Third Visit on the AT: Brian Long and Family

                                                                            

Today, April 26, I had the distinct pleasure of visiting with Brian and Carla Long, and their three wonderful children.  They met us at the Pine Grove Furnace State Park which is located near where we are spending tonight, Mount Holly Springs, PA.

Adam and I had exchanged a number of text messages with Brian over the last week.  He had agreed to pick up some equipment resupply for us, and to receive the two boxes we needed to "bump" up the trail.  Brian and Carla came through big time, and supplied us not only with the physical equipment we had requested, but also fed us an outstanding lunch.  He grilled chicken on one of the park's grills.  In addition, Carla had made a wonderful salad and baked potatoes .

Brian Grilling our dinner

  They also brought a lot of snacks which we wolfed down while Brian was grilling the chicken.  Utz potato chips never tasted better.  After we left the park, Brian graciously stopped at a nearby ice cream joint, and we topped off the big meal with ice cream cones. 

I first met Brian and his family in Henderson, NC.  We moved there in 1986 as part of a church planting team.  Brian's parents, George and Francis Long, and their 4 children, were an integral part of that original nucleus of families who dared to give of themselves to such a venture.

Francis Long was one of the best cooks in Vance County.  No, maybe in all of North Carolina!  Her fried chicken, biscuits and desserts were a big draw for our Wednesday night program.  George has one of the warmest smiles you will ever have the privilege of experiencing, and I was blessed to share life with them there in Henderson for 3 years.  The Lord called Francis home in 2006 and at an early age.  I was privileged to bring the message at her funeral.  She left an enduring legacy on many levels.

One of the "hats" I wore during that time was to work with the youth and children.  Brian was the only youth I had for some time, so as I explained to Carla today, he got both barrels from David in regards to Bible teaching.  He was an open minded and adventurous youngster, and today I have been super blessed to see him as an outstanding 42 year old adult.

While I was in Henderson, I took Brian and other young people on many a camping trip.  Carla told me today that she credits me to some extent with building into Brian a love of the mountains and of the outdoor life.  She said since her own parents had been accomplished hikers and campers, she knew that whoever she would marry would have to be into all that.  So Brian fit the bill and landed an outstanding catch in Carla Bange.  Sweet!  How heartening to think I may have indirectly played such a role.

So today was special because my former young camping buddy, along with his family, got to meet up with us as we emerged from the woods while walking the AT.  And because Brian has himself walked large chunks of the AT in both W VA and PA, he was able to pull out maps of the AT and give us advice regarding what we are facing further north.

Thanks Brian and Carla.  You have both blessed and encouraged us.

David Crane