The trip up to Springer was about 3 hours off the interstate. It ran from 4 lane to 2 lane to 1 lane to gravel to dirt. The morning was very foggy and it was often hard to see much more than a car length in front. The final road was nothing more than a logging trail that wound 7 miles around the top of Springer. It was like driving into a movie set. Much to our amazement once we got to the top there was a dirt patch parking lot with several other day hikers and a few through hikers preparing their equipment. Much quicker than I was ready for him to go Ryan was outfitted and ready.
We snapped a few pictures, exchanged goodbyes and off he went. It wasn't easy watching Ryan walk off into the fog. Parental anxiety aside, I felt at ease with his preparedness, his lack of hesitation, and his conviction to the trip. I'd be lying if I said my heart wasn't a little heavy.
Ryan knows his family and friends love and support him. We're all proud of what he's doing but more proud of the man, brother, son and friend he's become. He's now on his own but he will never be far from those of us who love him.
Dad
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