Author: Ash Zook

Some additional info about our AT hike

Ash ZookLeave a comment

Last Friday and Saturday, I walked every step that we will take April 21-23, plus another nine miles.  I want to share with you some photos and give you a bit more information about what to expect.  The hike is beautiful, but it’s strenuous.  Good shoes are going to be important.  We will take breaks to talk and reflect and pray.  We’ll definitely drink a lot of water.

I also was able to nail down our itinerary.  We can leave on Friday morning together, drop cars at Spivey Gap and begin our hike at Sam’s Gap around 2:00PM.

  1.  Hike to the Sam’s Gap / Moye Rest Memorial to open our weekend.IMG_7315

2.   Hike from Sam’s Gap to Street Gap (2.6 miles) before dinner.  Camp, eat and sleep.

3.   Saturday AM, ascend Big Bald Mountain (4.2 miles).

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4.  Hike down to the Big Bald Shelter for lunch (1.1 miles).

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5.  Hike down to Whistling Gap camp sites and water source Sat afternoon and camp (3.3 miles).

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6.  Hike out to Spivey Gap, visiting an amazing rock overlook Sun AM (2.4 miles).

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7.  Grab lunch together in Asheville if time permits.

A couple of thoughts:  make sure that you have two water bottles that will hold a combined 2L of water.

It will be warm hiking during the day but cool at night.

Shorts and t-shirts are great for hiking, but long sleeves will be appreciated when we stop in the evenings.  Two pairs of socks are vital, a change of underwear is good, but otherwise I would not recommend bringing changes of clothes for each day.  We want to carry as little as possible.

I bring snack sized zip locks of dried fruit and raw nuts, and bars for lunch and snacks.  Beef jerky is also good for mid-hike snacking.

With the exception of the Big Bald Shelter, there are no designated privies.  Just so you know.

Finally, this is not a race to the finish.  We will stick together and help and encourage each other.  We will find time to throw off the packs to just talk and share.  You will have time to go off alone and commune with God and journal.  Come prepared to share your life and learn from others.

I think it’s going to be great.

A Listening to God Pilgrimage

Are you with us?

Ash ZookLeave a comment

Discipleship of Jesus, first and foremost, is rooted in an intimate connection with God.  For many of us intimacy with God is hindered, by busyness, a lack of training, or sinful patterns that leave us disconnected from the Ultimate Source of life and power in our lives.  Our relationship with God is a journey, a pilgrimage, that we were never intended to walk alone.  Connecting with other people on pilgrimage has for thousands of years has led followers of Jesus closer in connection to God and other people.

April 21-23, 2017, YLI is hosting its first intimacy with God mini-pilgrimage on the Appalachian Train in North Carolina.  Hikers of all abilities will have the opportunity to learn more about intimacy with God, hearing God’s voice, and will be coached in developing an individualized 30-day experiment to hear God’s voice after the hike.  Our hope is that this experiment will lead to an ongoing deepening connection to God that will lay the foundation to a lifetime of fruitfulness in a life of following Christ.

The cost is $150, but if you are short on funds, scholarships are available.  Hiking gear such as packs and sleeping bags are needed, but loaner and rental equipment are available.  We’ll provide tents, clean water and food.  Both men and women are invited.  In short, if you are between the ages of 20 & 35, willing to hike up beautiful mountains and sleep outside, open to sharing your life with others, and available that weekend, there are no reasons why you shouldn’t join us!

Click here to register!

Packing list for 2 nights on the AT.

Maps and topographical details of our journey.

Ask questions.