YOU
Thank you for reading my blog! That’s a pretty normal closing line but I want to put it up front for my final “pre-hike” entry. Madeline and I are only 6 days from our start date of Saturday, March 11th. I want to dedicate this one to the inspiration YOU provide me simply by taking the time to read my thoughts. It truly means a lot to me.
Blogs Rule
Explaining why to blog is easier for me to pinpoint than understanding my desire to hike for half of 2023. First off, reading hiking blogs over the years has been my method of keeping the fire stoked to walk the AT. Long before YouTube hiking channels and videos became popular I’d choose one or two hikers a season to follow. I’d look forward to the stories that unfolded from each update. My favorite all-time blog was by Whirled Peas. She was a gifted writer and her tales of overcoming pain, human drama with other hikers, and ultimate success gave me that “I can’t wait” feeling to put my boots on the ground. A decade or so later and it’s finally my time.
Feet to the Fire
Then there are the people I have not been shy to let know what Madeline and I are up to, which is essentially anyone and everyone I come across. I figure the more people who know the harder it will be for me to bail when the going gets tough. So here is my ahead-of-time thanks to everyone I hope to inspire, share with, entertain, or all of the above.
Gracias, Gracias, Gracias
Thank you to my family, especially my wife Lori, for making this possible by attending to our ongoing lives back home. And thank you to my son Lucas, parents and the extended family as well- all my aunts and uncles and cousins, nephews and niece. I am blessed to have you all in my life.
Thank you to all my former students and fellow staff members. Some of the students I was teaching just a few months back. I recently retired after 3 decades in middle school classrooms. My 2 schools were Noble Middle in Wilmington and Holly Ridge Middle in Holly Springs, NC. That’s over 3,000 people of all ages. I miss you all and hope this journal can help at least a few of us reconnect in the future.
Thank you to my friends and fellow cyclists in Gruppetto Cycling. Cycling is my usual athletic outlet and the Gruppetto riders are amazing athletes and some of my best buds. They are all gearing up for Spring and Summer events and while I’m missing out this season, I hope to see you all on the road again in the Fall. In the meantime, y’all Ride On!
Thank you to my closest friends who have been around throughout the various periods of my life. Even as we’ve changed and moved on we stayed part of each others’ lives. I know we’ll be in touch soon.
Thank you to those who I know I’ll have time to reflect on while walking up and down the mountains. I look forward to finding signs from my sister, from my father-in-law, from Kevin and Andy and Dave and Emily, from my grandparents… and more. Where the highest mountain trails meet heaven I know you’ll be in my heart and feeling my thoughts.
Pay It Forward
And finally, thank you if we’ve never met and yet you’re still reading this. In some ways this may seem like a one way street. But not really. Though Whirled Peas has no idea I exist, I feel like this life changing adventure my daughter and I are about to embark on has a lot to do with her blog…and so many of the other blogs I read over the years. Instead of reciprocating back to them, I’m paying forward their vibes and energy to you. Your turn next! So thank you for reading, and a real big extra heaping of thanks to those of you who have replied to my other entries already.
Next time you hear from me I’ll be a few miles up the trail~
Ciao,
George
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Comments 21
Good luck George to you and your daughter! I’ll keep you both in my prayers.
Thanks so much Eric… that’s much appreciated!
Good luck on your AT hike with your daughter. Looking forward to following your blog. David Odell AT71 PCT72 CDT77
That means a lot David… that 70s resume looks impressive!
Wishing you and your daughter happy and safe trails. Enjoy the journey.
Thanks for the wishes and positive energy, Chris. Just got back from the grocery store to purchase days 1-4 of food. Exciting times!
Dear George,
i just wanted to wish you the best of luck on your upcoming Appalachian Trail adventure! It’s such an incredible feat to take on and I have no doubt you’ll come out of it feeling stronger and more accomplished than ever before.
As someone who has walked many miles myself, I can tell you that it’s not always easy. There will be times when you feel exhausted, frustrated, and maybe even a little bit scared, but in those moments just remember why you’re doing this. Remember the incredible views, the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel when you finish, and the memories you’ll create along the way.
Best of luck,
Salva Dut
Salva Dut??? From ALW2W?? I’m beyond honored if it’s actually the man I’ve spent the past 5 years of my life teaching about for a quarter of a year! Please respond and let me know as this seems like some sort of cosmic happenstance- I’m blown away.
George
Dear George,
I apologize for the delay in my response, as I’m a busy man and have been quite occupied lately. I must clarify that I am not Salva Dut from A Long Walk to Water although I deeply admire the work of Salva Muwien Dut Ariik and his program, Water for South Sudan. I have been mistaken for him on several occasions, but this encounter feels like more than just a coincidence.
You spent five years teaching about Salva Dut, and now you come across another Salva Dut? It feels like God’s work to me. There is definitely something like a “cosmic happenstance” here, for sure. It’s almost like this was meant to be. I understand your excitement.
Please forgive me for any feelings of disappointment or inconvenience this may have brought on to you.
Best regards,
Salva Dut
No disappointment at all… I feel lucky to have read both your messages and that you responded to my blog. Also, I agree about the serendipity at play between my curriculum and your name. Positive energy is what it’s all about!
Hello to both you and Madeline. We are praying for a blessed, safe and wonderful experience for you. Looking forward to reading and hearing ALL about it. Praying God’s speed and grace upon all of you that are embarking on this trek.
Thanks for those prayers Anna! We’ve needed them to get through this cold stretch-
So excited for you both! One of my favorite books of all time has been A Walk in the Woods. I hope your adventure is everything you hope it will be and so much more!!
I love that book too… and it’s been a couple decades since I read it. Maybe I should give it another look. Thanks for the support Julie-
George …
You don’t know me but I went to high school with Lori. Our classmate, Robert Duncan, and his son made it about 1,400 miles on the AT a few years ago. They will try again next year. I thoroughly enjoyed reading his blog and watching his videos and now looking forward to living vicariously through your blog as well.
Wishing you and Madeline a safe, fun, and adventurous journey. Hope I can do something epic with my kids one day as well.
Enjoy!
Uf Tukel
Delray Beach, FL
Great to hear from you Uf… I highly encourage you to aim for the AT with your kids! I know you’ll love it. Appreciate the support-
Enjoy an amazing adventure with your daughter!
George enjoy it to the fullest. If you are using a SPOT tracker I would love to follow along.
Happy trails and safe travels! What an awesome undertaking!