AT - UPDATE #1

Well, I've been out since March 9th and I'm still at it!  PTL!

I'm currently in Hiawassi, GA.  I was here on Sunday and attended a wonderful Baptist Church.  Now I'm back because of the nor-easter that is tormenting all backpackers.  I didn't plan this stop, but it was necessary.  Last night was SO COLD!  Whew!  I couldn't feel my fingers! 

I'm on a public computer, so this will not be refined.  I can't tie it up too long.  I know that miles is a big issue to family and friends, but it's really not to me.  There are no mile-markers on the AT.  You use the trail guide and maps and apps to locate yourself.  Anytime I do report my mileage, I will add the 'Approach Trail' 9 miles because it was about the hardest section I've done so far.  Although Blood Mountain was also a major challenge.

The hiking is hard!  So many mountains that never seem to end!  You reach what you think is the summit only to discover that the trail turns and heads up more.  This happens over and over and over again! 

But, my legs and lungs are getting stronger - I can feel it.  They say you get your 'trail legs' by Tennessee - we'll see.  But I am doing better.  After climbing the 1,000 steps to the top of Amicalola Falls, I was seriously questioning my decision to do this! 

About 80% of the hikers are in their 20's/30's.  They are friendly to me and I enjoy the camaraderie with all the hikers.  Most are friendly.  When they pass me on the trail, almost always they will ask if I'm ok.  It renews my confidence in the younger generation.  There are a few guys older than me and a few my age.  I've also tracked with a few in their 50's. 

Some say that many of the younger ones are 'spring-breakers' who will leave and then return to the trail at the end of the semester.  Could be.  Thru-hikers quickly recognize one another and enjoy a special connection. 

There are lots of encouragers on the AT.  If they sense you're down, they'll try their best to cheer you up and keep you going.  Just this morning I was told:  "Hal, never quit on a rainy or snowy day!"  :-)  If it wasn't for these encouragers and my family and friends, I might have quit that first week. 

I've seen friends drop off because of knee problems - lots of those!  Several struggled with back issues and had to leave the trail.  A 'ridge runner'* told us that he came across a man several miles in who had hit the first hard climb.  He had his pack off sitting in the middle of the trail and he was standing there staring at it!  I can appreciate that vignette! 

So far, every day has been utterly exhausting!  You reach your campsite or shelter area and just collapse.  You still have to set up camp and prepare your meal, but you wonder how you'll ever get it done.  Sometimes you have tio hang a 'bear bag' which can be challenging.  A benefit of staying at shelter areas is that they almost always provide wires to hang your food from - VERY HELPFUL.  They're now adding 'bear-proof boxes at some areas which is even nicer (easier). 

Everyone is in bed at 8 PM.  You rise with the sun, prepare your breakfast, break camp, pack up and hit the trail.  At first, I was slow, but I'm often on the trail before 8:30 AM now. 

I have no physical problems - thank You, Lord!  I'm truly grateful for this!  Especially when I see so many others struggling. 

I'm learning so much!  Much by making mistakes.  More by watching others.  There have been some spectacular views;  I've much appreciated them.  I've slept on shelter floors more than I expected - mostly because of the bad weather. 

I'll soon be leaving Georgia and entering North Carolina.  That'll feel good! 

I miss Debbie more than I expected.  But she's been my #1 prayer partner along with the rest of my family (and many of you) - THANKS!   When you pray for me - please also lift a prayer for the children of ICCM!  Their needs far exceed mine and we want our gracious God to watch over and provide for them! 
\
Sorry for the scattered thoughts, but I'm trying to get as much in as I can quickly. 

I've had signal more than I thought I would, but I still have to be careful for my battery supply.  If you have specific questions, put them on the FB feed that sent you here and I'll try to answer.  I'll be on wifi the rest of today (Wednesday). 

BLESSINGS on you all on this first day of spring.   Ha ha ha ha....

*  A ridge runner is someone who works for the AT Conservancy and hikes the trail and checks the shelter and camping areas for problems of any kind.  They're VERY HELPFUL people! 

AT - THINGS I'LL MISS

OK, we're going to do this David Letterman style:

10.  THRONE TOILETS

I'll still see them on occasional visits to restaurants and hostels, but for the most part, I'll be using privies and cat holes.  Oh well, I got used to 'squattie potties' in China, so I guess I can endure this, too.

9.  TELEVISION

Since retirement, I enjoy an hour of news every morning and another hour every evening.  I also watch a few shows with Debbie.  It's relaxing and entertaining.  Won't be any of that in the great outdoors.  But, God's display will replace it and I'm TOTALLY excited to see His handiwork!  The mountain views are a big part of why I'm doing this!

8.  POPCORN

Anyone who knows me knows that I eat popcorn six or seven nights a week!  I'll really be looking forward to a big bowl of buttery popcorn when I get back! 

7.  MY CHAIR

Almost every evening, I fall into my recliner chair to read, watch TV or nap.  :-)   With Debbie in hers beside me - all is right with the world!  All I have to sit on for the next six months is a small foam pad that I luxuriously stashed into my backpack.  I'll be thinking about that chair every night!

6.  SUNDAY NIGHT NACHOS

Just about every Sunday night, Deb and I enjoy a big tray of nachos with melted cheese and jalapenos on them with a large bowl of home-made salsa!  I might be able to hit a few Taco Bells along the way, but it'll be a far cry from what I really like!  Sunday nights are going to make me think of home!

5.  GOING TO CHURCH

I've almost always loved being part of a church family.  Right now, Deb and I worship with the New Springfield Church of God family.  We're just beginning to get to know folks there.  I love to worship!  I'll miss that huge!!!!!   I will find a church on Easter Sunday.  I may occasionally be in a trail-town on a Sunday.  If I can shower and launder my clothes, I'll try to attend church from time to time.  Otherwise, every day will be a worship day as I walk through the green tunnel of God's wonderful creation!  Count on it - I'll be worshiping the Lord EVERY DAY!!!!!!

4.  MY BED

I love my bed!  It's a memory-foam.  When I laid on it at Goldstein's, I got up and told the clerk that we'd take it!  She was shocked!  I've never regretted my decision!  I love my bed with its heating pad!  Wow!  So comfortable.  But, my sleeping mattress will be better than any of the pads I've used in the past while hiking.  I spent $50 on it!  Deb, Troy and Missy have all tried it out;  they were each impressed!  So, I'm hoping I'll sleep well on the trail!

3.  DRIVING

I love to drive.  Always have!  I got my license one week after I turned 16, and have been driving ever since (except the three years we were in China).  I love my 2004 Xterra, that drives like a truck and has lots of rattles and other noises.  Driving relaxes me.  I love long trips with Deb.  But, I'm going to slow it down for the next six months.  From 70 mph to 2 mph.  No regrets!  When (if) I reach Mt. Katahdin (Maine), I'll probably be scared to death with my first ride in a car again!  :-)

2.  MY FOOD

I love to eat!  It's a daily pleasure.  Whether its a visit to Wendy's, Pizza Hut, McD's or home-made meals, I love to eat!  Three times a day works well for me!  :-)  When I get to do it with Deb or others, it's all the more enjoyable.  I'm a slow eater!  EVERYBODY finishes before me!  I think I got this from my Mom.  I've prepared scores of 'freezer bag meals' for my trip.  Some of them will be delicious!  I'll have

• home-made chili over mashed potatoes
• spaghetti and meat sauce
• vegetables over mashed potatoes with gravy
• oatmeal/fruit breakfasts
• granola breakfasts
• potato/cheese,bacon bits breakfasts
• barbecue dish
• PB&J tortilla lunches
• jerky and beef-stick and cheese
• gorp

But, when I get home, I'll be ready for a trip to Das Dutch Haus in Columbiana - hopefully on a Thursday night when they serve that delicious 'Chicken Dribble' soup (my personal name for it)!  

1.  DEBBIE

We started walking together in 1968, when she first asked me out (she denies that, but it's true).  That's a long time.  I love her more than myself!  She's an amazing wife and mother and I am grateful to God for a godly wife every day!  She 

• comforts me
• serves me
• encourages me
• prays for me
• loves me
• and blesses me

and she does these things faithfully EVERY DAY.  I don't deserve her, but God has been gracious to place her by my side!  Thank You, Lord!  

I will miss her and think of her constantly!  I'll connect with her as often as I can.  She'll meet me in Carlisle, PA, when I get there and we'll take a few days to rest and relax together.  I can't wait!  Say a prayer for her while I'm away - she's going to miss her antagonizing and extremely humorous husband a lot!  

That's my 'Top Ten List' of things I'll miss the most.  Tomorrow's the big day!  Woo Hoo!

AT - WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU?

I have a good friend who frequently asks me this question.  He is a knowledgeable and generous man who has helped me with quite a few projects over the years.  He moved to South Carolina a year or two ago and I really miss him.  His modeling of generosity of time and talents has inspired me. 

Like everyone, I struggle with being self-centered and selfish.  I admire people who are self-giving, but often struggle and fail to get there myself.  I am fully aware of what a selfish thing it is to take off for six months and hike the Appalachian Trail.  I have struggled over that.  Of late, I've been praying about it.

However, in a recent conversation with my sister, Beverly, I received a confirming word from God.  She is one of the first people I turn to for prayer - because I KNOW she prays and I know she loves me!  :-)  I wish I could quote her exactly, but I'll just have to do the best I can based on a faulty memory.  She assured me that she would be praying for me on this journey.  She reported that she had struggled with 'how' to pray for me.  Then she had come to the conclusion that she should pray that God would thoroughly renew me spiritually and bring me home a totally new man in Christ! 

That resounded in my spirit!  That's what I want!  That's what I need!  That's what I long for.  There have been so many major changes in my life since 2012.  To some extent, I've been floundering.  But somehow, through the word from my precious sister - I have a new-found hope! 

Now, a personal word:
I have been backpacking before and I know that it's a solitary experience.  One of the many reasons I love it is because it reveals my utter dependence on God!  I need Him for:

• strength
• companionship
• courage
• wisdom
• and to help me overcome fear.

When I'm on-the-trail, it is an ongoing (often out-loud) dialogue with God.  I sing and talk with Him and praise Him!  I enjoy His presence and deepen my relationship with Him.  

So, I'd like to make an offer to you today.  I'm entering what could be a six-month school of prayer.  If you'd like to put something on my prayer list, I'd love to covenant with you about your need or concern.  I will only share your concern with God!  I will print (and laminate) a list of all concerns I receive along with your names.  I will periodically pull it out while I'm hiking and bring your needs before our loving and powerful God. 

If you would like me to be praying for your concern, simply share it with me via:

• email:  halinasia@psmail.net
• text:  (724) 944-3881, or
• Facebook - Private Message

Keep in mind that I leave March 9th, so you'll need to respond quickly!  Meanwhile, God bless you!