*** ALERT *** APPALACHIAN TRAIL HIKER FOUND!

That's awesome… glad he is safe and sound!!!

One of us got lost today
on that trail that never ends
one of us has lost his way
between the blazes and the bends
the trees stood silently
and the laurels bloomed
the river rambled lazily
in the springs
sneezy baby blooms

a black bear sees him wander by
the deer look fast, and scatter
an owl knows he's passing by
and the squirrels all chatter

all of us, we hold our breath
for but the grace of Terra
it could be us,any of the clan
that wander in the past
out all alone in danger

one of us has found his way today
back to the loving arms of friends
one of us has found his way
and soon will hike again

Thank goodness! What wonderful news! I must say it's been frustrating being so far away (Japan) and feeling like there was nothing I could do.

Great that Ken is safe, that he walked out on his own, and that he was resourceful and knowledgeable enough to set that fire.

Great seeing all the outpouring of goodwill and help from so many people (including MANY people outside the US! Believe it or not, people outside the US also care about others and do what they can to help!). It really shows what people around the world really are like, that there are far more people of goodwill than crazies and monsters.

Amazed by the power of the internet. Truly awesome. The news spread around the world like wildfire.

This is great news. Welcome home Ken!

I'm also praising God for Ken's safe return! It appears that he did the right things, and from the photo he appears to be in pretty good condition. Absolutely wonderful!

Rob

Well done, Ken. I am eager to hear the story . . .

I've been following the story since it first broke and I am so glad and relieved!
Welcome home, Ken! I look forward to reading your story. I have always preferred a happy ending. :-)

Ken, I've never met you, but have listened to all of your podcasts and feel like I know you through them. I said my prayers for you and am very glad you made it out ok. Your adventure reminded me of Don Fendler's ordeal on Katahdin in the late 1930's, you would probably like his book, Lost On A Mountain In Maine.

Ken, glad to hear you made it out. You are a trooper and I wish you a speedy recovery!

I've been checking the updates frantically. Right before I clicked the link to check it again, I was saying "if they still don't find him, I'm going to go on a cursing rampage". Thank goodness!

I'm so happy to hear Ken has been found. Actually, from the sound of it, I guess I should say that I am happy to hear he found his way out.

I look forward to hearing the whole story once he's up to it.

This is great news! Glad Ken is safe, and it is further testament to value of experience and staying calm. Here's wishing you a speedy return to the trails! A community's prayer is answered! HALLELUJAH!

I'm happy you're safe and warm again Ken. I hope our trails will one day cross again.

Cheers Eins

Glad to hear you made it out alive, Ken. And looking forward to the Trip Report and items found most useful ;)

I bet Ken's embarrassed as can be! Hee! Hee！

(meaning: all the comments and concern pouring in is going to be hard to deal with!)

Ken, We are all so glad to hear of your safe return and eagerly wait your story.

You are inspirational!

Jamie

Wonderful news!

http://www.wdbj7.com/global/story.asp?s=10284936

http://www.wset.com/news/stories/0509/619048.html

http://www.wsls.com/sls/news/local/article/visually_impaired_hiker_missing_on_appalachian_trail/34377/

http://www.newsadvance.com/lna/news/local/article/missing_at_hiker_found/15648/

Looking forward to your story Ken!

Mark Myers
Angel SAR, SARTI, NBATC

I think it's time to take the red emergency banner off the top…

So glad to hear that Ken is safe and sound. This has made my day.

Welcome back Ken.

As I expected, the nasty comments are starting to come in.

http://tinyurl.com/dh2g9u

If the link does not work for you, try the Lynchburg New and Advance's site, http://www.newsadvance.com. The comments are on the story headlined "Missing AT Hiker Found."

After much worry, many prayers and a large outpouring of effort by many the outcome was positive, this time.

What can be done by/for Ken to help eliminate or reduce the risk of a recurrence. Is there such a thing as a trail trained seeing eye dog? I, for one, would be willing to contribute to such a cause in an effort to see Ken remain safely active within the hiking community.

I do not intend this as being critical or judgemental of the situation. It is obvious by the number of postings on this site alone that Ken is well thought of and respected. I'm being sincere in asking what, if anything, could be done to provide a greater level of safety on future adventures.

Would an electronic device such as a SPOT (Satellite Personal Tracker) or a ACR Personal Locator Beacon be a user friendly option for those visually impaired?

I'm reserving any comments on cause and future hikes until more facts come out from those involved.

Isn't it nice that your mag is now famous because your editor got lost? Ha! How much money did it cost to find your editor? I know, I am supposed to think courageous, but seems more like irresponsible.

Deleted my comment. Not worth it. Glad Ken's great. Didn't realize that was him moderating all those podcasts I listened to on the way to work.