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

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....

Brain & 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)