For the past several months I have followed a blog called “Hike It Forward” written by Dr. Dave Rough who is the Academic Dean at the Dayton Christian School System. Dr. D., as he calls himself, begins his 2,186 mile thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) next Saturday from Springer Mountain, GA. His hike will raise scholarship funds for students who might not otherwise be able to attend Dayton Christian School.
In his preparatory hikes Dr. D. has logged many miles on the trails of the local and state parks in southwest Ohio, parks that my wife Leah and I often hike as a couple and with our family from North Cincinnati Community Church. In fact, there have been a few occasions where we have been on the same trail on the same day, but have never actually crossed paths.
Yesterday, as we were waiting for our amazing group (22 adults and 23 children) from NCCC to arrive at the Flat Fork Ridge Recreation Area in Caesar Creek State Park, I noticed a gentleman with a fully loaded backpack crossing the parking lot to his car. It struck me that this very well could be Dr. D., and as God’s providence would have it, it was!
We had only a brief conversation, however I felt an immediate bond, both as a Christian brother and as a fellow hiker. Most assuredly I will be praying daily for his safety and success!
To learn more about Dr. D. and his hike visit his blog at: http://hikeitforward.wordpress.com/
Hiking group from North Cincinnati Community Church at the Flat Fork Ridge Recreation Area, Caesar Creek State Park, Waynesville, Ohio.
© Todd D. Nystrom and Todd the Hiker, 2014.
Todd the Hiker 
Todd – what a special post! I am so thankful for your mentioning of my hike and sharing the link to my blog. It was a “God crossing” that enabled our face to face meeting and I am so glad that He orchestrated it. Let’s plan on hiking together when I get back.
Your church group looks great. More children than adults is always a healthy sign for a church, God bless you and your wife.
It would be great to hike together when you return. We will need to do some serious training to keep up with you, I’m sure. You will be in my prayers daily!