I have met a lot of CDT hikers this summer, thru-hikers are fun people to share an afternoon and a beer with. They gain strength and wisdom on the trail that is awesome to be a part of.
This is a friend I met at the ranch, hiking the AT, and a bit from his journal.
“I know the memories will fade. The trip will be defined in our favorite photographs and a cool slide show. The texture and nuance of what the AT has been will fade. But what will never fade is the relationships that have been forged over 2,000 miles of hiking. The AT is about people. It is about a shared struggle. When it’s all said and done, that’s what life is when it is at its best. A shared struggle with people you love.”
-Gumby & Coyotebec
To see what they have been up to since their return home, go to http://www.packandpaddle.blogspot.com
paintandsimple 
Awesome!! When I got your email I thought to myself – wow that looks a lot like John (Gumby) on the AT. Then I read below and it was!! Fantastic!! Miss you. John and I are gearing up for a 2000 mile bike ride this summer which is why I didn’t make it to Ghost Ranch…sniff, sniff.
When I was reading your email I thought to myself… That looks like John (Gumby) on the AT. Then I scrolled down to your comments and saw I was right! Love it!!!!
What an honor that you painted him.
Love you Julia!