June 29th, 2009 Another perspective

Well, hats off to anyone who can hike a mile on the Appalachian Trail. I tried today. I am inspired by these hikers. This is not for the faint-hearted. For the mile or so I hiked, (how embarrassing!) the best way to describe it, for me anyhow, is the feeling of going up a long set of rough-hewn stairs. I can't begin to imagine what it is like to carry a 20-30 pound backpack.

Jack and Chris explained that on a flat surface they would have about a 3.8 mile an hour pace. (That is practically a jog!) Consider doing that for between 20-30 miles a day and you have their journey. Layer that with bugs of all kinds, occasional snakes, bears, deer, turkeys and skunk, and the need to purify your own water, and you have the makings of a great adventure. They are well beyond 840 miles at this point, day 39. I couldn't even make it one mile with them. The wonder of God's creation that He gives the capacity of youth!

I last wrote about meeting them around Glasgow, Virginia. They hiked about 30 miles last Friday. On Saturday they hiked about 24 miles, ending up near Rusty's Hardtimes Hollow Hostel. I freely made the choice to experience a backwoods "hostel" and it was quite an experience! With no idea what to expect, and no advance notice, Rusty graciously offered us bunk space in his "Alumni Quarters!" He took our pictures including Jack and Chris with their thru-hiker trail names. He pointed out that the hostel caters particularly to thru-hikers, but would gladly make an exception for me. I probably am among just a few non-hikers out of the 12,000 who have stayed with him since 1982. He was very kind to us and we are very glad we stayed there. There were several telephone-sized white crosses and Scripture verses peppered about the property, along with other colorful, unusual postings. It was a true back-woods rustic experience, one which we will always remember.

On Sunday we wound up in Waynesboro, gateway to Shenandoah National Park. The boys got a late start on the trail because we had the opportunity to attend our regular church services, a rare gift on the trail so far. In addition, we were all exhausted from our night in the bunk. Creature companions and the sounds of goats, chickens and other feathered and furry friends kept us from getting a deep night's sleep. The boys called it a short Sunday after 15 miles and we all enjoyed off-trail wash and rest facilities.

This morning I said good-bye to our hikers and they were off on the trail again, heading north, disappearing into the horizon. This was a nice, tiny glimpse into the life of an Appalachian trail hiker. Here's to happy, healthy, and safe trailing to all...off or on the trail!