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Jul 30, 2017 : Tom Rainer Appalachian Trail

Transition from Thru-Hiker to Section Hiker…

It has been a couple of weeks since I last provided an update. Due to some family emergencies I left the trail at Harpers Ferry and traveled to Delaware to reunite with my wife.  After several weeks of being off the trail I’ve made the decision to not continue my thru-hike this year.  As it turns out, I hiked 555.5 miles in total. This includes two major sections, the first from Springer Mountain to Roan Moutain, TN, and then from Waynesboro, VA to Harpers Ferry, WV.  The trail, towns, and people along my journey have enriched my life in so many ways.  The primary benefits are my honed appreciation of the basics of life, the people in my life, and staying in the moment.

Hiking the Appalachian Trail was such a rewarding experience.  I met so many interesting people, and learned a great deal about myself as well.  So much so that I plan on doing section hikes each year in order to complete the entire trail.  That is the beauty of the AT in that it will always be there.  This will help me stay physically active and maintain the thrill of hiking and living amongst nature, and experiencing the towns found along the trail.

I’m I’m so proud of my son ~Orphan Andy~ who is within 500 miles of completing the entire trail!  Way to go Andrew!

I’ve been asked by some friends to write an equipment post that talks about the gear I used.  I will gladly do that in the near future.

Thank you for all of your kind words and moral support throughout my hike.  That meant a great deal to me.

Respectfully,

Tom ~Half-Full~

 

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Tom Rainer
Jul 30th : Tom Rainer
Author Page
Tom Rainer's Bio

Hi. My name is Tom and I'm planning on completing a North Bound thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2017 along with one of my sons. I'm recently retired from my job as a technical manager. This adventure offers an opportunity of a lifetime, as I seek to discover the focus for my encore career. I'm happily married to my wife of 38 years and we have three grown children, and four young grand children. I love all kinds of music, singing, playing guitar, country line dancing, and square dancing.

Comments 4

  • Bruce : Jul 28th

    Tom-
    Congratulations on the 555.5 miles you completed on the AP. I know you’ll finish the journey someday .
    Hope you continue to enjoy your new home and post retirement life in Delaware.

    Reply
  • Dawn Summers : Jul 28th

    Tom, you will finish the trail at some point . Your 555.5 miles was a major accomplishment, Congratulations!
    It was great seeing you & Patti and your new house is absolutely beautiful!

    Reply
  • Jennifer Cubana : Jul 31st

    Dear Tom,

    Its so good to read this. We were thinking often of you. I am so glad to met you and to hear about your decision. You will complete this trail!
    You are half-full, you can do this! Thanks for your positive energy all the time!

    Cubana

    Reply
  • Otter : Aug 1st

    Half Full,

    I hiked the Smokies and all the way to Roan High Knob, with your son, Orphan Andy. He is one of the kindest, nicest, happirst hikers I have hiked with. Congratulations on raising a terrific son and on your own considerable hiking achievements!

    Otter

    Reply

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