“My Journey Is My Destination...”
"The weight of being halfway was lifted from me…."
By Dustin Jackson
URGENT MESSAGE From Dustin: for my readers and followers. It has been very dry this summer in VA, TN, NC, and GA. Most areas are double digits below normal. These areas on the Appalachian Trail will be very LOW on WATER. This could mean an end for my South bounding brothers and sisters. Please help us to complete our journey to the end. Please bring water to the road crossings on the Appalachian Trail. A list will
follow.
Please carry water into trail at least 100 yards, be mindful to go back and pick
up empty containers.
If you like, include a register that we can sign to see how many people you are
helping.
Also a note to Day hikers and Weekenders: Please carry a little extra weight of water to the shelters as you hike in. This will be appreciated more than you know.
My South bounding family will be coming though these areas from now until
December.
Most will come through the last two weeks of October and the First two weeks of
November.
Thank you in advance, your help will help to save our journey from an end only a
few hundred miles from the finish.
Road Crossings; Highway 91 (Stoney Creek); Watauga Dam Road (Stoney Creek); US
321 (Shook Branch Recreation Area) Watauga Lake, Hampton; Dennis Cove
(Hampton); US 19E (Elizabethton, Past town of Roan Mountain); Iron Mountain Gap
(Unicoi, Highway 107); Indian Grave Gap (Erwin, TN 395); Spivey Gap (Erwin, US
19W); Sams Gap (Erwin, Accessible from old road); Devil
’s Fork Gap (Erwin, NC 212); Allen Gap (Greene County, US 70) Please email me at
Appalachian.Jackson@gmail.com with any questions.Or my Dad at:
Wjack45@comcast.net
Day 87, 88, 89, 90, 91 0 days at Home
I ran off the plane and up the stairs to the spot where I've had tearful
goodbyes and overwhelming reunions.
Becky recognized me. It was an amazing feeling to see my best friend, to hug her, hold her, and
simply be with her.
It was weird at first to see Becky. I had to touch her to make sure she was real. I spent the night being with Becky, the dogs, and the cats. The animals I could tell missed me, too. Wriggly jumped up and hugged me and would not let go.
I went to Ridgewood BBQ. OH Yeah! I had craved barbecue numerous days on the trail. I ate a pulled pork sandwich and a half. I could have eaten more, but wanted more for later. We went down to Rhythm and Roots in Bristol, music, music, music. Saw many bands. While watching the Avett Brothers I noticed a guy wearing an" INN at the Long
Trail T-shirt" and a Doyle Hotel Hat.
I went up to talk to him. His name was Jack. He had worn these items hoping I would see him and chat. He knew I was off the trail for a couple of days and in town. He had thru hiked in 1985. Things on the trail were much different then. The gear was just not as light like it is today, and not as much support. He offered support for me when I hiked down this way.
Saturday
I spent all day at the festival with Becky. My parents came down for the day. It felt good to hug my Mom and Dad, to see them after 3 months after the goodbye
we had.
My Mom has a simple beauty about her. We walked around all day listening to music. It was a great day. more>>
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