1. 30 pounds on your back changes a lot of things, from scrambling up rock ledges to climbing down steep trails, I felt like I was giving a piggy back ride to a small child.
2. Decisions you make can affect your hike. My decision to wear Paul's Boots was controversial. Many thought me crazy to attempt an ambitious hike wearing another man's hiking boots. The fact that they blew apart only two miles into the hike would seem to affirm that. However, I actually still believe I made the right decision. It was his dream to hike the trail, not ride on a backpack. I put his boots on sacred A.T. soil. I am happy to be able to say that.
3. Mind over Matter. For four months I had studied this hike, every rise and fall, twist and turn, scrambles and chimneys, steps and steep drop offs. There were days just before we left that I actually doubted that I could hike the Wildcat Ridge Trail, that I would be unable to scramble the ledges, climb the chimney, or make the steep descent. And all were no doubt challenging for me. But none were as difficult as I had made them in my mind. Accomplishing this trail with a heavy pack was no small feat for me, and it helps boost my confidence that I can now take on some hikes that I've been reluctant to do. Bottom line, Always believe in yourself.
4. I am not a backpacker. I am a day hiker. Lesson learned.
5. This was my Walk of Life. I celebrated the lives of relatives and close friends who have passed on. I spread my beloved dog Rock's ashes at every summit and all over majestic Carter Notch. I would never have attempted this walk before meeting him, he still inspires me two years after his death. But this walk also celebrated those still in my life, my family & friends who have given so much to me. I had special company on this walk as well. Our son Adam flew home from Chicago to help his pop. My dear friend Tom came up from New Jersey with his son Tal, both more like family than friends to me. I was thrilled to have a newer friend Doug and his sharp ten year old son Makaya with us. They hiked much faster than I but always waited for me to catch up. Then there is this guy Kevin. He is a competitive trail runner, has attempted mountain races that go for 100 miles. It had to be torturous for him to go at my pace. He was by my side when I was fatiguing, and his incredible positivity on my shoulder will never be forgotten.
6. Better to change plans than be rescued. As we arrived at Carter Hut both of my boots had been basically shredded, like a truck tire on the side of the Jersey Turnpike. I woke up at four a.m., walked out to Carter Lake and sat by myself for an hour, staring at Carter Dome. I have too much respect for our mountains to try and hike them with faulty equipment. My heart sank as I realized that we had no choice but to head out at this point and leave the Dome for another day. After a group discussion we all recognized this as our only option. Disappointing, but shit happens.
7. When you are feeling down loved ones pick you up. After my hour of meditation and decision making I started to feel really low. Just then I saw a text my beautiful daughter Sarah had sent me the night before,after hearing from her mother about my difficulties. It hit me like medicine for my soul. She spoke of how proud she was of me, to try something I did not have to do, to accept a physical challenge that we all knew was difficult. It was a beautiful letter from a beautiful woman. The moment I read it I cried, tears of mixed emotions, from being bummed about stopping the hike to being the proudest father in the world to have children like mine. Along with my beautiful wife Sue they make me a very lucky man.
8. Leave the Comfort Zone. Although the trip did not reach its original destination I still classify it as a success. I tried to do something at 55 that I had not done since I was 22. I know I am older, heavier, not in tip top shape, yet I still had a desire to give it a try. I am a wiser person for doing this, a tad sore today in my legs but my mind feeling stronger. And I have a feeling of personal satisfaction in finishing one of the harder trails in our beautiful White Mountains. I dropped eight pounds and that means I need to keep hiking. And I certainly will. I enjoyed our stay at Carter Hut so much I think Sue & I will celebrate our anniversary there. So though it did not have the ending I had hoped for I am so happy to have done it. I was honored to help see a man's boots hit the A.T. I hope to see more of the trail in my own boots.
