GWE - Day 17 to 18 -- Prayer Request

Wednesday, June 24, 2009 (Day 17)
Reading from John 6: 27 Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you… John 6:27 (NKJV). How much energy, money, and time are spent every day laboring for the things that perish? Our world is caught in a monumental “rat race”, spinning around and going no where. I pray that we are not blinded by this rabid race to nowhere, but are instead laboring toward the goal of eternal and abundant life – life in the SON.

We are getting an early start on our long haul to Yellowstone this morning. Computer estimates a drive of 308 miles to Henry Lake Idaho State Park. I hope and pray driving conditions are good. I trust YOU, LORD, to take care of us as YOU have done throughout this expedition. Teach us YOUR ways.

Yellowstone will mark the crest of the hill so to speak for our expedition. We will be pointing the Explorer toward home after our stay at this oldest of our national parks. On the way home we plan to take in Devil’s Tower National Monument, Mount Rushmore, and the Badlands of South Dakota. After that it is “getting home” driving.

(Evening Reflections)
Through a mix up in communication our reserved campsite at Henry’s Lake Idaho State Park was set for 6/25 through 6/30 rather than 6/24 through 6/29. So… we had to find another (temporary) campsite for the evening. GOD provided us a site at West Yellowstone KOA. We were a little frustrated that we would have to set up at a temporary site for just one night, but (as usual) GOD demonstrated that HE knew best. While we were doing some laundry at the KOA center, Kathy met a lady from Houston, TX. Her name is Donna. She is suffering from chronic pain due to a brain aneurism and failed spinal surgery. Donna has difficulty walking and is in constant pain. She indicated to Kathy that she could not continue living under these conditions. Kathy had an opportunity to share GOD’s love and her belief in the power of prayer. Kathy and I will be praying for Donna tonight. Please join us in praying. The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Thursday, June 25, 2009 (Day 18)

Reading this morning from John 7. "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." John 7:37-38 (NKJV) JESUS proclaimed these words on the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles. HIS same words continue today.

When we are hot and weary, nothing refreshes quite like a cold drink of clear, pure water. Here at Yellowstone the drinking water is ice cold. After a day of activity it is not soft drinks or even tea that I desire – it is the pure, cold water that revives the body and quenches the thirst. Even so, only JESUS can quench the deep inner thirst of our spirits. Drink from HIM today!

The mosquitoes here at Yellowstone are quite the nagging, little pest. I have heard of the savage mosquitoes in Alaska but I am somewhat surprised at the ferocity of the little buggers here. They attack in squadrons or flights – you can even see small clouds of them flying around! Thankfully they are repelled by our combination sunscreen/insect repellant. They also cease activity when it becomes cool in the late evening and through the early morning.

Oh, did I mention that it is cool at night. One can see his breath vapor as he walks around after sundown. I am not sure what the official low was last night but it was cool enough that the ice dumped out of our cooler late yesterday afternoon is still visible this morning! My mind knows that it is summer, but my body says it must be autumn.

GWE - Start of Day 16 (Arches National Park)

Tuesday, June 23, 2009 (Day 16)
Reading from John 5. 25 Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, John 5:25-26 (NKJV)

True life, real life only comes from the SON. So many people walk around, fulfilling the biological definition of life but in fact are really dead. JESUS came to give us life and life more abundantly (John 10:10). Why not start living today? Ask JESUS CHRIST to be your personal SAVIOR and LORD today.

I woke up a little earlier than normal this morning. It was quite chilly in the high desert. In fact, I switched the A/C unit to low heat to make it more comfortable in the pop-up. Our plan is to spend some time in Arches National Park today before starting our journey to Yellowstone. We will not make it all the way to Yellowstone today. I expect to stay somewhere near Salt Lake City tonight. Thanks for keeping us in your prayers.

I will post pictures and evening reflections when we get to our place of refuge for the night.

(Evening Reflections)

Wow and Oooh are words often repeated while traveling through Arches National Park. This is like a treasured gem hidden from sight – but it is well worth the visit. As we drove through the park we were constantly greeted by some special, almost mystical scene around each turn or over the next rise. Great red monoliths and castle towers rose from the desert floor. Arches were everywhere – from very small to the colossal Landscape Arch. There was Delicate Arch, Double-O Arch, Turret Arch, Pine Tree Arch, Pothole Arch, Tunnel Arch, the Balance Rock, Park Avenue, Wolf Ranch, the Courthouse Rock, and so many others. It is almost impossible to believe that some of these features are really made from sandstone. They look too delicate. It was easy to pick out the shapes of animals or faces in many of the features of Arches.

Arches lends itself to driving and we did drive all of the roads in the park. Kathy waited in the truck or at the trailhead several times to allow me to strike out on a short hike to get a closer look at some of these treasures. It was fantastic! I wonder what the first Indians or first settlers who viewed these obelisks thought.

This place is a wonderful testimony to the creativity of GOD. The same line of sediment tracked throughout the park. In fact there were several distinct layers visible almost everywhere. Massive forces were at work in this area. Delicate arches and spires are now the residual of this work. The beauty that GOD put in HIS creation is astounding.

GWE - Day 13, 14, & 15 (Pictures from Zion NP)

Saturday, June 20, 2009 (Day 13)

It is hard to believe that the Great Western Expedition is half over. As hard as it may be to believe, in many ways it feels like we have just started. Some great adventures still await at Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, and Yellowstone National Parks. We also hope to see Devil’s Tower National Monument and the Badlands of South Dakota on the way home.

If you were curious, Las Vegas never sleeps. The RV park is a quarter of a mile off I-15 and the traffic noise could be heard all night. Even so, I slept well with the air conditioner going and the high-desert winds rustling the canvas.

Reading this morning is from John 2. “…for He knew what was in man.” (v. 25) Is it not comforting to know that GOD knows us even better than we know ourselves and HE chooses to love us? That is indeed Good News!

Today was a “work” and travel day. We stopped by Camping World and got the breakaway break control wired correctly and then went by Jiffy Lube to get the Explorer serviced (first time it has ever been necessary to have the oil/filter changed while on vacation!). After a chicken snack lunch from Dairy Queen we started north on I-15 toward the canyon country of Utah.

Camping tonight at a nice small RV park in Leeds, UT, Zion West RV park. We are in a valley surrounded by the red cliffs of canyon country. It is an impressive site. This may be the best view from any of the RV parks thus far.

Kathy cooked country fried steak and mashed potatoes on the camp stove. We had watermelon for dessert!

Sunday, June 21, 2009 (Day 14)

Reading this morning from John 3. This entire chapter is such a hitch-pin of our faith. It is appropriate that this passage was my devotional reading on Father’s Day. Our Heavenly FATHER loves us and provides for us beyond our greatest expectations. I know HE has blessed us to the utmost during this expedition. What we have seen and experienced is still being processed. Above all things though, HE is there, always loving, guiding, and protecting. Thank YOU, FATHER.

I believe our plans are appropriate for Father’s Day. We are visiting Zion National Park. We will be surrounded by the wonder of GOD’s Creation in a place with so many Biblical names. (Now if I can just get Kathy up!)

Zion National Park is a wondrous place. As we rode the shuttle up the canyon such places as The Great White Throne, The Patriarchs, Angels’ Landing, and The Altar greeted our eyes and thoughts. A Methodist minister many years ago travelled through this canyon giving Biblical names to many of the sandstone monoliths that stand guard over the canyon carved out by the Virgin River.

As you enter the canyon you discover a very different, almost magical quality to Zion National Park. The canyon gets narrower the farther north you go. If you hike into the Narrows the slot canyon is 20’ or less wide with unbelievable high sandstone cliff walls on either side. The Virgin River flows quickly through some of these portions and you need a stout pole to help keep your balance as you negotiate footing between the river-polished stones.

Kathy and I hiked the Lower Emerald Pool trail near Zion Lodge to a tranquil spot where two small waterfalls cascade over a sandstone ledge into an emerald reflecting pool below. The drop is close to 100’ so the wind whips the water around and may shower anyone, anywhere near the falls. We got showered a few times – the water was refreshing!

The Canyon Shuttle is a great way to see the park (in fact, private vehicles are not allowed inside the canyon during the Spring/Summer season). We rode the shuttle up to the Temple of Senewava (uppermost terminus of the park) to hike the River Walk. Kathy was tough today. She hiked the Emerald Pool Trail and then the River Walk all the way to its end at The Narrows. I hiked on upstream in The Narrows to get a better view and photos of this slot canyon. Even though I have seen pictures, being inside a slot canyon with water rushing under you and sheer, high cliffs on either side is impressive.

The squirrels have no fear in this park. They will walk up close to you to see if you happen to drop any morsels. (For your info: They are wild – do not touch them and do not feed them. They will bite.) We encountered several show-offs during the River Walk.

The Hanging Gardens along the cliff face of the River Walk were especially appealing to me. The soft moss, ferns, and delicate desert flowers clinging to the gray, white, and red sandstone cliffs engendered pictures of an exotic paradise, hidden in the midst of a desert somewhere. I could see why the Methodist minister thought of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon when he first looked at these gardens planted by GOD.

I was again astounded when I saw swamps in the desert! As water seeps through the sandstone cliffs and down to the Virgin River, it collects in pools and low areas. In these swamps cattails and other swamp vegetation grows hardily. There are water insects, frogs can be heard, and moss grows on the water and the rocks. It seems out of place when you look at the desert landscape all around. It is real – a testimony to the creativity and style of GOD.

On the way out of the park our shuttle had to stop for a minute or so for a mother mule deer and her newborn fawn. The fawn could not have been over a day old since he was still wobbly on his legs. He followed his mother casually across the road and into a grassy area below us. They paused several times to look at us and pose for pictures. Of course there were many oohs and ahhs from the shuttle bus riders.

We capped the day off with a meal at the Spotted Dog Café (a very nice restaurant in Springdale). Got back to camp just a little after dark, tired but having thoroughly enjoyed the day.

Monday, June 22, 2009 (Day 15)

Reading from John 4. ²³ But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. ²⁴ God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:23-24 (NKJV)

Playing church is deceiving ourselves. GOD is not impressed with our possessions or our words. Without faith it is impossible to please HIM. True faith is believing (trusting) faith that is exemplified in our actions. True worship flows our of real love for GOD and will occur in all places and at all times.

Packing up from Zion this morning and setting our sights on Arches National Park near Moab, UT.

It felt like a long drive from Leeds, UT to Green River, UT. It was actually about 369 miles, but I-70 is a long drive. Sights were impressive though. Utah does a good job of providing some view-points with ample parking at certain particularly picturesque areas. We stopped at about three of these viewpoints and took quite a few pictures. One of the areas was a salt-marsh – a unique landscape to be sure.

We pulled in to Shady Acres RV Campground in Green River, UT about 5pm MDT. The park is large and nicely landscaped for the high desert. There actually are shade trees in the park.

Our plan is to pack up early in the morning and see Arches National Park (it is less than 50 miles away). We will then turn north toward Yellowstone. Our agenda calls for us to be at the Henry Lakes ID State Park on 6/24, so we can take our time as we travel to Yellowstone.

GWE - Day 11 & 12

Thursday, June 18, 2009 (Day 11)
18 I will open rivers in desolate heights, And fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, And the dry land springs of water. 19 I will plant in the wilderness the cedar and the acacia tree, The myrtle and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the cypress tree and the pine And the box tree together, 20 That they may see and know, And consider and understand together, That the hand of the LORD has done this, And the Holy One of Israel has created it. -- Isaiah 41:18-20 (NKJV)

Today is a special day for me. Kathy wants to give her feet and ankles a rest. I am taking the Visalia Sequoia Shuttle into Sequoia National Park to spend an entire day hiking among the Giant Forest. The shuttle picks me up at 9:00am and drops me back about 8pm (PDT).

(Evening Reflections)
What a day it has been! GOD is magnified in HIS Creation everywhere you look. I hiked (a Larry modified) Trail of The Sequoias starting at the General Sherman Tree trailhead, going south toward Crescent Meadow, and then returning northward alongside Circle Meadow to the Congress Trail and the Lower Sherman Trailhead. During the hike I took a few side excursions to such points as Eagles View – an unbelievable vantage point to look eastward toward the high Sierra Nevada. The distant peaks still have snow on them! Other noteworthy locations were Tharp’s Log (a fallen Sequoia made into a cabin by an early resident of the area), Chimney Tree (someone careless with a campfire burned the inside of this Giant Sequoia – you can creep inside and look up at the sky!), Black Arch (a tunnel through a living Sequoia), Pillars of Hercules (a large arch tunnel through another living Sequoia), Giant Forest Sequoia Grove (more gigantic trees than you can take in with a single view), a potion of the High Sierra Trail, and numerous named trees on the Congress Trail. All along the hike I was serenaded by countless passerines and escorted by squirrels and chipmunks (they are in great abundance). I did see another Mule Deer (doe) today (along with the velvet antlered buck from yesterday makes two). Also saw a small mammal alongside Circle Meadow. It moved so fast I only got a glimpse and I cannot positively identify it. I believe it was a Fisher, otter, or similar. It was black with a golden “collar” and a rather long black tail. (No it was not a beaver.)
As I exited Black Arch I heard some yelling and a young couple ran up from toward the Pillars of Hercules. They breathlessly told me they had seen a black bear just down the trail. (Special Note: It is not wise to RUN at the sight of any potential predator – that usually triggers the chase instinct.) I expected at any second to see Ursus americanus charging down the trail. I calmed them down a little bit (I noticed they stood behind me) and got some particulars about where, when, and what the bear was doing. Apparently, they were watching a mule deer doe when they saw the bear within 100 meters of them. They did correctly make lots of noise, but the running was not a good idea. After a while I went on down the trail (praying and making lots of noise). I never did see the bear. Later on I learned from one of the shuttle drivers that a black bear had been seen near the General Sherman trailhead later (it was probably the same bear). A mother bear with two cubs was seen near Crescent Meadow later in the afternoon fighting with another bear (presumably a male) while her cubs had scurried up a nearby tree. According to the shuttle driver, the National Park Service estimates 400-600 black bears live in Sequoia.
My total trail mileage for the day was about 10 miles – going from about 10:00am until 4:00pm. I didn’t realize it until I caught the shuttle to Lodgepole for a late lunch but I had not stopped at all during the day! I was enthralled by the sweeping panoramas, the Giant Sequoias all around me, and the wildlife that was so abundant.
Giant Forest has a prehistoric feel. You are surrounded by gigantic trees all around – Giant Sequoia, Fir, and Pines reach high into the sky. Among these giants, small bright green meadows dot the landscape where rivulets of cold, clear water trickle down from the higher elevations to collect. The bones of fallen gigantic trees are spread throughout the landscape. Lush feather ferns grow at the base of the giants and brush against you as you hike the trail. Thick moss clings to the firs and pines – even spreading out on their branches. It does not grow on the Sequoias. Walking here one almost expects to see some immense dinosaur around the next bend. The only giants here though are the trees. The Giant Sequoias stand as sentinels for the forest and the Sierra Nevada. John Muir called them nobler trees among a noble forest. I could not agree more.

Friday, June 19, 2009 (Day 12)
Reading from John 1 this morning. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. John 1:3-4 (NKJV)
JESUS CHRIST, the Light of the World, is the Creator of all seen and unseen things. That includes the Giant Sequoias as well as you and me, friend.

The plan for today is to pack up, hitch up, and move out eastward toward Zion National Park.
Travelling across the Mojave Desert is an adventure. Temperatures soared to 107 degrees F. There were quite a few vehicles that were stranded alongside the road (overheated I presume). The California Highway Patrol was busy on both sides of I-15 with stranded motorists.
I was tired of driving by 8:00pm (Central Time) and we started looking for a place to camp. Guess were we stopped? Las Vegas Oasis RV Campground off I-15 is our place of refuge for the night. I am hard-pressed to call this a campground though. They have 701 campsites with paved and landscaped lots, 24-hour security patrol, swimming pool, restaurant, dance hall, and a guest center that would rival most hotels! Guess this is the norm for Vegas. Most of the “campers” here are in very large RV motorhomes. I saw one other pop-up in our area of the park. We are in Marakesh, lot 128.
It’s on to Zion National Park tomorrow (early).

GWE - Day 10

Wednesday, June 17, 2009 (Day 10)

“Joyful, joyful, we adore YOU,

GOD of Glory, LORD of Love,

Hearts unfold like flowers before YOU,

Opening to the light of day.”

It is dawning a glorious and beautiful day in Three Rivers, CA. I am still processing what I saw and felt yesterday at Sequoia National Park. The Giant Sequoias are another reminder – more evidence – of the glory, majesty, and love of GOD. I am so privileged to be here.

We are headed back to Sequoia today. Kathy didn’t get to see the General Sherman Tree yesterday due to rain. We will pick up the trail there and then continue on northward toward Kings Canyon National Park.

(Evening Reflection)

Wow! Awesome! Magnificent! LORD, how great YOU are! These are a few of the words/phrases that we uttered throughout the day. Kathy continues to say that each vista we are greeted with is the best. At that rate, I can’t imagine what she will say about Zion, Arches, and Yellowstone (which are still to come).

We saw the General Sherman tree and had our obligatory picture taken with him. This tree is massive! It is the largest living thing on the planet. It would take more than twenty adults linked arm in arm to reach around this tree. Its extended family is scattered all around and there are no slouches in these trees either.

Pinewood picnic area, beyond the General Sherman, was our stop for lunch. Kathy kept hoping to see a black bear, but (thankfully) none showed up for lunch! We were serenaded by numerous birds and surrounded by Sequoias, firs, and pines. (This forest is a conifer forest – no hardwoods here.)

After leaving Sequoia National Park and entering Sequoia National Forest, Sequoia National Monument, and then Kings Canyon National Park we were greeted with fantastic vistas of the width and depth of Kings Canyon and the power of the Kings River. You will have to trust me on this… the views here are stunning.

We continued our drive, descending all the way to the canyon floor and the banks of the roaring Kings River. This river is not as wide as the Alabama, the Coosa, or the Tallapoosa, but what it lacks in width and depth it more than makes up for in force and presence. The water rages and cascades over granite rocks and small falls as it races down Kings Canyon. The signs warning you to stay out of the water are really unnecessary. The river is froth with the white of moving water and a light turquoise green color. The water looks freezing.

We took in all of the Sequoia groves from Sequoia National Park through Road’s End in Kings Canyon National Park, along with the stunning canyon-up views and cliff-down views of Kings Canyon.

It was dark by the time we got back to camp. After a supper of hotdogs (thank you Kathy), I was ready for bed. I believe I was asleep by the time my head hit the pillow. (Note: the popup camper does, in fact, sleep comfortably.)

Thursday, June 18, 2009 (Day 11)

¹⁸ I will open rivers in desolate heights, And fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, And the dry land springs of water. ¹⁹ I will plant in the wilderness the cedar and the acacia tree, The myrtle and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the cypress tree and the pine And the box tree together, ²⁰ That they may see and know, And consider and understand together, That the hand of the Lord has done this, And the Holy One of Israel has created it. -- Isaiah 41:18-20 (NKJV)

Today is a special day for me. Kathy wants to give her feet and ankles a rest today. I am taking the Visalia Sequoia Shuttle into Sequoia National Park to spend an entire day hiking among the Giant Forest. The shuttle picks me up at 9:00am and drops me back about 8pm (PDT).

GWE - Days 8 & 9 - Sequoia National Park

Monday, June 15, 2009 (Day 8) (Travel Day)
Reading from Psalm 1 this morning…

“But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in HIS law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf shall not wither,
And whatever he does shall prosper.” (vv. 2-3 NKJV)

Success, prosperity, security, peace, joy, fruitfulness – all of these descriptors we would hope apply to each of us. They are only possible though if we are in a relationship with JESUS CHRIST. GOD provides all of this for us. Notice the tree flourishes because of “where” it is. So then we flourish only when we are in CHRIST. May I be this man, LORD.
Very appropriate reading considering our next destination – Sequoia National Park! I am eagerly anticipating this portion of our Great Western Expedition. I’m almost like a kid expecting some new toy or surprise. To be able to see and feel these ancient, giant trees will be a special time for me. I love the forests and this would have to be close to GOD’s crowing creation in forests. Open my eyes, ears, and spirit to YOUR, truth, LORD. Help me understand what YOU have for me in this place.
At Three Rivers Hideaway RV park in the Sierra Nevada foothills, the gateway to Sequoia National Park and set up before 6pm. I am so eager to get to the park but I restrained myself – tomorrow morning early would be best, then I would potentially have all day in the park! 

Tuesday, June 16, 2009 (Day 9)
10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! Psalms 46:10 (NKJV)
Be exalted in my life as well, dear GOD.

I can hardly wait to get into Sequoia National Park. Kathy is sleeping a little late this morning – tired from being up late last night. She cooked over the campfire in her camp Dutch oven. It was quite good, but the cleanup took a while (even with both of us working). Her feet are hurting her too. I am a little concerned about fluid building up in her legs and feet.
It’s hard to know where to begin at Sequoia… there are so many possibilities and the sense that I may miss something. I know it will be spectacular, that YOU will work in the midst of YOUR creation. Help me hear and see YOU.
Words fail me as I attempt to describe my feelings and observations at Sequoia National Park. The Sierra Nevada is truly a sight to behold. As we approached the park, we wound our way up from about 300’ elevation in Three Rivers to over 7000’ near Giant Forest. We passed through Chaparral with its more dry and scrubby flora, serpentined alongside the Keweah River, and finally entered the cloudy mist – the domain of the Giant Sequoia. I have seen pictures, watched television documentaries, and read what others have written about these magnificent trees; but it was still an almost indescribable experience the see these ancient, living giants. As I walked the circular trail around the meadow in the Giant Forest, I was awe inspired. This was a worshipful experience for me, as serene and holy as any cathedral I have ever visited. This is not a worship of the trees themselves but of their CREATOR. As I gazed up at these towering monoliths, it occurred to me that they existed in the mind of GOD before their creation. It is indeed humbling and a privilege to be in the presence of these giants. When GOD called HIS creation good – I wonder if HE was looking at these special creatures.
I cannot explain why these trees hold such a dynamic appeal to me, but it is evident they do. I could not wait to get out of the Explorer and run up to one of these giants. Looking up at the towering monument, I think I can imagine how some small creature (like an ant) might feel. One is totally dwarfed by these massive trees. I was in for another surprise though. As I reached up for a close encounter with my own Sequoia, I was unprepared for the feel of this massive tree. Its bark almost has the feel of a coconut husk, but very soft and spongy. One might expect Sequoias to be hard since they withstand forest fires easily, but in fact these giants are “gentle giants”. Perhaps there is a lesson here for us.
The General Sherman Tree is the largest living thing on the earth. It is not the tallest nor the widest but calculating the total mass of the tree it stands out from all other living things. This tree is a little removed from Giant Forest and has a central place among other Sequoias and Firs as you continue up the Sierra Nevada. There a few Sequoias standing in the same grove that would closely rival General Sherman in mass! Walking the trail down to the General Sherman Tree you actually walk through a fallen Sequoia – a tunnel has been cut through the old tree!
I did not do as much hiking as I had planned so we will be back tomorrow!
Thank YOU, LORD, for this special place and time. Thank YOU for the experience of this part of YOUR Creation.

GWE - Days 4, 5, 6, 7

Thursday, June 11, 2009 (Day 4)

Morning Bible Reading from Psalm 148. Let all of Creation praise The LORD. May life praise HIM as well! The landscape in the panhandle of Texas and thus far throughout New Mexico has been dramatic. I have seen the Arizona desert, but Kathy has never been to the Southwest. I enjoyed her ooohs and ahhs. She took quite a few pictures through the window of the Explorer as we headed west on I-40.

Thank YOU, LORD, for another safe day. (The golf ball incident on I-40 could have been serious, but once again YOU took care of us!) We pray for YOUR continued protection and guidance.

Looking forward today to seeing the Painted Desert/Petrified Forest and arriving at our Grand Canyon campsite in Flagstaff.

00:21CDT (22:21MST)

At Campsite #31, Dead Horse Ranch AZ State Park! It has been a wonderful and exciting day. I thought I would have to wire Kathy’s mouth closed as it continually dropped open at the wondrous sites we saw.

The high desert between Albuq. NM and Flagstaff, AZ was impressive in its own but the Petrified Forest NP was so special. Kathy was enamored with the petroglyphs. I was enthralled at the immensity and quantity of the petrified logs – there was a vast forest of huge trees in this area.

The drive down AZ-89A from Flagstaff to Dead Horse Ranch State Park was a white-knuckle excitement coupled with astonishment as we serpentined our way down the valley from 7000’ to less than 5000’. The Red Rock country around Sedona defied adequate description. It is one of my favorite areas of GOD’s Creation (my list does keep growing though!).

We set up camp without much difficulty, even though it was largely done after dark. We’re looking forward to a day at the Grand Canyon tomorrow!

Thank YOU, LORD, for blessing our day. Guide us throughout the Great Western Expedition – may we honor and glorify YOU; may we be refreshed and renewed; may we grow closer to YOU and to each other.

Friday, June 12, 2009 (Day 5)

Psalms 149-150 this morning. YOU are great and awesome, LORD. YOU have protected us through these 1600 miles and quite a few potential serious situations! I’m thinking a lot about my family and my family of faith this morning. Praying for each one. I am especially asking GOD to care and guide you while I am away.

Spectacular scenery today! We visited Montezuma’s Castle National Monument on our way to the Grand Canyon. This is the second time I have visited this site and I still find myself pondering the questions of what happened to these people and how did they live. To walk in this once thriving neighborhood now deserted gives one pause to consider important matters.

The Grand Canyon was all anyone would expect. My second time here but Kathy’s first. I thought her mouth was going to permanently stay open. She literally cried as she gazed over the vista from Mather Point. There is something intangible, spiritual about this sight. To gaze over this majestic scene and not be touched by the greatness and love of its CREATOR is beyond my ability to comprehend. Standing on the rim of the Grand Canyon helps one view himself in proper perspective.

Something I learned about myself on the way back from the Grand Canyon was that I was tense and afraid. I was fearful of road trouble, of breaking down so far away from home. As the thought gelled in my consciousness, the words of Psalms 56:3 flooded in: “What time I am afraid, I will trust in YOU.” This thought was immediately followed by a view of the mountains surrounding Flagstaff as the words of Psalms 121 flowed through my thoughts! Thank YOU for such love and protection!

Kathy and I made an important decision last night. We want to allow more “down time” – time to rest and recuperate. Being on the road too much can be counter-productive. So in that vein, we elected to camp another night at Dead Horse Ranch AZ State Park and forego the leg of the trip to San Diego. We will be spending some restful time at Dead Horse Ranch State Park tomorrow and then heading to Sequoia National Park on Sunday.

Thank you all for praying for us and thinking about us. I will update this blog as I have internet access (which is sporadic). Yes there are many, many pictures to show!

Saturday, June 13, 2009 (Day 6)

At Dead Horse Ranch AZ State Park. Reading from Psalms 68 this morning. Notice v.35 says “YOU are more awesome than YOUR creation.” After seeing the Grand Canyon one realizes just a little better the immensity of that thought. If this truly awe inspiring sight, in its grandeur and majesty, does not rise to the level of GOD’s majesty, then ponder on how majestic and awesome GOD truly must be!

Today was mostly a rest day (it was surely needed). We spent the day at Dead Horse Ranch State Park, lounging around camp and doing some errands.

We came prepared to fly fish on the expedition and AZ accommodated us by providing a “Free Fishing Day” today. The lakes at Dead Horse Ranch SP are like blue jewels surrounded by the limestone hills of the area. Each lake is ringed by impressive stands of cattails and all three also have islands in the center that provide shelter to numerous birds. Strategically located between the three lakes is a horseshoe drive picnic area complete with nice shade and ample parking/picnic areas. Kathy and I both enjoyed the opportunity to fly fish these lakes. (Please note for future reference that this type of terrain/lake-front is not the best place to fly fish!) At the end of the evening, the score was Fish-2, Kathy/Larry-0. We both lost one fly each and caught NO fish. It seemed as though the fish were “playing” with us. They would roll with the flies but not actually bite them. Maybe the Arizona fish don’t fall for the same tricks as the Alabama fish do!

Day’s end was spent in camp with a nice roaring campfire and Kathy’s Hobo burgers.

Sunday, June 14, 2009 (Day 7)

It really did not seem right to me to be away from my Family of Faith on a Sunday. Know that you all are in my prayers and thoughts. I found myself especially praying for the services today; that GOD would be magnified and glorified in each of you. Thank you all for your prayers and love.

After we passed the exit to the Grand Canyon on I-40 West, I began entering new territory for me. This is the farthest west either one of us has been. (And we’re still chasing the setting sun!)

I will say that I was surprised that the road signage along I-40 in California is not as good as it was in any of the other states I have travelled through. Hopefully it will get better as we leave the desert and enter the Sierra Nevada foothills.

We spent the day travelling through the high desert – a pleasant drive with several ascents and descents. All along the route we were treated to vistas of mountains, desert hills, mesas, and washes. This high desert is populated by numerous small desert shrubs and the occasional Yucca and Palo Verde. The predominate colors are sandy brown, pale green, and grays. Make no mistake though, this desert is alive. If you take time to look and listen you will be greeted with ample evidence that GOD did not forget about life in HIS deserts. Birds, reptiles, and rodents are in great abundance. Small desert wildflowers bloom in a seemingly impossible situation, adding splashes of red, purple, blue, and yellow to the overall brownish-gray panorama.

We stopped at the Newberry Mountain RV Park for the evening. Camping on the high desert should be an experience. The wind gusts across the open landscape unhindered by trees or much of anything else.

Our destination tomorrow is Three Rivers, CA – the gateway to the Sequoia National Park! This is the place I have been dreaming about for a long time…

Great Western Expedition - Trip Journal - Day 2/3

Tuesday, June 09, 2009 (Day 2):
Up a little after 06:00 without an alarm! Day seems to be dawning bright, warm, and beautiful. There is a long road ahead of us. Please guide and protect us, LORD. I would like to make it to Flagstaff, AZ today, but I ask that YOU give me peace and that we will travel with YOUR time schedule. YOUR timing is best.

Reading Jer. 28-29 this morning. It is wonderful to know that YOU, LORD, think about me! Who am I that YOU should even stoop to consider me? I am not worthy. But I praise YOU for YOUR love and mercy; for YOUR grace and truth; for YOUR power and protection. We are a long way from home and getting farther away with every turn of the wheel – but we are never away from YOUR presence. Praise YOUR name! Open our eyes and hearts to YOUR presence today. Help us see what special jewel YOU have hidden among the fields. I pray for my family left at home – they are all in my heart.

23:25
It has been a long day. We did not make it to Amarillo, TX – stopped for the night in Wichita Falls, TX.
Trailer swaying really got bad near Tyler, TX today. We talked to the “RV Doctor” (Calvin Cook). He said to really tighten down on the sway bar. I did so and it was great! (Thank YOU, LORD, for sending him.) Had trouble with it again outside Wichita Falls – the ball had come loose. Retightened and it was fine. YOU took such care of us today. Thank YOU, LORD.

While in Longview, TX (to eat lunch at Grandy’s) I met a black man who was “down on his luck”. He had spent all of his money on auto repairs and was now out of gas. He was trying to get home to Fort Worth. I gave him $20.00 to help get him home. He seemed sincere and in need. I was glad to be able to help him. (YOU turned around in just a few hours and sent the RV Doctor to help us out!)
Kathy’s CPAP quit tonight also! Thankfully she brought her old one. Wow, what’s up here??? LORD, satan has seriously turned up the pressure. I look to YOU. Hopefully we will make it to AZ tomorrow!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009 (Day 3)
Start of Day 3 of the Great Western Expedition! It has thus far certainly been an adventure – just not exactly what I had in mind! I would like to have started this day with a trip to the Grand Canyon but we still have a full day of driving ahead to get there. Nevertheless, it is good to be on the GWE. LORD, please continue to give us safe and good driving. Prepare the place for us to stay. We are in YOUR hands.

On the home front, Diane is dealing with Nikki’s failing health. Nikki is twelve years old or older and seems to have some type of neurological (and maybe cardiac) difficulties. Diane will probably be taking her to the vet today. It’s possible they may have to euthanize her. That’s a lot for Diane to deal with.

Another night on the road – I-40 in Albuq. NM. Only 323 miles left to the Grand Canyon! It’s too late and I’m too tired to go into all of the adventures of the day. Remind me to tell you about a golf ball thrown from an I-40 pedestrian overpass in Albuq. NM. There’s a dent in the hood of our Explorer to remind me of it!
Met some nice people from Oklahoma at a NM rest stop. They were travelling to the Grand Canyon with their 7yoa granddaughter.
Met a young man at one of the many gas stops who asked me to pray for him. He was not sure where he was headed or what he was going to do. His name is Ron.

Great Western Expedition - Trip Journal - Day 1

Monday, June 08, 2009

What a day it has been! Certainly not according to my plan, but I trust according to YOUR plan, LORD. Buttons started the morning off memorably when she found and devoured a large Reese’s Valentine Heart. After a nervous telephone consultation with the vet, Kathy administered hydrogen peroxide until Buttons “got rid” of the chocolate. By the time Buttons got through it was 10:00am.

Kathy and I said our good-byes and set off (late but on our way). After topping off the tank and checking the air pressure we headed west – or so I thought. When we reached highway speed I noticed a distinct sway in the trailer. After a consultation with KBarK, it was determined that we needed an anti-sway bar added. It would be 2pm before they could work us in.

They managed to get us in by 1:30pm and out less than an hour later -- two hundred dollars lighter but ready for the road. We were (finally) on the road by 3pm.

After being beaten up by the sad state of the road conditions in Mississippi, we called it a night in Vicksburg, MS. Motel6 kept the light on for us!

It has been a frustrating start to the Great Western Expedition, but I know that YOU have a reason and something for me to learn. Thank YOU for YOUR watchcare, for getting us safely here, and for what YOU have in store. I am looking forward to each day. Please renew and refresh us. Draw us closer to YOU and to each other. I pray that YOU will be honored in this special time.

Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail 4/25/2009

Hike: Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail (North & South Loops), Sat. 4/25/2009, 12:30-16:00CDT
Distance: 4.7 miles Rating: 5/5
Difficulty: Moderate
Conditions: Sunny, mid to upper 80's, light breeze, hot.
Thoughts/Observations:
Gorgeous day. Wild azaleas are in magnificent bloom. Many birds singing and busy with their daily activities. A good number of motor boats on the lake today. A few people at trail head with a grill but did not see anyone on the trail. Picked up several ticks - got three off of me; one attached on my upper right thigh. I used repellent, wore long pants, and tight fitting socks. Must be many ticks in this area. Guess it should be avoided until cooler weather returns (sigh).

Was great to get out after five straight 12+ hour days at work. Thank YOU, LORD. I thought a lot about (and prayed for) a person I love and who has been heavy on my heart lately.

Trip Journal - Phoenix Arizona - Spring 2009 - Page 6

Friday, April 03, 2009, 09:18MST

Happy Birthday Glenn!!!

Readings from Matt, Mark, & Luke this morning. Looked at the Resurrection account. Our LORD is Alive and Real and Relevant!

I never imagined when I first visited Phoenix in the summer of 2007 that I would be back two more times. This has been a tremendous experience for me. The skills gained from Honeywell Automation College certainly help me on the job, but what these trips have done for me spiritually is much greater. Thank YOU for working in my life, LORD.

The Valley of the Sun is a great place to visit but Prattville is home. I am continually amazed at the volume of life (flora and fauna) present in the Sonoran Desert but I prefer the Creation with trees, forests, and water!

Waiting at Phoenix Sky Harbor airport – I’ve found waiting to be a major factor around airports – for Northwest Flight 1920 to Memphis and then on to Montgomery. Should be home by 9:00pm (that’s 21:00 Emily). Looking forward to seeing everyone – yes, I have missed you all!

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Trip Journal - Phoenix Arizona - Spring 2009 - Page 5

Thursday, April 02, 2009, 07:13MST

Reading for this morning from Hebrews 1-2 and 12.

“How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation…” – Heb. 2:3

GOD is continually calling us to HIMSELF, but I fear that we seldom listen. We are wrapped in our own personal “worlds” and driven about by the mad rush of our age. How many of us are truly blind, stumbling, and bumbling about without a real clue as to what matters and what our ultimate destination will be?

For those of us who have a personal relationship with CHRIST, our lives should be characterized by purpose, passion, and a personal relationship. More about this later…

My plans have changed for today. Since I’ve been out to The Superstitions several times before, I am planning on heading southwest toward the Sierra Estrella Mountains – to Rainbow Canyon Trail. It is touted to have great spring desert wildflower blooms. We shall see!

Thursday, April 02, 2009, 20:43MST

Wow what a day! I got on the Rainbow Canyon Trail in the Sierra Estrella Mountains at 08:30 this morning. This park is not crowded at all – didn’t even see anyone else on the trail until near the end. But this park is FULL of local fauna! All types of desert birds were in abundance. Hundreds of lizards from small ones to some that would have probably weighed a couple of pounds. Snakes were also in residence. One small Western Diamondback Rattlesnake had staked a claim right in the middle of the Rainbow Canyon Trail and was not predisposed to move. I took his picture, which he was agreeable to and then I gave him a wide berth as I continued on down the trail. He watched me carefully, but he never rattled. Believe me I watched the trail a little closer after that. Altogether I made a large loop through the mountain preserve utilizing the Rainbow Canyon, Toothaker, Pederson, Gadsden, and Butterfield trails. Total trail distance hiked was 9.4 miles and I completed the hike at 13:00 (that’s 1pm local time). The Octotillion was in bloom but not much else. I was a little disappointed not to see desert wildflowers in regal array but the park was beautiful. I certainly enjoyed my hike and time with GOD.

During the last half of the hike I kept having the impression that I needed to go to The Superstitions again. So after a quick lunch at McDonalds in Goodyear, AZ I pointed the Chevy Colorado eastward toward The Superstitions. Since Hertz gave me a 4x4 pickup truck this time I decided to hike the Peralta Trail to Freemont Saddle and get a glimpse of Weaver’s Needle. The Peralta Trail is supposedly the second most popular trail in Arizona (after Bright Angel Trail in the Grand Canyon) but I only meet three couples on the trail. I knew I was going to be rushed a little since sundown comes about 18:30, but I calculated that I should have enough time.

Let me tell you that GOD saved the best for last! The Peralta Trail was a serious physical workout being about 1360’ total elevation gain (and all going in to Freemont’s Saddle). The trail almost “kicked my fanny” and I almost considered turning back before the saddle. I asked GOD for a little encouragement and almost immediately my cell phone rang and Diane was on the phone. She was just the encouragement I needed to get a second wind and get up over the saddle. I had seen pictures of Weaver’s Needle before, but as was the case with the Grand Canyon, I was not really prepared for the panorama that greeted me. Weaver’s Needle is the icon of The Superstitions (even more so than Flatiron) and the magnificence of the sight touched me.

In addition to Weaver’s Needle I was greeted by a glorious spring desert wildflower bloom all along the Peralta Trail. Birds, bees, butterflies, and the ubiquotus lizards were everywhere. I’m not certain what was putting out the wonderful fragrance, but I was bathed in the lovely sweet scent all the way to the saddle. The cliffs of The Superstitions ringed me in on both sides (the Peralta Trail basically follows a wash up to Freemont’s Saddle) with the ever-present Saguaro cacti standing guard. There was a small cave just before the saddle but the ceiling was very low and I was not about to crawl inside. You have to wonder how many ancient Indians and wild animals may have sought shelter in that cave through the ages. Total mileage for the Peralta Trail was 5.7 miles and time was 15:45-18:25. (Bringing the day’s total trail mileage to 15.1 miles!) I will probably feel it tomorrow.

LORD GOD, thank YOU for this special surprise YOU saved for last. I cannot adequately express in words what I felt on this hike. Thank YOU for getting me up that 1345’ to the saddle. I saw several large, high soaring birds (not sure if they were some type of eagle or vulture), but I remembered YOUR words, “But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” (Isa. 40:31)