Heartbeat AT

Friday, March 21, 2003

Dear Friends,

Many of you may know that tomorrow morning, bright and early, Sherlock (Henri Aldunate) and I will be saying goodbye to family and friends at Amicalola Falls and beginning yet another trek of the "Granddaddy of all Trails", the beloved A.T.

It has been our privilege to travel 38,000 miles in the past four months and visit many of your homes. We only wish we could've gotten to everyone. The Trail beckons however, and it's time to go.

In the coming weeks and months, our hope is to keep in touch with each one of you, inviting you to accompany us on our hike via cyberspace. We plan to send our Daily Journal to you each time we arrive in a town. In other words, you won't get our Journal Daily, but it will be our Daily Journal. Our entries will contain a daily account of where we're at, who we're with, and what we're up to, as well as a six month look at the New Testament Book of John, investigating the very Life of Christ, a Life today so freely offered to all who will take Him up on His offer of eternal salvation and simply say thanks.

So Happy Trails to all of our friends. Thanks in advance for allowing us to take you on an unforgettable experience, one that might even change YOUR life as it has ours!!

Following what will surely be for us a short night of restless sleep, we head out tomorrow.

Happy Trails to All,

Circuit Rider (Bill Newman)

GA-ME '99/'02/'03

Saturday, March 22, 2003

Amicalola Falls, GA - Stover Creek Shelter, GA: 11.3 miles

IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE WORD, AND THE WORD WAS WITH GOD, AND THE WORD WAS GOD.                          John 1:1

Dinner is over, and I’m just now about to settle down to a cup of coffee on this first evening in the wild.   The day began with a ride to the Trail from our great friend Lori Watkins.  Also accompanying us to the Approach Trailhead was none other than LaJuana Alexander, the one who “lit my fire” for hiking many years ago, her daughter Karen and adorable little Heather, whom I don’t believe ever has a bad day, and my incredible 74 year old Mom who made the trip down from New Jersey just to see us off.   That memory will remain with me for a lifetime!!  One of the hikers we met today remarked, “Wow, you must have some friends!”  He can’t begin to have a clue!!  Thanks “Mom Alexander” for your wonderful hospitality the last couple of days as we invaded your house and made it our home!!  Our prelude to the Trail also included a most memorable lunch in Atlanta yesterday, with friends Tommy and Maggie Eldridge, Marilyn Marsolan, Marianne Jones, and Phil Tuttle from Walk Thru the Bible Ministries.  Thanks, guys, for your wanting to get together with me before I left. 

There is not enough time or space here to express my gratitude for all the kindness sent my way by so many friends, family, and loved ones.  I only hope that in the coming months I can say thanks in some small but meaningful way.  Thanks too to Tim Alexander!  This Daily Journal is getting to you this summer because of his tireless efforts.  What a ministry to so many!!  So here we are in the woods once more, only twenty weeks after completing our last hike.  The weather could not have been more outstanding!   Listen, those who know me know that when Circuit Rider hikes in shorts, it has to be good!  Just one year ago tonight at this very spot, it was fifteen degrees.  That’s right, folks!  Georgia can, and often does, get cold this time of year.  But today it was in the upper 50’s and low 60’s!  Thank You Lord!!  I’m taking that as a “hug” from You!!

This morning as we left the Lodge, stopping 1.2 miles into our trip for what else, a breakfast buffet, we were introduced to “Rob Tex”, a 73-year old retired army officer who’s planning to hike all the way to Maine.  He looked me straight in the eye and asked, “Circuit Rider, what makes you live!?”  With that, he pointed to the woods we were about to enter, and said, “This is God’s house!  This is where I really live!”  You know, in many ways I would have to agree.  The wilderness is indeed God’s greatest laboratory for spiritual growth, for it is out here that many discover the wonderful truth that if we BE STILL, we will have a much greater opportunity to KNOW THAT HE IS GOD.” (Psalm 46:10). 

This day also reunited us with Trail friends from years past.  At the summit of Springer, we ran into “Ox” who hiked the Trail in ‘97.  It was Ox who helped me be successful on my first hike.  I was carrying 65 pounds on my back when I left Amicalola that March.  By the time I had trekked 75 miles to Hiawassee, I was beat.  Ox took me aside and “shaved” 30 pounds from my pack.  “Circuit Rider, you have enough toilet paper to get you to Maine!  You only need enough to get you to the next town.”  What a highlight to run into him on our first day out.  See you at Trail Days buddy!  Not long after that “Gizmo” came sauntering up the Trail in the opposite direction.  Gizmo is the Trail Maintainer for this section in Georgia.  He also serves along the eastern Pennsylvania segment.  He remembered us from last year.  He was the one who took a photo of Sherlock, Junker, and me at Springer!  My memorable day still wasn’t done.  As I hiked a bit further, I saw this woman who looked oh, so familiar.  She thought I did too.  We said to each other almost simultaneously, “Don’t I know you?”  The moment I introduced myself, she exclaimed, “Circuit Rider, I’m Butterfly!”  Butterfly (whose Trail Name is now Evergreen) was Birdnut’s friend that we met last May in Shenandoah.  Birdnut, we tried to call you on the cell phone to say “Hi”, but alas, the phone wouldn’t connect out here.  Drats!

I finally arrived at our campsite at 4:05 p.m, well behind Sherlock who was about to organize a search team for me.   I know—too much socializing.  But hey, that’s what makes the A.T. so special.

Last Summer, Sherlock and I had the awesome privilege to work with 158 teens and College students during our seven and a half month odyssey.  You heard right friends, seven and a half months!  Anyway, we spent our days on the Trail digging into the New Testament Book of Colossians with both the groups and several of the hikers.  This year I’m endeavoring to pursue a Journal through the Book of John.  Why the Gospel of John?   Henri and I have chosen John because we’re not merely interested in sharing our faith with those we come in contact with.  We want to do so much more than that.  Our desire is to present the very Saving Life of Christ!!

IN THE BEGINNING, the start, the “Genesis” of everything that is and was and even will be, WAS... GOD.  The Bible itself starts with an introduction much like this:  IN THE BEGINNING GOD...  There has never been a time when GOD WAS not.  There has never been a time when the Holy Trinity did not exist.  John makes the point here that this Jesus Whom He was about to introduce and present, in truth needed no introduction at all.  He had been at the “party” all along.  In fact, He created it!!

This same Jesus was and is Himself the very WORD of God.  There has never been a time in the history of time itself that He WAS not WITH GOD, for He Himself was, is, and evermore shall be GOD Himself!!  Father, thank You for being the very Truth about Yourself to a world like me that has been desperate without Truth since Adam sinned.  Thank You that I can forever come to You and find in You the One Who is bigger than anything I can ever possibly face, for You are even before it all.  You knew what I would face in this puny little life of mine even in the ages past!!  As we seek to share Your Life with those we meet this summer who are in great need of having what only You can offer, may we never forget that You, by virtue of Your Holy Spirit, are the very WORD become FLESH in us who believe now, even as the Father was the very WORD become FLESH in You then.  Thank You for yet another day to “flesh” out this gloriously simple, yet so often overlooked principle.  I love You, Lord Jesus!!!

Happy Trails to All,

Circuit Rider

Sunday, March 23, 2003

Stover Creek Shelter - Gooch Gap

13.9 miles/25.2 miles total

Weather: Partly Cloudy/Lower 60’s

HE WAS IN THE BEGINNING WITH GOD.        John 1:2

Today was proof positive that is doesn’t take long to get out of “Trail shape”.   

This was indeed a physically challenging day, especially for my hiking partner.  Sherlock and I arrived at our campsite at 3:00 this afternoon and he went to bed as soon as I could get the tent set up.  I walked down to the stream to get water and promptly took a 30-minute nap myself on the little wooden footbridge.  The sun has set and in just a few minutes I’ll head for the comfort of a warm tent, which will be especially appreciated tonight.  It was another neat day of meeting up with old friends.  While we were stopped at Cooper Gap for an hour long lunch break, who should come trudging by but “Book Burner.”  Hey “G Funk” and “Dizzy”, I didn’t know he hiked with you guys last Summer!  The Youth Group from Stanton, Michigan should remember him as well.  We had a great time laughing and reminiscing, especially about Sherlock’s “cow story” and memories from past exploits in “Dump-cannon”, I mean, Duncannon, Pennsylvania.  Thanks Book Burner for your e-mail address.  I will look forward to keeping in touch with you!  G Funk and Dizzy, Book Burner says to tell you “Hi”.

When we arrived here at the Gooch Gap campsite none other than “Pirate” was there welcoming us from his tent!  He has been hanging around all day waiting for “Lone Wolf” but alas, he must be off in town somewhere.  Ah, the life of a “Blue Blazer”.  For those of you that don’t know what that means, let me explain.  The entire length of the Appalachian Trail is marked with two inch by six inch white blazes.  A Blue Blazer is someone who loves to be out here on the Trail, but not necessarily to hike the Trail from end to end.   In fact, to do such a thing would probably ruin their reputation!   Pirate has been out here for 13 years and has become sort of a legend in his own right.  It sure was great to see him again.  Hey “Junker”, Pirate was asking about you.

Father, as we finish this second day of the six month course You have set us on, may we reaffirm this evening that our only “plan” for this hike is You, the One Who is at the BEGINING of this work just as You were IN THE BEGINNING WITH GOD.  We don’t have any idea where You plan to take this burden that you have laid on our hearts, a burden that has given us a great love for the people of this A.T. “community”.  I don’t even have any idea what Your “plan” is supposed to look like, and I certainly don’t have a clue as to how You plan to fund all that You have purposed in our hearts to accomplish.  But this we do know, that in each of these areas and every single other one not mentioned here in this entry,  You will be the BEGIINNING, the substance, and the end result of it all.  So I just want to say thanks for what I know You are going to do with both Sherlock and me.  We will simply make ourselves completely available to You to share the Life which only You can offer, and, in the process, present that Life to those who long for so much more than anything this world can ever offer them.  Thank You for being so utterly all-sufficient, that even time itself is forever present tense with You.  I love You, Lord Jesus!!!

Happy Trails to All,

Circuit Rider

Monday, March 24, 2003

Gooch Gap - Neel’s Gap: 14.3 miles

Total Miles Hiked: 39.5

Weather: Brilliant Sunshine; Near 70

ALL THINGS CAME INTO BEING THROUGH HIM, AND APART FROM HIM NOTHING CAME INTO BEING THAT HAS COME INTO BEING.                        John 1:3

We awoke to an absolutely beautiful day, our third in a row!  Sherlock was still feeling a bit rough as we said our goodbyes to “Pirate”, Ed, Tray, “Odie”, Chris, and headed out.  Pirate kept giving us hourly updates on our Nation’s war with Iraq.  It sounds like we need to keep praying.  Today brought along new friends.  We met “Five Star”, “Wet Feet” and “Mountain Momma”.  What a fun trio.  Just before beginning our climb up Blood Mountain (yes, that’s what they actually call it!), we all decided that the prospect of enjoying some Ben and Jerry’s ice cream at Neel’s Gap was well worth the extra couple of miles.  Even Sherlock, whose left leg was killing him, figured some unexpected “refreshment” might be just what the doctor ordered. Actually, food anytime (especially non-Trail food) for a hiker is a dream come true!!  So up and over Blood Mountain we went, arriving here by 3:30.  Ben and Jerry’s was waiting!  Need I say more?  The additional pull of a shower and burgers on the grill kept us from moving on any further for the night.  So we find ourselves at the Neel’s Gap Hostel, along with several others who could not resist the temptation to stay.

As I ponder this evening the all sufficiency and altogether utter completeness of our Savior, the One Who had ALL THINGS that CAME INTO BEING not only filter through His hands, but be crafted by them, I find myself immediately aware of just how big He is to handle any possible thing that can come my way.  The message here could not be more clear;  Jesus, very God in the flesh 2000 years ago, and very God from eternity past to unending ages to come, is over ALL THINGS, for NOTHING happens APART FROM HIM.  Father, I know that NOTHING in this life of mine happens APART FROM You, so I want to begin by thanking You for that wonderful truth this evening.  I also want to ask Your forgiveness for all the times I have lived as though You were nowhere to be found.  That has and will forever be merely my perception, for You Who lives in me and shares Your Life with me, couldn’t possibly be nearer!!  May You be pleased to take me today and live through me in such a way that those I come in contact with will know in ways only explainable by You that there is NOTHING in my life that is APART FROM the One who redeemed me for His own glorious and eternal purpose.  I love You, Lord Jesus!!!

Tuesday, March 25, 2003

Neel’s Gap - Chattahoochee Gap: 15.6

Total Miles to Date: 55.1

Weather: Spectacular/Mid 70’s

IN HIM WAS LIFE, AND THE LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN.        John 1:4

With each passing day we are both feeling stronger and more ready to hike.  Sherlock is still having some struggles with his feet, a problem that should be remedied with a new pair of shoes once we get to Hiawassee.  Last year’s hike must have widened his feet.  His left leg wasn’t giving him nearly as much pain today, for which we are both thankful.  Out here, one can’t take too lightly how one’s legs or feet feel.

We ran into another Trail friend this morning following our descent into Hogpen Gap.  Who should come strolling down the hill but “Wee Willie, the Prince of Wales.”  We recognized his “Blue Blaze” shirt immediately.  He was hiking with Bonnie Brewer, who is just in the area for a few days to bike and check out the Trail.  What an introduction she must have received from Wee Willie!!  It was so good to see him again.  He told me, “Circuit Rider, we never got to finish last year’s conversation.”  He remembered every detail of the talk Dave and I had with him last summer at Trail Days.  He said, “I told you last summer that because I was a Christian I could do anything I wanted to.  What I really meant was that I was free to do anything that might please Jesus.”  Way to go Wee Willie!  Thanks so much for your encouraging comments.  You made my day and you can be sure we’ll be getting together in the weeks ahead!  I can hardly wait for Trail Days!!  It was also great to meet Bonnie Brewer.  Welcome to my ever growing list of “cyberspace friends” Bonnie.  Hope to see you on the Trail sometime.

Now, to change the subject for just a few moments and turn my thoughts to food.  This is a natural phenomenon of Trail life.  After only three days of hiking in the wild, all thoughts turn to things you’d love to eat but are not available.  It doesn’t take long to figure out what foods are going to be on my “intolerable” list.  The first to hit that list this year is Fruit Loops Cereal Bars.  Mom, thanks for thinking of me, but those things are awful.  And to think, I used to like Fruit Loops.  After a few of those bars, I don’t think I’ll be craving that cereal any time soon.  The biggest problem with food however, is that we left Amicalola with too much of it.  Don’t ask me how this happens to someone doing his third thru hike!  But it did, and we’re paying the price of carrying too much weight this first week.  Junker used to say, “Circuit Rider, if you arrive in town with food in your pack, you carried unnecessary weight.”  You’re right Junker.  Lots of good that does me now!

You will never in a million years hear me complain about this gorgeous warm Spring weather.  However, warmth and sun are not without their side effects.  We have an early onslaught of bugs, biting bugs!  My legs have more welts on them now than they did all last Summer.  You’d think it was June in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  Is Georgia supposed to have black flies?  The bright sun has also burned the tops of my ears. 

For those of you who are interested in statistics, Sherlock and I were hikers 451 and 452 to come through Neel’s Gap as of March 24^th.  So many people to meet; so much Life to be shared!!

IN You alone, O Savior, IS LIFE, AND Your LIFE IS THE LIGHT OF my existence.  If there is anything “redeemable” or “attractive” in me, it’s You!!  You are my only hope for reflecting Your LIGHT to this world that knows only darkness.  Without You as the very Dynamic of all that You desire to accomplish in and through me, I can do nothing (John 15:5).  What’s more, I am nothing!!

This evening, O Lord, as we look back on the day just complete and ponder all that lies ahead, I pray that others will see Your LIFE shine forth clearly in us.  May Your LIFE in and through us be a shimmering LIGHT that will draw people like Wee Willie, Bonnie, and others we meet, closer to Yourself than they’ve ever been before.  And Father, wherever there are lost and searching people today, may they see through us that Your LIFE is the LIGHT OF MEN, and trust You for what alone You can offer.  I love You, Lord Jesus!!!

Happy Trails to All,

Circuit Rider

Wednesday, March 26, 2003

Chattahoochee Gap - HIAWASSEE, GA: 20.5 miles

Total Miles to Date: 75.6

Weather: Sunny early, then increasingly cloudy with a brief Shower late: Low

60’s

THE LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS, AND THE DARKNESS DID NOT COMPREHEND IT.                   John 1:5

As we awoke this morning to an incredible sunrise, neither of us had any idea that we would be doing our first 20 mile day of this young hike.  Day 5 is not usually the time for major mileage.  Last year our first 20 miler didn’t happen until week #2.  The prospect of beating the impending rain and having the opportunity to enjoy an extra day in town catching up on a lot of things became a huge incentive however. 

Just past the Blue Mountain Shelter this morning we met Scott from Grand Rapids.  He is taking a year off from teaching and is planning to hike until the end of August.  He has never done anything like this before, so he doesn’t have any illusions about actually making it as far as Katahdin. The way he hikes however, he just might.  Scott is a prime example of why God has placed us on the Trail this summer.  In the past year he has read the Bible on his own and is full of questions.  He told us, “I was wondering if I would find any spiritual people out here.”  He is looking forward to spending some time with us in the days ahead and listening to some of the Ian Thomas and Billy Strachan tapes we have with us.

Major Thomas’ message on Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand, an account found in the New Testament Gospels, was the first of our many planned “tent revivals” while we’re out here.  What a message, one he preached 20 years ago at Grace Bible Church in Jacksonville, Florida.  I was there that evening, a moment in my life I will never forget!  Major Thomas talked about how Philip and Andrew’s response to the “crisis” of the moment was no different than that of an atheist.  Their God was only as big as the amount of money in their bag.  Ah, but a little boy with five loaves and two fishes had a God that could do anything and would if only allowed that “unchallenged availability”.

Father, Your LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS, AND THE DARKNESS DID NOT COMPREHEND IT.  Those lost in DARKNESS without You have no understanding or appreciation for what You alone can offer.  Yet in many ways, Your Church now, like the Disciples then, doesn’t either.  While the world without You exists in total depravity, the vast majority of those who know You exist in total self imposed poverty.  As Ian Thomas so succinctly puts it, “Most believers are professing Christians but practicing atheists.”  We who know the Redeemer so often live as though our God is no bigger to us than the world around us that doesn’t believe.  Little wonder that what the Church offers a searching world seems so unattractive!

I want to shine Your LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS to those who are lost in the same, to those for whom LIGHT is an incomprehensible thing, a seemingly unattainable hope, a joy that to them is beyond their reach.  Yet Father, how can Your LIGHT shine IN THE DARKNESS through me if it does not shine IN me? 

Today, please take me even deeper and be pleased to find me trusting You

even more than ever.  Today, let Your LIGHT shine through me IN THE DARKNESS,

AND though THE DARKNESS does NOT COMPREHEND IT, let me shine forth Your LIGHT

and Life anyway, that those around me may know that You indeed are the LIGHT of the world.  I love You, Lord Jesus!!!

Happy Trails to All,

Circuit Rider

GA-ME ‘99/’02/’03

Thursday - Friday, March 27^th-28^th

Location: HIAWASSEE, GEORGIA

Miles Hiked: 0/Total Miles: 75.5

Weather: Sunny/Mid 60’s

THERE CAME A MAN SENT FROM GOD, WHOSE NAME WAS JOHN.  HE CAME AS A WITNESS, TO TESTIFY ABOUT THE LIGHT, SO THAT ALL MIGHT BELIEVE THROUGH HIM.  HE WAS NOT THE LIGHT, BUT HE CAME TO TESTIFY ABOUT THE LIGHT.                John 1:6-8

It’s wonderful to have two days in one location for several reasons.  To begin with, Georgia is “Boot Camp” for hikers and the respite for our feet has been much appreciated.  We met up with “Red” the other day who had done a southbound hike several years back.  He asked with exasperation, “Did these mountains grow or something?”   Secondly, several cards, phone calls, and e-mails have kept me well occupied, in addition to the normal things one does in town to get ready for the next “leg” of the hike.  Thirdly, three of our five mail drop boxes did not arrive on Thursday, which has presented an unexpected but not insurmountable challenge.  Sherlock’s sneakers arrived, as did my ATM card which I had mistakenly left behind in Rock Spring.  We also received Maggie’s delicious brownies!  So you see, God made sure we had the essentials.  If need be, we can get by without the rest of our stuff until Hot Springs.  Funny, but I’m not sure I can even remember all that we had in those other boxes.

Sherlock and I are planning to leave at first light Saturday morning and head north once more, getting a ride back to the Trail from “Papa Mac”..

THERE CAME A MAN, not an angelic being, not a supernatural force or

occurrence, but a mere MAN, SENT FROM GOD,... TO TESTIFY... SO THAT ALL MIGHT

BELIEVE in the Messiah THROUGH the one whom GOD... SENT.  This Spring and Summer, along the 2,168 mile Appalachian Trail, two incredible friends have the unique privilege of being SENT FROM GOD, not for God, not even because of God, but FROM GOD, as His messengers TO TESTIFY ABOUT THE LIGHT to a world desperate to have a “Light” SHINE IN their DARKNESS.  We’ll be there for one purpose and one purpose only, SO THAT ALL MIGHT BELIEVE because we obeyed our “marching orders” and simply “showed up”.  O Father, may those we meet on the Trail this Summer never have cause to think that there is anything special about us, without soon coming to know and BELIEVE that the “attractiveness” they see is You as You live THROUGH us the Life they long for, the Life they can only have in You.  May they WITNESS in and THROUGH us that You want them, even with all of their “baggage”, to experience “rest” in You in exchange for their spiritual bankruptcy.

May we never forget that we are indeed SENT FROM You, making clear to those

we meet that we are NOT THE LIGHT, BUT merely one SENT FROM GOD... TO TESTIFY

ABOUT THE LIGHT,... SO THAT ALL MIGHT BELIEVE THROUGH what they see in us. 

Oh may that ever be!!  I love You, Lord Jesus!!!

Happy Trails to All,

Circuit Rider

Saturday, March 29, 2003

HIAWASSEE, GA - Standing Indian Shelter, NC: 16.5 miles

Total Miles Hiked: 92.1 miles

Weather: Showers and Fog: Temps falling into the 40’s

THERE WAS THE TRUE LIGHT WHICH, COMING INTO THE WORLD, ENLIGHTENS EVERY MAN.

John 1:9

The first major milestone of our hike happened this morning at about 10:30 when we crossed over the Georgia State Line into North Carolina.  We were met immediately by two hikers, Chris and Marilyn, who wanted to take our picture and e-mail it back to us.  Since our camera is out of commission at this point, we decided, “Hey, great idea!”  The initial State crossing is always an exciting time, even if this is one’s third thru hike.  Only 13 more to go!

This was also our first wet day of hiking, an incredible contrast to previous hikes.  The rain didn’t last long, but the dampness prevailed, making for a dreary day.  Spirits were brightened considerably, however, when we arrived at Deep Gap.  “Red Truck” and “Green Truck”, thru hikers from 2001, had returned to perform some “Trail Magic.”  What is that, you ask?  This particular “Trail Magic” consisted of chili dogs, beverages, BBQ ribs, and popcorn.  Wow!  What an unexpected feast in the middle of nowhere!  This makes two out of three hikes where I have experienced “Trail Magic” at Deep Gap.  I’ll never forget the last time.  That was ‘99 when I was hiking with “Ulysses” (Ryan McGhee).  We had just finished discussing how much we would both love to have a chocolate donut, when who should be at Deep Gap but “Otey” and “Drummin’ Man” serving up eggs, bacon, and chocolate donuts!  Yes friends, this life in the wilderness can sure be tough! 

I love today’s verse.  For a world lost in “darkness”, for a human race that has forfeited the very Life they were intended by God to possess, there is hope.  There is an Answer, the only one known to Man!!

Jesus Christ Himself is THE TRUE LIGHT, the very remedy for darkness, WHICH, by virtue of His COMING INTO THE WORLD, ENLIGHTENS EVERY MAN who takes Him up on His offer of eternal and one of a kind TRUE “enlightenment”.

Father, how can I ever possibly say thanks for Your enlightening me, one lost in the darkness of sin and an existence without the very Life and reflection of the One Who created me!?  All I can do is live out the rest of my days, until You call me Home, sharing Your Life freely offered to me by virtue of Your rescue of my soul from darkness.  I will never be able to “comprehend” (1:5) every aspect of Your incarnation (putting on human flesh), earthly ministry, or all that You are or all that You can do, but I have comprehended this; that it takes what You are (Life) to remedy what lost people in darkness (JOHN 1:5) need.  Life!  Your Life!  The only Life (JOHN 14:6)!!  Not only have I comprehended that; I have apprehended Your Life through the transfer of my trust from where it has been to You and You alone!!  I have taken You up on Your offer, and I want to forever say thanks for what that means and what that does!!  I love You, Lord Jesus!!!

Happy Trails to All,

Circuit Rider

GA-ME ‘99/’02/’03

Sunday, March 30, 2003

Standing Indian Shelter, NC - Rock Gap/ FRANKLIN, NC: 19.8 miles

Total Miles to Date: 111.9

Weather: Overnight snowstorm, followed by intermittent snow showers in the

afternoon/Upper 20’s

HE WAS IN THE WORLD, AND THE WORLD WAS MADE THROUGH HIM, AND THE WORLD DID NOT KNOW HIM.  John 1:10

Last night when we went to bed, the skies were beginning to clear, the rain had ended, and all was thought to be well.  I awoke this morning to the realization that there was an inch of water in the tent, and whatever was left over was soaked through my sleeping bag and me!   I lay there thinking, “I’m not going to move until it starts getting light.”  Yet it never started getting light.  That’s when I noticed why.  The tent was buried under several inches of snow!!  It looked like the Maine wilderness all over again!  For those of you who don’t know that story, Sherlock and I didn’t finish last year’s hike until November 2^nd, meaning we had to hike through two feet of snow in much of Maine’s “hundred mile wilderness”.

We finally got our stuff packed as best we could and made the decision that it would not be a good idea to spend another night like this in the backcountry, especially as wet as we were.  So we hiked another big mileage day and now find ourselves thawing out at the Microtel Inn in Franklin, with several other of our hiker friends.

We no sooner walked through the Motel door, but who should be there to greet us with a hug? “Gar”!  What a sight for frozen eyes!!  We hadn’t seen him since Neel’s Gap! He took us to dinner at Shoney’s and we enjoyed a wonderful time of food and discussion with him.  We are looking forward to meeting his wife Nancy sometime, and also his daughter Heidi who will be working for the AMC this Summer at Pinkham Notch, NH.  The Trail runs right through there.   Thanks Gar for a great evening!!

The Light of the world, the very remedy for those lost in darkness, WAS IN THE WORLD, among us for all to see and experience, AND THE WORLD which WAS MADE THROUGH HIM,... DID NOT KNOW HIM.  How could that be?  How can it still be that men and women are so resolute in their stubborn rejection of the One Answer to their eternal dilemna?

Father, as I ponder this truth about You even as the sun is about to dawn, I want You to be pleased to live Your Life abundantly through me in such a way that You, the One THROUGH Whom THE WORLD WAS MADE, will finally cause this WORLD to KNOW.  And if not the whole WORLD, then maybe, just maybe, someone out there lost in darkness and desperately longing for the Light that can only have its source in You.  Lead me today and in the days ahead to people like that.  Then let them see You clearly shine through me.  I love You, Lord Jesus!!!

Happy Trails to All,

Circuit Rider

GA-ME ‘99/’02/’03

Monday, March 31, 2003

FRANKLIN, NORTH CAROLINA

0 miles/111.9 total

Weather: Sunny/Low 50's

HE CAME TO HIS OWN, AND THOSE WHO WERE HIS OWN DID NOT RECEIVE HIM.   John 1:11

Oh, the joy of waking up in a warm bed as opposed to freezing all night in the snowy, cold mountains!  I love Winter.  I live near the Canadian border, for cryin' out loud!  But I don't like being cold, and yesterday was the coldest I have been in a long time.  I must admit that, for living in gorgeous Upper Michigan, I'm a "3H" kind of guy.  My favorite three words are "Hazy, Hot, and Humid".  You won't hear me ever complain that it's too hot!  Promise!

The big event for today was losing our ground tarp.  I took it outside and hung it over the fence to dry out while I took a shower.  We figured the Motel management would appreciate having more leaves outside the building than inside.  When I returned about a half an hour later, it was nowhere to be found!!  Who knows what happened to it?  I don't even want to speculate.  We searched all over, but finally I told Sherlock, "Oh well, less weight to carry."  With that we went to Dairy Queen.  For a hiker, there is absolutely nothing that can possibly come our way that a chocolate milkshake can't make better! 

Tomorrow morning we head back to the woods.  "Trail Angel" Ann Bruce is picking us up at 6:30.

Today's verse causes me this evening to reflect on the callousness of a people who worshipped a God they did not even know.  The Son of God, the promised and longed for Messiah CAME.  He CAME just as He had promised!!  Every possible hope of every longing and desperate heart CAME TO this earth!  Not only that, but He CAME TO HIS OWN, the ones who, of all people should have cheered His arrival.  But THOSE WHO WERE HIS OWN (by name) DID NOT RECEIVE HIM or experience what He alone could offer.  What stubborn, hard hearted, blind,  and stiffnecked people we are, that 2,000 years later we still don't know Him nor RECEIVE HIM.

"Blood stained Royalty, a God with tears, a Creator with a heart.  God became earth's mockery to save His children.  How absurd to think that such Nobility would go to such poverty to share such a treasure with such thankless souls.  But He did.  In fact, the only thing more absurd than the Gift is our stubborn unwillingness to receive it."  - Steven Taylor

Father, because Your OWN DID NOT RECEIVE You, Your precious offer was passed along to people like me, one who deserves no less condemnation than the very ones who nailed You to the cross.  The only difference is this; that 2,000 years later I have taken You up on Your offer of eternal Life and received You as my Savior.  That one decision has changed my destination and destiny forever.  Thank You, O thank You!!!  May You live that Life I now possess in You through me in such a way that, as we this Summer "cross paths" once more with those You would want to draw to Yourself, they might now RECEIVE what they have formerly rejected.  Thank You for allowing us this most precious privilege of bearing Your Name and sharing Your Life before a world that knows neither Who You are or what You can gloriously do.  I love You, Lord Jesus!!!

Happy Trails to All,

Circuit Rider

Tuesday, April 1, 2003

Rock Gap - Cold Springs Campsite

19.5 miles/Total Miles to Date: 131.4

Weather: Sunny & Windy: Upper 50’s

BUT AS MANY AS RECEIVED HIM, TO THEM HE GAVE THE RIGHT TO BECOME CHILDREN OF GOD, EVEN TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN HIS NAME, WHO WERE BORN, NOT OF BLOOD NOR OF THE WILL OF THE FLESH NOR OF THE WILL OF MEN, BUT OF GOD.

John 1:12,13

Sometimes it’s just good to laugh.  The recently completed Eastern Continental Trail (ECT), of which the A.T. is a part, runs more than 4,000 miles all the way from Key West, Florida to Cap Gaspe’, Quebec.  “Nimblewill Nomad” made hiking history in 1998 when he became the first person to hike the entire length of it in one year.  He performed the feat again just two years later, opening a door that several have since tried to follow.  Nimblewill is a legend in these parts, and one of the nicest people you’d ever meet. 

Sherlock and I were sitting at an overlook this afternoon, taking a brief break, and our discussion turned to the Nomad.  Pondering just what a hike of that magnitude might involve, Sherlock mused, “The Trail ends in Quebec.  Hmm.…How did Nimblewill get there?”  I looked at him for just a moment, in a sort of shock, just to see if what I actually just heard was real.  Then I couldn’t hold it in any longer.  He responded with disgust, “I’m gonna smack you dude!  I know he walked there!  I just wanted to know how he got there!”  I replied to my geographically dysfunctional friend, “Oh, I don’t know, probably like one gets to Chicago or Buffalo.”  I’m not sure he wanted to talk to me the rest of the afternoon.  Ulysses asked me early on in our ‘99 hike, “Circuit Rider, how long is the 100 mile wilderness?”  This was right up there with that one, let me assure you.

We had a great day overall, sludging through the mud and melting snow, thankful that the weather is acting more like Spring again.  Sherlock had a great discussion with “Trail Name Pending” at the summit of Wayah Bald.  Later we caught up with “Jack of the Mountain II” and enjoyed some more great discourse.

The decision that one makes to “receive HIM” is a choice not of their own choosing.  For we did not choose Him; He chose us!  Even our RIGHT to become CHILDREN OF GOD is NOT due to BLOOD.  We don’t obtain favor with Him because of who we are or because of what our lineage is.  It’s NOT OF THE WILL OF THE FLESH.  This is not a decision we would ever make on our own initiative!  History has proven that to be true.  Neither is this RIGHT OF THE WILL OF MEN. When left up to our own devices, the yielding of our will to His and the exchanging of our spiritual death for His eternal Life will forever be our last option.

Ah, but we were God’s first option!  His plan was revealed the moment the first man Adam sinned, the instant the Life went out, and the Light (John 1:4) went out. THEREFORE, JUST AS THROUGH ONE MAN SIN ENTERED INTO THE WORLD, AND DEATH THROUGH SIN, AND SO DEATH SPREAD TO ALL MEN, BECAUSE ALL SINNED- (Romans 5:12) 

Father, as another day draws to a close, and as yet another trek of the Appalachian Trail unfolds, replete with opportunities to share You with those still lost in darkness, may You be pleased to use us to help MEN take You up on Your glorious offer and receive THE RIGHT TO BECOME CHILDREN OF Yours.  I want to be a bearer of Your Light and Life, O Lord.  Cleanse me so that You can be free to use me in whatever way You deem profitable.  I love You, Lord Jesus!!!

Happy Trails to All,

Circuit Rider

GA-ME ‘99/’02/’03

Wednesday, April 2, 2003

Cold Spring Campsite - NANTAHALA OUTDOOR CENTER (N.O.C.):

11.5 miles/Total Miles to Date: 142.1

Weather: Sunny/Mid 70’s

AND THE WORD BECAME FLESH, AND DWELT AMONG US, AND WE SAW HIS GLORY, GLORY

AS OF THE ONLY BEGOTTEN FROM THE FATHER, FULL OF GRACE AND TRUTH.

John 1:14

We met “Tiger Lilly” last year at “Mountain Moma’s”, a burger joint/hostel that most hikers look forward to following their 75 mile trip through the Smokies.  Actually, it’s the burgers that make the place a draw, definitely not the “hostel”.  In any case, it was there we were introduced to one of the classiest people of our entire 2,168 mile trek.  A friendship was formed that day that continues to last well beyond the adventures of AT ‘02.  Why bring this up?  Well, as we were seated at dinner with “Scuba Man”, “Trail Name Pending”, “Gazelle”, and “O.F.F. (One Foot Forward)”, “Sean-O” came to the table, introduced himself, and said, “Are you Sherlock?  And are you Circuit Rider?”  He then proceeded to tell us that he would not be out here if it wasn’t for some awesome “Trail Mentor” back in Maine who is committed to seeing him get all the way to Katahdin (the end of the Trail).  Guess who this awesome “Trail Mentor” is?  Tiger Lilly, who also sent us her greetings when she realized we were here as well.  Tiger Lilly and Will, Sherlock and I send you our warmest greetings back!!  The Trail just isn’t the same without you here!!

If that wasn’t enough of a highlight, we finally caught up with “Gazelle”, whom we had heard about from “Gar”.  Little did we know that she is good friends with “G Funk and Dizzy”, two people who became very close to our heart’s during last year’s odyssey!!  Gazelle is planning to hike with us tomorrow as we head up and hopefully over Cheoah Bald.  We are anxiously awaiting the arrival on Saturday of our friends “Manitou Mike” & “Moshe” from Fremont, Michigan.  They hiked with us last August in Massachusetts, along with several teens from their church.  We are excited to have them sojourn with us through the Smokies.

Spring has definitely made a return, for which we are extremely grateful.  We arrived at our destination here at 11:30 this morning, which gave us the entire afternoon to enjoy the warm sunshine.  As you can see, it was quite the memorable day! The One Who was in the beginning with God (John 1:2) and, in fact, was Himself God (John 1:1), was the One Who laid aside His rights as God (Philippians 2:7), to take on the form of human FLESH, so that WE could see HIS GLORY, GLORY AS OF THE ONLY BEGOTTEN OF THE FATHER (there would never be another)!!  How did WE see HIS GLORY?  By seeing for the first time since God created the human race, a race that had fallen through Adam into sin, God behave in a Man the way God intended to behave in Mankind!!  WE SAW HIS GLORY, for we saw Man as God intended Man to be!  Once more God could look at a Man and say, “Good.  Very Good!” (Genesis 1:31).  For here was a Man once more “in His own image, in the image of God” (Genesis 1:27).  In other words, for the first time, Mankind could look at this Man and know exactly what God was like!  The promised Messiah had come.  God took on human FLESH, AND DWELT AMONG US.Father, how can I ever thank You enough for what You have done on behalf of  Your fallen Race?  The Psalmist well said, WHAT IS MAN THAT YOU TAKE THOUGHT OF HIM, AND THE SON OF MAN THAT YOU CARE FOR HIM?  YET YOU HAVE MADE HIM A LITTLE LOWER THAN GOD, AND YOU CROWN HIM WITH GLORY (there’s that word again) AND MAJESTY (a glory mankind once more had the opportunity to witness in the Man Christ Jesus)! (Psalm 8:4,5)AND THE WORD BECAME FLESH, AND DWELT AMONG US so that the Truth about Man, the very reason he was created, would be revealed and potentially restored.In the eloquent words of Major W. Ian Thomas:“The truth about Man is that Man was created to be the Truth about God”When THE WORD (Jesus Christ) BECAME FLESH,... WE SAW God’s GLORY!! 

Thank You Father, for sending us Jesus, Who was and is and forever will be FULL OF GRACE AND TRUTH.  As You were pleased to reveal Your GLORY through Your Son then, may You be pleased through Your Son to reveal Your GLORY through me now, so that the very thing that made Him “attractive” then will be the same Dynamic that makes His Life in and through me “attractive” now.  Oh Father, please be pleased to do that, in Your own precious Name, for Your own precious sake.  Amen.

Happy Trails to All,

Circuit Rider

GA-ME ‘99/’02/’03

Wednesday, April 2, 2003

Cold Spring Campsite - NANTAHALA OUTDOOR CENTER (N.O.C.):

11.5 miles/Total Miles to Date: 142.1

Weather: Sunny/Mid 70’s

AND THE WORD BECAME FLESH, AND DWELT AMONG US, AND WE SAW HIS GLORY, GLORY

AS OF THE ONLY BEGOTTEN FROM THE FATHER, FULL OF GRACE AND TRUTH.

John 1:14

We met “Tiger Lilly” last year at “Mountain Moma’s”, a burger joint/hostel that most hikers look forward to following their 75 mile trip through the Smokies.  Actually, it’s the burgers that make the place a draw, definitely not the “hostel”.  In any case, it was there we were introduced to one of the classiest people of our entire 2,168 mile trek.  A friendship was formed that day that continues to last well beyond the adventures of AT ‘02.  Why bring this up?  Well, as we were seated at dinner with “Scuba Man”, “Trail Name Pending”, “Gazelle”, and “O.F.F. (One Foot Forward)”, “Sean-O” came to the table, introduced himself, and said, “Are you Sherlock?  And are you Circuit Rider?”  He then proceeded to tell us that he would not be out here if it wasn’t for some awesome “Trail Mentor” back in Maine who is committed to seeing him get all the way to Katahdin (the end of the Trail).  Guess who this awesome “Trail Mentor” is?  Tiger Lilly, who also sent us her greetings when she realized we were here as well.  Tiger Lilly and Will, Sherlock and I send you our warmest greetings back!!  The Trail just isn’t the same without you here!!

If that wasn’t enough of a highlight, we finally caught up with “Gazelle”, whom we had heard about from “Gar”.  Little did we know that she is good friends with “G Funk and Dizzy”, two people who became very close to our heart’s during last year’s odyssey!!  Gazelle is planning to hike with us tomorrow as we head up and hopefully over Cheoah Bald.  We are anxiously awaiting the arrival on Saturday of our friends “Manitou Mike” & “Moshe” from Fremont, Michigan.  They hiked with us last August in Massachusetts, along with several teens from their church.  We are excited to have them sojourn with us through the Smokies.

Spring has definitely made a return, for which we are extremely grateful.  We arrived at our destination here at 11:30 this morning, which gave us the entire afternoon to enjoy the warm sunshine.  As you can see, it was quite the memorable day! The One Who was in the beginning with God (John 1:2) and, in fact, was Himself God (John 1:1), was the One Who laid aside His rights as God (Philippians 2:7), to take on the form of human FLESH, so that WE could see HIS GLORY, GLORY AS OF THE ONLY BEGOTTEN OF THE FATHER (there would never be another)!!  How did WE see HIS GLORY?  By seeing for the first time since God created the human race, a race that had fallen through Adam into sin, God behave in a Man the way God intended to behave in Mankind!!  WE SAW HIS GLORY, for we saw Man as God intended Man to be!  Once more God could look at a Man and say, “Good.  Very Good!” (Genesis 1:31).  For here was a Man once more “in His own image, in the image of God” (Genesis 1:27).  In other words, for the first time, Mankind could look at this Man and know exactly what God was like!  The promised Messiah had come.  God took on human FLESH, AND DWELT AMONG US.Father, how can I ever thank You enough for what You have done on behalf of  Your fallen Race?  The Psalmist well said, WHAT IS MAN THAT YOU TAKE THOUGHT OF HIM, AND THE SON OF MAN THAT YOU CARE FOR HIM?  YET YOU HAVE MADE HIM A LITTLE LOWER THAN GOD, AND YOU CROWN HIM WITH GLORY (there’s that word again) AND MAJESTY (a glory mankind once more had the opportunity to witness in the Man Christ Jesus)! (Psalm 8:4,5)AND THE WORD BECAME FLESH, AND DWELT AMONG US so that the Truth about Man, the very reason he was created, would be revealed and potentially restored.In the eloquent words of Major W. Ian Thomas:“The truth about Man is that Man was created to be the Truth about God”When THE WORD (Jesus Christ) BECAME FLESH,... WE SAW God’s GLORY!! 

Thank You Father, for sending us Jesus, Who was and is and forever will be FULL OF GRACE AND TRUTH.  As You were pleased to reveal Your GLORY through Your Son then, may You be pleased through Your Son to reveal Your GLORY through me now, so that the very thing that made Him “attractive” then will be the same Dynamic that makes His Life in and through me “attractive” now.  Oh Father, please be pleased to do that, in Your own precious Name, for Your own precious sake.  Amen.

Happy Trails to All,

Circuit Rider

GA-ME ‘99/’02/’03

Thursday, April 3, 2003

N.O.C. - Brown Fork Gap: 16.2 miles

Total Miles to Date: 159.1

Weather: Sunny/Mid 70’s

JOHN TESTIFIED ABOUT HIM AND CRIED OUT, SAYING, “THIS WAS HE OF WHOM I SAID,

‘HE WHO COMES AFTER ME HAS A HIGHER RANK THAN I, FOR HE EXISTED BEFORE ME.’ “

John 1:15

The day began with a time of prayer, followed by a brief phone call to “Mum and Dad” Stevenson.  They were leaving for the British Isles today and we wanted to call just to let them know we were thinking of them.  Sherlock asked “Papa” to bring him back something from Ireland.  Papa responded in his uniquely Scottish brogue, “How about a Shamrock?”  Then he added, “We know the Rock Who is not a Sham!”  Have a wonderful trip you two!!   We love you both very, very much!!!  Please tell everyone I know over there that I send my warmest greetings!  Oh, and by the way, thanks for the card we received in Hiawassee.  What an encouragement that was!

Following breakfast at the River’s Edge restaurant, we began our hike up out of the Nantahala River Gap.  Emphasis on the word “up”!

There comes a time about three weeks into a hike when you wake up one morning and realize, “It’s just another hill.”  That day would not be today.  This is some of the toughest 16 miles anywhere in the southern Appalachians.  All day I was remembering with amazement the Youth Group from Kalamazoo, Michigan, who hiked this section with us last year.  They did 19.5 miles in one day, a group record that I believe will stand for a long, long time.  “Papa Profen”, you and the guys can forever be proud of that accomplishment!  “Gazelle” hiked with us all day and we enjoyed some fantastic fellowship as we got to know her better. 

JOHN TESTIFIED ABOUT HIM.  When I think of the word TESTIFIED, the witness stand in a courtroom immediately comes to mind.  Here was a man sent by God to tell the truth about the very One Who Himself is the Truth (John 14:6).  JOHN TESTIFIED that though he was before HIM (Jesus) “in time” (born some six months earlier), this One of Whom he TESTIFIED was Himself even before time (not bound by time and space), “FOR HE EXISTED BEFORE ME”.  Father, as I ponder how You have placed me in the “time and space” of this moment, let me forever remember that You are before it all.  May I live continually in such a way that Your Life in me will forever “testify” ABOUT You!  I love You, Lord Jesus!!

Happy Trails to All,

Circuit Rider GA-ME ‘99/’02/’03