The Upward Call 2002

Mt. Washington

&
Monroe, Adams, Jefferson, & Franklin

“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:14

The Plan The Bible Studies The Story The Pictures

The Plan

July 12- Saturday:
Leave Phila. area approximately 10:00 am to pick up travelers along the way in N.J. and Mass., to arrive at Springfield, Vermont approximately 5:30-6:00pm.

July 13- Lord’s Day
Attend meeting at Springfield VT. Leave for White Mountains in the afternoon, to arrive approx. 4:30pm at the junction of Jefferson Notch Rd. and the Boundary Line Trail. This will be the area of our first campsite and lies 3 miles west of Mount Washington summit. Our beginning elevation is 2500 ft. During our trip we will be up and down between 3500 and 6280 ft., but will not return to 2500 ft. until Friday afternoon. After supper we will consider The Life of Faith, and that “the just shall live by faith.”(This week we will look at the life of Abraham.) We then will commit ourselves to our God and Father for He, not we, knows what lies ahead on our journey. We will have a full moon (if not cloudy) to illuminate our forest home during much of the week.

July 14- Monday
After rising very early, personal devotions and breakfast, we will consider the call and obedience of faith in Abraham. After packing out, we will hike north on Jefferson Notch Rd to turn east on the Caps Ridge Trail and begin ascending the western flank of Mt. Jefferson. Before long (1.1mi.) we will take a left (northern) turn on the Link Trail which will lead across the western flank of Mt. Jeff. to the Castelated Ridge to meet the Castle Trail. Turning left (north-west), we will descend to 3500 ft. to a level area between Mt. Bowman and the castles. Here we will set up camp amidst a fern and wooded area. After supper and clean up, we will look at the dependant faith of Abraham and how we need to have the same. Having prayed, we will depend on our blessed God and Father to grant the safety and rest needed.

July 15- Tuesday
Early rise and personal devotions, breakfast and consideration of hindrances to faith, break camp and ascend the castle trail to cross link trail. Continuing up above the tree line on this challenging trail, we will pass the castles (two twenty-foot columns) then pass another taller castle and continue to ascend the northern ridge to the summit of Mt. Jefferson at 5716 ft. Descending south to the Gulfside Trail we will reach the Sphinx Trail about 1 mile below Mt. Jeff. summit. Descending the steep Sphinx Trail, amidst waterfalls and slippery rock faces, we will reach, in 1 mile, the Great Gulf Wilderness to set up camp north of base near Sphinx Stream. After supper and possible trip to Spaulding Lake, the consideration in the Word will be the unequal yoke that can hinder our faith in Genesis 13:1-7.

July 16- Wednesday
After early rising, devotions and breakfast, our hearts will be challenged by the need for a separated walk of faith. Breaking camp, we will move down river to set up camp near the trailhead of Wamsutta. From here we will depart with daypacks for a major ascent (in the will of God) up the wild and difficult Six Husbands Trail (named for the six husbands of Weetamoo, queen of the Pocasset Indians). We will follow the trail to Edmond’s Cutoff, which leads northwest to Edmond’s Col. From this point we move along the Gulfside Trail to the Mt. Adams Cutoff, then to the summit (elevation 5799 ft.). This mountain is the second highest in the presidential range, providing spectacular views of the north and great gulfs. Descending then to the Buttress Trail, which descends along the southeastern face of Mt. Adams, to reach the Six Husbands Trail and then, shortly, our camp. This will be a full day, having seen much and worked hard, ready for dinner and considering the vision and communion Abraham’s faith could enjoy being separated from Lot.

July 17- Thursday
After devotions and breakfast and looking at the courage of Abraham’s faith in facing great odds and enemies, we will break camp and begin our climb up the wild, rough and beautiful Wamsutta Trail (named after Wamsutta, the first of six successive husbands of Weetamoo). This trail begins from the Peabody River in the Great Gulf. It ascends gradually, then begins its very steep and rough climb up the northern spur of Chandler Ridge. This eases when reaching the Mt. Washington Auto Road where we will be above the tree line and meet the Alpine Garden Trail. This trail is a direct link between Wamsutta and Tuckerman Ravine. Remaining on somewhat the same elevation for 1.5 miles, we shall see some alpine vegetation that is very rare indeed. some examples are: the five petal white diapenia, the bell-shaped pink magenta Lapland rosebay, and the very small pink-flowered alpine azalea. This region is called “The Alpine Garden,” and is completely above the tree line, located east of the summit of Mt. Washington. The final 0.3 miles of this trail crosses the headwall of Tuckerman Ravine and affords fabulous views. Occasionally, remnants of the winter are visible through mid-July on the headwall of this ravine. How about snowballs in July? J Having reached the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, we will ascend on it 0.2 miles to Tuckerman Crossover, which is a straight shot to Lakes of the Clouds hut where we will spend the night. We all will be looking forward to a nice hot meal with lots to drink; all prepared by the hut staff. After supper, we will consider, not only the magnificence of God’s creation, but the blessing of Abraham’s faith as Melchizedec comes on the scene. After committing ourselves to the Lord’s care, we will be able to sleep on a bunk with a mattress (a nice reward after such a day’s hike).

July 18- Friday
After devotions and breakfast at the hut and time looking at faith’s reward and inheritance we will, Lord willing and weather permitting, take a packless 3 mile roundtrip hike up the Crawford path to the summit of Mt. Washington (6288 ft.). Returning to the hut, we will pack out heading southwest on the Crawford path ascending Mt. Monroe (5372 ft.), and Mt Franklin (5001 ft.). After traveling 2.5 miles from the hut, we will reach Mt. Eisenhower (4760 ft.). This will be a great break place. From here we will descend on Edmond’s Path (an easy route) for 2.9 miles to reach Mt. Clinton Road where we will find an appropriate place to set up camp. After supper and considering compromising with nature, yet faith’s maturity in Gen. 16 & 17, we will be glad to lie down beside quiet waters to sleep.

July 19- Saturday
This being our concluding day, after devotions and breakfast, we will consider faith’s discernment and the son of promise, Gen. 18 & 21. After two have hiked to retrieve the vehicle, we will load and begin our journey back to Mass. That evening, Lord willing, we will consider faith’s climax in Gen. 22, and what this means to God and to our lives. July 20- Lord’s Day After the morning meeting, we will begin the journey home to arrive in Havertown, PA at approximately 6:30 PM.

The Plan The Bible Studies The Story The Pictures

The Bible Studies

"The Life of Faith"

July 13 PM
“But the just shall live by faith.”
Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:16,17; 5:1, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:37-39

July 14 AM
The Call: Obedience of Faith
Genesis 12:1-4, Hebrews 11:8

July 14 PM
Dependant Faith
Genesis 12:5-8, Luke 3:21, 5:16, 6:12

July 15 AM
Hindrances for Faith (A): Selfish Deception, Moral Compromise
Genesis 12: 9-20, I Thessalonians 4:1-5

July 15 PM
Hindrances for Faith (B): Unequal Yoke
Genesis 13:1-7, II Corinthians 6:14-18, 7:1

July 16 AM
Separated Walk of Faith
Genesis 13:8-13, II Timothy 2:19-22

July 16 PM
Faith’s Vision & Communion
Genesis 13:14-18, Ephesians 3:14-19

July 17 AM
Faith’s Courage (strength)
Genesis 14:1-3, 8-16, Philippians 4:12, 13, Colossians 1:9-11

July 17 PM
Faith’s Blessing
Genesis 14:17-24, I Corinthians11:23-26

July 18 AM
Faith’s Reward & Inheritance
Genesis 15:1-7, 18-21, Philippians 3:8, I Peter 1:3-6

July 18 PM
Nature’s Compromise & Faith’s Maturity
Genesis 16:1-4, 15, 16, 17:1-4, 11

July 19 AM
Faith’s Discernment & Son of Promise
Genesis 18:1-5, 21:1-7

July 19 PM
Faith’s Climax & Our Supreme Object
Philippians 3:10, Hebrews 12:1

The Plan The Bible Studies The Story The Pictures

The Story

Sat -
The Convoy departed from PA and Picked me up on the way on the way to Springfield Vermont. We set up camp at a campground only a few minutes away from the Springfield VT Meeting hall. We encountered a bit of rain on the drive up, but the rain ceased as we arrived at the campground. It just so happened that this campground was having a fiddle fest that evening so we had fiddle music in the background all evening. Dave and I took a quick jaunt into town to buy Hot Dogs and condiments for supper which we prepared over a fire, before studying from God’s Word and going to sleep under the stars.

Sun –
Rising early we broke down camp and got all cleaned up for Meeting. Dave took another ‘quick’ run into town to get milk and other breakfast supplies so we were able to have one last “good” breakfast, before heading to meeting. After meeting, the local brethren held a potluck lunch for us, before a word of ministry from Mr. McCormick and our drive to New Hampshire. We stopped in a small town general store/deli to pick up assorted suppers before reaching the trailhead of our hike. After a quick search for a suitable campsite at the base of Caps Ridge Trail, we set up camp and started to get packs and supplies organized. Most left their packs in the van, along with all the food, so we did not need to set up a bear bag. After getting all set up, we were able to have a small campfire and continue our studies of Abraham (Abram at this point in the studies), before heading to the sleeping bags for our first day of sleeping on roots, rocks and just about everything else one finds on the ground in at thick forest!

Mon –
Mr. McCormick and Dave were the early risers Monday morning as they shuffled cars around so one was at our ending point. Everyone else was awakened (or at least told to get out of their tents) at about 6:30. After an exchange of “what a rough night of sleep” stories, we took down camp, before we headed to the van to retrieve our packs, eat breakfast, study the Bible more, and distribute group supplies among everyone’s packs. All this being accomplished, we headed up the Caps Ridge Trail which heads up Jefferson. We stayed on this trail until we met The Link trail, where we turned left and headed across Jefferson towards Castle Trail. Upon reaching Castle trail, after a hike through varied scenery on The Link trail, we headed down Jefferson slightly towards Mt. Bowman, until we found a suitable campsite. To everyone’s surprise, we arrived at a campsite quickly (at around 12) and were able to set up camp and eat lunch in our second campsite of the trip. It did not take us long to realize that we would need more water (and we were planning on have to get water at each campsite), so Mr. McCormick decided to go with Carl and Brian to get water farther along The Link trail. This turned out to be quite an adventure as they had to hike a long way down a steep trail to reach water and then carry the water back up this hard trail. Mike was very nice and hiked part of the way down the trail and helped them carry the water part of the way back to camp. While they were doing that, the rest of us took a pack-less hike up to the Castles, which are large rocks that stick up along a ridge running off of Jefferson. We spent quite a time scrambling over these rocks and enjoying the view, before radioing ‘the water party’ and deciding to head down to help them and start cooking supper. That evening we enjoyed our first freeze-dried meal! After supper and cleaning dishes (using precious water sparingly) we huddled around a campfire, studied more about Faith from the life of Abraham, before singing hymns and Young People’s songs, and heading to sleep at about 9:00. (After hanging our first bear bag, a daily chore, that we successfully executed each day so that no animals got at our food!)

Tues –
After our “morning routine” –Breakfast, break down camp, clean up, study the Bible – we headed back up the Castle Trail where we had day hiked the day before, this time with packs, which was a challenging experience, as the trail was rather steep. Just before reaching the summit, it became very clear that we would need more water for lunch, as we had not been able to totally fill up out bottles at breakfast because the water was so far away from our campsite, so we took a ‘small’ detour, takeing a left along The Cornice trail above tree line (where the weather is so bad trees and most plants cannot grow) toward Spalding Spring. This turned out to be a longer hike then we had orignaly thought, so we had lunch right beside the rock that covered the spot where a small trickle of water came out of the ground and started a stream. After lunch we headed up the Loop Trail towards the summit. When we reached the summit, we were treated to great clear views 360o around, including a great view of Mt. Washington. After a short time of relaxation, (and disturbing a bee’s nest on top of the mountain) we headed down towards the Gulfside Trail on the other side of the Castle Trail. Approximately where the Castle Trail met the Gulfside Trail, we entered a really unique area of a grassy plane above treeline. We hiked through this area along the Gulfside Trail, heading toward the Sphinx Trail. Those of us who had gone on last years hike had flashbacks to last year when we got to the Sphinx Trail, as we hiked up it last year. After a brief break (and small rock climbing excursion) we headed down the beautiful Sphinx Trail, hiking steeply down into the Great Gulf, following along, what was at first, a small trickle of a stream, and was later a full blown big stream, we passed by many spectacular waterfalls while also having great views across the Great Gulf. We set up camp near where the Sphinx Trail met the Great Gulf Trail, right behind where we had camped last year! This proved to be a very nice campsite. We set up camp before we took a quick run to the stream we had been following down the mountain to dip our feet in and be refreshed after a long day of hiking. It did not take us long to get settled in, prepare supper, study more of Abram’s faith, and head right to bed. We were not able to have a campfire at this site as it was in the Great Gulf where campfires are not allowed.

Wed –
We awoke to sprinkles of rain Wednesday morning. The serous, heavy, rain held off until after we had broken down camp and ate breakfast. Just as we were getting our packs on it started to seriously rain. We took a soggy hike down the Great Gulf Trail to the intersection of the Great Gulf Trail and the Wasmsutta Trail where we found a campsite a short way up the Wasmsutta Trail. When we came by the campsite, it was occupied by a threesome of friends from college, who we helped take down their tents (in the rain) before we quickly put up our tents in the rain. We also quickly set up a tarp to huddle under and put our packs under so Everything wouldn’t get wet. When everything was set up, we had our morning Bible Study (as we had not done it earlier because of the rain) and ate lunch. After lunch, Mr. McCormic, Dave, Karl, Josh, and Brian, went on the planed pack-less day hike up the Six Husbands Trail, across the Gulfside Trail, and back down the Buttress Trail, summating Mt. Adams along the journey. The Six Husbands Trail was very rough, even having ladders bolted into cliffs to allow passage past areas that were too steep for unassisted passage. While they were doing that, the rest of us (Mike, Jonathan, Ben, Justin, and Peter) stayed at camp to maintain Radio contact with the day hikers, and to set up the Bear bag, Pump (clean) water, and start cooking supper (and to just fool around and rest up!). One of the most important things done by the base camp crew was the defense of our campsite against an attempted invasion by a very hungry and fearless squirrel. The night before he had gotten into the three college student’s bear bag and eaten some of their food, but the base camp crew was able to scare (and nearly kill) the squirrel with several well thrown stones, so none of our food was stolen. As the day hikers approached camp again, they radioed and told those at base camp to start cooking supper, which was done, and supper was eaten promptly upon the group’s reuniting at camp. After supper we studied again from God’s Word and headed to bed. (Again, we didn’t have a campfire because we were still in the Great Gulf)

Thurs –
We awoke to a much nicer sky Thursday morning then we had Wednesday. After retrieving the bear bag (and discovering that the Squirrel had not managed to gain access to it) we broke down camp, tried to dry out things that were still slightly wet, ate breakfast and studied more about Abram’s faith. After leaving the campsite, we headed up the Wamsutta Trail, along a quite steep route that brought us up the side of Mt. Washington. In one morning we went through thick valley woods, cliff-like overviews, high alpine forests, and to alpine boulders. When we reached the Auto road we stopped for lunch and to enjoy the great views back towards Jefferson, Adams, and Madison. After lunch we crossed the auto road and hiked along the Alpine Garden trail which wrapped around Mt. Washington, brining us to views of the Tuckerman Ravine and the Wildcat Ski area (on Wildcat Mt.). The Alpine Garden Trail brought us to the Tuckerman Ravine Trail which we hike up a short bit of, before getting onto the Crossover Trail which led us over the ridge between Washington and Monroe, right to the Lakes of the Clouds AMC Hut. AMC Huts are staffed during the summer and provide a hot supper and breakfast along with bunks for sleeping. Needless to say, we were very glad to reach the hut! After finding our bunks, taking off our boots, and playing a game of Uno, and continuing our study of Abraham, we had supper, Minestrone soup, salad, Chicken, Veggies, and moca brownies. After supper (at about 7) Dave, Brian, Mike, Ben, and Jonathan, decided to take a quick run up to the summit of Mt. Washington to try to be there for sunset. Lake of the Clouds is about 1.8 miles from the summit and 1600 feet lower then the summit. After running for a little while (running, and walking for that matter, above treeline involves jumping from rock to rock) and walking at a brisk pace with no breaks, they were able to make it to the summit in just over 30 minutes, just in time to see the sky turn to a brilliant red as the sun started to slide behind clouds on the horizon. At the summit, the weather was much different then at the hut, as the winds were blowing at 40-50 miles per hour, (fast enough to have to lean into the wind to get anywhere) with a wind-chill (estimated) to be below freezing. Because of this, this summit stay only lasted about 10 minutes before turning around and heading back to the hut, this time trying to get to the hut before it got totally dark out. The return trip took about 40 minutes, bringing everyone to the hut before lights out. That summiting would prove to be one of the most exhilarating parts of the trip. Glad to have a nights rest without lying on roots and rocks, we all headed to the bunks.

Fri –
We all awoke to exchange stories of being kept awake by heavy breathing on the part of a fellow camper. Putting that behind us, we got our packs ready, still being unsure of what the plan would be for the day. We had planned on taking a packless hike up Washington, but a quick look out one of the windows of the hut told us that that would prove to be interesting because it was total white out fog out side. Before doing anything else, we headed to a very welcome hot breakfast of ‘grits’ (hot cereal), pineapple, cold cereal, corn muffins, and eggs (possibly an omelet, it didn’t look or taste quite like a normal scrambled egg anyway). After breakfast, we had our morning Bible study, and decided that some wanted to summit Washington even in the fog. This morning summit was taken at a much slower pace then the previous nights summit push. Mr. McCormick, Dave, Justin, Josh, Carl, Peter, and Brian all made it to the summit Friday morning. After a few phone calls from the top, we headed back to the hut to pick up our packs and those who had stayed at the hut (having summated the night before and not wishing to repeat the feat). Leaving the hut, Mr. McCormick, Josh, Jonathan, Brian, and Peter headed up over Mt. Monroe along a branch of Crawford path, while the rest of the group went around Mt. Monroe on a different part of Crawford path. As both groups were meeting at the convergence of the two parts of Crawford path, it started to rain and hail! (even though the forecast had said partly cloudy with a chance of a thunderstorm late in the day!) Everyone scrambled to get their rain gear on, but the rain was coming down so hard that everyone was still getting wet. We continued along Crawford path in the rain, at a quicker pace as we heard one or two rolls of thunder, before we headed down Edmands Path, toward where one of the vehicles had been parked. Before too long we got below tree line and were headed downhill. The plan was to camp at the bottom of Edmands Path, only a short distance from the truck, where we would pack out early Sat morning, instead, we went straight to the truck where Mr. McCormick went to get the van. After a quick phone call to Mr. Lucia, it was decided that we would head to MA and spend the night at Peter’s house Friday night instead of Sat night as planned. After getting all the packs packed into the truck and changing into dryer clothes (everyone was soaked right through) we piled in to the cars, and started the drive home. We stopped for a supper/lunch at pizza hut where we ate 4 pizzas, before we arrived at the Lucia’s house at about 9 pm. After spreading wet stuff everywhere (in hopes it would dry), a quick dip in the pool, and a much needed shower, we headed to bed (or at least pretended to [some {Justin, Mike, Ben, & Peter} stayed up until ~2:30 playing games, listening to music, and burning CDs with pictures from the trip for everyone]).

Sat –
All had a great night of sleep finally, and everyone slept in too! We finally woke up to a big breakfast that included REAL milk! (none of that powdered stuff we had been drinking for the past week!) After finishing our last three Bible Study sessions (one from Fri night, and the two we had planed for Sat) everyone except Dave, Justin, and Peter packed up and piled into Mr. McCormick’s van and left for Mt. View and then everyone’s homes. Dave and Justin stayed at Peter’s house until after meeting on Sunday when they also headed south towards home.

The Plan The Bible Studies The Story The Pictures