Greetings to all from Vermont!
I’m afraid that I have to start this update off with some sad news. I have just received word today that Bob Wells Sr. passed away two weeks ago. I have known the Wells family since 1972 when my family moved to Houston. I have many fond memories of fishing, baseball, and playing tennis with the ultra-competitive Wells clan. Bob was a successful business man, a great father and husband. My prayers and sympathies go out this evening to his wife, Barbara, and sons Bobby, Barry, and Brad.
As for my journey, I am now past 1,500 miles and by the time this update is posted, I will have hiked into New Hampshire. This continues to be an amazing trek. The people, places, history, and of course, the “work.”
There have not been a lot of flat spots the past 400 miles, many ups and downs – mainly ups – and lots of rain, rocks, mud and some pain.
A lot has happened. Here are some of the highlights …
- Stood in Babe Ruth’s old hotel room where he spent most of his life after baseball in Greenwood Lakes, N.Y.
- Watched lightning strike a large tree 35 feet from me, explode and send large chunks of shrapnel landing a few feet away from me.
- Hiked in so much rain, I didn’t see my feet for hours.
- Continue to be on the receiving end of incredible kindness from other hikers, total strangers – rides, free housing, meals and medical care.
- Had my first civilized meal since I started – I even bought a new polo shirt – with a gorgeous woman named Susie, a damn good singer, pianist and flutist as well.
I am on my fifth pair of hiking boots/shoes since leaving Pennsylvania. I’m blistered, bruised, battered, and sore, but onward and upward I trek.
The last 2 1/2 weeks have seen the first influx of Southbound hikers. I have met 38 so far. The Northbound hikers are still at it, but our numbers are dropping.
The most dangerous and roughest part of the trail awaits me beginning with the White Mountains in New Hampshire. If I come out of the Whites in fewer than three pieces, my next update will be in a couple of weeks.
Thanks to the Boyers and Tommy for their donations.
Hiking on.
- “Hell on Bad Wheels”
A zoo on the trail
Deluxe hiker privy
Mayor of Unionville, N.Y.
8 responses so far ↓
Alex Hausrath // September 4, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Wow – the Whites in September. It doesn’t get much better than that. I expect that it is cooler up there and the trees are beginning to show their colors. What a wonderful section of trail, albeit difficult, but most scenic and enjoyable.
suzy and don // September 5, 2008 at 2:22 am
John, we missed you at the wedding…Amy and Scott got home today from their cruise. I hope your bruise has completely disappeared by now. I know the upcoming part of the trail will be a challenge, but I’m sure you’ll be careful.
We are praying for your strength, health, rest,
and continue support from others on the trail,
and in the towns you visit. We are proud of you.
don and suzy
Anna // September 7, 2008 at 11:52 pm
Big Brother,
THE TASK AHEAD OF YOU, IS NEVER AS GREAT AS THE POWER BEHIND YOU!
Love,
Anna
Pocono Foot & Ankle // September 9, 2008 at 2:30 pm
SOOOOO glad to see that you are still trekking along. We have been woundering how you have been doing. Just remember anything you need you have our number. Take care and good luck to the finish line.
All your friends at Pocono Foot & Ankle
Mitchell // September 27, 2008 at 3:13 am
Duder,
Aren’t you done yet? College football has started.
Tavaris Jackson has been benched – I guess they heard you in Minnesota.
The web site is finally up – http://www.riesrobb.com
The furry lump is enjoying sleeping in your bed.
Keep on truckin’
Mitchell
Brad Wells // October 26, 2008 at 9:03 pm
John:
We hope you are safe and the knee’s will hold up. Thanks for the warm wishes and I got the voice mail! I still have it because you sound great and I appreciate the sentiments. You are looking lean and mean! I’m going to have write a good check for Gilda’s based on all your miles. Great work John and glad to do it!
Take care dude!
Brad Wells // October 26, 2008 at 9:05 pm
By the way, don’t worry about the College Football…The Longhorns have been ranked #1 for three weeks in the BCS and they appear to be rolling. It is a tough team much like yourself.
Erica and Loren // October 27, 2008 at 1:52 am
Hey J.D.,
So, you’ve almost completed your “walk in the woods” fantastic! We are thrilled for you and at the same time keep wondering if you are totally insane! We are so damn proud to know you!
In any case, best you keep on the trail as the concrete world of economic statistics has just about imploded – globally. Live like Jiffy Pop in a space blanket, you will survive longer!
The rest of us are having a “puckering” moment or two as we come face to face with another kind of bear.
Our love to you!
E&L