sad news - AT hiker death
So he was a THRUHIKER who died AFTER he did the trail.
Still, sad to hear.
As I live, declares the Lord God, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn back from his way and live. Ezekiel 33:11
Much too young.
Some people take the straight and narrow. Others the road less traveled. I just cut through the woods.
So sad
This is tragic. My heart goes out to his family this holiday season.
The last time I saw John Wayne was the morning after the Bruins won Game 7 of the Stanley Cup, in the lobby of the Microtel Inn in Hamburg, PA. He was wearing his weathered Bruins shirt which he brought with him on the trail, and he was ecstatic about the Bruins win. A bunch of hikers had hitched into town for the game. I think John Wayne watched the game in the hotel room he shared with his hiking buddies, while myself and some hikers watched the game at the hotel bar. I didn't know him very well because our hiking was always a few days apart, but I know he was a very funny guy, and a lot of fun to be around. The next morning I congratulated him on the big win, while we both had breakfast before heading back to the trail. I remember he had a huge smile, and was absolutely beaming with happiness.
Wow, brutal. 80 foot fall?
I am so sorry to hear this. Bad time of the year as well.
I think I know the area this gentleman and his friends were at that the article is referring to. It's just outside of Sand Rock, Alabama. The locals call it Cherokee Rock Village. Lots of repelling, climbing, camping etc. We always called it Shinbone Ridge. It's a beautiful area. It overlooks some of Lake Weiss and it's backwaters. The man died in a beautiful place doing what he loved. May he rest in peace and my sympathy goes out to his family and friends.
"Hiking is as close to God as you can get without going to Church." - BobbyJo Sargent aka milkman Sometimes it's nice to take a long walk in THE FOG.
The article said the family didn't know how he obtained the trail name of "John Wayne". That would be nice for them to know.
Anyone have a clue????
Here is a photo of John Wayne at Green Mountain House Hostel July 28th wearing his beloved Bruins shirt.
http://www.trailjournals.com/photos.cfm?id=627794
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Green Mountain House Hostel
Manchester Center, VT
http://www.greenmountainhouse.net
.......................
R.I.P Frank Madeiros.
"Fish Camp Woman.... Baby, I like the way you smell"
- Unknown Hinson
I hiked with "John Wayne" for a month in northern VA. He was a great guy, I first began talking to him because he was wearing an Auburn University ball cap, I graduated from the University of Alabama, and I thought it ironic that he was a big Auburn fan and lived in Boston. He said that he just loved the Auburn Tigers and was an enthusiastic fan. I began calling him Cam(Cam Newton) after that. He was personable and great fun to be around. I am sad to learn of his death and in my home state. All of my thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time.
very sad to hear about this......
www.youtube.com/watch?v=k812hoNrRoo
Can't watch that and not come to tears. Sigh. ... I'm glad the made it thru the Trail and glad he enjoyed his short life. Good for him, too bad one who loved life so well lived so short a life.Originally Posted by Slimer
The more miles, the merrier!
NH4K: 21/48; N.E.4K: 25/67; NEHH: 28/100; Northeast 4K: 27/115; AT: 124/2191
Very sad - we lost a good one.
I think I might have met this man on the AT this year.
It was in the Smokey's at a shelter. The shelter was full and it was in the mid twenties outside with snow flurries.
Inside the shelter there was a lighthearted argument going on about "who would win in a fight between an Aligator and a Moose?".
I remember drifting off to sleep the conversation wound down.
Someone asked: "Who would win a fight between Bambi and an Aligator?"
Then this hiker with a strong Boston accent and the trail name John Wayne spoke up:
"Bambi would win.."
Someone laughed and asked why..
John Wayne said: "He would win his heart".
I am not sure if it's the same John Wayne but either way I am saddened by the loss.
Headed in to town.. You gotta rock the down! -fellow hikers mantra
Sounds like a wonderful young man. Prayers for his soul and his family. I will think of him when I next set foot on the trail. Rest In Peace, unmet friend.
Wow, Frank was from my hometown. I only know one other thru-hiker from Plymouth. Here's the point on the Youtube video where his hike starts
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=k812hoNrRoo#t=10 10s
Last edited by Sly; 12-21-2011 at 21:55.
My condolences to his family. Frank was also a WB member he changed his username to JFW from Figgsy13126.
"Sleepy alligator in the noonday sun
Sleepin by the river just like he usually done
Call for his whisky
He can call for his tea
Call all he wanta but he can't call me..."
Robert Hunter & Ron McKernan
Whiteblaze.net User Agreement.
Prayers go out to his friends, family & Loved Ones!!
Take Time to Watch the Trees Dance with The Wind........Then Join In........
Condolences to Frank's family. This is especially saddening to me since I had the pleasure of sharing a few beers and watching two Stanley Cup finals games with him, first in Boiling Springs and then two nights later at the Doyle after camping with him at Darlington Springs. Each night he talked about how much he was looking forward to wearing his David Krejci jersey when he reach Katahdin. In the few short days I knew him he impressed me as someone who really embraced the spirit of the trail.
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