Sunday, September 16, 2012

The last of the Appalachian Trail this year.

Mark had hiked 69 miles at the Ford. He came off the trail for a day but wanted to go back. So we took him further South and turned him loose to walk North toward the ford.  We picked him up again there and he now has hiked 89 miles of the 100 mile wilderness. We are very proud of his accomplishment since he had never back packed before, that is a little above average in time.

I did have to smile when he said he was going to average 3 miles an hour. He didn’t quite do that, but the time was still very respectable.  Again, we practiced being trail angels while we waited, giving out water, apples, crackers, candy and cakes. Sherry commented to me, NO ONE EXPECTED TO SEE ANY ‘TRAIL MAGIC’ IN THE WILDERNESS, WE SURE SURPRISED THEM. Yes, that  we did.

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(‘Family Freeman’ from Switzerland. Heading South after some goodies from us angels!)lol

We were thrilled to have the boys with us, it was sorta like they were 13 & 15 again. Kidding around, enjoying WATCHING AND FOLLOWING sports together. Playing tourist and even going to a few yard sales. With side trips to Monson, Bar Harbor and Acadia National park and a ride up Cadillac mountain.

We also enjoyed some great meals at home and out, including the twin lobster dinner I put on the blog a couple weeks ago.

I took the time to tell the boys how proud we are of them. Jack took off from work and Mark is unemployed without unemployment pay. He was/is self employed and self employed folk do not get unemployment compensation. Neither has a wife to report to ( I wish they did). Mark, who has sorta lost his way in life in the past few years, said to me, “Dad, this has been an eye opener.”

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(Them’s buttered Grits in that pot Lucy, I know you wish you had some!!! (Just kidding))

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They DEPARTED Saturday morning but not without their mama fixing them a BIG BREAKFAST, like she did when they were growing up. Mark surprised someone awhile back telling them that everyday of his life growing mama fixed a big breakfast, not cereal, and she did.

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So they are off, we had a wonderful visit.

Nite Shipslog

PS:

Bar Harbor tomorrow!

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Purchased new by Mr. Wyman, the Wild Blue Berry King, Milbridge, Maine

15 comments:

Chatty Crone said...

This is just a personable opinion - but I think you all got something very memorable from this trip.

I did too - something different of course.

Enjoyed the trip.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

I'm so glad your boys got to make this trip to be with you. I know just how important family is and I think they both needed this time away. Congrats to Mark for going on with the hike. From past experience I know that being outside with nature is healing and restful. I'm not a AT trail adventurer for sure but I love the outdoors. It's warmed up here today into the 70's. Just a beautiful day!

Helen said...

Glad that you all got to spend this time together. I know that all enjoyed it.

betty said...

WTG for Mark and his accomplishments hiking the trail especially not having done this before; glad it seemed like he had some good time to think and have a bit of an eye opener. You and Sherry have two good sons! I think it is neat they took the time to come together with you and share this special time together. I am sure you guys will remember these adventures for many a time in the days ahead!

betty

shirl72 said...

Glad you had some family time.
Sounds like everyone had fun and
enjoyed their trip and adventures.
Jack remember we never had cereal
for breakfast Mother cooked.

Hope building picks up soon if
Mark still wants to build. He
may decide to be an angel on the
trail. I think that would be fun.

Memories to store.

Shirl


Anonymous said...

Very moving.

Please have you all a good new week ahead.

Anonymous said...

Very moving.

Please have you all a good new week ahead.

Fred Alton said...

Jack and Sherry, you two are such wonderful people! It struck a note of sadness in my heart to read the title of this blog indicating the end of the trail for this year. I thank you for inviting me and making my 3.3 miles a most wonderful experience! My journey on the trail has just begun.

Fred Alton said...

OH WOW! 89 Miles of the 100 mile Wilderness!!! What a trooper your son Mark is. He has the strength and the determination to walk the entire trail. He also has the a HUGE heart full of Kindness just like his Dad and Mom. I'm so glad for the few hours that I was able to spend visiting with you two and both your boys.

Paula said...

What great family time for you and their nice memory of Sherry always cooking breakfast.

Jean said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jean said...

You and Sherry are the greatest I'm sure all the hikers that met with you will never forget you guys. I'm glad you had the privilege to meet Gordon and spend some time with him and Fred. I was a little fearful for Fred taking the hike so soon after his Chemo. I knew it took Grover a while to get back up. He was so brave to give it a try. Maybe next time he will make it all the way. That was great of your son Mark wanting to go back on the trail. You have two wonderful sons to be so proud of. I hope they made it back home safely. Thanks for sharing all the pictures they made my day. Take care. Jean

Sheila Y said...

I'm so glad you two got to spend that time with your boys. Congrats to Mark for hiking 89 miles! Hope things pick up for him on the work front. Have a great week, Sheila

~mel said...

{{HUGS}}{{HAPPY VIBES}}{{HUGS}}
did you feel the hugs and happy vibes i cyberspaced you? :)

Louis la Vache said...

Compare the Packard grill with the grill on the Buick in the post above this one. Packard was first with this and many felt Buick copied Packard hoping the Packard luster would rub off on Buick!