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  1. #1

    Thumbs up Former Marine hiking AT barefooted

    http://www.thelongwalkhome.org/

    FORMER MARINE RONALD C.J. ZALESKI BEGINS WALK ON
    APPALACHIAN TRAIL BAREFOOT
    FROM MAINE TO GEORGIA
    ON MEMORIAL DAY, MAY 29, 2006


    Tribute to Buddies Who Died in Vietnam and
    Effort to Call Attention to the Need for
    Effective Debriefing and Counseling Programs for Vets

    -------

    Last journal entry was on June 12th, south of the Kennebec. Hope he's still doing well!
    Teej

    "[ATers] represent three percent of our use and about twenty percent of our effort," retired Baxter Park Director Jensen Bissell.

  2. #2
    Registered User
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    Semper Fi. I'll run into him.

  3. #3
    Registered User lbbrown's Avatar
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    12-10-2004
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    Quote Originally Posted by L. Wolf
    Semper Fi. I'll run into him.
    Don't step on his toes, Wolf......( Just kidding.)

    My sister was a Marine. Semper Fi.

  4. #4
    Registered User Fofer's Avatar
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    06-22-2006
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    L.Wolf let him know we're behind him. We can never do enough for our Vets.

  5. #5
    Registered User Ramble~On's Avatar
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    Excellent Idea.....but why barefoot ?
    To each their own....I like to walk around barefoot sometimes but wouldn't want to lug a pack for any long distance hike without something on my feet. Guess he knows what he's doing and it is for an excellent reason.

    SEMPER FI.

  6. #6
    Peakbagger Extraordinaire The Solemates's Avatar
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    10-30-2003
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    Appalachian Ohio
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    this is strange. but, havent the barefoot sisters already done this?

    his pack is certainly different.
    The only thing better than mountains, is mountains where you haven't been.

    amongnature.blogspot.com

  7. #7
    TOW's Avatar
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    03-13-2005
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    have you guys read his journal.....it will uplift ya.....

  8. #8
    Registered User K0OPG's Avatar
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    06-28-2005
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    Bruceton Mills WV
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    from one former Marine to another...oohrah and Semper Fi!
    Semper Fi and 73's,

    G. L. Cooper
    K0OPG (Amateur Extra)
    Mountains of WV

  9. #9
    Registered User
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    I ran into this guy in Maine, forget where exactly. He seemed nice enough. His pack was... interesting. Lemon Squeezer anyone?

  10. #10
    Registered User
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    Anybody is this Marine is still on the trail? It looks like his website hasn't been updated in a while. I wish him the best.

  11. #11
    GA - Central PA 1977
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    I wish him well but he certainly didn`t promote this very well..I`m heavily involved in both the Vietnamese community and with veterans and this is the first I`ve heard of it...First mention of it on here as well and he`s what?..Two months in?...That`s a lot of preparation and walking barefoot to boot to go thru to "call attention" to something and no one knows about it
    Sometimes you can't hear them talk..Other times you can.
    The same old cliches.."Is that a woman or a man?"
    You always seem out-numbered..You don't dare make a stand.

  12. #12
    Livin' life in the drive thru! hikerjohnd's Avatar
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    12-18-2004
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    I'd like to know more about his homemade equipment - the pack looks pretty interesting...

    I am also interested to see he is in contact with the Guinness World record people - world record for what exactly?
    So be it.
    --John

  13. #13

    Default

    I just finished part of jersey to palmerton pa.sure would hate to walk on all those rock barefooted.ex army myself, but have two sons who were marines,good luck

  14. #14

    Default

    I met this guy the last week of July on my south to north section hike in Massachusetts. Our paths crossed on my descent/his ascent of Greylock. His trail name is Tyvek. Yes, he was barefoot, and he was keeping a good pace up a steep slope.

    My first post, by the way. I'm a long-time lurker here and have learned tons from all of you. Many thanks to all.

  15. #15
    tideblazer
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    Two words: Foot Salve!
    www.ridge2reef.org -Organic Tropical Farm, Farm Stays, Group Retreats.... Trail life in the Caribbean

  16. #16

    Default

    I know he went through Monson, staying at Shaws. That's the last report I know of.
    Teej

    "[ATers] represent three percent of our use and about twenty percent of our effort," retired Baxter Park Director Jensen Bissell.

  17. #17
    Registered User Oklahoma 98's Avatar
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    03-09-2005
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    Perkins,Oklahoma
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    Is this the same Tyvek that hiked barefoot in 1998?

  18. #18
    Registered User
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    Yes it is.

  19. #19

  20. #20

    Default

    I dayhiked Salisbury to Bear Mountain, Ct on 8/18 and ran into a thru that had met Tyvek. his account made me think Tyvek was kind of a nutcase. but after reading his journal, I think the young thru did not get a thorough impression of the man. I was particularly impressed by this passage in his journal:

    "What wouldn’t you do for a loved one, what sacrifice would you gladly make for your child, work 2 jobs, go hungry, give an arm, and give your life? It wouldn’t be tough, you’d do it gladly."

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