Peter Flemming has proved to be a prime example of a modern day pilgrim.  After suffering a life threatening illness many years ago, Peter has begun to look at life in a whole new light.  He decided to explore the world’s beauty in a way he had never dreamed of, by hiking the Appalachian Trail.  He hoped the hike would bring him a new appreciation for life's amazing offerings, the opportunity to experience new people, and would help him build back his strength.

    Peter had spent 33 years of his life as a teacher at Saint John High School.  Living such a life led Peter to take advantage of normal health and abilities such as being able to walk, or even the luxury of being alive.  This all changed for Peter when he came down with a life threatening illness that would change his life, if it did not take it away all together.  Recovering was what provided Peter with a new appreciation for life, and a new desire to explore what it has to offer. 

    Peter was then looking for something to provide him with the opportunities to see the beauty of the world, to experience new and different people, and to aid in gaining back his strength.  It did not take him long to discover that hiking was exactly what he needed, and the Appalachian Trail was the best candidate to provide him with what he desired.  However, one does not just jump on the Appalachian Trail like its a paved side walk through a sunny park, training is of course required.  Training was not something Peter skimped on either.  From re-learning how to walk during his recovery to hiking smaller trails at Fundy National Park, Peter trained for his goal

    When Peter was finally ready to fulfill his dream, he headed down to Springer Mountain in Atlanta Georgia where he began his 160 day adventure.  Peter hiked the 5 million steps, 3500 km, and through all 50 streams alone.  He depended on the company of the fellow hikers he would meet along the way to help him through.  That is exactly what he got.  Along the trail Peter met people of all different ages, races, and sizes.  All with different interests and motivations.  This experience provided Peter with an appreciation for others and the different ways they live their lives. 

    When hiking the Appalachian Trail, one can not exactly leave their gear in their car to which they can run to when ever they get hungry or need a sweater.  That is exactly why Peter had to be selective as to what he brought with him, because he had to carry it all with him.  He had to bring only what he really needed such as a tent, warm and cool clothes, a sleeping bag, lots of socks and good shoes, cooking utensils, and high energy but light food.  With all this stuffed into a sack, there is no room for one's favorite teddy bear or a picture of grandma.  Living with only the basic necessities allowed Peter to see how beautiful the world can be once you stop preoccupying yourself with material items.  He was now able to open his eyes and really look at the world around him.

    Of course such a trying task proved to be very physically demanding.  The 160 days of exercise really built up much of the strength that Peter lost during the time when he was sick.  Upon completing the hike Peter found himself feeling better then he had in a long time, and has since continued to maintain his strength by hiking a variety of different trails. 

    On the long days when Peter spent his time walking alone, he used the time to reflect on his past life, and compare it to the world he was seeing now.  This time to compare allowed him to recognize what he was missing from his life before he became ill.  It helped him to appreciate what life has to offer.

    After suffering from a life threatening illness, Peter Flemming embarked on a journey that would teach him the true values of a healthy life.  Hiking the Appalachian Trail has provided him with an experience that Peter will be forever grateful for.  

Peter's Stats:

• Total distance: "2,168 miles or 3,470 kms (5,000,000 steps)"
• Total rise and fall: "Approximately 500,000 ft or 152,400 m"
• Start: "March 11, 1996"                                                                                                                         Finish: "August 18, 1996"
• Peter's average daily mileage: "About 15 miles or 24 kms."
• Toughest section for Peter: "Mahoosie Mountains in Maine."
• Peter's best sections: "Hard to say, but the Smokies, Shenandoahs and wilderness section in Maine were outstanding."
• Highest point: "Clingmans Dome, Tennessee. 6,643 feet (2,204 miles)"
• Most mountainous: "Hanover to Gorham, White Mountains including Mt. Washington."
• Weight of pack: "35-45 lbs (16-21 kgs) depending on food and water."
• Peter's best decision: "To hike the trail"
• Peter's worst decision: "To return my hat and gloves in Georgia."

      Pictures from the trail