Inspiration feeds on itself. Just days after putting out a post about the death of Bill Irwin, one of the most inspiring thru-hikers of all time, I was on Springer Mtn. There, I met a gentleman named Hawkeye. Let me tell you why Hawkeye is 2014’s Bill Irwin award winner. This 67-year-old NOBO was with his girlfriend who — amazingly — is also his kidney donor. Years ago, Hawkeye had a new kidney installed. He has also battled heart disease, but he seems oblivious to these problems. He was hugging his sweetheart goodbye and heading for Katahdin. She’ll support him along the way. Hawkeye is a tough hombre but also a very decent, gentle spirited man. I hugged him and his friend, wishing  them well. March 24, I hiked south from Woody Gap and ran into him again. He was in high spirits and ready to tackle the rest of Georgia. God go with you Hawkeye. You’re my favorite hiker this year.  Stay vertical and keep walkin’ all the way to the Big K!