Why?

Here's the answer to a question almost everyone asks: Why?
The answer actually has 4 parts.

First I want to prove I can do it. I haven't had a major challenge since the marathon in 1996 and basically want to see, as Rocky says, "if there's anything left in the basement".

Second, because very few people have hiked the trail end to end.

Third, I love & teach history. There's a lot of history associated with the Katy.

Fourth , to prove something to my son and former students. I've always preached that you can do anything you want as long as you have a goal and am willing to work hard to get there.

I hope this answers the questions for everyone.

Quicky

Gas dropped so I grabbed a quick 10 miler. I hiked from Clifton City to Mile Marker 210. Long steady incline heading east. I still need to work out the water dilemma from Sedalia to Pilot Grove.

Minor setback

I'm faced with a few minor setbacks in hike preparation now that gas is $3.15 a gallon. The closest trailhead is 30 miles away so I'll be doing local hikes on the roads near my home. It's not going to be the same as hiking along the Katy but I guess a hike is a hike for training purposes. I'm also not able to make a day drive to try and answer any unanswered questions about facilities, water, etc. But, as my father used to say: "You need horse sh** to grow a good garden".