My greateset dayhike ever

“Last night at midnite my friend of 23 years arrived. He is home on emergency leave from afghanistan to see his older sister before the cancer consumes her completely.

We were up till 245 am last night and were back up at 730a today. We drove an hour to the town we grew up in. Spent the morning hiking and visiting all of the sites we camped at since we were 11 or so.The woods that seemed ocean size are so small now,so different in the eyes of an adult. Sat on the bridge by the millpond for lunch and remembered where the old raft used to be tied out. Went to the general store/post office where we bought "Dads" brand rootbeer with the deposit from beer empties we scavenged. We then went and saw his sister. It was an incredibly tiring day,so much happiness so much pain and sorrow. We are going back to see her tomorrow.”

“Wow what an experiance!”

“Wow, that's a great day! Thanks for sharing it Birch. I'm sorry to hear about your friend's sister though.”

“Birch - you're a good friend. The above sentiment proves that. I'm sure PJ appreciates having you around for him.”

“That has to mean so much to both of you. I just recently had a friend who I call my Bp Mentor come see me in TN and we spent a week together. John is 71 and looks just like Leslie Neilson, as some who post on this board will attest. I haven't seen John in 7 years. We have hike over 125 miles together and he introduced me to the OHT which I completed and he still needs a couple of legs. We have encounted bears together, in ARK, camped under the stars and he invented "Indian Creek Cider." He can still hike with the best of them and what a great man. Point is, I will never forget our time together and what I've learned from him. We vovwed to get together every year from now on and hike together. I will never forget my time with him and you will never forget your time with your friend. I know that you were a comfort to him during this sad time for him. Old friends and my new hiking friends are very important to me. Before another tear falls in my Indian Creek cider...just keep hiking with old and new friends......”

“Sorry to hear about your friend's sister, Birch. You're a good guy for hanging out with your bud and just being there. Best wishes.”

“Dodder,that was a good hike. Johns a great guy. I must say it's been a pleasure hiking with you guys. I look forward to many trips in the future.”

“Birch, what you did today is what the definition of "friendship" should me. I'm sure it was also a very trying and touching day for you. It's also one you can be very proud of.”

“My best thoughts and wishes go out to yours and your friends family. These are going to be trying times for your friend, and im glad he has a friend like you to help guide him through those hard times. Good for you.”

“Sounds like it was a very nostalgic and painful day Birch. Sounds like you are the kind of friend that is worth more than gold.”

“Thanks for posting that Birch. I'm sorry about your friends sister. He is lucky to have you to hang out with.”

“Thanks for the kind words. We just got back from visiting his sis. She looks so much better than yesterday, still rough but improving.”