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| Our Trail-Master and good friend, Jack D of Shipslog Attempting to get a signal on his cell-phone |
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| Mark, Jackie and Sherry the morning we began our hike |
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| Jack, Gordon, Me, Mark at the beginning of our trek The sign says It's only 3.3 miles to the shelter where we will camp the first night |
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| Gordon getting settled into the shelter |
To sum it up, it took me 5 hours to lead the group in to the first shelter where we camped for the night. I had begun to run out of steam by the time we got through the bog; the first hurdle along the trail, which took about an hour of walking. Did I say walking? It was more like slowly creeping as I tentatively sought for a solid place to plant my hiking stick without it sinking into the marsh from six inches up to two feet! I would say hahaha - but it wasn't funny at that time. Plenty funny now that I'm safely home anmd sitting in the comfort of my office.
After reaching what I think was about the half-way point I became over-heated, so much so that my glasses had gone from fogging over to being wet and streaked completely with sweat. When I stopped and took a drink from my canteen I decided to pour some water on my head and face. Steam flew into the air like you had poured ice onto a hot Model A Ford engine. (Well, that's what it seemed like to me.) I was nauseous. I felt I would surely lose my lunch. My pack felt like it weighed 450 lbs instead of the 48.5 lbs that the airport scale had showed.
At that point, my good friend Jack insisted that we swap packs. I believe his pack weighed 30 lbs or less. He carried my pack and I carried his for a couple of hours. Then Jack's son, Mark sped on ahead to the shelter and hung his pack in a tree before returning to take the pack I was carrying on the rest of the journey. I knew at that point that I was not ready yet to hike the entire trail on this trip so decided that if we could possibly get a cell-phone signal that I would do the smart thing and go back out in the morning.
Sure - I struggled with my male ego before making this decision. The "man" in me wanted to "do it or die" but I thought - I don't have to die from my an attack of over-grown ego. Ha. Common sense told me to let the others go on and for me to turn back. I was to learn from Jackie (Jack's first-born son) that this was not "common sense" but rather "uncommon sense". Just like his Dad! Always trying to make others feel better about themselves.
More to follow. However, I can't wait to show you the Tee Shirt that Frances bought for me and presented to me when I reached home!
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| I had seen this shirt in Gatlinburg, TN and remarked to Frances over the phone that I wished I had bought it. So appropriate for a beginning of an Addicted Trail Hiker! Don't you think? |
10 comments:
What a sweetheart that Frances is for getting you the shirt. LOVE IT!! I'm so relieved you boys are off the trail. There is absolutely no shame in what you did accomplish! Male ego put aside ~ you can put a notch on the bedpost for this one! Cherish the memories!!
Now I need to get my butt in gear and get myself ready for hunting season. I have to walk across half a 40 acre section to get to my shack ... and I hardly have the stamina in me anymore to make it that far. Pretty lame ~ but female ego will prevail. lol
Good to have you back Fred!
Fred I am so glad that you're safe at home. That was so sweet of Frances getting the shirt for you. Wear it with a big smile. Take care. Jean
That sounds like a gruelling trek. I know I couldn't do it. I'm glad you weren't alone and that you had some common sense ;-)
SO SO SO SO proud of you, Fred... You are such an inspiration to all of us... I'm not sure I would have ever even attempted that hike... You are AWESOME....
You deserve an award just for trying... CONGRATS.
Hugs,
Betsy and George
I'm proud of you too Fred! Most would never attempt it but you did...love the shirt too. Take care, Sheila
Hey my friend, love the shirt! Glad you are home, Glad Gordon made it back down there and Glad I am in the Motor home! I will relate the great times we had on the blog. We are so proud to have gotten to know Gordon, a great guy. We enjoyed his short stay here, even if he did sleep on the floor! No stiff collar, that man. Sorry you felt bad, but as you said, "All things work together for them that love the Lord." As Sherry said, that one is my standby, although I do forget it at times.
Love to Frances, hope you guys get to Florida this winter.
I think you have done very well.. And isn't it great to be well enough to do it.. You should have purchased that T-shirt.
So glad everything went OK and you had a good time. Good to use the common sense God gave you!
What a funny shirt! :)
Fred Jack will cherish the time
you all had together. He said
Gordon was such a wonderful person.
His titles doesn't matter he is down to earth..JJ really enjoyed his company and the conservation, JJ is a genius. We have never met but I feel I know you Jack brings you up in conversations.
Fred, Jack and I had wonderful
parents which I am thankful for
our good life. I'm sure he has mention our Sister and her husband.
also wonderful people and we miss
them. Take care of yourself and
be proud of what you did on the trail. Chalk it up to a good
experience and wear your T-Shirt
with pride.
Shirl
I just know you have that shirt on. What an accomplishment! I'm totally proud of you. To take such an adventure so soon after your long summer was inspiring. Have I told you I'm proud to know you through Jack and our blogs?
The Lord Has always been so good, even with His sense of humor. I'm glad He encouraged you to put that male ego aside for the sake of your health. Now, about that shirt~~~I'll bet you have it on.
BlessYourHeartDearFriend
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