Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Popeye.jpg


Popeye.jpg, originally uploaded by Hikingfool.

Good Morning. Day 14. Thanks for all the encouraging comments! It is amazing what a restful night in the shelter & some company will do for your spirits. Also today is only 12.8 miles. I think every thruhiker gets some doubts in the first week or two, it is just a matter of pushing through. This trek is something you cant prepare for at home, you just have to experience it. Plus I know that God wont give me any more than I can handle.

Well I also want you to meet Popeye, who is about a day behind me, so hopefully he'll catch up. He is from NJ, and is retired. He thruhiked it in 2001, then attempted it again last year. But, he had a heart attack on the trail 11 miles outside of Erwin. So he hiked the remaining 11 miles & hitched a ride to the hospital which confirmed the heart attack. So, now he is back again this year with proper heart meds, and a hiking buddy, Captain Jack. More on him tomorrow. Both are really good guys.

Shepherd

13 comments:

MadMup said...

Wait a minute - he had a heart attack and then hiked another 11 miles??

Chuck Norris ain't got nothing on this guy.

Anonymous said...

Hi from mom,
Well I glad your in better spirits today and I was hoping someone would catch up to you last night. I am cleaning my refrigerator today and found this poem with my pictures: May you always have sunshine to greet you wherever you go. A fun-loving spirit you never outgrow. Joy in the journey, whatever you do. God's presence to guide you and help see you through. Thought this fit you and for the trail.
Love you, Mom

Anonymous said...

No kidding M.Z, when J told me about popeye on the trail he said "this is good excersize for him", what other cardiac rehab could match hiking the AT. Love you J,
Amee

Daizie Girl said...

Wow! Hiking 11 miles in the mountains is one thing - to do that after having a heart attack is another! That is amazing!

Anonymous said...

Jeremiah! I hope you are having a great day! Don't be discouraged - it's Passion Week! Think of all Christ did for you and be encouraged; what an awesome opportunity!!

PS said...

Shepherd....
Where are you man?
PS

PS said...

All,
My buddy Bob just reminded me that when we went through this section there was no cell coverage from Fontana Dam until we got to the top of Rocky Top Mtn (yes, that one!). So it might be another day or two before we get an update.

prayers and hike on out there Shepherd!

PS

Dana said...

Praying for you! God is good! I know he will provide you with the strength you need everyday.

Anonymous said...

Hi from mom,
I know you are okay and just don't have a signal, amee has reassured me twice today and I should be re-assuring her but she has faith that you are hiking on and just can't get a signal and ps also commented today that it may be a day or two but I pray for just a day. I just like to here you comment every day so I can truly see that you are fine even though I know you are. You are still in my prayers daily!!
Love you , Mom and dad

PS said...

Momma Shepherd...
I am sure he is fine. He is in the Smokys now and there are rangers that patrol the trails and check on everyone. They have radios too... You would know something if you needed to. He's having a GREAT time! I mean, he's in the SMOKYS!!! It is a whole new experience. The beauty is unbelievable. Very remote, which is part of the beauty!

prayers,
PS

Anonymous said...

Hi from mom,
well another day with no signal so I thought I send you a note since I was thinking of you. Not doing much here, matt is on spring break and he has an mri this afternoon for his back- it still bothers him. thanks scott for the reassurance to I know he is fine and having a wonderful time. So the smokey's are pretty wonderful huh well I guess we will se soom when he can update us with his pictures. Have fun hiking soon zero day and amee.
Love you, Mom

PS said...

Hey Y'all,
check out what incredible weather there is in the Smokys: http://weather.yahoo.com/forecast/USTN0209.html

What a rarity!!! Some INCREDIBLE views then!!!

prayers!
PS

Anonymous said...

Hi again from mom,
PS sent a site to look for the weather in the smokies. Looks nice till monday, have fun hiking can't wait to see your pictures and updates!!

Love ya, Mom