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Gray Blazing the

Appalachian Trail

"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."

C.S. Lewis

On April 15, 2019, John and I will embark on our adventure of attempting a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. 

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When you hike the AT, you follow the white "blazes" painted on the trees and rocks along the trail. As time has gone by trail lingo created other "blazes." Blue blazes head to water, yellow blazes take you down the highway and pink blazing is chasing love on the trail. We decided that since we are both over sixty it was time to coin the phrase "gray blazing" which is hiking the trail when you're a bit more seasoned in life.  

 

We are creating a journal of our trip to share with friends and family who would like to follow our adventures and misadventures on the trail. We are starting with a few posts that attempt to explain our love of this trail and once we are out there we will try to post about once a week. But keep in mind our priority is to simply survive the trip, so documenting might take a back seat. You can sign up below if you would like to get notices when we post anything.
 

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Writer's pictureJohn & Becky
May 24, 20192 min read

Week 6 - There’s No Place Like Home


Day 1 - Carlisle to Duncannon. When Becky dropped me off Monday I had no idea this would be my last day on trail. It was a beautiful day for hiking, and the scenery was varied and beautiful! I even saw a deer across the path, and flower lined trails, and some great views! But - something kept gnawing at my heart, and just wouldn’t go away. God reminded me that my favorite journeys in life over the last 43 years were those journeys where Becky and I were walking side by side. Did I really want to spend several more months walking to her every day? No! Our time on the earth is too short!! We need to find our next dream and walk it together! (By the way, God reminded me that that’s what He wants in my relationship with Him as well - He doesn’t want me to walk by myself and check in with Him every so often - He wants to walk with me every step, every day!!)


When we got back to the hotel, I told Becky I was finished - let’s make plans to go home. We both had a lot of joy and peace about this decision, and still do. Maybe one day we will be back to finish sections of the trail, maybe not. Either way, the experience has been amazing! We don’t regret our decision to hike, nor our decision to stop. What wonderful things we saw, unforgettable experiences we shared, and most of all, what beautiful people we met!


Thanks to to all of you who took the time to follow our blog! We felt so supported by your presence and comments!


As a footnote, God reminded us He is always working ahead of us. The day we announced to friends and family we were coming home, our pastor contacted us to let us know he had a new ”dream” if we were available and willing. As many of you know, we recently retired as youth pastors at our church. Due to some personal circumstances, the young man who replaced us could not go on this summers youth mission camp trip. Would we be available to make the journey? Wow! Can’t really say ”no” to that timing or request!! Hopefully our youth are as excited as we are to hang out with us for one last “curtain call” mission camp!


For our family and friends at home, see you soon! For those of you not so close to home, please stay in touch!


Dally Up and Lean Not are signing off for now - Gods blessings to all!

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