Almost to Gorham, NH

Kelly left a message at about 4:30pm to say that they are almost to the Gentian Pond Campsite. From there, they are about 12 miles or so from Gorham New Hampshire! They will hike into town to the post office to get a package there for Dave...they will be in their second state!!! Only 12 more to go!

STICKMANS' JOURNAL...7/5/07...Thursday...We were out on the trail by 8:30 AM, with threatening skies. We were hopeful to do a few extra miles today, but from Full Goose Shelter to Gentian Pond Campsite was about all we had time to do. We got to Gentian Pond at 5:30 PM, having hiked just over 9 miles in 9 hours. There isn’t much in the way of “flat”, or easy hiking. It’s pretty much a hard, steep climb, followed by a harder, steep, descent. And I’m sure that we would have enjoyed the days hiking much more if we’d had a little less clouds and a lot more sun. We certainly didn’t get to see much in the way of views...For that matter, we didn’t get to view many hikers, either. There was one group of High School aged girls out doing a section hike, sponsored by a college located in Massachusetts. There were also a couple of other sectioners. Tonight, we enjoy the company of two NOBO’s, Doc and Compass. They are getting anxious to reach Katahdin. I had a pleasant conversation with them both, and Compass and I talked a bit about our beliefs. Thank you, Compass, for being candid with me. (I don’t believe that he will mind my writing down a brief profile of his thoughts, as they are not different from so many others that we meet)...here goes...He considers himself an agnostic, or someone who doesn’t believe that there is a knowable God. He, therefore, does not claim that there is a God. He also cannot, and does not claim that there is no God. He was raised in Church, and says that he holds no bitterness regarding religion in his upbringing, but rather considers that a part of his base of knowledge. He is a very well read person, and has some knowledge of the Bible. He is capable of quoting scripture, but refused a gift from me of a New Testament. He likes the wisdom and teachings of the Dalai Lama (the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism), as he considers those teachings to be of a “straightforward” nature...Thanks, again, Compass, for sharing yourself with me. Many people don’t, including some that would claim to embrace Christianity. I decided to write this down to illustrate to you all what one hikers’ view might be. It is all quite typical, out here, and back in the “real world”, where you all are. Perhaps this is a reflection of yourself, before becoming a Christian. So, anyway, Compass, my prayers go with you, as you continue on to Katahdin, and as you walk the journey of life. God Bless!... By the way, Compass and I agree in at least one area. If the “real world” was more like the “trail world”, everyone would benefit. I hope to bring back some of the good, positive attitudes that are found along the trail.

Not much else to write...I was going to try to phone home, but the cellphone battery is low. I will have to get a recharge in Gorham, NH...Oh, yeah! We are actually IN NH TODAY! It was great to get Maine under our belts, felt so good. We will have to do 12 miles tomorrow, if we are to get into Gorham. Faithful has a maildrop there, so we need to try to make it to the Post Office before it closes. We will try to get up earlier in the AM, and try to get a good jump on the day. We will have three prominent uphill elevation changes to conquer, with three drops. It looks like the elevation changes are 800’, 600’, and one at 1700’. It looks like a fairly easy day, but not if I don’t get any sleep. Looks like it is only 8:30 PM right now, so I could get a real good nights’ sleep if I start now...Good night, God Bless!

Stickman