Good afternoon to all of you!
I just got home from a terrific morning that started out with our enjoying a delicious breakfast with my family, at the "Golden Eagle" in Madison, located near the town line with Skowhegan... and followed up with a good sermon, wonderful music, and precious fellowship, at our church, Crossroads Bible Church, up at Rt 201 and Rt 148 (Clough's Corner), in Madison.
I thought I would quickly share with you all, the events of yesterday, my hiking adventure, that was to possibly take me on the A.T., up towards Bigelow Mtn. ... Plans often change, and change quickly, so when I left Madison, I headed North to Solon, up Rt 201. I was able to get an Italian sandwich for my lunch, and while I waited for it to be made, had a good chat with the polite young man making it. We talked briefly about my days plans, the A.T., White House Landing up in the 100 mile wilderness, and the like. Upon my return through Solon, after my hike, I dropped off one of our ScriptureSticks, asking that it be given to him, next time he worked. When asked who they should say left it for him, I said that he didn't know me, and they should just tell him that it was the "Stickman"....
After leaving Solon, I continued North to Bingham, crossed the Kennebec River, and struck North again, to Pleasant Ridge. From there, I veered right, again going North, through Carrying Place. (Excerpt from article by Spencer Merrill..."Colonel Arnold and his men reached the Great Carrying Place on October 11, 1775, only a few days from Caratunk. He and his men left the Kennebec River as they headed to the Chaudiere River, a boundary between Maine and Quebec." referring to the march of Col. Benedict Arnold and his army of about 1100men.) I pushed beyond, with intent to get as close to Harrison's Pierce Pond Camps as possible. I finally could go no further, with my 2 wheel drive Ford... time to walk. The road was uphill, icy, with a layer of mud, and muddy, with patches of ice and snow... which quickly became deep, as you went uphill. Off I went, having to put the snowshoes on... after trekking uphill a mile, it levelled off a bit, and at the top was a white Dodge truck. I recognized it as belonging to Tim Harrison. I was encouraged that I might be able to visit with Tim, but wasn't sure how far I would have to hike to get to Pierce Pond Camps. The hiking was downhill now, so off I went, and after three miles, I found the bottom, and the entrance to the camps. Shortly after that, I was standing at the Lodge, looking down at the porch floor. I was a little higher than the porch, and could have walked onto the roof. I gave a shout out, to announce my presence, and two little dogs came running over the ridgeline of the roof to greet me. Then Tim, and his friend, Sharon, followed. He chuckeled, as they were just wondering if anyone would brave the snow to hike in. They had decided that no one would. A snowmobiler, maybe... but no hikers. We hadn't seen each other for some time, and had a nice reunion. When Faithful and I had done our A.T. hike in 2007, Harrison's Pierce Pond Camps was one of the high points. At the time, Tim wasn't open for business, but he was very gracious in serving us up a GREAT pancake breakfast, heaped with friendly hospitality! If you are planning to be on the A.T. this year... you will not find him open for business. However, he did indicate that he will once again welcome the company of thruhikers. There may be a pancake breakfast in your future!
After visiting a bit, we all pushed through the snow, with Tim breaking trail. Destination... the falls. The falls were just as beautiful as I remembered, but this time it was surrounded by a wonderful coating of snow, and adorned with icicles. We lingered a bit, and looking back at the lodge, I could see why Tim and Sharon had been on the roof. It was clear of snow, in full sun... a perfect place to soak up the warmth of Spring, and bake away the worries of Winter.
On we went, up to the Lean-to. Yes... I was officially on the Appalachian Trail! I looked into the shelter, but did not venture in/down... it was about a four foot drop in elevation to go from snow to shelter! We looked out on Pierce Pond... beautiful! We talked about the beauty of this particular spot. Although the Lean-to is not the best on the trail, the location is unparalleled! Tim said that some of the books comment that this is one of the prettiest stopovers on the trail. I concur!
We decided that the best way to get back would be across the Pond, and back through the convienience of a snowmobile trail. The pond was fun to walk on, solid, yet getting a layer of slush in areas... and showing water in some areas. It was definitely easier walking, and a good rest for my legs. We got ourselves back to the trail entrance to the Camps, talked for a bit, then said our goodbys. Tim offered to fire up his snowsled, give me a lift back to my truck, but I declined. He reminded me that it was uphill... I still declined, figuring I could make it to my truck before dark, probably by 7 PM, or so.
Off I went, uphill... three miles later, I crested, walking by Tim's truck. Well, I almost crested. Shortly after, I did, and began a relaxing, one mile, downhill stroll.
I made it to my truck in good time, got myself turned around without somehow getting stuck, and began the ride home. I stepped into the house, weary and sore, struggling to get my boots off. Through all the pain, I had to smile... every ache was a painful and happy reminder of that first day of my Appalachian Trail thruhike attempt. Although the pain was the same, there was one big difference. TODAY I didn't have to continue hiking!
Yesterday was an encouragement for me. Although I have gotten myself a little heavier, and a little more "out of shape" since the 2007 ScriptureStick Ministry A.T. Hike, I was still able to pull off a hike of about ten miles... on snowshoes. I do believe that if the Lord chooses to put me back on the A.T. to do ministry work, He will give me strength to survive the Trail!
So... see you on the Trail, or elswhere. And... God Bless!
Stickman
David "Faithful" Barnes, a young Christian fella from over Plymouth way, (next to Newport), was my hiking partner on the 2007 SOBO AT HIKE, when I attempted to hike the AT as part of the ScriptureStick Hiking Ministry. Although my hike ended in Peekskill, NY, after a wonderful journey of 800 miles, Faithful was able to complete the whole 2,174 miles! To make his accomplishment even greater, he did this while dealing with health issues... you see, Faithful has had a pretty tough life, dealing with severe epilepsy, and surgery! But, he made it!
