I’ve Been Out Walking
This weekend was spent speaking to many parishioners about David and I’s most recent 187 mile backpacking experience. Many people tend to look at you with eyes that say,
Why in the world would you want to walk that far, and in the mountains and unpredictable weather at that?
One of the people we met along this part of the journey was a man with the trailname, Da Leader. He had quoted another hiker as saying,
For those who understand, no explanation in needed and for those who do not, no explanation is possible.
That seems about right to me.
Even with several days of rain, one day of sleet, snow and biting wind, and one incredibly hot day when temperatures came close to 90 degrees, it was a wonderful trip. I never fail to appreciate the beauty of nature and the opportunity for quiet that comes on the trail.
The highlight of this trip for me, however, was the way that David and I were able to both give and receive help along the trail. We always do our best to try to help each other, but this time found us helping others as well. It began by getting water for Leadfoot, a 67 year old hiker we met early in our hike. The water source was about half a mile down the side of the mountain from our shelter, so we offered to help him out. The next morning he was helping Da Leader to try to heal some blisters. Da Leader in turn helped inspire us all to walk some longer days. One might say that The Karma Police were part of some good energy.
I was especially appreciative when Leadfoot’s wife met us in the middle of a 22 mile day with cheeseburgers for lunch and then drove our packs to town, leaving us ten miles to walk without the extra weight. My leg had been hurting at that point for a couple of days and needed the rest. We later met up with yet another thruhiker, Penn J, and began to talk about how the trail is really all about community. I am sure that there are many who would think the opposite, that the trail is for rugged individualists who have no need of anyone else. Nothing could be further from the truth. Those who understand the trail are always on the lookout for one another.
There are too many great moments to recount from the last two weeks, but one highlight is early morning coffee on McAfee Knob. Our new friend Penn J suggested the night before our climb to the crest of the mountain that we would only be a mile and a half away, so why not get up early to see the sunrise. My fellow member of The Karma Police and I, along with Da Leader and Penn J did just that and enjoyed a beautiful morning.
Until our next trip, I will savor the moments of this last one and remember those who are still out there walking North toward Katahdin.
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Thanks for sharing! I know I’ve heard a few stories since you’ve been back, but this is pretty nice. I especially enjoy the picture of FD wearing crocs and mid-calf socks. The sunrise shot isn’t too bad either!
Glad to hear you guys are safely back at home with lots of great stories and experiences…187 miles, eh? Makes my 3 mile a day workout seem like walking to the fridge!
Love the photos btw!
Seemed like a nice trip. Maybe I can go walking with you one year.
Super, SUPER, cool! Good for you! What an amazing experience that must have been.
glad to hear about the trip. knowing you;re out on the trail has made being in school that much worse. i especially like the quote De Leader forwarded to you.
Hi Father, What a great vacation. I love the pictures and the concept, but I doubt that I’d be up for that long of a walk anymore (although I probably walk that much on my jobs each day…but without the scenery… hmmmmm, maybe I’ll rethink that.)