The Buffalo River Trail (BRT) is a 36.5 mile hiking trail in Northern Arkansas about an hour or so East of Springdale. The Buffalo River is a National River running 135 miles through Arkansas. It is a popular destination for float trips. There are a lot …
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 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 4
Wednesday, June 11, 2014 9.2 miles to Low Gap Shelter Today was, without a doubt, wildlife Wednesday. I saw a deer, an orange salamander, a black salamander, a snake, and bears! O yes…I saw a bear on the Appalachian Trail! Before I get to the …
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 …
Read MoreHiking in the Rain
My long-awaited section hike on the Appalachian Trail is almost here. I have less than a month to go. If you have read my other hiking-related blogs you know that I am a fanatical planner. I have literally been planning this 9 (or 10) day …
Read MoreA new adventure begins…in 120 days
I am thrilled to announce the 120-day countdown to a new adventure has begun, an adventure that I would like to document on my blog. I have been blogging for 8 years, since March 2006, primarily on topics related to theology and Christian ministry. These …
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