. I really love how you always seem to find a reason to smile even when things are hard and I found your self reliance inspiring. However you choose to document your next hike I will happily follow along. Keep shining.
Congratulations!
Congratulations Jen. I, like many others enjoyed following your journey. When I read and saw your post that you reached your goal I was so excited and so proud of you.
On behalf of those who that can no longer hike or those that don’t have the opportunity to venture out for long walks, we are grateful for the opportunity to live vicariously through you and love keeping up with your story. I wish you the best in 2025 and look forward to following along on your next hike.
Again, congratulations. I don’t normally follow the PCT, but if you do it, I will follow. Those like you bring joy and envy to those like me that can no longer participate.
EES
“I fell behind a bit – oops!” – It’s funny you mentioned this. Mosey had a live Q&A and I asked her if she was willing to give us a spoiler on your progress. She didn’t say whether you completed the trail or not, but you could tell that she knew you finished. As far as the PCT goes, I’d like to see you to continue to blog. It’s part of my morning routine, to see if my favorite hikers have posted something new.
Gen,
I was one of the silent readers of your journey. I just passed the three quarter century marker in life, and have enjoyed being outdoors hunting, fishing, canoeing and hiking my whole life. My heart went out to you when there were struggles on the trail, but most of all I’m so happy for you, and proud of you for your success.
I knew you would do it! SOOO very happy for you Jen. Although I only started following you half way through, every single post of yours made me smile. I even left some trail magic (Coke and candy) at an at AT shelter in New Jersey this fall. Hope some SOBO’s found it helpful. Your last few posts had me anxious every day. I did so want to make sure you made it (not that I doubted you for a moment). Well done! May you and Janitor be forever happy in life, adventures and love! ET
PS: I think you should put New Zealand on your must-hike list, specifically Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Hooker Valley Track, and Milford Sound. My husband and I traveled there last year. For a taste of it, here’s a blog of our journey kiwisandfairybread.com
Hi Jen,
I have enjoyed your descriptions and really nice photos. Reading about your AT hike has been a very good start to my day. Your courage and tenacity are so evident and I coongratelate you on all your successes. You are one VERY inpressive woman.
Good Luck…Rob
Just when I thought morning coffee with Jen was over, I get one more day. Thank you for sharing your journey. Can’t wait to follow the next one. Happy Trails!
Thank you for keeping me entertained through all of your hike. I’ve followed along since the beginning, and really enjoyed your daily posts.
You showed how to hike your own hike in so many ways, as you faced injury and time off trail.
I’m so glad you were able to complete your hike.
Congratulations!
I will tune in to your PCT 2025
Jen, Congratulations on completing the AT. You were my AT thru hiker that I followed this year. So happy you were successful.
J
Can’t wait to come along in 2025! This vicarious adventure of the AT through your eyes was amazing! I cannot thank you enough for taking all of us along on your journey! I am very much looking forward to traveling along with you next year! Until then, Best Wishes for the New Year and have a Merry Christmas!
Congrats!!! Your posts were the first ones i looked for and read when the Trails Fix email came. What an awesome accomplishment. I am looking forward to your next adventure…
Your pictures and writing gave me a summer I’ll not soon forget. You brought back so many memories of my younger years. I recognized so many of the ponds and rivers and the AMC Huts. If hostels were available in 1081, I didn’t know about them, but I remember the day hikers who invited me to crash at their places and clean up. Hope you can collect and save the email addresses of those who followed you so we can be notified of your PCT exploits. Have a Merry Christmas, if you’re into that.
I so enjoyed traveling along with you. You have such a beautiful way of expressing yourself, I felt like I was right along there beside you. I’m looking forward to reading about your PCT hike. Congratulations!
Jen – Congrats on your successful AT hike. I’ve enjoyed following along via your blog and look forward to your next adventure!
Thank you Jen, for making the effort to write about your journey, and making it available for us all to enjoy..
What a hike! Congrats!
Congratulations from Germany! I like and will miss your excellent Fotos und Text!
Can’t wait to see you modeling that orange (red?) skirt on the PCT! Enjoy your respite from hiking.
Happy holidays to you and your family.🎄
Congrats. So glad you made it. Woooweee……
I’ve enjoyed your journey, Jen. Thanks so much for sharing! Keep going!
Joined in late but enjoyed what little I read. Happy that you made the entire trail and have a Merry Christmas.
I was one of the silent readers! Really enjoyed following your journey. So glad you shared it with all of us. Congratulations!!!!!
Wow! Thank you Jen. I have looked forward everyday to hitting refresh on The Trek webpage and reading your next blog post. Your terrific writing and your upbeat personality made your blog a small joy each day. I am a sometime section hiker and have especially enjoyed your thoughts on sections that I have done. Best wishes for your next trek – I hope that we can follow along through your writing again.
-Doug, Anchorage, AK.
Congrats Jen!!! Was awesome to read along. Can’t wait to read about your 2025 adventures 🙂
Have you locked down your PCT permit yet?
Happy for you!
Congratulations Jen on your accomplishment. I did the Hundred Mile Wilderness section this past fall and I expected it to be tough, but it was even harder than I thought it would be. In only 7 days on the trail, I met so many incredible AT through hikers and even saw some of them at the top of Katahdin. Listening to the stories that they shared made me realize how difficult the AT can really be. Mucho props to you.
Yes! Another Jen post today with coffe. More Post-AT reflections would be welcomed. Whether your future hikes are long or short, I hope you will keep writing.
We’re sooooooo proud of you over here at our house! Really. Thank YOU for your beautiful writing and pictures. Thank you for the beautiful outlook on life. It seems that even when it was most difficult you still saw the beauty in it.
If you decide to blog the next hike we’ll be here waiting and reading🙂💜🙏🏽
Julie
You definitely hiked your own hike & that’s what made it so interesting to read. I’ll be watching for you on the PCT! Enjoy your time of rest & heal up! Thank you for writing to us about all your experiences on the AT!!
I remember meeting you on trail,on a super sweltering day in late July. We were hiking south of Duncannon and noticed a figure wearing a cheerful bright skirt coming through a field towards us…you! We briefly chatted about how your hike had been and how you felt about what was yet to come. Thrilled to see you not only completed your AT journey,but did so with a perfect weather summit day! Congratulations!