If the Boots Fit

Dear Paul,

 It has been nearly a year since you passed away. In that time since your heart finally stopped your widow M'Lynn has managed to touch many other hearts with her warm remembrances of you. And though we never met I feel like I know of you, thus I felt a need to write to you today. Some may find it odd that I would pen a letter to a man who has died, who lived his life on the opposite side of the planet from myself. Maybe when we have finished here it will become more apparent why I am speaking to you Paul.

 I was looking for hiking boots on the computer about six months ago when a search turned up an interesting page, something about Dirtbag Diaries. And within moments I was reading and listening about your life. You were a gentle man from that land down under, Australia. You were a big guy, over 300 pounds. You loved to hike when your health allowed you to. You enjoyed reading and listening to tales from thru hikers, especially those from the Appalachian Trail. You fantasized about becoming a thru hiker yourself, doing the entire length of trail. But life's realities would not allow that. You had a devoted wife who supported all of these things, and still does.

                                        https://soundcloud.com/thedirtbagdiaries

 Damn, Paul, you sound an awfully lot like me. How could I feel so close to you in spite of the fact that we will never meet, at least not in a physical way ? How can listening to your M'Lynn make a heartfelt plea for your boots to make the trip up the A.T. not affect all who lend an ear ? I know you passed last July at only 53. I have lost both old and new friends in that same age group recently. I am 55. Paul, your story and these tragic losses got me thinking that I should embrace the opportunity of Life that I am fortunate to still have. In spite of needing to lose some weight, and physical limitations from an old back and knees, I heard your story and knew one thing very clearly.

                                                      I Need to Carry Your Boots Paul

  So I wrote a letter to the folks at the podcast. And I would find out that REI was also involved in making this a reality. I was told that there were an overwhelming number of responses for volunteers to schlep your boots for 2200 plus miles, sounded like a thanks but no thanks. Guess I was not the only one moved by M'Lynn's words. Four months after writing, and honestly having forgotten about it, I would receive an email, go through a very pleasant phone interview and before I knew it I was on the job.
 Of course I would volunteer to carry your boots on a fun chunk of the trail Paul. I agreed to a stretch of approximately 22 miles, or roughly 1% of the entire trail. I am finally a One Percenter thanks to you, Paul. My section begins in the heart of our White Mountains, at the base of Mt. Washington in Pinkham Notch. I am hiking what is known as The Wildcat/Carter/Moriah Traverse. In addition to the distance your boots will gain about 7700 feet in total elevation. This is an incredibly challenging hike. Paul, they keep a list of particularly sketchy trails known as "The Terrifying 25" up here in New Hampshire. Our first 7 miles of the hike qualified for this distinction. It has an assortment of fun stuff, like rock chimneys and wooden steps on sheer slabs, not to mention sheer drops in many directions. Did I mention my fear of heights to you Paul ? Yes, this trail is not recommended in wet conditions or to folks with fears like myself. But I am not wavering, I find strength just writing this letter to you. I have been in the gym regularly since I was chosen for this honor, and when I fatigue I try to channel you, and say your name to myself. People there must wonder who the hell Paul is. Let me show you a little bit of what we are facing Paul.


 This is what they call a chimney. It would be hard for me normally, but in August I will also be carrying 3 days of supplies in a heavy pack. I imagine you will hear me call your name a few times that day.

 

 In closing, Paul, I am sincerely honored to carry your boots. I suppose that no matter how hard we try we will always leave unfinished business here when we depart. Listening to your widow I found out how you deferred some of your dreams to help ailing parents, that you were a selfless, kind, caring and giving man. It makes me want to help see your dream through, even in this token way. And maybe it has something to do with my own life and dreams. The more I read about you Paul the more I feel that we are kindred spirits. But please understand the real reason for me writing you today is that I may need some help in doing this, I am a little worried it might be at the outer reaches of my current physical abilities.This will be the most challenging walk in over 30 years for me. I can only promise you that I am going into this with a very positive attitude and a strong resolve. I will set a firm date this week for our adventure. All I ask is that for you to stay close to me on this hike. Let's walk it together Friend.

 “You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. Fools stand on their island of opportunities and look toward another land. There is no other land; there is no other life but this.”
― Henry David Thoreau