News at Last

Those of you who are wondering about the delay in posts will be delighted to get an update directly from Bob:

A few days ago - "Things have not worked out like I hoped, although I have gotten much better figuring out resupply contents vs pack weight over the first 175 miles. The pack was and is still too heavy. Because of this, my right knee is not happy and with the mental aspect of the hike wearing on me, I determined it was best to stop before the Smokies and be rescued by Rebecca. Once you get into the Smokies, getting out is not an easy task. Next step is to have my doctor take a look at the knee, get blood work done requested by my doctor just prior to my leaving, and mentally rest up."

[Intentional pause...]

Update (4/2/25) again, from Bob: "X-ray of knee indicates wear in a certain location but not any worse than it has been and no other issues other than arthritis in the area of concern. I've been provided a taping method for the right knee to try and get the kneecap to move in the proper direction. This should help but is a trial and error method. Blood work results were fine but it was interesting to see if anything had changed due to the hike. Nothing crazy to report. Mentally, things are better, looking at possibly continuing the hike from Harpers Ferry, WV and heading south to Fontana Dam. This would have me hiking the VA portion and the longest section of the AT. If completed this would complete the southern portion of the AT. We'll see.

Regardless of the next steps, I have been told by many of my 2025 AT classmates on FB, getting to the 167.7 mile mark plus the approach trail is no easy feat so be very proud of this.

Stay tuned."

And, from Rebecca: Some of you got this news a little sooner, due to proximity or blood connections. But to all of you, I want to thank you once again. I know how many people have prayed for Bob (and for me) regularly, have reached out to check in, and have worried for his health and safety. In the 39 years I have known him, I have seen him take on and/or survive many challenges, including marrying me (!!!), becoming a father, losing his Grandmother, Mother and many beloved aunts and uncles, and becoming a soccer coach and referee of teenagers. He's determined and he's tough.

Since he's been home he's enjoyed the comforts of being truly off trail and carrying only his own slightly lighter body weight around. But, without a plan or project - or a mountain to traverse - he's also found that it's a little quiet and perhaps a tad boring. I'm glad he's thinking of other options for the future and suspect I may be back to reporting his comings and goings once again in the not too distant future. In the meantime, I'm catching up on some quilting, nurturing my little vegetable garden along and enjoying having him home. I'm also trying to drive him a little crazy to motivate him to hit the trail again. Thanks again, y'all!

Signing off for now!