2025 Recap

This was one for the books! It was not about mileage, which it often can be, and it was not about scenery, although being in nature certainly provides its own rewards, IMO. It was about an amazing father daughter experience where we had to not only partner our way through some surprisingly strenuous backpacking, we had to overcome illness. Having now been bitten by the same bug Lil had on the trail, and how achy, exhausted, and stomach-churning it is, I am more amazed than ever at her fortitude - her internal engine doing its best to overcome the challenges and still have a memorable time. I would like to believe although we will not forget the impact of health on this trip, we will more likely remember the crazy stuff that happens ‘out there’, from the people, to the wildlife, to the fires, the shelters, the privies, and ultimately the gift of each other while experiencing the gifts bestowed to us in this amazing ecosystem we call ‘nature’. Thanks to my Lil for carving out some time to spend with her Dad on the AT!