So Pappy 12 and Best Wife were getting a little cocky about doing 29.6 miles in 2 days. We were not as tired or sore as we thought we would be so we began to feel like we can run with the big dog thru Hikers. We had been at the Rousch Gap shelter about 30 minutes when a seasoned looking hiker we had never seen before pulled in.
It is pretty common at shelters and campsites to ask each other where they had started that morning or how many days or weeks they had been on the trail. So I asked this dude (Skippy John Jones, picture included) if he came from GA. Yes. When did you start? Jan 8.
Now he has my respect because he has done enough of the trail to say he is the real deal. Then I ask him how far he hiked today. 29.6 miles. I said you mean you were in Duncannon this morning? Yes.
Skippy had hiked the same miles in one day that we had hiked in 2 long days. We are not yet running with the big dogs. Then I asked him why he started so early in GA. He said he needs to make it to Kahtadin, ME by about June 1so he will be able to do a yoyo (yoyo means you complete the AT and then turn around and hike it again in the opposite direction, get it? Yoyo)
Now I'm in awe over this guy. I asked him why he is doing a thru hike in the first place. He said he needs it to complete the Great American Triathlon. What's that? Well, first you kayak the entire Mississippi River, then you bike from coast to coast, then you thru hike the AT.
Now I realize I'm in the presence of a guy in his own league, a real superstar. Looking forward to seeing Skippy on his way south somewhere in New England as we are still hiking north.
Happy 8th Bday to grandson, Big Ev.
I'd like to shake the man's hand who built this stone bridge. Real craftsman.
How do you like this piped spring 30 feet from the shelter? The comforts of home in the woods.
Sent from my iPhone
It is pretty common at shelters and campsites to ask each other where they had started that morning or how many days or weeks they had been on the trail. So I asked this dude (Skippy John Jones, picture included) if he came from GA. Yes. When did you start? Jan 8.
Now he has my respect because he has done enough of the trail to say he is the real deal. Then I ask him how far he hiked today. 29.6 miles. I said you mean you were in Duncannon this morning? Yes.
Skippy had hiked the same miles in one day that we had hiked in 2 long days. We are not yet running with the big dogs. Then I asked him why he started so early in GA. He said he needs to make it to Kahtadin, ME by about June 1so he will be able to do a yoyo (yoyo means you complete the AT and then turn around and hike it again in the opposite direction, get it? Yoyo)
Now I'm in awe over this guy. I asked him why he is doing a thru hike in the first place. He said he needs it to complete the Great American Triathlon. What's that? Well, first you kayak the entire Mississippi River, then you bike from coast to coast, then you thru hike the AT.
Now I realize I'm in the presence of a guy in his own league, a real superstar. Looking forward to seeing Skippy on his way south somewhere in New England as we are still hiking north.
Happy 8th Bday to grandson, Big Ev.
I'd like to shake the man's hand who built this stone bridge. Real craftsman.
How do you like this piped spring 30 feet from the shelter? The comforts of home in the woods.
Sent from my iPhone
Congratulations on this amazing adventure! When do you anticipate hiking through NJ? We would love to meet you in Sussex County, possibly High Point, shake your hand, bring you a treat or supplies, and Dave said he's behind in checking on your home teaching :)!
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