Richard Galluzzi’s Walk in the Woods

Bill Bryson's bestselling book.

Some may say that it was a mistake to give my son, Richard Galluzzi, a copy of Bill Bryson’s book A Walk in the Woods for Christmas 2008. After all, reading the book shortened an already too short back-from-college summer with the family because of the walk in the woods that it inspired Richard to take.

Bill Bryson’s book chronicles his experiences walking parts of the Appalachian Trail. Reviewed as “a knee-slapping, laugh-out-loud funny trek through the woods, with a touch of science and history thrown in for good measure” the book has inspired many to leave civilization behind to experience the great outdoors.

And what a great outdoors the Appalachian Trail, or “the AT” as it is more informally known, can be. Completed in 1937, it is the nation’s longest footpath. At 2,178 miles in length, it stretches from Springer Mountain (Georgia) to Katahdin (Maine) and takes an estimated five million footsteps to complete. Those who walk its length experience elevations as varied as a low of 124 feet (Bear Mountain, NY) to a high of 6,625 (Clingmans Dome, TN).

Richard’s plan was not, as some might suspect, to tackle this daunting challenge at one time. Limited college breaks and a need to stay on schedule precluded that vision. He would have to take a more measured course that included a first hike during the summer of 2009. The plan was to have him fly to the East Coast five weeks before the start of his sophomore year at Amherst College. He would start at the Maine terminus and continue south until the start of school.

Richard Galluzzi with his mother Lynne, and author of this post, during his 6/08 Eagle Court of Honor.

When hearing of Richard’s efforts, many people asked me how I could “allow” him to take on such a challenge. My reasoning was simple. First, he was an adult and no longer bound by my scriptures. Second, through his Troop One experience–which included two expeditions to Philmont Scout Ranch–he understood the rigors and demands of lengthy mainland hikes. Third, he was an Eagle Scout who was in good athletic shape. Nuff said. (As the hike would later play out, Richard reported that approximately 20% of those he encountered on the trail were Eagle Scouts … so he was hiking in good company.)

The sign at the start of the AT's Hundred Mile Wilderness. (Click on the picture for a larger view.)

What follows, in this and other posts, are Richard’s trail writings. Although not as all-encompassing as I would have liked, they give flavor to his experience and serve as a testament to the wonderful opportunity that he was able to enjoy … all because of his Boy Scout/Troop 1 training.

8/8/09

Just finished the “100 mile wilderness.” Lots of mud, rocks and mosquitoes. Feet are sore + very blistered. Taking the day at Monson to rest up just a little. Trip so far has been fantastic fun. Hope to talk to you all ASAP.

–Richard

Received on a “postcard” that consisted of a map piece duct taped to the back side of beer carton cardboard.

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