I have been asked on many occasions the reason(s) for my attempting a hike across America? Many a brave (or foolish) soul has attempted what I am proposing to do - about 75 -80% having failed to complete the whole journey from Georgia to Maine.
In 2002, I was one of a select few who actually hiked more than 1,000 miles on the Appalachian Trail - though I did not finish the whole thing either! Looking back, I never “failed” to finish what I began - for I learned allot about America, its citizens, its drive and its forgetfulness too.
In 2008, I will be given what most men never are able to experience - a second chance. The first time, I did not know what to expect. I was a novice and was hiking on behalf of someone else’s vision. Not this time.
I am hiking on what and who I represent - Jesus Christ and fatherhood. My deepest hope will be the encouragement of dads everywhere - to raise up and become the “fathers” their families so desperately need.
As one well-known organization says in their corporate statement; “It takes a man to be a dad.”
I will go it a step further and proclaim loudly and clearly this declarative; “It takes a father to teach a boy how to be a man.”
Beginning 2008, you will be able to visit this particular page and click on the links below to access my weekly trail journal as I meander with a purpose, down the 2,172-mile long Appalachian Trail.
Happy Trail Fathers,
William “Truth Hiker” Bateman
Contact Information: creemos@msn.com
