Belter’s Campsite to Norfolk; Distance = 13 Miles; People Met = 3
First off, I’m developing some computer problems that prevent me from uploading pictures here and on Facebook. As I continue with the Kindness Blog it will probably be with a new computer; seems fitting to retire my current computer with this amazing journey. For this last day I will link to pictures of the last day on Photobucket (see below), though the slideshow feature plays them in reverse chronological order. That’s where I kept best pictures for each state so feel free to do a scenic review of the journey in your leisure.
Here is what I awoke to on the last day.
As the day progressed we became somewhat the Pied Pipers. First our daughter Serena joined us to hike virtually the entire day with us. We made a stop at the Chubby Bunny farm to say “hi” to two former students of mine, Dan and Tracy. During the journey I thought about them often as the type of business and lifestyle well-suited for community and sustainability.
We reached Wangum Reservoir where our son Noah, old family friend Bill Perry, and Roger and Dick Monty joined our walk. Though he was from Norfolk originally, we met Roger for the first time in California near the beginning of the journey. He was the first person to suggest coming out to watch us finish; he followed up much to our delight.
Our good friend Ed Kostak ran up to meet us as we were walking into town. Our connections with Ed are extensive and deep. We first met when I taught an alternative education course for high school called Frost’s New England, which involved hiking the Long Trail. Ed went on to hike the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails. He also stayed at our house for a year.
Our last break was at Ky’s house, where we reunited with our dedicated support person (ambassador) for the final mile into town. Also joining us to walk for that final mile were nephews Mike and Scott Sinclair and classmate Nancy Elmore Wendlandt. Ky walked with us while her daughter Lydia drove the minivan and camper behind.
As we passed the ballfield three heartwarming events occurred. The Little League players halted their games to line the road and cheer for us. The students at the Yale Summer Festival, outside having a picnic, applauded as we went by as well. Finally, my brothers Bob and Ernie, and sister-in-law Susie, joined us for the last few hundred yards.
As we approached the Village Green, the official end point, we veered slightly off to the left where a large “Welcome Home” banner awaited us on the grounds of Norfolk’s Congregational Church. The moment was packed with emotion, and what transpired next is somewhat hazy. We all went inside for a potluck dinner; the choir sang a couple songs, including our official theme song “Seasons of Love;” and I gave a speech recounting three stories from the journey. I’ll recount those three stories here in a future post.
Like I said, there was too much emotion, and perhaps some degree of fatigue, for me to remember everyone who came and thank each personally here. However, I would like to acknowledge a few of those who traveled a distance because of a special connection with the journey.
Fellow members of the Habitat board I serve came: George Massey, John Pogue (and spouse) and Judi Moore. I’ve had additional relationships with George and Judi by virtue of places where I used to work at one time. Jesse Glick also came. Our initial connection was through Church World Service, though I believe Jesse focuses on Bread for the World now. In any case, these folks share a passion for remedying Housing, Health and Hunger issues.
Two long distance hikers from a former era came: Paula Mueller and Kathy Pyrdol. No small coincidence that both are very good friends with Gwen Jones, who did so much for us during the journey but could not make the trip to Norfolk. I should add that Mike Hinckley also left us a voice mail towards the end; unfortunately, me cell phone was shut off at the time he made the call.
Classmate Kathy Kurtich came. Both she and Nancy were class officers along with myself for our high school. They took up the reigns of planning this year’s 40th reunion when I became somewhat unavailable, and they were loyal followers throughout the year. I owe them a few thanks.
Last but not least, Bill and Marcia Hastings came down from Hadley, New York, near the Hudson River. Their connection? They happened to be on vacation when we bumped into each other in the Utah desert, along the Colorado River near Moab. They remained in constant contact with us as our journey progressed and I can’t convey how special it was to have them show up at the end.
I suppose you are supposed to write something profound on the last day of a journey. I can’t right now, even though almost two weeks have passed. I’m not sure when, if ever, this amazing journey will fully sink in. I just know the die has been cast. As a person once known as a professional student, a person whose in-laws once proclaimed would not finish school until after my son (they were wrong), my future path and journey in life now seems clear. I’m to be a constant advocate for kindness, community and humanity. I hope you all stay with me for the journey.
So glad to find this blog and your focus on KINDNESS! Congratulations on your hiking accomplishments! In 2009, my horse and I walked 300 miles (not the ADT) from Western MA to Pennsylvania. We wanted to cross the USA on foot, but my horse went lame soon after we entered PA. Many KIND people helped us along the way. Now my horse is fine and I am contemplating an equestrian journey again, this time on the American Discovery Trail. I’ve heard portions of the trail are closed to horses, but I recently found out there was a horseman who finished the distance in 2005 (West to East). I expect Eastern portions of the trail sometimes follow the same roads traveled by cars. Any advice?
Greetings Ann,
I wish you well on your upcoming journey. The ADT follows everything from hiking trails to state highways and everything in between. I believe some hiking trails (but not many) might be closed to horses. The greater problem might be some of the state roads. There was one major road in Illinois with no shoulder and treacherous enough for foot travel, let alone horses. I believe there is at least a small stretch of major paved road in each state.
Bear in mind, however, that probably no one has hiked the ADT precisely. Route finding is difficult in places, particularly for those going west to east. We had to make some alterations, as would you. The horseman you mentioned had to have taken some alternate routes. Also, he must have done it in sections; I personally saw the plaque awarded in 2005 to Ken and Marcia Powers for being the first to continuously hike the ADT. Cindy and I are the first to hike continuously west to east.
My biggest advice is to use the ADT as a guide for a route, but prepared to deviate from it substantially as your needs dictate. Happy Travels!
Kirk