Way to go John

5/14/2012

John Northrup celebrating finishing all of the trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

"Out of the strain of the doing, Into the peace of the done." ~Julia Woodruff, Gone

We are often asked what we do on our days off; well for one LeConte employee, the answer is hiking. John Northrup officially finished all of the trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We are super proud of him. He came here with a goal and completed it on his last days off the mountain. it was great hearing stories about his long days on the trails. Some hikes were in the 30 to 35 mile range.

Congratulations John!!

You might ask what John's next big goal is? The answer would be getting married to the love of his life that he met his first year as a crew member. This time next month, John and Bonnie will be putting on their best wedding clothes and tying the knot. Don't worry, I will be sure and take pictures :)

John trying to figure out what to do with his Vasque boots that traveled with him on all of the trails. I say bronze them.

Kathy

5/14/2012 01:23:58 am

Great Job John. What and adventure, glad everything went well. Can't wait to see you all dressed up for the big wedding with Bonnie next month.

tomk

5/14/2012 01:40:53 am

John's accomplishment is fantastic! Congrats!
Now, I have a question. What is the best view in the park. For several years I thought it was The Jump Off. Then I went to Charlies Bunion and I thought that was better. I've hiked the whole AT within the park and Mt Cammerer and Rocky Top rate, but I did not climb Shuckstack and have never done The Chimneys. What say you?
Will you get married at the Lodge or elsewhere?

Tai

5/15/2012 01:54:14 am

Best views in the park, in my opinion, are Shuckstack, Mt. Cammerer, and Mt. Sterling. Not in that particular order.

John N.

5/16/2012 03:48:15 am

tomk - Thank you very much. The Jumpoff, Charlies Bunion, Mt. Cammerer, and Rocky Top are some of the best views in the park anytime of year. There are so many to choose from within the park, it is hard to narrow it down to one. If you are waiting to climb Shuckstack, I would recommend in mid to late October. The visibility is clearer than in the summer and you're looking down on all the fall color.
As for the wedding, we will be tying the knot in Pigeon Forge. I hope I've answered your questions and happy trails!
-John

Eric

5/19/2012 06:05:02 am

Congrats Johnno!!!!! Good Luck with the weddin next month! Wish we could be there. Hope to see you 2 next time you come home

Eric

5/19/2012 06:09:03 am

and yes! bronze the boots!

Pat N.

5/14/2012 01:53:53 am

A very special post, Allyson! Thanks! And again, John, your family says congratulations. You are blessed to have God as your guide and Bonnie by your side...not to forgot the love and support from extended family, your crew family, and friends. I've already shared my thoughts about the future of the boots with John, so remember, John...Mother knows best! Love to all!

Pappaw LG

5/14/2012 10:15:56 am

Sounds like a very proud and wise mom.Congrats on the future family addition.Good people attract good ( or great) people!

John N.

5/16/2012 03:49:17 am

Thanks Mom!
-Johnno

Debi link

5/14/2012 02:07:00 am

Congrats John, thats awsome. I'd have to say if your boots didn't give you any blisters you better wear them awhile longer. I'd give anything to find a good pair of boots that didn't give my feet fits.Pat, you must be very proud of your son. Good job!

Pat N.

5/14/2012 05:34:40 am

Thanks, Debi. I always enjoy your replies to LeConte blog. We, too, are Michiganders and lovers of the Smokies. We will have to connect some time.

Debi link

5/14/2012 12:53:27 pm

Ahhh, thanks Pat, I'd love that.

Brickman

5/14/2012 02:22:32 am

What an outstanding achievement! Other than briefly meeting him when we stayed at LeConte last year I don't know John, but I really enjoy his excellent blog about his hikes, it never fails to evoke wonder and (alas) jealousy:
http://smokiesstoriesandglories.weebly.com/index.html

Gina

5/14/2012 08:47:16 am

Thanks for the link!

Woody

5/14/2012 03:10:10 am

Good show John! The obvious thing to do with your boots is to wear them to your wedding. You and your boots have been through a lot as will you and Bonnie.

John N.

5/16/2012 03:57:24 am

Woody - Thank you! It's funny that you mention the boots being in the wedding. We actually have a neat idea for our photographer where we will both be wearing our boots. We'll see how they come out!

Patrick Potter

5/14/2012 03:43:14 am

Outstanding! We are working on doing the same but we are at least 3-5 years from being finished!
We will be at LeConte Lodge next Wednesday! See you then...

doug y

5/14/2012 05:39:30 am

My congradulations to John also ! It took me about 25-30 years to hike them all; One of my favorites is the A.T. through the Park, something I do approximately every five years; Next time, which is next year, I will begin at Fontana and end at Davenport Gap, perhaps with one side trip to the lodge; I'd love to find someone to accompany me; It's a great hike; For me, one of the best views in the Smokies is from Cliff Tops, and there are several spots along the Alum trail that are unrivaled; When it's clear, the panorama from the observation tower atop Clingman's Dome is fantastic; it just depends on the person; G'day.

Anthony W.

5/15/2012 02:45:47 am

When do you plan to do this hike, Doug? I would be interested.

Barbara O. Davis

5/14/2012 09:42:01 am

Congratulations! It has been almost 10 years since I accomplished the same feat. But I still know the feeling of walking that last mile. I have since written and published a book about my adventures.

MDS

5/14/2012 09:49:14 am

John,
CONGRATS! Small word for such a tremendous accomplishment. I also share my thanks to Brickman who shared the link to your post. I had no idea what a fine photographer you are and I am sure you and Allyson share the tricks of the trade. I am curious what photographic equipment you are shooting with...the flowers in particular are spectacular.
I also think you could re-write a new set of lyrics to the song “These Boots are Made for Walking” and what they shared with you over so many miles in the park!
All the best to you and Bonnie…hoping for a day trip soon to meet you in person.

John N.

5/16/2012 03:54:38 am

MDS - Thank you so very much for the well wishes. Bonnie and I appreciate it greatly. As for my camera, it is an advanced point-and-shoot that looks like an SLR. It's a Canon Powershot SX10 IS, an older model of a few years ago. I imagine by this Christmas shopping season they will have come out with the SX50. Thanks again and take care.
-John

Pappaw LG

5/14/2012 10:29:32 am

John,you give all older folks a younger generation to be proad of.Congrats on a goal accomplished,and to you and Bonnie! Live,Love,and Give Thanks!

Aunt Jeanette

5/14/2012 11:25:54 am

Congratulations nephew John! Yes, save and perhaps bronze "the boots that were made for hiking 900 miles," but please don't wear them on your special wedding day to dear Bonnie! Thanks for the awesome news about John, Allyson. Our best to you & the crew always!

Les Rust

5/14/2012 11:46:26 pm

Congrats, John--first on finishing 'hiking 'em all' and also on the upcoming wedding. the first is an accomplishment that you've completed, the second is an adventure that will never end. Like you and others, I'm in the process of doing all the GSMNP--up to about 372 miles at this point. Looknig forward to the day when I can join you and others in the 900 miller club.

John N.

5/16/2012 04:08:27 am

First off, I'd like to thank Allyson for this very kind posting about my finishing the park. I'd also like to thank all of you for your heartfelt comments and well wishes for Bonnie and me. We are very blessed and appreciate you all. We are so fortunate to have this national park that we can all share and enjoy. It has been a life changing experience to be able to hike so much of it. From the grand vistas to the serene waterfalls, and from the diversity of wildflowers to wildlife, there is so much beauty to behold and appreciate. I wish you all safe travels in this park and elsewhere. Thanks again and happy trails!
-John (and Bonnie)

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Way to go John

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