Cheryl and Ray Galli

Hey everyone, my name is Ray “OneFoot” Galli, I’m 50 years old and just finished a 20 year career in the CT Department of Corrections. An Appalachian Trail thru-hike has been on my mind for many years. Cheryl, my wife of nearly 30 years, and I have spent years talking about and planning for my walk for 2018. Now, it seems, my time has finally come! The kids are grown (though not fully independent quite yet), the house is sold and the career that supported my family well but never fulfilled me is soon to be in the past. I’ve always had a passion for hiking and backpacking and have done about 500 miles in sections on the AT. I grew up in Vermont and enjoyed a lot of time hunting, fishing, hiking and playing in the woods as a kid and teen. Time to start walking and see where this journey leads me. Cheryl and I will be blogging together; me from the trail, she from home in Connecticut…Oh, and my trail name comes from my frequent reminders to myself & others to just put one foot in front of the other – & see where the journey takes you. Cheryl's trail (angel) name is Should Be Good...for her response to nearly every adventure I suggest.

Posts

Chili Dogs, Cheesy Biscuits and a Knit Cap: Trail Life Is Good

Chili Dogs, Cheesy Biscuits and a Knit Cap: Trail Life Is Good

“Tonight is what trail life is all about. Campfire, laughs, trail magic in the form of cold beers, and even yoga!”  That quote is from OneFoot’s

Mar 21, 2018 : Cheryl and Ray Galli
Working On A Dream: Hello, Georgia

Working On A Dream: Hello, Georgia

All the years of dreaming and planning came down to this moment.  There were no nerves, no jitters.  A quick “I love you” and he was off.  At 8:53

Mar 17, 2018 : Cheryl and Ray Galli
Final Thoughts: Time to Stop Talking & Start Walking

Final Thoughts: Time to Stop Talking & Start Walking

It’s time.  It’s finally his time. After 20+ years of dreaming and planning, we're down to less than two days until we will board a plane bound

Mar 9, 2018 : Cheryl and Ray Galli
The Waiting Is the Hardest Part (Other than Actually Hiking)

The Waiting Is the Hardest Part (Other than Actually Hiking)

Its 7 on Sunday morning.  I’ve started preparing Sunday dinner.  This week, by request, is pasta and meatballs.  The bananas on the counter are

Feb 25, 2018 : Cheryl and Ray Galli
Maine or No Maine: Making Two Lists of Possible Outcomes

Maine or No Maine: Making Two Lists of Possible Outcomes

One month. That's four weeks. That's 28 days. Years of thinking and planning and preparing and talking (and, yes, obsessing) has now come down to

Feb 15, 2018 : Cheryl and Ray Galli
Who Are You Really?  Let the Trail Reveal Your True Character

Who Are You Really? Let the Trail Reveal Your True Character

Full disclosure. Ray does not approve of this post because he doesn't like the spotlight on him. So, as in any good marriage, we talked it through,

Feb 1, 2018 : Cheryl and Ray Galli
Beating The Pre-Hike Winter Blues: Books, Blogs, And Movies

Beating The Pre-Hike Winter Blues: Books, Blogs, And Movies

If you’re anything like me (and I sincerely hope you’re not!), you’re sitting at home waiting for the big day to come when you finally leave for the

Jan 11, 2018 : Cheryl and Ray Galli
This Post Isn’t About Hiking – It’s About Love

This Post Isn’t About Hiking – It’s About Love

This post isn’t about hiking.  Nor is it about gear or trail food or mail drop locations.  This is a different kind of post.  This post is about what

Nov 30, 2017 : Cheryl and Ray Galli
This soul was made for walkin – and that’s just what I’ll do.

This soul was made for walkin – and that’s just what I’ll do.

Time to answer that question asked by so many when they hear of my plan to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail…”why?”. First, and most importantly,

Nov 14, 2017 : Cheryl and Ray Galli
Something Old, Something New, How Do You Cook?, and What Kind of Shoe?

Something Old, Something New, How Do You Cook?, and What Kind of Shoe?

What’s in OneFoot’s backpack?  And what brand is OneFoot’s backpack?  As mentioned before, gear preference is really a personal trial and error

Nov 4, 2017 : Cheryl and Ray Galli