Hey all,
Kind of a silly title to this blog entry, or so it seems. Let me explain. Having not blogged for nearly a month, I pretty much owe some kind of explanation. The fact is, I've had nothing to say. ... ... Now, those of you that know me know that statement is SO UNTRUE! I always have something to say! The truth (the REAL truth) is that I/we have been crazy busy lately, and I just didn't get around to the blogging. In fact, there were many, many things that I could have blogged about, and some of them may be lost for lack of putting them to a page. However, a few thoughts are still bouncing around in my head. First, I would like to thank EVERYONE who has purchased a ScriptureStick. We have been busy, and encouraged. We are also trying to get some stick work done "ahead of time", trying to build up a stock of finished sticks, and a whole bunch of sanded "blanks". We are trying to get a bunch of special ScriptureSticks made, also. They will be dyed PINK or PURPLE, and will be sold to help raise funds for the American Cancer Society. My sister, Jody, heads up a family team for the annual RELAY FOR LIFE held here in Skowhegan, and she is also active in the organizing. If you would like to purchase one of these special ScriptureSticks, give us a call, or drop an e-mail, and we will make one up for you! I haven't had opportunity to post up a picture of these sticks yet, either to the blog or the ScriptureStick website, but will try to get right on it...
...Sickness... wow... we had a wonderful couple of weeks here at the Hibbard household, passing a nasty bug around. At least we're a sharing family. 'Nuff said.
Trail Days at Damascus, Virginia... Cari and I are planning to make the trip South to Damascus for the annual hiker get-together. We are also looking forward to seeing Bark and Berry again. Off trail they are Joel and Cortney Leachman, who served as Trail Chaplains for ATServants, and are now on staff. Craig and Suzy Miles will be there too! They started up the ATServants, and we are anxious to meet them. We also hope to meet up with Mack "LumberMack" and Kelly "Labrat" Spainhour. I worked with Kelly back when we lived in North Carolina. She and Mack have been working on getting a new Hostel opened up. It is located about an hour North of Damascus, in Nebo. Should be a great time!
I have also recently joined WHITEBLAZE, a site for hiking enthusiasts, and in particular, AT enthusiasts. I have had a chance to touch base with "old friends" and make a few new ones, and have enjoyed some of the forums, where I have gained a bit of knowledge.
Tracking hikers... I have followed a couple of hiking journals. Matt (Saucier) & Erika (Dexter) have a journal up. I am anxious to see an update there, as they had been a couple of weeks "out there" with no contact. (They have since been in contact, but not journaled). I would caution, and counsel, all hikers to be in regular contact with someone back home. It goes a long way to alleviate undue worries. That contact could also post up a message to the Journal Guestbook, so that others could be reassured also. ... ... ...
Well, that's it. It has been busy, and I didn't want to get "Blogged Down" in blogging, when there are so many things to do. But... I will take the same advice that I just gave to the hikers, and make every attempt to be more diligent in my efforts to keep you all aware that I'm not lost out on some trail. Until next time... God Bless!
Stickman
Friday, April 2, 2010
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Hiking (snowshoeing) on Maine Huts & Trails!
Good evening, all!
Well, it's been a wonderful day! One of those wonderful, or wonderfilled, days that can only be accredited to God.
Cari and I have been talking about getting out for a "walk" for quite awhile now, and it just so happened that we both had the weekend off from work. The weather forecast was for high 40's temperatures (not bad for the first week of March, in Maine!), and 100% chance of happy hiking!
We had talked, also, about checking out one of the Huts of the Maine Huts and Trails system. We opted to trek in to Flagstaff Lake Hut, a round trip distance of about 4 miles, with easy access to the trailhead via Long Falls Dam Road. We put our snowshoes on, and after about 0.2 miles of access trail, we came to the main trail. It was groomed, wide, flat, mildly rolling, perfect for crosscountry skiing. We had another option... travel the Shore Trail. We did, and found it very enjoyable. It was a snowshoeing trail, and just a little rough, meandering through the woods along the shore of Flagstaff Lake. It was quite beautiful, sunny, with a nice view of the Bigelows, just southwest of us, across the lake.
We arrived at the Hut, an incredible place! Upon entering, we were greeted by one of the Hut caretakers, a very nice young man named Sky, who, we learned, hailed from Islesboro, Maine. We poured ourselves cups of delicious coffee, and chatted with a couple of guests. Sky came back out from the kitchen, and we talked a bit more. We, of course, talked "trail talk", and I stated that I had made a SOBO attempt in '07. Well, Lo!... Behold!... HE had done a SOBO hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2007! He said he remembered me, that we had met in the "100 mile wilderness", and that I had been hiking with "Faithful"! Wow! He also said that he had hiked with, and around, Faithful, further down trail, Pennsylvania and such. Sky's trailname is "Johnny Appleseed", and he was hiking with "Puck". ... ... Yeah, it's a BIG world, but not THAT big! Amazing!
We eventually had to leave, and we shoed back to the truck on the main trail, which was much faster. All in all it was just a terrific day, and every muscle ache brings a smile to my face. If you get a chance, enjoy the Maine Huts & Trails system. It is still being built in stages, but has a lot to offer already. This particular Hut can be accessed by hiking, snowshoing, skiing, and kayak/canoe! For sure, find out about it, here is their site... http://www.mainehuts.org/huts/flagstaff.htm
Goodnight, good hiking, God Bless!
Stickman
Well, it's been a wonderful day! One of those wonderful, or wonderfilled, days that can only be accredited to God.
Cari and I have been talking about getting out for a "walk" for quite awhile now, and it just so happened that we both had the weekend off from work. The weather forecast was for high 40's temperatures (not bad for the first week of March, in Maine!), and 100% chance of happy hiking!
We had talked, also, about checking out one of the Huts of the Maine Huts and Trails system. We opted to trek in to Flagstaff Lake Hut, a round trip distance of about 4 miles, with easy access to the trailhead via Long Falls Dam Road. We put our snowshoes on, and after about 0.2 miles of access trail, we came to the main trail. It was groomed, wide, flat, mildly rolling, perfect for crosscountry skiing. We had another option... travel the Shore Trail. We did, and found it very enjoyable. It was a snowshoeing trail, and just a little rough, meandering through the woods along the shore of Flagstaff Lake. It was quite beautiful, sunny, with a nice view of the Bigelows, just southwest of us, across the lake.
We arrived at the Hut, an incredible place! Upon entering, we were greeted by one of the Hut caretakers, a very nice young man named Sky, who, we learned, hailed from Islesboro, Maine. We poured ourselves cups of delicious coffee, and chatted with a couple of guests. Sky came back out from the kitchen, and we talked a bit more. We, of course, talked "trail talk", and I stated that I had made a SOBO attempt in '07. Well, Lo!... Behold!... HE had done a SOBO hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2007! He said he remembered me, that we had met in the "100 mile wilderness", and that I had been hiking with "Faithful"! Wow! He also said that he had hiked with, and around, Faithful, further down trail, Pennsylvania and such. Sky's trailname is "Johnny Appleseed", and he was hiking with "Puck". ... ... Yeah, it's a BIG world, but not THAT big! Amazing!
We eventually had to leave, and we shoed back to the truck on the main trail, which was much faster. All in all it was just a terrific day, and every muscle ache brings a smile to my face. If you get a chance, enjoy the Maine Huts & Trails system. It is still being built in stages, but has a lot to offer already. This particular Hut can be accessed by hiking, snowshoing, skiing, and kayak/canoe! For sure, find out about it, here is their site... http://www.mainehuts.org/huts/flagstaff.htm
Goodnight, good hiking, God Bless!
Stickman
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Passing of "Grandma" Kay Wood
Hello to all,
A short while back, I shared a bit about "Grandma" Kay Wood. She was a thru-hiker, trail maintainer, co-ordinator, and more. Those of you who have hiked the Appalachian Trail may have stayed in the Kay Wood Shelter, which was built in her honor.
I was pleased to have been asked to make up a ScriptureStick for her, by her friend Judi. I have thought of Kay quite a bit since then, and was praying for her recovery from a recent illness.
Judi contacted me yesterday with the news that Grandma Kay had passed on, and has gone home to be with her Savior. The following is her obituary...
"Katherine C. Wood
1918-2010 DALTON Katherine "Kay" C. Wood, 91, of 38 East Deming St., died Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010, at Berkshire Medical Center following a brief illness.
Born May 13, 1918, in Dalton, daughter of Chauncey and Cassie U. Stone Corey, she attended East Becket Elementary School and graduated from Chester High School, in 1935.
Mrs. Wood was a homemaker.
She was a member of the First Congregational Church of Dalton, where she was a Sunday school teacher, served on the Mission Board, Stewardship Board, and the Women's Scholarship Committee.
Katherine was an accomplished hiker, hiking the complete Appalachian Trail, the Long Trail in Vermont, as well as the 100 highest peaks in New England. As such, she was a worker and volunteer on the Appalachian Trail since the 1960s, as well as serving on the Appalachian Trail committee, as a past chairwoman and volunteer coordinator.
She was predeceased by her husband, William P. Wood, whom she married June 22, 1940, and by three brothers and three sisters.
Mrs. Wood leaves her children, Linda Perrault and her husband, Kevin, of Dalton, Gail C. Tiffany and her husband, John, of Shaftsbury, Vt., Lyle Wood and his wife, Harriet, of Weathersfield, Vt.; her sister, Phyllis Bradbury, of Dalton; six granddaughters; four great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
FUNERAL NOTICE: A memorial service for Katherine "Kay" C. Wood will be held Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010, at 1 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Dalton. There will be no calling hours.
Donations in her memory may be made to the First Congregational Church of Dalton, HospiceCare in the Berkshires, or the Dalton Ambulance Fund, care of the BARTLETT WELLINGTON FUNERAL HOME, 525 Main St., Dalton, MA 01226. Thoughts and wishes may be sent to condolences@wellingtonfuneralhome.com."
I will also post the link so that you might go directly to the site.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/berkshire/obituary.aspx?n=katherine-wood&pid=139818673
I hope you will all join Cari and I in praying for her family and friends, in their sorrow...
God Bless,
Stickman
A short while back, I shared a bit about "Grandma" Kay Wood. She was a thru-hiker, trail maintainer, co-ordinator, and more. Those of you who have hiked the Appalachian Trail may have stayed in the Kay Wood Shelter, which was built in her honor.
I was pleased to have been asked to make up a ScriptureStick for her, by her friend Judi. I have thought of Kay quite a bit since then, and was praying for her recovery from a recent illness.
Judi contacted me yesterday with the news that Grandma Kay had passed on, and has gone home to be with her Savior. The following is her obituary...
"Katherine C. Wood
1918-2010 DALTON Katherine "Kay" C. Wood, 91, of 38 East Deming St., died Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010, at Berkshire Medical Center following a brief illness.
Born May 13, 1918, in Dalton, daughter of Chauncey and Cassie U. Stone Corey, she attended East Becket Elementary School and graduated from Chester High School, in 1935.
Mrs. Wood was a homemaker.
She was a member of the First Congregational Church of Dalton, where she was a Sunday school teacher, served on the Mission Board, Stewardship Board, and the Women's Scholarship Committee.
Katherine was an accomplished hiker, hiking the complete Appalachian Trail, the Long Trail in Vermont, as well as the 100 highest peaks in New England. As such, she was a worker and volunteer on the Appalachian Trail since the 1960s, as well as serving on the Appalachian Trail committee, as a past chairwoman and volunteer coordinator.
She was predeceased by her husband, William P. Wood, whom she married June 22, 1940, and by three brothers and three sisters.
Mrs. Wood leaves her children, Linda Perrault and her husband, Kevin, of Dalton, Gail C. Tiffany and her husband, John, of Shaftsbury, Vt., Lyle Wood and his wife, Harriet, of Weathersfield, Vt.; her sister, Phyllis Bradbury, of Dalton; six granddaughters; four great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
FUNERAL NOTICE: A memorial service for Katherine "Kay" C. Wood will be held Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010, at 1 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Dalton. There will be no calling hours.
Donations in her memory may be made to the First Congregational Church of Dalton, HospiceCare in the Berkshires, or the Dalton Ambulance Fund, care of the BARTLETT WELLINGTON FUNERAL HOME, 525 Main St., Dalton, MA 01226. Thoughts and wishes may be sent to condolences@wellingtonfuneralhome.com."
I will also post the link so that you might go directly to the site.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/berkshire/obituary.aspx?n=katherine-wood&pid=139818673
I hope you will all join Cari and I in praying for her family and friends, in their sorrow...
God Bless,
Stickman
Friday, February 12, 2010
Lose weight by Hiking!
Hi, All!
Yes, it's true! You can lose weight by hiking! I know, because I've done just that. When I attempted to hike the Appalachian Trail, in 2007, (ScriptureSticks Ministry Hike), I actually lost weight... 'course, I have put most of it back on, since then. (I'm at 225 pounds)...
Yeah... When I began that hike, I had ballooned to a whopping, pudgy, 240 pounds! Amazingly, after a mere 800 miles of hiking, I had dropped my weight to a fairly lean 180/185 pound, hanging on my 6'0" frame. I was able to lose weight, even having had a 3 week "sitting stretch", while healing up from a leg infection.
According to one site that I checked, a hiker walking cross-country will burn up 290 calories per hour, for every 100 pounds of the hikers' weight. For me, that worked out to 696 calories per hour, when I began hiking! In 8 hours of hiking, that works out to 5,568 calories per day. In 800 miles, I lost 60 pounds. That figures out to a loss of 0.075 pounds lost for every mile hiked! Did I eat a lot? You bet! ...and I still lost weight! Trouble is, I am still eating like I'm hiking, and I'm just not putting any miles in.
There is, of course, "a lot more to it". Weight loss isn't just a matter of hiking, or any other activity. It is about building muscles, which consume more energy. It is about respirations and perspirations. It is about the foods you choose to eat, their quality and quantity. Carrots, I hear, are good for you! Especially, if you have to pursue them!
As for me, I think that the right food will not only benefit a hiker while on the trail, but will put him in the mood to GET out on the trail. As I blog, I am treating myself to a hearty feast of Ramen Noodles! I'm feeling inspired to take a hike! ... Time to say goodnight to you all, wishing you happy trails...
God Bless!
Stickman
Yes, it's true! You can lose weight by hiking! I know, because I've done just that. When I attempted to hike the Appalachian Trail, in 2007, (ScriptureSticks Ministry Hike), I actually lost weight... 'course, I have put most of it back on, since then. (I'm at 225 pounds)...
Yeah... When I began that hike, I had ballooned to a whopping, pudgy, 240 pounds! Amazingly, after a mere 800 miles of hiking, I had dropped my weight to a fairly lean 180/185 pound, hanging on my 6'0" frame. I was able to lose weight, even having had a 3 week "sitting stretch", while healing up from a leg infection.
According to one site that I checked, a hiker walking cross-country will burn up 290 calories per hour, for every 100 pounds of the hikers' weight. For me, that worked out to 696 calories per hour, when I began hiking! In 8 hours of hiking, that works out to 5,568 calories per day. In 800 miles, I lost 60 pounds. That figures out to a loss of 0.075 pounds lost for every mile hiked! Did I eat a lot? You bet! ...and I still lost weight! Trouble is, I am still eating like I'm hiking, and I'm just not putting any miles in.
There is, of course, "a lot more to it". Weight loss isn't just a matter of hiking, or any other activity. It is about building muscles, which consume more energy. It is about respirations and perspirations. It is about the foods you choose to eat, their quality and quantity. Carrots, I hear, are good for you! Especially, if you have to pursue them!
As for me, I think that the right food will not only benefit a hiker while on the trail, but will put him in the mood to GET out on the trail. As I blog, I am treating myself to a hearty feast of Ramen Noodles! I'm feeling inspired to take a hike! ... Time to say goodnight to you all, wishing you happy trails...
God Bless!
Stickman
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Get out and walk... hiking with Job!
Hello everyone!
I am the Great Procrastinator! I am slow to getting around to... just about anything. My intentions are, of course, well-intentioned, but I often need encouragement, a better perspective, and a nudge.
The other day, just as things are going terrifically ho-hum, Cari (Mrs. Stickman), came home from work with potential automotive issues. Seems that when she let up on the gas, the lights would dim considerably. Well... I'd look at in in the morning, in daylight. It was probably just a loose belt... I hoped.
Nope! Lots of anti-freeze all over the alternator, belts, etc., obviously a job for my trusty mechanic. Off I went to Wilkinson's Garage, for a water pump replacement, and a one-mile-ish hike home. I was thankful for the hike, and thankful that my troubles are small. (Can you believe a couple of muscles were just a little bit sore?!?)
I got to thinking... my troubles really ARE small.
I started reading the Bible start to finish, (one-year plan), the other day, but chronologically. I have started reading the book of Job. I suppose many of you know the story of Job, but I would like to share part of that story with you...
"JOB 1:13 One day when Job's sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother's house,
JOB 1:14 a messenger came to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby,
JOB 1:15 and the Sabeans attacked and carried them off. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"
JOB 1:16 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, "The fire of God fell from the sky and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"
JOB 1:17 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, "The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and carried them off. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"
JOB 1:18 While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, "Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother's house,
JOB 1:19 when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!""
Now, there's a man with TROUBLES! (and that was just the beginning of his troubles!) But, what did he do? How did he handle it??? You can bet it was the wrong day to head to Las Vegas!!!
"JOB 1:20 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship
JOB 1:21 and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.""
He PRAISED GOD! WOW! Isn't that the way we should be? We often don't even give God the Praise that is HIS when things are going "gee, golly, swell!".
...so we had to juggle a bit, with the truck, to get us both to work. Big DEAL! It all went well, Cari drove me to work, (Skowhegan Agway this week), for 8AM. Then she came home. She picked me up at Agway at 2PM, I drove her to the Hospital, to her work. I commented to her that I had considered that our troubles were nothing compared to Job's... I told her I loved her, and drove off. ... ...
I was returning to finish my work at Agway, when the truck started to pull to the left. Flat tire!?! Another hike!?! My blood pressure went up a bit, as I wasn't ready to hike! I swung it in to Irving's to get a shot of air, and as soon as I stopped, I realized the problem. I had a driver's side front brake hanging up, and it was getting HOT! (BP still going up a bit...)
I managed to get the truck back to Agway, a couple of places up the road. I only had a few minutes left of my lunch period left, so couldn't really work on it. I told myself... my troubles are small... I will Praise God!
I was really starting to think that ol' Job and I might be treading on some of the same trail. I was also giving some thought as to how I was going to get home, and, more importantly, how was Mrs. Stickman getting home? After all, it would be about an 8 mile nighthike. (I know that the Appalachian Trail is a wee bit longer, but still,... 8 miles...)I prayed that the brakes would release once it cooled down.
No nighthiking on this night. I finished the day, went to the truck, and LO, and BEHOLD, the brake had released once cooled down. I took it for a test drive... picked up the better half, picked up the car at Wilkinson's, and came home.
PRAISE GOD!
I know I really need to give more consideration to God. He deserves my Praise all the time. He deserves it even when it seems that He has forgotten to Bless me and mine. I will continue to pray for God's Blessings on you and yours. 'Till next time, Praise God, and God Bless you!
P.S. Check this out, Bible in a Year ... http://www.bibleinayear.org/signup.asp
Stickman
I am the Great Procrastinator! I am slow to getting around to... just about anything. My intentions are, of course, well-intentioned, but I often need encouragement, a better perspective, and a nudge.
The other day, just as things are going terrifically ho-hum, Cari (Mrs. Stickman), came home from work with potential automotive issues. Seems that when she let up on the gas, the lights would dim considerably. Well... I'd look at in in the morning, in daylight. It was probably just a loose belt... I hoped.
Nope! Lots of anti-freeze all over the alternator, belts, etc., obviously a job for my trusty mechanic. Off I went to Wilkinson's Garage, for a water pump replacement, and a one-mile-ish hike home. I was thankful for the hike, and thankful that my troubles are small. (Can you believe a couple of muscles were just a little bit sore?!?)
I got to thinking... my troubles really ARE small.
I started reading the Bible start to finish, (one-year plan), the other day, but chronologically. I have started reading the book of Job. I suppose many of you know the story of Job, but I would like to share part of that story with you...
"JOB 1:13 One day when Job's sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother's house,
JOB 1:14 a messenger came to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby,
JOB 1:15 and the Sabeans attacked and carried them off. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"
JOB 1:16 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, "The fire of God fell from the sky and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"
JOB 1:17 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, "The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and carried them off. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"
JOB 1:18 While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, "Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother's house,
JOB 1:19 when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!""
Now, there's a man with TROUBLES! (and that was just the beginning of his troubles!) But, what did he do? How did he handle it??? You can bet it was the wrong day to head to Las Vegas!!!
"JOB 1:20 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship
JOB 1:21 and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.""
He PRAISED GOD! WOW! Isn't that the way we should be? We often don't even give God the Praise that is HIS when things are going "gee, golly, swell!".
...so we had to juggle a bit, with the truck, to get us both to work. Big DEAL! It all went well, Cari drove me to work, (Skowhegan Agway this week), for 8AM. Then she came home. She picked me up at Agway at 2PM, I drove her to the Hospital, to her work. I commented to her that I had considered that our troubles were nothing compared to Job's... I told her I loved her, and drove off. ... ...
I was returning to finish my work at Agway, when the truck started to pull to the left. Flat tire!?! Another hike!?! My blood pressure went up a bit, as I wasn't ready to hike! I swung it in to Irving's to get a shot of air, and as soon as I stopped, I realized the problem. I had a driver's side front brake hanging up, and it was getting HOT! (BP still going up a bit...)
I managed to get the truck back to Agway, a couple of places up the road. I only had a few minutes left of my lunch period left, so couldn't really work on it. I told myself... my troubles are small... I will Praise God!
I was really starting to think that ol' Job and I might be treading on some of the same trail. I was also giving some thought as to how I was going to get home, and, more importantly, how was Mrs. Stickman getting home? After all, it would be about an 8 mile nighthike. (I know that the Appalachian Trail is a wee bit longer, but still,... 8 miles...)I prayed that the brakes would release once it cooled down.
No nighthiking on this night. I finished the day, went to the truck, and LO, and BEHOLD, the brake had released once cooled down. I took it for a test drive... picked up the better half, picked up the car at Wilkinson's, and came home.
PRAISE GOD!
I know I really need to give more consideration to God. He deserves my Praise all the time. He deserves it even when it seems that He has forgotten to Bless me and mine. I will continue to pray for God's Blessings on you and yours. 'Till next time, Praise God, and God Bless you!
P.S. Check this out, Bible in a Year ... http://www.bibleinayear.org/signup.asp
Stickman
Sunday, January 17, 2010
ScriptureStick 2010 Appalachian Trail Hiking Ministry... moving forward towards 2011!
Hello everyone!
Stickman here, stopping for a short break before moving a little further downtrail... OK... So I'm not on trail yet, but I thought I would take a minute to make an entry in the "journal".
I thought I would let you all know the status of the much anticipated 2011 Appalachian Trail / ScriptureStick Ministry Hike. At this point, it's moving forward!
For those of you not familier with what we do, let me explain. My wife, Cari (Mrs. Stickman), and I have been making ScriptureStick Hiking Sticks for quite some time now. 
The intent is to put scripture (God's WORD) into the hands of hikers, encouraging them, and letting God's word travel the hiking trails, witnessing to all who read them.
In actuality, ScriptureSticks have gone out to all sorts of folks, all about the United States, and overseas.
We have even made ScriptureSticks with the Scripture crafted onto the Stick in Swahili. Those ScriptureSticks are in Kenya!
We minister in other ways, too! We attend local fairs, and craft shows, where passersby stop and read scripture. We "Gift" many ScriptureSticks throughout the year, and make charitable donations of ScriptureSticks to local worthy causes. We also try to maintain a trail presence up here in Maine, attempting to assist Hikers as they make their way down the trail, by providing a ride to town, offering a drink, a bite to eat, and any other support which we could offer.
In 2007, we were able to get ScriptureSticks Hiking Ministry out on the Appalachian Trail in an attempted thru-hike. (Read about it in previous blog posts!) It was a SOBO attempt, hiking from Maine, southward, towards Springer Mtn., GA. The hike fell a little short of Georgia, ending in Peekskill, NY,(800 miles hiked!), but the ministry aspect was a total success! I met many hikers,offering up help and conversation. A few hundred ScriptureSticks were gifted during this time, on trail and off!
... Back to the 2011 hike! We are still defining hike details, and how we might best be witnesses. The "Plan" at this point, is to hike out of Georgia, with the NOBO's, before March 1st, get to know and help my fellow hikers, come off trail in NY... return to Maine by June 1st... work... assist the SOBO's... assist my NOBO hiker friends as they enter Maine on their final leg of their hike! And, of course, there will be many ScriptureSticks gifted along the way!
At this point, we are defining timing, work issues, ministry "wants", and monetary "needs". You might be able to help us with that last one! What we are praying for, is that you, and many others, will simply purchase a ScriptureStick! You might procure one for yourself, and get out there and hike, or purchase one for a friend. Another option is to purchase a ScriptureStick to be "gifted" during the hike! You can also help us by sharing! Please share with family and friends, making them aware of our ministry. Share with them our blog...
http://scripturesticks.blogspot.com/
Share with them our ScriptureSticks Ministry site! ...
http://www.scripturesticks.com/Home_Page.php
Whatever way you can be a help... will be appreciated! Please remember to PRAY for Mrs. Stickman and I... it will be MOST appreciated!
Take care, God Bless!
Stickman
Stickman here, stopping for a short break before moving a little further downtrail... OK... So I'm not on trail yet, but I thought I would take a minute to make an entry in the "journal".
I thought I would let you all know the status of the much anticipated 2011 Appalachian Trail / ScriptureStick Ministry Hike. At this point, it's moving forward!
For those of you not familier with what we do, let me explain. My wife, Cari (Mrs. Stickman), and I have been making ScriptureStick Hiking Sticks for quite some time now. 
The intent is to put scripture (God's WORD) into the hands of hikers, encouraging them, and letting God's word travel the hiking trails, witnessing to all who read them.
In actuality, ScriptureSticks have gone out to all sorts of folks, all about the United States, and overseas.
We have even made ScriptureSticks with the Scripture crafted onto the Stick in Swahili. Those ScriptureSticks are in Kenya!
We minister in other ways, too! We attend local fairs, and craft shows, where passersby stop and read scripture. We "Gift" many ScriptureSticks throughout the year, and make charitable donations of ScriptureSticks to local worthy causes. We also try to maintain a trail presence up here in Maine, attempting to assist Hikers as they make their way down the trail, by providing a ride to town, offering a drink, a bite to eat, and any other support which we could offer.
In 2007, we were able to get ScriptureSticks Hiking Ministry out on the Appalachian Trail in an attempted thru-hike. (Read about it in previous blog posts!) It was a SOBO attempt, hiking from Maine, southward, towards Springer Mtn., GA. The hike fell a little short of Georgia, ending in Peekskill, NY,(800 miles hiked!), but the ministry aspect was a total success! I met many hikers,offering up help and conversation. A few hundred ScriptureSticks were gifted during this time, on trail and off!
... Back to the 2011 hike! We are still defining hike details, and how we might best be witnesses. The "Plan" at this point, is to hike out of Georgia, with the NOBO's, before March 1st, get to know and help my fellow hikers, come off trail in NY... return to Maine by June 1st... work... assist the SOBO's... assist my NOBO hiker friends as they enter Maine on their final leg of their hike! And, of course, there will be many ScriptureSticks gifted along the way!
At this point, we are defining timing, work issues, ministry "wants", and monetary "needs". You might be able to help us with that last one! What we are praying for, is that you, and many others, will simply purchase a ScriptureStick! You might procure one for yourself, and get out there and hike, or purchase one for a friend. Another option is to purchase a ScriptureStick to be "gifted" during the hike! You can also help us by sharing! Please share with family and friends, making them aware of our ministry. Share with them our blog...
http://scripturesticks.blogspot.com/
Share with them our ScriptureSticks Ministry site! ...
http://www.scripturesticks.com/Home_Page.php
Whatever way you can be a help... will be appreciated! Please remember to PRAY for Mrs. Stickman and I... it will be MOST appreciated!
Take care, God Bless!
Stickman
Monday, January 4, 2010
So... What's your plan, Stickman?
Hello All,
I took a bit of time to jump online these last couple of days, trying to check out a few of the 2010 Appalachian Trail Thru-hiker "hopefuls". I don't call them "hopefuls" in any sense to try to demean their efforts. But, having given a thruhike a shot in 2007,(800 miles SOBO), I know that a person making the thruhike attempt remains "hopeful" until the hike ends... fully completed, or not. I hope, (and PRAY), the best for all of them, and wish them a safe, happy, and complete hike, no matter the distance.
It is wonderful, seeing everyone prepare... doing gear checks, revising their itinerary, completely changing hike direction, NOBO to SOBO, SOBO to NOBO, or perhaps considering a FLIP. Looking for hiking partners, rides to the terminus, looking for advice. Doing a "shakedown hike". Giving advice. Deciding when to tell the Boss. Counting the pennies one more time...
I think that a lot of people have a misconception about attempting a thru-hike. I think that they do believe that hiking over 2,000 miles is tough. I also think that a lot of folks think that hikers have just decided to drop out of society, be irresponsible for five or six months, and... OK, OK! ...So, there may be a LITTLE truth to that point of view! But, the fact is, no matter what gets you on the trail, whether it's a lifelong dream, or the recent nudging of a good friend to tag along, very seldom does ANYONE step out on that trail without having at least a skeleton of a plan, and know a bit more about the trail than just how to find it.
So, in my checking out the Class of 2010 enrollees, I also garnered information along the way. I "inadvertently" was figuring out how to get back on trail! No, that's a lie! I was researching! YES! I WANT to go back on trail! ...which leads us to ask the question...
So... What's your plan, Stickman?
Not sure, yet. Hazy... hazy...
...March 1st, 2011? NOBO? Springer Mtn., Georgia, to Greymoor Friary in Peekskill, New York? Hazy... hazy...
...but, I think the fog is lifting! I will do the research, PRAY, check on finance, PRAY, lose some weight, and exercise, and PRAY! ...I hope you will keep me in prayer on this... seriously.
In turn, I will continue to pray for all of you, and ask for God's Blessings for you, too.
Good night,
Stickman
I took a bit of time to jump online these last couple of days, trying to check out a few of the 2010 Appalachian Trail Thru-hiker "hopefuls". I don't call them "hopefuls" in any sense to try to demean their efforts. But, having given a thruhike a shot in 2007,(800 miles SOBO), I know that a person making the thruhike attempt remains "hopeful" until the hike ends... fully completed, or not. I hope, (and PRAY), the best for all of them, and wish them a safe, happy, and complete hike, no matter the distance.
It is wonderful, seeing everyone prepare... doing gear checks, revising their itinerary, completely changing hike direction, NOBO to SOBO, SOBO to NOBO, or perhaps considering a FLIP. Looking for hiking partners, rides to the terminus, looking for advice. Doing a "shakedown hike". Giving advice. Deciding when to tell the Boss. Counting the pennies one more time...
I think that a lot of people have a misconception about attempting a thru-hike. I think that they do believe that hiking over 2,000 miles is tough. I also think that a lot of folks think that hikers have just decided to drop out of society, be irresponsible for five or six months, and... OK, OK! ...So, there may be a LITTLE truth to that point of view! But, the fact is, no matter what gets you on the trail, whether it's a lifelong dream, or the recent nudging of a good friend to tag along, very seldom does ANYONE step out on that trail without having at least a skeleton of a plan, and know a bit more about the trail than just how to find it.
So, in my checking out the Class of 2010 enrollees, I also garnered information along the way. I "inadvertently" was figuring out how to get back on trail! No, that's a lie! I was researching! YES! I WANT to go back on trail! ...which leads us to ask the question...
So... What's your plan, Stickman?
Not sure, yet. Hazy... hazy...
...March 1st, 2011? NOBO? Springer Mtn., Georgia, to Greymoor Friary in Peekskill, New York? Hazy... hazy...
...but, I think the fog is lifting! I will do the research, PRAY, check on finance, PRAY, lose some weight, and exercise, and PRAY! ...I hope you will keep me in prayer on this... seriously.
In turn, I will continue to pray for all of you, and ask for God's Blessings for you, too.
Good night,
Stickman
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