One for the ‘Bucket List’… 
Before retirement, three coworkers, Gary Setser age 61, Greg DeLong age 57 and Tom Pettrey age 56 started talking about taking an amazing epic adventure together. After their retirement from the Big Sandy Power Plant in June 2015, the three friends started planning and conditioning for a 2,190 mile hiking journey on the Appalachian Trail.
They started their hike of a lifetime on March 17, 2016 at the beginning of the trail on Springer Mountain Georgia. Greg DeLong accomplished the entire 2,190 mile hike on August 12, 2016 on Mt. Katahdin in Maine in a total of 149 days. During those 149 days, he took 15 days of not hiking, called zero days. Greg said, “The group averaged more than 14 miles a day and my longest day was greater than 30 miles.” He lost a total of 40 pounds of body weight, 20 pounds while preparing for the hike and another 20 pounds during the 149 days of hiking.
Tom Pettrey’s hiking was interrupted for 16 days due to an infection on his leg. After his leg improved, Tom rejoined Greg and continued hiking to Mt. Katahdin. Tom then returned to the section of the trail where he had to stop while he received treatment for his leg to complete the 240 miles he had missed. He finished those 240 missed miles on September 12, 2016 which completed his entire 2,190 mile hike.
Gary Setser was able to complete 756 miles before he had to discontinue the hike due to severe pain in his feet. “It was hard for me emotionally knowing I had to quit the hike because my feet were hurting so bad. I am hoping to finish the Virginia and Maryland section of the trail sometime this year,” said Gary.
Greg’s wife, Shirley DeLong, a Registered Nurse with the Lawrence County Health Department, stated, “I’m thrilled Greg fulfilled his dream and I’m honored I could help by making six trips to bring the hikers new supplies. What an amazing day on August 12, 2016 when Greg completed his 2,190 mile hike in 4 months and 26 days. I picked Greg and Tom up from Maine and we drove Tom back to Virginia so he could complete his missed miles. Greg and I then drove home to Louisa, Kentucky. Praise God for the save journey with all the miles that were covered,” said Shirley.
A typical thru-hiker takes 5 to 7 months to complete the entire 2,190 miles. The Appalachian Trail is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world, ranging from Maine to Georgia. You can use an interactive map and explore the Trail at: http://www.appalachiantrail.org/
Congratulations to these three amazing friends and the wonderful journey they shared together.
