456. Retirement, Faith, and 2,200 Miles: Phil and Robbyn's Appalachian Trail Adventure

Retirement, Faith, and 2,200 Miles: Phil and Robbyn's Appalachian Trail Adventure

What would you do if you retired and suddenly had the freedom to pursue a really big dream?

Most people picture retirement as a time to slow down, relax, and take it easy.

Not Phil and Robbyn Paradis.

After more than four decades of following Jesus, Phil retired from his career in civil engineering and decided to take on one of America's most demanding hiking adventures: the nearly 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail.

There was just one problem.

He had never backpacked before.

And he was already dealing with serious foot pain.

Instead of abandoning the dream, Phil and Robbyn began planning an adventure that would take them through 14 states, require months of preparation, and challenge them physically, emotionally, spiritually, and as a married couple.

In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob sits down with Phil and Robbyn to discover what inspired their journey, how they persevered through the hardest moments, and what the experience taught them about faith, marriage, friendship, and making this life count.

From Retirement to the Appalachian Trail

Phil spent decades working as a civil engineer, specializing in stormwater management. But as retirement approached, he began wondering what he would do with the next chapter of his life.

Then he heard about a coworker planning to hike the Appalachian Trail.

The idea captured his imagination.

After researching the trail, Phil began to believe he could do it himself.

Robbyn initially wondered what she would do while her husband was away hiking for months.

But together, they developed a different plan.

She would travel alongside the trail in an RV, providing transportation, meals, supplies, encouragement, and logistical support.

Their adventure became a shared mission.

The Adventure Was Harder Than Expected

The Appalachian Trail stretches roughly 2,200 miles from Georgia to Maine.

Phil began the journey with plantar fasciitis, and the physical challenges continued throughout the trip.

His feet swelled so much that he eventually went from wearing size 10½ shoes to size 12½.

He struggled with painful knees, exhaustion, difficult mountain terrain, and the mental challenge of getting up each morning to hike again.

Meanwhile, Robbyn was driving thousands of miles, coordinating pickups and drop-offs, preparing meals, maintaining the truck and RV, and finding solutions to unexpected problems.

The truck accumulated approximately 17,000 miles over five months.

This wasn't simply a hiking trip.

It was a test of endurance, preparation, teamwork, and perseverance.

Sometimes You Just Have to Walk the First Mile

One of Phil's greatest challenges came toward the end of the journey.

He was exhausted.

His body hurt.

He no longer felt motivated to hike.

But he discovered something important.

He didn't have to feel motivated to complete the entire day.

He just had to get started.

Sometimes getting through the first mile was enough to keep going.

His daughter's encouragement, family visits, and the support of friends helped him continue.

How the Journey Strengthened Their Marriage

Phil and Robbyn have been married since 1988.

They openly discuss seasons when communication was difficult and how this adventure forced them to work together differently.

Phil learned to receive help rather than doing everything himself.

Robbyn discovered new confidence in her ability to solve problems, manage difficult situations, and support her husband.

They learned to communicate more effectively, understand each other's needs, and focus on solving the problem directly in front of them.

Finding God Along the Trail

For Phil, long hours in the wilderness created opportunities for prayer, reflection, and a renewed appreciation for God's creation.

He listened to Scripture, Christian books, podcasts, and worship music.

But some of his favorite moments came when he turned everything off and simply walked.

Robbyn also experienced God's care in unexpected ways.

A conversation with an old friend helped her recognize how God had been providing for them throughout the journey—even when she had been too overwhelmed to notice.

More Than 40 Years of Following Jesus

Phil and Robbyn also share how they became Christians in college in the early 1980s and what has helped them remain faithful through decades of marriage, raising children, serving the church, and navigating life's challenges.

Their advice is practical:

Find what you're good at.

Look for opportunities to serve.

Build lasting friendships.

Be committed even when you don't feel like it.

And don't assume your greatest opportunities are already behind you.

Whether you're 25, 45, or 65, you can still dream, grow, serve, and make this life count.

In This Episode

• How Phil and Robbyn became Christians and met in college

• What helped them remain faithful for more than four decades

• Why Phil chose the Appalachian Trail after retirement

• How Robbyn turned his dream into an adventure they could share

• The physical and mental challenges of hiking nearly 2,200 miles

• Why encouragement from family made such a difference

• The behind-the-scenes work of supporting a long-distance hiker

• What the experience taught them about marriage and communication

• How they experienced God through nature and unexpected blessings

• Their advice for Christians who want to make their lives count

Don't retire from dreaming, growing, serving, or following Jesus.

If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs a reminder that the next chapter of life can still be full of purpose and adventure.

Learn more about Rob Skinner and his books at RobSkinner.com.

Rob's goal is to inspire you to live a no-regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.

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