Welcome to Truth Hiker’s Appalachian Trail Hike4Fathers in Maine!
Most of the Appalachian Trail in Maine is not recommended for novice hikers; Maine’s 281 miles are generally considered the most difficult of all fourteen states. Even the strongest hikers may average only one mile an hour in some parts. Other parts require grabbing onto tree roots and limbs to climb or descend, and are especially slippery and hazardous in wet weather.
Lakes, streams, and bogs abound. While that makes moose and loons common sights, it also makes for muddy treadway and many fords of mountain streams. Some of these fords—notably the Kennebec River—can be difficult and potentially life-threatening when water is high. When streams run high in the spring or after heavy rains, often the only options are waiting for them to subside or back-tracking and finding a road to follow—if one exists!
Trail Journal:
Unlike most “hiker trail journals” being published today, this one will be unique to the reader! I have decided, to create a more interesting view of the many “adventures and compassions” faced as I hike 2,175 miles from Maine to Georgia by journaling my updates in the form of a love letter from me to my wife and family. Happy reading! Spanky SOBO 2008
06-01-2008 to 06-20-2008 Mt. Kitahdin (Baxter State Park) to Caratunk, Maine (Kennebec River Ferry Crossing Trailhead):
My Dearest Elena Marie and Family,
Part I
My journey, up to this point, has been anything but easy. Looking back on my first three weeks hiking the A.T., I am amazed to have made it this far without injury!
Unlike my first hike southbound (SOBO) in 2002, this one has been physically much more difficult - it has caused me to “see” for the first time the process of aging. Raining nearly every day has caused most of the rivers I must ford, to overflow. So far, I have safely crossed eight raging rapids, with the water reaching my waist (not hard when I am only 5′5″ on a good day). The scariest river crossing was the first at “Long Pond Stream”. I went into the water and it’s rushing river went all the way up to my chest. My trekking poles were literally vibrating from the water’s power. Quickly realizing I could not cross under those conditions, I allowed the waves to press my body against a large submerged rock and slowly made my way back to shore’s safety. I asked God to show me a wiser and safer way to traverse the dangerous rapids. Upon safely crossing several hundred feet upstream - still a very dangerous trek - I made it to the other side. Now at every river crossing, I ask him for wisdom and aid before stepping in the water!
Part II
It took me nearly 12 days to traverse the “100-mile wilderness”, a whole four days longer than my last trek in 2002. Because of the many thunderstorms washing away large portions of trail and making the granite approaches to higher elevations extremely slippery, I was forced to go “slow and easy.” Averaging eight miles per day (while carrying a 35 lb. backpack and an extra 50 lbs. of body weight from six years of non-activity), I made it from one mountain shelter to the next.
Nearly every day, I was dodging late afternoon thunderstorms. On one occasion, I and a young man named “Cubby” barely made it below the “Chairback Mountain” summit just as a series of five horrendous thunderstorms rolled through. (At 3,500 ft. elevation - you are in the storm, not just under it!). Surveying the damage the next morning, we were both amazed that thankful that God kept a 12 inch calibre tree from falling on our shelter because of the +60 mile per hour wind gust! The tree snapped about five feet above the ground and literally got “caught” between to other large pine trees. Saved by God’s mighty hand!
Part III
I took that opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with “Cubby”, which he received respectfully. My heart aches terribly, the many times I have already shared the salvation and coming judgment of Christ, with the people I have met so far - only to have them react as my young friend “Cubby.”
I think of the professor from the University of Tulsa, the two students from Chicago’s Art Institute who were sleeping together (but not married), the case worker and her husband from the University of Maine, the young man from Tennessee Tech University and even more… each one politely listening but possessing no outward sense of urgency to repent and receive God’s promise of forgiveness while the age of grace still stands. I cannot tell you how many times I have cried - wondering if I am being used of our Lord or not.
Part IV
Already, I have counted six the number of people who have “quit” the A.T. already. For the most part of this early but difficult part of the journey, it has been extremely humid, windy, wet and lonely. Even when surrounded by other hikers (most in the early 20’s and college graduates) I feel so out of place. As a father, I want to be a part of their lives - even for a night. But, there seems a real wall of separation between they and I. Most of these young people seem to have very doable short range goals and dreams but no realistic expectation of a life that will soon, become much more difficult for each of them. They just laugh, swear and push on to the next great experience as they connect with one another.
I am the old guy of course. These young hikers like me well enough I suppose but, I realize that I live in another time and another place - and as a follower of Jesus Christ, another world too.
I miss you my Elena Marie. I miss you my dearest sons and daughters.
Part V
Arriving in Monson, Maine, I was allowed to address those Christians fellowshipping at the “Community Bible Free Evangelical Church.” I spoke briefly about a father’s spiritual role in his home according to the Book of Proverbs. I pointed out the hope for a man seeing the fruit of his labor borne out in the lives of his sons and daughters who faithfully chose to follow Jesus Christ versus the seductions of this world. Such a powerful image of faithfulness (or a lack of it) visually seen by the children of the men who father them!
Afterward, I spent time talking to two older brothers about their remaining faithful until the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - a faithfulness that is tried in the fires of adversity and conflict when trying to live the “day to day” in a world getting more wicked by the hour.
Knowing I was missing my family this “Father’s Day”, a local businessman invited me to his house for supper with his wife and extended family. He cooked me a big steak, salads and strawberry/rhubarb pie! Afterward, he brought me back to the hostel I was staying at (Shaw’s boarding house). Something was troubling him as we sat in the driveway preparing to say our goodbye’s.
He suddenly opened up and began sharing with me the alienation existing between he and his 24-year old son. He admitted that his career goals as a log home builder (and his drive for professional perfection) all but destroyed his early years he had with his son. We prayed right there in the cab of his truck - father to father. I asked God to give each of us his abounding and readily available grace, mercy and forgiveness. I also prayed that the Holy Spirit would continue fashioning in he and I, a new spirit of humbleness and tenderness toward our families and our neighbors. We hugged one another and then, I prepared to get back on the trail.
The rain continued falling…
Part VI
My brand new headlamp has already broken and I accidently burned up my one good pair of liner socks in the campfire I built! So, I won’t be able to write much more because the sun is quickly setting and I won’t be able to see anything in just a little while. I have just enough daylight left to finish drying out my clothes by the heat of the fire, collect so dry wood (if I can find any) and preparing my traditional dinner of “Lipton Side Dish Pasta” mixed with “Ore-Ida” mashed potatoes and “Hormel’s” famous spam!!! Yumm….
Even my new cell phone is not worth a hoot. The screen has never worked from the first time I turned it on, so I cannot even read what is on the screen. At least, I can hear the bells and whistles so I know when the battery is going dead (the charger won’t charge the battery anyways) and when the dumb thing turns on and off. Ahh….
Anyways, I have tried several times to use the cell phone at various mountain peaks - just to hear your cheery, “Hi Honey!” I miss you Elena Marie.
Part VII
One last note. I just found out that the Kennebec River ferry service is not running because the river is flowing way beyond capacity. The river outfitter I talked to at “Northern Outdoors” explained to me that they (whoever “they” are), measures river current in “bps” or “basketballs per second.”
And what does this mean for me and all the hikers like me who have already endured weeks of rain, wind and miles of slogging through mud? Normally, the Kennebec runs at 3,500 bps but, because of the incredible amount of rain fallen so far, it is now running at 13,500 bps!
I long for you Elena Marie. I miss you my sons and daughters.
06-21-2008 to 07-01-2008 Caratunk, Maine (Kennebec River Ferry Crossing Trailhead) to Rangely, Maine:
My Dearest Elena Marie and Family,
Part I
Another ten days in the wilderness has been punctuated by several days of unexpected blessings, controversies and opportunities to minister!
When I last wrote, I was preparing to cross the dangerous Kennebec River - but, the local river authority suspended ferry service because of record rainfalls driving the river to more than three times it’s normal capacity. So, I hiked down to the trailhead and hitched a ride to Caratunk, Maine and the river rafting organization called, “Northern Outdoors.” Stranded, I was forced to take a “zero” day (a day when hikers have to spend money but cannot hike a mile on the A.T.), hoping that the river might be lower the next day.
No chance… it kept raining. I had to spend an extra $40.00 to stay at the outfitters, but, I was able to get my laundry done, take a warm shower and sleep in a comfortable cot. The next day, the staff made arrangements for my hitching a ride with them as they picked up supplies for a group of outdoor wilderness students from Montreal, Canada. This became my way around the Kennebec River and straight into Stratton, Maine!
During my brief visit with the Canadian students, I had the joy of sharing the Gospel of the Good News of Jesus Christ with them! They seemed much more joyful outwardly than any of my American counterparts! Strange, isn’t it?
During the last portion of my ride to Stratton with the outfitter van driver, I had further joy in his gladly allowing my sharing with him the purpose God set into motion many years ago for the coming of Jesus Christ, his faithful sinless walk in this world, his earthly ministry, his death at Calvary, his resurrection, his ascension and his call for all to repent and receive his forgiveness before his coming to judge this world in its unbelief and sin. He too, was very glad to hear this “gospel” and said he would seriously consider every word I spoke on behalf of God! Wow!
Part II
Stowing my gear at the local “motel” bunkhouse for hikers, I offered the owner a “work for stay” proposition - in the hopes that it would keep my cost for unexpected housing expenses down. I told her that I was willing to clean up the huge mess left from the many hikers who had previously stayed there over the last couple of weeks.
She said “No.” Rats! Refusing my generous offer, I went ahead and used my last $20.00 for the night’s stay and then, as an act of “Christian testimony”, I rolled up my sleeves and began the task of cleaning up the place anyways - the dishes, the hiker box (a place where hikers dump any and everything they no longer wanted to carry with them), the trash, the food on the tables and the floor and more! I did not want other hikers to think that I alone made all that mess and at the same time, show the motel owner that hikers can have some integrity too! You know, this is an even more important issue for those of us who write in the Appalachian Trail journals that are found in shelters and lean-to’s along the trail that profess to be “Christian.”
Part III
Known as the most difficult section of hiking on the whole A.T. (an acronym for Appalachian Trail), I labored for several days to summit numerous mountains over 4,000 ft. elevation and even more over 3,200 ft. elevation. Of course, it rained constantly and this dramatically impeded my forward progress. The trail was mud, wet stones and more. I believe I have discovered 40 ways of slipping without falling completely on my behind or face!
I am meeting physical and spiritual adversities as I continue hiking SOBO (an acronym for south bounder) toward Springer Mountain, Georgia, the end of the journey and into the waiting arms of my beloved wife and family!
I need you my Elena Marie.
Part IV
Waiting out another violent thunderstorm in a trail shelter has become the norm. This time, I shared space with a young graduate from Southern Methodist University. The conversation began innocently enough. I asked him about his obtaining a philosophy degree from a “religious” institution. In great detail, he began verbally ripping the doctrines of the bible - prophesy, virgin birth, crucifixion, resurrection, repentance, forgiveness, ascension, heaven and hell - all the way to Jesus’ eventual appearing to judge this world.
From there, without taking a breath, he went on to explain that his path of enlightment and truth was found in the Hindu way of eternal philosophy… all truth centered on a man’s inward spiritual journey instead of Christ’ proclamation that He alone is Truth, Way and Life!
The few times he challenged my faith in God, His Word and His Son - he would grow more angry and violent in nature. What was I doing? My answers were not based on what I believed about God but instead, what God declared about Himself!
Using the “F” bomb non-stop and screaming at me - he finally pronounced that he simply “hates” Jesus Christ and will not believe in an eternal hell fire that awaits those who, like he, reject Jesus’ offer of forgiveness and salvation. The more he screamed, the quieter I became. As the rain poured on, the shelter grew quiet. He took a few puffs from a “special pipe” and turned in for the night. I could not sleep so I prayed earnestly for he and everyone person I had met up to that point along the trail.
The next morning, he quickly gathered up his things and off he went. I stayed behind and had my morning bible study time with the Lord. Hoping that this young man would not trash the Lord’s name because of our previous night’s conversation, was a burden for me. About an hour later, I too, began my journey southbound.
Part V
As I reached the summit of Crocker Mtn., (4,228 ft. elevation), I heard a frantic “Help! Help! Help!” from the valley below. I realized a hiker had accidentally lost his way and now lwas hopelessly wandering in the wilderness. I shouted back from the mountain’s summit for more than two hours. I was careful to always shout in only one direction and continued giving him instructions so he would make his way back up to the highest point of the mountain.
After two hours, the hiker emerged - banged up and bloodied from crashing through tree limbs and muddy from the rainfall. Who was the lost hiker? The same one, who only a night before, was shouting every profanity imaginable! When he seen it was I who led him back to the trail, he ran up to me and gave me the biggest hug… and yelled out, “Spanky! You saved me!”
Of course, we know it was the Lord’s doing. He has a unique way of protecting His own name! Since that time, this same hiker has had nothing but good things to say about my testimony and faith and Christ Jesus to other hikers along the Appalachian Trail. Maybe, we will meet again and he will consider that God is constantly calling out to him to repent and place his faith and life in the hand of the Living God Himself!
Part VI
I have finally made it to Rangely, Maine. The New Hampshire border is but a week’s hike away too! I have so many more stories I would love to share with you but, would remain writing for the next month! So, I will briefly share these:
I fondly recall the young man from Rutger’s University who had never known his own father because of divorce. I told him that, if I were his father, I would be very proud of him. Or, the older father that was hiking with his three adult sons and declaring that that fathering thing was past him because his sons weren’t little kids anymore. I asked the sons if they thought the same way and there answer was an emphatic “No!” You should have seent he face of the embarassed dad who didn’t even think to consider that fathering is a lifetime requirement!
Part VII
I am thankful for the many times God has comforted me, instructed me and protected me along Maine’s portion of the Appalachian Trail. Continue praying for these things and for boldness too!
I shall write more my Elena Marie. For now, the sun is setting and again, without a headlamp it is impossible to write in the dark!
My next goal is Andover, Maine and then, Gorham, New Hampshire! Hopefully, I will be able to get a “Burger King Whopper” as soon as I get into town! Then, onto the post office where I know there are love letters waiting for me from you my dearest and my precious family! Wahoo!!!
Until then, I will tell you once more of my unfailing love and devotion. I love you my wife, friend, lover and fellow sister in the Lord!
I long for you my Elena Marie. I await the embraces of my dearest sons and daughters.
I love you Elena Marie.
07-01-2008 to 07-05-2008 Rangely, Maine to Gorham, New Hampshire:
My Dearest Elena Marie and Family,
Part I
Finally arrived in Gorham, New Hampshire (and out of all those huge climbs and descents of Maine’s mountains)!
I always find it amazing how many of these towns love taking a hiker’s money but totally ignore their trying the “hitch” a ride into that same town! Yep! That became my problem too. But, I was finally able to find a place to stay for $20.00 a night… in the loft of a barn no less.
Because it was raining so hard, I remained very happy to have a roof over my head so I could dry out a little bit. Usually, hostel owners who charge for hikers to stay at their establishment will provide things like laundry, shower or shuttle service. Not this one!!
But, I am still thankful for the comfortable bed and pillows. And, I had the place all to myself so I could catch up on writing both you and all the rest of the family too.
Part II
Other than my running into a gentleman who was “Packin’ for Missions”, I have had very little conversation with other hikers. I firmly believe that God compels us to get still in order for his speaking to us in that beautiful but still small voice of the Spirit.
So, the last fews days on the trail has been a time of reflection for me personally. Thankful for not being injured and even more thankful for the often times wonderful conversations with numerous strangers - I my thoughts drift toward you, our family and home.
Part III
I sorely miss you my dearest one. When things get quiet in these mountain shelters and hiker hostels, I begin remembering our little conversations had… the silly ones, the hard ones, the long ones, the short ones, the romantic ones, the harsh ones and the ones when we share our love for Jesus Christ.
I love you Elena Marie.
I am now ready to post to New Hampshire’s page! One state down and 13 to go!
I miss you greatly my Elena Marie.
Psstt… Elena, when I began my hike at Mt. Kitahdin, Maine, I weighed 207 lbs.! As of this last post, I am down to 182 lbs. Wahoo!!!!!! (That’s 25 lbs. for those cynics in Brunswick, Georgia who won’t believe it unless they see it for themselves………
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