Hello all:
I'm here at "Abby's Place", a hostel on the road to Damascus. It's run by a fellow from Wisconsin who is a very nice gentlemen, and his stepson, who I haven't met yet. There's a bunkhouse out back and they cook up pizza for you in the house. It's about 0.2 miles from the trail, so it's an easy side trip. We'll stay here for the night (at milepoint 397.4) and we've got about 62 miles to Damascus, where Castaway will see his wife on Saturday. We've dialed down the mileage in order to hit Damascus in stride. I'm going to decide my future there. I've been hiking for four weeks now and I'm getting extremely bored, tired, and injured (knee and foot). I've turned my hobby, hiking, into a job. A day in, day out grind. I'm very proud with what I've done so far, but Damascus may be the end of the line. The thru-hiker crowd has thinned out quite a bit and many have left the trail already.
I miss Lisa, my family, my friends, and physics (i.e. job). I've clarified a lot of my passions and plans for life and I think I've achieved my goals out here (outside of reaching Maine). At this point, it's just running up and down hills, which has lost some of its appeal!
Nevertheless, I've got a week to decide on my future. I've been thrilled by the support from everyone and whatever I decide, I thank you all.
--Matt
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4 comments:
Matt-
I am so impressed with what you have accomplished. I was just reading in the Poughkeepsie Journal about a woman who started March 17 and just got to Damascus this past Sat. You have really made tremendous progress. Whatever you decide, you know you did a great job. I have to say, though, I will miss the blog if you stop!
If you feel like doing NY still this summer, I am game.
love
Zan
I must echo Zan's sentiments, Matt. Especially if you feel you've turned your hobby into your job. You don't want to lose interest in one hobby that pairs so very well with one of your other passions - eating barbeque.
Enjoy the road to Damascus...it could be the road to salvation.
Tim
You have come a long way, Matt. What you have done is impressive, especially to one who thinks a three-mile walk is long. Whatever you decide, we salute you!
Love,
Mom
Hi Matt
Looking foreward to seeing you soon-this has been a great adventure and I am sure your outlook on life has been altered-we have all enjoyed the vicarious hike you have taken us on.
Love,
Dad
Hi Matt,
Well, I could just say, "Ditto!" but that just isn't enough. I think your progress has been remarkable and you already belong to an exclusive club no matter what you choose to do in the coming days. Grammy and I are rooting for you. Enjoy it as much as you can.
Love,
Aunt Kate and Grammy
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