Editor’s Note: This was written last night (6/28) but didn’t come through until this morning.
Today was our first ten miler! It took us almost two weeks to work through the logistics of how to make that happen but today was the day we set the bar at ten miles and got it done. We woke at 5am and made it to Winturri Shelter just before 5pm. Go Rick Go!
To give you some context for Rick’s accomplishment today: the average American takes around 5,300 steps per day; depending on stride length call that 2-3 miles. Those steps include walking around the bedroom in bunny slippers and the Stop & Shop ice cream aisle (am I telling you too much about myself?) Anyway they are not the same steps as lugging a 30-pound pack up a 1,000+ foot hill when you’ve just put in a full day’s hike. Rick fell a few times but got right back up, giving us his signature two thumbs up and broad smile.
We are all looking forward to tomorrow when we meet the “pie lady” four miles down the trail. The pie lady is a bit of a legend on this part of the trail. She operates a small shop on VT Route 12 where she sells blueberry and apple pies 200 feet off the A-T. The last time I passed her shop a few years ago there were half a dozen hikers sitting in her parking lot cross-legged. Each had bought a pie, borrowed a fork and were making sure they were not missing even a little bit of that pie.
We are also meeting my wife Carol in Pomfret VT who will feed us a wonderful and far more balanced meal. Thank you to all who support us and make this effort possible. We love you and are most thankful for all that you do.
Wombat 6/28/2017
I am very grateful for your daily notes. It’s AMAZING what you’re doing. I’m proud to be your friends and am praying all the time for you. We love you! Brett (and Dave, too)
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I did walk 8 miles in April on flat ground with neither a backpack to weigh me down nor a pie lady to spur me on. I’m still recovering. Congratulations on a great day!
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Wombat, thanks for reminding me that walking up and down my three-story townhouse is NOT the same. And my deepest and widest thanks to you and Otter for carrying the heavier packs.
As they say, he ain’t heavy, he’s my brother. Long live the Pie Lady!
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Glad to hear things going well!
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Rick, you are awesome! 10 miles is seriously impressive, but knowing you and your positive attitude it certainly is not surprising in the least. You are in my prayers and don’t forget to consider the Trail Magic that you bring to those you meet with your strength and inspiration. “Pie for Strength!” is the motto of the Park Cafe outside of Glacier NP in St. Mary’s, MT and I think we could adapt that locally as “Rick for Strength!” Happy hiking!
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I love reading all of your trail reports. You are inspiring so many people. Sending all my love. Enjoy that pie!
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