Report from Mr Happy's Pappy

Even though I have a trail name "Fly By", after this past weekend at least a few hikers have begun calling me Mr Happy's Pappy. It was so great to share the experience with Mr Happy getting back on the trail. The wonderful folks at the Hike Inn - Jeff and Nancy, were so pleased to see him and welcome him back. I had hoped to hike a few days with him but after the weather delays and not feeling so good with a lingering chest cold, I opted to just day hike with him to the summit of Shuckstack about four miles up from Fontana. The day could not have been better - crisp and cool but with a warming sun and very little wind. We set off about nine and took our time with several rest stops. Mr Happy was carrying about 40 pounds - enough food for the whole of the Smokies as he was thinking of not getting off to go into Gatlinurg but continuing on to Standing Bear. He was so pleased to kwow there were other hikers at the same place and more in front and more behind. His time off got him what he wanted - company and less frigid nights. We talked a lot as we hiked up Shuckstack and I have to say it was one of the most wonderful conversations I've had with this particular son of mine. Amongst other things we talked about how the trail shows you your "demons" as you hike in thoughts and feelings, and how you can't fight them but you also don't have to let them guide your actions. Mr Happy seems to have this awareness and I was impressed. It took me the best part of fifty years to really grasp that. On the way up we ran into Stick going southbound. He was hiking with Walrus who had hurt his ankkle earlier on but it was bothering him and he didn't want to go thru the Smokies with the ice with his ankle. They were going planning to get off at Fontana and shuttle around the Smokies.

We climbed the tower on top of Shuckstack and then had lunch. Mr Happy makes the best PBJ tortillas. After lunch as we hiked down the side trail from the tower we spotted Walrus. Had a great conversation and when he found out we were Australian Americans, he delved into his sack to give Mr Happy a jar of Vegeminte which Mr Happy loves. A little while after Walrus left we were joined by Juniper, Salamander, and Backyard Boogie who had started an hour or so behind us. I figured it was time for me to head back and so bid my farewells to Mr Happy and good wishes to all. Mr Happy planned to hike with the trio to Mollies Ridge Shelter where they planned to spend the night.

On my way down I hiked with Walrus and also met a couple of ladies from Maine (can't recall their trail names) who were section hiking, as well as a couple of guys from the ATC who had come to help Walrus get to the hostel.

I spent the night in Knoxville and the flew home the following day with a lot of my flight covering the trail that Mr Happy will see in the next few months. All I can say is Virginia is a hell of a big state even from the air.

When I got home there was a voice mail from Mr Happy to say he had a great night at Mollies Ridge - wasn't cold and in good company and good spirits.

Thanks to everyone who supported him in taking his time out and in helping him get back on the trail. He still knows it won't be easy but is now more prepared for the challenges and is relishing the great support that exists among the thru hiker community.