FROM STRIDERS MOM: 10/19: Hello Red Plaid Nation! Today, 206 - TopicsExpress

FROM STRIDERS MOM: 10/19: Hello Red Plaid Nation! Today, 206 days after setting out from Lake Sakakawea in North Dakota, Strider is on a train returning home to Minnesota. It has been an incredible experience for us to watch his journey unfold, with all the amazing acts of kindness that he experienced from so many trail angels along the way who all contributed to the completion of his thru hike. You sheltered him from blizzards, freezing rain, sweltering heat, thunderstorms, and hungry mosquitoes. You fed him spaghetti, pasties, boxes of cereal, wings, chili, chocolate cake & brownies, and lots and lots of pizza and hamburgers. You left coolers and hung bear bags at trailheads with water, juice, snacks, fresh fruit, and even a couple of beers! You drove him to town to pick up his maildrops, shuttled him to the airport so he could attend the wedding of his best friends, and loaned him a pack for a couple of weeks while his was sent off for major repair. You invited him into your homes with an offer of a shower, clean laundry, and a wonderful, soft bed to sleep in. You offered him your encouragement, experience, and friendship. And all this was after you had spent countless hours volunteering your time to build and maintain the trail. We, his family, thank you so much for your generosity. It truly renews ones faith in the good qualities of people. Special thanks to Bruce Matthews and the entire staff of the North Country Trail Association. They have reached out and helped Luke immensely with mapping, logistics, and constant encouragement, especially during his trying times. They are certainly a dedicated group of individuals, who deserve thanks from all of us for the fine job they do. Sisu! Strider’s Family (and support crew) Roxanne, Jim, and Matt