Home sweet home
I’m writing this while sitting in my recliner in my climate controlled house, with an iced down drink, wearing clean clothes, and having showered for the fifth consecutive day. It’s been six days since finishing the AT, and it’s great to be home.
Arriving in Bangor Friday afternoon, Pinot, Russell and I got rooms at the Country Inn, checked in, and then went for a celebratory dinner at Longhorn Steakhouse. After dinner, they dropped me at JC Penny’s where I bought some traveling clothes for my trip home Saturday. I returned to the hotel, where I cleaned up, packed everything into my backpack for the flight the next day, and hit the sack.
Early Saturday morning, cleaned and dressed in my new clothes, I got a cab to the airport and flew home, connecting in Charlotte. When I got off the plane in Tampa, not only was my wife there to greet me (a wonderful reunion), but also four of the men from my Bible study group, all wearing white blaze signs on their backs to help me find my way to baggage claim. Great guys all.
The days since returning have been relatively quiet, as I acclimate to “civilian” life. One of the first things I did was have my wife cut my hair and trim the beard. I feel almost human again. It’s going to take a few weeks for the aches and pains accumulated over 6 months to ease, and I still have to address the wrist issue. I’m seeing an orthopedic doctor tomorrow and likely will require some surgery to correct the poorly healed bones. A relatively small sacrifice all things considered.
Over the past few days, I’ve received notification that Anvil, Whipporwill and DEFCON all summited Khatadin in the last couple of days. They will now head to Harpers Ferry to start the 2nd half of their flip flop, on their way to Springer Mountain in Georgia. They are hoping to finish before Thanksgiving. Other recent finishers include Doc and Baked Potato, both of whom I spent some time with on the trail.
I will always cherish the time spent on the trail, and especially the love and support of family and friends and people met along the way. Next year, my wife and I plan to spend some time along the trail along in our camper, providing trail magic and possible support for Rick as he resumes his hike.
Blessings to you all.
Mike (Waymaker) Bass
