Ten thousand hikers start the Appalachian Trail every year. Only ten percent finish.
Whether you begin in Maine or Georgia, the trail is 2, 186 miles long filled with steep climbs, deep valleys, rivers to ford, wildlife, majestic views, strangers who become friends, and swollen, blistered feet.
I began this trek at age 66 and hiked 91 mountain peaks, went through 14 states, 464, 464 elevation changes — the equivalent of climbing Mt. Everest 25 times.
Along the way, I acquired the trail name “Preacher, ” carried a 43-pound backpack, lost 25 pounds, got lost three times, and wore out seven pairs of boots.
Many who start the trail are in a life turning point and seek spiritual guidance from the awesome wonder of the mountain peaks, sunsets, running rivers and sunrises that offer beauty and peace. Or they may seek a voice to share some solace, or an ear to listen. As I was called “Preacher, ” some came seeking counsel.
I started the journey as a challenge to myself, but I found much more when I experienced God’s footprints already on the mountains.
I’m sharing my experiences to help others who choose to begin the journey. I hope my descriptions of the Trail, the people and equipment that worked for me, guide someone to travel these mountain trails and find answers.
Table des matières
Chapter 1. What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You
Chapter 2. Egos Come and Egos Go
Chapter 3. So Many Questions
Chapter 4. Everything Starts with the First Step
Chapter 5. Helped by Trail Angels
Chapter 6. Staying Warm and Dry Is Not an Option
Chapter 7. It’s a Family Affair
Chapter 8. Hiking Rain or Shine
Chapter 9. Missteps Can Ruin Your Whole Day
Chapter 10. Leaving Tennessee Behind
Intermission 1. Decision Time–to Go or Not to Go
Chapter 11. Saying Goodbye is Hard
Chapter 12. Meeting Place of South and North
Chapter 13. Crossing the Halfway Point
Chapter 14. Almost Finished, or So I Thought
Intermission 2. Time to Pause for Family
Chapter 15. Plans Can Change in a Flash
Intermission 3. Falling Isn’t a Failure Unless You Don’t Get Up
Chapter 16. Someone Looks Out for Me
Chapter 17. Climbing through New Hampshire
Intermission 4. Timeout before the Big Push
Chapter 18. Challenging Mount Washington
Chapter 19. The Final Steps
Chapter 20. Epilogue
Devotional
About the Author
A propos de l’auteur
Senior Partner, The Hill Helen Group Publishing Co.; editor, award-winning journalist for 30 years; former English teacher; graduate, Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy 2010-2011; Sterling Awards: 20 Most Influential Women in West Tennessee 2014.
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