2015 End of Hike Celebrations

Today’s Celebrations

Givan and I will work on our final recollections of our journey and get it out in the next day or two.  We will also put a page on the website and facebook with a full pictorial of the entire trip.  But for now I’ll share the events of today, our last day on Boone Trace.

Givan and I walked into the Fort to a group of people, some of which I didn’t expect.  Kimberly and the kids were there. Levi ran up to me calling for Papa.  My friend from Michigan, who has hiked many a trail with me in the past, Marty Uhlik, and his wife, Joelle, surprised me.  A couple mis-placed Michiganders, that now call Kentucky home, and who I had spent many years in ministry with joined us; Paul and Ann Borgquist.  Many new friends that Givan and I made along our journey were in attendance as well.

Photo Credit: Ann Borgquist

Papa! Where have you been?

Photo Credit: Ann Borgquist

Also waiting for us was our Sherpa and guide, Dr. John Fox.  It has been his dream for years to see someone walk “that little road” again.  His son, Givan, and I made that dream come true.  I am proud to say I was able to help fulfill that dream.

Curt Penix, Givan Fox, John Fox

Photo Credit: Ann Borgquist

Cameras were working overtime to get the shot of these road weary modern-day pioneers.  There were lots of pats on the back.

Givan and I left the original site of the Fort and walked up the hill into the new Fort.  Two re-enactors dressed in period appropriate attire fired their rifles as we entered the gates.  We went into the orientation center where several organizations honored us with plaques and gifts.  The greatest of which was the highest honor bestowed by the state of Kentucky; we were named Kentucky Colonels.

This may be the end of our adventure on Boone Trace but is the beginning for many people who want to come to eastern Kentucky and learn about this great piece of American history.

Forty-seven million people in our nation are descendants of someone who came through Cumberland Gap and walked this road.  Are you one of them?

Walk on,

Curtis