We have been home in Maine for a few days. Sassaffras's needs to be off her feet for two more weeks. Once we got home it was apparent that she done enough. 3 1/2 months with her Papa is enough, she missed being with people her own age. I had thought she would develop some friendships with some of the young ladies hiking the trail, but that did not happen. We now know she was very lonely. She still has plans to do the Triple Crown and backpack thru Europe. She will spend the rest of the summer doing as she call it "regular stuff" like camp and spending time with Mrs. Kaboose and her friends. We are so very proud of her, she is the strongest person I know. She always sees the good in things. She even thought the Doyle Hotel was beautiful. She was able to look past the decay of time and see the original beauty of the building.
It is with mixed feeling that I tell everyone that Sassafras is off the trail. Tomorrow my sister who is visiting from New York will be driving me back to Fort Montgomery N.Y. to continue the hike. It will not be the same without Sassafras and I do not know how I feel about it. As a family we decided it is important that I try to finish the thru hike. We do not know when I would be able to try again or if I would able to do it if that time came.
I will continue with the blog. I do not know how much interest it will be to others without Sassafras?
Mrs. Kaboose will be uploading videos from Harpers Ferry thru Fort Montgomery. I plan to continue to take some pictures and videos. I also do not know how interesting they will be without Sassafras. Kaboose
Sorry to hear about Sassafras. The miles she did were awesome, & reading her blogs were something I looked forward to daily. Good luck on your future adventures.
ReplyDeleteSo proud of the time/miles Sassafras put in. I also want to say that I will still read daily to hear how Mr. Kaboose is doing! I love reading whether it is you or Sassafras telling us about your day and the hike. My husband and I will probably try this at some point after he finishes his residency and I love all the little tidbits you offer. You are both amazing people! It is a huge accomplishment for both of you!
ReplyDeleteI've been following you and Sassafras from the beginning , what an amazing adventure you both have gone on . Her journey isn't over it will be with you both for the rest of your lives . Sweet memories past and future are in store for you both. Sassafras "well done" you are a blessing , never lose that beautiful spirit and drive . Hike-On sir and share the adventure with us. mahalo
ReplyDeleteKaboose, please continue your blog posts! I have been following them daily since seeing your Yahoo story in May. As a hiker myself who one day wishes to hike the AT, I find your updates entertaining, encouraging, and informative. Sassfrass AND yourself are an inspiration to others, and while it's too bad that Sasafrass won't be joining you on the final leg of this journey, I still look forward to your pictures, videos, and updates. Good luck to you and I hope Sassafrass enjoys the rest of her summer with her family and friends!
ReplyDeleteKaboose, PLEASE keep blogging! I am so sorry to hear that Sassafras won't be continuing, but it sounds like you all made the right decision. I check your blog every day, I like to hear where you are and what is going on. I also think that having the blog continue even after sassafras has left will leave a nice record of your journey. I'm sure it will feel strange for you to be out there without Sassafras, but we will all be here with you, pulling for you, and routing you on. Happy Trails!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear Sassafras is ending her journey but just the fact that at 13 years old she has hiked 1400 miles is so incredibly inspirational and amazing and something she should be very proud of (as I'm sure you all are). Kaboose, I hope you are able to finish the trail - maybe Sassafras can climb Katahdin with you when you get there! Please continue to take and share pictures, blog entries, and videos not just for all of us who will still be checking in on you daily for updates but also for yourself for the wonderful memories you have and will continue to make. When you get to CT make sure you get a picture of the covered bridge in Cornwall! My family used to paddle through there during the annual canoe races on the Housatonic. I'm originally from Norfolk and also have family that live near Mt. Greylock. I've warned friends to be on the look out for you - maybe meet you with some trail magic. Happy trails!
ReplyDeleteGreat for Sassafras! She's a normal, healthy, teenager, that wants to be with her friends. She's inspired many people and she should be proud of her accomplishments. She did it for the right reason...to help feed the less fortunate. Mr. Kaboose you raised a wonderful daughter and are lucky to have a supportive wife. It sounds like you have a mission to accomplish. You only live once and this sounds like something you've got to do. So, go do it! Wishing you the very best.
ReplyDeleteI too will continue to follow your trek. Sassafras did an awesome hike. Something to be very proud of. The trails will always be there for her.
ReplyDeleteCody and I are still so proud of you both, and will continue to follow along! You may be going back to the trail 'by yourself,' but I'm sure Sassafras will be with you and you have so many supporters behind you. Hike safe!
ReplyDeleteThe distance you've both gone is tough for anyone and especially for a 13 yr. old. She'll have many years to finish the AT and, as a friend of mine said, "it's not going anywhere". It'll be there when she's ready. I'm a section hiker from CT and have completed down to 9D in NY. Now I'm hiking in VT but if timing works out, I'd be happy hike a few days w/you. Let me know if interested. w1txt@arrl dot net.
ReplyDeleteI've had so much fun following you! My sister & I tried the AT in Georgia... we made it 3 days!! (But it was fun) Kudo's to you and Sassafrass. Good luck in the future!
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