Postscript

It is now October 5th, 1997, and I am sitting at a table surrounded by French speaking travelers in a hostel in Rivierre Du Loup, Quebec.

I completed the Appalachian Trail a week ago.

Out of Millinocket, Paka Bear, Redwood, and I joined Easy Walker in his van to the coast of Maine. We explored Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park for a few days before dropping Paka at the airport.

Then we drove North, crossed the border into Canada, and spent a couple of days in Old Quebec City where I shaved off my six-month-old beard… bit of a shock…

We plan to spend a day or two here in Riviere Du Loup, then to Montreal, then down into Vermont for some hiking and a visit to the Ben & Jerry’s factory, and finally ending the road trip in Hanover, NH for The Gathering: a hiker festival sponsored by The Appalachian Long Distance Hiking Association (ALDHA).

In the past week I’ve had some time to reflect a bit and to think about what I’m going to do next. By no means have I sorted out a life plan and I don’t expect to anytime soon. Confusion is a little more prevalent than clarity, which is frustrating, and I’ve been experiencing a bit of what I think is depression. I did expect these feelings to some degree and I anticipate they will subside soon.

I’m ready to go home. Ready to spend some time with my family. I plan to catch up on some reading; listen to lots of music; run a marathon next month; explore going back to school for a degree in something interesting; wear jeans and cotton clothing; and, oh yeah, get a job or ten.

I do not know if this trip has changed me as a person but it has enhanced the way I see the world. My appreciation for Mother Nature is still profound and my faith in Human Nature is at an all time high.

It is my opinion that an Appalachian Trail Thru-hike is not a true “wilderness experience” for most people. All of nature’s elements are present and can be fully enjoyed, but, ultimately, the Trail experience is a traveling community of characters following similar physical paths, but widely varied spiritual paths, each one extraordinarily unique.

As fulfilling and enjoyable as it is, an AT thru-hike is NOT for everyone. For some, the commitment and sacrifices required are simply unreasonable. But for those with the true desire to make it happen, I’ll say this: There is more good in those 2,160+ miles than you can shake a stick at.

If and when you find yourself standing on top of one those mountains in Maine or Georgia (hopefully on a sunny day), you will understand how real and important that little voice is inside your heart that tells you to do what most people consider “crazy,” and you will not regret listening to that voice, and you won’t feel the least bit crazy.

I’m grateful to everyone who helped make my trip all that it was and who have helped make my life all that it is.

Thanks to Dan Bruce of Trail Place, who was the catalyst in helping me get this journal produced, and to Patty Wilkins who converted all of my original chicken-scratch to type.

Thanks and love most especially to my Mother, who kept me fed, connected, and even at times, funded.

Keep your load light. Happy Trails.

Joe