Jeff and Debra's Excellent Mountains-to-Sea Adventure: Challenges, Perspective and Helpers

We knew from the very beginning that this adventure would be full of challenges: mental, physical, and weather-related. But I think we underestimated the frequency or considered other uncontrollable external circumstances. At this point in time, we have dealt with more rain than we could have ever imagined, injuries, wildlife encounters, a hurricane, malfunctioning and stolen gear, trail obstacles, and now family needs.

With each setback we have adjusted our schedule accordingly, understanding that this may affect our ability to complete the entire trail in the time we have allotted. But we have to keep it in perspective and realize that life goes on with or without this adventure. Others are dealing with far worse than we are.

Through it all we have benefited from the support of friends, family, and complete strangers. We could not have possibly made the 700+ miles of our journey so far without them. And there is no way we could ever thank them properly. This is our feeble attempt to begin to do so by simply acknowledging them all in one place.