If not NOW, then WHEN?
ME>GA 2006
http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=3277
Instagram hiking photos: five.leafed.clover
"Hiking is as close to God as you can get without going to Church." - BobbyJo Sargent aka milkman Sometimes it's nice to take a long walk in THE FOG.
regarding the "predators" posts... the Mother posted pics of the kids & locations info all over facebook during their trip , then posted they were leaving Pearisburg VA on 8/15, first day of school pics on the 20th, etc...
Thank you for the ones that were concerned about this family. When I first stepped foot on the AT I was not an experienced hiker. The trail teaches us a lot. It gives us what we need. I love White Blazes for its information from experienced hikers. I have learned a lot in 2 years from this forum of long distance hiking and I thank you all. I am a COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATE FOR CHILDREN. (CASA) It is a great program. I did have concerns with this family so I reached out to them. My first trip on the AT I was not prepared but I found a lot of people that were not .The second year I knew a little more but still learned a lot. Mostly from the hikers I hiked with. I did see children some were even be exploited for personal gain. What makes the Family from the South so different and this on going never ending entertaining whatever it is. Is the way the mother acted while they were in Damascus. But a lot of hiker I meet abused the system more then she did. One ended up in jail twice. I in now way condoning what she has done. But she has a bigger obstacle in her life now. With the flooding of her home. Etc. On a closing I wish more families would attempt to take their children on a hike if nothing else to get them away from TV and computers. And maybe some bonding time.
In my heart I think she was trying to do the best she she could. I remember My childhood vacations with my 4 brothers and 1 sister we did 13 state in 2 weeks and hit all the vacation traps. I want to Thank all the ones that did help her and her family and the ones that never met her you can not talk. I love White Blazes and all the knowledge that is here for long distance hikers. I would hike with any one of you any time. I keep in contact with her and her family. You will not be hearing from her again on the AT. For those that helped her and all the other hikers you will be rewarded sometime. I thank you again. Please keep your heart open to people and children and the its the children we were all concerned about. It all worked out despite us who worried. I hope if I am ever in trouble on the trai I will have the kindness of the White Blazes members. She is off the the trail let it rest.
Great post above to close out the thread.
"Sleepy alligator in the noonday sun
Sleepin by the river just like he usually done
Call for his whisky
He can call for his tea
Call all he wanta but he can't call me..."
Robert Hunter & Ron McKernan
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