Bark and Berry summit Katahdin!

Good news everyone!



Bark and Berry have summitted Mt. Katahdin, completing their Appalachian Trail journey of 2,175 miles, from Georgia to Maine! They finished their hike on October 1st, a journey started on April 1st, at Springer Mtn., Georgia. They had been hiking as Trail Chaplains, for ATServants, and, although their missions trip/hike has now ended, I strongly suspect that their ministry has just begun...

They were two of a handful of thru-hikers, (5 thrus plus yours truly!),to brave the class three conditions on Katahdin, a climb that is difficult on the best of days. Class three meant some trail closings, severe weather, icing conditions, and a general warning/recommendation that hiking above treeline would be dangerous and NOT SUGGESTED!

Cari, (now named "Mrs Stickman" by Berry), and I were fortunate to both get October 1st off, at our jobs, so on the night of the 30th, we headed for Baxter State Park, hoping to find that Bark and Berry would be attempting the summit in the morning. We arrived at 1AM, after a drive of 3 HRS., then took a rest in the cab, nestled under a quilt, while we waited for the gatehouse to open at 6AM.

When the gate finally opened, we hurried to get to Katahdin Stream campground... we went to the Ranger Station, where there were two backpacks... Cari identified them as Bark and Berry's! That meant that they had borrowed daypacks at the Station, and were probably on the "Big K" already! Cari and I went to the trail and checked the hiker's sign out sheet (mandatory check-out), and found that they had been on trail for an hour already. I wanted to be up on the summit with them, but also felt it to be fitting for them to finish without my company. I decided, rather quickly, to try to make the climb, at least part way, and possibly accompany them on their way down. I started to hike...

I will say, now, that I will NEVER hike on Katahdin on a class 3 day again! I was alone, and more than just a little concerned for my safety. I took some comfort in knowing that Bark and Berry were somewhere ahead of me, and that when they came down, they would find me! Then, of course, I got concerned for THEIR safety! What if they needed help!?... I pushed myself further. If you have ever hiked Katahdin (if not, you should) on a GOOD day, as in clear, dry, and sunny, with perhaps a slight cooling breeze, then try to imagine climbing it with a good stiff wind, rain, sleet, snow, and icing conditions, making every step, every rock, a challenge in itself!

I pushed on, surprised that I had climbed so high, and had not met them on their way down. I admit that I was more than a little scared. I made it to the "Tablelands", crossed it, and pushed further, towards the last good climb to the summit. Eventually, peering through the fog/sleet/snow, I made out a hint of the sign! ...and just below that, the outline of three hikers, beginning to come down mountain! I continued, and could soon see that it was Bark and Berry, with another hiker, Blackbird (from Bethel, Maine). They spotted me, and Bark gave a shout out to me! It was SO GOOD to catch them up top! They had been there for a half-hour, and although chilled to the bone, they were willing to go back to the top with me. We realized that Patches was walking up on us, and after a greeting, we went to "the sign". Pretty quickly, Crazy Lady approached! It was so nice for them to all be there together!



From left to right in the photo are Patches, Bark, Blackbird, Crazy Lady, and Berry!





I was so glad to be able to take photos of them all together! I was able to use everyones cameras for their summit pictures, and as a group... sure hope they came out OK!

Patches and Crazy Lady left to hike downward, disappearing as quickly as they had appeared. Bark, Berry, Blackbird, and I decided to stick together, and descend carefully, assisting each other as needed. Thank you!!! You were all a comfort to me on the way down! There certainly IS safety in numbers!


Conditions had certainly worsened as we went downward... It wasn't getting any warmer!


Here is Bark and Blackbird, sporting their frosty beards!



I was snacking on a Snickers bar... that was frozen solid! I put it in my pocket, trying to thaw it out, but every bite let me know that it was going to remain in the "ice age".


Eventually, once we hit treeline, conditions improved greatly, and we relaxed. Soon we would be at the campground. The plan was to stop at the hiker's register, log out, and get the cameras ready for when Bark and Berry, and Blackbird were reunited with parents... but the surprise was on us! Berry's parents, Chip and Martha, were waiting beside the register with Mrs. Stickman! What a wonderful reunion, after a six month journey! ...and shortly after, Blackbirds folks showed up!

We made plans to meet for dinner later in the day, and Cari and I lingered in town, getting a few things at the market, and exploring. We met with Bark and Berry and her folks, having a wonderful time at dinner. We so enjoyed Chip and Martha, and got a hint as to why Berry is such a wonderful young lady. Berry is so fortunate to have such great parents! Cari and I would like to thank all of you for including us in your "First Supper" after the trail! You made us feel like family!

Well, I'm starting to get a little long in the blog... so I'd better wind down. Thank you Bark and Berry, for letting us share in your journey! If any of you folks out there have not enjoyed it yet, go to ATServants, check out the Trail Chaplains Journal. You'll love it! Great pictures there, too!




...perhaps this is my favorite picture of all...







...and speaking of prayer... I hope you all know that I continue to pray God's Blessings on all of you!

Stickman

Blessings from Boni Schanil, Estonia missions, ScriptureStick overseas!

Hi All!

I thought I would take a minute to share an e-mail with you... It is from Boni Schanil, a wonderful lady who just recently returned from a missions trip to Estonia! ...Go ahead... it's OK to look it up on a world map, or "google" it, (I did!). Boni had requested a ScriptureStick to take along, and off it went to her, along with our prayers for her safety, and a fruitful mission. In return, Boni has been a blessing to us in so many ways! Thank you, Boni!

...Here is her recent e-mail to Cari and I...


"Dear Kelly and Cari,

What a blessing it was, first to talk with Cari on the phone, then to receive your wonderful card—and then to have my Scripture Stick with me and in hand on my recent mission trip to Estonia. Because I have a blind spot in my dominant eye, I often fall due to the distortion of my visual perception when there are even slight obstacles. (Earlier in the year while on another mission trip to Russia I fell twice and last year in Estonia fell and broke my shoulder, and so my orthopedic specialist suggested that I begin using a walking stick.) This time, I used my Scripture Stick while traveling through five airports making the various connections—and it was a great help to me on the stairways in the airports (many airports in other countries don’t have escalators—and I even used it in the Chicago airport on a stairway down to a transportation bus). I am happy to report that I didn’t fall once on this trip. And, even though busy, the airport security attendants often took time to read the scripture verse on my stick! It was especially helpful in Tallinn, Estonia during our stay in the old town section where we daily walked on the very old and rough cobblestone streets and walkways.

In Tartu, Estonia, where the focus of our mission trip was located—I used the stick for walking in new areas of the city. Our mission was to teach a Friendship English Language Camp/School, practicing speaking English using the stories of Joseph from the Old Testament and correlating the lessons with the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. We had 26 people enrolled and had 45 attend, including the addition of a children’s camp. We praise God and give Him the glory for moving mightily through the camp in His Almighty and Healing Holy Spirit power.

Another aspect of our mission trip was to bring encouragement and strengthen our partnership with Tartu Academy of Theology (TAT)—the only ecumenical Christian college in Estonia—training pastors, lay leaders and professionals with Bachelor and Master degrees. The founder of TAT had the vision for the college while he hid out as a youth for over four years in an underground bunker, while his pastor father was taken and sent to Siberian labor camps by the Stalinists. I also used my Scripture Stick on a field trip deep into the woods of Southern Estonia to see the bunker. To get there we traveled first by bus until the roads ran out and then we walked a marshy forested trail back to the location along with our host, Eenoch Haamer, founder of TAT. There he told us his story. His father’s journals from the time of his arrest while working at the church where he was a pastor through his time in Siberia and return home have been printed into a book, “We Shall Live in Heaven.” It is available for purchase at www.eemn.org, website for East European Missions Network (EEMN), the organization for which I work and traveled on this mission trip. The website for Tartu Academy of Theology is www.teoloogia.ee.

Attached is a picture of me with my stick in my back yard in Minnesota.

May God bless your ministry.

In Christ Jesus,

Boni Schanil"

...WOW!... God is so wonderful! May God Bless your ministry, also, Boni!

It is exciting for me to see God working through folks like Boni! It is also exciting for me to see that the ScriptureSticks that are sent out are often used in an active ministry, sometimes even to other lands, and, on occasion, overseas!

If you would like to share a story about your ministry, or how you were able to use your ScriptureStick in your ministry (or daily walk), please feel free to drop us a line. We would love to hear from you, to be encouraged in our little ministry, and to encourage you and pray for you in yours!

Boni, we thank you for your ministry, and for your generosity. May God Bless you!

...and may God Bless all of you too!

Stickman

Bark and Berry, New Portland Fair, Sherpa, Moxie hike

Hello hikers, friends, and family,

Here's a little update on our new hiker friends, Bark and Berry, the two ATServant Appalachian Trail Chaplains that we had the privilege of helping recently. All went well with the healing process of Barks legs, and, by Sunday, there was much improvement. They we're almost ready to return to the trail at Caratunk, but we're willing to stay for one more night, so as to attend services at Crossroads Bible Church with me, and to visit the ever-popular New Portland Fair.

We did, in fact, attend Church. Bark shared with me that it was only the third time in a distance of over 2,000 miles that they had gotten the opportunity! They said that they we're pleased and refreshed, being able to share in the singing, and listening to the teaching and scripture reading. I am so glad they stayed!

After Church, we decided to head to a pizza shop to grab a bite to eat, but Cari called, and our plans quickly changed. Cari was at the New Portland Fair, with the ScriptureSticks booth, sharing the scripture with folks through the displaying of the ScriptureStick hiking sticks, and enjoying conversations with them about hiking, etc.... Well... It seems that there was a hiker waiting there to meet me! It was Nuken, who accomplished a NOBO thru-hike of the A.T. in 2007, the same year as my attempt of a SOBO, while I hiked as an outreach to hikers. (NOBO = Northbound, SOBO = Southbound). I had been aware of Nuken, a hiker from nearby Starks, ME,(practically next door to Madison), and had kept an eye out for him. Somehow, we just never did meet! Well, meet we did, and we had a great conversation with him. He has become quite a traveler, and we wish him all the best. God Bless you Nuken, and thanks for waiting to meet me! Give me a call sometime!

Cari also had a surprise for Bark and Berry! It seems that Baine, (Sherpa from '03), and his wife, Rita, were at the fair, and were waiting to meet Bark and Berry!













Sherpa had just recently been reviewing their journal, and had downloaded their photo of Avery Peak as his wallpaper on his computer. (I think it was this one?) ...wicked good pictures Bark and Berry!




It amazes me how God brings people together! It seems that Baine and Rita had contemplated going to Skowhegan, in hopes of finding Bark and Berry there, but decided that they probably were no longer there... then decided to "take a ride",(they are from eastern Maine, we are central...), finally resting on New Portland Fair as a destination. Then they started to talk with my wife, Cari (Mrs. Stickman, now), at the ScriptureStick booth. Conversation turned, of course, to hiking, the A.T., Sherpas' hike, my hike, ...and that I was coming up from Skowhegan with two hiker's in tow... Bark and Berry! Sherpa and Rita were stunned! It could only be one of those "God things", don't you think?!? When we arrived, it was like meeting old friends, with great stories, well-wishing for safe hiking, and invitations to get together after the summit of Katahdin. God is SO good!

Monday arrived, and our hikers were ready to hike... Cari went to Skowhegan to pick them up, to shuttle them the hour North to Caratunk. I went to work, getting ready to take the boom truck North, also, with a load of lumber to Jackman, a tad or two above Caratunk. Amazingly... (again!)... as I pulled the truck to a stop at the intersection of routes 148 and 201, I checked traffic, and from the direction of Skowhegan came my truck, Cari driving and the three of them chatting! I gave a couple of good pulls on the airhorn as they passed in front of me, and we all exchanged waves. I pulled out behind them, and after following them to Caratunk, wheeled it over to say goodby. We shared our last moments appropriately,... goodbys, prayer, goodbys, and an exchange, once again, of waving, before they dissapeared into the trail. ... ...

... ...Tuesday arrived early for me. It was my day off, and I had thrown a couple of things into my pack the night before. The alarm went off at 4:00AM, at 4:15 I was leaving my dooryard, at 4:30 I was on my way to Lake Moxie, having stopped briefly to get Bark a root beer, Berry a lemonade, and a few candy bars to share. I went up through Bingham and Moscow, taking the gravel road that runs by the old radar site, and finally came to the intersection with the Moxie road, which would take me to "Joe's Hole" at the head of Moxie Lake, where the Appalachian Trail runs across the lakes inlet. ... but there was a slight problem. When I came to the intersection there was a sign warning me that the bridge was out of commission, due to repairs in progress. I was at "mile 2", and the bridge was at "mile 15". I couldn't remember how far the bridge was from the trailhead. Well, I had to keep going, and take a chance, or surely not see Bark and Berry. On I went, arriving at the bridge... yep, I couldn't pass over it, and there was a big excavator in the way to boot. I parked the truck, and, in the dark, began picking my way across the big wooden bridge, hoping to not end my hike in disaster. There were a lot of timbers that were missing!
I made it across, then hiked in the dark down the middle of the road. After a mile I came to the trail! I waited another five minutes until the Eastern sky began to light up enough for me to see where I was stepping. I scooted along nicely, and at 7:00AM arrived at Bald Mtn. Lean-to. I said my "good morning" to a NOBO named Matt, and we spoke briefly. Then, I heard a voice in the wilderness! "Stickman, is that YOU!?!". It was. The voice(s) were my new hiking friends, Bark and Berry! We chatted a bit, then headed out for the summit of Moxie Bald. We had a wonderful time hiking together, and talking about all kinds of things. Up on top, pictures were taken, snacks were eaten, and we lingered a bit amidst more conversation. Eventually, the time had come... and that time was just around 10:00AM. Once again, we said our good-bys, and once again we waved upon our parting... we seemed to be getting pretty good at this! I started back down Moxie, SOBO, and they, in turn, started down NOBO...

...Bark and Berry posted their Wednesday, the 23rd, journal. They were in Monson, the beginning of the 100 mile wilderness. They were resupplied, clean, with full bellies, and ready to go North, to Katahdin. They were overjoyed to find that they were in the company of other hikers that they had some familiarity with. "Big Fish" and "Firecracker" would be on the trail with them! They also saw "Dream Catcher", who they hadn't seen since Atkins, VA! She was doing a flip-flop hike, and was now headed NOBO.

I will end this blog entry with a quote from Bark and Berry's Journal...

"Everything is a go! Leg looks good. Oct 1st is still the date for Katahdin... if you're in the area and want to join us we'd love to see you.... "

October 1st... that's Thursday... I already requested that day off... and so did Cari! What do you think??? Care to join us at Katahdin???

G'night all! God Bless!

Stickman

Bark and Berry, ATServants, Caratunk, and prayers

Bark and Berry, ATServants, Caratunk, and Prayer... these are a few of my favorite things!

If you follow along with my blogging, you might surmise that I love the little town of Caratunk, Maine, and go up that way on lumber deliveries whenever I can. It is a wonderful place on it's own accord, but additionally has gained points with myself and others for having the Appalachian Trail coursing through it. It is also the site for the Kennebec Ferry, which shuttles the hikers safely across the Kennebec River. (This is the only river crossing on the A.T. that utilizes a ferryman, and the ferry is the official means of crossing the Kennebec when hiking the A.T.!)

You've likely noticed also, I have a fondness for ATServants Ministry. (PLEASE check them out online to find out more about their ministry!) One of the activities of their ministry is to send forth missionarys to the Appalachian Trail to act as Trail Chaplains and SERVANTS... Love those folks!

Bark and Berry... well, they are this years' Trail Chaplains! They are a young married couple who are committed to hiking the Appalachian Trail and acting as witnesses for Jesus Christ. They do this by "walking the walk" alongside other hikers, letting them see Christ through them, and "talking the talk" when the opportunity presents itself. They keep a great online journal, through which I am able to share their journey. (You can also access the journal through the ATServants website). Great people, great read!

I am also an advocate of prayer! This is the most important thing we can do as Christians... we pray for all kinds of things, like safety, health, provision for our needs... we pray for others, also, for likewise things... we pray for our parents, our children, our friends. Most importantly, and many times overlooked, is that we need to pray that all we say and do would Glorify God! We really need to be careful in what we say, do, and pray for...

Now, I'll tie it all together... I've been following ATServants for a while now. I pray for an effective ministry, and that they are winning souls for Christ. Most recently, I have followed along (through their journal) with Bark and Berry, as they have moved steadily Northward, edging closer to Maine, and Mt Katahdin. I have prayed for their safety, for "easy" hiking, good weather, other hikers to witness to, and that I might possibly get to meet them somewhere in Maine... yeah, that last prayer was pretty much selfish... So... Ahem! Yes... They were doing quite well, and in my last blog I told how I was in Stratton, helping a few hikers and looking for Bark and Berry. They weren't going to make it to Stratton that day, but I managed to get their number from Duckman, and left a message with them. I was in hopes that they would call me when coming into Little Bigelow Lean-to, or perhaps Pleasant Pond Lean-to, where I might meet with them...

I guess I have to confess that I was more than a little excited at the possibility of meeting Bark and Berry! And, I guess that I have to admit that my prayers for them were overshadowed by my selfish prayer for me. Yes. I guess that in the next few days I didn't pray so much for their safety, their hiking, the weather, or their ministry. I did focus a lot more on praying that they would call me, that I would meet them, that I would have time and gas to get to wherever they called from. (actually, the time and gas prayer turned out to be pretty good!).

Some prayers got answered on Thursday! I got a call from Bark at 4:00PM. I asked where they were, and the answer was Caratunk! Great! I'd be able to meet up with them, probably at Pleasant Pond Lean-to!... No, said Bark... He needed to get to a hospital instead. I needed to refocus.

I was in Fairfield, a pretty good drive to Caratunk, but I promised to finish my business ASAP and pick them up at the Post Office. When I arrived their backpacks were at the entrance to the Post Office, but they were not. A nice lady, Marie Beane, walked toward me, from the house across the road. She asked if I was "Stickman", and I answered in the affirmative. She then asked if I had left a Scripturestick at her door two years ago. I turned, pointing at the door to the Post Office, and asked, "That door?". Yes! Cari had left it as a free gift to whoever retrieved it at the Post Office door. She thanked me for the stick, saying that she had been all this time wondering who to thank. Well, you're welcome Mrs. Beane, I am pleased you are in posession of it.

Marie asked me to come to the house with her, where she was taking good care of Bark and Berry, providing a wonderful meal, and offering up showers and laundry. What a wonderful lady! I believe it was all of God! After introductions all around, and a couple of pictures taken, we were ready to head for the Hospital, but invited to come back anytime. Thanks, Marie!

I'll wrap this up quickly... We got to the Hospital by 7:00PM, with Bark being seen by a Doctor in short order. It seems he has a pretty good infection in both legs, and was running a bit of a temp. My wife, Cari, was just getting off work, in admitting, and came down to meet the hikers. After Bark was finished, and with prescriptions in hand, we headed off to a motel to let them get settled in. I was still excited to meet them and was wanting to talk... my wife saved them from me, and they were able to shut the door... since then they have gone to a less expensive motel, and we were able to provide them with a computer and a guitar, and mostly let them rest. They are planning to attend services with me at Crossroads Bible Church (this morning), while Cari is at the New Portland Fair, with the ScriptureSticks.

I am no less happy to have been able to meet Bark and Berry, and am thankful to provide whatever assistance that Cari and I are able to... but I am sorry that it was under trying times for Bark and Berry. I will say, though, that Bark and Berry have shown much faith and grace under pressure, leaving their ultimate fate up to the Lord, and accepting that He is in control...

So, would you all join me in praying for Bark and Berry? Let's pray for Barks' quick and full healing, and that he and Berry will return to the trail refreshed. Let's pray for their safety, for "easy" hiking, good weather, and for other hikers to witness to... And let's pray that all we say and do would Glorify God!

God Bless you Bark. God Bless you Berry. God Bless you all!

G'night!

Stickman

Wandering and wondering...Who is hiking where, in Maine?

Hi everyone!

Sorry I have been a little slow in getting a new entry posted. It isn't that I didn't have anything to talk about,(...you probably KNOW that I like to talk!).

It's just that I've been so BUSY! (...you probably ALSO KNOW that I am a GREAT PROCRASTINATOR!)

With that out of the way, let's see what "trails" I've been down lately. Let's see, there is gardening, which I don't mind, since we are strongly into the harvesting side of the season. Mowing... not as often! The grass has slowed it's growth greatly, and I will enjoy not having to mow as much, at least up until snow flies! Family is always keeping us on our toes, especially the grand-children. We had a special time two weeks ago, as Cari's brother Tim, and his wonderful wife, Robin... wait a minute... Tim might read this... OK, YOU'RE wonderful TOO, Tim! (They are BOTH wonderful!)...let's continue... They made the trip up from Tennessee to attend Tim's Class Reunion, and then spent some time with us, too. We had a great time, and enjoyed some time up around The Forks, and Moxie, trying to give Robin her first Maine Moose sighting experience. We never got to see one, but Robin DID see someone in a MOOSE COSTUME at the I95 toll booth, as they were leaving Maine! We did take a little side trip up to Pleasant Pond Lean-to, to see if there were any hikers around. Not seeing any, I tied off two bags of Marshmallows to the mouse-deterring food hangers, just in case some hikers stopped by. We then scooted up the blue-blazed lean-to access trail to where it joined the white-blazed Appalachian Trail. We walked a little ways on the A.T., always an exciting feeling, no matter how far you venture. On our return to the Lean-to, we found a hiker, "Space Cowboy", and we got to chat for just a bit. That was a couple of Sundays ago, (the 6th?). We all had a wonderful time.

This past week (Sunday), I took a trip up to Stratton. I have been wanting to meet Bark and Berry, this years' Trail Chaplains for the ATServants Ministry. I had been following their Journal, and they had made it into Rangely. My figuring was that they MAY be in Stratton on Sunday. Well, I never did see them, but I got to see a bunch of other hikers, and play "Trail Angel" for a few hours. They told me that Bark and Berry would be another day or two before reaching Stratton, and I managed to get their phone # from one of the hikers. I was able to leave a message, (and the next day recieved a return call from Bark), and have not given up hope of meeting them, perhaps at Little Bigelow, or Pleasant Pond Lean-to.

I made the most of my afternoon at Stratton, being honored to pick up the tab for a hungry hiker's meal, and shuttling several of them from the trailhead to town. I met "Duckman", "Star Trek", "Pellet", "BoShag", "In Deep", "Son", "The Hiking Poles", and others. I met "Son" on a fluke. I was heading out of town, intending to return to Madison, and quickly decided to hike a bit instead. I swung back into the trailhead, grabbed a ScriptureStick, and hurried up the trail. After about an hour of fast hiking uphill, I stopped for a quick rest. I was wheezing like an old steam engine, as I have been battling a tough cold for about a month, and it has taken up (permanent?) residence in my lungs. I got back up after a couple of minutes, and started to move uptrail. I realized that there was a hiker coming my way, and that he was blazing fast! I was able to stop him, although he did so a little reluctantly. He had a good head of steam, and was making the miles. He was "Son", counterpart to "Father", of the Father and Son hikers. I asked where his father was, and found that it was impossible for Father to catch Son before Katahdin. He was waaaay back, and not quite as fast. Son did say though, that he thought his father was in the best shape of his life, at age 47! Son and I talked for a few minutes, and he told me that he had done the "four state challenge", where hikers cover over 40 miles in a single day, to stepping foot in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania! Amazing! He said he intends to pull off a 50 mile stretch in 24 hours before he finishes at Katahdin, figuring the last 50 miles of the 100 mile wilderness is the place he can do it. I know I couldn't do it!

I turned around, to follow him back to the trailhead. He said that I could lead, or he would try to slow down for me. I told him to go, and I would see him at the parking area, and that I had cold soda in the truck. I tried to keep up... after all, he was WALKING... OK, he was walking VERY FAST! I picked up my pace, and he was pulling away. I began to JOG! He was pulling away! ...and he was STILL WALKING!!! I have never seen anyone move so fluidly, especially hiking downhill on sometimes steep and rugged terrain. He was gone... but a little while later I caught up with him, as he was doing a "damage check", after taking a bit of a tumble. No real harm done, he was up, and we were away. He did slow down considerably, allowing me to stay with him, even conversing a bit. When we got to the trailhead, I found that my hour-long uphill hike had taken only a half-hour on the return trip. It is not easy terrain, even hiking downhill, so we were still moving right along. He was impressed that I hiked as fast as I did! He shared with me that he is likely one of the three fastest hikers on the trail right now, and I am honored that he took time to let me hike with him for a bit.

One more trip into Stratton, with "Son". He Grabbed a quick slice of pizza, then I whisked him back to the trail. I looked up trail... reluctantly, I forced the truck onto the road, pointed towards home...

Well, I'd like to keep typing, but... word is "possible frost" through this evening, and I'd better cover some of the veggies. Thank you all for checking in, and may God Bless you all!

Stickman

Lance Cpl. Joshua M. Bernard, Josh Bernard, American Hero

I dragged myself home after an extremely hot and busy day at the lumberyard... I checked the news immediately, somehow believing that if the following never made the news, then it never happened...

"Lance Cpl. Joshua M. Bernard, 21, of New Portland, Maine, died Aug. 14 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, based out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay."

...So, yes it was on the news, and yes, it really is true... all I could do is cry "one more time", knowing full well that the tears will linger and return many more times in the future.

Many of you do not know Josh, or his family. Those of you that did know Josh were keenly aware of his exceptional qualities... and that he came from the finest of families. He was a friend, strong, yet sensitive, and willing to put his life on the line not only for his Country, but for his Christian beliefs. As we have sat grieving with his family and friends, we have heard many wonderful things about him, about how much he CARED. He was not one to judge another, and held fast to his faith in God, striving to live his life as would bring Glory to God. I understand that he had been given the title "Holy man" over there, and had the respect of the men that he served with. I can think of no more honorable way for a man to walk in this world... we have suffered a heavy loss.

So, I grieve. I know that many of you are also reeling from this tragic loss. It will be a long time of grieving. We will grieve for our loss... we will grieve for his wonderful parents, and the most terrific sister a man could ever have, and the aching pain of their loss...

So, now I make these simple requests, that those of you that knew Josh will somehow rejoice amid the tears, thankful that God Blessed us with his presence, if even for this brief time... that ALL of you will take a moment to honor him for his service to our Country... YOUR Country. That you will lift his family and friends in powerful prayer. I believe it is the only thing that will help them heal.

With heavy, yet hopeful, heart, I ask God to Bless me, you, and, especially, the Bernard family.

Stand down Marine, your mission is complete. May our Heavenly Father welcome You home to rest.

Semper-Fi

Stickman

Me and my gal (and the "Great Moxie Adventure")

Hello everyone!

Stickman here, just checking in... Things are busy around here these days, lots of lawn to mow (apparantly, we didn't plant a big enough garden), and a fairly large garden to weed (and, happily, the beginnings of our harvesting the veggies!). We are both busy at work, and are tired, yet thankful at the end of the week.

So, after working very hard on Saturday, we were very, very happy to see Sunday roll around! We attended services at Crossroads, visited briefly, then went to get a bite to eat. It was a beautiful day, perfect for doing "something"... but what? We talked a bit about it... garden? mow? hike? visit? projects?

We decided to go "adventuring" together! Adventuring can take just about any form, as long as it is exciting, and possibly involves some risk...

ad⋅ven⋅ture  /ædˈvɛntʃər/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [ad-ven-cher] Show IPA noun, verb, -tured, -tur⋅ing.
–noun 1. an exciting or very unusual experience.
2. participation in exciting undertakings or enterprises: the spirit of adventure.
3. a bold, usually risky undertaking; hazardous action of uncertain outcome.

Our adventuring of the day consisted of driving somewhere, maybe explore a backroad or two. Exciting, huh?!? Well, yah!! You never know what you might see! And the risk... well... maybe we'd get a flat tire, or something... I dunno!

So, down the road we went, finding our way to Rt 201, then North. We made a couple of quick scenic stops, spending time together. At some point, we found ourselves at the Forks. If we continued North, we'd go to Jackman... or we could veer right, past Crabapple Whitewater, and we would make our way to Moxie. Moxie... the name just draws you there. A short while later we were parked at the pond, and feeding a huge flock of ducks.

The ducks well fed, and we being thoroughly entertained by them, we decided to adventure further. We started South, down Troutdale Rd., following the shoreline of Moxie Pond. When we got down to "Joes's Hole", I showed Cari where I stepped out of the woods when I was on the Appalachian Trail, and had filtered a good helping of delicious water from the Pond. It brought back good memories, as this was the spot where Pete Lloyd, his son, Scott, and a couple of old friends were fishing from a pontoon boat. I was surprised to come across them that day, and they we're equally surprised to see me! I think it was a Wednesday... I do know that it was a weekday, and I questioned them as to why they were'nt at work. I was told to let them know back in Madison that they were building a new road around the pond, and that it was going well! That tale was almost as big as the "fish tales" that would surely be shared later on! I remember that the encounter that day had lifted my spirits greatly, and that "Faithful" and I then crossed the stream and climbed up magnificent Moxie Bald without a hitch.

Cari and I continued South, and Troutdale Rd. became Old Railroad Rd. We went past Moxie Bog, and were pleased when we finally saw a moose, up near the treeline. It was nice to spend a bit of time watching her, and she seemed content to stare back. Along we went, along Austin Stream, and ultimately coming to a stop at Rt 16, and Bingham.

I figured to head home to Madison... Cari figured to see another Moose. We turned up Stream Rd., and headed North, this time crossing over Austin Stream. On we went past the "Radar Range", a military installation that is closed up. We took a right turn onto Chase Pond Rd., coming back to Old Railroad Rd., turning left, and North a bit. One more right, and we were off to Austin Pond. We saw no more moose, so we got ourselves turned around to begin our trip home. On our way back, on one of the gravel roads, Cari saw something! As we approached, it became clear... Bunnies! They were in the middle of the road, and were excited to see us. They hopped around in circles, and one of them jumped straight up in the air. It was very comical, and they finally found their way into the safety of the woods.

The show was now over, and the curtain of nightfall was fast coming down around us. It was time to go home... We backtracked on our trail, and when we got back home, we unpacked a bunch of fond memories, ones that we will keep and cherish. We are looking forward to our next "adventuring", whatever shape or form that may come in. I suspect that if it isn't on a trail, it will be on some old dirt road...

Until next time, God Bless!

Stickman