Hello, this is Joy. Today, on my Facebook feed, it popped up a memory that marks Ron’s 9 year anniversary of finishing the Appalachian Trail, back in 2012. I’m sure he doesn’t realize this yet, as he is busy with this current hike, but I’ll send the Garmin a message after while.
On Monday, Ron and Kendra will make it to Snoqualmie Pass, WA. They have a room reserved at the Summit Inn, for one night, and this actually looks to be a very nice location. They also have 2 resupply boxes waiting for them. But, as they are pushing north, the locations are getting much more remote and options for buying food or even coming across a restaurant are diminishing. So, the resupply boxes are getting heavy — the last one I mailed weight 27.5 lbs! I have one more resupply box that needs to go out this Tuesday, and this will be their final box that they will pick up at the Stehekin, WA post office around 9/16. It will have 6-7 days of food, which will be their largest carry. I say 6-7 days because technically, they need 7 days of food, but Ron said to only ship for 6 days (because of the amount they have to carry) and they will ration. I don’t like hearing that they need to ‘ration’ their food!
The north territory is also adding a new challenge (and concern). It was 28 degrees one night, and both Ron and Kendra did not get much rest, as they were both cold. The last box I shipped contained 2 warmer shirts for them, and a sleeping pad to get Kendra off of the ground. (She shipped her sleeping pad home a few months ago, to lighten her load.) Ron wanted an extra pair of gloves and Kendra asked for hand and body warmers. But unfortunately, they won’t receive this stuff until around Sept 10th. Hopefully, these warmer items will provide them with added comfort. We will also be praying that snow will not come early in the North Cascades area. I’m figuring the hikers will reach the border around September 20th, but that is not taking into account anymore zero rest days, so we’ll see. They will certainly start feeling the squeeze by the weather to get this completed!
By my calculations, they have 285 miles left. That seems like nothing considering they already walked over 2300 miles, right??? They are still getting in 23-25 miles a day and still hiking about 12 hours a day, even though the days are getting shorter on them. Some additional ‘positive’ notes — water along the WA trail has been plentiful. There are still a lot of hikers out there, hiking north. This can make it difficult to find sleeping accommodations, either in towns or even along the trail, but I like it because it adds safety along the trail (safety in numbers). I’ve been getting pictures from Ron and they are both smiling. And even though Ron keeps saying he is taking one day at a time, I hear an excitement in both of their voices, when we chat. Hoping their bodies stay safe, strong and healthy to the end!
Thanks everyone who is following their journey. I hope each of you are having a relaxing holiday weekend!
it’s Mom and Grandma saying Hi and you have a good reason to have a smile on your faces. I just can’t comprehend the great accomplishment that you two are about to complete. Joy says you are getting some cold weather now to travel and try to sleep in. I’ve never experienced that but we know someone who knows and can help. He’s been with you all the way. so all we have to do is pray. the cold may not leave but God can help you to cope with it. LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU BOTH and waiting for a few weeks to pass.
Hi mom! Thank you for your prayers and comments. You can be very proud of your granddaughter! She has endured a lot and been a warrior through it all! I love you, Bucket
Almost there!! Enjoy the final days of your adventure!!
Hi Mary Beth – Bucket here. Yes – we hope to have this completed by the end of the month. Still taking it one day at a time. Thank you for your comments!