R.A. Wizard began with the AT Class of 2010. That's when he started his thru-hike. Unfortunately, his severe asthma forced him off the Trail at Dragon's Tooth that year. In March 2012 he got back on the Trail at Dragon's Tooth and restarted his journey northward, determined to travel as far as his body would allow. At Harpers Ferry he was forced off the Trail again, this time it wasn't his asthma but his knees. He went home to Ohio. He rested and returned to Harpers Ferry in May of that year to continue, his dream - reaching the AT halfway point in 2012. He succeeded and reached Pine Grove Furnace, PA. Subsequently, he's had injections into his knees to alleviate the pain/discomfort and on April 1, 2013, with his doctor's okay, he'll once again begin his journey northward from Pine Grove Furnace. His ultimate goal is to reach Katahdin. Unfortunately, his hiking is limited to the time of year when the pollen, etc. aren't bad enough to kick in his asthma. He doesn't know how his knees will react this year. I don't know how far he'll hike this year but, knowing him, he'll give it one helluva shot.
This may sound maudlin but, to me, this is the true spirit of the Trail. Whether he makes it to Katahdin or not is irrelevant. What I believe is relevant is the determination of the human spirit to achieve. May he be an inspiration to anyone and everyone who is presently on the Trail, has been forced off the Trail before completing their thru-hike, or whoever has a goal in life, whether it be to hike the AT or something else.
If you're interested, his 2010, and subsequent, writings can be found on trailjournals.com, under the Trail Name of R.A.Wizard.
I'm posting this to the Class of 2013 Forum because I figure he becomes whatever class it is until he's done.
For what it's worth.
