In the words of Porky Pig, “That’s all, folks!”

The end of this year’s AT adventure occurred on November 11, outside Pawling, New York. There was no fanfare at the completion of the 1,712th mile, but a quiet prayer of gratitude comprised the celebration.

Despite the ever common “up and down” of the AT, each state seems to have a unique character. Connecticut, the final state to be crossed, offered scenic and quick paced river walks interrupted often with steep ascents and undulating peaks. Road crossings and the sound of cars were a bit more common, but the feeling of seclusion remained intact. Temperatures were unusually warm, but a full day of hiking in the rain kept things challenging. The shorter daylight hours required a little hiking by headlamp one day, and there was a moment of heart-pounding excitement when an uprooted tree fell on the roof of the shelter in which I was the lone sleeping occupant.

While driving to our daughter’s home for Thanksgiving in Asheville, NC, we witnessed the familiar ridge lines, peaks, and valleys from the perspective of the interstate. Road signs for “Grayson Highlands,” “Roan Mountain,” and “Blue Ridge Parkway” brought back vivid memories of places, fellow path-travelers, and changing weather from the spring and summer hike. Sharing stories in the car, we were reminded of the intimate connection we had developed with each of the eleven states we traversed completely and the two we hiked partially (New Hampshire was the only state we did not hike).

Foot travel has historically been more than merely moving from point ‘A’ to point ‘B.’ Walking is an experience that deepens the destination. On the way to somewhere, memorable events and lessons take place. Jesus most often used encounters and observations “along the way” to teach His twelve hiking companions truths about the life of faith. We too learned and relearned significant lessons about prayer, communication, and giving.  The speed and ease of interstate travel is preferred over walking when celebrating Thanksgiving in Asheville. But slowing down, taking the “back way,” and sometimes stopping to see and learn is more life defining than passing exits at 70mph.

Robin and I have been blessed for a lifetime as a result of this AT journey. Your encouragement and prayers have been answered in ways we would have never imagined as we started from Georgia last March. As we hang up our trekking poles and clean out our backpacks, we want you to know how grateful we are for your participation in this unforgettable gift.

If you have been waiting for the report of our final mileage before participating in Krislund Camp’s tax-deductible “5MS Journey Fund” here are the totals: “Brain” - 1,100 miles and “Brawn” - 1,712 miles. (Gifts may be made out to “Krislund Camp” and mailed to: POB 116, Madisonburg, PA. 16852). THANK YOU!

As always, In His care,

Brain & Brawn

The changing leaves signal the approaching end of our hiking plans. But one major section of trail is beckoning to be trekked in the last days before October arrives.

By the time you receive this newsletter, if all proceeds as planned, I (Brawn) will be heading south from Bennington, VT towards Pawling, NY. Since the last newsletter, our home state of Pennsylvania has been successfully hiked as well as the 40 miles of untraversed trail in MD and Central VA. If the anticipated journey through Massachusettes and Connecticut is completed, we will have walked 1,716 miles, extending from Georgia to Bennington, VT, including the northernmost 120 miles in Maine.  This will leave foot travel in southern Maine, all of New Hampshire, and most of Vermont for a future time to explore and enjoy.

The past month of hiking has been very different in a number of ways. We have changed identities from "Nobos" (northbounders) to "Sobos" (southbounders) and we have left the ranks of "thru hikers" (entire trail hikers) to "sectioners" (completing the trail in separated parts). Hiking has generally been lonlier; long distance hikers have been replaced with
weekend hikers and occasional "sectioners." It is not unusual to sleep alone in backpacker shelters and to travel for long periods without seeing anyone. This means more wildlife sightings, more time to think and pray, and many more spider webs strung across the trail waiting to be encountered by my face! Being alone on the trail is punctuated with fun
meetings and conversations.

Two weeks ago freshman college students were from Princeton and Penn State were traveling on the trail in multiple groups as part of wilderness orientation programs. Last week I had the pleasure of meeting a few "southbounders" in southern PA and Virginia who had crossed the half way mark and were hiking with vigor towards Springer Mtn, GA. Listening to
their concerns about what laid ahead of them in the southern states, I remembered with amazement and appreciation the beauty and challenges of those familiar places traversed in the leafless months of March and April. These "Sobos" hope to end their hikes in November through January. The mighty AT will then remain relatively quiet for a short while until a
handful of courageous "Nobos" begin their journey in February, followed by many more in March and April; the cycle of hopeful foot travelers will then begin again.

Multiple-colored leaves on the trail, warnings about wearing blaze orange during fall hunting seasons, and colder morning wakeups signal the imminent conclusion of our hiking season. "Brains" is back in school and I have been reintroduced into the illustrious Presbyterian tradition of "meetings upon meetings" while staying a few days each week back at the
camp. A short time remains in this extraordinary experience of exploring the Appalachian Trail. I have come to truly enjoy the simplicity of the daily schedule and the physical pleasure of hiking long distances. "Distance" has taken on a new meaning. Going somewhere is not just a matter of travel time and "getting there." The journey is just as important as the destination when approached from a foot traveler's perspective. I hope we can keep this perspective when the hiking ends.

Hello again! (Brains here!) I have so enjoyed getting back to school and resuming my studies. I find, to my suprise, that the trail has changed me. School seems easier, life seems easier and gratefulness permeates everything as I walk through each day. I miss my partner, though the time goes quickly until he comes home each week and I feel like there isn't much that life can throw at us that we can't handle. On Labor Day weekend I joined Steve for a few days of hiking and we both really enjoyed the time. I still have issues with my
feet, so the three days was just right. I took some of my study papers with me!

Thanks so much for all of your prayers and concerns about our son, Ben. His recovery went very well until his surgery to repair the rotator cuff on September 11. The surgery also went well and the doctor is convinced that he will not need another surgery. He had a few setbacks in the following two weeks, including a bout with strep throat, but is now making
good progress again. We appreciate your continued prayers. Thanks for being there!

Until the next big adventure,
Brains and Brawn

Pawling, N.Y. is a beautiful small town with special sensitivity to AT hikers. The local Lion Club Park provides tent space, flush toilets, outdoor shower, and a lake in which to swim. The town is located 8.5 miles from the trail's Connecticut border. Connecticut is the first of the final five New England states, and Pawling is 743 miles south of our northern destination, Mount Katahdin. In the sweltering heat (the heat index for today is to reach 107!) we decided it was time to dedicate today as a "zero" (no hiking miles), and to send out this long overdue newsletter.

As planned, we skipped our home state of PA in order to reach Katahdin's summit before the end of September. Unfortunately we and our fellow hikers were unable to "skip" the drenching downpours surrounding July 4.  On more than a few occasions the trail became a raging streambed as we hiked. Raincoats remain packed away during these summer storms. The
greatest challenges are to keep one set of clothes and sleeping bags dry and to remain sure-footed on the slippery rocks (in 6-10 inches of rushing water). An unusual F-2 tornado hit north of New York City last week and we were very close to the center of the activity as this
front surrounded us during our descent from Bear Mtn. Extremely heavy rain, strong winds, and almost continuous thunder and lightning kept us praying and descending rapdily through the cascading waters. We gratefully took advantage of a short break in the rain to reach our
campsite and to set up our tent before the next set of showers arrived.

More than the wet, the heat and the omnipresent mosquitoes are the new challenges in this part of the journey. Hiking early in the morning and in the early evening and pinning lightweight fabric over our tent's open doors has helped us to continue northward. Simple
pleasures such as eating ripe blueberries and black raspberries along the trail, enjoying a cold bandanna dipped in a mountain stream, and finding a lake or cold shower have been greatly appreciated. Also the joy of seeing from 50 yards away a mother bear coax her cubs from
their safe perch in a tree was very special.

Thankfully our feet are recovering from multiple problems which required medical attention in the later part of June. We are seeing many familiar faces of hikers since jumping Maryland and beginning at the Delaware Water Gap. The trail grapevine has confimed the recent departures of hiking friends, but most of the remaining thru-hikers are relieved to see the end in sight as we calculate the remaining journey in weeks rather than months.

Brains and I too are looking at the many lessons learned on the Appalachian Trail and we are anticipating life beyond the trek. One of the lessons learned deals with the importance of protecting the landscape.

Watching the persistent encroachment of development upon more and more sections of the trail, especially in the northern states, has confirmed the importance of pro-active conservation and stewardship of vanishing wild areas. I am grateful for the visionary actions of Krislund Camp's Board and the partnering churches to purchase and preserve the natural environment in their stewardship in Centre County. The Camp's 1,900 acres is a unique and almost unlimited opportunity for rejuvenation and rest in our fast-paced and technologically intensive society. I hope you will consider joining with us in contributing financially to the Camp's stewardship efforts in these remaining weeks on the trail. [Scroll to bottom of page of this info]

Thank you for your interest and prayers for us. We remain ever mindful and appreciative of your support and God's loving care.

Steve & Robin

Greetings from Brains and Brawn!

We currently find ourselves in Vienna VA staying at Steve's sister's house for a few days of rest and relaxation. It has been wonderful to visit with old friends and to worship in our old church. Our time here has been so rejuvenating, while at the same time is punctuated by the death of the mother of a close friend. We will be here a bit longer than planned and will return to the trail on Wednesday.

We have made some decisions which may be of interest. We have kept a steady pace the whole three months we have been on the trail, but nevertheless find that we are quite a bit behind the schedule we planned. At this rate we believe that we would not reach Maine by the end of our available time. In light of this realization we have decided to skip the state of PA for now, move on to New England and finish up the PA sections in the fall during the weekends or other available times. Many of you have made very generous offers to house and otherwise help us as we pass near you in PA, so we would like to thank you very much for your caring and commitment to making this work for us. We are SO blessed to have so many people behind us! After we finish the whole thing we would like to come to as many churches as would like to hear from us with a power point presentation to talk and show(pictures) about the entire trail experience.

On to the exciting trail stories! We just finished hiking through the Shenandoah National Park. We finally saw a bear and very much enjoyed the nearly tame deer! The trail, though still a huge challenge is a bit gentler in the park and we were able to increase our mileage to an average of 13-14 miles without quite killing ourselves. We have now gone about 960 miles and will soon hit the halfway mark. This has been a time for deeper reflection and learning as we discover more and more of our new friends are leaving the trail for the comforts of home. I was nearly at that point myself (Brains here) and am glad to tell you that our time off here has renewed not only my body, but my commitment to finishing this huge task. We ask for your continued and renewed prayers. We have felt their sustaining power throughout.

(Brawn here.) "Ordeal" is defined as "any very severe or difficult test, experience, or trial." Hiking the Appalachian Trail is an ordeal for us and for most of those we have met. Choosing to undertake and continue in such a trial creates a community atmosphere among all the through hikers while at the same time revealing the various motivations and resources of
each participant. It is in this environment of support and self-discovery that we have found God's provision to be very real. The "honeymoon" of the first few weeks on the AT is over, and the following adjustment stage has passed. We are now proceeding daily with the choice to continue, to encourage, and to provide physical and spiritual help to each other and to
fellow hikers. This has resulted in continued deepening of our relationship and opportunities to speak deeply and pray constantly for others. We believe we have a ministry on the trail and are constantly being ministered to by God with strength, protection, and tangible signs
of divine help. The creation has a way of breaking down and through our defenses, creating opportunities for greater intimacy, confidence, and commitment.

Krislund Camp began its '06 summer season this past Sunday. I invite churches and parents to send children and youth to this special place in which Christian mentoring and activities promote deep friendships and spiritual growth. Please go to their website (www.krislund.org) for information about this summer's programs. We look forward to seeing and encouraging the campers and staff in the 2nd week of camp when we return for a short visit before our entrance into the northern states. Thank you again for your thoughts and prayers. If you would like to show your support for our trip with a donation to the Camp, please refer to the
information on the website or call Sharon at 814.422.8878. We look forward to sending you news from the next installment in our trip.

May God bless you.

Two months and 523 miles have brought us to the land of white and black license plates, Virginia. This state will be our trekking "home" for the next 500 miles (1/4 of the entire length of the AT). Despite our southern location, we must walk another 99 miles northward to reach the recommended point at which it is "safe" to trade cold-weather gear for hot temperature
clothing and equipment. After hiking in yesterday's non-stop rain, wind, and 40 degree temperatures (a prime scenario for dangerous hypothermia) we are not too eager to surrendeer our remaining warm things yet.

The great challenges at this stage of the hike are staying heatlthy and reducing unnecessary pack weight. Hikers we have known have left the trail temporarily or permanently due to injuries, illness, and/or fatique. Their departures are a constant reminder of our vulnerability and the Appalachian Trail's unrelenting challenges. In spite of more than 500 miles of experience and conditioning every day presents unique sights and demands.

To take our eyes off the trail for even a few moments to observe a budding dogwood or to look at a distant horizon can result in a fall or a twisted ankle. The hike requires establishing a daily discipline of focused concentration on the steps ahead, while also remaining aware of the sights and events around us. Hikers interested in only accumulating high miles often miss the trail's beauty. But we must now average 12 miles per day to complete our journey. Remaining flexible and on task is a balancing act relevent on and off the trail.

Another lesson we are learning is the importance of "going light." Reducing "excess baggage" is our predominant concern since poundage affects all aspects of our trip. Beyond physical weight, pilgrims of all sorts are compelled to shed things, thoughts, and patterns hindering their
walk. The demands of the trail provide a means to explore the essential minimums in each hiker's life. Numerous evening conversations with fellow hikers have often revolved around issues of church experiences and spirituality. It has resulted in excellent times of sharing.

Thank you again for this opportunity. If you would like to support our efforts on behalf of Christian education and conservation, please go to Krislund Camp's website, www.krislund.org.

Brain here for a little update from the female perspective: My favorite recent memories are the two evenings we shared the shelter with a man who goes by the name of Banjo Man. He played his hiker guitar and we all sang along to the tunes we remember from long ago. On the
second night I introduced them all to "minute mysteries", a challenging guessing game we played with the kids as they grew up. We are sharing an incredible experience with these people and the resulting relationships are a vital part of the experience for me. Tonight at dinner we shared deeply with a couple from Florida. I'm sure that God is in control and am
overwhelmed at His constant provision and care in seeing to our needs and ministry opportunities.

You are all with us in thought and prayer.

In His great Love,
Brains and Brawn

It is April 19 and we sit in Erwin, TN, having walked 17% of the trail's length, with only 1,800 plus miles between us and Mount Katahdin in Maine!

Less than 2 weeks ago we emerged from the secluded and demanding 70 mile section of the Appalachian Trail in the Great Smokey Mountains. The views atop mountains ranging in elevation from 4-6,000 feet were spectacular.  Clingman's Dome, is in this area and is the highest point on the entire AT, topping out at 6,643 feet. Clear views from the observation tower were spectacular but we couldn't stay long since four more miles remained in that day's 13 plus mile trek. The Smokies are highly protected with regulations limiting adverse human impact. Unfortunately, no amount of rules have been able to stop the massive die-off of red spruce and frazier firs in the northern portion of the Park. Acid rain has weakened the tree's defenses and the woolly adelgid has finished them off, according to common wisdom.

No bear stories yet, but the sounds of coyotes and a wild pig were heard in different campsites. Our days normally begin before 7:00am, with hiking times ranging from 7-9 hours. Evenings are spent setting up the tent, drying and sometimes washing clothes, cooking supper, and planning the next day. Bedtime is seldom later than 7:45.

Extremes are common. One night we climbed into the tent with a temperature of 7 degrees and three inches of fresh snow on the ground. A few days later we were in short sleeves yearning for the shade of rhododendron thickets. The isolation the Smokies was broken by only one highway. Six days later we were walking through downtown Hot Springs, NC where the trail blazes are marked in city's main street sidewalk!

Today is our 43rd day on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and every 24 hours is unique. Two words describe the experience: awesome and agonizing. Fortunately, the most constant feature in the journey has been the presence of Christian witness along and on the trail. On
Easter morning, we were greeted by a traveling companion with the words, "He is risen"; to which we responded, "He is risen indeed."   Ten hikers were fed and slept at a Christian couple's home near the AT on Easter eve and were warmly welcomed at a local church for Sunday service before starting again on the trail. Days earlier a Christian man from Texas handed out hot dogs and drinks to every hiker from inside a large tent pitched on a forest road.  A day hiker, with his dog on a leash tied to his belt, walked along the trail handing out candy and sodas from his pack, saying to all, "May God bless you on your hike."  Robin and I read from a booklet of reflections on Psalm 91 on Easter morning, thanks to "trail angels" who had left the publication in one of the woodland shelters.

God seems most evident lately when our resources are weakest. On two occasions we were low on food supplies. In each situation individuals along the trail appeared handing out sandwiches, fruit, and soup. In the middle of an especially grueling section a sign beside a road intersection announced "trail magic 300 yards down the road." We were soon served homemade Belgian waffles or stew with a choice of five desserts (the brownie sunday was especially tasty). Yesterday Robin was feeling ill. After hiking six miles to a poorly traveled road, we were amazed to find a van from Massachusetts waiting at the intersection and willing to drive us into a nearby town. Robin has now rested and is returning to full strength. God's provision of strength and healing have been daily realities through circumstances and the generosity of others.  To "pray without ceasing" has become a very joyful practice.

Please continue to pray for our stamina, especially during the unpredictable spring weather. As the summer approaches we are praying for churches and families to send their children to one of Krislund's 26 summer camps.  It is a powerful ministry for building faith, confidence, and maturity. We plan to arrive there in the first couple weeks of camp to share our experiences with campers and staff.

Your support is essential. If you would like to support our efforts on behalf of conservation and Christian education, please go to www.krislund.org or call the camp office (814.422.8878) for more> information on how to become a hike sponsor.
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* Brain here for my bit of input. We both agree this is the hardest thing either of us has ever done. I am anxious to reach the point where my physical strength equals this monumental task. (People tell us that should kick in very soon). We have met so many wonderful people on the trail and have found great joy in sharing the Lord with those who know Him and those we hope will soon. Our prayer life together and separately has grown in a way that has been very rewarding for me. I read in Matthew this morning about giving even a cup of water to one of His own... and was deeply struck with a new sense of this passage's meaning. Out here, water is an essential.  Without it for even a few hours there would be serious consequences. What has always seemed like a minor, even trivial gift in the Lord's words, now seems like a gift extending life itself. Where that will take us in the long run is yet to be seen. Meanwhile, may His grace be with you.

The trail is calling. We will send more news later. Until then....

Brains & Brawn

Sixteen days, 106 miles, and one state later we are amazed and grateful for this once in a lifetime opportunity.  When the skies have been clear, the vistas of mountains and deep farm valleys extending up to 20 miles away have been a breathtaking testimony to God's artistry.  Three days with thick fog has reduced visibility to 75 yards.  Temperatures have ranged from a high of 65 to a low of 10 degrees, and lots of wind.  One recent day our pack covers were covered with ice and the next day we awoke to a frozen hanging water bag.  (Hot oatmeal tasted very good.)

No bear sightings yet, but many signs of their presence surround us. Hanging food each night is a reminder of their nearness.  We have enjoyed rufus-sided towhees, playful juncos, soaring turkey vultures, loud woodpeckers and owls, and a strutting ruffed grouse.  Trail shelter mice have chewed holes in plastic bags, run across a bare hand, and one dropped on top of the sleeping bag covering Robin's face.  They are the annoying hosts of every hiker shelter.

Fellow hikers have ranged from middle-aged Jo Jo, with more than 15,000 trekking miles to her credit, to 10th grade prep school students spending a week on the legendary trail.  We are pleased to see the large number of retired persons hiking towards Maine.  Their trail names demonstrate the wide variety of hikers: Sandman, Nomad, Moving Out and his wife, Taggin' Along, Golden Waldo, Frosty, Turtle, Phoenix, Eagle (thru-hiking with a replaced hip), and Sundance.  The number of hikers has noticeably subsided.  We hear of those we met earlier who have left the trail with back and knee problems and due to the trials of changing weather and unrelenting ascents and descents.

Prayer while hiking has become a spontaneous and ongoing joy as we have been interceding for family, fellow trekkers, Krislund staff, our church, and for one another.  God's faithfulness has been evident and abundant. Prayers for us has also been tangible.  Blisters have been few, knees are less sore, and breaks in weather have permitted drying wet gear and even trail laundry!  Thank you.

It is too early in the trek to wax eloquent about lessons learned, but we are growing in many ways.  Hiking together has deepened our relationship and confidence.  We see the creation loudly declaring God's glory every step along the Appalachian Trail.  To be a remote place, surrounded by this beauty, is both humbling and peaceful.

I (Steve) am all the more excited about the potential for future faith building and self-discovery on Krislund's 1,900 acres.  I invite all our readers to become supporters of this journey of five million steps in order to preserve Krislund Camp's extensive wilderness acreage, dedicated to adventure and Christian ministry for all ages.

We also hope that our efforts will encourage churches and individuals to make the effort to support the life changing ministry Christian of summer camps.  Please help us register K-12th graders for one of Krislund's unique camps (more information and application at www.krislund.org).

Thank you for your continued prayers and support. More later... (From Steve, Brawn)

Hi!

Robin here to fill you in on the important details Steve left out. What a life changing experience this has been! I feel myself getting stronger each day. This I find to be very encouraging!

On the morning that it was 10 degrees I went to the spring and found that the ground all around it was covered with three inch long ice crystals. It was so beautiful that it took my breath away! Later that day as we came off a long descent we saw a sign that said "trail magic". We stepped through the bushes and found people who offered us grilled cheese sandwiches, fruit,  hot coffee and many other goodies. It was such a wonderful refuel- we walked about twice as many miles that day as we had before!

We see God's provision over and over. Primary for me is that three times we have come off the trail and arrived just in time to catch the shuttle to the town (the town with a motel, hot shower and food in it). Because of this we have not had to hitchhike at all. We think of all of you often and thank you for your prayers.

In Christ,
Robin (Brains)