An autobiographical account of Robie Hensley's hike along the Appalachian trail in the spring of 1986.

What happens when you reexamine your priorities and make an effort to spend quality time with someone important in your life? In 1997, I embarked on my first overnight backpacking trip. My two brothers and my 69 year old Dad, Mr. Ed, set off on a ten day trip on the Appalachian Trail. I thought it was a once in a lifetime experience. I was wrong. Mr. Ed and I would continue to take the annual hikes for another ten years. The hikes would provide me with some of the most challenging, beautiful, and rewarding experiences in my life. Meeting Mr. Ed: A Journey of Discovery on the Appalachian Trail was inspired by this experience. This is a travel journal documenting the challenge and beauty of the Appalachian Trail. More importantly, it tells the story of Mr. Ed; a Korean War veteran, a coach, and a father of five. Through reflection and stories shared along the trail, I recount the life of a man who was driven to serve his country, his family, and his community. Without the need for fanfare or even credit, Mr. Ed set out to make the world a better place, often one person at a time. Visit us on the web at www.meetingmred.com.

This book is a day by day journal of my Appalachian Trail hike. It encompasses my hike in two years, 1999 to 2000, when I completed the trail. I discovered both the beauty and the beast in exploring this country in this rugged manner.

"The Green Tunnel, A Hiker's Appalachian Trail Diary" is the true-life story of a retiree's joys, challenges, and physical rigors while thru-hiking the entire 2,185 miles of the Appalachian Trail in one great epic walk. The book's title refers to the nickname, Green Tunnel, given by hikers for deeply-shaded trail sections that cut through dark and densely-wooded forests. All too often, tree canopies block out all sunlight or views of the sky, sometimes for hundreds of miles. Readers follow RW as he walks north, starting out from the cold winter mountains of Georgia, until he finally reaches Maine during the height of New England fall colors. Along the way, readers encounter a fugitive from the FBI, internationally-known backpackers, the homeless, plus many other hikers seeking adventure or redemption. Trail angels often come to the rescue. Journal entries are frequently peppered with humorous and historical anecdotes, along with colorful descriptions of the swiftly changing scenery and seasons. Readers will also find a good deal of useful backpacking information, from the many firsthand tips and advice on equipment, food, trail culture, lodging, and the hazards of wilderness hiking. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Patrick Bredlau (Trail name: RW) has lived most of his life in the flat lands of Illinois. His life-long enthusiasm for the outdoors was fostered by the Boy Scouts of America during his childhood, and later as a Boy Scout leader on many hiking and backpacking trips. His favorite sports are backpacking, fishing, and sailing. His passion for backpacking led him to hike some of the most spectacular natural locations in the United States and Canada, including the Rocky Mountains, Grand Canyon, Glacier National Park, and Banff National Park. As a sailboat racer, he has participated in the prestigious Chicago to Mackinac Island race, as well as other races on Lake Michigan. After a long and successful 38-year career as a federal bank examiner and instructor, Patrick retired in 2013 to spend more time with his family and enjoy the outdoors. His first major adventure after retirement was to successfully thru-hike the entire 2,185 miles of the Appalachian Trail in 2014.

Thanks to its paperback cover and small size, the Appalachian Trail Hiking Journal is lightweight and slim. Pack weight is key while hiking the Appalachian Trail and this journal is designed with weight in mind. The lightest on the market this is the perfect journal for Appalachian Trail hikers that are interested in traveling light. Unlike leather-bound journals, it will not weigh your pack down.For each day on the Appalachian Trail, you have a space to indicate the date, your location, the day number and start/end time of the day's hike, the weather conditions, and plenty of space to reflect on your life changing trek. Each day has lined journaling pages and, blank pages perfect for sketches and drawings. At the end of the book you will even find a detailed map of the Appalachian Trail.

Age doesn't matter. Endurance. Strength. Stamina. These are factors that matter when engaging in a 2,187 mile journey along the Appalachian Trail. A real-life journal full of reflection, memories and thoughts on how to tackle the trail. "Guinness," a nearly sixty year old retiree, on his 2011 thru-hike tells all. This engaging read will motivate you to endure in your own life's journeys despite the inevitable obstacles (sometimes self-inflicted) met along the way. What makes this story beautiful and painful is the author's willingness to not only share his experiences during his five and a half month journey but to share an honest, open look at what the trail and his personal experiences taught him about life. This journal will appeal to backpackers looking to hike the Appalachian Trail and anyone who has found themselves vulnerable and broken.