I dropped them off at Tiny Pond Shelter, which is very close to Saltash Mountain and SAM Camp, to complete a day of service work on Ninevah Foundation land and start bringing closure to their experience.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Classic Questers hiked proudly into SAM Camp, packed in and cleaned not only their gear but themselves, with some much deserved showers. They closed out the evening with an incredible skit at our SAM Camp Variety Show. Their skit was full of laughs, songs, mosquitoes, and inside jokes (including an incredible Arnold Schwarzenegger impression, that I’m sure you will hear all about upon their return home). This confirmed for me that this trip was one that they will never forget. Not only did they challenge themselves mentally and physically; they also created lifelong bonds and memories. It will be sad to see them go, but it fills my heart with warmth to know they will be walking away from this experience having accomplished so much and they also had fun along the way.
Now for an update on our Long Trail Questers! I met up with them at the Lincoln Gap on Wednesday to give them a small resupply and a TON of mail before our visiting day on Friday at the Appalachian Gap! They were a bit soggy from a few days of rain, but in excellent spirits as always. I heard all about their newly developed trail names (including Butterfly and Peanut Gallery!) and brought some clean clothes for them!
As they reach this halfway point, they will celebrate all they have accomplished with friends and family who will be joining us on Friday to give them encouragement and energy to complete this incredible journey. That’s all for now!
Look for more pictures of all of our Questers and more updates soon!
— Emily, Questers Coordinator