The Berryman Trail (BT) is a 27-mile trail in between Steelville and Potosi about an hour south of St. Louis, Missouri. The BT is a loop, making it possible to hike the trail over 2 days without needing a shuttle. I hiked the trail with Ben, …
Read MoreLent 2015
Lent comes early this year. Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season, is tomorrow. Christmas Day is the same day every year on the calendar. Easter moves around…something about the phases of the moon. I’m not sure. Lent has been a part of the …
Read MoreReflecting on 2014 with Just a Little Patience
As I sit here waiting for some friends to come over to the house for our New Year’s Eve celebration, it’s a good time to reflect a bit on the calendar year that is passing. I was recently asked to recount what had happened in …
Read MoreThoughts Gathered from Hiking on the Appalachian Trail
I finished my 8-day section hike on the AT just eight days ago. People have asked me about my experience and I have answered in a variety of ways: “epic,” “an adventure of a life time,” “totally fulfilling,” “an incredible experience.” I spent over 18-months dreaming, …
Read MoreAppalachian Trail Georgia Section Hike: Day 8
Sunday, June 15, 2014 17 miles to Amicalola Falls State Park I finally figured out how to sleep in a hammock…hike 16 miles the day before! I fell asleep last night with my phone in my hand. I was trying to finish yesterday’s blog but …
Read MoreAppalachian Trail Georgia Section Hike: Day 6
Friday, June 13, 2014 7.4 miles to Lance Creek Campsite I tried to stay up last night but I was falling asleep watching the game. It was nice to sleep in a bed in my own room. I did have a chance to talk to …
Read MoreAppalachian Trail Georgia Section Hike: Day 5
Thursday, June 12, 2014 11.4 miles to Neel Gap It rained off and on all night. I stayed dry and warm but I did not sleep so well on the yoga mat in the shelter. I listened to music until well after midnight. I took …
Read MoreAppalachian Trail Georgia Section Hike: Day 2
Monday, June 9, 2014 8.1 miles to Deep Gap Shelter Woke up this morning at 8 AM to the voice of my brother saying, “Derek, you up?” He had already got up and pulled down our food bags from the bear cables. There are black …
Read MoreFood List: Appalachian Trail Section Hike
I am ten days away from hiking the Georgia section of the Appalachian Trial. I am trying to contain my excitement, but it is becoming difficult. In between responsibilities at church and home, every other thought these days seems to be focused on the hike. …
Read MoreMy Gear List: Appalachian Trail Section Hike
With less than three weeks before my section hike on the Appalachian Trail, I have (finally!) finished gathering all the gear I will need for the hike. I may have some last minute additions or deletions, but I feel good with the gear I have …
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