A Lot of Firsts on the Path to Maine

Good evening my fellow hikers.  My trail name is Bearded Servant and I am new to The Trek.  This is my first post, and to be honest my first at everything.   I am attempting to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail this year with a start date of March 3.  I am originally from Western Massachusetts but currently live along the Space Coast of Florida.  I was in the military for a while and after 27 years total in the workforce decided I wasn’t going to wait for life to find me, I was going after it.  I spent the last year and a half gathering my gear and training to begin the journey of a lifetime, a pilgrimage for me.  I have even changed my YouTube channel to focus on my hike.  You can find me by searching for Bearded Servant Hiking North AT 2018 on YouTube.

As I said, I am new to everything to include long backpacking trips, throwing bear lines, and filtering water.  I have been training and learning all I can before my leave date, but am still a bit nervous. I’m sure I am no different than every new hiker hoping to reach Maine.  I guess I’m more excited than anything.  The most difficult thing I am facing is hiking the AT as a Christian.  I feel God is leading me to the trail to help and serve others, so I will whenever and whoever I can.  There is no better thing than serving another person in a time of need.

Will I be one of the lucky individuals to make it to Baxter State Park?  With only 20 percent of all thru-hikers reaching the end, all I can do is try to take sure steps and makes wise choices each day.  As for now, I will continue to prepare and pray in the end that I can kiss the sign on top of the greatest mountain.

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Comments 4

  • Desiree O. : Jan 26th

    Amen! Peace to you!

    Reply
    • Rob lundquist : Jan 27th

      Blessings on your trek. May you be filled with the excitement and encouragement the HS brings. May the bad days be good days because of the Hope within you. Brighten the corner where you are. Rob.

      Reply
  • Khalil Karl : Jan 27th

    I hope to run into you this summer at some point. You have a great purpose, and it would be a pleasure to converse about your faith on a personal level. Good luck in your preparations!

    Reply
  • Heliga Jonas : Dec 20th

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