An Unplanned Encounter

DANIEL JUSTICE (‘17) AND JEREMIAH COWAN (‘14) CROSS PATHS ON THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL

by Lindsey McClellan

Daniel Justice (‘17) and Jeremiah Cowan (‘14) have always loved adventure. Being able to hike the Appalachian Trail has always been on their bucket lists. When Daniel decided to hike the Appalachian Trail from North to South, he started in Maine and little did he know one of his former classmates and fellow Eagle Scout from Whitefield’s Troop 554, Jeremiah Cowan (‘14), was also on the trail, hiking from South to North, starting in Georgia. They had not seen each other since upper school Boy Scouts and passed each other on the trail.

WHAT WAS YOUR MOTIVATION (FOR HIKING THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL)?

Daniel

I hiked the Georgia section of the trail when I was in Boy Scouts. On one of those trips I met a thru-hiker named Moto. He talked to us about his journey and shared his stories. That really made me want to see the whole trail.

Jeremiah

The reason for hiking the trail is multi-faceted. In high school, I was a part of Troop 554 at Whitefield Academy. A Scoutmaster named Mr. Howard had thru-hiked the trail and inspired me to one day hike the trail. I went on to get my Eagle Scout Award and swore I would thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. Nine years later, I completed my thru-hike of the AT on October 17, 2022.

DID IT LIVE UP TO YOUR EXPECTATIONS IN TERMS OF YOUR PERSONAL OR SPIRITUAL GROWTH?

Daniel

I think it’s hard to evaluate my growth while still in the middle of it. It has been an awesome experience, but I am not sure that I really went into it with any expectations for growth, more of just an attitude of seeing what happens. It has been fascinating to see where the trail has taken me and what God has taught me. I think I need more time to reflect on it once I am not in the constant routine of waking up and walking 12 hours.

Jeremiah

It completely surprised and exceeded my expectations in every way. The trail is so much more than I could have imagined it to be. The blood, sweat, tears, sleepless nights, cold, wetness, and fatigue are all part of it. But more important, it is the present-mindedness and peace that drew me closer to my walk with Jesus and my own personal goals. Having this time to reflect and quite literally walk with Jesus is invaluable. This experience has forever changed me in all of the best ways.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF?

Daniel

I think the coolest thing all thru-hikers learn is how much strain, mental, and physical stress you can endure. The highs on the trail are way more exciting and rewarding than I would have expected. But, likewise, the lows are far more difficult than most other life experiences. Being able to hike through a knee injury on days when it’s raining and behind my friends was really difficult. But, I was able to push through and keep hiking.

Jeremiah

I’ve learned that I’m capable - mind and body. I can endure great things through commitment and trust. The body and mind are incredible machines. Push them to the limits, and anything is possible.