Welcome to Truth Hiker’s Appalachian Trail Hike4Fathers in New Hampshire!
The highlight of the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire is the beautiful, rugged White Mountains, the dramatic scenery of which attracts more backcountry visitors than any other part of the Trail. Travel here requires intelligent planning and ample time; plan no more than five to eight miles per day. Be prepared for steep ascents and descents that require the use of your hands and, occasionally, the seat of your pants.
Much of the Trail is above timberline, where the temperature may change very suddenly; snow is possible in any season. The same severe weather conditions that prevent trees from growing on the high ridges also require a higher level of preparedness for a safe, successful hiking trip. Snow falls on Mt. Washington during every month of the year. High winds and dense fog are common. Most shelters and campsites charge a fee.
Trail Journal: NEW UPDATE July 29, 2008 (from Manchester Center, Vermont)
07-06-2008 to 07-16-2008 Glencliff, New Hampshire to N.Hampshire/Vermont border
My Dearest Elena Marie and Family,
Part I
I have had two memorable encounters with young people on the Appalachian Trail recently! The first was a night spent debating, if you can believe this one, with a whole bunch of Mormon Boy Scouts! They tried to get me to read Joseph Smith’s additions to the Bible as if it were the truth itself!
During the whole conversation, I smiled and quoted Paul’s warning to the church about NOT entertaining those who come preaching a gospel other than that which was already taught by he and the other Apostles. The experience was most memorable and I then had an opportunity to share my heart’s desire for dads to return to their primary responsibilities of spiritual fathering of the young ones God has entrusted into their care!
The second instance occured at 4,000 feet! I had arrived at the mountain’s summit shelter where I ran into a large group of young people on a hiking excursion from “Outward Bound” out of Massachusetts. That group’s two leaders allowed me to address the seventeen or so young people they were responsible for. I spoke at length about being able to discern the difference between being a “friend” or being a “fool.” I used the teaching found in the Bible’s Book of Proverbs! Afterward, I did a whole question and answer about trail safety, animal confrontations, interaction with strangers (all hikers are strangers to one another until they get to know each other) and of course, equipment use. This time was a time of great satisfaction for me personally, both as a father addressing young people and as a fellow hiker talking about God’s incredible creation! Wow!
Part II
I am so thankful for the times I have been able to briefly share something about God, His Word or His promises. Sometimes, it has been verbally as I have sat in shelters with other hikers. Other times, it has been by written word. I make it a point to stop at each and every shelter I come upon, and take a few moments to write something in the shelter’s trail journals.
Even though, I myself, may not stay in that particular shelter on a given night, I know that other hiker’s will! It is an amazing thing when someone passes the word along to me from a hiker who they knew 50 miles behind me - who is being comforted and blessed by some bible verse from Jesus Christ that they read in the late night after getting themselves to that particular shelter!
Part III
I have often considered that bible verse where Jesus Christ promises each believer that, with what little we are blessed by our efforts right now, He promises to bless abundantly in His coming kingdom! Wow! Just when it seems that we might get a little weary in doing what pleases Him, we remember that He watches ALL we do and say. He promises to reward us beyond what we could have imagined or even hoped for!
So, I pray for the young men and women that I meet along the way. “NOBO’s (northbounders) are making their way to New England from Springer Mtn., Georgia. In fact, there are so many of them now that I have abandoned the idea of getting their trail names and instead, just pray for each of them as I meet them!
Sometimes, I will run into an older hiker too. Older hikers will take more time talking to me than the younger ones. I think this may be because they tire more easily from the hiking challenges and use talking as an excuse to catch their breaths! This is what I do, ya know!
Part IV
Overall, I have enjoyed my time conversing with all the hikers I have met in New Hampshire along the trail. I do not believe I have had one negative situation (except a burden that I share a little further down in my letter to you) come up along the whole way through this beautiful state. The natives here take great pride in their mountains and their trails.
But, my heart aches continueously for the spiritual bankruptcy that seems to permeate the New Hampshire landscape. No where was I able to secure Christian fellowship. The church buildings were either locked down or the Christian themselves seemed so ingrained in “creation” culture, that you could not tell or their “public testimony” apart from everyone else!
Very frustrating indeed!
Part V
So, what’s next my love? Vermont, of course! I cannot wait for my reacquaintance with thefolks at Cloudland Ranch and their tasty “Vermont Soda!” I suppose, if it’s the Lord’s will, I will be able to minister to that family as much as they had ministered to my needs over six years ago on my first hike along the Appalachian Trail.
Either way, I am very glad to finally be in more hospitable territory. Physically, New Hampshire is a most appealing state to hike. Spiritually, I have come to Vermont’s border feeling as if I am starving! Elaine, I normally do not try to make derogatory statements about any one state or community but…
Part VI
I personally feel that Hanover, New Hampshire is the most unfriendly town any hiker can ever have the privilege of hiking through. Which is, to me, a very sad thing. The city is absolutely beautiful. It has everything that a hiker needs to resupply, relax and repose (as long as it is daylight).
The people of Hanover know that several thousand hikers (thru-hikers as well as section hikers) pass through there town in any given summer month. They love the hikers money and makes sure goods and services in place for the taking of it.
What is lacking (and why I dislike this town so) is the lack of geniune hospitality. There is no where a weary hiker can rest his head. No one acknowleges you if you do not look the part of the Dartmouth or Ivy League crowd and more… there seems a prevalent attitude that “thru-hikers” are a notch below even native New Hamphirite hikers. Very strange indeed.
Part VII
Oh, well. I am very happy to call Vermont my home for the next several days and weeks! I will write more when I get closer to Massachusetts! Until then, I want you to always know that I long deeply for your embrace and the love our our many “kids!” I am hearing such wonderful things about them and well, my fatherly pride simply overflows with gratitude and thanks to our great God and and Savior for the many blessings He has bestowed upon me and my home!
Stay encouraged, my love. I will see you very soon! Tell the brethren at the Church of God and Community Church fellowships that I remain thankful for their thoughtful provisions and prayers for my family while I have been away!
They alone, have stayed the course and kept me and our family needs in constant focus during this long and oft-times lonely journey!
I love you my Elena Marie…
I love you my awesome family….
I love you my fellow brothers and sisters in the faith…
Cody
07-06-2008 to 07-16-2008 Gorham, N.H. to Glencliff, New Hampshire:
My Dearest Elena Marie and Family,
Part I
Today was an incredibly humid day. There is another line of severe thunderstorms developing to the west and that means, another several days of slugging it through four inches of mud with soaked feet and wet clothes. I am sure glad that colds develop from viruses and not cold/wet conditions alone - or else, I would be having my third or fourth episode since trekking through Maine!
Part II
During my time in Gorham, I had several “odd” things happen that I was involved with!
A. The town host a citywide “Music in the Park” for the townsfolk every Tuesday night during the summer. While walking by, I couldn’t help but stop and spend a few moments with three elderly people that were sitting on a park bench relaxing (and listening to some old “Eagles” songs). They each seemed close to the age of 75… two ladies and a man.
I asked them if they knew of a Christian fellowship in town that I might attend the next evening. They looked at me as if I were speaking Chinese. For the next several minutes, they discussed amongst one another whether or not, there was a so called, “Christian fellowship” in their town. Sadly, each was a long time resident of Gorham but obviously, they never really concerned themselves with spiritual matters, no less fellowship with other believers and knew even less the location of a local church where the Gospel might be preached!
Where are all the evangelist in New England?
B. Before leaving town, I took a few minutes and headed over to the local library. As I was entering in, I was met by a short disheveled fellow who was acting very bizarrely toward the poor old aged librarian. I ended up getting between she and he and finally, he stood down and went about his business. As a debt of gratitude, she allowed me to use their computers for free! (they usually charge users a dollar per half hour)
After he left, I shared with her my mission for Christ and my promoting the role of fathers in the family too.
C. As I began my hike out of town and toward Pinkham Notch, a thirties-something man in a little red car pulled over and offered me a ride to the trail head. During the ride, he made it clear that his biggest priority in life was promoting America as the Savior of the world and our nation becoming the global leader of global peace.
He remained very confused about Israel’s role in “end of days” events and in fact, stated emphatically, that his beliefs leaned heavily upon our American patriotism more than faith in the , resurrection and soon return of our Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
As we parted, I was actually stymied. He handed me a bumper sticker that said, “Get U.S. out of the United Nations” (and where would I actually stick that bumper sticker anyways?) and wished me the best of “luck.” I did manage to pray that God would reveal Himself to Him though… he politely thanked me and off he went. I began my climb with such a hollow feeling in my soul.
Part III
The day of reckoning has come my darling wife! You know, of course, that my hiking partner from 2002 died of hypothermia on Mt. Madison. As I began my “Hike4Fathers” this year, I often thought of that dear man who became my friend, Mr. Peter Busher. Throughout my time on the Appalachian Trail, I recalled the times when I shared with “Ole’ Pete” the Gospel of the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Beginning at dawn, I started my ascent to the 5,288 ft. Mt. Madison. Within two hours I had reached the summit and then headed downward 2,000 ft. to the Madison Hut - the very same hut were Pete froze to . As I approached the Hut itself, I felt my emotions beginning to well up. Just when it seemed I was going to bust out weeping - I heard loud music and laughter coming from within the Hut building itself.
It seems the staff was letting off a little youthful steam after waiting on weekend visitors all morning and were dancing on top of the large wooden dining tables as they wailed away at some gosh awful (but very funny) music during their impromptu lip-sync competition.
That laughter was exactly what I needed and God knew it too! They were all a little red faced and were apologizing for acting so unprofessional… but, I explained to them who they were the very instruments that God used to remind me about joy coming in the morning - especially after much sorrow the evening before!
Not only did God use those young people to lift my spirits but they even offered me a whole plate of left over freshly baked cinnamon roles topped with brown sugar coupled with a huge bowl of “Georgia” grown peaches too! Wow!
From that point on… and all the way to the 6,300 ft. summit of Mt. Washington, my steps seemed lighter and happier as I realized that God still has a plan for me today as well as all who follow after Him!
Part IV
I may have injured my left foot descending “Crofton Notch.” An incredibly step boulder hopping downward trek of over 3,000 ft., I was using my LEKI hiking poles as a third and fourth leg so I could go from one large granite rock to a lower one. On one particular hop, my left foot landed squarely upon a sharp upward pointed granite shard - and pierced the bottom of my boot. I felt the pain go right from the large ball of my foot to my hip… ouch!!!!!!!!!
I made it through the “White Mountains” at a slower pace and limped to the last summit of Mt. Mooselauki. Looking northward, I was taking my last view of Maine and northern New Hampshire’s wildly rugged mountain peaks. Then, turning southward, I cast my eyes upon the softer and lower elevations of southern New Hampshire and Vermont.
I remembered yelling a very loud, “I am coming home Elena Marie! I will be home soon family! Thank you Jesus Christ for protecting me and guiding my every step along the way!”
One day later, I was finally at the end of the “White Mountain Range” and only a few tenths of a mile from the “Hiker’s Welcome!” Dropping my back pack on the front porch, I immediately asked directions to the closest pay phone. I was not going to do another thing until I heard your voice honey!
What an awesome and uplifting conversation we had, huh? I got a bunk, an ice cold coke, a microwave pizza (and two aspirin for my foot) and headed up to bed. What a day! What a week! What a month! What a life!
All these experiences are unique and hold a special place in my mind of course but, you my love and the love of our family is reserved for my heart space alone!
I love you Elena Marie. I miss you my dear ones.
P.S. I have enjoyed my time reading God’s Word - He loves us so!
Take some time to visit Truth Hiker’s Daily Devotionals!
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