come to an end. This one, like so many others, ends with me arriving home–alive and on foot. HOWEVER, I’m not there yet, so this is your last chance to send mail, come walk with me, or come to the southern terminus as Springer Mtn on OCTOBER 29th. The road crosses 0.9 miles from the terminus, so you can walk the last mile with me or wait at the ending and party it up appalachia-style.
If you want to walk with me anytime from here (Newfound Gap in the Smokies) to Springer, text me and I’ll make it happen.
If you want to show up for the terminus party, you can either let me or my mom know. Or you can make it a surprise. (I’ll be finishing around NOON). Bring whatever food, drink, instrument, firework, boombox, etc you feel appropriate.
If you want to write a final letter, I suggest this template:
“Dear Treebeard (you wandering vagabond of a rascal, you),
Congratulations on completing this journey. Now, go shave, and welcome to 21st century society, a cutthroat capitalist marketplace where there will be much weeping and gnashing of teeth. Good luck competing in this battlefield now that you find yourself without money, car, job, or apartment. Don’t fret; hope endures. Your mother will accept monthly rent. You can work for free in order to build your resume. Krispy Kreme doesn’t lock their dumpsters at night. And biking is a great way to keep the weight you lost off. Oh… and here’s 20 bucks just to help your cause and to say thanks for having such an entertaining and thoughtless blog. Go get ‘em!”
The final address: Michael Short // c/o General Delivery // Hiawassee, GA 30546 // please hold for thru-hiker // eta october 23rd
Thanks to everyone for your encouragement and support along the way.
Best,
MKS
I don’t know why I haven’t had this Blog address from the get go, but somehow I didn’t. John Pound sent it along to me today, and as fate would have it, it’s my birthday. Let me say that reading your old posts and thinking of the great talk we’ll have (over an amazing meal I hope) when you get yourself civilization-ready has made my day complete. To say I’m proud of you is an understatement. Best of luck in your final days toward Springer. J.
Tell us Michael – did you make it home? How was homecoming and the reception upon arrival to Springer Mtn. Welcome back!!!