Mosey's Going Home - A Tribute

The big ol’ Mosey hiked his last steps on the trail on Saturday, June 20th, after an emotional decision by Adam to send him home. Since central Pennsylvania, Adam has seen Mosey’s enthusiasm, spirit and motivation slowly decline. He thought that after a week of rest at Aunt Mindy and Uncle Ronnie’s the big ol’ Mose would be back to his old self, but unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. Over the past several days, Adam wrestled with the decision to send him home, knowing that the upcoming 600 miles were going to be very difficult and harder on his faithful companion. He called Marion on Thursday to let us know that he was considering sending Mosey home to us. He said that for the last few days Mosey was fighting him each morning when it was time to put his backpack on. The constant rain for a week didn’t help matters any as he would watch Mosey lay under a shelter in mud and leaves, shaking from being cold and wet. Adam’s love of his dog and the dog’s health and well-being ended up becoming the impetus to say goodbye temporarily to his best friend. We are all proud of Adam for making this decision and proud of Mosey for hiking 3 ½ months approximately 1500 miles and for all the joy he brought to Adam and the rest of the hikers he’s met.

Enjoy this tribute to Adam's faithful companion and hiker....Mosey! (Warning - you might want to grab a tissue)

Pennsylvania Rocks...Is it really as bad as they say it is?

MANY THANKS to those who have sent donations for Adam to complete his hike. Everyone else, you still have time to contribute, so check out the June 7th post for all the details!

Appalachian Trail thru-hiker legend has it that the trail through Pennsylvania is the rockiest of all 14 states, and can do severe damage to the feet. After hiking through the soft meadows of Virginia and Maryland, and the well maintained trail through West Virginia, thru-hikers reach Pennsylvania with the frightening tales of shredded boots, blistered feet and bloody ankles. Here's a short video clip of Adam and Mosey navigating through Pennsylvania, and a few pictures of the trail through the state. You be the judge...

Livin in Luxury

So as you all may know, life has been sweet for the past week...In case you were wondering if we were still on the trail, the answer to your questions is YES, but we have been doing it right since last Sunday, and here is how...

On Sunday, June 7, Dori and I were picked up by Shannon Hinkley and taken to the Olenick residence to feast on what else, a feast. Aunt Loretta had prepared over 100 meatballs for us and grilled chicken and an abundance of care. We spent the evening talking to all of mom's side of the family and completely soaked in all the attention and joy of being off the trail and showering and sleeping in a bed. We will forever be grateful for her kindness and hospitality and the great job she did being both host, aunt and grandma.

On Monday, June 8, We set off back in the woods to hike north. For lunch we stopped in with Grandma Brodt and PaPa for the delicious New York subs. We spent a few hours catching up and entertaining them with the stories of our day, which included seeing a bear, and stories of our trip so far. It was such a joy to see both of them and we were happy that they lived so close to the trail. Once leaving there we had to hike on in the humidity and we made it to the June 8 spot location.

Tuesday, June 9 we were woken up early in the morning to a torrential thunderstorm and decided to wait it out. Instead of doing 20+ miles that day, we decided to stop at the Warwick Tnpk where Uncle Ronnie had picked us up and taken us to his house. Yes I am still here on Sunday writing this up. Tuesday evening we got some hot tub action and some delicious london broil, and also got to reunite with the Big Ol Mose who had been taking some time off to rest and relax.

Wednesday and Thursday we took our 2nd back to back Zero Days since April 7 and 8 in Boone, so yes it has been a while since we have that much time off the trail. Wednesday I had to go to the doctors to make sure that my coxicks or tailbone ( i think that's how you spell it) wasn't destroyed, and sure enough it wasn't. All day we relaxed and chilled and waited for Dweezle to get up here from Philly. She arrived in the early evening and we ate some spare ribs and had some wonderful pina colodas. We spent most of Wednesday night hanging with Sara and laughing and having fun. Come Thursday, Mindy got back from here trip to Boston and we all were able to live, laugh and love from day beginning to day end. For dinner we ate some hamburgers and hot dogs and sausage and dip and pasta salad, and the list goes on. Unfortunately Sara had to leave to go back to Philly, but it was so nice to see her while she was here. Aunt Mindy offered up the opportunity to slack pack us for two days and that is exactly what we did.

Friday, June 12, at 7am, Mindy and Ronnie dropped us off at the Warwick tnpk and we hiked 22 miles all the way to Rt 17 at the beginning of Harriman State Park, through the rain, mud, water, and eventually the sun. It was great to be able to do all those miles without a pack and that made it so much more fun for the both of us. We finished our day around 6 and went home to have some pizza and showers and hot tub.

Saturday, June 13, we hiked all of Harriman State Park in the sunshine and made it all the way to Bear Mountain Park where we were picked up by Mindy and Ronnie. Oops, I failed to mention that we made Mosey get back on the trail, and he sure was happy to be back, running like a wild man after squirrels, chipmunks, and he even treed a porcupine. Thankfully it did not attack him with its quills. We got back to their house and showered and ate some unbelievable Filets and drank some Bushwackers, and if you don't know what those are, I suggest you find out...amazing. The night ended with a little bit of sleep and a lot a bit of rest, which brings us to today, its 1o am and we are about to set off for Bear Mountain where we are going to re-enter the woods and have to fend for ourselves once again, and yes, Mosey is coming too.

Big thanks to all of my family for your help and support and it really means so much to both Dori and me for having such a loving and caring group of people around. We had an overabundance of fun and entertainment over the past week and if it could continue, we would never make it to Katahdin, but sooner or later we will be meeting Bobby there and we WILL finish!!!! Keep us in your thoughts and we will forever be grateful for what an unbelievable time we spent with you all.

With Lots of love from both Dori and Adam, until the next time, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!

Now YOU can hike to Maine with Adam...Be a Sponsor and help him finish the journey!

Ever dream about being a part of something really BIG? Your opportunity, your one shot in life to help another human being achieve the goal of a lifetime? Well today is your day my friend.

You can realize your dream right from your own living room by becoming a part of the SponsorTopo team. This is your entry into the backpacking elite, an exclusive ‘members-only’ club if you will, for those who want to help dreams come true. Yes, you can be part of a dynamic movement sweeping across America. How you ask? By making a decision right now to join the SponsorTopo Club and contribute to the sponsorship fund to help Adam finish his journey to Maine. Your contribution, of any amount, will help Adam achieve his dream of a lifetime.

Watch this moving, heartfelt message from Adam before you grab your checkbook and join the adventure:

As you can see, life on the trail is tough. To achieve one’s dream takes planning, determination, tremendous effort, sacrifice and, let’s face it folks, cold hard cash. Despite all the trees Adam has looked at and walked by on his journey so far, he continues to report back that money doesn’t grow on trees. We’re proud that he’s learned this important life lesson on his journey.

So you ask, “How can I become a part of something BIG?” By donating to the SponsorTopo Fund. With a donation of $15 or more, a special name tag, with your name on it, will be attached to this special carabineer (also known as a clip) (see photo) and carried on Adam’s backpack all the way to his final destination – Mt. Katahdin, Maine.

And that’s not all!!!
You will also receive a commemorative photo of your name tag with Adam on top of Mt. Katahdin. And there’s more! For those who act fast and make their contribution by June 15th, you will receive a commemorative lapel pin with the SponsorTopo logo that you can wear proudly around your neighborhood, in the grocery store, or around the office.
It’s also a way to spread the word that others can be a part of the SponsorTopo exclusive ‘members only’ club.



So don’t delay, act now. Send your contributions, (cash, check or money order) including your name and address to: The Palmer’s 2710 Oxborough Drive Matthews, NC 28105. You can rest comfortably knowing that 100% of your contributions go entirely to Adam. (All funding transactions meet the highest and most stringent levels of financial accountability, and audited weekly by MFP (Marion F Palmer) Accounting & Tax Services.)

We thank you, and Adam thanks you for your continued prayers and now, your financial support. Don’t delay, write that check!