“A Spiritual Passage tells the true adventure of two Brothers in their 70s hiking the Appalachian Trail in a journal format. You will share their daunting journey, learning how they did it, their spiritual hurdles and experiences; and how they overcame their difficulties, grief, fear, doubt, and personal tribulations, including addiction. This is a tale of hope and inspiration overcoming life struggles and realities with 500 pictures and a lot of humorous renditions along the way!”
– Deacon Bo Davis
About Rand Timmerman:
There are moments in life when the impossible quietly becomes possible.
For Rand Timmerman, that moment began with a challenge he never imagined accepting: hiking the entire Appalachian Trail alongside his brother while both men were in their seventies. With an artificial knee, years of life experience behind him, and every reason to believe the journey was beyond reach, Rand chose to step forward anyway.
What followed became a life-changing adventure stretching more than 2,200 miles from Springer Mountain to Mount Katahdin through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in America.
Rand’s story is about far more than hiking.
It is a deeply human story of resilience, healing, hope, faith, grief, and perseverance. Through honest journal-style storytelling and more than 500 stunning photographs from the trail, Rand shares the emotional and spiritual lessons discovered one step at a time.
The journey also explores deeply personal chapters of life, including Rand’s triumph over alcoholism and his brother Ron’s experience navigating profound grief after the loss of his beloved wife, while continuing to lead a large and loving family of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Filled with humor, unexpected encounters, difficult weather, inspiring strangers, wildlife, and spiritually uplifting moments, Rand’s message is simple but powerful:
Do not give up before the miracle happens.
Whether someone is struggling physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually, Rand hopes his story reminds readers that life does not end when challenges begin. There is still adventure to be lived, beauty to be discovered, and purpose waiting on the other side of fear.
His story encourages readers to keep moving, keep dreaming, and keep showing up for life.
Use it or lose it.
Go for the long hike.
Enjoy the journey.