Note: The following introduction was written in early March, 1998. Since that time Wunky finished his hike at Mt Katahdan, Maine in mid October, 1998.
Introduction by Roy Closson
George "Wunky" Johnson began to fulfill his lifelong dream on March 8, 1998, when he started his 2160 mile trek up the Appalachian Trail. He is traveling south to north, from Georgia to Maine.
He has chosen his sometimes nickname "Wunky" for his trail name and henceforth I will use that name in these web pages.
He is a fifty-three old retired IBM engineer who live in Charlotte, N.C. with his wife Charlotte and their much pampered Schnauzer, Watson.
Wunky is a very experienced hiker having trekked the Great Smoky Mountains, and its surrounding mountains, dozens of times.
It is a pleasure for me to write a (somewhat biased) profile about Wunky because he is such a nice guy. He has been my friend for over thirty years. Here are some of my observations about him:
I see Wunky as a writer, environmentalist, naturalist, jogger, marathoner, thinker and a darn good engineer.
He likes good wine, cold beer, a good book, classy music, good conversation (he talks and listens), and healthy food (well, sometimes he gorges on what I call the good stuff). He has a great sense of humor.
I have never heard him swear or use a four letter word. He is not entertained by idle gossip.
Wunky has a quiet sense of religion. He doesn't preach. In fact, he seldom talks about it. I can just tell that it is "there."
He enjoys golf. To him it is a game to play, not an exercise in frustration.
He is not taking this hike as a lark. He has planned his hike very carefully by conditioning his body, choosing the best equipment, studying the trail maps and scheduling his goals. To give you an idea how long he has been planning the trip, we asked Charlotte if she was ready for Wunky to start the hike. She said, "Yes, I have had twenty-eight years to get used to the idea." Ain't that the truth!!
Wunky is a loving and thoughtful husband and I would say that he is a good master to Watson but I think it is probably the other way around.
If you would like to contact Wunky or Charlotte to ask them questions or offer encouragement, their addresses are listed below.
E-mail: wats068@ibm.net
Wunky and Char Johnson
5218 Galway Drive
Charlotte NC 28215
Wunky and Charlotte Watson