Mountain Creek 2008-05-24

Hike: Mountain Creek, 05/24/2008 10:00-12:00
Distance: 4 miles
Rating: 5/5
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions: Partly cloudy, very warm, humid; mild breeze.
Thoughts/Observations:
Wonderful hike. Observed grey squirrel, several hawks, numerous birds (various kinds), large tadpoles at the reservoir, bass, large black ants, velvet ants, smelled a skunk (didn't see him, thankfully!), and a gorgeous tiger swallowtail butterfly. I continue to find trees and bushes that I'm not familiar with (even as many times as I have been to this park). There is a treasure trove of flora and fauna here. Thank YOU, LORD, for speaking to my heart today. Message for tomorrow is "Listen Up!" from John 3. "Open my eyes that I may see visions of love YOU have for me." I love YOU, LORD.

Oak Mountain State Park Hike

Hike: Oak Mountain State Park, Mon., 5/19/2008 10:00-15:00
Distance: 9 miles
Rating: 4/5
Difficulty: Very Difficult
Conditions: Mostly sunny, low to mid 80's. Solo hike (Glenn had training today).
Thoughts/Observations:
Went to the Wildlife Rehab Center; hiked the Treetop Nature Trail out and back; and hiked Peavine Falls Trail (Green Trail) all the way to the bottom of the falls and back out. This was probably the hardest hike I've done to date. I was physically exhausted at the end. Drank 1.5L of water on the trail and ate 1 protein bar. After hike drank cold Tropicana Lemonade from vending machine at Park HQ and got a large Coke from McDonalds in Clanton on way back. Lots of birds, lizards, and insects. Peavine Falls was outstanding, but it was a very difficult trail down to the bottom of the falls and then a little bit of rock climbing to get out! These trails require lots of physical energy - up and down and some of the elevations gains are acute! A definite physical workout. Don't believe I got much of a spiritual workout on this one though. LORD, help me to keep focused on YOU always, in everything I do. Thank YOU for showing me these sights and getting me through the very difficult areas. Took lots of pics.

Wilderness Park Prattville

Hike: Wilderness Park, Prattville, AL 05/18/2008 15:30-16:00
Distance: 0.5 miles
Rating: 5/5
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions: Sunny, warm to very warm.
Thoughts/Observations:
Hike before evening church with Glenn. The huge bamboo is still a sight to see. One large bamboo stalk had broken off and was full of water, just like Bear Grills demonstrated the other night. It was amazing to see it in actual practice. Unfortunately, I did not have my camera with me.

Another Mountain Creek Hike

Hike: Mountain Creek, AL, Sat-05/10/2008 09:00-11:00CDT
Distance: approx 4 miles
Rating: 5/5 (Just about always at this site)
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions: Cloudy; mild temps (upper 70's) - moderate humidity. Still to light breeze. No one else on trails.
Thoughts/Observations:
Saw a coyote, 2 cottontails, and numerous pasarines. I was greeted with a beautiful concert of bird songs and the sweet fragrance of honeysuckle today. Thank YOU, LORD, for the beautiful peace that YOU provide for me -- the tranquility that I experience here is profound. I certainly need it.
Please give me YOUR words to speak and teach -- help me shepherd YOUR people at Crestview. Thank YOU for YOUR love and for this place!

Rainy Restful Saturday Morning

Sitting here in my great room with Soundscapes playing and watching the rain through the front storm door is quite relaxing. I had planned to go hiking this morning or to take Kathy to the Alabama Wildlife Nature Center at Lanark for their Birding Weekend – but that is not to be. Instead I am here in the restful quiet of the house (Kathy is still asleep) – just Gracie, Buttons, and me.

I was able to complete the powerpoints for both morning and evening sermons for tomorrow along with the Kids with The KING message. I even managed to complete the eTrailGuide powerpoint!

LORD, thank YOU for YOUR peace and stillness. I need that in my life, so much more so today. The demands of family, job, and ministry are wearing heavily on me of late. I pray for YOUR strength, wisdom, and peace.

The soothing sounds and thoughts gently wash over me this morning. Thank YOU, LORD.

Spring Hike - Mountain Creek

Hike: Mountain Creek, 4/26/2008 09:00-11:00
Distance: 4 miles
Rating: 5/5
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions: Cloudy, low to mid 70's, very light to no breeze. Some "bugs" beginning to show up. Insect repellent will be needed before to much longer.
Thoughts/Observations: Enjoyable hike. I missed the Wisteria bloom this year. All hardwoods have leaves out now - even the Hickories. Many birds today; pasarines, crows, and hawks. Several lizards, but no snakes observed. Azaleas and some wildflowers still in bloom. Sermon topic for tomorrow: "What's So Great about Christianity?" Thank YOU for YOUR presence in my life, LORD.

AWF Nature Center Lanark

Hike: AWF Nature Center Lanark, Millbrook, AL 04/19/2008, 09:18-12:08
Distance: 6 miles
Rating: 5/5
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions: Breezy; Gorgeous sunshine! Feels like low to mid 70's. A small crowd at the Pavilion for the plant show. A few folks on the trails, but not many.
Thoughts/Observations:
First time I've seen water in Gum Pond. Was wonderful to see. Thank YOU, LORD, for sending YOUR healing rain.
Many birds about - Cardinals, Bluebirds, and 1 hawk
I very much needed this 1/2 day away and on-the-trail; demands on my life have been weighty the last few weeks. Thank YOU, LORD GOD, for being "my help in ages past, my hope for years to come".

The Deadening Trail - Cherokee Ridge

Hike: The Deadening Trail at Cherokee Ridge, 3/29/2008, 09:00-11:30
Loc: N 32 42.448' // W 85 53.170' (Parking lot)
Distance: approximately 4 miles
Rating: 5/5
Difficulty: Strenuous
Conditions: Mostly clear, very warm (getting up to 80 today). Calm winds.
Thoughts/Observations:
Great workout. Trail about kicked my behind today. Lots of birds out and singing. Observed at least three different species of lizards on rocks, trees, and in leaf litter. Did not go through Eye of the Needle today.

Speak to my heart, O GOD. Give me the words YOU would have me speak.

C.O.M.E. #5 Providence Canyon Backcountry Expedition

Hike: Providence Canyon GA State Park, 3/14-15/2008, Backcountry expedition; Loop, Backcountry, and Canyon (1-3) Trails
Distance: Approximately 4.0 on 3/14 and 6.0 on 3/15
Rating: 5/5
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Conditions: Warm and partly cloudy on 3/14. Misty rain about 03:00 on 3/15 but clear, sunny, and very warm after 09:30. Backcountry campsites and trails were well maintained and marked.
Thoughts/Observations:
Backcountry expedition with Jim, Melissa, Morgan, Chelsea, Martha, Nathan, Jon, & Emily. Wonderful experience. We almost didn't go because of weather reports, but GOD answered our prayers and protected us from bad weather and traffic. GOD spoke to our hearts, HIS creation was shining, and the fellowship was beautiful. This is a unique and quite beautiful area. The packs were heavy but the experience was enjoyable. Would certainly do it again! Glenn couldn't join us because he was sick. Hopefully he will be able to see it later. Devotion on Fri night from Psalm 19, 16, and 104. Emily brought devotion on Sat morning from Psalm 121:8!

My Goal for 2009 - YELLOWSTONE!

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

No Hiking Today - Involved in Tornado Relief

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quick Hike at Mountain Creek

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

Mountain Creek - Gracie Hike

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

C.O.M.E. #3 - Mountain Creek & SNOW!!!

Hike: Confederate Memorial Park, Mountain Creek, January.19.2008, C.O.M.E. #3, 09:15-11:15
Distance: 4 miles (credit - probably not quite that much - stopped lots for pictures)
Rating: 5/5 (that's as high as I can give... was probably a 6 at least!)
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions: SNOWING! About 1-3 inches of accumulation in the park. Temps hovering in mid to low 30's. A few other "hardy souls" were in the park admiring GOD's handiwork.
Thoughts/Observations:
Expedition #3 was scheduled for Lanark in Millbrook but they were closed for weather. GOD, YOU had this all worked out though. Mountain Creek received a much better snowfall than Prattville or Millbrook. To say that the area was beautiful would not adequately describe it. The tranquility, peace, quietness, softness, and pristine beauty of the snow blanketed forest is something you must appreciate for yourself. Emily, Jonny, Martha, & Nathan joined me for this Expedition. This was one of those life-memory-making events. Message for tomorrow morning is "Snow & Frost" from Psalm 147. I love YOU, LORD.

Mountain Creek Hike

Hike: Mountain Creek 1/12/2008 09:15-11:00
Distance: ~4 miles
Rating: 5/5
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions: Sunny. High cirrus clouds, cool temps.
Thoughts/Observations: Many birds audible today. Beautiful small woodpecker - Hairy or Downy, sometimes confuse them - need to consult Field Guide. Psalm 121 really spoke to my heart today. I asked YOU to confirm YOUR call in this area of ministry to me. I believe Psalm 121 was YOUR answer! Thank YOU LORD.

Icicles on the Trail!

Hike: Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail - South Loop, 1/5/2008, 09:00-11:00
Distance: 3+ miles
Rating: 4/5
Difficulty: Moderate
Conditions: Cool. Temps high 30's to 50's. Light breeze. Sunny. All leaves and some pine needles down. Trails covered by leaves in many spots making footing difficult at times.
Thoughts/Observations: Cool but comfortable hike. Not much wildlife observed today. Very nice icicles on one of the boulders.
I love YOU, LORD, with all that I am. Please forgive my sins. Speak to my heart.

Lanark - AL Wildlife Federation

Hike: AL Wildlife Federation Nature Center, Lanark, 12/15/2007, 08:15-10:00
Distance: 4.0 miles
Rating: 4/5
Conditions: Cloudy, light to moderate sporadic rain, mild temps.
Difficulty: Easy
Thoughts/Observations: Cut hike short to attend Ladies III S/S Christmas luncheon. Not many people on trail today - clouds and rain. I really enjoy the rain while out on the trail! Thank YOU for it LORD. My Tilley (TH4) hat sheds rain great. Poncho keeps me comfortable when the rain gets heavier. Also wore nylon shirt and pants. Birds and squirrels stirring this morning.

C.O.M.E. #2 Walls of Jericho

Hike: Crestview Outdoor Ministry Expedition #2, 12/8/2007, 11:00-17:00, Walls of Jericho
Distance: 7.0 miles
Rating: 5/5
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Conditions: Fog, low clouds all day, mild temps. On/Off light showers earlier.
Thoughts/Observations: C.O.M.E. #2 total of 7 people. Wonderful time of Fellowship, Devotional time, and appreciation of GOD and HIS Creation. Loads of pics. Water level lower than it was Monday. Completed the hike just at sunset.