Some years ago when one of my sons and I did the Appalachian Trail in GA, where we met a man called Echo.

Date:   4/21/2021 2:52:46 PM ( 3 y ago)

While on the trail we had tent camped at first but then realized that there were Lento s {a three-sided structure built just off the ground with the front-facing the local fire pit!} - every so often so we stayed there, and each had a logbook from whoever had preceded us.

Well, we read several of the entries: One that caught our eye was from a man posted as simply an Echo! * From his sign-in name "Just an Echo" on the Appalachian Trail Logs books found at each rest area.

Unbeknownst to us little did we know that we would catch up with him at The 5th U.S. Army Ranger Training Battalion is based at Camp Frank D. Merrill, not far from Dahlonega and right next to the Appalachian Trail.

Echo would hike a few miles then stop and enjoy the scenery and the company of those whom he met! It turns out that we enjoyed an evening with him, there as we noticed several Rangers out on night maneuvers - of course they did not communicate or speak to us.

It turns out that Echo had been in a military medical facility down in FL. for some time. He had gotten to the point where he could not do much - But unlike many, he decided he wanted to change his situation.
Therefore he started taking walks around the facility. Soon he could walk well. Then he could leave the hospital and becoming determined to become better. Soon he was able to hike many of the FL trails. Then he started hiking the Appalachian trail and had done it 12 times {That is over 2000 miles each way each way when we met him}; when we met him! He takes his time and stops off to visit with friends and help others. What a feat of determination and grit! A man who did not let his handicap limit his life!

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** This is from an original post to me!

**
Kerminator, I'm certain you had some extremely interesting discussions with Echo - Just as I did with him one year ago in New York State. He is a man of great feeling and knowledge and has wonderful tales to tell of his backpacking experiences. I miss him a great deal and have hoped to be able to meet up with him again.

Should you happen to see Echo after reading this note, I would very much appreciate it if you would say "hello" to him from me. I hope he will remember the peaceful days he spent with me and my family and our llamas in New York State near Port Jervis in late July/mid-August of 2004. I also hope he will visit us here again.

Please help me connect with my friend if you can. Many thanks, and Happy Trails!

Faarside aka Whitehorse.

 

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