Walking with Jesus - Oct 26, 2012

Oct 26 2012 Day 40

Miles   4.20 miles

Total   152.6

Goal for now 500

Today’s walk was the beginning test of my determination of this whole idea of an imaginary AT walk. Yesterday I talked about a drastic change in temperature from the 80 degrees to today’s high of 47. The wind was brisk and it was overcast and at one time misty. Even with a hat and vest on, if you stood still very long I might have decided I was cold. But if I am determined to accomplish this goal I must look past cold snowy or hot weather. I need to decide now to keep going.   Love this Latin saying I found and this winter I just might put it to music and make it my song. One more thing, this is my 40th day of hiking and it is often suggested that to make something a habit or make a permanent change in your life, repeating in for 40 day or 40 times will give you a better chance at it becoming a habit.

Nunc coepi " Latin for
"I begin once more with your help, O Lord."

Just last week the woods were just overcome with color and now only the leave the hold on for dear life are there to wow you. It is still a peaceful place to be, the woods I mean. I saw a pileated woodpecker. They are so hard to photograph because they love to hide behind the trees as you try to get closer for a good picture of them. They are such a striking bird to look at. This is a large bird (7 or 8 inches or more) and mostly black with white head, white black strips and red top knot.  

I also decided that today’s time with God would be spent praying for Kristi, who is sinking in trouble, real trouble. I know Deb is so worried and I really understand this kind of worry. So the only hope is the one who created her and loves her even more than his mother. So the Lord and I talk for 4 miles and to think he listens. I ended with the assurance that he heard me and in his Power, wisdom and love he we bring the best outcome. Oh help her Lord.

Now to my pretend AT hike, at 152 miles I would be at a place called Brown Fork Gap Shelter, NC. You would find yourself about 22 or so miles south of the Tennessee border. You would enjoy panoramic views of the Smokies, Nantahala Lake, and all of the other surrounding mountains. I can tell you that I have heard enough to say that these designated camping areas with these shelters is not what I would call pleasant areas. To sleep with several strangers and mice just doesn’t thrill me. So rain or no rain I think I would set up my tent rather than shelter.

AT hikers are in this area in late March or early April so they can hope to finish in Maine by September or October. The Smoky Mt are can often be cold and even snow so a AT hiker has no choice but to take on the harsh weather. So as I walk this winter I can feel the real heart of the trail.