Phil Valentine Sets Off Today: Recovery on the Appalachian Trail

photo-224x300“First of all, celebrations to Phil on his five year recovery from cancer (Today!). And for over 27 years in recovery from addiction.

And if that is not enough he will – in 6 – 8 months time – be in recovery from walking the Appalachian Trail. But firstly, he’s got to walk – and today, get started!!

Wishing you the very best from down under, Phil. We’ll be following you, thinking of you, and spiritually walking alongside you. Enjoy yourself, good friend. Go, Phil, Go.” David Clark and Michael Scott

And for those of you who do not know what is going on, you can find out more here and here. We’ll be following Phil from time-to-time on his journey and I strongly encourage you to follow him directly via: https://twitter.com/pvalentine59 and https://instagram.com/pvalentine59/

And just a few facts about the Appalachian Trail which I have taken from Phil’s walk website:

‘The Appalachian Trail is one of the longest continuously marked footpaths in the world, covering roughly a66b13_5fa6f0fc91df49a0833d6b4539cf379e.jpg_srb_p_289_377_75_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srb2,180 miles. The Trail travels through 14 states along the crests and valleys of the Appalachian Mountain range from the southern terminus at Springer Mountain, Georgia to the Trail’s northern terminus at Mount Katahdin, Maine…’

Fun Facts
The Trail is roughly 2,180 miles long, passing through 14 states.
More than 250 three-sided shelters exist along the Trail.
Virginia is home to the most miles of the Trail (about 550).
Maryland and West Virginia are the easiest states to hike.
New Hampshire and Maine are the hardest states to hike.
The total elevation gain of hiking the entire A.T. is equivalent to climbing Mt. Everest 16 times.
The A.T. is home to an impressive diversity of plants and animals. Some animals you may see include black bears, moose, porcupines, snakes, woodpeckers, and salamanders. Some plants you may encounter include jack-in-the-pulpit, skunk cabbage, and flame azalea.’

Our love and blessings to the whole Valentine family.

PS. It’s today here in Australia, but not today for Phil in the USA… yet (understand?)