Written By: Emily “Lightning” Ginger
I’m in disbelief when I hear myself say, “I walked over 2,000 miles.” I’m beyond grateful that I was privileged enough to even attempt, let alone accomplish this unique experience of hiking across the United States along the Appalachian Trail. I’ve learned on many levels, more than I thought I could, about our country, others, and myself. I humbly hold this remarkable experience that will resonate throughout my lifetime.
There were many ups, and there were a number of downs. What’s life without both? But I never wanted to quit because of the hard terrain or the brutal weather — those aspects weren’t cumbersome, but integral to the adventure. I have no regrets and there are few things that I might have changed. I’m appreciative of all the memories (good and bad) that I now take with me. Congratulations Kate and Brandon, we did it! Thank you Kate for inviting me to join you on this adventure. This trip rejuvenated my love for the outdoors and I look forward, with greater confidence than before, to the many challenges and adventures that lay ahead of me.
I am happy to announce that I completed the hike, and was accompanied by both my parents on the summit of Mt. Katahdin, 30 years after they hiked that same mountain. My father is in great shape and I had no doubts that he could climb the mountain. I can’t say the same for my mother because she has been inactive for five weeks since having toe surgery, but she wanted to tag along for as long as she could. After about a mile of trying to keep up with my dad and me, my mom felt tired and ill, so she stopped and decided to head back to the car. My dad and I, at her request, continued our ascent (on all fours) up the rocky mountain, leaving her with two cereal bars and a quart of water. We reached the top of the mountain and celebrated with the other thru-hikers who were culminated on the summit that day as well. After two hours of enjoying the views from atop the mountain, and just as we agreed to wrap it up to start back down the mountain, a man walked over and said, “Did you just complete your thru-hike?” I replied “yes.” He extended his hand for me to shake and as I shook his hand he said, “Congratulations! Your mother is just behind me and on her way up the mountain.” My dad and I, in SHOCK thought he was mistaking me for someone else, but we looked down the trail and there she was, making her way toward us! She told me that she didn’t want to miss out on the celebration, that she wanted to prove to herself that she could do it, and was able to do so by “hiking her own hike,” at her own pace. It was special to have my parents join me in the ending of this long journey.
Thank you to everyone who has lent me support throughout these past five months. Your kind and supportive comments on this blog truly kept me going. To those who sent food packages, they nourished me physically, but the love they came with was true sustenance:) I couldn’t have done this without everyone following along and cheering me on! I would like to give a special thanks to my family especially Mom, Dad, Jake, Elaine, Luke, Christie, Grammy, Grandpa, Aunt Clare, Uncle Mark, Uncle Andy, Aunt JoAnn, Jeff, Kristin, Aunt Amy, Uncle Lenny, and Anya!
Way to go, Emily! After meeting you in May, I never had any doubt that you'd make it to the end. I bet having your mom and dad there at the summit of Katahdin was very special.
Deborah is on vacation in the Carolinas….so I'll take the opportunity to hoot & holler for both of us. We followed along with your blog and it's just fantastic Mom & Dad were there to celebrate with you. Indeed: Way to go Emily!
Congratulations, Emily! I knew you would do it. I'm so proud of you! Congrats to your parents too…this was an accomplishment not to soon be forgotten. Hope to see you in the near future…the other mom
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
Hooray!!! Em, you are an inspiration!
Christie Carson-Ginger
Congratulations Emily, Kate, and Brandon! You now are members of an elite group. Congratulations also to the four parents. I had no doubt that Emily's father could make it up Khatadin, but I'm surprised and glad that her mom “hiked her own hike;” I fully understand how that goes. I hope the hike down doesn't set back the recuperation from the toe surgery.
Emily, both Grampa and I would have liked to join you on that last ascent, but alas, at 81 and 83 years old, it couldn't happen. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Grammy Ginger (and Grampa too)
Congratulations to all 3 of the traveling circus! You friggin walked over 2000 miles. That's amazing.
Congratulations
on a life goal already achieved
Peter
YAY EMILY!!!! CONGRATS LADY! I'm SOOO proud of you!
Way to go Lightning! However does anyone want to tell us what happened to cause the breakup of the traveling circus or are we just left to be in the dark without a headlamp?
WHAT AN ACCOMPLISHMENT!!! CONGRATS EMILY ON DOING SOMETHING THAT ONLY A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE POPULATION CAN DO!!! I'm really glad you got back in touch with Nature. It is all around us and a very powerful force. Can't wait to hear more stories from you in person. I have a goal of doing the Long Trail some day.
Uncle Mark
Congratulations Emily. TRULY Inspiring story. What an accomplishment!
The Mulcrones : )
Way to go Kate and Brandon and especially Emily. I have been following your blog all along and thoroughly enjoyed reading about all your adventures. I'm so proud of your Mom for joining you at the end – it made the perfect ending. Congratulations and look forward to hearing more stories in person.
Chris O'Brien (and the Stroms)
You sure have the smile of a true hiker. Completing a summit is indeed a great accomplishment especially with your parent. That is something you guys should be proud off. Congratulations and keep moving forward.