Pathfinders’ Finale

I do not remember a time in my life that I didn’t love hiking. I’ve been hiking now for at least 60 of my 66 years. It has always brought me peace and a sense of connection to the woods, water, wind, and whatever might be coming my way. Hiking is holy ground for me—always has been, always will be. 

Many of the miles of hiking in the past 5 years have been done in the company of the Pathfinders. When I got to Graystone and moved into SoKno (South Knoxville, for those who aren’t familiar) I picked up on the outdoor vibe of the area. Lots of folks biking and hiking and paddling and climbing and doing all those sorts of activities. SoKno also had the Urban Wilderness, a series of inter-connected trails and parks that includes more than 50 miles of trails. It seemed a natural fit to do something in the outdoors with the church. 

So we began with a series of short hikes—some in SoKno, some in the Great Smokies, some in State Parks or natural areas. We asked people to recommend favorites to share with the group. We would gather together for the hiking, but also for a devotional of some kind. We talked to each other. We identified plants and trees along the way. We saw new places and discovered new trails. We took pictures, including some of my left ear! Each time was an adventure in its own right. 

Then we decided that perhaps we should do some camping together. After all, if a few hours in the woods were good, then surely a few days in the woods would be better, right? Planning a few days of camping is more involved than a just a hike. We had to plan menus, buy groceries, secure campsites, plan hikes, get equipment, set up and strike camp each time—in other words, the camps took a good bit more energy and effort to put together and pull off. 

But we did! And what great camps they were! Norris Dam, Big Ridge, Cumberland Mountain, Roan Mountain, Davy Crockett Birthplace, Cove Lake, Warrior’s Path, Hiwassee-Ocoee—each one different and delightful in its own way. We helped to clear brush, to build trails, to clean out paddocks, and any other service we could offer. We ate, and ate, and ate! The meals were tasty and varied. We learned more about camp cooking. We learned about fire-building. We learned about history. We learned about creation and all its wonders. 

We learned a good bit about each other. Camping together is an experience that requires adjustments to be made; adventures present new challenges along the way. What do we do when the weather turns? How do we adjust when plans fall through? How do we include each one and still accomodate different skills and levels of ability? Where does each one contribute to the camp experience? We are a small but capable group of folks. 

We even got to the point of backcountry camping with a small hale and hearty group. We had a ‘day camp lunch and learn’ when it poured the rain all day long! We did it in December, no less! But we were able to set up, have fire, eat lunch, and break it all back down again. It built confidence for the overnighter that we did in the spring. How far we had come! 

So many good memories! So many neat pictures! So many laughs! So many stories to tell—and retell! 

There was a chance of rain in the forecast for our hike on September 28. Hurricane Helene was busy dumping untold gallons of water in the mountains. So we had to adjust (again!). We headed up to Norris and the Songbird Trail where we were able to get in a few miles. it drizzled on us, but it was nothing we couldn’t handle. 

We paused at the Gazebo below the dam for our devotion. At least we were in the dry somewhat. And the Pathfinders presented me with wonderful gifts to commemorate this hike and our time together. I was very much touched by how thoughtful the gifts were. I am especially taken by the handmade book that will keep pictures and recipes and notes in it for years to come. What a wonderful way to go out as leader. 

Or actually as ‘Founder,’ the new trail name that Ginger has coined for me. As the Pathfinders continue to hike, camp, learn, and grow, they will now begin each season with a ‘Founder’s Day Hike’ to remember me and my efforts to lead this group through the woods and wilds into new discoveries and delights. I am truly humbled and honored by this. 

I will return and join with the Pathfinders for more hikes, camps, and whatever else we may get into in the future. Just because I’m retiring doesn’t mean that I’ll be sitting at the house while others are out there enjoying themselves. I am grateful for each one who has been part of this adventure so far. I am thankful for all the gifts that have been brought to our time together. I am pleased that others have found a sense of belonging through this group. I am delighted to see more hikes and such planned ahead. I am eager to see where else the path will lead. And if by God’s grace I am given the time and health to walk more of the trails with them, I will follow along knowing that they are capable of doing their own pathfinding! 

Hike on!