This is why I hike. To meet hikers, especially young Thru hikers.

It is so rare on this planet to meet four people that I like instantly. Today it happened.

I don’t think I told them that I am a retired teacher and coach. I really miss young people. Today was a very special day for me. Thanks you guys.

Let’s see what I remember. Birdshot is from Clayton, GA. Clayton? Clayton is near Helen. Helen is the German town that I have written about before. Like a slice of Germany in Georgia. Birdshot just graduated from HS and is not sure whether he will go into the restaurant business, like his parents, or do something else. Maybe open a Hostel on the Trail? I’ll be checking the AT Guide in the future to see if “The Birdshot Hostel” is listed. I hope you go for it!

Two Shoes is from Ohio. Doing the trail, in my opinion, the right way. Not rushing. Enjoying the experience. Good stuff. He has a job he is going to after he completes his Thru Hike. He must be good at what he will be doing. They hired him and let him come out here before he starts. In the interview, he asked for permission to hike the AT, and for an extra $10,000 in salary. They said yes to both his requests. I’ll bet it’s a tech job and like I said, I’ll bet he will be good at it.

Sweet Tooth and Catnap. they were both from Minnesota.

I’ve saved these two until last because I wanted to think a little about what I was going to write.

When they came up the trail, I was really tired and not feeling much like the hiker I used to be. Confident. Positive. I’m trying to finish the trail. I used to be sure that I would. I’ve accomplished pretty much all that I have set out to do in my life. This is my last big thing. Finish the AT.

I’m not sure why, but I told Sweet Tooth and Catnap this fear I’m struggling with. Not being able to reach this goal.

I’m about to begin my 73rd year. I’m tired sometimes. I have trouble being motivated. I told these two that I had only a few States left, and that I wasn’t sure I would be able to complete them.

“You can do this!” they both said to me. “You can!”

It was so good to hear. I even asked them to say it again. They did. “You can do this!”

Those two have no idea how they lifted my Spirits.

I believe again.

I never asked Sweet Tooth or Catnap what they studied in school or what they intend doing after the trail. I’ll bet that they both become teachers. Intelligent, positive, and kind. They both looked me directly in the eye and made me believe again. Thanks you two.

Be teachers if you haven’t decided yet. You are naturals.

Let me know in a comment what you will be doing. I’m really interested to hear…:)

Oh yes. Moses. I have no idea what’s ahead for Moses. He walked up just as I was leaving to head home. I think I heard Catnap say that Moses has walked most of the AT barefooted! Yikes.

Thank you all for making my day!

All-In

P.S. I really want to go down the trail and pass them all again tomorrow!

Maybe I will. 🙂