My Goal for 2009 - YELLOWSTONE!

One of my goals for 2009 is an Expedition to YELLOWSTONE, YOSEMITE, and SEQUOIA National Parks in GOD's grace and time!!!
Let the Planning and Anticipation begin!
YELLOWSTONE
YOSEMITE
SEQUOIA

No Hiking Today - Involved in Tornado Relief

I thought the sun was supposed to be out today, but the clouds were thick and gray. A cold dampness hung in the air. I was encouraged though when I saw how many people had already gathered at the Volunteer Reception Center after 8:00am. In spite of the cool and damp day, hearts and spirits were bright and warm.

There is still a considerable amount of cleanup to be done, but the results are already impressive. It is wonderful to see so many people willing to help their neighbor - the Biblical definition of a neighbor!

The house I worked at today (411 Sheila Blvd) was a total loss. The roof had been largely blown off and the contents of the home was soaking wet. We removed all of the furniture (that was possibly any good) and loaded them onto trailers and trucks. It was a sobering experience to help people pack up what was left of their belongings and to see how quickly "stuff" can be taken away. It is also true that situations such as this demonstrate vividly how important relationships are especially compared to the accumulation of material possessions.

C.O.M.E. #4.1 - Total Lunar Eclipse

Adventure: Viewing of Total Lunar Eclipse 2/20/2008 20:00-22:00
Location: South field of Church Campus
Conditions: Clear to Partly Cloudy. Clouds cleared out completely during the total phase of the eclipse!
Thoughts/Observations:
GOD blessed us with clear skies during the total eclipse time! We had
a perfect view from the field on the south side of the church campus.
While the moon did not display the turquoise color NASA had speculated
might be seen, the warm red glow covered our nearest celestial
neighbor in this beautiful astronomical event. GOD orders the path
and timing of all celestial objects and this is a wondrous example of
HIS power and beauty.

It was great to have Emily, Jonny, Martha, Nathan, Jim, ConnieT, and
Kathy join me on this Expedition 4.1.

All of the images captured of this event are in our minds - none of
our digital photos would do the event justice!

C.O.M.E. #4 Moundville Archaeological Park

Hike: Moundville Archaeological Park, 2/16/2008, 10:30-13:30
Distance: 4 miles (credit - probably not truly that many miles)
Rating: 5/5
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions: Partly cloudy to Mostly cloudy at times. 50's to high 60's. Light breeze.
Thoughts/Observations:
C.O.M.E. #4: Kathy, Glenn, Emily, Jonny, Robert, Nathan, Morgan, Nicole, and myself. Great time on Nature Trail, climbing Chief's Ceremonial Mound, Indian Village, picnic beside the Black Warrior River, skipping stones on the river, Bible devotional together, and just hanging out. Cole-Cole said this was the best hike she had ever been on (it's the first hike she's ever been on!) Weather really cooperated. This was a very nice time of fellowship and appreciation of GOD's Creation. Hope everyone enjoyed the trip as much as I did.

Quick Hike at Mountain Creek

Hike: Mountain Creek, 02/09/2008, 08:00-10:00
Distance: 4.11 miles
Rating: 5/5
Conditions: Sunny. Low 50's to 60. Light to Moderate NW breeze.
Thoughts/Observations:
Avg Speed=1.8mph Moving Avg Speed=2.5mph (Yes, I took the GPS on this hike!)
Hiking before appointment at Church to conduct Jenny Blackmon's wedding. Absolutely gorgeous day! Saw cottontail rabbit and several birds. Scared up deer in pine upland area. Thank YOU, LORD, for this place and this time. These times in YOUR Creation, out hiking, are so special. Thank YOU for communing with me!

Mountain Creek - Gracie Hike

Hike: Mountain Creek, 02/02/2008, 10:00-11:30, Confederate Memorial Park
Distance: 3 miles
Rating: 4/5
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions: Mostly sunny, mild (low to upper 50's), no breeze.
Observations/Thoughts:
Took Gracie on this hike. She was excited, as usual. Did not see much wildlife on this hike - not sure why. Perhaps we got too late a start or maybe Gracie made too much noise with her scratching in the leaves. Not even many birds about today.
Sermon topic for tomorrow is "Trails of Life" (Prov. 4). Please give me YOUR words, LORD.