The past few days out here have been phenomenal, yes it has been really hot but other than that the hiking has been wonderful. Today we were able to hike 24.1 miles from Cove Mountain Shelter to Marble Springs Campsite. Today was full of steep climbs, but I was ready for them and crushed them without much problem. I think I can easily say I have found my "Trail legs" as the call it.
Today Max and I hiked most of the day separately which is unusual for us but it worked. I felt like we both were able to talk to way more people today. I have found that we both have very different styles of hiking so it benefits us both if we just plan places to meet up and then go to them.
I still find it hard to minister out here. I really just try to talk to everyone and let them know that I care for them. Showing compassion is something I've found goes a long way out here. I also still offer food and stuff to hikers as well. Drink mixes usually produce the biggest smiles, after all it isn't to great drinking plain water day in and day out. Prayer has also been a huge focus lately.
Some cool things that happened today was that I saw a eastern box turtle this morning on the trail. I didn't get a good picture of it but it was still really cool. Also while I was hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway I ran across an older couple who gave me a water and a tangerine. It was really refreshing and I will encourage everyone to go out to the closest point the Appalachian Trail crosses and just do a little trail magic one day. You just don't realize how effective it is for hikers.
I'm headed home tomorrow for a few days but plan to be back on trail by Tuesday. I can't wait to get back out here and continue the ministry. Thanks for all the support and prayers!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:Marble Spring Campsite
No comments:
Post a Comment