My First Trip to the Mountains

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My First Trip to the Mountains

My First Trip to the Mountains

June 1982 - It took 7 days, but I pedaled my bicycle about 600 miles from Fort Wayne, IN to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so I could finally go see mountains! This picture was taken at Newfound Gap, looking towards western North Carolina. I would end up biking the entire Blue Ridge Parkway, which was a great way to get my first mountain fix. This was part of a 27 day, 2000 mile solo bicycle adventure that pretty much inspired my love for the mountains...and it's appropriate that this picture from 82 was taken where it was, as I have since then started and completed more hikes than I can count at Newfound Gap parking lot.
MarkDidier
on Feb 7, 2010 9:51 am
Image Type(s): Informational
Image ID: 595064

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silversummit

silversummit - Feb 8, 2010 8:42 pm - Voted 10/10

Solo bike trip of 2000 miles!

I am really impressed! Did you keep notes? This is a wonderful spot too! And belated congratulations on an accomplishment of amazing fortitude Mark!

MarkDidier

MarkDidier - Feb 9, 2010 2:04 pm - Hasn't voted

Re: Solo bike trip of 2000 miles!

Thanks Kathy,
It was a pretty incredible trip...with a lot of fortitude involved - physically and emotionally. I did keep a journal and I finally got around to writing the story down on paper in 2007 (a 50,000 word trip report?).

Thanks for the kind words,
Mark

Bob Sihler

Bob Sihler - May 11, 2010 12:58 pm - Voted 10/10

Nice socks!

Ha ha ha-- but I had them, too, though I was 12 then. How I loved those stripes...

MarkDidier

MarkDidier - May 12, 2010 4:17 pm - Hasn't voted

Re: Nice socks!

Those are beauties if I say so myself! Like everything else (including bell bottoms) if we wait long enough do you think they'll come back in style?

Yeah, the hazards of posting old pictures from days gone by. I had one that I just didn't have the guts to post. I was in front of the BRP high point sign, imagine the same outfit but no shirt. Nothing but skin and bone! Maybe I should have posted it. I'm sure it would have made POTD and warranted many 1/10 votes from the Women of Summitpost, that I am sure are now disappointed that I didn't post it now that the cats out of the bag. Woo Hoo...

(What color were your stipes?)

Bob Sihler

Bob Sihler - May 12, 2010 7:59 pm - Voted 10/10

Re: Nice socks!

I had pairs of a few different colors, but my favorite was blue.

Harryk

Harryk - Oct 26, 2012 12:44 pm - Voted 10/10

Great shot of someone starting out their adventurous life!

1982 was when I really started getting involved in mountain pursuits,seems like yesterday. Seems like you have done alot since then. I knew someone would comment on the socks.Alot of people including me wore tube socks back in the day,they were comfortable. Bottom line is who cares what people think.

MarkDidier

MarkDidier - Oct 27, 2012 9:57 am - Hasn't voted

Re: Great shot of someone starting out their adventurous life!

Going on that trip was pretty pivotal in my life. And while I like to think I've led a fairly adventurous life, what I've accomplished seems pretty mild compared to many people here on SP. I just try to get out a few times a year. Wish it could be more. Thanks for visiting and commenting. Happy Trails, Mark

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