Sherri (Dreamcatcher) On the Appalachian Trail

19. March 2009

Posts

Filed under: comments — Dreamcatcher @ 05:30
Your email:  
Subscribe Unsubscribe  

46 Comments »

  1. Hey, Little Sis! Are you having fun? We’re excited for you! Love you!

    Comment by Sara B. — 24. March 2009 @ 15:27

  2. Sherri,
    I was so excited when I got your letter!!!! I am so proud of you, and a little bit envious!! I am so happy you have been able to pursue your dream. After 3 weeks I bet you have lost weight (you didn’t have much to loose) and have really gotten those legs in good shape.
    I still have safety concerns, and will remember to pray for your safety and your endurance. I noticed you will be in the Smokies soon, and was wondering if Jimmy &/or other family may be meeting you there. I hope so, because I bet you could really use a family reunion at this point. Enjoy!!!!! I love ya. Leda

    Comment by leda riley — 10. April 2009 @ 12:34

  3. Hiking through Great Smoky Mountains this week. Panoramic views from both sides of the trail, especially up to Clingman’s Dome. Still haven’t seen a bear. Have 196.8 miles behind me (only 1981.5 to go). Got off trail at Clingman’s Dome and walked down to parking lot yesterday. Did something I have never done before, put out my thumb to catch a ride to Gatlinburg. First car to pass stopped for me. I am absolutely certain God sent this family my way because they were the nicest people (Rachel and Bob Burns from Cincinatti). God bless them for their trail magic. Waiting this morning for Jimmy, Andy, Bella, and Emma to get here. Amy and Amber and their families can’t come, but I will see them soon. Amber is coming to see me when I get to Hot Springs (plan a zero day there to do the spa). Life on the trail is great. It is such a simple existence. Each morning I get up and fix something simple to eat, pack up, and start walking. I have a whole group of people I know now so we kind of keep up with each other and meet up at the end of the day at the shelters. When we go into towns we share rooms to save money. I have met people from all over the United States, Canada, and England. There are even 3 brothers from Holland who are so sweet (The Three Stooges). Thank you all for your comments. I love hearing from everyone. Please continue to keep me and the other hikers in your prayers.

    Comment by Dreamcatcher — 18. April 2009 @ 13:27

  4. Sherri,
    It is pouring the rain here today, and as I read your blog I think of you our there. I was surprised to hear you say you love hiking in the misty rain. But when I think of it, I bet it is pretty cool (no pun intended)!! I have done a few of the overnight trips when you end up o a mountain top and you feel like you can almost reach out and tough God. Don’t you think hiking is a lot like running long distances? It was always great prayer and “visitation” time.
    The spa day sounds great!!! I am sure you will REALLY enjoy it.
    I keep telling Tom I am so envious, and he keeps saying there is nothing to stop you from doing it too!!!! I just don’t know if I would be brave enough to do it without some one else along. I am so very excited for you and am watching your progress with pride. Love ya, Leda

    Comment by leda riley — 19. April 2009 @ 13:16

  5. Hey, Little Sis! Sounds like your wild side is coming out (hitchhiking). Next thing I know you’ll get a tattoo or two like your older sister. I’m keeping up with you and wishing I could be there too. It sounds wonderful. Have you received anything I’ve mailed to you? Hope they’ve gotten through. They haven’t been returned to me by the post office. Do you still walk with your partner? Has she given up? Just wondered because you’re alone so much. I can’t wait until after you get back from Maine to get together and hear about everything. Take care. Love you!

    Comment by Sara B. — 19. April 2009 @ 20:32

  6. I just realized that I set up this whole SherriOnTheAT site and have not written any comments. I am the husband left behind to take care all the bills (just joking!). I fully support Sherri the Dreamcatcher on her adventure. She has dreamed of hiking AT for a long time and finally decided to quit work make the dream come true. My friends ask me “if I miss her”. I miss her every morning, during the day, afternoon, and night. Did I leave anything out? She is very determined; stubborn may be a better definition. Only about 10% people finish the trail. She is intent on finishing the entire trail. She has made plans for months, purchased equipment and taken me on some short backpacking trips. I could barely make the 20 mile hikes. I talk with her about once or twice a week, if she can charge her cell phone. I gave her two extra batteries when we met her in Gatlinburg this weekend. Me, our son, and two grand daughters spent one night with her and drove her back to Clingmans’ Dome to resume where she left off. The weather was cold, wind made it feel colder, and it was raining. The fog was so thick, you could only see about 40 feet. It was very difficult to say goodbye and see her walk off into the fog.

    Comment by jdepriest — 20. April 2009 @ 03:14

  7. Well, I have officially finished the Smokies. I have hiked 238.4 miles so far (1939.9 miles to go). Weather improved dramatically. Warm and sunny today. Best hiking day so far. I am staying at Standing Bear Hostel tonight. Will move on in the morning. Hope to camp on Max Patch Summit tomorrow night (elevation 4629 feet). Will get to see the sunset and sunrise the following morning. Still haven’t seen a bear (unless you count the stuffed bear in a shop in Gatlinburg). Really enjoyed the brief time I got to spend with Jimmy, Andy, Bella, and Emma. Bella and I both cried when they dropped me off at Clingman’s Dome. Will get to Hot Springs Saturday or Sunday. Amber and Georgia are meeting me there. I will take a zero day so we can experience the Hot Springs. Thank you all for your prayers and words of support. Thank you Sadie and Ann for the cards. They mean so much to me. Can’t wait for a family reunion in the fall. Leda, thank you for your encouragement. I know you understand why I am doing this. It is similar to your commitment to marathons (though I doubt I will ever be strong enough to do that). I wish you would join me for a week or two on the trail. Who knows, you may get Springer fever yourself. Will try to update blog while in Hot Springs. I love you all and I miss you all. Thank you for your support and prayers. Jimmy, thank you for what you said. I miss you so much and love you for letting me do this.

    Comment by Dreamcatcher — 24. April 2009 @ 00:22

  8. Hey, Little Sis. I hope you’re enjoying a wonderful day with Amber and Georgia. We’ve had a great weekend - one for the memory books. Dean and Sarah had a beautiful wedding yesterday and leave tomorrow for Puerto Rico. Abby was the flower girl and stole the show. Today Danny preached his first sermon at church. He did a great job, and I think if he decides sometime to move back to the US, he could be a pulpit preacher. He and Lee leave on the 5th to go back to Brazil, but they’ll be back around Thanksgiving and can’t wait to see you. We will definitely plan something big then. Take care and enjoy all the wonders you see. Love you!

    Comment by Sara B. — 26. April 2009 @ 20:48

  9. HEY SHERRI ITS THE GANG FROM BURDENS WE HAVE BEEN KEEPEN UP WITH U HOPE U R DOEN GOOD AND THAT U R CAREFUL WE R TAKEN CARE OF OLD JIM UP HERE ON THE MOUNTAIN LETS US KNOW HOW THINGS R GOEN BECAREFUL AND GOD BE WITH U

    Comment by burdencrew — 28. April 2009 @ 14:09

  10. Sorry that I haven’t updated my blog in a while. I do not always have access to a computer and even when I do I am usually too tired to get online. I am still alive and kicking. I haven’t had any major problems except for being clumsy. I fell about a week ago and hit my head on a rock. Got a huge gooseegg and ended up with a big black eye. I was lucky I wasn’t hurt badly. I think I must have slipped on a wet root. There has been a lot of rain lately which makes rocks and roots very slippery. The trail is also muddy in places after it rains. I don’t know what I would do without my trekking poles. They have saved me from falling many many times. I have hiked 716.8 miles so far. By tomorrow I will pass the 1/3 mark on the trail. It is hard to believe I have come so far, but I still have a long way to go. Since I took a week off for vacation and have taken several zero hiking days I am behind my original schedule by about 2 weeks. I hope to make up some of that time in the Shenandoah’s which are flatter. I still hope to reach Katahdin in Maine by October 7th. I was so sad to get behind the group of people I was hiking with before I left for vacation, but I have met so many new people who are equally nice. It is amazing how quickly people bond out on the trail and how much they feel like family. It is as though there is no age or gender difference. We are all just hikers with the same goal. So I press on every day to get more and more miles behind me. Some days are fun. Some days are torture. But I feel so very lucky to be out here. I can’t even describe what it is like to be out here day after day. It is as though I am part of the woods. When I leave the trail even overnight I miss it (though I do love getting a shower every now and then). I feel so at peace out here. Believe it or not I am never afraid. I feel God’s presence all around me (even on the night I had to tent alone on a ridge during a thunderstorm). Thank you all for your prayers for me and the other hikers out here. It means so much. So many have had to leave the trail for various reasons. I pray I can hang on to the end. I just feel God has sent me out here for a special purpose. Please keep praying for us all.–Dreamcatcher

    Comment by Dreamcatcher — 18. June 2009 @ 08:21

  11. Dreamcatcher,

    Good to hear from you! I feel like I’ve been on the trail with you.

    IT’S NOT IMPORTANT NOW FAR YOU GO - ONLY THAT YOU HAD THE COURAGE TO TRY.

    Cloudkeepermike

    Comment by cloudkeepermike — 19. June 2009 @ 11:12

  12. Dreamcatcher,
    It was really nice to have met you as you climbed the AT up from the James River today. I had NO idea we would get to meet anyone out there today and we wound up meeting 14 hikers. It was so very kind of you to take the time for us to get in on your experience of the AT. Our Boy Scout got in his first AT encounter w/ flying colors and I know he learned a lot from the encounters w/ other hikers. Bless you all along your way!!!!

    VAchon

    Comment by Alec Lipscomb — 24. June 2009 @ 21:13

  13. Hey, Sherri, we’ve been thinking of you and hope all is going well. I can’t begin to imagine the experiences you are having. Larry and I have been buying travel clothes for the South Africa trip. It will be here before we know it. Maybe we will get to sit and hear some of your stories on another trip in the future. We are praying for your safe travels. Your friends, Larry and Ann Freeman

    Comment by AnnLarryFreeman — 6. July 2009 @ 21:14

  14. Well, I am finally in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia (the psychological half way point of the AT). I have hiked 1013.4 miles. The actual half way point in at 1087 miles in Pine Grove Furnace State Park which I will reach in a few days. As I came into Harpers Ferry crossing the Shenandoah River I couldn’t stop crying. When I think of all the support I have received from family and friends I feel so much love and gratitude. I am so lucky to get to live my dream. I have fallen in love with this trail and will forever have a deep connection to it. It has taught me so much about myself. I wake up every morning ready to hike and go to bed every night feeling like it is where I am supposed to be for a time. I miss my family so much, but I know I will return home a better wife/mother/grandmother for having accomplished this goal in my life. I also feel I have grown so much spiritually. I truly am never afraid because God is with me every step of the way.

    I had to buy a new pair of boots yesterday because my feet stay swollen all the time now. I guess it is a combination of the weight of my pack and the 10+ hours I am on them every day. I am walking more miles every day now. I am averaging 18-20 miles per day if I can so that I will make it to Maine before winter conditions. I am still hiking alone which I prefer, but I have some great friends I meet in the shelters at night. No more falls thank goodness. My ribs are finally feeling better. I have seen quite a few bears in the past couple of weeks, especially hiking in Shenandoah National Park. I haven’t seen any rattle snakes, but quite a few hikers have seen a lot of them. Someone was bitten and had to be hospitalized, but I’m not sure if it was a thru hiker. I saw 2 copperheads at a shelter one day. Needless to say I didn’t stay at that shelter. It is very hot now, but I think I prefer that to being cold.

    Thank you all for your continued support and prayers for my safety and the safety of others out on the trail. I love you all and will see you in October.–Dreamcatcher

    Comment by Dreamcatcher — 12. July 2009 @ 07:56

  15. Dear Sherri,
    Jim told us on Sunday that you reached the half way mark!! What an amazing accomplishment!! You have come so far!!! We were studying last Sunday night about spending quiet time with God and how we have so much noise in our lives. I imagine you could tell us the joy of that solitude. You are in my prayers and thoughts. Stay safe.
    Love,
    Dawn

    Comment by dawn — 14. July 2009 @ 07:40

  16. Dear Dreamcatcher (aka: Mom):
    I just realized that I haven’t left a comment for you on here yet. What kind of daughter am I??? I’m going to use the excuse of being a new mom. Does that give me a free pass? :) I just want to tell you how much I am incredibly proud of you!!! You are an inspiration for all of us to follow our hearts and our dreams. I wish I was as courageous a person as you are and wasn’t so afraid of the unknown. Not only did you venture into the unknown, but you are tackling it head on!!! What an accomplishment!!! It truly brings tears to my eyes every time I read your blogs and talk to you on the phone. I can hear your love for the trail in your voice and I can see it in your words. I’m so incredibly happy for you. And even though we all miss you so much, we wouldn’t have it any other way. Georgia Kate sends you a big smile and a big kiss. She is rolling over like crazy and is eating her rice cereal like you would expect a DePriest to eat (gobbling it right down). We are taking lots of pictures and video so when you come home you won’t have missed a thing. Carter and I miss you too. Every time the phone rings I get butterflies in hopes that it’s you calling. I know that God is with you every step of the way and I truly believe He wouldn’t have taken you on this journey if He wasn’t going to see you through it. We pray for you every night, not only to keep you safe, but for your health to help you through to the end. I love you, mom! You are my hero and inspiration. I know you can do it!!! I never had any doubts! Congrats on making it to the halfway mark (almost). That, in and of itself, is an accomplishment. So proud!!!! Hope you enjoyed your care package and call us when you can. Love you so much!!!!
    -Amber (and family)

    Comment by amberd2001 — 16. July 2009 @ 08:06

  17. I finally passed the halfway point 2 days ago. I participated in the traditional 1/2 gallon challenge in which I had to eat a 1/2 gallon of ice cream. I am proud to say I was able to eat the whole thing (Cherries Jubilee) in 1 hour and 15 minutes. I almost threw up, but the important thing is that I finished it. I am now a spoon carrying member of the 1/2 gallon club. I am in Pennsylvania now, and believe me it lives up to its reputation for being rocky. It is known by thru hikers as Rocksylvania. It is killing my feet. I had to get a new pair of boots because my feet(especially my toes) stay swollen all the time. I really hate these new boots, but I am going to try to give them a chance. I am at mile 1137 now (1041 miles left). I am energized right now knowing I have 6 states behind me (8 ahead). New Jersey and New York will be quick. Of course the biggest challenge is ahead (New Hampshire and Maine). I am allowing 6 weeks for those 2 states because they are so tough. My goal is to summit Mount Katahdin (the northern terminus of the AT) on October 8th. Oh, by the way, we have been getting some great trail magic lately. The other day we were invited to stay overnight at Caledonia State Park where we could shower for free. These wonderful trail angels from Indiana fed us lasagna for dinner and blueberry pancakes for breakfast before we returned to the trail. We also got to slackpack that same day 20 miles into Pinegrove Furnace State Park (someone took our packs to the park so we only had to carry snacks and water).

    I have met so many incredible people along the trail. Everyone is like family. We all look out for each other and support each other. But it is not like my real family. I miss everyone more and more each day. The only thing I can do is keep my focus on finishing this task I have started. I will return a much better person.

    I continue to pray for everyone every day. I hope you all continue to pray for me and for all hikers on the AT. Thank you for all your love and support. I love you all.–Dreamcatcher

    Comment by Dreamcatcher — 19. July 2009 @ 17:06

  18. Dear Sherri, you go girl. Wow am I amazed. Larry and I have been golfing 18 holes at least 3 times a week. After my 3-5 hours on the course I keep thinking that Sherri is walking many more hours than I during this time. I will remember to pray for the swelling in your feet. I hope you have received the notes in the mail I’ve sent to your PO boxes. We have been experiencing 90s and 100s during July. We visited our son, Clayton, in Las Vegas and it was 118. That’s pretty hot. Keep up the good work. We are so proud of you. Your friends, Larry and Ann

    Comment by AnnLarryFreeman — 31. July 2009 @ 21:37

  19. Hey Sherri,

    Hope this finds you doing well. I told Dr. Colburn that I felt terrible that I had not kept up with you. He shared that he was just as bad….lol. We have certainly missed you and are ready for you to come back sooooooon!!! Let us know how you are doing. May God bless and keep you safe.

    Comment by swinton — 5. August 2009 @ 13:25

  20. Mom, call me!!! I miss you and want to send you a package!!! And you probably need some jelly bellys and tootsie roll pops. I love you!!! - Amber

    Comment by amberd2001 — 7. August 2009 @ 11:35

  21. I had to drive Chad’s car today and while on my way home I spotted the letter that I had mailed to you in June. Apparently it was returned to me due to being unclaimed. I guess I missed you. I hope you are doing well. I am very proud of you for setting your mind to something and seeing it through. God will get you thru and you will be letter for this journey. I am a little envious I must confess. It would be very nice to just walk and talk with God all day. Isabella frequently tells me that she needs me to put my bible down and get something for her. She will tell me today she doesn’t want it to be a Bible reading day. I have to continuously explain that we must spend time daily talking with our heavenly father and reading his good news. She doesn’t get it yet. Ava is walking everywhere now. She started at 9 months. She is in to everything. Weston doesn’t walk yet but he talks all the time. I tell everybody one walks and one talks. Isabella learned how to swim underwater this year and I am very pleased about that. I hope you are doing well. I am sorry my letter didn’t make it to you. I am thinking about you and am certain that you will be in that percentage of 10 that does finish the hike. God bless you Sherri.

    Love,

    Whitney

    Comment by whitney — 8. August 2009 @ 23:06

  22. Hi Sherri, you were very much on our minds this week. Larry and I did a 20 mile bike ride in Ponderosa State Park in McCall Idaho this week. We were very much out of our element with our bikes on this trail. We had tree roots, overhanging branches to dodge and many switch backs that we were pushing our bikes for over an hour. I immediately thought of your journey in which I am sure you encountered many of this type environment. I twisted my ankle at one point and thought how am I going to get out of this one. Luckily it was ok, but is still healing. So look forward to reading a post and wonder if you have gotten your starbucks chocolate yet! Take care. You are in our thoughts. Larry and Ann

    Comment by AnnLarryFreeman — 14. August 2009 @ 12:14

  23. I can’t believe it has been a month since I updated my blog. Sorry, but there are not that many places where I have access to a computer. I am in Salisbury,Connecticut
    this morning. I spent the night in the home of an elderly lady here who takes in hikers. She is such a jewel. Not many people in the north seem to like hikers. I will be in Massachusetts tomorrow. Then I only have Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine left. Unfortunately these are the hardest states with big mountains to climb. It has been so hot recently it really saps my energy, but I just keep putting one foot in front of the other until I reach my destination for the day, usually a shelter. Occasionally I tent in the woods if I can’t reach a shelter. The mosquitoes have been really bad. If I stop even for a few seconds they are all over me. I have to spray myself with Deep Woods Off several times a day. I hope they don’t find out it causes cancer or I am in big trouble. I am considering flip flopping soon which means going to Maine and heading south. I am concerned the weather will get cold and possibly treacherous in October up there, and if I am up there in early September it should be fine. It will also give me a chance to see friends on the trail I have not seen in a while because they are ahead of me (younger, faster, and stronger than me). I am averaging 15-18 miles/day while most of them are doing at least 20 miles/day. I just can’t keep up with the young ones.

    I have hiked 1488 miles and have 689 miles to go. I feel well, but am very homesick. I spend a lot of time talking to God who is my constant companion when I am lonely or discouraged. When I get back home I will tell you all about the day he saved me on a rock face. It seems to be getting mentally harder now, but I know in my heart I need to finish this journey. God sent me out here to teach me some important lessons. The trail is my classroom. Above all things I am learning to rely on him for everything. He has been so good to me. He has kept me safe and physically well. My tendonitis is gone now. My knee (which I injured back in Virginia) is doing better. I wish I could gain back some of my weight. I have lost 30 pounds, and no matter how much I eat I keep losing. I am trying to eat more protein and carbs, but if I carry too much extra food I have to carry the extra weight of the food. I am having to carry a lot of water already because I don’t want to get dehydrated.

    Thank you all again for your prayers and support. Anne, thank you for the chocolate. It was delicious. Whitney, thank you for your sweet note. Give your adorable children a big hug from me. I can’t wait to see how much they have grown. Sheila, thanks for your comment. I miss you all at the office. Tell everyone hello for me. Jimmy, thank you for all your love and encouragement. Try not to worry about me. God will keep my safe. To all my children and grandchildren, remember I love you and pray for you all everyday. I will be the best wife, mother, and grandmother when I get back home. I will never take anyone or anything for granted again (I hope). I hope to see you all by October 15th. I love you all so much.

    Dreamcatcher (aka Sherri/Mom/Mimi)

    Comment by Dreamcatcher — 19. August 2009 @ 09:25

  24. Dear Sherri,
    Following your progress and praying for God’s continued care. I think Jim was a little concerned when he didn’t hear from you for a week. He said your cell phone doesn’t work in some areas. Know that we are saving your seat in Bible class. At the rate Roger goes, we will have covered about 6 chapters while you hiked a thousand miles! Also, I found that 30 pounds you lost and will gladly return it to you!!! :)
    Love,
    Dawn Reaves

    Comment by dawn — 20. August 2009 @ 05:27

  25. Hello everyone. Just a quick update while I have computer access. I am at a hiker hostel in Glencliff, New Hampshire waiting to be shuttled back to the trail. I can’t believe I am in the next to the last state . While it feels like time is passing slowly until I can come home, it also feels like it is passing too fast. I know I will never do anything like this again so I want to cherish the time I have left out here. I have hiked 1789 miles. I have 389 miles left. Actually I have a little more than that left. I skipped a section of trail in Vermont to catch up to some friends. I will finish that after I finish the trail in Maine.

    It is getting cold up here. I am so glad I got my winter gear back when I reached Hanover. Just in time. It is warm during the day so hiking is very nice. The weather has been so nice lately. No rain for at least the past 2 weeks. I am so glad. The last time it rained my feet got in bad shape from walking 3 days in wet boots. The mountains in New Hampshire are so amazing. I hiked Mount Moosilauke yesterday, the first mountain in the White Mountain chain. It was unbelievable. I had a 360 degree view of row after row of mountains on all sides. I took so many pictures I probably used up most of the memory chip in my camera. There are no words to adequately describe the view. It is the best day I have had on the trail. I will never forget it. Today I will hike out hoping to reach the first of several huts spread out across New Hampshire. Huts are bunk type hotels which include breakfast and dinner. They are expensive, but hikers are often allowed to stay for free by doing light work for 1-2 hours. There are also shelters and tent sites along the way it I can’t stay in a hut. They just don’t have heat.

    I saw a bear yesterday for the first time since Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. I must have scared it because it was running away from me. It looked like a big black dog. I saw moose droppings a few days ago. My chances of seeing a moose will get even better when I get to Maine. When I told Bella I was hoping to see a moose she asked me if it was like a dinosaur.

    Thank you all for your prayers and support. Please continue to pray for all the hikers hanging on to the end. So many have dropped out. The mountains are getting bigger and harder, but there is no way I am quitting no matter how hard it gets. I hope to be finished by October 15th, but a lot depends on the weather and the terrain. I love you all and will see you next month (that sounds so good).

    Dreamcatcher

    Comment by Dreamcatcher — 7. September 2009 @ 05:44

  26. Dear Sherri,
    Good to hear that you are doing well. Had to tell you what Dick said when he read your latest post. He said you must be getting a little ragged if you are scaring bears! I will hit him for you and you can do it yourself when you get back. After reading your description of the White Mountains I was ready to go, but Dick thinks it may be too long a drive!! :)
    Stay safe and can’t wait to see those pictures you took!
    Love,
    Dawn

    Comment by dawn — 7. September 2009 @ 11:24

  27. Dear Sherri,
    Sorry I haven’t been very good about communication lately. Life here is so busy, as you well know. Tom and are constantly on the go. We have decided that next year we are going to slow down some. However, we will be remodeling our house, so that will be different kind of stress.
    I tell all my friends about my friend that is hiking the AT. I am so proud of you!!!!!! I never really thought that I would know someone personally who did that. It really motivates me to go after my dreams and to set the bar high for what I want to do. I just don’t know that I would have the guts to set out on my own like you did. YOUR THE BOMB!!!!
    Ashley and I will do our1/2 marathon in a few weeks. I have been plagued with all kinds of injuries and have considered giving up, but I’m still hanging in there. Injuries are some what under control for now, but motivation to get out of bed and run is lacking. There is also a 1/2 here in cookeville at the end of Oct. and I think we will do that one also, if we survive the first one.
    I mailed you a letter about a month ago, but it came back. So, I have been reluctant to send another one, esp. since you said you might double back and skip some parts for later. Anyway, you will be home soon!!!!! Sometimes the last part of the journey can be the longest and dullest. Just keep puting one foot in front of the other and keep remembering why you were sent on this amazing adventure. Enjoy every last second of it before you come back to reality! I am so proud of you and I think of you often. Can’t wait for you to get home so we can meet for lunch and I can get first hand details. I probably won’t know you if you’ve lost 30 pounds. You didn’t have that much to lose so I can’t imagine how thin you are!!! Love you. Leda p.s. Tom and I watch your blog together and are always excited when we get to read an update. Your pictures re great.

    Comment by leda riley — 16. September 2009 @ 06:58

  28. Hi Aunt Sherri!!! I found Amber on Facebook and saw her post about your incredible adventure. I have always, my entire life, thought you were someone so special but now realize just what an amazing woman you are! You are an truly an inspiration to everyone in your life. Congratulations on your new granddaughter. She is so beautiful just like her mommy and grandma, of course!

    I wish you luck as you complete your journey. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Hopefully I will get to see you soon! Take care of yourself out there!

    Love,
    Angie

    Comment by AngieCrimmons — 16. September 2009 @ 19:35

  29. Hey, Sherri, I am wondering where in the Northeast you are. I have gotten confused about your changing your walking schedule so I keep checking the website. Hope you are safe and almost ready to go home. I am so excited (as I am sure many are) to talk to you. I bet all you will want to do is soak in a hot tub and crawl into your very own bed. I think that would be my biggest desire! We will be leaving for South Africa on Nov. 2. Sure wish you and Jim were going with us. We’ll really have lots of stories to share with you after that journey. Thinking of you daily. Your friends, Ann and Larry

    Comment by AnnLarryFreeman — 21. September 2009 @ 17:27

  30. Hello everyone. So much has happened since I last updated my blog. I finished the White Mountains in New Hampshire and have hiked about 30 miles of Maine. I have roughly 400 miles to go. I skipped the western part of Maine in order to summit Mount Katahdin before the weather gets bad. Mount Katahdin is the northern terminus of the AT and the biggest challenge of the entire trail so I did not want to climb it in the snow (5268 ft). I started the 100 mile wilderness yesterday hiking 15 miles north to south so that I could spend one more night at the hostel in Monson. Tomorrow I will continue north through this remote area where there are no roads or access to supplies. I will be carrying a pack heavy with enough food to get me through to Baxter State Park where I will reach Mount Katahdin. After that I will go back and “clean up” by hiking the western part of Maine and a section in Vermont. I hope to be home by the third week in October (sooner if the terrain is not too difficult).

    The White Mountains in New Hampshire were the hardest thing I have done so far, but also the most rewarding. Many of the peaks were above treeline which is amazing. I thought it would be scary to be that high, but it is literally breathtaking. Once on top you literally walk across rock for miles before descending into trees. My favorite mountains are Mount Moosilauke, Mount Lafayette, and Mount Washington. The day I climbed Mount Washington was a little unsettling. It is known for experiencing high winds frequently (it has the highest recorded wind speeds of any place in the world at 231 mph). There is even a sign warning hikers of quickly changing weather on top. The day I summitted the sky was clear with wind about 25 mph. I went into the restaurant on top to eat with some friends, and when we came out the wind speed was 71 mph. I wanted to go back inside, but since there was no place to stay for the night I had to go on. The wind was less once I got off the summit, but still very strong. Thank goodness my pack weighs so much. It may have kept me from blowing away. The hardest climb so far was up a 500 ft rock face to Mount Madison. That really required my full concentration. I have learned not to look down or back. I just look forward and up. That has helped me learn to control my fear of heights. When I think that I almost quit the trail because of my fear of the White Mountains I think of how much I would have missed if I had not climbed them. They are magnificent.

    One day a fellow hiker was talking about how the mountains were formed over thousands of years by forces of nature. I told him they were not formed, but rather were created by the Lord God. No force of nature could make something that perfect. How close I feel to God knowing that he not only gave such close attention to these mountains to make them so beautiful, but that he hikes with little old me every single day. He has blessed me so much and in so many ways along this journey. I now know why he sent me out here. He knows my greatest fears even better than I do, and has helped me overcome them. For the first time in my life I can honestly say I do not worry about anything. Fear is no longer something I allow in my life. I am learning to live one day at a time, handling each new challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. I will never be the same person who left home 6 months ago following a dream. I know without a doubt that God put the idea of the trail in my heart in order to help me grow and change. What a blessing he is to me.

    Friends are finishing the trail everyday now, and I am seeing people I haven’t seen for a while and meeting new people catching up to where I am. Many have dropped out because these last 2 states are so hard. Please continue to pray for us all as we individually and collectively finish our hikes and go back to our normal lives. Pray that each of us will be changed for the better by having lived in God’s mountains for a while. Thank you all again for your prayers and support. I love you all and cannot wait to get back home and see you.

    Dreamcatcher

    Comment by Dreamcatcher — 23. September 2009 @ 12:01

  31. Dreamcatcher I really look forward to your post.

    Cloudkeepermike

    ps- Jimmie, are you sure Sherri is not at some resort instead of on the Appalachian Trail?

    Comment by cloudkeepermike — 25. September 2009 @ 09:24

  32. Hi Sherri,

    Just read your last blog. Glad you are doing so well. It was really inspiring to hear how much you have gotten out of this spiritually. It gives me encouragement as well, as I get ready to move on to other endeavors. Yes, I am leaving the practice. My last day here will be 10/8. I want you to know how proud I am of you for giving it your all and going after your dream. Would love to know that you are going to come back and join KLC and the others here, even if it is part time. I will keep in touch with you. May God bless and keep you safe as you finish the trail.

    Comment by swinton — 28. September 2009 @ 14:13

  33. Hi Sherri,
    I was just getting out of a nice hot shower and I thought of you. It has been raining and cool here most of the day and I thought of you out there on the trail. I’m sure you are really having some quite cold weather by now, esp up in the mountains. When I read about you being on Mt. Washington, I knew exactly where you were. We rode our motorcycles up (we are such wimps!!), I can’t imagine hiking up there with the drastic weather changes. I sure hope you weren’t by yourself!!
    Ashley and did our 1/2 marathon yesterday. It was so nice to be able to share that accomplishment with her. She was so proud of herself, and she and her husband are planning for the next one.
    I just wanted to say again how AWSOME you are!! What an unbelievable accomplishment!!! I am so proud of you. I can’t wait to see you . Let us know when you get back and we’ll give you a day or 2 to get settled in before we bombard you !!! I’m praying God will give you the courage and strength to complete this amazing adventure. One of my girls ask if you were going to write a book. Are YOu?? Love ya,Leda

    Comment by leda riley — 4. October 2009 @ 17:16

  34. Hello everybody,

    So much has happened since my last entry. I did flip flop forward as I mentioned in my last entry. I completed the 100 mile wilderness and summitted Mount Katahdin, the northern terminus of the AT, on October 6th. I am now hiking south to finish the western mountains of Maine. I don’t know how to adequately describe Maine. It is without a doubt the most beautiful state I have ever seen (except for Tennessee, of course). There is such a wide range of landscapes here. The 100 mile wilderness was amazing. There are ponds and lakes everywhere. The trees were at their peak color change as I hiked through. Mount Katahdin is truly a mountain of all mountains. It is a steep climb up 4000 feet over 5 miles. Lots of rock climbing. It was very cold and windy the day I climbed it, but luckily there was no rain or snow. On top there is an area called the tableland which is above treeline. When I reached the sign on top it felt like I was on top of the world. Unfortunately clouds covered the mountain so there was no view. I took a small stone of pink granite down with me as a remembrance of that great mountain. On the way down the mountain the clouds lifted and revealed a beautiful and colorful valley below. What a day! I will never forget it as long as I live. I thank God who gave me the strength and courage to climb it.

    I am in Stratton, Maine today waiting out the weather. I have hiked in snow the last 5 days, and the cold has really gotten to me. I have been putting my tent up inside the shelters to provide extra warmth, but in the mornings there is frost on everything. My rain gear was frozen solid one morning along with my water. I finally decided to get off the mountain and wait for the noreaster to run its course. It is warmer today, and thank goodness did not snow any more last night. I will hike out tomorrow heading for Rangeley. I hope to slackpack most of the rest of Maine (hike with only a daypack and get picked up at the base of the mountain to sleep indoors). I have about 80 miles left in Maine. I still have 130 miles to do in Vermont to completely finish the trail, but it is farther south so I am not too worried about it. I am 30 miles short of being a 2000 miler. I hope to be home by November 5th if the weather doesn’t change again.

    Please continue to pray for those of us who are still out on the trail. I know of at least 4 others finishing in Maine. We are all older hikers who are not as fast as the young folks. I know we will make it, but it never hurts to have prayers going up on our behalf. The other hikers are Swift, Floater, Pacer, and Mayaguez. I am getting so excited about actually coming home now. I can’t wait to see everyone and catch up on all I have missed over the past 7 months. I love and miss you all. God bless you for your prayers and support.

    -Dreamcatcher

    Comment by Dreamcatcher — 19. October 2009 @ 09:30

  35. Sherri,

    Well, here it is, nearly the end of your journey, and I have waited far too long to mention how proud I am to know you and glad that you nearing the completion of your dream. The boys talk about you often are are eagerly looking forward to seeing you again soon. Congratulations on your journey, I can’t wait to hear about all of your experiences. Perhaps I can help you write a book about it!

    Randy

    Comment by rguidry — 19. October 2009 @ 23:26

  36. Sherri, I am so happy to read your message tonight. You have been on my mind daily. I know you are so anxious to get back home with your family. Larry and I will be leaving on November 2 for Africa and will be home November 21. So it looks like I won’t get to catch up with you till after we get home. Maybe you will have a chance to relax and regroup by the time we get home from Africa. Hang in there. I know you have so many awesome memories and will be constantly reminded of different experiences from over the last 7 months. We are so amazed the accomplishment that you have already made. We have shared your story with many friends. It won’t be long now and you will be able to say…..I DID IT! Your friends, Ann and Larry

    Comment by AnnLarryFreeman — 22. October 2009 @ 21:43

  37. Dear Sherri,
    We are praying for your safe return. What you have done is truely amazing! Stay strong and healthy.
    Love,
    Dawn

    Comment by dawn — 26. October 2009 @ 05:13

  38. Hi everybody,

    Just a quick note to update you all. I finally finished Maine yesterday. It was rough. Lots of snow and ice on the mountain tops. Mahoosuc Notch was very hard (climbing over and under boulders the size of houses). I am so thankful to be finished with that section of the trail. I am in Vermont now. I will start hiking south tomorrow. Only 130 miles to go. I just reserved an airline ticket for 2 weeks from today. I am so excited to have a definite date to come home. Continue to pray for me as I complete my hike. I love you all.

    Dreamcatcher

    Comment by Dreamcatcher — 31. October 2009 @ 10:18

  39. Dreamcatcher
    I guess you are nearing the end of your thru-hike. I just want to tell you what a pleasure it was to hike with you and the rest (Sweet Lou, Floater, Mayaguez, and all the others). I have bunch of pictures of the AT from years past as I section hiked. If you are interested, I’d love to share them; I just need an e-mail address in order to forward them.
    By the way, I am spreading the Legend of ‘Dreamcatcher and the Half-Way, Half-gallon Challenge’ to any one willing to listen… they are suitably impressed!
    Good luck to you as you mop up the last few miles.
    Ray (CD)

    Comment by CD — 31. October 2009 @ 17:15

  40. Hi Sherri,
    Connie and I saw Jimmy Today and he told us about your trip.I know you are looking forward to get to come home.This is a Big Accomplishment that you have done.We hope to see you sometime when you get home.I bet you have seen some beatuiful places on the trail.Take Good Care and be safe.Always Follow Your Dreams and you will be happy.Connie and I are thinking about you and keeping you in our prays.

    Comment by Fred Connie Vaughn — 1. November 2009 @ 16:11

  41. I can’t find the words to say how amazing your accomplishment is!!!!!! Can’t wait to hear about your journey. I am praying for a safe trip home and a wonderful reunion with your family. Thanks be to God for keeping you safe.
    Dawn

    Comment by dawn — 13. November 2009 @ 06:11

  42. AMAZING! YOU ARE ONE STRONG WOMAN.

    Comment by cloudkeepermike — 13. November 2009 @ 11:52

  43. WOOOOO HOOOOO!! Way to go, Little sister! I’m so proud of you! I can’t wait for us to talk.

    Comment by Sara B. — 13. November 2009 @ 12:06

  44. Dreamcatcher-
    Congratulations!!! What an great accomplishment! It will probably take several weeks of Tennessee sunshine to thaw out after this last month of weathering the frozen tunda of the NE states. Now you can begin planning for the PCT! (Just kidding) Enjoy getting reaquainted with your family, friends, and the ‘real’ world.
    Ray (CD)

    Comment by CD — 15. November 2009 @ 07:40

  45. I guess this will be my final entry for now. I finally finished the trail on November 12th going over Greylock Mountain in Massachusetts. It is still hard for me to believe I am finally done. I was lucky the weather was generally good for me as I finished the section in Vermont and Massachusetts (much better than Maine). God has been so good to me by giving me this opportunity and going with me on my journey. I have learned so much along the way about him and about myself. Most important I have learned to trust him to take care of me (that’s a big deal for someone who always wants to be in control). I was grateful to have a hiking partner (Swift) for most of New Hampshire and all of Maine, both of which were very difficult states. I know God sent him to keep me from being afraid to climb the highest and hardest mountains of the trail. I was also grateful to hike the final 130 miles alone (just me and the Lord).

    I hope each of you will take the time to listen to the words of the song “You Raise Me Up” sung by Josh Grobin. It says “You raise me up so I can stand on mountains….You raise me up to more than I can be”. God has definitely raised me up both physically and spiritually. I will never be the same because of this experience. I encourage each of you to just ask him for whatever you need. He will never let you down. I want to say a special thanks to my Jimmy for his unwavering support throughout all these months. He is amazing. He didn’t even mind me buying my 4th pair of boots a few weeks ago when it started snowing in Maine. I am so grateful for him and for my children/grandchildren. Now I need to get back to my normal life with a new and better attitude and commitment to God. I love you all and thank you again for your love, prayers, and support.

    Dreamcatcher/Sherri

    Comment by Dreamcatcher — 15. November 2009 @ 15:17

  46. Dreamcatcher !!!!! The e-mail you gave me didn’t work!!! I’ve been trying to find you for months and finally sweet Lou gave me your website!

    Shoot me an e-mail at Stevecg212@yahoo.com

    talk to you soon

    -Splice

    Comment by santas212 — 20. December 2009 @ 12:31

RSS feed for comments on this post.

Leave a comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Powered by WordPress