Under a patchwork of blue skies and billowing clouds, I completed my 500 miles of hiking today (and more than 600 cumulative miles walked). This journey is now “in the books”.

Since 2015 I have been on three long distance adventures and have now traveled more than 2,000 miles on foot across some of the most challenging terrain in the western states and on the east coast. I have felt pain, exhaustion, loneliness, frustration and fear that I would wish on no one. But I have seen and experienced some of the most beautiful sights of nature that you can only see if you go there on foot. And, maybe most importantly, I have been humbled and awed by the most amazing acts of kindness from people that I had never before met, and will never see again. Following each of these journeys I have returned home more grateful, appreciative and mindful of the life I have been blessed with. I am, indeed, a “Lucky” man.

I can never adequately express enough my gratitude to my family for supporting me in these endeavors, especially my amazing wife, Diane, whom I have put through more trials and tribulations than any spouse deserves. My good friend Stu reminded me in an email yesterday that, upon my return, the highest priority must be to treat my wife to a trip filled with rest, relaxation and good food. I will follow his wise advice. 

So….what adventure to think about next? There is a 100 mile loop around Mt Blanc that crosses through France, Switzerland and Italy that I would love to do with my wife (and she is only learning about this when she reads this post!😊). Unlike the filthy, mice- infested shelters on the AT, there are quaint, staffed mountain huts – complete with hot meals, waiting at each interval of this hike. Something to think about….

Thanks to all of you who joined me from afar on this journey, who offered words of encouragement and support. On the most difficult of days your words meant so much and lifted my spirits. You were, indeed, my long distance “trail angels”. And, to a few special people who called me ,or sent private messages (you know who you are), please know just much each of you mean to me.

I’m signing off now and leave you with one final thought. 

The journey of your life is up to you. Others may not understand the paths you choose to walk down, the challenges you embrace or the decisions you make. You alone must decide what the tapestry of your life journey will look like when all of the pieces are finally stitched together. Just make sure it’s a masterpiece that shines brightly, long after you are gone, and screams out “I LIVED MY LIFE”!

Alan Barlow (aka “Lucky”) – May 3, 2023

Pics from today: sights from final trail hike, Dragonfly Inn where I am staying (a great place!), murals along Main Street in Damascus