Date: 2006-06-24
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Mrs. Gorp's House
Miles today: 21.1

Woke up, rain, went back to sleep. Woke up, rain, went back to sleep. Woke up, less rain so I ate breakfast and started packing. In the midst of packing, none other than Lug and Zama show up. I was excited to see them, I hadn't seen any through hikers in a while, mostly just Long Trail hikers. So they stopped for a morning snack and by the time they were ready to go I had all my things packed up and followed them.It rained slightly after we started hiking but soon stopped as it got warmer. Zama told me that Peacemaker said hi. Apparently Root, Zama's mom, broke her arm or something and is now off the trail.I hiked most of the day with Lug. We had the same pace so we hiked and talked. It was cool hanging out with them both. We summitted today the peak in which both trails, the Long Trail and the AT were both thought up. But more importantly the caretaker at the top informed me that the small gnat like flies were the black flies and the larger ones that leave a blood trail are deer flies. It's always good to be able to identify your enemy.So we came to a point where we all took a break. I called in to Manchester to see room rates. $60.00 dollars and up for a hotel room. The only other option was Sullin's Place but for some reason they weren't answering.So I pushed on towards the destination for the night still itching to find a place in town so I could eat some good food and not have to sleep in a shelter. On my way to the shelter, I got to thinking about how I feel I'm not where I wanted to be spiritually by this time of my trip. I feel like maybe I've squandered something. It was then that I prayed that God would help me lose all my intentions and that He would teach me what He wants me to learn, not what I want. I got mad chills as I prayed that prayer.So I get to the shelter and see its about 3 more miles to the road to hitch into town. I then prayed that Goud would take care of me and provide for me. So instead of staying in the shelter I headed for town. Found some trail magic along the way. Coke, Bud, and Sprite. I sent two cokes up to the shelter for Lug and Zama via two SOBO's.So I prayed along the way to the road. I could have really gotten screwed doing this, going into town, because there was no known cheap place to stay in Manchester, but I stepped out in faith. So I got picked up pretty quickly by a lady drinking beer and driving. But I didn't care, I was just happy for the ride. So she dropped me off in town right in front of the Baptist church.There was a sign out front advertising a dinner for tonight. The cost was $9.00 dollars. So I went in to investigate. It was a very old church and they were celebrating their 225th year. And their organ was made in the 1800's but was in amazing condition.So I started talking to an older lady, Ruby, and soon enough some other church members saw me and invited me in and told me I didn't have to pay! Praise God, His blessings keep on rolling. So I ate and ate and it was delicious. I even, dare I say, got full! So a lot of people there were interested in my hike and I got to explain my reasons for hiking and just enjoyed the fellowship. They even helped me find a cheap place to stay by calling around. They got word that the Carage House gives a hiker rate of $25.00 dollars a room. Sweet deal, or so I thought.So a guy named Jeff dropped me off at the hotel and I told him I'd see him again tomorrow at the church service. So I went in to the hotel but come to find out it is $50.00 dollars a room, not cool. So I headed back to the Baptist church in hopes of finding someone to take me in for the night. On my way I prayed for God's provision. I made a loop around the Episcopal church hoping to see if someone was there but to no avail. So I continued on to the Baptist church. And that's when I saw her. The, and I quote, "Cutest thing on the trail."It was Mrs. Gorp! We were both shocked yet pleasantly surprised to run into each other. She invited me to stay at her house and I gladly accepted. Awesome! I walked out on faith and God provided. There is nothing more sweet or exciting.So we talked a bit and turns out she lives in the area and was in town to hear an author talk about his new book. So after a quick stop at the grocery store, off we went to her house.The house was beautiful, and huge. I had the third floor all to myself, outfitted with computer, TV, and bed. So I showered up, did my laundry, checked my email, and then went down stairs and hung out with Mrs. Gorp for a while before she went to bed and I spent time doing my trailjournals.God is good! This blessing was for sure from and by God. There is no other way to explain the extraordinary events that occured today. What an amazing day. the only sad part is I don't think I'll be able to go to church tomorrow and see all those nice people.pumpkin bread---crunchy peanutbutter, cheese---maccaroni salad, potatoe salad, baked beans, brocoli salad, strawberry shortcake - Baptist Church