The Phoenix Rises

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 open heart surgery at Maine Medical Center in Portland. A few weeks later we were back in the ambulance RV heading back to our home in New Mexico.

On the way home, our ambulance broke down for the last time and we were forced to abandon it. Packing up our stuff in a rented U-Haul we finally made it back home.

BUT, that's not the end of the story.

I worked hard to recover from my operation and get myself back in good physical condition. My cardiologist determined there was no damage to my heart and gave me the go ahead to resume hiking again. 

We bought a new van and had it equipped by the good folks at Wanderful Wheels in Durango to replace our ambulance. 

With an improved heart and transportation we set out again in 2025 to do what we started in 2024, just like the Phoenix reborn from the ashes. Unfortunately, unlike the Phoenix, we're not immortal and only have so long on this earth to accomplish our goals. Like my favorite saying goes, we must endeavour to persevere and that's exactly what we intend to do.

As I write this, we're on the road heading to Springer Mountain, Georgia. You can follow our travel adventures on Angelika's blog Cycling With Mama. I'll post my progress on the trail here periodically, northbound from Georgia to Maine this time.