Yesterday, after a long (30.8 miles) and damp day, Dad and I passed under the international bridge on the St. John, reaching the eastern end of the NFCT. My GPS total reflected 749.7 miles. With God’s grace, I had covered every mile unassisted. It felt unbelievable.
I think my numb, white fingers and shivering self tempered some of the emotion of the moment, but I still felt ready to cry. So many days of beauty, danger, kindness, and endurance were coming to an end. A dream, that once seemed beyond all reach, would now become a treasured memory.
To all of you, who cheered me on and supported me in infinite ways, please know that you were with me in that special moment and you will always be part of the story of NFCT 2015 for me!
(I hope to write up the rest of the days, with many photos, while it is all fresh in my mind).
Laurie Apgar Chandler 
Thanks be to God! Congratulations, Laurie, on a job well done. The paddling is over (for now) but we know that what you’ve experienced, learned, and received will be a part of you forever. And what you’ve given to so many will be just as lasting – more of the many legacies of your faithful and faith-filled journey through life. Welcome back, my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kathy…you know me so well and you prayed me safely from Old Forge to Fort Kent, I know. Now, on to the writing, the sharing, and hopefully a visit with three dear friends (including one black furry one) soon!
LikeLike
Congratulations, Laurie!! What an amazing feat! I can’t wait to see you and give you a welcome back hug! Time for some well deserved rest and relaxation and sleep in your own bed! 😊👏👏👏
LikeLike
Well, I got the hug (thanks!)…now for more of the rest before the summer ends. See you back at school!
LikeLike
Well done, Laurie. Loved following you. TrICIA
LikeLike
Loved reading all your comments, most faithful blog follower. See you before long at the grand celebration!
LikeLike
You are amazing! Hearty congratulations! I can’t wait to hear of some of your adventures in person.
LikeLike
And you will…hear more in person. See you back at school soon and, in the meantime, enjoy the last bit of summer!
LikeLike
Fantastic! I plan to use your blog entries when I do my next section paddle next year! Thanks!
LikeLike
Very glad that you will benefit from my experiences and please let me know if I can help any other way. All of your “likes” of my posts were very encouraging along the way…thanks!
LikeLike
Laurie: Joy-filled congratulations! When Sigurd Olson completed his canoe trip across the Canadian Shield along the Churchill River (shorter than yours) he concluded with, ” I also knew there were some things that would never be dimmed by distance or time, compounded of values that would not be forgotten: the joy and challenge of the wilderness, the sense of being part of the country and of an era that was gone, the freedom we had known, silence, timelessness, beauty, companionship, and loyalty, and the feeling of fullness and completion that was ours at the end.” Laurie, we know from your journal that you have shared, if not exceeded, all these in your own quest! Arne and Nancy.
LikeLike
Amen!
LikeLike
Congratulations, Laurie…what an awesome achievement! And so cool to include your dad where you could…I could only follow fully on weekends, but totally enjoyed hearing the tale…a bit of every element, of a great quest with a fulfilling ending. Sleep well!
Jill
LikeLike
Thanks, Jill, hope you found time for some wilderness paddling yourself this summer. Dad had his share of adventures – our last day together was the longest of my trip. Thanks for following along!
LikeLike
How inspiring. Your heart and grit are phenomenal. Hope you now get some rest — the kind where you have plumbing nearby.
LikeLike
Not only plumbing, but lots of fresh food, and Megan and Jacob here for a week making it wonderful to be home again!
LikeLike
Such an accomplishment! I am truly amazed at your courage and strength. You are an inspiration!
LikeLike
Thanks, Sonia…I know I wouldn’t have the strength I do if not for my faith, friends, and family. Glad you were reading along.
LikeLike
Congratulations, Laurie!!! You are an amazing person – so honored to be in your sphere. Can’t wait to see you – home, safe and sound. What an accomplishment. WooHoo!!!!
LikeLike
Thanks for cheering me on from home and for believing in me. All my best to Eli as he recovers! Miss you all.
LikeLike
Congratulations, Laurie!!
LikeLike
What an extraordinary accomplishment! What a unique way to experience the daily, even moment-by-moment, presence of the Creator of self and the beautiful, challenging natural world through which you paddled and portaged. Thank you for sharing. Now give yourself a sabbath rest.
LikeLike
Dick, you’re the best and you surely share my faith that God is behind all of the awesomeness that I had the privilege to immerse myself in this summer. Thanks for being a part of the journey!
LikeLike
Congratulations!! So glad you are home safely. You are definitely an inspiration to me. I hope to see you at the MCS next year for a full report
LikeLike
Thanks! I want to hear all about your summer paddling when we get a chance. And I will surely plan to be at MCS next year. Thanks for following along and for all the encouraging comments!
LikeLike
Congrats Laurie! I really enjoyed following your NFCT adventure! !!
LikeLike
Thank you for reading along and commenting…everybody’s interest in my trip was a big encouragement!
LikeLike
Congratulations – so impressed with your accomplishment. I enjoyed following your trip online.
LikeLike
Thanks for following along, Ed, and for your help in choosing and purchasing my Wenonah Fusion, which was absolutely a great boat for this trip. Also very thankful that you are feeling better. We’ll be up to visit sometime soon.
LikeLike
Laurie,
Congratulations again….amazing job. I enjoyed looking for your daily SPOT and following your journal. Do you know everyone or is it just my imagination! You had and discovered some great hosts along the trail. I give you kudos for your planning, dedication and execution, you sure have my respect We have now both become a part of history for the year of 2015. Welcome home.
LikeLike
It’s mutual respect for sure. I am still in awe of your training, planning, and the speed with which you met all the hurdles. Once life quiets down, I plan to reread your journal all the way through, now that I have been to all the places. Hooray for the Class of 2015!
LikeLike
Glad you made it Laurie.What an experience. I am tempted to try it from the beginning next summer. Sydney and I ended our trip once we got the ride from Scottie into Jackman. Our friends took us to their cabin on Moosehead Lake for the night.
LikeLike
Marji, so good to hear from you. I sent Syd a friend request on Facebook and it looked as though she hoped to continue on solo. I didn’t make it to Jackman that night, I was just too exhausted, there were thunderstorms, and it would have been another few miles. Looked for you at the campground the next morning when I arrived, though. Anyway, you would love doing the entire trail, I know, and now have lots of knowledge to bring to the planning process. Hope to see you both on the river again!
LikeLike