Desperate to finish, Earl descended into Unicol Gap, Georgia, where he saw a man with his family. He recognized Gene Espy, the second person to hike the A.T. By chance, Gene had brought his two daughters to see the fall leaves. “I had no idea he was on the trail,” said Gene. “Five minutes earlier or later and we wouldn’t have met.” Gene took Earl into town and helped him replace some of his worn clothing and his depleted food supply, and revived his spirits. “He gave me the boost to finish,” Earl said.
