Trail Journal Meaning 1

December 03, 2019
https://www.trailjournals.com/journal/22723

"A wonderful day, an amazing journey.
Brian and I got up and packed and headed to the AMC Mohican Outdoor Center, where we ate a very delicious breakfast and waited for our friends who would be joining us for my final day of through hiking. At breakfast we talked with a number of section hikers, and the answer to almost every question was, "Today. Today is the final day of my through hike." My friends and daughter finally showed up, and after picture-taking we headed to the trail head and started south. The trail was surprisingly rocky for the first half of the day, but also very beautiful, with scenic views of the Delaware River and Sunfish Pond, which is a glacial moraine. The last portion of the trail was on a woods road, and we spotted a timber rattlesnake slithering in the underbrush adjacent to the trail. We concluded the hike with a delicious dinner and drinks at a brewpub in Blairstown, and with that and many hugs and thanks, my six month adventure came to an end.
I am deeply indebted to everyone whose generosity made my trip so special. Brian, who provided transportation and logistical support; Dave & Melody, and Ed, who provided automobile storage; Patrizia, Bill, Brian, Pravir, Irtaza, Judy, and Becky, who were endlessly entertaining fellow slack packers; and especially my daughter Annie, who managed my trail journal and offered sublime enthusiasm and advice. As well, thank you hostel owners, motel clerks, uber drivers, hut crew members, fellow through hikers, trail magicians, journal readers and commentators ... my cup runneth over." - Peter Swank

This entry is about Peter and Brian and their hike on the Appalachian Trail. This journal entry is specifically about their last day of through hiking the trail and how thankful they were for everyone who has helped them through their journey. They were excited to finish the trail, but sad to say goodbye to everyone who has impacted them over the past six months. On the last day of their hike, they started out with breakfast with some friends, and finished the day with dinner with those same friends. He talked about how the trail was very woodsy and rocky, they even saw a snake. Which would have terrified me personally. I found this trail very real and it reminded me of something that I would've written because of how he thanked every single person that helped him through the six month hike. I think that it is always very important to thank those that help you through tough times, especially one like hiking a rigorous trail like the AT.

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