Apr 27, 2017
In early November 2013, John Bock had a triple bypass
following a completely unexpected heart attack. He and his wife,
Melody, had planned to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail from
March 2014—which is what they did. They flip-flopped and completed
their adventure at Harpers Ferry in November 2014, just over a
year after the news that would have postponed, or even abandoned
the dreams of less determined people. 
Their remarkable story,
along with the radical lifestyle that they have since adopted, is
told in this interview. They are homeless by choice, fearless, and
ever moving forward, refusing to stop their enviable
lifestyle. Melody even had the time to give me a botany lesson on
the trail, identifying plants as we walked by until she pointed out
something that she referred to as a Lady Slipper, but which, to me,
would always be known as Vasectomy Surprise. John and Melody
would be happy to hear from old friends and fellow hikers at
jhbock3@gmail.com, while
they can also be found on Facebook. Click either John or Melody. Their
journey wasn't easy, but they made many friends along the way and
proved, yet again, that the trail can get you through your toughest
days if you keep moving forward. 
Attie continues to revel in
the trail, though this week she had her first setback. When she
told me about it I was worried for her but she just shrugged it off
and got on with it. Her perseverance was rewarded with a really
sweet dollop of trail magic, administered by one of our wonderful,
caring listeners. Thanks, Casey. In Fear and Loathing, Gary
Sizer confesses to his worries about having a damp hike, and admits
to his doubts along the way as he got closer to Katahdin. You can
read about Gary's journey by going to his Amazon page for
Where's the Next Shelter? It is a really funny read and one
that I highly recommend. Please consider supporting the show
by becoming a patron at Patreon. Thanks to those
of you who have already done so.