Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: HIKE (07/07/22)
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TITLE: A Prayerful Night | Previous Challenge Entry
By Louis Detweiler
07/14/22 -
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“What time is it?” Mary asked as we began our 2,500-foot ascent.
“It is now 9:30 am", I replied.
Sam said, “We should reach the summit by 12:30.”
Jennifer replied, “That is a 2,500 foot climb. I’m wearing shorts and a wool hat."
Mary replied, “I have extra clothes because I know I will sweat hiking, but I’ll freeze in the wind at the top.”
Sam, “No snow in the forecast, but 40 degrees for the high. A perfect day for a hike.”
An hour on the trail, we saw a hiker sitting against their backpack next to a tree.
“Hi”, I said.
“The hiker replied, “I ran out of water. Do you have some to spare?”
Silence.
“Sure", Jennifer said, “Only take a few gulps. The parking lot is two and a half miles down the trail. I need the rest for the hike to reach the top.”
“I’ve been out of water since last night. My backpack caught fire last night, and I burned a hole in my canteen.”
Mary, “Are you going to make it?”
The hiker, “With God’s help and a little water, thank you. I left food at the shelter. Help yourself.”
Jennifer smiled, “Thanks, but this is strictly a day hike.”
After we began hiking again, Sam asked, “Roger, did you bring extra water?”
“Yes.”
Sam spotted the bear. “Hibernation must have ended early this year.”
Mary and Jennifer catapulted up the side of the mountain to a rocky outcropping. Sam and I found long wooden poles and picked up rocks. We slowly made our way up toward the girls while watching the bear amble down the path out of sight.Jennifer had scratches all over her face and legs.
“You OK Jenn", I asked.
“Yeah, just don’t lose me. Let’s go.”
After another hour, we stopped next to the shelter where Jennifer refilled her canteen and took a break.
Mary, “Let’s pray.”
We circled, held hands, and prayed for safety and a successful hike.
At the top, we exalted in the view. The Appalachian Mountains extended to the west in a sea of ridges. To the southeast, the outline of Roanoke was discernable in the icy wind. I put on my down coat and took off my wet t-shirt.
"My t-shirt is soaked with sweat, Sam.”
Sam replied, “I came up here to get away and enjoy God’s grace with this terrific view. I’m going to rest on these rocks.”
”Jennifer, “How are your scratches?” asked Mary
.
“What scratches? I love being here.”
I closed my eyes, leaned back, and felt the sting of sleet on my face. “What time is it?”
Mary answered, “3:00 pm.”
Sam stood over me. “Hey Roger, it is sleeting.”
We scurried down the path while snow, sleet, and ice pelted us off the mountain. The wind changed to a biting blast in a matter of minutes.
The path became treacherous with each passing minute. Sam fell hard against icy rocks.
“Roger, stop! Sam is down, yelled Mary.”
Jennifer turned Sam over, revealing a deep bleeding gash on his forehead. I administered first aid, put my coat over him, and stopped the bleeding. After 5 minutes, Sam gained consciousness.
Mary asked, “Are you OK, Sam?”
Sam said, “I’m not going to make it.” Please, leave me and save yourself.”
Jennifer felt his leg. “It’s not broken, only severely bruised.”
An inch and a half of sleet and ice covered everything.
Jennifer said, “We need to make it to the shelter.”
I cut a crutch for Sam, and we all ambled down the path to the shelter together. The deserted hut had dry firewood in the corner.
Mary said, “I don’t have cell service.”
Jennifer, “I have my Bible.”
I said, “They will see our car in the parking lot and send out a search party after the storm has passed. In the morning, we’ll make a big fire and put out a lot of smoke, so a rescue team will find us.”
We all huddled, saying prayers between dozing until morning.
The rescue team reached us at about 11 am.
Mary said, “My prayers have been answered.”
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