SC Community

[On Patrol]

It always amazes me how the SC community has made the US a smaller place. I do not think SJ ever thought when he took a few dollars of seed money that he would create an interconnected weave of individuals that would assist and help each other beyond the airplane. I have been able to stay with and meet folks from all over the United States. Who knew how close these friends would become. I just recently got a call from Jeff Russell in Wisconsin that one of his friends who hosts a fly in at his farm during NH had a daughter and boyfriend hiking the Appalachian trail. He was able to get folks here on the East Coast to open their doors to this fantastic young couple. Steve Lewis was a multi night stay and went from progressing trail heads until they hiked out of range of Steve in Tennessee. Jeff contacted me when Caroline and Ryan were coming over Killington Mtn. in Vermont and headed down into Hanover New Hampshire where he had arranged a night's stay with another friend. Finally, I was able to pick these two wet and tired individuals at a trail head in Lyme, New Hampshire. A warm shower, some borrowed clothes so they could use the washer dryer as well as a warm bed for the night made their life so much easier. I dropped off a very appreciative pair and watched them get back on the trail ascending Smarts Mountain on their way to the White Mountain National Forest and eventually Maine. I am sure there are a few more friends beyond me to help Caroline and Ryan on their 2200-mile hike. While Jeff and the kids thanked me there was no reason too. It was my privilege. SJ the pat on the Back really goes to you. Thanks for creating this community.

 

[sj]

That is very cool John!

Btw, I just opened an online bar and a bunch of amazing people showed up. It’s not the bartender, it’s the patrons that make this place amazing.

sj

 

[jrussl]

I couldn’t agree with you more, John. SJ has created a wonderful community here. But it’s great because of guys like you and Steve Lewis.
Caroline and Ryan are amazing young folks. And it sure looks like they are going to accomplish hiking the whole Appalachian trail. Only about 25% of those who start the trail end up making it. For those of you that have been on the Klessig Farm fly-out at New Holstein may remember meeting Caroline there. Her dad, Robert, is a good friend and is one of our hosts at the farm. Caroline starts med school here in Madison in August.

Here is a shot of me and Caroline on a Washington Island fly-out in 2016.

And rumor has it that a potato farmer in Maine will be on the lookout for them when they are a bit further down the trail.

 

[WindOnHisNose]

Speaking of Caroline Klessig, I was one of those honored to write a letter of support for her for a major scholarship for covering medical school costs. She was notified a short time ago that she was awarded that scholarship!

This community makes a difference. I am so happy to have crossed paths with people here many years ago. You all have greatly enriched my life.

rsc