Northbound By Foot

An Appalachian Thru Hike

8-29-11 Trails End

So, the adventure is over and I’m heading home. We were supposed to fly out on Sunday, but who would have known Maine was going to get hit by a hurricane. Now I sit here in the airport awaiting my flight back to reality. It took 141 days to walk from Georiga to Maine and it will take 3 hours to get back to Florida. It’s hard to think that about 5 months ago I was sitting before the southern terminus wondering what the miles would bring. Now I know. They brought pain, anguish, discomfort, but more than anything pure amazement and beauty. The one thing that made hiking the Appalachian Trail a truly amazing experience were the people and the kindness that the trail brings out in the people. I want to thank everyone that was a part of my adventure and made the trail a life changing experience. To everyone that followed our adventure and provided their support. To everyone that encouraged us to keep walking when the days were long and dark. To everyone that reached out that reached out and gave when no one asked for giving. And more than anything to everyone that simply followed the adventure through this blog. I really enjoyed taking you along with me as it kept me going knowing that so many looked forward to my ranting and raving. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

Now one adventure ends as a new one begins. Unfortunately, this adventure is my life and there will be no blog. Now you will all be a part of the adventure and a part of my life. As always you can rest assured and know that I’m Loving Life.

Leak Out!

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9 Comments»

  Donna wrote @

Congratulations!!!!!!!

  Joaquin wrote @

How sweet it is!!

  The Judge wrote @

Congratulations! Hey Derelicte, you’ll need to shave before you head into the office.

  El Captain Cook wrote @

I only hope you still have that beard on Friday! Congrats man, truly a sweet accomplishment.

  Dennis A. Cooley wrote @

It was a pleasure meeting you guys on the trail. I remember meeting you at that creek in Virginia….We slept in the same shelter that night and I encountered that BIG freaking spider and woke a few souls. ๐Ÿ™‚ Following you on this blog has been a daily adventure and I’ll miss it. Y’all had a great life experience that not many can or will ever have. I hope to do it in a few years with my wife. Congrats on making the trek!! Let us know when your book is coming out. Have an awesome life – both of you!!

Dennis A.Cooley
Lynchburg, VA

aka

Coffee Pot

Sterno sucks!!

  Steph Ladam wrote @

Congratulations on finishing the hike, Derek and Jer!!! That is amazing – great job!!!! And congrats Jer on the engagement! It was so much fun to read your posts, I’m so excited for both of you!!!!!! Take care ๐Ÿ™‚

  Jared wrote @

Congratulations from Iowa!

  Pernille wrote @

I have really enjoyed following you on your great adventure. You made it!! and I think you deserve a nice cold Cocio ๐Ÿ™‚ Will bring it on my next visit. Take care!

  Frizzle wrote @

Frizzle here. Congrats on finishing! Your katahdin pic is the best I’ve seen so far. It was fun hiking with you guys. Did Dutch and Pippin finish close to you guys or are they still hiking?


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