Good morning everyone!
I got up this morning savoring the prospects of a day off from work with no (very little) rain forecast for the day. I will take full opportunity of this rare occasion, but thought that I might take a couple of minutes to say "Howdy", and share some thoughts.
I realize that my blog entry title is probably a head-scratcher, seemingly having little to do with hiking. ...But, let's venture a little bit down trail, to take a better look.
There is a lot of discussion among the hiking community concerning the Pros and Cons of Ups and Downs. Is it better to hike uphill or downhill? Hmmm... I think it depends on where you're standing. If it is a wonderfully clear and sunny day, one might find great rewards at the end of a long climb. The view at the top is the prize, with a possible cooling breeze added in as a bonus. However, if it is a particularly stormy day, and you are standing on top of, let's say, Mt. Katahdin, you may be rewarded with your life by simply hiking downhill, off of the exposed summit, to the relative safety found below treeline. So, looking at it from this angle, it's 50/50, better to hike up/better to hike down. What about other considerations? It is generally accepted that a hiker will make more miles in a day when losing altitude than another hiker who is gaining altitude. But, again, there is a trade being made on the hikers' body. Although the uphill hiker is "lifting" his weight (and the weight of his pack) with every step, and slowing his pace, the downhill hiker is "catching" his weight (and the weight of his pack) with every step down. Although he MIGHT be faster, that is pure punishment on the knees! Other factors might include the angle, or "steepness" of the trail, and the type of terrain. Sure, on a smooth, gradually declining trail, one might cruise along rather nicely, but what about a steep, downhill rock scramble? Many times I have chosen to come down these "trails" backwards, just to maintain my stability... I think I am generally faster at climbing these stretches uphill, while facing forward!
So... Discovering gravity... re-inventing the wheel... and the relativity of hiking!
Let me pull it all together for you...
This past week I was out on a simple delivery for the lumberyard, where I work. It was an "easy one", a small load of pressure treated lumber and a few concrete pads. It was small enough that it was loaded into a pickup truck... which meant that I would have to unload it by hand. All in all, that was OK with me... I was going North to Solon, Maine, and getting a good view of the mountains! (the sun actually came out!). As I travelled up busy Route 201, I wished I was going further, to Caratunk, for a quick hike. I arrived at my destination, turning off of Route 201, and up a fairly long, and steep driveway. I began to offload, starting with four 18" ROUND concrete pads... Those little guys are HEAVY, and did I mention... ROUND? I'd be willing to bet that you extremely perceptive folks out there have already realized that I was about to re-invent the wheel... and discover for myself, first-hand, the amazing effects of gravity!
As I rolled the 100 pound "wheel" to the back of the truck, I had to bend down to get under the crossbracing of the trucks rack. As I got to the last brace, I lost control of the pad, and it rolled off the truck, hitting the ground with a thud! It hit the ground with a teetering bounce, and stood itself on edge. The cement pad had, before my eyes, metamorphosed into a very heavy wheel. (much like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly... but not as pretty...). We all know that butterflies do, in fact, fly, and my horrible cement "butterfly" had begun to ROLL, and was heading towards its' maiden flight down the hill! My heart was pounding with the realization that I was about to embark on the fastest, and most exciting hike of my life!...
Yes, I can still move very fast, for a man of 52 years... but not fast enough! As I quickly jumped off of the truck, the re-invented wheel just as quickly moved 20 feet away from me, and gained speed as it moved further downhill. By the time I caught up with it, it was a hundred feet downhill, and we were both moving very fast. I tried to kick at it, from the side, as I ran... it would wobble a bit, then straighten up, to continue its' journey. Now, we could get into other laws of physics, concerning potential and kinetic energy, centripetal and centrifugal forces, bodies in motion, forces acting upon those bodies in motion, and the like... but, nah! Let's suffice to say that I was being severely challenged by gravity acting on my cement wheel.
Downhill we continued! The cement pad had rolled from the lawn to the gravel driveway, going faster and faster, and in turn, I picked up my pace. I kicked at it repeatedly. It was futile. At a distance of about 100 yards, my wheel was going to meet Route 201! My heart was pounding, and I was praying to God that it wouldn't hit anybody driving by. I got slightly ahead of it, running out into the road to warn any oncoming traffic. The wheel flew by me, jumped the ditch on the other side, and entered the woods. The crisis part of my hike was now over! We had safely entered the treeline! I figured that I would not have to go very far now, to retrieve my wheel... after all, it would surely hit a tree in these thick woods. I stood, looking beyond the ditch, at the stupid wheel. It was still moving! It had a great head of steam, was STILL going downhill, and was avoiding every tree in its' way... I figured it might make it all the way to the Kennebec River. I determined that if it DID end up in the Kennebec, then I would jump in myself, just to have a good cool-down!
Another 50 yards in the woods, and I found it! I picked it up, and slowly carried it up the hill, back to Route 201. From there, I went to get the truck, figuring to offer the wheel a ride back to the top of the hill. Once I got back to the summit,(Yay!), I unloaded everything, making sure that I didn't lose another cement pad to gravity.
When I was all done with everything, I had time to reflect on this "hike", and the "ups and downs" of it. I figured to compare two aspects (uphill and downhill) of hiking. Since I had covered the same distance each way, I knew that it was a fair comparison. First, let me say that it was an incredibly fast and tiring hike downhill... and an incredibly slow and tiring hike uphill. On my hike downhill I was carrying less weight, and seemed to be motivated to move quickly. My knees took quite a pounding, yet my heart seemed to be taking a much worse beating! There was danger all the way down the hill, yet I was finally rewarded with a long rest in the quiet and safety of the deep woods! On my uphill journey the hiking was much, much slower! I felt like I was carrying a hundred pounds! My muscles ached with each step uphill, but I felt very much in control of each well-placed step. When I was back to Route 201, a third of the way to the summit, I was able to leave the cement pad at the road, and "slack-packed" my way to the top. I then returned with the truck to retrieve my cement pack... uh, pad.
Once back at the top, I was tired, but happy! There is always a special feeling I get when reaching the top, safely. Today, that was only rivalled by the feeling that I had gotten when I reached the bottom safely!
In summary, in my comparison of hiking up and hiking down, I find that each way has it's ups and downs! In short, hiking is hiking, and there is no comparison! It's all about the forces of gravity, and wheels... relative to hiking, of course!
I have to go now, but, as you all hike along the "ups and downs" of life's trail, I pray that you will see God's Blessing in each step, and that He eases your burdens no matter where you are...
God Bless!
Stickman
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Back to the "Little Biggie"!
Hello to all,
What a beautiful day! I was off to a bit of a slow start today, and didn't know if I would get out on trail at all, but... I managed to get in a couple of miles! I headed North, with a stop at Embden Lake to check up on my old friend... (I meant GOOD friend!), Dave, who was up from Florida for a bit to work on the camp. I thought I might get him to tag along, but he had quite a bit going on, and little time to get things done. I guess I will try to pay him a visit tomorrow...
So, off I went. I decided to head back up to Little Bigelow for a quick hike, and to leave a bit of trail magic. A quick stop to pick up a 6-pack of soda, and I hit the road. A short while later, I was at the trailhead, and parked beside another truck. I think it belonged to Clint Buzzell, the trail maintainer. I was hoping to hear from him if he came back up to repaint the white blazes... but, I goofed... we recently changed our phone number! (Our NEW number is 207-521-4990. I just edited the ScriptureStick website to reflect the change!... oops!)...
Up the trail I scooted, until I arrived at the Little Bigelow Lean-to. I dropped the sodas into the spring to cool down for any hikers that might show up, then read the shelter log. Looks like there are some NOBO's and SOBO's and, quite possibly, others who have stopped by this year. There was a "Rock", and "The Irish Kid", Mary and Dan, "Ledge", "Lupine" & "Black Toe". There was also "Brewer", "Fiddler", "No Money", "Beaner", "Happy Feet", and "Navajo". And... "Gooch", "Animal", and "Bacon"!
As I still wanted to do some work in the garden, I decided not to go to the top of Little Bigelow. I kind of wanted to, and I figured I would probably run into Clint up there, (some of the blazes looked fresh), but I had to go... so off I went, downhill, towards the truck. It was quiet going back, and I came upon a young deer, watching it for a few minutes. On I went, and as I was nearing the trailhead, I crossed paths with four young ladies. They were not stopping to chat... I was not offended, as it is sometimes a very good practice for ladies on the trail to keep moving, and not divulge a whole lot of information to strangers. There have been incidents on the trail where lady hikers have been harassed, stalked, and worse. But, in passing, I enquired as to where they had hiked from, and they said "Caratunk". I told them that the shelter was about a mile away, and to look in the spring for cold drinks. Yay!, that made them very happy hikers, and they thanked me before moving on.
Back to the truck, Clint still not out yet. I had a pleasant drive home, and had a couple of hours to weed the garden. It ended up being a wonderful day, even if I didn't pace out more trailmiles. I reflected on the fact that I didn't get to give away a ScriptureStick today, but was content in knowing that I had tried to give just a bit of myself. The day is not complete, though, until I ask God to Bless you all... Hikers and Homebodys, too!
Good night to you all, God Bless!
Stickman
What a beautiful day! I was off to a bit of a slow start today, and didn't know if I would get out on trail at all, but... I managed to get in a couple of miles! I headed North, with a stop at Embden Lake to check up on my old friend... (I meant GOOD friend!), Dave, who was up from Florida for a bit to work on the camp. I thought I might get him to tag along, but he had quite a bit going on, and little time to get things done. I guess I will try to pay him a visit tomorrow...
So, off I went. I decided to head back up to Little Bigelow for a quick hike, and to leave a bit of trail magic. A quick stop to pick up a 6-pack of soda, and I hit the road. A short while later, I was at the trailhead, and parked beside another truck. I think it belonged to Clint Buzzell, the trail maintainer. I was hoping to hear from him if he came back up to repaint the white blazes... but, I goofed... we recently changed our phone number! (Our NEW number is 207-521-4990. I just edited the ScriptureStick website to reflect the change!... oops!)...
Up the trail I scooted, until I arrived at the Little Bigelow Lean-to. I dropped the sodas into the spring to cool down for any hikers that might show up, then read the shelter log. Looks like there are some NOBO's and SOBO's and, quite possibly, others who have stopped by this year. There was a "Rock", and "The Irish Kid", Mary and Dan, "Ledge", "Lupine" & "Black Toe". There was also "Brewer", "Fiddler", "No Money", "Beaner", "Happy Feet", and "Navajo". And... "Gooch", "Animal", and "Bacon"!
As I still wanted to do some work in the garden, I decided not to go to the top of Little Bigelow. I kind of wanted to, and I figured I would probably run into Clint up there, (some of the blazes looked fresh), but I had to go... so off I went, downhill, towards the truck. It was quiet going back, and I came upon a young deer, watching it for a few minutes. On I went, and as I was nearing the trailhead, I crossed paths with four young ladies. They were not stopping to chat... I was not offended, as it is sometimes a very good practice for ladies on the trail to keep moving, and not divulge a whole lot of information to strangers. There have been incidents on the trail where lady hikers have been harassed, stalked, and worse. But, in passing, I enquired as to where they had hiked from, and they said "Caratunk". I told them that the shelter was about a mile away, and to look in the spring for cold drinks. Yay!, that made them very happy hikers, and they thanked me before moving on.
Back to the truck, Clint still not out yet. I had a pleasant drive home, and had a couple of hours to weed the garden. It ended up being a wonderful day, even if I didn't pace out more trailmiles. I reflected on the fact that I didn't get to give away a ScriptureStick today, but was content in knowing that I had tried to give just a bit of myself. The day is not complete, though, until I ask God to Bless you all... Hikers and Homebodys, too!
Good night to you all, God Bless!
Stickman
Monday, June 15, 2009
Rain, rain, go away! (I want to hike this next wednesday!)
Hello, All!
Rain, rain, go away, come again some... nah, I don't think the rhymin' approach is going to help.
Sure is wet out there! I hope all you hikers are having a safe walk even with the added treachery of rain... and mud... and slippery, slimy rocks! And that is just the tip of things, isn't it? That constant trail-swimming, and staying more than a tad waterlogged will wear down your ability to fight off illnesses. So, take extra care out there, and please know that I pray that you all keep your heads above water!
Since my last entry, (Little Bigelow Birthday Hike), I ran into Clint Buzzell, of Anson. Clint is a local hero of mine. You see, he is a Volunteer Trail Maintainer on the Appalachian Trail, here in Maine. He just happens to maintain the section that I last hiked, up to Little Bigelow. I consider his level of care on his section to be exceptional, and I hereby declare him a Trail Maintainer "Extraordinaire"!... –(adjective French. extraordinary; uncommon; remarkable.)
I've known Clint and his wife, Helen, for a number of years, and, on my 2007 SOBO Thru-hike attempt, was pretty tickled to find him on the trail, waiting for me. He had brought me some much needed gear, and an awesome batch of no-bake cookies that Helen had made for Faithful and I! In typical "Trail Maintainer Extraordinaire" fashion, Clint had passed the time waiting for us by doing... you guessed it! Trail maintenence!... on a section that he isn't even responsible for! Wow!
Anyway... Clint filled me in on trail stuff. He has already assisted NOBO's by offering up a lift in his truck. He took a tumble on the trail, breaking a finger, and doing some damage to the joint. It looked very painful, quite swollen, but he still intends to be out there. He said that he needs to repaint the white blazes soon. My heart quickened just a bit! The beloved blazes! (How cool would it be to actually paint your own white blaze!?!). I know that to some it would seem a bit "funny" to get excited about painting these little white rectangles, that are 2 by 6 inches (5 by 15 cm), but to a hiker on the A.T., (especially thru-hikers), each blaze is taken kinda... you know... personal, like! I left Clint with the offer to carry the paint for him, should he like some help that day. (THANKS, Clint!)
I caught up with another friend, John Bernard, at Church the other day, and upon talking with him, found myself succumbing to one of the "seven deadly sins"...ENVY! He told me that he had taken his daughter, Katie, and her friend Rebecca up to Katahdin the day before! Yay! I was so happy for them! (and a "little" envious). It was the first time up the mountain for them, and they had GREAT weather. They went up via the Hunt Trail, and returned on the same. I was so happy for them!...
...boy, do I have the urge to go hiking! ...and that is the plan, if all things work out. My target, of course, is my next day off, Wednesday! It probably won't be a big hike, but if the weather clears, it will be wonderful! Rain, rain, GO AWAY!!!
...and I, too, must now go away... God Bless!
Stickman
Rain, rain, go away, come again some... nah, I don't think the rhymin' approach is going to help.
Sure is wet out there! I hope all you hikers are having a safe walk even with the added treachery of rain... and mud... and slippery, slimy rocks! And that is just the tip of things, isn't it? That constant trail-swimming, and staying more than a tad waterlogged will wear down your ability to fight off illnesses. So, take extra care out there, and please know that I pray that you all keep your heads above water!
Since my last entry, (Little Bigelow Birthday Hike), I ran into Clint Buzzell, of Anson. Clint is a local hero of mine. You see, he is a Volunteer Trail Maintainer on the Appalachian Trail, here in Maine. He just happens to maintain the section that I last hiked, up to Little Bigelow. I consider his level of care on his section to be exceptional, and I hereby declare him a Trail Maintainer "Extraordinaire"!... –(adjective French. extraordinary; uncommon; remarkable.)
I've known Clint and his wife, Helen, for a number of years, and, on my 2007 SOBO Thru-hike attempt, was pretty tickled to find him on the trail, waiting for me. He had brought me some much needed gear, and an awesome batch of no-bake cookies that Helen had made for Faithful and I! In typical "Trail Maintainer Extraordinaire" fashion, Clint had passed the time waiting for us by doing... you guessed it! Trail maintenence!... on a section that he isn't even responsible for! Wow!
Anyway... Clint filled me in on trail stuff. He has already assisted NOBO's by offering up a lift in his truck. He took a tumble on the trail, breaking a finger, and doing some damage to the joint. It looked very painful, quite swollen, but he still intends to be out there. He said that he needs to repaint the white blazes soon. My heart quickened just a bit! The beloved blazes! (How cool would it be to actually paint your own white blaze!?!). I know that to some it would seem a bit "funny" to get excited about painting these little white rectangles, that are 2 by 6 inches (5 by 15 cm), but to a hiker on the A.T., (especially thru-hikers), each blaze is taken kinda... you know... personal, like! I left Clint with the offer to carry the paint for him, should he like some help that day. (THANKS, Clint!)
I caught up with another friend, John Bernard, at Church the other day, and upon talking with him, found myself succumbing to one of the "seven deadly sins"...ENVY! He told me that he had taken his daughter, Katie, and her friend Rebecca up to Katahdin the day before! Yay! I was so happy for them! (and a "little" envious). It was the first time up the mountain for them, and they had GREAT weather. They went up via the Hunt Trail, and returned on the same. I was so happy for them!...
...boy, do I have the urge to go hiking! ...and that is the plan, if all things work out. My target, of course, is my next day off, Wednesday! It probably won't be a big hike, but if the weather clears, it will be wonderful! Rain, rain, GO AWAY!!!
...and I, too, must now go away... God Bless!
Stickman
Monday, June 1, 2009
Hiking the "Little Biggie"...Birthday hike!
Hey everybody!
I've been a little crazy-busy lately, hence haven't taken time to update the ol' "StickBlog". Since I last checked in, I turned 52 (on May 20th)! I treated myself to a short trip up to the Bigelows, and enjoyed a little "birthday hike" up to the peak of Little Bigelow. (elevation 3,040'). This is a very easy, but rewarding hike that can be accomplished by just about anyone! Really! I did it!
I extended the hike a bit by starting out on Long Falls Dam Rd., adding a few miles to the total hike. I think I tallied up about 14 miles, total, but you can surely shorten it up a bit by starting your hike on the Bog Brook Rd., just off Long Falls Dam Rd.... and you get to that road by jumping off of Rt.16 at New Portland, and "go North".
From Bog Brook Rd., take a leisurely walk uphill, along the stream. You will come to the sign for the Little Bigelow Lean-to, which is just a hundred yards, or so, off trail. It is a pleasant little spot, and features "The Basins", a couple of pools in the stream, for your soaking pleasure. It was a little too cold this time of year to brave the water, so I kicked back at the shelter, relaxed, and ate a "birthday Italian sandwich". Delicious!
While I perused the "Shelter log", and made an entry to it's pages, I heard movement, and eventually, conversation out on the trail. Soon, I had good company! I certainly didn't expect to see other hikers, in mid-may, and on a Wednesday, to boot!
I had the pleasure of visiting a bit with Matt Picard, of Readfield, ME, and Eric Altman, of Syracuse, NY. They were just wrapping up a hike from Grafton Notch! They shared with me that they had hiked to raise funds for Camp Sunshine, located at Sebago Lake,ME, and had brought in about $1,000! The purpose of the camp is to provide a retreat for children with life threatening illnesses and their families. WAY TO GO, Matt and Eric!!! (You can find info about "Camp Sunshine" online... check it out!)
I chatted for a bit more, then handed off my ScriptureStick to... I think I gave it to Eric. I did, however, extend the offer of ScriptureSticks to both of them, and asked them to contact me with a preferred Scripture. (Hey, guys!... drop me an e-mail!). It was SO nice meeting the both of them! I wished them well, then scooted up the trail (this is still fairly easy hiking...), to the summit of Little Bigelow. It was great, but since it wasn't too awful late in the day, I continued on for another 1/2 mile or so.
Eventually, you have to go home... so I got myself turned around, and headed back to the truck, parked at Long Falls Dam Rd.. As I approached the road, I heard a vehicle pulling away, and it looked like I was just a few steps shy of being able to bid Matt and Eric a final farewell.
But, farewell it is, to all of you, yet not without first asking that God should Bless you in so many ways!
Thank you all for checking in!
Stickman
I've been a little crazy-busy lately, hence haven't taken time to update the ol' "StickBlog". Since I last checked in, I turned 52 (on May 20th)! I treated myself to a short trip up to the Bigelows, and enjoyed a little "birthday hike" up to the peak of Little Bigelow. (elevation 3,040'). This is a very easy, but rewarding hike that can be accomplished by just about anyone! Really! I did it!
I extended the hike a bit by starting out on Long Falls Dam Rd., adding a few miles to the total hike. I think I tallied up about 14 miles, total, but you can surely shorten it up a bit by starting your hike on the Bog Brook Rd., just off Long Falls Dam Rd.... and you get to that road by jumping off of Rt.16 at New Portland, and "go North".
From Bog Brook Rd., take a leisurely walk uphill, along the stream. You will come to the sign for the Little Bigelow Lean-to, which is just a hundred yards, or so, off trail. It is a pleasant little spot, and features "The Basins", a couple of pools in the stream, for your soaking pleasure. It was a little too cold this time of year to brave the water, so I kicked back at the shelter, relaxed, and ate a "birthday Italian sandwich". Delicious!
While I perused the "Shelter log", and made an entry to it's pages, I heard movement, and eventually, conversation out on the trail. Soon, I had good company! I certainly didn't expect to see other hikers, in mid-may, and on a Wednesday, to boot!
I had the pleasure of visiting a bit with Matt Picard, of Readfield, ME, and Eric Altman, of Syracuse, NY. They were just wrapping up a hike from Grafton Notch! They shared with me that they had hiked to raise funds for Camp Sunshine, located at Sebago Lake,ME, and had brought in about $1,000! The purpose of the camp is to provide a retreat for children with life threatening illnesses and their families. WAY TO GO, Matt and Eric!!! (You can find info about "Camp Sunshine" online... check it out!)
I chatted for a bit more, then handed off my ScriptureStick to... I think I gave it to Eric. I did, however, extend the offer of ScriptureSticks to both of them, and asked them to contact me with a preferred Scripture. (Hey, guys!... drop me an e-mail!). It was SO nice meeting the both of them! I wished them well, then scooted up the trail (this is still fairly easy hiking...), to the summit of Little Bigelow. It was great, but since it wasn't too awful late in the day, I continued on for another 1/2 mile or so.
Eventually, you have to go home... so I got myself turned around, and headed back to the truck, parked at Long Falls Dam Rd.. As I approached the road, I heard a vehicle pulling away, and it looked like I was just a few steps shy of being able to bid Matt and Eric a final farewell.
But, farewell it is, to all of you, yet not without first asking that God should Bless you in so many ways!
Thank you all for checking in!
Stickman
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Bamboozled by bamboo!... wish I were (really) hiking!
Hello... again!
Went for a pretty long hike today, but didn't get very far from the house... I haven't felt tip-top for the last few days, have a bit of a bug, slightly swollen glands, and, quite possibly, a touch of the gollywobbles.
My wife, Cari, (Happy Mother's Day Honey!)and I stayed holed up in the house for the start of our day. The weather was so-so, I was tired and felt "yucky", so we didn't venture out to Church. Instead, we watched sermons on the "tube". Eventually, however, we felt the need to at least stand outside for a bit! Sitting in the house is HARD!
So, I came to the conclusion that a hike might brighten up the day. I got Cari to agree, even though the day was kinda drear and rainy-like. We started our hike with a brisk walk to the truck... then drove off a 1/2 mile to "Kennebec Ice Kreamery" for a bit of a treat... for "Mother's Day", of course!
Then, it was downtown bound, to Campbell's True Value, to gather some "garden necessities"... I must have hiked two or three aisles! We then headed home, and thought about going out into the garden. The garden truly is one of the favorite hiking places for me, but I prefer to meander in its' rows and hillocks in fairer weather (actually, this year we have no rows or hillocks... just big, beautiful, raised beds!). We made a couple of trips in, carrying gear (shovel, hoe, etc.), then prepared a couple of beds, finally placing asparagus, onions, peas, carrots, ...think that's all!
Cari was pretty cold by this time, and it had started to rain. She decided that she was probably done hiking for the day, and wanted to go home. I felt like I could make it a little further, and wanted to venture on. Off she went, alone, for home. I watched as she made her way down the little pathway between the raised beds, cross a small piece of grassy area, and eventually disappear into the shed... I was now alone.
Funny, I was starting to lose the desire to hike, now that I had lost my hiking partner to the warmth of home. But, since I was out there, I figured to push on to the next chore. I fixed up a couple more raised beds, put the compost and peat moss to them, and gave them a good mixing. I felt that my days journey was pretty much complete, and was prepared to go home, when I realized I was being "stalked". Yes, there were stalks of bamboo coming up on the lawn...
I had spent a good part of my "Hiking time" these last couple of years in hot pursuit of Mr. Bamboo, and thought that I had him on the run. I knew that he had been crippled by my constant attacks, but THERE HE WAS, all over the place, and coming at me with all he had! It looks like I had been BAMBOOZLED!
"bamboozle /bæmˈbuzəl/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [bam-boo-zuhl] Show IPA verb, -zled, -zling.
–verb (used with object) 1. to deceive or get the better of (someone) by trickery, flattery, or the like; humbug; hoodwink (often fol. by into): They bamboozled us into joining the club.
2. to perplex; mystify."
Well, it was obvious that I could not return home until I confronted Mr. Bamboo, so off I went to retrieve a swoe... a major battle ensued, and, at the end, I knew that I had won the battle, but not the war! The bitter foe was nowhere in sight, but I knew he was lurking somewhere beneath the lawn, waiting to surprise me in a day or two...
So, off to the house to get warmed up, take nourishment, rest, and regale you with tales of the days hiking! I hope you've enjoyed our time together, and, that someday soon, I will be able to relate some REAL hiking stories... but, until then, take good care of yourselves, and enjoy all of the ways that God has chosen to Bless you.
God Bless!
Stickman
Went for a pretty long hike today, but didn't get very far from the house... I haven't felt tip-top for the last few days, have a bit of a bug, slightly swollen glands, and, quite possibly, a touch of the gollywobbles.
My wife, Cari, (Happy Mother's Day Honey!)and I stayed holed up in the house for the start of our day. The weather was so-so, I was tired and felt "yucky", so we didn't venture out to Church. Instead, we watched sermons on the "tube". Eventually, however, we felt the need to at least stand outside for a bit! Sitting in the house is HARD!
So, I came to the conclusion that a hike might brighten up the day. I got Cari to agree, even though the day was kinda drear and rainy-like. We started our hike with a brisk walk to the truck... then drove off a 1/2 mile to "Kennebec Ice Kreamery" for a bit of a treat... for "Mother's Day", of course!
Then, it was downtown bound, to Campbell's True Value, to gather some "garden necessities"... I must have hiked two or three aisles! We then headed home, and thought about going out into the garden. The garden truly is one of the favorite hiking places for me, but I prefer to meander in its' rows and hillocks in fairer weather (actually, this year we have no rows or hillocks... just big, beautiful, raised beds!). We made a couple of trips in, carrying gear (shovel, hoe, etc.), then prepared a couple of beds, finally placing asparagus, onions, peas, carrots, ...think that's all!
Cari was pretty cold by this time, and it had started to rain. She decided that she was probably done hiking for the day, and wanted to go home. I felt like I could make it a little further, and wanted to venture on. Off she went, alone, for home. I watched as she made her way down the little pathway between the raised beds, cross a small piece of grassy area, and eventually disappear into the shed... I was now alone.
Funny, I was starting to lose the desire to hike, now that I had lost my hiking partner to the warmth of home. But, since I was out there, I figured to push on to the next chore. I fixed up a couple more raised beds, put the compost and peat moss to them, and gave them a good mixing. I felt that my days journey was pretty much complete, and was prepared to go home, when I realized I was being "stalked". Yes, there were stalks of bamboo coming up on the lawn...
I had spent a good part of my "Hiking time" these last couple of years in hot pursuit of Mr. Bamboo, and thought that I had him on the run. I knew that he had been crippled by my constant attacks, but THERE HE WAS, all over the place, and coming at me with all he had! It looks like I had been BAMBOOZLED!
"bamboozle /bæmˈbuzəl/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [bam-boo-zuhl] Show IPA verb, -zled, -zling.
–verb (used with object) 1. to deceive or get the better of (someone) by trickery, flattery, or the like; humbug; hoodwink (often fol. by into): They bamboozled us into joining the club.
2. to perplex; mystify."
Well, it was obvious that I could not return home until I confronted Mr. Bamboo, so off I went to retrieve a swoe... a major battle ensued, and, at the end, I knew that I had won the battle, but not the war! The bitter foe was nowhere in sight, but I knew he was lurking somewhere beneath the lawn, waiting to surprise me in a day or two...
So, off to the house to get warmed up, take nourishment, rest, and regale you with tales of the days hiking! I hope you've enjoyed our time together, and, that someday soon, I will be able to relate some REAL hiking stories... but, until then, take good care of yourselves, and enjoy all of the ways that God has chosen to Bless you.
God Bless!
Stickman
Jean's Gems, ready to walk for the "Relay for Life"!
Hello everyone!
It's that time of the year... again!
That could mean just about anything depending on who you are, and what you do. My sister, Jody, (and many, many others), is in the midst of getting ready for the "Relay for Life", held this June 9th, at the Skowhegan Fairgrounds. It is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. (Did you know that 1 in 3 people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime?)... They have lot's of other fundraisers also, including a delicious turkey fry, with fixin's, and seeking out donations and items to be raffled or auctioned off. A very worthy cause to support. Jody captain's the awesome "Jean's Gems, the next Gemeration", The team was started up in honor of our Mom, Jean Hibbard, who we lost to cancer. We also honor our Dad, William Frederick (Bill, Fred, or Freddy), who we lost at age 55, and our brother Terry, who passed from cancer at the age of 46. Yes, cancer touches EVERY family... I hope that you will be supportive of a team in your area, participate in a relay, or make a generous donation to a worthy cause. For our area, check out the ("Relay for Life", Skowhegan), online... You will be able to get a load of information, check out all the teams and their members, and even make a donation!... might I even suggest helping out the team dearest to my heart? "JEAN'S GEMS!" ...Thanks! ...also, for all of you hikers out there... this is a great opportunity for you to put some miles on those old boots, for a worthy cause! Check with a team... they would love to include you! Or, consider starting a team!
Thanks, and God Bless!
Stickman
It's that time of the year... again!
That could mean just about anything depending on who you are, and what you do. My sister, Jody, (and many, many others), is in the midst of getting ready for the "Relay for Life", held this June 9th, at the Skowhegan Fairgrounds. It is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. (Did you know that 1 in 3 people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime?)... They have lot's of other fundraisers also, including a delicious turkey fry, with fixin's, and seeking out donations and items to be raffled or auctioned off. A very worthy cause to support. Jody captain's the awesome "Jean's Gems, the next Gemeration", The team was started up in honor of our Mom, Jean Hibbard, who we lost to cancer. We also honor our Dad, William Frederick (Bill, Fred, or Freddy), who we lost at age 55, and our brother Terry, who passed from cancer at the age of 46. Yes, cancer touches EVERY family... I hope that you will be supportive of a team in your area, participate in a relay, or make a generous donation to a worthy cause. For our area, check out the ("Relay for Life", Skowhegan), online... You will be able to get a load of information, check out all the teams and their members, and even make a donation!... might I even suggest helping out the team dearest to my heart? "JEAN'S GEMS!" ...Thanks! ...also, for all of you hikers out there... this is a great opportunity for you to put some miles on those old boots, for a worthy cause! Check with a team... they would love to include you! Or, consider starting a team!
Thanks, and God Bless!
Stickman
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Faithfully in prayer for "Faithful"
Hi folks!
I have a request for you, a simple one. I ask that you pray. I hope that you all pray, every day, (and that, sometimes, I might be the recipient of some of your prayers)... but today I am asking that you faithfully pray for Faithful.
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!
Well, life is never easy, and we all have things happen to us at the most unexpected times... Here is the latest "unexpected" in Faithful's life...
Faithful had landed a job at a local Shop n' Save, and was very happy to have a job, and one that he liked! He has been working with the produce, and after a few weeks of work, was involved in the cleaning of the facility. All was going well, until the next day when he had broken out in a severe rash, from head to toe! So... his Doctor has prescribed meds, and we pray that it takes care of this problem. To top it off, Dave is out of work, yet hoping to be able to go back... They are not sure what caused his health problem, (probably a cleaning agent), and would need to see a specialist to investigate further... and of course, that costs $$$... so...
You can immediately see the need for prayer here. Faithful's health is at risk, his job is at risk, and there is, as always, financial burden. I ask you to pray for Faithful, for healing of his body, continued good health, the ability to return to the job that he enjoys so much, and that the financial burdens placed on he and his family will not be unbearable.
"Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22"
Thanks for taking a bit of your time to pray for this young man. God Bless you all!
Stickman
I have a request for you, a simple one. I ask that you pray. I hope that you all pray, every day, (and that, sometimes, I might be the recipient of some of your prayers)... but today I am asking that you faithfully pray for Faithful.
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!Well, life is never easy, and we all have things happen to us at the most unexpected times... Here is the latest "unexpected" in Faithful's life...
Faithful had landed a job at a local Shop n' Save, and was very happy to have a job, and one that he liked! He has been working with the produce, and after a few weeks of work, was involved in the cleaning of the facility. All was going well, until the next day when he had broken out in a severe rash, from head to toe! So... his Doctor has prescribed meds, and we pray that it takes care of this problem. To top it off, Dave is out of work, yet hoping to be able to go back... They are not sure what caused his health problem, (probably a cleaning agent), and would need to see a specialist to investigate further... and of course, that costs $$$... so...
You can immediately see the need for prayer here. Faithful's health is at risk, his job is at risk, and there is, as always, financial burden. I ask you to pray for Faithful, for healing of his body, continued good health, the ability to return to the job that he enjoys so much, and that the financial burdens placed on he and his family will not be unbearable.
"Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22"
Thanks for taking a bit of your time to pray for this young man. God Bless you all!
Stickman
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