Hello everyone!

I received anticipated certificate in the mail and it brought a grinning smile from ear to ear!  I am now official recognized as 2,000 Miler – hiked on the Appalachian Trail from Springer Mtn. in Georgia to Mt. Katahdin, Maine.  Wow…..Here is my certificate along with AT patch, 2,000-Miler patch, and ATC (Appalachian Trail Conservancy) logo sticker:

Certificate of Congratulations Roni "Ram Sham" Lepore

Certificate of Congratulations
Roni “Ram Sham” Lepore

My dear friend, Ed M., handmade this wooden plaque for me.  He completed it back in 2010, but held onto it until I completed AT this year.  Beautifully made!

Ram-Sham - wooden plaque

Ram-Sham – wooden plaque

Ad-Cane’s sister, Diane P. – one of our arduous supporter, gave each of us a gift – carved wooden stick – made by her dear friend, Billy.  She surprised us by presenting these sticks to Ad-Cane and me at the Celebration Party in Millinocket, Maine after summit ting Mt. Katahdin.

Carved Wooden Stick presented by Diane Poulin

Carved Wooden Stick presented by Diane Poulin

2 Wooden Sticks - Top one presented by Diane P. Bottom one presented by Ed M.

2 Wooden Sticks – Top one presented by Diane P. Bottom one presented by Ed M.

Ad-Cane is working on submitting his 2,000 Miler application.  He will receive Ed’s wooden plaque in the mail.  Once Ad-Cane receives both certificate and wooden plaque, I plan to post the pictures here.  Right now, he is traveling in Europe until first weekend of November.  Hopefully, the pictures will go up in November or December.

Thank to all of you for your steadfast support throughout our journey.