Appalachian Trail Hike Update:
Wednesday September 10th, 2003
I hope this email finds everyone healthy and happy. After coming home for another 2 days last Sunday, and getting a ride back to Port Clinton by my friend John, we hiked 175 miles in 7 days; putting us on pace to finish at the end of October!
As I continue the hike, I am getting inspired; which means these emails are going to get a little heavier with my philosophies. If you don't appreciate my input, feel free to contact my webmaster and be removed from the list. I will still be providing lots of info. on festivals, etc, in the future.
We are currently in Maryland, but will hit Virginia tomorrow. It is midday, so my message must be short so we can get back to the hike and crank out some miles.
I want to explain why I decided to name the book "HOLY SH*T". First of all, the name is in honor of my deceased father whom surely would've gotten a kick out of. Secondly, it is an exclamation that fits the amazing nature of my healing and the one that 1000's of others are experiencing. Thirdly, on an uncooked nutrition program, one experiences some spiritually inspiring bowel movements. Lastly, and most importantly, I want to shock and even repel the zealots who only seem to accept knowledge from their narrow-minded pool of information, which is usually derived from a very limited set of resources (one book, related resources, etc).
In the short term the name intends to repel some unaccepting people. However, as the healing #'s grow, some will realize their prejudices and hopefully open their hearts and senses to new ideas, ultimately making our world a more tolerable place.
Why such an issue with zealots, esp. religious, one might ask? I believe it is this zealotry that is taking our "civilized" cult-ure to hell in a bucket. It seems to protect its narrow view of existence, one that sees life in the short-term, and intent on fulfilling the prophesies of its teachings, they are willing to ignore common sense, instinct, and a longterm view of the universe that recognizes the delicate balance and interconnectednes of all that exists.
To change the industrial machine, we need to educate the people, which changes the demand. I believe it is happening, but needs to much more.
The violent reaction of other zealots towards our zealotry merely justifies even more fervent behavior. This seems to be the cycle we are caught in. Yes, we should react in horror to events like 9/11; but to lash out without a positive evolution on our part(imperalistically, environmentally, etc), on our part, is obsurd.
More diatribes to come. Apologies for the brief explanations of these ideas, but my time is very limited.
Thursday September 18th, 2003
Jerry and I arrived in Waynesboro, Va yesterday afternoon after a very exciting week.
Last Friday, September 12th, after almost two weeks straight of 25 mile days, it was raining as we arrived at the Mannassass shelter. It was about 2.5 miles to Linden, Va, my next PO supply drop pickup spot, where I was expecting a big package of NHU Food Meal Bars. Since I don't wear a watch, and the sun was hidden, I had know idea what time it was. After unpacking my dampened gear, food, sleeping bag, and wrapping Jerry up in my wool sweater, I laid down, presumably for the night, in the dank and implied snake infested shelter.
In a moments time, I jumped up, packed everything up and cruised the 2.5 miles to the intersection of Rt. 55, which was still another mile down the road from the PO and small grocery. I asked the Spirit to take care of us throughout the departure.
Sometimes after hiking a short distance, like 2.5 miles, it feels like 10; but this time it felt like less than a mile.
Pouring rain, I knocked on the door of a home that rested at the intersection. I figured maybe they'd let us stay in the barn in the back. Barely cracking the door open, a tight faced, near-elderly woman, bitterly told me lodging was 6-7 miles down the road. I kept asking her how far, because with the rain so loud, and her refusal to open the door, made it sound like 67 miles. With each asking she became more snappy; so we quickly moved onto the road to try to get a hitch.
Approximately 20 cars sped by, watching me and Jerry pathetically in the pouring rain. At that time, I began to curse so-called Southern hospitality! Soon later, a pickup truck pulled over. Driving, was a friendly, 40-something fellow who introduced himself as Jeff, with long, pony-tailed hair, on his way back from his woodworking teacher job of autistic children. Excitedly he asked, "Where do you need to go?". I told him, "To the PO to get some food, and I guess a hotel for a dry place to sleep." We were flat out of food at this point; one of my motivating factors for our departure from the shelter. With a friendly southern twang he says, "Heck, do you want to stay with us in my cabin in the mountains," which rested on a foggy ridge about 2 miles away. "Are you kidding, yes!"I exclaimed.
He was an extremely accomodating, seasoned musician, who was recently divorced. He washed and dried my wet clothes, offered me a bed in his loft, and treated me that night to drinks and dinner at a spectacular 18th century restuarant.
After taking a relaxing zero day on Saturday, a day earlier then I planned; enticed by his invitation to a genuine bluegrass party Sat. night, me and Jerry again hit the trail and entered the Shenandoah National Park.
The first day and a half was foggy, but the 3500 foot ridgewalk trails, with their many switchbacks, were very hiker friendly. When the skies did clear, the views were magnificent!
Because of the hurricane, I left the park 25 miles before I finished its 107, to stay in Waynesboro's Quality Inn at hiker prices.
Tuesday September 30th, 2003
Hi everyone from Pearisburg, Va! Yesterday Jerry and I were in the midst of our 4th 30+ mile day, when I was inspired to make it my last day of hiking.
I have accomplished what I set out to accomplish; showing the world that not only can the bodyspirit heal from the decimation of any illness, it can maximize if the Infinite wisdoms are reembraced.
We have hiked over 1500 miles and countless mountains. It feels like a full experience filled with every dynamic imaginable. We have learned countless lessons from the greatest teacher, the church, the forest. We have met many wonderful people, and have had many unbelievable experiences, that will forever influence us. It just feels right to be coming home.
There are a few other specific reasons why we are leaving before we hit Georgia, but time prevents me from a full explanation. Briefly: 1. financial 2. death in family 3.dog logistics in Smokies 4. in wedding in Oct 5. thru-hiker is a label 6. want to go to Thailand soon to finish "HOLY SH*T Cleanse-Heal-Maximize, Multiple Sclerosis----ME-VA 03" 7. enough of forced hiking- I want to only hike when I please
I want to thank everyone for their spiritual, financial, logistical support. It could not have happened without you!
I will give a more complete thanking after I get home and settled. (The spirit provided us a ride to Philly 5 minutes after finishing our hike yesterday).
Tuesday October 14th, 2003
Jerry and I are in Wenonah, NJ after arriving from Southwest, VA more than two
weeks ago. It is nice to be resting and pursuing new interests.
I am spending a lot of time eating, hanging out with friends, and looking for
publishers on the computers at the Gloucester County College Library. I sent the
manuscript to an interested literary agent last week (pray for the best!).
Solo, except with DetourEd, the hiker-fellow from Philly who drove me and Jerry
home, I am going back to hike some of North Carolina's high peaks and
Tennessee's Smokies, around Oct. 24th. Although I don't miss hiking 25-30+
miles/day, I do really miss the woods and hiking on my own terms. If the Spirit
deems fit, I intend to travel to Thailand, India, Turkey, and Nepal with
Ramananda Das (Pete); departure sometime in November.
At this time, I would like to list and thank all the sponsors of "The Walk for
Health." It definitely would have not been a success without you!
Mom- you helped me financially and logistically way beyond the call of duty-love
you
Wegnerworks.com Web Design; designers and maintainers of rawpower.info
NHU Foods (1-877-815-6904) fed me their ultra-delicious/healthy meal bars the
whole way
Pure Planet (1-800-452-6884 x207) carrying their supplements was like having my
own private green garden
Arnold's Way (1-215-361-0116) this "mecca of healthfood stores" is right in our
backyard, and filled in all the blanks of my hiker diet
And the following financial/food givers:
*Cornell and Company, Inc. (cornellcraneandsteel.com)
*Multiple Sclerosis Association (1-800-532-7667)
*The Sheppards, SBJ Agency, Inc., Insurance (856-845-0292)
*Pine Street Studios, faux finishing
*Employees of Huff Paper
*Goodman Design (856-464-0223);superior graphics for print since 1984
*Mandarin Court (856-468-6893); themandaringroup.com favorite Chinese/Japanese
food
*Dennis Egen; web design (215-636-9500); insight-interactive.com
*The Langiewiczs; thank you
*REI.com
*symbiotics.com (harvesters of organic colostrum)
*DrShermanLeis.com plastic surgery
*ServiceTrak Network, title insurance, appraisals, property and flood searches
(fax 856-424-1956)
*Carney's Auto Center(856-468-1052)
*Kelliann's Tavern, 44th & Spruce Streets, Philadelphia
*Mrs. Ralston, Matt's favorite public school teacher (4th grade)
*Dr. Wood (Rutgers University, Camden, NJ; favorite college professor)
*Susan Pologruto and her Mom
*Uncle Dave
*Aunt Jean
*Uncle Sam (Dad's brother really!)
*Grandmom Sooy
*Gar & Rhoda Miller
*Dave Hawthorn
*Joann Garbin
*Erik Ryan
*Frank Eggert
Call 856-693-5097 or email mattg95@excite.com for details.
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