Our Unconventional Life

In case you aren't aware of the legend, the Phoenix is a mythical bird that is reborn every 500 years after being consumed by flames and then rising from its ashes. This past year, our story has been the story of the Phoenix. It has been a longtime goal of mine to through-hike the Appalachian Trail. Up until recently, life's responsibilities have been an obstacle to realizing that dream. In 2024, the opportunity finally came. Angelika and I set out in our RV converted ambulance to Maine to start hiking southbound.  I set out with a full pack and feeling strong. At mile seven, something didn't feel right. I was weak, dizzy, and struggling to reach the first campsite at mile ten. Next morning I was no better and decided to hike out to figure out what was wrong. I was still weak and struggling. It took me two days to hike out those ten miles which I would normally be able to cover in less than a day. Apparently I was suffering a heart attack and ended up undergoing emergency o...