Day 140 (Saturday, August 30th) - Etna, NH, to Home.

Today's Miles: 5.80
Trip Miles: 1749.00

I'm trying to recall my last day on the trail. I knew early in the day that my knee was not going to get me over the Whites, but I lied to myself that I could at least get to Mt Washington. I hiked out of Hanover, but after only four miles I began to face the truth and decided to head back home.

I can't say that it was a difficult decision, because I think it was the only realistic choice I had. I would have to get home , heal up and resume the hike next year. I hitchhiked from Etna, N.H. to the bus station in White River Junction. The last of my trail angels took me right to the door and made sure I could get a bus back home. Thank you so much!

Reality sucks, so even after getting home and limping around for a few weeks I made one last stab at finishing the hike this year. The Administrator and I hiked up Mt. Cardigan; a six mile, pack-less, moderate hike, but my knee didn't respond very well. The thru-hike attempt was officially over for 2014.

Now, after a couple of months, my knee has finally started to respond to light duty. I sent my Osprey Atmos Backpack back to the company for repair, but it was too far gone; so they shipped me out a new pack. Great service from Osprey! I only wish I could have gotten the old pack back, just for memories sake. I do intend to make some new memories with the new pack.

I've told the Administrator that if I had the chance [that means money] I'd start all over again next March. Believe it or not she said she'd support me if that were to happen. More likely, I'll start over again in 2016.

I can't tell you how much I miss the trail. Even though I'm an extroverted introvert, if that makes any kind of sense, I really enjoyed the people I met both on and off the trail. Especially those off. So many kind and generous people who were truly interested in us and were determined to help us succeed. I tried to thank them every time and I hope they could see how much they all meant to me.

I'm sorry this has been so long in coming, I just didn't want the hike to end; and this ends it.

John and Mike Take a Hike [with Natalie]