WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A 22-year-old Wichita, Kansas, man who hiked 2,190 miles of the Appalachian Trail through 14 states is crediting God and Dr. Seuss for giving him the inspiration.
Joshua Gribble completed the Georgia-to-Maine, 158-day trek on Sept. 15. See his journey blog here.
On top of historic Blood Mt. 30 miles into the trail. Only have 2,170 miles to go. #AppalachianTrail #AT2016 pic.twitter.com/gsfKwuEKqR
— Josh Gribble (@JoshGribble) April 13, 2016
Gribble says the motivation came from a 2015 church service in which he heard the pastor quote Dr. Seuss, “You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting! So get on your way!” Gribble says he took that as God nudging him.
Gribble says he prepped for the hike for a year before launching it on April 10. Along the way, he came across several rattlesnakes and a dozen black bears.