Well my friends, it is only after extensive thought that I address you with this blog. Over the past few days while taking time off with friends I have constalty been asking myself "should I stay should I stay or.should I go." Stay being Bridgeport,CA or go being a skip up to Sisters,OR from where I can hopefully finish the trail. It has by no means been an easy decision and was a hard one to make. From the very beginning when I faced heat exhaustion and an eye infection I knew right away that the trip was jeapoardized (it's full completion). Hoewever, After my first few days off due to eye infection I met back up with the guys I started with, Tom & Kobie. I then continued with them through the desert and the high and low sierra's. Although few following my blog will ever meet them, Tom and Kobie have become truly great friends during this journey. I can only believe that if Steve were here with me that he would enjoy the same friendships that I have made. It is not easy to move on without them, but they understand. School is not a burden that I frown upon, but it surely has not offered me the challenges I've faced on both the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. That is why I feel so lucky and fortunate that God has given me the opportunity to be out here.
Recently I talked to Ben about our AT hike, and we often refer to a visit of the resupply in Unionville, NY. There, we were taken in by the now former Mayor of Unionville turned trail angel and he remembers our story to this day. I couldn't help but break into a smile when Bandana told me this (Ben has a friend who is completing a long section hike of the AT from Damascus,VA to Katahdin, hulkhikesat.blogspot.com, ). Appearantly the mayor of Unionville has been telling our story to hundreds upon hundreds of hikers who pass through his home on the AT. It is hard to put in a reasonbly lengthy blog post the inspiration we have imposed upon other hikers and former mayor Dick Ludwig. Steve's spirit, I am confident, will live forever on the AT and I will do my best to instill it upon those I hike with and meet on the PCT.
Now, as i find it harder and harder to type, I announce that I am skipping up to mile 1989.5 Sisters, OR from Bridgeport, Ca mile 1018. I am neither proud of this jump nor ashamed. It is just the best decision in my situation before I complete my final year of architecture school at UNCC. As this midnight train rolls on I feel confident that getting to Canada is the right decision. I look forward to keeping up with friends made thus far and future friends to come. Afterall, that's what it's all about, as the father of the AT Benton Mackaye said " to walk and see and see what you see.". So that's exacly on what I intend to do.
I have been followed by and independent documentary film crew through most of my hike and will be filmed by them druring my finish of the northern terminus of my hike. It is hard to fully explain why I am out here to a complete stranger, but those who have the time and interest hear about a friend who never got this opportunity that I have recieved. There is plenty more I would like to say, but Hell maybe there will be book some day. Thanks for everyone's love and support, this trip couldn't be possible without you!
SIncerely,
Spencer
-- Post From My iPhone
4 comments:
No one else has commented so I will.
Proud of you Spence for what you've done this summer. I am envious of your hike and am grateful for our friendship and the phone calls during it all.
I'm in Singapore and it's pretty slick. We flew in late last night and all was dark and haven't left the hotel yet today. I'll throw some pics on facebook for ya when I can.
Love ya buddy,
Bandanna Ben
Hey Spencer, I just read this and encourage you in your new decision. You have done so much more and felt deeper than most people. You are an inspiration for the rest of us to get out there and live. I think Hulk would have eventually done the AT even if he had not met Ben or known of you and Steve, but knowing about you all and your hike continues to give him courage to keep going thru the down stuff because he knows there is a view or a new friend or life over the next peak. Ben, thank you for being such a great friend and brother to Rob / Hulk. Singapore sounds like a pretty cool place to be too. I am praying for all of you. Rob(Dad)Foss.
You're living proof that it's more about the journey than the destination. You're accomplishing something amazing, and I can't wait to hear more (or buy your book when it comes out).
Auntie B
No more blog posts?? Step your game up Warpzilla! I miss you!
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