Reflections after Hike

We miss the woods, the quiet solitude, the simplicity of life felt while hiking on the AT.  Adjusting back into society is a lot harder than we thought it was going to be.

Our world while hiking had become smaller but in so many ways much larger and richer. Time slowed way down as we took one day at a time, one step at a time which allowed us to really enjoy each other, God’s creation around us and those that we met on the trail.  Life was less busy and complicated and more relaxed and simple.

There were no distractions from knowing what was happening in the world and we didn’t miss it at all.  We learned to live with just what we had on our backs and we discovered you can survive with little. We were reminded of how we tend to take for granted the luxuries of indoor plumbing, a nice comfy bed, chairs and a few more choices for clothes and shoes. 

But overall, we realized what truly brings happiness is not having “things” it was enjoying time with God, His creation, the adventures that He gave us, each other and the people He put in our path.

I think about all we learned and experienced on the trail and I wonder … maybe we’re not meant to fit into the puzzle; maybe, just maybe we are meant to stand out and not fit into the puzzle anymore.

HOBOS going SOBO in their OBOZ … so here GOES our news:

God willing, we will put on our hiking boots yet again and conquer another quarter of the Appalachian Trail (600 miles this time, May 2022).  I never thought I’d be saying we were going to journey further but there’s just something magnetic and mysterious about being on this trail.  We can’t wait to get back!

But … our biggest news!  We had an overwhelming response to our travelogue and the request that we write a book.  Your wish is our command!   We are in the beginning stages of putting together and elaborating more extensively on our journey.  We are writing it more for our grandchildren but know there may be some of you that would desire to read more of our adventures as well.  Our journey was full of adventure: blood, sweat, tears, laughter, fun, ups and downs… you’ll get it all, raw and unedited! 

I say this again - having the love, prayers and support that you all gave us was our driving force and the inspiration we needed to write our story!   So, thank you!