Friday, June 26th - Up at 5:25, to overcast skies and 63 degrees, still and already very sultry. Looks like a day for heavy afternoon thunderstorms. After going to get water, we left at 6:15, with a wave to Journey. Mark's feet were still bothering him, even with his old boots, and by the time we got to the crest of the long hill he was semi-limping. Rather than continuing on (in pain) to Fayetteville or Pine Grove Furnace State Park, I suggested that we return to the Old Forge Picnic Area if Mark's mom or Brenda could come today. After a dozen tries, and moving around a bit, we finally got a viable cell phone signal, and arranged for Mark's mom to come get us this morning. So, we returned back down the hill to the Tumbling Run Shelter, passing Journey and the other hiker (forgot his name) on the way up. After eating breakfast on the picnic table there (and further discussing out decision), we pushed back to the Picnic Area, arriving just before 9:00 am. Despite the early hour, there were a (rapidly growing) number of Mennonites (???) already there, setting up what we guessed was a very large picnic on the baseball field. We moved up to a large pavillion, in case it rained, but in fact the day improved rapidly to nearly clear skies - but increasingly warm and still quite sultry.
We listened to the radio for awhile, then a group of about 50 kids and counselors from Camp Penn (a Methodist Church summer camp located right next door to the park) showed up, and so we moved to a free picnic table. The kids quizzed Mark for a few minutes about what we had done, and we were both kind of startled to get a several rounds of applause and cheers from the group. An unexpected accolade to end our trek on. Mark's mom showed up just before 10:30, and we loaded up and headed off to Waynesboro (this one in Pennsylvania) for brunch/lunch. The Golden Corral (our intended destination) didn't open til 11:00, so we instead went to the Mountain Gate Restaurant, enjoying both their breakfast and lunch buffets, while discussing our decision with Mark's mom. Then back in the car for the drive home (I semi-napped in the back seat). She dropped Mark off around 1:00, then myself at 1:30, thus ending our trek. [As a final aside, let me offer our collective thanks to Mark's mom, who was always "there" for us the entire trek.]
Joint Statement from Mark Wray & Bob Klein about leaving the A.T.:
We left the A.T. at the Old Forge Picnic Area in southern Pennsylvania on Friday, June 26th, after completing nearly 1100 miles (the southern half of the trail) during a particularly challenging year. We both decided that hiking and camping (being two of our favorite activites) were too important to us to be reduced to a daily chore. We have been told that some folks finish the A.T. merely to "get it over with," or for a plaque on the wall. This was never our intention or desire. At this time we don't have any plans for finishing the northern half of the trail. We may do it in sections over the next few years, we may take another long trek after we retire, or we may never finish. We are proud of our accomplishments, and enjoyed the time we had on the trail and our time together. And we have gained a new respect for those few that complete the entire trek. Thanks to everyone who supported us along the way. This was the toughest physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual challenge we had ever faced, but it was also a remarkable adventure. We hope others may someday follow in our shoes. See you "down the trail ..."
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ReplyDeleteI know how tough the trail can be, so my hat is off to you for the attempt. And for all of the success that you both had to get as far as you did. You guys are no slouches. 1100 miles in 80 days is impressive just the same. What is that, 14 Philmonts in a row?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to you both. You made the right decision and can hold your heads up high.
Greg