STAY PUT - STAY DRY!

When I was leading the Oakland Church in East Liverpool, there was a man named Terry Wilson who was part of our congregation.  Terry was a big guy and a very handsome, bearded man.  He loved motorcycles and often rode his bike to church. When he came to Christ, all his passion transferred to his faith!  In his younger years he had ridden with a pretty tough group of guys and had even been somewhat of a leader of this gang of bikers.  Terry was not a man to be messed with.  He had a quick temper and was fierce in his response.  I have his permission to share this story with you.  You'd enjoy it far more, if you could hear him tell it!

After becoming a Christ-follower, Terry and a biker-friend decided to head for an outdoor rally being held by televangelist Pat Robertson.  When they arrived, they parked their bikes and joined the crowd of thousands who were enjoying the experience.

At some point during this field venue, a major storm began to approach the area.  The sky to the west grew darker and increasingly ominous.  Reverend Robertson instructed everyone to stand still and join him in prayer as he prayed for protection for the crowd and the event.  

Terry and his friend looked at one another and quickly decided to run for their bikes and high-tail-it to escape the storm.  They took off running across the field to where the parking area was located.  As they arrived at their bikes the cloud-burst let loose - soaking both of them to the bone.  

Realizing it was too late to escape, they dragged themselves back across the field to rejoin the crowd.  Everyone who had stayed with the crowd was completely dry!  More than a few snickers were heard as Terry and his friend rejoined the group of worshipers!  

AT - REFLECTIONS

QUESTIONS:

Do you miss the trail?

Yes, at times I wish I was still hiking.

What was your most exciting experience?

Reaching well-known stopping points like Neel's Gap Hostel, the Nantahala Outdoor Center and Damascus, Virginia.

Did you have any animal encounters?

Just rounding a bend and facing a massive long-horned steer.

How hard was it?

VERY HARD!  The mountains were steep, rocky and never-ending!  It felt like I was constantly going up!

Did you get blisters?

No, but I stopped frequently to duct-tape my feet because I had 'hot spots'.

Did you have sore muscles?

No, but my legs would get very tired.  When I would kneel or lay down I would get cramps in my legs.

What was the weather like? 

I experienced lots of rain, several days of snow, a few days of extremely high winds, a hail-storm, and persistent fog.  About half of the time, I was provided very nice hiking weather.

Did you make new friends?

I made lots of friends, but most lasted only a few days because of differences in hiking speeds.

Did you hike with others or alone?

I hiked alone, except for three days when I traveled with a Colorado friend whose trail name was Teddybear.

Did you acquire a trail name?

No, I did not.  Although most people select their own trail name long before hitting the trail, I followed the original tradition of being named while hiking.  It simply never happened.  Had I stayed on the trail longer, it probably would have eventually occurred.

Will you hike again?

Yes.  I may even do more of the trail this year.

What obstacles did you face?

I ended almost every day completely exhausted!   Quite a few days, I just put my tent up and went straight to sleep - sometimes without even eating.

If you followed my blog then you know I developed hip problems that sent me home for three weeks.

I dealt with loneliness and missed my family A LOT!!

What did you enjoy the most?

The spectacular, panoramic views, most of which can only be experienced by hiking the trail!  I also camped alone several times by a creek;  that was VERY enjoyable!

Did you ever run out of food?

No, but I came close.  I did run out of water one day and that was miserable!

Where did you get your water?

From streams, springs and ponds.  Most backpackers carry a water filter;  some use chemicals to make the water safe to use.

What did you learn about yourself?

That's a BIG question that I'm still reflecting on.  I was surprised at the loneliness factor because I actually looked forward to the trip because of the independence and being alone.  I guess I learned that I need and enjoy my family far more than I initially realized.

I also came to realize that I'm far more dependent on God when I'm backpacking than when I'm home.  I talk to Him more and enjoy His presence more while I'm in the wilderness!

I realize that I'm less outgoing than I used to be.  I tend to stay off by myself rather than engage with others.  I think my hearing disability affects me in this area.

I obviously don't have the rugged, mental toughness that keeps you on the trail from beginning to the end.  The daily exhaustion was wearing me down.  I'm a little embarrassed about this and also a little disappointed in myself.  But, as my good friend David Rose taught me:  "It is what it is."  :-)

AT - TROUTDALE, VA. BAPTIST CHURCH

I arrived at the Old Orchard Shelter at 2:30 PM on Wednesday, April 26. Two young men were taking a late lunch before moving on. I’d passed them and they’d passed me. After three days of hiking in mist, rain, high winds and a flooded trail - I was at my wits end. Everything I had (except my sleeping bag) was soaked;  no dry clothes left. I was beginning to shiver (a sign of hypothermia).

When I complained to the guys, they told me that 1 1/2 mile up the trail was VA Route 603. Four-and-a-half miles east on that route was the small village of Troutdale and a Baptist Church that operated a basic, bunkhouse hostel.  I told them I didn’t know if I could walk that far...

That’s when one of the guys said it:  “Gee, Hal, have a little faith “.  That was all I needed!  I strapped my pack on and headed up the trail. In no time I came to the road. There was very little traffic, with most of it heading the opposite way. After road walking over a mile, the sun came out and I stopped to take my rain gear off. As I was doing so, I suddenly heard a car passing, so swung around as quickly as possible and stuck out my thumb. The hatchback quickly pulled over and an older couple jumped out to greet me and clear space for my pack. They had been volunteering for trail maintenance all day and offered to take me the short distance to the hostel.

The hostel sits up on a hillside behind a lovely old United Methodist Church (that closed a decade ago).

It’s a simple frame building with two rooms;  each side has two rough wood bunks, a few folding chairs, a microwave and a coffee-maker. A pillow and pillowcase are provided. You can get a shower at the back of the old church - a towel is provided. There is an outside water source and there are clothes-lines for hanging things to dry.  There is also a picnic table and a port-a-potty. There are no other services available for many miles. It’s a little haven in a wilderness area.

I saw that Bible Study was at 7:00, so I showered, ate and put my cleanest clothes on before heading down to the brick, Baptist Church across the street. [They bought the UMC property some years ago and built the hostel.]

Brick Troutdale Baptist/white former UMC

In attendance:  Pastor Ken Riggins, his wife, Mary, Rick (the property caretaker), Ross (an older man who camps on the property for seasons while doing trail maintenance), and two women. The study was on Romans 1:16f;  it was rich and insightful with many relevant cross references. It ended at 8:30.

Mary agreed to take me to Marion, VA Thursday morning where I took a couple of ‘zero’ days to do laundry, rest and dry out. She got me there very early and I had breakfast at a Bojangles!  👍🏼  I couldn’t access my room till 1:00 PM, so I stashed my pack and headed a mile-and-a-half to a laundromat.  On the way back I:

• had some French fries at McD’s
• bought some snacks at Dollar General, and
• resupplied at Walmart  

I got my room at 1:30, and unpacked everything to dry all my gear. Then I used the hotel computer to do a blog update and corresponded with friends and family. Times like this are also essential for recharging phones and power packs!  Since I had been dreaming about Pizza Hut, I decided to walk the mile to eat there. I opened the door - it was raining. I thought it over for 30 seconds and decided:  “I’ve been walking in the rain for four days.”  So, off I went!  It was wonderful!

Friday I had all day to relax since Mary wouldn’t pick me up till after work at 4:30. So, I walked two miles (one way) to the Marion Post Office to mail some gear home. I bought fruit at a grocery store and had lunch at a Hardee’s (one of my favorites). The whole afternoon I just hung out in the hotel lobby.
That evening I began to get acquainted with Rick and Ross.  Ross did the AT at the age of 52 in 1991. Rick did his thru-hike in 1996. They we’re both very encouraging!

Mary had suggested slackpacking for a few days while continuing at the hostel. [They don’t charge, but ask for a donation. Most typically give $20.]. Saturday, she took me to the Partnership Shelter and I carried a very light pack to Dickey Gap (14 miles).

A major bicycle trail runs through the area, so I shared the hostel, off-and-on, with bikers and hikers. Sunday morning I attended Sunday School and worship. Pastor Ken gave a tremendous study in a similar format to what he had done Wednesday. His gifting is clearly as a teacher!  The congregation has been shrinking with the declining population around Troutdale. He has served his people for twenty years and works the family farm as well. You can tell that he and Mary are deeply appreciated.

After church, Ross took me to where I had left the trail (on Wednesday) and I slackpacked to Dickey Gap again (from the opposite direction). He invited me to eat with him and Rick that evening. 😀

Ross picked me up at 6, and we had a delicious pot of potatoes, carrots, steak and sausage;  Rick brought corn. Ross also served a wonderful fresh salad featuring ramps - oh my - so good!  During the meal, he offered to drop me off and pick me up again on Monday for one more day of slackpacking (12 miles). He promised a spaghetti feast on my return. Then Tuesday he would return me to Atkins to continue heading north. So, I feasted once more as a guest of Ross and Rick.

I felt genuinely coddled - by Ross, Rick, Ken and Mary - BUT ALSO BY GOD!!!  I had struggled with loneliness, so God gave me a family for a few days.  PTL!!!

Ross's camper and Rick's little home.

Ross is on the right. He is 79 and has been a believer since he was 10. He was leaving soon to return home (Mississippi) to take his wife to Gatinburg for two weeks. Rick is an outgoing guy and has excellent interactions with hostel guests. He lives in a very small building near the hostel and cares for the church property. He reminded me of an old friend, Dave Shilling. Partly because of his good looks, but also because they share a similar charm AND passion for God!

AT - FINAL: Have You Ever Lost Your “Want To...”?

”Come on, let’s ride the roller coaster one more time!”
“No, I don’t want to.”

“Let’s just go through a few more stores.”
“No, I really don’t want to.”

“This is so much fun, let’s play another round.”
“No, I don’t want to.”

When you lose your “want to”, it takes a while to get it back. And here’s the picky-point:  Somebody else’s “want to” doesn’t directly impact your “want to”.

For instance, Debbie really wanted me to hike the entire Appalachian Trail. Troy and Tracie really wanted the same. Actually LOTS OF OTHERS wanted this as well. But, guess what?  Somewhere along the way, I lost my “want to”.

I started waking up tired and sore and not looking forward to the day.  I surprisingly battled loneliness.  I sensed that I was losing the joy of my journey.  The views were still amazing and the sense of adventure was still there, but the body was growing very weary and the inclines seemed to suck my strength and energy. My feet are battered and sore.

I found myself thinking of my Dad. He’s been gone for 26 years now. He died three months short of turning 80. I wondered about that being the probable expectation of my life?  If so, that leaves me with less than 14 years. (These were not morose reflections for me;  rather, realistic.)

That being the case, do I really want to be away from Debbie for six months?  I’ve missed her terribly!  She’s my best friend and has been for a LONG TIME!  We had our first date 50 years ago (May 3rd)!  I thoroughly enjoy hanging with her on a daily basis;  especially now that we’re both retired!

Last year, Troy and Missy bought a new house ten minutes from our home. They are making MAJOR renovations on it. Do I really want to miss all the time working together with my son?  I don’t think so. He and I had such a good time building my garage;  now we can deepen our relationship by working together at his new place!

Then there is Tracie and Jon and Rylie and Coltin!  Do I want to miss this entire season of their sports events when we’re finally free to travel more?  Do I want to miss out on 10-11 consecutive days with my grandkids at July’s Family Camp?  Not on your life!

So, I left the trail yesterday and initiated the process of heading home. I’m writing this on a bus headed for Pittsburgh via Charleston and Morgantown. Next weekend, we’ll head for Connecticut for Mother’s Day!  👏😀

No regrets. I was out there for nearly six weeks and enjoyed it immensely. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Back on March 10th (my 2nd day) I met a young day-hiker and we stopped to talk. I was horribly discouraged because of the extreme difficulty of the Amicalola Falls “Approach Trail”.  I confessed to him that I didn’t think I was going to make it.  He said to me:  “Well, stick it out for a full week and if you still feel the same way - go home. You can always say you spent a week on the Appalachian Trail!”

So, I’ve spent over five weeks backpacking on the Appalachian Trail!  I passed every white blaze for 251 miles. Will I go back?  Possibly, for some short excursions but not for a prolonged trek.

So, to anyone who may be disappointed with my performance (or lack thereof) - I’m sorry!  To all who hiked along vicariously, I’m sorry that our journey is ending so prematurely. To all who remembered me in prayer, I’m EXTREMELY GRATEFUL!  I can joyfully report that my communion with God has been rich!  I look forward to following up on leadings I have received from Him!

Finally, my apologies to the leaders of International Child Care Ministries!  I had “hopes” of generating far more financial support for the children. I will simply pray that our gracious God will supply their every need according to His riches in glory!

Pledgers can calculate your gift based on 251 miles completed. I’ll soon post ways to give on Facebook. Please let them know that it is in response to ‘Hal’s AT Hike’. Thanks in advance for giving to the kids!  Please send prayers along with your gift!

AT - Update #3

On Thursday morning, April 19, I boarded a bus at the Pittsburgh Airport for a several hour trip to Morgantown (WV) where I was deposited at a parking garage with very few services nearby.  I sat for five hours waiting for my connection to Charleston (WV), which arrived at 6:00 PM.  The passengers included an older man who was somewhat verbal and unruly.  The driver stopped and took him off the bus to talk with him twice.  Then, when he acted up again, the driver turned the lights on and went back to speak with him.  I saw him with the man's ID making a phone call.  A short while later, we stopped "for a smoke break".  The police showed up and took the man to the ground right outside my window!  Sad!

An hour layover at Charleston late at night and then a ride to Witheville (VA) for another hour layover.  A long trip to Knoxville (TN) - which was WAY out of my way!  Then an early morning trip to Bristol (TN) - my destination.  All-in-all, 24 hours and lots of adventure!

I quickly arranged an Uber ride to Damascus (VA) where I re-engaged the AT with a half-mile walk along a former railroad bed.  Then the trail headed up the mountain and kept me moving upward the rest of the day.  It was a good test for my hip, which hasn't bothered me yet (PTL!!!).

I camped alone that night.  The next day offered more mountain-climbing.  I knew I had several very challenging mountains to cross before the elevation leveled out, but it surprised me how hard it was finding the top of these mountains.  I spent three days gaining elevations over 5,000 feet!  Those three days were warm and I hiked in short sleeves!

Day four held some unique challenges including very strong winds that actually blew me off the trail many times.  I was exhausted toward the end of the day as I thought I approached the top of 'Buzzard Rock' mountain.  Then it opened to a massive bald area that continued up for another half-mile!  The temperature dropped significantly and I had to stop to add clothing.  Upon reaching 'Buzzard Rock', the view was IMPRESSIVE!  But it was getting late and I needed to find a place to camp.  [I was told that those who came after me had to cross this area on their knees because of the fierce winds;  plus, it immediately fogged in and they saw no view at all!]

I found a flat space beside another tent and set up for a long night of high winds that made it difficult to sleep.  At 5:00 AM, it rained!  At 7:00 AM, I was up and on the trail for a day of phenomenal wind.  At first I lost elevation and then began to gain it again after a road-crossing.  It was another forever climb that sucked my energy.  Toward the end of the day, I capped the mountain in a mist and was first into a shelter (PTL!).  It was a long evening.  Four other guys eventually joined me.  The wind howled all night and the rain poured down!  I was glad to be in a shelter since my tent was soaked.

The next day, we hiked all day in a downpour with cold wind blowing.  The trail turned into a creek.  In spite of having bread bags on my feet, they still were soaked because of the depth of the water on the trail.  I entered the Grayson Park area and started seeing evidence of ponies!  :-)  Toward the end of the day, I reached the next shelter and parked for the rest of the day and night.  Again, five others joined me.

NOTE:
Backpacker's midnight is 8:00 PM!  I have never seen anyone stay up later than that.  Most are in the sack by 7:30 PM and don't emerge until 7:30 AM.  Sheer exhaustion makes you yearn for sack-time!

Three ponies showed up that evening and tried to run off with anything we left lying around.  We had to be forceful in scaring them away.  One, in particular, would come right up and try to grab food out of your hand!  It was intimidating at first.

The next morning:  more rain and mist!  Pack up and head out!  By the end of this day, pretty much everything I had (except my sleeping bag) was soaked.  Hypothermia was becoming a real threat due to the cold temperatures.  I got lost that day;  the trail was VERY POORLYi blazed in the Grayson area.  Fortunately, my GPS kept me heading for a point of intersection with the AT.  Actually, I think my faux paux may have saved me a section of steep climbing.  I didn't mind.  :-)  I was walking in a thick fog/mist anyway, so there wouldn't have been any views.

I arrived at my next shelter and intersected with several hikers who were all moving on.  I began to shiver and knew I had to make a decision:  move on or get into my bag asap!  I saw that a road crossing was 1 1/2 miles ahead.  Eight miles up that road was Troutdale, VA where a Baptist Church operates a hostel.  Unforunately, we'd had no phone service for five days to call for a shuttle.  I arrived at the road and began walking toward Troutdale.  There was very little traffic and most was going the other way.  The sun broke through and I stopped to take off my rain gear.  Due to my hearing, I almost missed a coming car - but spun around and stuck out my thumb.  An older couple stopped and picked me up and delivered me to the hostel door (PTL!!!!).

The hostel is a two-room, plywood bunk room with a heater.  Water is outside along with a picnic table and port-a-potty.  Not luxury, but a BLESSING!  All the pastor asks is for a donation.  They also offered a shower down at the church and even provided a towel!  It felt great.  At 7:00 PM, I went down for the Wednesday night Bible study.  Pastor Ken Riggens taught on Romans 1:16 and it was amazing!  There were six of us!  Wonderful people.  I asked if anyone knew of a way for me to get to Marion (VA), which is a larger town with hotels and a Walmart for resupply.  The pastor's wife, Mary, offered me a ride the next morning at 7:00 AM.

She dropped me at the outskirts of town and I walked to a Bojangles for a great breakfast!!!!  Then I chose a hotel and dropped my bag in the lobby (trusting it would be ok).  I took my dirty laundry and walked a mile to a laundromat to wash my clothes.  Walking back, I stopped at McD's for some french fries and saw some other backpackers.  I also stopped at Dollar General and Walmart to resupply.  By then, I was able to get into my room (1:30 PM).  I settled in and unpacked my gear and began to recharge my phone/chargers as well as communicating with family and friends.

I'd been dreaming about Pizza Hut, so I decided to walk another mile to eat there.  I opened the door and it was raining!  Oh well, what's a little rain?  I walked it anyway and thoroughly enjoyed my meal.

It's now Friday, and Mary is going to pick me up and return me to Troutdale at the end of her work day.  Backpackers call a day off a 'zero day';  it simply means no miles!  It's not uncommon to take two zero days together.  Mary has suggested that I "slack pack" the next section.  That means that I hike a section of the trail with a very light pack and then return to the hostel for another night inside.  It's very tempting since rain is forecast for tomorrow.  After that, however, the forecast shows lots of sunshine for the next week!  Woo Hoo!

My biggest problems:
1.  Exhaustion!  I get really tired climbing these never-ending mountains!
2.  Loneliness!  I really miss Debbie and interaction with others.  My hearing makes it difficult to participate in conversations (especially when it's windy and rainy).

Thanks for your kind thoughts and prayers.  I hope you enjoy following my minimal progress.  Don't forget to lift a prayer for the ICCM children!

A COMPASSIONATE MAN

In Jeremiah 38-39, we see a contrast between a compassionate man and a rebellious king.  Here's the gist of the story:

The city of Jerusalem is under siege by the Chaldeans and King Nebuchadnezzar.  Jeremiah is God's prophet and Zedekiah is the king of Israel who has rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar.  Jeremiah proclaims that if Zedekiah and the people will surrender to the Chaldeans they will be saved but the city will be destroyed. 

This is NOT what Zedekiah wants to hear.  Jeremiah's words stir the people's hearts to such an extent that some actually do surrender to the Chaldeans.  Some of Zedekiah's court officials are rankled by Jeremiah's persistent warnings.  They go to Zedekiah and complain that Jeremiah is a traitor who should be put to death.  Weak, weary Zedekiah gives in to their outrage and turns Jeremiah over to them.  They drop him into a muddy cistern and leave him there to die. 

Meanwhile, another court official, Ebed-melech (an Ethiopian) learns of Jeremiah's fate and intervenes by approaching Zedekiah.  In essence, through his compassion for Jeremiah, he appeals to the conscience of Zedekiah and implores the king to rescue Jeremiah from his miserable plight.  Realizing his hasty decision from earlier, Zedekiah authorizes Ebed-melech to take thirty  men to rescue Jeremiah from his muddy tomb. 

Ebed-melech gathers some old clothing and rushes to Jeremiah's aid.  He instructs Jeremiah to wrap himself in the old clothes to protect him from the ropes as they lift him from the cistern.  Then they take him to the king's court where he is protected and provided daily bread from the king's rations. 

Fast-forward eighteen months...

The Chaldeans break through the walls and the city falls into their hands.  Zedekiah and some of his soldiers make a break for the Judean plains but are captured and returned to King Nebuchadnezzar.  Zedekiah is forced to watch as his sons and court officials are killed.  Then his own eyes are blinded and he is chained and led off to Babylon as his royal city is utterly destroyed. 

Interestingly, King Nebuchadnezzar hears of the prophet Jeremiah and gives instructions that he is not to be harmed.  Surprisingly, the king orders his officials to give Jeremiah whatever he wants.  Jeremiah is free to return to his home and live among the poor who are left in the land to care for the vineyards and fields. 

But God is not finished yet.  Remember the kindness of Ebed-melech? 

God gives Jeremiah another message - a message for Ebed-melech:

"This is what the Eternal, Commander of heavenly armies and God of Israel, promises you:

'Look!  Very soon I will bring disaster not prosperity on Jerusalem and her citizens as I warned through Jeremiah.  And you, Ebed-melech, will see all this happen with your own eyes.  

But do not worry, for I will rescue you on that day so that you will not be taken prisoner by those you fear.  I will protect you, and you will not die in the war.  Your life will be your reward because you trusted in Me.  I, the Eternal One, declare this to you.'"

Ebed-melech's rescue of Jeremiah was not directed by God, but was a result of Ebed-melech's sense of justice.  He did what was right - and God saw it...and God rewarded it!!!!!

God is always watching!  He sees our acts of kindness.  He notices when we seek to right a wrong.  He is aware of our compassionate actions.  And He is the ultimate rewarder!  

Walk in the knowledge that your good deeds and kind words are not unobserved.  They are seen and heard by the One who truly matters!  Trust Him!  

AT - UPDATE #2 HOLDING PATTERN

I made some unwise decisions that took me off the trail at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) in North Carolina (mile 136).  I wanted to be in a town to celebrate Easter, so I pushed hard for nine days doing 9-13 miles/day.  At the end of my sixth day, I noticed a soreness in my right hip;  however, I was still 25 miles from the NOC.  I did 10 miles the next day and, of course, my hip became even more sore.  The next day, I did 9 miles and limped into the camping area still 6 miles from the NOC.  By the time I reached the NOC, I couldn't put any weight on my right leg.

I stayed overnight in a cabin with two trail friends who moved on up the trail the next morning.  I hitch-hiked to Bryson City, NC and got a room at a Sleep Inn for the next three nights.  I sat and watched TV until my sitter was sore!  I did limp to a United Methodist Church to worship.  Monday morning, I got an Uber ride to a car rental dealer.  Not having a major credit card prevented me from renting a car.  :-(  They felt bad and offered me a ride to another hotel about two miles away where I spent the day trying to arrange a way home.

Eventually, a lady took me to the Asheville airport and I flew (via Charlotte) to Pittsburgh, arriving after midnight.  I have been resting at home since then.  On Friday of that week I went to see my doctor who gave me a shot in my right hip bursa.  I am feeling some better, but am clearly not fully recovered.  I intend to wait until I feel full strength before returning to the trail.

I am nearly through North Carolina and within two days of entering the Smokey Mountain National Forest. This is an area that I am much excited to hike through.  I am probably within a week of reaching Clingman's Dome - a place where I once hiked a small section of the AT dreaming of the day when I would hike there.

I have been resting at home since arriving here very early last Tuesday (4/3).  I expected immediate results from the shot I received, but I'm still having days of discomfort.  So, I continue to rest my leg with hopes that I will see a full recovery and be able to return to the trail.

Thank you for your prayer support for me and for the kids of ICCM!  As I mentioned earlier, the trail was hard and I have been put to the test physically, but it was exciting to be on the trail meeting people and experiencing the rugged wilderness of northern Georgia and also North Carolina.  I had several former thru-hikers tell me that I am past the worst - that was encouraging...