C.O.M.E. Commitment in 2010

C.O.M.E. in 2010

Those of you that know me know that I am not one to make “New Year’s Resolutions” – they seem to be too easy to break. So consider this a commitment. I am committed to putting more emphasis on Crestview Outdoor Ministry Expeditions in 2010. In my heart is a spark, I believe GOD has started, for this outreach and ministry using the venue of HIS creation. The opportunities and possibilities with this ministry are limitless for we serve a GOD who is without limits – the CREATOR and SUSTAINER of all seen and unseen things. The opportunity to “get out” and touch these marvels, to experience the handiwork of GOD, increases my heart-rate and fans a flame in my spirit that words cannot adequately describe. I hope that you share my sentiments.

My goal is to provide an opportunity for others to join me on these expeditions monthly. I am also providing shorter (half day) events called “Hike Saturday” on a monthly basis. Hopefully you will have time to join me on one of these events each month or at least when you can. Please consider telling your friends about C.O.M.E. Better yet, invite them to join you on one of our upcoming Expeditions or Hike Saturdays.

Another commitment I have made is to maintain the C.O.M.E. kiosk in front of the church to attract and inform the public. I may need to enlist help from time to time in posting pictures and information. As last year, the C.O.M.E. bulletin board in the back foyer will have information on upcoming events. Our ministry website at http://pastorlarryt.googlepages.com/home is always a good place to go for news and information. You can always email me at PastorLarry@CrestviewPrattville.org or call me at 334.318.0619 (cell).

Some ideas I am considering and praying about for the future are:

Ø BioLuminescence Tour, Merritt Island NWR Florida – targeting June or August 2010

Ø Group campout: Conecuh National Forest, Oak Mtn SP, Chewacla SP, Gulf SP, Lake Lurleen SP, Buck’s Pocket SP, or DeSoto SP (with star gazing)

Ø Overnight hike/camping on the Pinhoti Trail

Ø Overnight on Bartram Canoe Trail (with hike to Lost Indian Mound)

Ø Great Smoky Mountains NP – multi-day camping and exploration

Ø Everglades NP – multi-day camping and exploration

Ø Sipsey Wilderness Bankhead National Forest (NW Alabama) – hike to the “Big Tree”

Ø Sipsey Wilderness – Trout fishing event

Ø Deep Sea Fishing Event – Charter from Gulf Shores or similar

Ø Seminar on Outdoor Cooking and Native (Wild) Foods

Ø Wild Game Supper

Ø Canoe/Kayak any portion of the Alabama Scenic River Trail

Ø Exploring Shark Tooth Creek (west Alabama)

Let me know your thoughts. What would you really love to do? I covet your prayers for C.O.M.E.

Hike Saturday #1 - Swayback Bridge Trail

Hike: Hike Saturday #1, Sat. 01/23/2010 08:45-10:45, Swayback Bridge Trail
Distance: 4 miles Rating: 5/5
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions: Breezy; cloudy; mid to high 40's. Trails wet from recent rains.
Thoughts/Observations:
Hike Saturday #1. Nine people and two canines. Had a great time of fellowship and enjoyment of GOD's creation.

Ground still wet from recent rains. Little muddy for first half mile but okay afterward. Observed several beautiful Eastern Bluebirds in hardwood bottom forest, woodpeckers, turkey vultures, and red tailed hawk. Were not treated to any whitetail deer today - perhaps they were hunkered down due to the wind. No mountain bikers today, we were the first trail users. (Larry G., Nathan, Jon, Amber, Barry, Pam, Liz, Tammy, and me along with Jake and Peanut.) A very good first Hike Saturday.

Devotional thoughts from Psalm 8. GOD created all for HIS glory and our enjoyment. We are charged with management and care of HIS Creation!

Back on Swayback

Hike: Swayback Bridge Trail, Sat. 01/16/2010, 08:30-10:30
Distance: 4 miles Rating: 4/5
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions: Cloudy to light sprinkles at hike's end. High 50's. Light but steady breeze. Trails still wet and muddy in spots (will get more muddy after this front finishes!).
Thoughts/Observations:
Expedition #16 to Horseshoe Bend NMP was canceled. Only one other person showed up -- others sick or having to work. I did not feel right about taking the church van for just two of us, so I canceled the trip. Maybe we can reschedule again.

Since it was going to be a solo hike for me and I knew we were in for rain I decided to try out my Frogg Toggs. They work quite well. Much better than a vinyl rainsuit but still a little warm even under the easy exertion of this trail. Well worth the $25.00 paid. Still not sure about how they would withstand briers and brambles. Their combination lightweight, water-proofness, and breathability grants them a spot in my backpack.

Spooked a whitetail deer (small buck I think) as I entered the forest. Many passerines as usual. Four mountain bikers on the trail probably cleared out most fauna. Thought a lot about future expeditions and ministry efforts. My right foot bothered me a little eventhough I wore the temporary arch support Dr. Zimbleman made for me. Pain was not severe and did not seriously slow me. It was mainly confined to outside of foot near little toe.

Beautiful Day - Short Hike Mountain Creek

Hike: Mountain Creek, Fri., 01/15/2010, 10:00-12:00
Distance: 4 miles Rating: 5/5
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions: Bright blue sky; no wind. Temps high 40's to high 50's.
Thoughts/Observations:
Beautiful day. Mild temps. Quite enjoyable hike. One vocal hawk, many cardinals, thrashes, and other passerines. Two small woodpeckers "arguing" in the hardwood fringe area. Tulip tree seeds rotating down to earth, searching for good soil. "Take me away, to a secret place ... hiding place" - "Pocketful of Sunshine" was playing on radio on my way to hike. Dawned on me that this is what I am looking to GOD for, to take me from the kingdom of the world and deliver me into the Kingdom of HIS SON.

Dreaming of Kauai Hiking

The Kuilau Trail in Kauai looks and sounds wonderful. Just had to share the link. This is one I will have to include when we make it over there (hopefully 2011).

How about this video shot from a hike to the "wettest place on earth", Wai'ale'ale crater, on Kaui.

And then there is this 7 minute video of hiking the Na Pali Coast of Kauai... outstanding!

Expedition #16 Info

Expedition #16 – Hike Horseshoe Bend NMP

Expedition: #16 – Hiking Horseshoe Bend National Military Park, Dadeville, AL

Date/Time: Saturday, January 16, 2010 – Departing Church No Later Than 07:30am.

Description: We will hike the 3 mile nature trail from the Visitor Center, around the battlefield, through the Creek Village, by the banks of the meandering Tallapoosa and back to the picnic area by the Visitor Center. All of the trails are wide and well maintained. This route is considered mainly Easy, with some small, Moderate hills to negotiate. The trail surface is predominately packed soil with gravel in some areas. Picnic facilities are generous with a couple of covered pavilions. The route includes ample opportunities to observe local flora and fauna as well as the historical battle of Horseshoe Bend.

We will share a picnic lunch after the hike (bring your own lunch, water, and trail snacks) and a short devotional. Don’t forget your Bible, Journal, and pen/pencil. This is also a hike you will have excellent opportunities for photography.

Admission to Horseshoe Bend NMP is FREE and there is NO COST associated with this Expedition.

Degree of Difficulty: Easy. Trail surface is packed earth with some gravel sections. There are a few small hills and rolling terrain, but no difficult climbs/descents.

Emergency Info: Cell phone coverage should be sparse to good. Your trail guide will be equipped with a SPoT (Satellite Personal Tracker) in the event Emergency Services should be needed on an area of the trail where cell phone coverage is not available.

Cost: There is no direct cost associated with this expedition. Individuals should carry their own water (or sports drink) and snacks for the trail. We will end the hike with a picnic lunch (bring your own food) under the pavilion near the Visitor Center.

What to Bring:

· Trail shoes

· Suitable / comfortable clothes for hiking. Dress in layers appropriate for the weather.

· Water (or sports drink), snacks, and picnic lunch.

· Camera (optional)

· Map (will be provided by trail guide)

· Cell phone (optional)

· An eager, enthusiastic, and expectant spirit!

· An eye for the beauty GOD has wrought!

· We will have a short devotional after our picnic lunch. Please bring your Bible, Journal, and pen/pencil.

Expedition Credit: 3 miles / 1 Bible Study

TrailGuide: Pastor Larry

Additional Info: Contact Pastor Larry or 365-9621 (Church).

I Know What I Want for my Birthday!

Hey Kathy & Diane (and my other friends & family):

For a mere $139,000.00 you can put me right up there with Indiana Jones, Alan Quatermane, or The Land That Time Forgot. Just think of all the Adventures we could have flying in our own fully amphibious sport plane!

What do you think? How about a combination birthday, anniversary, Christmas, next year's birthday, anniversary, & Christmas present?

COLD Hike - Mountain Creek 01/09/2010

Hike: Mountain Creek (Confederate Memorial Park), Sat., 01/09/2010, 10:35-13:15
Distance: ~5 miles Rating: 4/5
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions: Bright blue sky! 27 degrees F. Calm to light breeze stirring the trees. Trails open and unhindered. A few puddles and wet spots remain from the recent rains. Creek is a little above normal level. Swampy areas are full of water (and ice today!).
Thoughts/Observations:
Really cold! Ground was busted up, erupted with ice in several places. Made a comforting crunch beneath my hiking boots as I hiked this quietly comforting area. Many birds about - Eastern Bluebirds, Thrashes, Turkey Vulture, large hawk, and the little green sparrow-sized bird I saw last week. Lots of birdsong playing through the air today.

Gave the hike a 4 rating because I seemed to have trouble "stilling my heart" today. My mind kept jumping around many different thoughts.

No one else in the park - too cold for them. Thank YOU, LORD, for such a glorious, beautiful, and peaceful day.

Swayback Bridge Trail

Hike: Swayback Bridge Trail, Sat., 1/2/2010, 09:30-12:45
Distance: 7.0 miles Rating: 4/5
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions: Sunny. Very cool. Breezy
Thoughts/Observations:
Many passerines including the same type of small green birds observed at Mountain Creek yesterday. Several people on the trail today running and hiking. Did not meet any bikers. Lake level is high. Water is a lovely aquamarine. Took quite a few pictures (did not take binoculars into field today but should have). Missed a good opportunity to observe many different birds today.

The wind-chill was noticeably cooler than yesterday, though I still had to come out of my lightweight jacket about a mile into the hike. New Gerber knife fit well on my belt. It also easily attaches to the back of the MountainSmith lumbar pack.

Passed several blowdowns along the trail which would easily make dens for small animals. Thought about -- 20 And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head." Matt 8:20 (NKJV) Plan to use this in the Children's Time tomorrow.

New Year's Hike - Mountain Creek

Hike: Mountain Creek, Fri. 1/1/2010, 10:15-12:20
Distance: 4.0 miles Rating: 5/5
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions: Blustery. Very cool. Wind pushing through the tree tops at times a continuous roar. Mostly cloudy to mostly sunny by end of hike.
Thoughts/Observations:
Thank YOU, LORD, for this joy-filled hike. Was not in to the hike more than 5 minutes when I was treated to the most beautiful pair of blue, brown, and gray birds. They displayed their colors from all directions as they watched me and ate dogwood berries. Also observed small green sparrow-sized bird near pine upland fence-line. Black & white stripes on back. Serenaded by bird-song and wind music! Wonderful way to start a new decade! Was a very peaceful and refreshing hike.

New binocular harness worked great! Makes the heavier Simmons binoculars easy to carry and readily accessible. Did not take the camera today - had to leave battery charging. In a way that probably contributed to my enjoyment of the hike - I was just "soaking it all up myself".

(Note: The blue birds were Eastern Bluebirds, just appeared larger and more vivid than I'm used to seeing!)

Ft. Toulouse/Jackson - 12/22/2009

Hike: Ft. Toulouse/Jackson NHP - Tue., 12/22/2009, 09:15-11:15
Distance: 4 miles Rating: 5/5
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions: Temp in mid 40's. Gorgeous sunshine; bright blue sky. No wind.
Thoughts/Observations:
Lots of fauna today: deer, squirrel, and many, many representatives from Aves! Coosa and Tallapoosa Rivers are still quite high from all the recent rains. Could not hike the lowland trails near the Tallapoosa River - they were all under water! The mud left from the high water mark was a good 6' higher still. The sight around the boat launch on the Tallapoosa was particularly impressive. I have personally never seen the Tallapoosa that high. The normal placid surface and aquamarine color of the Tallapossa was replaced with a powerfully moving surface and a muddy-brown color.

LORD, YOU really stilled my mind and spoke peace, love, and joy to me today. Thank YOU for this magical place.

Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail - 12/21/2009

Hike: Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail, Mon., 12/21/2009, 11:17-14:00
Distance: 5 miles Rating: 5/5
Difficulty: Moderate
Conditions: Beautiful, bright blue day! Mild temps. Little to no wind.
Thoughts/Observations:
Got a late start on the trail today. Did not observe much fauna other than several passarines. Noticed that jeep was leaking water from underneath after I shut it off (about a half-cupful). May be water pump trouble. I decided to go ahead with the hike to let the engine cool enough to check the radiator level. (I checked the level after the hike and found it full. CHI-J got me home too! Thank YOU, LORD!)

Some spectacular views of Lake Martin! I felt the need to talk to GOD a little while on the south trail and the special rock altar overlooking the lake is just the place! I have dubbed it the Altar of the SON.

Found myself humming/singing the tune, "Start at the Manger Then Go to the Cross" throughout most of the hike.

Big Coldwater Creek is BIG!

How would you like to be kayaking today on Big Coldwater Creek???  This link will take you to the USGS real-time river data for Big Coldwater Creek.  The level is about as high as I have ever seen it...
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?02370500

Hike - Mountain Creek

Hike: Fri., 12/4/2009, 13:00-15:00 - Mountain Creek, AL
Distance: 4.0 miles
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions: Cool, partly cloudy, high fast-moving cirrus clouds, light breeze. Cool enough for long sleeves but not cool enough for a jacket.
Thoughts/Observations:
Haven't been able to get outdoors for several weeks - I do miss it.
Had the park to myself - except for passarines, squirrels, chipmunks, and skunks, but found it difficult to still my mind today. Found myself thinking a lot about Diane and what she's going through right now. I pray FATHER, that we will learn what YOU have for us in this situation. I pray for Diane's health and strength. Guide me to be the man YOU are calling me to be.

Saturday Hike - Mountain Creek 11/21/2009

Hike: Mountain Creek, Sat. 11/21/2009, 12:00-14:00
Distance: 4 miles Rating: 4.5/5
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions: Partly cloudy, mild, intermittent light breeze to rustle the trees and shower the ground with additional leaves
Thoughts/Observations:
Cancelled the planned Saturday COME Hike at Cherokee Ridge because of NWS forecast (90% chance of rain) - Guess how that turned out?

Enjoyed some trail time, just me and GOD. Thought about Diane's childhood - just doesn't seem right that she is to be married in 6 months. She was just 3 yesterday...

Observed many passarines, one whitetailed deer, one chipmunk. A little bit of color (mostly dogwood red) still in the forest but most leaves on the ground now.

Expedition #15 Chinnabee Silent Trail

Hike: Chinnabee Silent Trail (Expedition #15) Sat., 11/14/2009 10:00-15:30CST
Distance: 8 miles Rating: 5/5
Difficulty: Moderate
Conditions: Simply gorgeous day! Beautiful sunshine, no clouds, mild temps and no wind.
Thoughts/Observations:
Five total people on this expedition: Jon, Liz, Jimmy, Layton, and myself. Had a wonderful time - could not have asked for a greater day or better group of trail-companions. Leaf color was good but probably a little passed prime due to recent tropical storm. Color of understory was a pleasant surprise. Observed one small ring-neck black snake next to Cheaha Falls on return trip. No other fauna observed during hike. More people than usual using this trail (probably because this is prime leaf-peeping time). Trail was in good shape. Plenty of discharge over Cheaha Falls and Devil's Den. Pics from the boardwalk high above Devil's Den were perfect. Hiked from Turnipseed trailhead to Lake Chinnabee. Ate lunch at the lake and shared a short devotional from Psalm 121 and how GOD is magnified in HIS Creation (e.g. of hummingbird migrations). Layton and Jimmy set a good pace headed back to the trailhead. This is a trail to do again (maybe in the Spring-time - to see spring wildflowers). Thank YOU, LORD, for this special time and place. Thank YOU for the ones that were able to participate.

Cherokee Ridge Sat. 10/03/2009

Hike: Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail, Sat. 10/03/2009 11:00-13:30
Distance: 4.7 miles
Rating: 5/5
Difficulty: Moderate
Conditions: Gorgeous day! Sunny, virtually no clouds. Moderate wind. Warm - but not too humid.
Thoughts/Observations:
Observed several small lizards throughout the hike. The ubiquitous passerines were singing and flitting around. Many butterflies, grasshoppers, and other assorted bugs were also in attendance. The most striking feature of the day though belongs to the Autumn wildflowers. They are in display all along the trails, hillsides, lake's edge, and throughout the forest. Fall is my favorite time of the year. There is something very special and dear to my heart about getting out in the forest during this time of year. Thank YOU, LORD, for this special time and place.

Kudzu Jelly!!!

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CRESTVIEW OUTDOOR MINISTRY EXPEDITIONS
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Adventures of Worship in GOD's Outdoors!
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"YOU will show me the path of life." -- Psalm 16:11
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In case anyone is brave enough (or interested enough) to try out Kudzu
Jelly, this is a copy of the article from Tuesday's Troy Messenger...
Even that part of GOD's Creation that we esteem little has a place and
value.

--
Kudzu harvest yields sweet jelly

By Jaine Treadwell (Contact) | Troy Messenger

Published Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Folks can have their mince pies, Agnes Johnson would rather have her
"menace" jelly.

For several years in mid-August, Johnson has been making her way to
the kudzu vines that have invaded the property around her home in
Troy. She pulls back the leaves of the "menacing" plant, seeks out its
purple blooms and strips them bare.

From the blooms of the menacing kudzu vine, she will make jelly as
sweet as sugar itself. "Somebody mentioned that you could make jelly
out of kudzu blooms, and the very next day, I looked in The Messenger
and there was the recipe," Johnson said. "So, I decided that I had the
recipe, and I would try it. I did. And, I liked it so I keep making
kudzu jelly."

Johnson said kudzu jelly's not hard to make.

"When you've got Sur Gel, you can make jelly out of anything," Johnson
said, laughing. "Gathering the blooms takes a little time. Just
looking at kudzu from a distance, you won't see the blooms unless they
are hanging. If the kudzu is growing on the ground, you have to pull
back the leaves and look for the blooms. But it doesn't take many. You
just need four cups for a making of jelly."

The blooms have to be picked before late August at the earliest or
early September at the latest.

"If you wait too long, those little green worms will get on the
vines," Johnson said. "I don't pick blooms when the worms are on the
vines."

Johnson said the kudzu jelly recipe she clipped from the newspaper has
long since disappeared, but she remembers enough to make jelly from
the menace plant that was actually a Japanese invasion.

The Japanese brought kudzu to the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia in 1876.

What was, at first, a popular ornamental plant and cover plant quickly
turned into a menace in the United States.

In the summer, the plant grows about 12 inches in a day's time so, in
almost no time, it will cover trees, telephone poles and anything else
that's at a standstill.

Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi can bemoan about seven million acres of kudzu.

Johnson can't begin to imagine how many jars of jelly that acreage
would produce.

"I only need four cups to the making," she said. "Then all you do is
add the four cups of blooms to four cups of boiling water. When the
mixture cools, put it in the refrigerator overnight. The recipe said
how long to leave it in the refrigerator. But, I lost the recipe, so I
just leave it overnight."

The next day, strain the blooms. To the liquid, add one tablespoon of
lemon juice, one package of Sur Gel and a tad of butter, "to keep the
juice from boiling over."

"Bring the juice to a rolling boil and add five cups of sugar and
bring to a rolling boil for one minute," Johnson said.

"Pour the jelly in the jars, seal, and it's ready to eat when it cools."

Johnson said she usually eats kudzu jelly on buttered toast.

"It's good with biscuits, too, but I have more buttered toast than
biscuits," she said, laughing.

"Kudzu jelly has a musky, grape taste, and I like it and most people
do once they've tried it."

Johnson recommends kudzu jelly over most others.

After all, the kudzu blooms are free for the taking, and there are
plenty kudzu vines to pick from. And, in the kitchen, anyone can turn
a menace plant into a sweet jar of jelly, and it's "as easy as
one-two-three."

--

Bike Hike Swayback Bridge Trail

Hike: Bike Hike on Swayback Bridge Trail, Wetumpka, AL, Sat.
8/15/2009, 08:00-09:30
Distance: 4.0 miles Rating: 4/5
Difficulty: Mod to Difficult (Technically challenging in spots)
Conditions: Muggy, mostly clear, warming fast, ground wet from recent
rains but not muddy. Trail in good shape. Three other ATB users and
1 runner on trail.

Thoughts/Observations:

Rode with Robert. He just got his new Trek aluminum ATB. Good
workout. Been too long since I've ridden my ATB on this trail, but I
thought the ride went well. My ATB will require a tune up and some
new tires. Both my tires went flat after I returned home!

Did not observe any wildlife (hard to do from the saddle of an ATB at
speed). Flora was beautiful. Several summer wildflowers still in
bloom. Vines, bushes, etc. have not encroached on the single-track.
TOLA does a great job of trail maintenance. Just be prepared for lots
of roots!!!

Mountain Creek Hike 7/27/2009

Hike: Mountain Creek, Mon. 7/27/2009, 17:25-18:20
Distance: 2.5 miles   Rating: 5/5
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions: Muggy.  Temp in mid to upper 80's.  Partly cloudy, a few strato-cumulus clouds in area but no rain yet.  No wind - absolutely still in the forest.
Thoughts/Observations:
Park was deserted this late in the afternoon (at least by humans).  Many gray squirrels scampering about on the forest floor and jumping into the trees.  The ubiquitous passerines were in evidence as I was serenaded with myriad bird-songs throughout the hike.  It was easy to hear the different bird songs due to the stillness -- no wind and little traffic noise to interfere.  Hiked the nature trail and the field areas since I wore short pants - did not want to pick up any ticks in the pine uplands (trails there are more overgrown).  Was a very quiet and peaceful hike - Thank YOU, LORD.

Great Expectations (With apologies to Mr. Charles Dickens...)

Psalm 145 (esp. v.15)

 

How much of our lives do we waste as we blindly pursue some vague idea of success or happiness?  How much time and energy do we expend in pursuit of some misty, shadowy dream or someone else's conception of what true happiness looks like?  Why are we determined to "do it our way" when GOD has already shown us the real way?  Is it that we do not believe HIM?  Is it that we think we truly know a better path?  Are we that naïve and foolish?  Are we looking expectantly toward tomorrow because we have a trust in GOD or are we fearing what tomorrow may bring?

 

How much better it would be if we would pursue HIM, if we would pursue those things that lead to joy and peace and love rather than waste our lives aimlessly pursing the fleeting shadow of richness or so-called happiness.  We expend great quantities of our life groping for something to feed our souls when GOD has already provided the spiritual sustenance for our eternal spirit.  It seems we go after the spiritual "junk food" rather than the real meat.

 

Just as physical "junk food" leaves us hungry and sick, so life's junk food will leave us spiritually desperate and unsatiated.  We may capture momentary happiness in our pursuit of the world, but we will discover (unfortunately many times late in life) that happiness is not synonymous with joy or peace or true love.  "Godliness with contentment is great gain" we are told in 1 Tim. 6:6.  How well we would do if we listened and obeyed.

Hiking Paul M. Grist SP Jul-11-2009

Hike: Grist State Park, Selma, AL  Saturday, July 11, 2009, 17:00-18:15CDT
Distance: 3.2 miles  Rating: 5/5
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Conditions: Partly cloudy, mid 80's, light breeze, humid.
Thoughts/Observations:

Kathy, Glenn, and I made a day at Grist.  We grilled burgers, fished, kayaked, and I hiked a little starting at the trailhead by the lower picnic pavilion.

They have added to the trails here!  Section turned roughly eastward in bottom-land and wound across a ridge-line.  Wide trail, largely cleared - much better maintained than last time I hike here.  Trail blaze is a white horizontal band.  I was pressed for time during my hike as the park closes at 7pm and I did not realize they had added more trails.  These trails will require more exploration.  Note to self to always take SPoT with me (even on hikes I think I know well) and a map.  I did have compass and emerg kit.

Great Western Expedition - Epilogue

Friday, July 03,2009 (Epilogue)

 

            Made it to Prattville about 3:00am this morning after logging 892 miles of driving from St. Joseph, MO!  It was so good to see the Alabama the Beautiful sign on US78 and even better to see the Prattville exit off I-65 later.

 

            Diane and the "puppies" were glad to see us.  It was close to 4am by the time any of us got to bed.  Needless to say I slept a little later than usual.  Now we still have to clean out the popup camper and unpack all the clothes and gear.

 

            The trip was certainly worth all of the driving time and effort.  GOD used this time to teach us some important lessons and some things I am still processing.  I am looking forward to seeing everyone Sunday and my family is coming up for a visit as well! 

 

            Listed below are my thoughts about the accomplishments and items left to-do from our Great Western Expedtion-2009:

 

Accomplishments:

o       Very good for my walk of fellowship with GOD. 

o       Learned some important spiritual lessons. (e.g. Demonstration of GOD's goodness and faithful care!)

o       Learned more about myself.

o       Good for Kathy and my relationship.

o       Good for Diane – some important lessons for her on managing a household (which she did very well).

o       Good for Crestview Church (several individuals filled in for me on Wed. nights and did a great job).

o       Good rest for me away from pressing responsibilities.

o       Saw and experienced some wonderful places (places that are on my "Life List").

o       Learned a great deal about use of our popup camper.

o       Learned that I have a lot to learn about fly-fishing.

 

Left-to-do:

o       Yosemite NP

o       Better exploration of Badlands

o       Pacific Northwest

o       Coastal Redwoods NP

o       San Diego Zoo

o       Joshua Tree NP

o       Canyonlands NP

o       Bryce Canyon NP

o       Monument Valley Navajo Nation Park

GWE - Day 23 & 24

Tuesday, June 30, 2009 (Day 23)

John 12 is my source for morning devotional this morning. “Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going.” John 12:35 (NKJV) May we not remain blinded in our pursuit of worldliness and self-centeredness, but rather may we truly see the Light. Kathy recounted to me a conversation she heard from a man a couple of weeks ago. The man was bragging to some of his friends that he “saw” the Grand Canyon in 45 minutes. This is absurd. No one can truly take in all that the Grand Canyon has to offer in a mere 45 minutes. This is a perfect example of seeing but not truly seeing. As we walk through life, it is easy to become distracted and not really see what HE has for us. I pray we will turn from this blindness and turn to the ONE who will heal our blindness – who will make us truly see. As I have absorbed all of the wonders of GOD in HIS creation these twenty-three days, I wonder how many people drive by these magnificent testimonies to the power and majesty of GOD and never give HIM a thought. I suspect the numbers are great. May GOD revive HIS church.

Yesterday was a driving day. We traveled through Yellowstone NP exiting the east entrance station and then traversed the Big Horn Basin and Big Horn Mountains to Gillette, WY to spend the night. We plan to see Devil’s Tower and Mt. Rushmore today on our continued travels toward home.

The Big Horn Mountains were awesome! I realize that is an overused word, but it adequately describes the sight. The snow capped peaks of Loaf Mountain filled our windshields on more than one occasion as we crested the pass at over 9600 feet and began our long descent. The sight literally moved Kathy to tears as we stopped at one overlook to soak in the GOD’s majesty reflected just a little in this impressive sight. The white-streaked peaks of Loaf Mountain rose high before us as the verdant green of Lodgepole Pines carpeted the valley before us. We literally drove through the clouds at one point!

Wednesday, July 01, 2009 (Day 24)

"Do you know what I have done to you? John 13:12 (NKJV) JESUS said this to HIS disciples. What if HE asked you and me this same question today? Do we really know what HE has done to us and for us? Do we give it any consideration at all? I pray that I, that we, never loose sight of the depth of sacrifice GOD has made for each of us. The measure of HIS love is boundless. Are we really cognizant of how much GOD loves us and how much HE does for us every day? It almost boggles my mind as I consider HIS love and protection over Kathy and me these last 24 days. We have accumulated almost 6,000 miles on the Explorer and HE has seen us through every minute. We have seen sights that astound, that bring tears to your eyes, that make you consider eternal matters – and HE was in each one. Yes, GOD cares and watches over us just as HE said. How about you? Do you know what JESUS has done to you, for you?

Yesterday was an eventful day. Devil’s Tower National Monument, or as the Sioux would say Mateo Tipila (Grizzly Teepee), is the oldest national monument. How great it was to visit our nation’s oldest national park (Yellowstone) and now its first national monument. Seeing the igneous buttress rise abruptly from the sandstone valley floor is astonishing. It is easy to see how the Sioux, Cheyenne, and other tribes considered this area special or sacred. The long pillars of stone rising up to the sky do look like claw scratches in the stone. The various Indian tribes ascribed these to a giant grizzly. From the top crags of the obelisk one can see dove, turkey vulture, kestrel, and other birds soar. Patches of yellow-green lichen can be observed up the sides and all the way to the top. Tenacious plants of various kinds dot the tower’s sides. The top is rounded, not flat, and is said to be inhabited by various birds, small mammals, and some reptiles. (That would be a long climb for a little squirrel or snake.) The Tower Trail, which runs around the base of Devil’s Tower, affords an excellent view up to the tower from all angles and provided a hike of about 2 miles.

As we prepared to leave the tower, we had a frustrating revelation – the battery on the Explorer would not crank the truck. Thankfully the National Park Service provided some assistance. A park ranger let me jump off from this (brand new) Ford Expedition. He also gave me directions to the nearest auto parts store. (Thank YOU, LORD, again for YOUR protection.) After getting a new batter and assisting with the economic growth of Sundance, WY, we were on our way to Mt. Rushmore.

Mount Rushmore is stunning. When you look at these granite statues carved out of the Black Hills and consider the length of time required as well as the number of people involved, you cannot help but feel privileged to be an American. The faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln almost come alive as you gaze at them with binoculars. Even the eyes have depth and shadow that makes them appear more than stone.

The weather did not cooperate with us at Mt. Rushmore as a thundershower rolled over the Black Hills, complete with lightning and cold rain. This prevented me from hiking the Presidential Trail and getting close-up pictures of the monument as well as viewing the local flora and fauna. Kathy and I did get to view some interesting exhibits and a movie on the sculpting of the mountain. After the storm cleared, we took more pictures of the mountain before heading eastward. Unfortunately it was getting late and too dark to drive through the Badlands National Park.

We stopped for the night in Wall, SD. We are looking forward to getting home and seeing everyone. We love and miss you. I have so much I want to share with all of you.