Crestview Outdoor Ministry Expeditions
Adventures of Worship in GOD's Outdoors
YOU will show me the path of life;
-- Psalm 16:11 NKJV
eTrailGuide #020
http://pastorlarryt.googlepages.com/home
February 12, 2010
01. Real Treasure
02. Outdoor Ministry Calendar
03. Expedition #17 – Are You Ready?
04. Expedition #18 – Campout Conecuh National Forest!
05. Open Your Eyes
06. Campfire Cuisine
07. Gear Review
*******************************
01. Real Treasure
19 'They will throw their silver into the streets, And their gold will be like refuse; Their silver and their gold will not be able to deliver them In the day of the wrath of the Lord; They will not satisfy their souls, Nor fill their stomachs, Because it became their stumbling block of iniquity. Ezek 7:19 (NKJV)
This passage is part of the prophetical warning that GOD gave to Israel through Ezekiel. It should also serve as a warning to us – the pursuit and accumulation of earthly “treasure” will ultimately do mankind no good. The desire for earthly riches became a stumbling block to the Israelites and has become so for many men today. JESUS reminds us to seek HIM first and foremost. I pray we will heed HIS words. If we do, then our treasure will not be corruptible gold and silver but will indeed last eternally!
What do you desire with all your heart?
*******************************
02. Outdoor Ministry Calendar
February 20, 2010 – 7:30am – Expedition #17 Hike to Cheaha Mtn.
February 27, 2010 – 8:00am – Hike Saturday – Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail
March 20, 2010 – 8:00am – Hike Saturday – Hike Ft. Toulouse NHP Wetumpka
March 26-27, 2010 – 7:30am – Expedition #18 – Conecuh Nat Forest Campout!
*******************************
03. Expedition #17 – Are You Ready?
Option #1:
Join us for a challenging hike of the Rock Garden Trail at Cheaha State Park on Sat. 2/20/2010. This hike will assault Alabama’s Highest Point – Cheaha Mountain! This is also the trail with the most magnificent views in the park, perhaps in the state. One has to pay for these views – and that payment is in work. The Rock Garden Trail may be the most difficult hike in the state.
Before you decide you can’t do this hike, consider Option #2 for this Expedition. Option #2 will be walking/hiking the Bald Rock Trail which is an easy hike along a boardwalk already at the summit of Mt. Cheaha.
Those in the group that opt for Option #2 will take the van to the summit parking area and walk the boardwalk (and wait for those that will be hiking up the Rock Garden Trail!).
Those hiking the Rock Garden Trail will depart from the trailhead and assault Mt. Cheaha from below.
Gear List:
· Hiking Shoes or boots for Option #1. Any comfortable shoe for Option #2.
· Pack your own picnic lunch, snacks, water.
· Wear comfortable and layered clothing. Plan for the weather. Don’t forget your head and hands!
· Bible / Journal / Pen or Pencil
Everyone will gather together at/near the summit for a picnic lunch, fellowship, and devotional thoughts. Please see the C.O.M.E. Bulletin Board for specific trail info.
*******************************
04. Expedition #18 – Campout Conecuh National Forest!
C.O.M.E. #18 will be an over-night campout at the Open Pond Recreation Area of Conecuh National Forest. There are several options available within this Expedition.
· Expedition Type: Camping at developed campground with Hiking, Biking, Fishing, Kayaking options. This area is known for its nighttime darkness (low light pollution) be prepared for some great star-gazing!
· Dates/Times: Friday (3/26/2010) 9:00am through Saturday (3/27/2010) late afternoon.
· Location: Open Pond Recreation Area, Conecuh National Forest (see following link for map info http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/alabama/recreation/open-pond.shtml )
· Costs: Camping fees range from $6 - $12 per night depending on campsite selected. Entrance fee is $3.00 per vehicle.
· Hiking: Conecuh Trail (up to 20 mile loop trail from Open Pond largely level through Long Leaf Pine forests, swamp lands, and mixed forests), other shorter trails around Open Pond.
· Biking: Mountain bikes are allowed on trails. Roads around Open Pond and throughout area are accessible to bicycles. You will have to bring your own bike.
· Kayaking/Canoeing: Open Pond is accessible for non-motorized boats. No moving water – all water is sheltered. (Bring your own boat.)
· Fishing: Available at Open Pond and other lakes. Valid Alabama Fishing License required of all 16 years old and up. (Bring your own fishing gear.)
· Campsites: Four different campground loops providing everything from electric and water hookups to primitive, and group camping. Campsites provide location for tent (or camper trailer) and fire-ring. Campground bath-houses provide modern bathroom facilities including hot showers.
· Expedition Agenda:
o Depart Church in caravan at 9:00 am Friday, 3/26/2010
o Arrive / Set up Camp
o Short hiking excursion: Lake Trail
o Picnic Lunch (pack your own)
o Fishing for those interested
o Canoe/Kayak time for those interested
o Evening Meal around the campfire
o Evening Devotions
o Star Gazing!
o Into the Sleeping Bags
o Saturday:
o Camp Breakfast / Morning Devotional Thought
o Conecuh Trail Challenge (10+ miles on the trail!)
o Optional activities for those not hiking
§ Canoe / Kayaking / Cycling
§ Fishing
§ Relaxing / Fellowship around the campfire
o Break down camp
o Return to Prattville
This Expedition WILL REQUIRE pre-registration! See the C.O.M.E. Bulletin Board for registration information forms. We will have planning/preparation meeting prior to the expedition.
*******************************
05. Open Your Eyes
Hiking Trails of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia
Hiking Trails into the Okefenokee NWR offer hiking trails through upland pine forests and across transitional wetlands. These trails offer visitors unique hikes through natural habitat; with opportunities to view deer, squirrels, gopher tortoises, box turtles, snakes, and a wide variety of birds.
East Entrance offers a variety of trails, most of which meander through the refuge’s upland habitat:
• Phernetton Trail is a 1.3 mile hiking trail loop near the East Entrance Road, off Highway 121. This trail offers a walk through a managed section of the refuge’s upland habitat.
• Longleaf Pine Interpretive Trail is a 4 mile trail that begins off East Entrance Road, approximately ¾ of a mile from its junction with Hwy. 121. This trail weaves through upland property belonging to both the refuge and International Paper. Exhibit panels discuss the Longleaf Pine Forest, Sustainable Forest Initiative, and the historic Suwannee Canal. This trail merges into the Canal Diggers Trail.
• Canal Diggers Trail is a .65 mile interpretive loop that begins and ends in a small parking area, about ¼ mile onto Swamp Island Drive. This short walking trail offers visitors a self-guided walk through a small riparian habitat, which has developed inside the old canal. Wildlife observation and photography opportunities exist for both upland and riparian-dependent species.
• Upland Discovery Trail is a short .2 mile loop walk, taking visitors through a naturally occurring red-cockaded woodpecker colony. Observation and photography opportunities exist for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker and other upland dependent species.
• Ridley Island Trail is a 1.75 mile trail that takes visitors from Swamp Island Drive through a mosaic of upland and wetland habitats to Chesser Island. A diverse variety of wildlife and plant life can be found along this trail.
• Chesser Island Homestead Trail is a .7 mile loop around this historic property. Visitors can observe and photograph a variety of native and non-native plants. Many of the present plants and trees can trace their origins back to the property’s historic “Swamper” homestead period.
• Deer Stand Trail is a .5 mile trail connecting historic Chesser Homestead to Swamp Walk Boardwalk. This trail wanders through a mixed longleaf pine and oak forest.
• Cane Pole Trail is a .35 mile trail, which runs along the Suwannee Canal, leading to Mizell Prairie education and observation platform.
Bicycling is permitted on the paved roads only, and not on designated hiking trails. All hikes should be planned with the Refuge opening and closing times in mind. It is not recommend that you bring your pet to the refuge, but if you do, they must be restrained at all times. Pets are permitted on trails, however they must be restrained on a 6-foot or shorter leash.
A trail map is available in pdf format: http://www.fws.gov/okefenokee/hikingtrails.pdf
*******************************
06. Campfire Cuisine
This recipe seems unusual but intrigues me. This is one I need to try. (from http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/eek/nature/camp/recipe.htm#mock )
Mock Coconut Cream Pie
Ingredients:
· sliced Italian bread
· sweetened condensed milk
· flake coconut.
Directions: Dip both sides of Italian bread in sweetened condensed milk. Then dip in coconut. Put on a roasting fork and roast over fire. Coconut will get fairly dark when done.
*******************************
07. Gear Review
This is the forum to perhaps introduce you to a new “gadget” or reacquaint you with an “old standby”.
Gear Reviewed: Mountainsmith Tour (Lumbar Pack)
This 488 cubic inch, 1 ½ lbs. lumbar pack by Mountainsmith has been a staple of my hiking gear for about 4 years now. Rigged with the optional “strapettes” this little star becomes a versatile trail pack with enough space for the essentials of a day hike while remaining unobtrusive and lightweight. The Tour is constructed with adequate space in its two compartments for a first aid kit, emergency supplies, some trail snacks, a map, and a small journal and pocket Bible. Pouches on either side of the pack allow for carrying of two 32 oz. water bottles. A versatile elastic strap on the back easily accommodates a poncho or rain jacket. Compression straps allow for adjustment of the load for comfort and stability. The wide waste belt is tuck-away and evenly distributes the load across your hips.
I consider the strapettes (shoulder straps) a necessity for any serious hiking. Without these the Tour would tend to shift and “weigh low” as you hike the trail which constantly aggravated me. With the strapettes the pack is tucked nicely in the small of your back with the weight distributed evenly. It will not easily shift while crossing the roughest terrain.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my Tour while hiking many varied trails in Alabama as well as trails in the desert southwest. The Tour was especially enjoyable to me on the Lime Kiln Trail in Dead Horse Ranch AZ State Park as I was freed to enjoy the desert while adequately provisioned with water without the added weight of a larger backpack.
The Mountainsmith Tour is my most frequently used pack, being my normal choice for day hiking. Only when it is necessary to pack larger loads do I opt for my Mountainsmith Approach 3.0.
Hiking with HIM <+><
*******************************
A morning-glory at my window satisfies me more than the metaphysics of books.
~ Walt Whitman
By reading the scriptures I am so renewed that all nature seems renewed around me and with me. The sky seems to be a pure, a cooler blue, the trees a deeper green. The whole world is charged with the glory of God and I feel fire and music under my feet.
~ Thomas Merton
No comments:
Post a Comment