Goat Roper

I am a 78-year-old recently widowed after 57 years of marriage. We have 3 children, 7 Grandkids, and 4 Great Grandkids. I have wanted to hike the AT since experiencing the mountains while in the Navy in Charleston, SC. I have been canoeing the BWCA nearly yearly since the early '60s. I am looking forward to spending some alone time on the trail, at the same time I am looking forward to meeting new friends and experiencing all the trail has to offer.

Posts

Sometimes

Sometimes

Sometimes   Sometimes you throw your pack on your back and it settles in and feels just plain good; other times it nearly pulls you over

Aug 6, 2022 : Goat Roper
Wishing

Wishing

I wish I was a SOBO How nice it must be To walk down hill to Springer Not climbing all day like me If I were a SOBO How happy I would be To

Jun 19, 2022 : Goat Roper
My thoughts on the art of heart rocks

My thoughts on the art of heart rocks

This is a treatise on the finding and proper placement of heart rocks.  First what is a heart rock? Some examples     Not

May 30, 2022 : Goat Roper
Trail pics

Trail pics

I want to apologize for yesterday's post.  I had a hard time concentrating.  Probably hikers hunger.  I hope the pics today make up for it at

May 7, 2022 : Goat Roper
Thoughts from the trail

Thoughts from the trail

Virginia  As I walked today I am reminded of the Disney movie ( I believe it may have been Fantasia) where the trees move sideways. I believe they

May 6, 2022 : Goat Roper
On to Damascus

On to Damascus

Day 45 on the trail.  Today is my 41st AA birthday.   Leah made me a heart rock with 41 on it and gave me a rice crispy bar.  I read "Why we were

Apr 24, 2022 : Goat Roper
More Love and Thoughts from the Trail

More Love and Thoughts from the Trail

Mile 346 I'm in Erwin TN taking a zero for Easter.   The Trail has been amazing to me lately.  The trail magic and trail angels seem to show up just

Apr 16, 2022 : Goat Roper
Into the Smokies

Into the Smokies

In the Fontana Bubble   Back on the trail.  I thought the resupply at Fontana was the best yet.  Not a lot of fluff , just practical stuff. 

Apr 4, 2022 : Goat Roper
Holed Up at Fontana Dam

Holed Up at Fontana Dam

80 to 90 mph Winds in the Smokies I'm sitting in Fontana Village on a gorgeous day.   Of course, I am wishing I was out on the trail.   The voice of

Apr 3, 2022 : Goat Roper
100 Miles Baby!

100 Miles Baby!

Reaching Another Milestone I passed 100 miles on the trail today.           Thoughts on the Trail We

Mar 22, 2022 : Goat Roper