Category: ATNOBO26

Tramily 2026

by Gerry Palermo, posted in AT, ATNOBO26, creation, Uncategorized
Keep Going!

Dear Tramily

I’m officially off trail. For those just catching up, I literally Somersaulted down the side of a mountain.

When i landed, three birds held up little signs, 10, 10, 10.

The silver dollar sized hole in my elbow and arm weakness makes attempting to continue unwise. Should I attach an elbow photo?

The Whites are amazing!! I got to complete a chunk, so we’ll call it a win

  • Mt. Moosilauke
  • Smarts Mtn & Fire Tower
  • Mt Wolf
  • Mt Cube N/S
  • Mt Kinsman N/S (fell after here)
  • Franconia Ridge includes:
    • Mt Liberty
    • Mt Lincoln
    • Mt Lafayette
  • Ended at Greenleaf Hut

Total Appalachian Trail miles 1,831 or 83% of total trail.

The Whites will always be there for another attempt. Next year my friend David will come to do 100 miles wilderness and summit Katahdin with me!

I’ll change up the approach to the Whites.

Thank you so much for your kindness and prayers. Best wishes in your own journey. I’ll post some stories in the near

Taking a week with relations in TN. I’ll be hiking (no pack) just because it’s addictive.

Keep going!

Peace be with you,

Deacon Gerry

Party Line

by Gerry Palermo, posted in AT, ATNOBO26, creation

A post from the trail. Trail names changed to respect privacy. Plus, I lost my glasses. It’s a good story but no fairytale ending. Only real trail life.

I met TreeLine on the trail. Older guy, by 10 years, but experienced hiker. Another asked that I  watch over him for a day. TreeLine has a very deliberate rhythm of effort and rest. We had a great time together. So we repeated it a second day, but I kept a pace more in line with my natural gate.

We developed a communication system.

The photo is of a party favor left over from a priest retirement party. So I took it with me. At a hut one night, I showed my bear whistle to a seasoned trail hiker. I blew it for him. His face got dark and somberly said, “That is the sound of a dying rabbit.”

Never to let facts trouble me, as TreeLine hiked behind me, I would call out with the party favor. If he heard it, he’d grunt back.

On the third day together, the distance became too long. So if another NOBO came past, I would ask if he saw him and how he was doing. If a SOBO came through, I would ask they to relay my encouragement when they meet him.

The best were the day hikers. They could relay in both directions. And with heart. Some even spent time with him, sharing stories and the vista.

TreeLine caught on and started sending messages ahead. Everyone was a good sport. He no doubt enjoyed the Party Line.

Two olden, solo hikers, making community out of thin air.

Well, on the 3rd day, problems. He slipped and fell doing a river crossing. Got to a trailhead, to urgent care, then a flight home.

At the same time (poetic timing), I took a major fall (somersault) down the side of the mountain.  On my third visit to urgent care today. I’m not sure if this is a trail ending.

It was amazing the kindness people offer. Eric and Evelyn drove me to urgent care. David, PA, was most helpful.

Each of them, a lot of people,  just need a reason and purpose to help. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Don’t be afraid to lend a helping hand. And always remember gratitude.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Smokey White

by Gerry Palermo, posted in AT, ATNOBO26

A letter.

Dear Father Bob,

Tomorrow is Father’s Day and, as you are a spiritual father to so many sons and daughters,  I send you holiday greetings and my hope for your ministry at your new assignment and personal happiness for the whole of your life. Perhaps, one day, we’ll meet again.

Your patience and forbearance regarding my Appalachian Trail work (and boyhood dream) has been wonderful, and you should know about the fruits of the work. I’ve shared previously some amazing holy events please allow me to share one last story (without violating confidentiality).

In regards to ministry 2026, Deacon Greg and I started to arrange parolee hiking outings. Because of prior veteran commitments, I had to defer patolees edition to 2027. Then, the veterans backed out due to injury. So I had zero company. But the Lord provides, and I’m helping elderly hikers make their milestones.

Now, the story.

In 2024, I met an engaged couple on the trail. Nice couple, and they shared their hopes and dreams. We are well regulated on Sacramental marriage, so I was unable to honor their request to marry them. Nevertheless, I  was able to bless them as engaged couple with full faith.

Hurricane Helen took me off the trail, so I lost touch with them.

2026

As I was hiking, I met an old man by chance, and we had a nice conversation about his married son on the trail. He was very proud. I didn’t make the connection right away.

A hundred miles later at a shelter, who arrives? The same couple, now married, and there was instant recognition. We had a lot to catch up on, so we talked for hours.

As they left the next day, I blessed them as husband and wife, as they are, then blessed his career to come and for her the joys of motherhood and the center of his life now to-be re configured to her queenship in his mansion. And, reminded him that he may not know or internalize, but his father is very proud of him.

So that is the trail for me. Prayers, contemplation, and specific / personal service.  What the Lord has planned for the next 200 miles, it’s gonna be awesome.

With love and respect,
Deacon Gerry

Sunday Reflections

by Gerry Palermo, posted in ATNOBO26, Catholic
Ornate mirror reflecting church altar with golden candlesticks, crucifix, and seated worshippers
Mirror reflection. The Church I see.

A message to my Readers. This is in advance.

As I continue preparations for the Appalachian Trail final push beginning in mid-June, I will be simplifying the rhythm of the blog for a season.

For the next few months I expect to post primarily Sunday reflections and occasional major feast reflections as time and circumstances permit.

Thank you for reading, praying and journeying with me through these daily reflections. The writing practice has been a blessing to me personally and spiritually, and I hope also for you.

I’ve added the category: ATNOBO26

This will be for the trail photos and stories as they occur – ordinary trail memories.

For the spiritual focus will be The Luminous Mysteries.

In any event, there are 2,410 blog entries to read if you get bored 🙂

You’ll be able to search using that keyword for photos. Nothing there yet, but will be 🙂

Be well. Drop a line from time to time.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry