Reinhard Gsellmeier

Opa's Appalachian Trail Adventure Reinhard Gsellmeier

Upon retiring from employment, Opa embarked on an adventure of a lifetime: hiking the 2,191-mile-long Appalachian Trail (AT). Although Opa was "well-seasoned", being 66 years old at the time he started his hike, he was full of a young man's "piss and vinegar". Opa was an experienced backpacker, and was known by friends as being a determined individual (a polite way of saying hard-headed). His friends had little doubt that Opa would be successful in his thru-hike attempt. However, the AT had other plans. Although ultimately unsuccessful in his thru-hike attempt, Opa did hike the entire length of the AT over a 20-month period while enduring numerous health issues, including: an enlarged prostate that wouldn't let him urinate anymore that lead to a bladder infection; a stress fracture in his right foot; hernia surgery; a severe case of Clostridium Difficile Colitis (aka. C. Diff); a cellulitis infection in his left knee; and repeated flare-ups of his plantar fasciitis. Not to mention that he fell a total of 19 times. Opa exhibited toughness and perseverance just to complete the entire AT in view of the various health issues that he overcame. For Opa, hiking the AT was an incredibly positive experience. He reminisces about his AT experience every single day. Remembering the great people and often interesting characters he met. Remembering the beautiful scenery he experienced, the interesting places he stayed at, and the climbs that took him over some breathtakingly beautiful mountain summits. Most of all, remembering the many human kindnesses that he was the beneficiary of and that reinforced his faith in humanity. Come join Opa as you read his story and embark with him on his Appalachian Trail Adventure!