Stickman, or "Sickman"?

Well folks... I had a pretty close call, recently! I sometimes give a little thought as to the possible dangers that could stop me in my tracks, when I am out for a hike. Things like a bad fall... but it doesn't necessarily take a bad fall to knock you down. Sometimes it is something that can sneak up on you. Like bad health!

I guess you might wonder how a Stickman, who works hard, hikes, and kayaks, could be in bad health... (I was wondering the same thing!). Well... ol' Stickman wasn't taking good care of himself! He had gotten his weight down to 185 after being on the A.T., but had gobbled his way back to almost 240 whopping pounds! Working and playing hard just wasn't getting it done. I was having a long term affair with "Little Debbie" snacks, eating to excess, and making incredibly poor "food" choices. I also hadn't had a physical in a couple of years, and had no primary care physician... a recipe for disaster!

So... almost a couple of months ago I was at my new physician's office, ready for my first physical. Ten minutes into it, she made me aware that I probably had some heart issues!!! "Here's your sign"!!! High blood pressure... overweight... tired... a little short of breath... slight pressure on my chest... occasional light chest pain!!! Nah!!! ...

NO WAY was I sick! I was way too active, and I didn't feel "that bad". But, she was insistent. I was scheduled for a stress test. Then a nuclear stress test... the results were, lets say "marginally" positive. I was in denial, too. Yet, a couple of days later, feeling very tired, I went to the E.R., just to be safe... (I was convinced to go, by my wife and her co-workers at the said hospital). I ended up staying, and next day found myself on the way to EMMC in Bangor, which was more than equipped to deal with me. I was still in denial... I'm a STICKMAN! I got the best treatment, along with not so good news... the cardiac catheterization revealed that I had seven major blockages... one at 90%, two at 80%, two at 70%, and one each at 60% and 40%... I figured they got my results confused with someone elses, and was SURE I could go back to work the next day!

Well, they were right, and five and one-half weeks ago I underwent open heart surgery. My surgeon did a great job, as did all of the staff, and I survived my quadruple bypass! Yay! I am healing and getting stronger day by day, thanks to skillfull surgery, caring and competent nursing, and lots of love, care, and prayer from family and friends. Needless to say, my lifestyle and eating habits have been drastically changed.

I'm sure that I need to give you all no further warning of the dangers lurking around, trying to steal your health. You don't even have to fall off a cliff to hurt yourself!



THIS COULD BE YOU, if you fall off a cliff, (or just don't take good care of yourself!)

So... I'll get healed up, build some strength, and see you all out on the trails again this year. Until then, take good care of yourselves, and enjoy God's daily blessings in your lives,

Stickman

Gold in Maine!

Gold in Maine? What's that got to do with hiking? I don't know...

Hello hiker and non-hiker friends,

I got a bit off the beaten path with this topic, but I just had to say... there's GOLD in Maine!... and I found some! This week I made two trips to a local river, and tried my hand at learning to pan. I journeyed to New Portland, more specifically, I arrived at the "Wire Bridge", on the Carrabassett River. Now, let me just say... although I was hopeful to find a two ounce nugget, I knew I would be happy just panning some gravel down to the heavier "black sand". I don't know of anyone who has tried to pan there, and it is not listed as a place to find any gold in Maine. (The popular and productive place to hobby pan is the Swift River, up around Byron). Well, on my first outing, I had panned seven or so pans of gravel down to the black sand, and, in continuing to pan out, found no gold. I did find some nails, old glass, and strangely, a "jack", from the old game of "Jacks". I know... some of you are scratching your head... The game of Jacks consisted of a bunch of "jacks", and a ball. You bounced the ball, and scooped up the jacks... not as easy as you would think!

The next pan of gravel was slowly panned down to black sand, and once to that point, I worked it a bit longer. I decided that there was nothing in the pan other than dirt, when... a flash of gold! My first ever! Yeah, it was small, but...

I came home, proud as a peacock, proclaiming to my dear wife that I had struck gold. When she asked where it was, I said, "Right here! Look!". I had left it, all by itself, in the gold pan. She took a look, and said,"Where is it?!?"

...yeah, it was small!

Yet, the rewards of getting out there to pan were huge! The river, rough with large boulders that accent it's cascading waters, meanders down and around the mountains. Kind of reminds me of the Appalachian Trail in wet weather! The river bottom was very difficult to walk on, but the cool waters were so soothing to the feet. The gentle rushing of water relaxed me, as did the quiet beauty all around. Occasionally, a vehicle would cross over the spectacular Wire Bridge, stirring me back to some sense of here and now, and I would do a time check. I didn't really want to leave... scooping up another helping of dirt and a splash of water, I would start the gentle swishing/washing that complimented the rythms of my breathing...

The river drew me back today, and I spent a couple of happy afternoon hours standing in it, sampling small bits of it's gravels with my trowel and pan. No gold, but "lodes" of fun and relaxation! The only finds of the day were, again, as interesting to me as gold. Bits of blue glass that had been worn to a rough smoothness, some nice specimens of jasper that turn bright blood red when wet, and an old penny. LUCKY!!!

I think it does one's body,(and mind), well to occasionally stop doing, and start doing nothing. You likely won't make any money doing nothing, but it won't cost you a lot, either.

So... go hike a trail, or go hike a river. Watch your step, and look around, too! Not all treasures are made of gold...

May your pan be full of blessings!

Stickman

The Long Green Tunnel

Hello friends,

I was sitting here sipping a cup of black coffee, checking my mail, and trying to get my head around the things I would like to/need to get done today. So... that started out being an easy one! I would like to get a hike in today!

Then, of course, there is always the "need to" list. I have a bunch of things on that list! ...and they all need consideration, or I will never get to pick from my "like to" list.

On the top of both lists is "complete the Long Green Tunnel"! That doesn't sound too conflicted, does it? No! The problem I am facing is that the "Long Green Tunnel" on my "like to" list is the Appalachian Trail... and it looks like I won't be able to finish it in one day!

The "Long Green Tunnel" on the "need to" list is, of course, my lawn, which is in dire need of a good mowing. I'm not sure that I will be able to finish that in a day either!

I thought I had the lawn under control. Last time I mowed it we were having a good hot spell, nice and dry, and I cut the grass very short. I had hoped to kill it! I guess it must be good grass, as it grew back with a vengeance. In fact, I'm a little scared to go out there and walk on it, let alone mow it!

I guess I don't have many options, and mowing the grass will be good for me... as I exercise I can let my mind explore the places of the A.T. that I have been fortunate enough to walk upon, and imagine what is still ahead of me! I'm hoping that todays' hike of the "Long Green Tunnel" will be exceptional and unforgettable. Perhaps I will even get to see a moose or bear!

May God Bless the steps of your journey today, even if it is a difficult trail.

Stickman

Hiker dies on Appalachian Trail

Hey folks,

Some sad news up here in Maine... a hiker died yesterday on the Appalachian Trail. I don't have a lot of details, other than the following... suspected cause of death is head injury, caused by falling and striking head on a rock. Hiker was probably from New York. He was apparantly hiking solo, and was found by a couple of other hikers, about a mile off of the Long Falls Dam Road, on the stretch of trail near Flagstaff Lake, leading towards the Bigelow Range.

Whenever I have a lumber delivery up that way (not often enough), I make it a point to stop on Long Falls Dam Road at the Trail crossing, if only for a few minutes. It is the "unofficial" 2000 mile mark for all of the NOBO (Northbound) Thruhikers, and is thus marked, in the center of the road. I am always in hope of spotting a hiker or two, have a brief chat and offer up encouragement and a cold drink.

Yesterday, I was fortunate to have an early morning delivery up to Spring Lake... At the Trail crossing, I stopped for a couple of minutes, and looked up and down trail. I saw nobody. On my return trip, I once again made a quick stop. This time I stepped out onto the Trail. I didn't venture very far, as I only had a couple of minutes of "break time" left before I needed to get back on the work clock. I again saw no one. I did, however, think that I was out of shape, and certainly not used to navigating such rooty, rocky, mucky, slippery terrain... I considered that I would be in a fine mess if I should take a tumble...

The timing of my stop happened to be just about the same time that the hiker was found, and a 911 call went out... I believe I may have missed meeting him by such a short time...

I would ask you all to take a moment to offer up a bit of prayer. I am sure this will be shocking news and difficult times for the hikers' friends and family. Also, for the hikers who came upon him... I am sure this was a stressful situation for them.

For all of you out hiking, please be extra careful around the rocks, roots, and mud, especially if you are alone. In 2007, when I was out on the A.T., I sometimes found myself stumbling 10 or 12 times a day... and I thought I was doing great!

Pray you are all well... God Bless!

Stickman

"Taking a ZERO day!"

Hello all,

Thought I would take time to do a little blogging, and say "hello", before getting back to the hard work of taking a ZERO day.

Hikers sometimes take a ZERO when out on trail, not putting in any miles for the day. It gives them an opportunity to heal, rest, do a few necessary town chores, or lay around the tent/hammock/shelter reading a good book. ...and, quite often, just enjoy the sounds of the falling rain.

Today happens to be my second day off from work... it is raining steadily, I have some "corn on the cobb" cooking, that will soon supply me with some warm comfort food, and I have few desires to make any foreward progress.

There certainly are some things I need to get done, but not before eating some delicious corn! My goal for the day is to sand up at least ten ScriptureStick hiking stick blanks, getting them ready for an application of scripture. The New Portland Fair is coming right up, and I am in need of some more ScriptureSticks for that event. That little fair, co-ordinated by the Lions Club, is the premier "small town" fair in our area, where everyone is sure to see all the friends and neighbors that have not been seen since last fair. Suprisingly, we have also had encounters with many hikers at that fair, and that is always a treat!

Work has been going well lately, and has been a bit more enjoyable with my being able to deliver a few loads of lumber to my favorite places... places that cross the Appalachian Trail! I've had a couple of runs to Jackman, which takes me through Caratunk, where the trail crosses the Kennebec River. The official means of crossing the Kennebec on the A.T. is via the Kennebec Ferry. It is a canoe, and I believe Dave Corrigan is the current, and colorful, ferryman. I've also had a couple of runs up to Spring Lake. That run takes me up Long Falls Dam Road, up past the Bigelows and Flagstaff Lake. I cross the Appalachian Trail at the trails' "2000 mile mark", and always look up and down trail to see if I might spot a thruhiker.

Hmmm... and mmmm! My corn is ready, and I must go! Sorry to run, but I promise to come back soon!

God Bless you all!

Stickman

ScriptureStick to-it-ive-ness!

Is ScriptureStick to-it-ive-ness a real word? ...It is now!

I was giving a bit of thought tonight, as to the effectiveness of our ScriptureStick Ministry. IS it effective!? Are we reaching anybody with the Good News?!? It seems like a lot of work sometimes, with little tangible evidence of desired results...

...but, after a little prayer, and a bit of thoughtful consideration of the results that I DO see, we can't quit now! I was drawn to look into some scripture, finding the following...

"But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. 2 Timothy 4:5"

...I need to keep a clear mind, proper perspective, and not be afraid. Not be afraid of failure, hard work, or suffering of any kind. I need to continue to WORK at telling others the Good News!... and FULLY carry out the ministry God has given me!

Wow! If any of you don't know what it is that we do, please visit our ScriptureSticks site. In a nutshell, we make hiking sticks. Each ScriptureStick has a verse of scripture routed and burned into it. Our goal is to encourage through scripture, one verse and one stick at a time... and prayerfully have that scripture touch the reader in such a way that he or she will want to read MORE scripture, eventually, and ultimately, seeking Christ! (Go to our site!)

So... it is clear to me that the only "problem" with our ministry is that I need to stop doubting... and work harder! ...and YOU might be able to help! Please pray for me/us, and that God's Word will be read! Please partner with us, and make me work harder! The more ScriptureSticks I have to make up, the happier I am!

Thanks for letting me have this little chat, you're a great listener! I'll get back to you all later, give an update, but have to call it quits for the night. 'Til then...

...God Bless!

Stickman

Too hot for hiking!?!

Hey All,

Thought I would take a quick minute to tap out an update...

I was just sitting here in the sweltering heat tonight, thinking about the hikers out on trail, and just how difficult it must be. I pray for their safety, and that they go slow, stay hydrated, and enjoy every stream pond and lake they come across.

4Iron called me the other night to invite me along on a two day hike, from Caratunk to Flagstaff/Bigelow. I couldn't make it, but also pray that they had a great time!

David "Faithful" Barnes successfully completed his hikeof the Long Trail, which traverses Vermont, from Massachusetts to Canada. I haven't had opportunity to speak with him, but know that he made it OK!

A couple of weeks ago, Cari and I went along on a canoe/kayak/camping/cooking excursion to the Upper West Branch of the Penobscot River. Her brother Tim put it all together, and did a great job! There were 12 of us, including Tim's wife Robin, their two teens, Zach and Garret, Cari's cousin, Cherie, and husband Keith, plus their children. What a crew! It was a lot of flat water paddling from Roll Dam down to Chesuncook, then Southerly on big ol' Chesuncook Lake, to the take out. Things weren't always flat calm though... We started our paddle in the pouring rain, and then all pulled together late in the day to get a fire started and gather loads of wood. Things always look better when warming up around a fire! The trip was full of eagle sightings, and, for a couple in the group, moose sightings!

On the next to last day we stayed at Mouser Island, and a tremendous storm came up. Across the lake was a group of paddlers from Camp Modin of Belgrade, Maine. When it hit, it hit hard, swamping and flipping the young girls out of their canoes. As soon as the storm cleared enough to see, Tim and I jumped into kayaks, heading out into the rough water. A lot of praying was going on, for Tim, myself, and the poor campers. High winds, tall waves, and a lot of lightning made it frightening, but we pushed on. We managed to rescue kids, canoes, and gear,(must have had a dozen teenaged girls drying out in Keith and Cherie's big "family tent") and Zach, Garret, and Keith got a call out to the warden service for much needed help. Two of their boats arrived on scene, helping to get everyone and their canoes/gear back to the other side of the lake. It all ended well, with many thanks to all involved, and special thanks for God's protection!

Next day... paddled out in high winds/water, and headed to Baxter State Park. After a good nights sleep, we all made the big climb up Mt. Katahdin (Highest elvation in Maine)! Cari was the only one who didn't attempt it... she had taken a bad fall a couple of days before the paddle started, and was pretty bruised. She closed up the campsite, then assisted in getting a couple of hikers some help with their disabled vehicle. The Day was "perfect" for hiking, and a good hike was had by all!

...I am still in "recovery"!

God Bless you all, stay out of that hot sun!

Stickman