Bob Becomes Builder

I already posted the story about how Bob got his trailname. He is clearly transforming into his name with all of the miles, challenges, gorgeous views and experiences he is having - all without his electric shaver. This is what he looked like at breakfast on day 1, full of energy, excitement, nervousness, etc. (Gosh I love that face!)

But he looks a bit different now!

He doesn't much like seeing the grey beard, though I told him it makes him look rugged and distinguished.

He also got someone to snap a couple of other pictures of him.

A neighbor stopped me the other day and said how excited she is for him and that he's living her dream. Not many people are crazy enough to take on a thru hike attempt without a lot of other recent hiking experience. But this is the way Bob has navigated his life - with care and deliberation and focus. He's never been a thrill seeker or risk taker. He just knows what he wants to do and does it.

Age is not the barrier to tackling something like this. It's mindset. When our son went through Army survival training he said the first thing you have to learn is how to keep a positive mental attitude. I have been called "Pollyanna" at times in my life and I have also been told my glass is half full. I flip flop. But Bob rarely does. He's balanced and even; he is the calm to my chaos.

So take this lesson from his decision to try this adventure: With the right determination and fortitude we can all survive many hardships and climb many mountains. We just have to want it badly enough.