March 14, 2019
Mile: 69.2
Location; Hiawasee, GA.
Read: Colossians 1: 16-17
In my prayer time I frequently reflect on how awesome our Creator is! He created the tiniest of things that can not be seen. He created the “glue” that holds everything together, and he created the vast universe that knows no end. I can’t even imagine no end!
What better place to marvel at God’s creation than the AT. How fortunate I am.
When walking the AT, you find yourself in a bubble of hikers. Sometimes hikers will pass you on the trail. Sometimes you will pass those same hikers during the same day. Often those same hikers will be staying at the same shelter or tent site.
I had the delight of passing and being passed by a really fun married couple doing a thru hike together. Suddenly, as I came to a beautiful vista, this couple had stopped to admire not the vista, but the tiniest of wildflowers growing out of rock crevices. Being caught up in the beautiful vista, I would have missed the beautiful wildflowers had it not been for this hiking couple.
Oh, how much of God’s Glory do I miss everyday!
The last few days I left from Neel’s Gap, hiked to and slept at Whitley Gap Shelter, then Low Gap Shelter, then Blue Mountain Shelter, then Tray Mountain Shelter, then Deep Gap Shelter. I then had a short hike to Dick’s Creek Gap for a shuttle into Hiawasee, GA. for a resupply and a zero (no mile day). Because of stormy weather, I will also take a nero (short mileage day) tomorrow.
I have learned what a Gap is… Simply, the area between two mountains. Simply said, but not simply completed! Every step down a mountain equates to a step up the next mountain. Strenuous for this old man, but I’m loving every second.
I’ve had difficulty with keeping my electronic devices charged even with battery back up. My pictures are very limited. I promise to do better the next blog.
It has warmed up a little bit, but notice the ice among the rocks. My biggest fall came from admiring ice and slipping on the same patch of ice. Also notice the ice in my water bottle. On cold nights I sleep with my water in my sleeping bag. The water in the bottle above froze while making breakfast.
My photos really doesn’t do justice to the beauty I see every day out here.
Blessings to all.
My prayer for you today is that you experience God in the smallest and the greatest ways.
Chappy Jack
Thank you for sharing your experience, so meaningful.
Reading this the words of “How Great Thou Art” rang through my head … “O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed… Then sings my soul…” God’s peace and blessings as you minister in this season.
Safe travels, Jack! My love and prayers are with you.
Dolphin
God Bless Safe journeys
Tracey
Christ servant minister eastern Conference
How far are you going on the AT?
Enjoy and thank you for sharing your experience.
Thank you for sharing , praying warmth, safety and not so chilled water and encounters with those Our Lord has prepared hearts for His Word from you on your journey .
Thank you for including us on your adventure! I look forward to your posts. My prayers go with you!
Thank you for sharing these beautiful pictures and words that remind me of the greatness of our “Creator who made everything in heaven and earth, the things we can see and the things we can’t”. My heart is uplifted with thoughts of happy hikers, wildflowers growing out of rock crevices, bags of ice, and amazing views. Keep safe and happy.
Enjoy.
Chappy Jack, when you get near WindGap, PA please give me a call. I am a UM pastor serving two churches near the AT. 443-880-6806
Thank you for this offer.
Gooooo Jack
Your career prepared you for this hike as well!! You have overcome so many obstacles … you got this!! ♥️