Caffeinated Marshmallows Turn S’mores Into Rocket Fuel

Caffeinated Marshmallows Turn S’mores Into Rocket Fuel: "

Next time the Perseid meteor showers come along and you think you can’t stay up until their peak at 2 a.m., you might want to consider firing up some s’mores made with Stay Puft Caffeinated Gourmet Marshmallows. These bad boys pack 100mg of caffeine in each little mallow–24 in a $20 pack, for a whopping 2,400 milligrams of jump juice. Or about as much in a can of Red Bull.

--
Are you serious??? Caffeinated Marshmallows... make S'mores out of these and everyone will be jumping around the campfire! ;-)

"

Nature Photo of the Week: Happy Bay

Nature Photo of the Week: Happy Bay: "

This gorgeous beach in St. Maarten was photographed by Flickr user Fabi Fliervoet and shared through The Nature Conservancy’s Flickr Group.

Anyone for an Expedition to St. Maarten??? I could really use a place like this today!

Agape,

Pastor Larry <+><

Walking The Amazon Update: "Job Done"

Walking The Amazon Update: "Job Done": "

We're still awaiting an update to the Walking the Amazon website and blog this morning, but according to the Expedition's Twitter feed, Ed and Cho reached the Atlantic Ocean this morning, bringing an end to their amazing journey. The Twitter update had this to say:

'Job done. 28 months and Cho and I have finished walking the Amazon. I always knew it was possible. :-) Blog/images in a couple of hours....'

The expedition began back on April 2nd of 2008, and now, 4000 miles and 859 days later, it is finally over. It has been a very long and grueling, trek for Ed, who has now walked the entire length of the Amazon River, from source to mouth. The past few days haven't been easy ones however, as the two men were walking long hours in hopes of reaching the finish line at dawn today. Completing the journey was in doubt even to the very end, as Ed even collapsed unconscious on the side of the road yesterday. Help arrived quickly, and he was taken to a hotel, where he was able to regain his strength and get some rest. Apparently it was the result of exhaustion, and after a few hours rest, he returned to the point of the collapse and continued on to the end.



While I'm sure the two Amazon Walkers are relieved that their trek is finally complete, it'll probably be some time before reality actually sets in. They'll need time to reflect on what they've accomplished and re-integrate themselves into normal life. I have a feeling that might be a bumpy re-entry.



Major congratulations to both Ed and Cho for completing the expedition at long last. I can't wait to hear more about their story and see the images of them arriving at the sea. I'll post more when we know more.

"

Awesome job! 28 months, 859 days, 4,000 miles of trekking through the most wondrous jungle I can imagine, the Amazonian Rainforest. Wonder if there will be a book?!... ;-)

Family Ends Seven Year, Round-The-World Sailing Journey

(Ahh... can you imagine this?!!!)

Family Ends Seven Year, Round-The-World Sailing Journey: "

After seven years sailing the high seas and exploring the world, a Maryland family of five has returned home, 83 months after their departure, and 30,000 miles behind them. The Crafton family consists of father Tom, mother Kathleen, and 22-year old Jena, 18-year old Kalena, and 15-year old Ben. The kids have spent much of their formative years aboard their 43-foot sailing yacht, and are now dealing with the rough re-entry into normal life.



Departing in 2003, the family spent the first few years sailing throughout the Americas. In 2006 they made the big move to cross the Panama Canal and enter the Pacific, where it was on to Vanuatu and other locations in the South Pacific. They took an 18-month break, staying in New Zealand for an extended time, but after that they pointed the ship west, and kept on sailing, finally making the last crossing for home, a 43-day journey from Ascension Island.



The Crafton kids practically grew up on the boat, and it brought them all more closely together as a family. Even though they are now back in port, they are still living on the boat while the decide what to do next. For the older girls, it's on to college, for Ben it is home schooling, while the formulate a plan for getting back to a more 'normal' life.



And what brought them home after their seven year sojourn? Two things. First, the kids are all getting older, and Ben and Kathleen wanted them to have their own life and a more stable environment. But perhaps more importantly, as Kathleen says with a chuckle, 'we're flat broke!'



What a way to grow up huh? Traveling the world from a sailboat, visiting distant lands, and visiting place that few people ever get the opportunity to see. Personally, I think a return to life in the U.S. would be nearly impossible for me after a journey like that one. I won't be too surprised to hear that the kids will be heading out on circumnavigation expeditions of their own in the near future. The wanderlust will no doubt hit them hard after being on land for awhile.

"

Summer Morning Hike @ Swayback Bridge Trail

Hike: Red Trail - Swayback Bridge Trail of Legends - Sat. 7/24/2010, 07:15-10:15
Distance: 7 miles  Rating: 5/5  Map Coord: N32.62458 / W86.24049
Difficulty: Moderate due to heat/humidity and distance.
Conditions: Humid, warm.  Partly cloudy. Light breeze. 80 F.  Trail surface in good condition.  Light rain during the night.  No standing water, but ground was damp.  Wet-season streams are pooling - no flow in them today.
Thoughts/Observations: 

Plants were the stars today.  GOD produced many meadow wildflowers of gold, yellow, white, lavender, purple, and pink.  Some broad leaves as well as pine needles were coated with droplets of water from the rain last night.  There were different shades of green and contrasting textures vividly displayed throughout the forest.  Some of the ferns, vines, and the Big Leaf Magnolia made me feel as if I was in some primeval forest.  It was a veritable concert of sight.  Many passarines about as well as chipmunk and gray squirrel  Butterflies and bees were busy with the meadow wildflowers.  A particularly mesmerizing blue Damselfly was busy near the lake's edge near the 6 mile mark.

Song "Cry Out For Love" was on my mind.  Talked with GOD about a lot that's on my heart.  Was a very good hike.  Thank YOU, LORD.

Walking The Amazon Update: 18 Days To Go!

Walking The Amazon Update: 18 Days To Go!: "

After 841 days walking the Amazon Jungle, Ed Stafford is finally nearing the end of his expedition to cross the rainforest on foot. In fact, he even has a detailed schedule of his final days planned out, and promises daily updates to his blog to help us follow along over the final stage of his incredible journey.



Today Ed announced that there are just 18 days left until he crosses the finish line, in this case the finish line meaning a plunge into the ocean. He says that media attention has begun to increase, and he was even joined by a reporter who will be tagging along with he and Cho over the next six days. She's going to get an education on survival in the wilderness, as those next six days include a trek 'straight through the unknown jungle on a compass bearing. No paths, no settlements to stay at, just swamps, river crossings and sore shoulders that never go away.'



Ed's final schedule looks like this:

22nd to 27th July - last 6 days of walking through rainforest.

28th - Walk the Trans Cametá Highway to Cametá.

29th - Paddle across the Trocantins River.

30th - Walk back on the far side of the said river to correct any advance downstream the previous day [see rules on FAQ page].

31st to 3rd August - 4 days walk down highways into Belem City itself.

4th - Meet Keith (photographer) off plane. Interviews.

5th to 8th - 4 days walk towards the Atlantic Ocean to just short of Marudá.

9th August dawn - final 5km in the dark and arrive at Marudá, the Atlantic, for sunrise (0630 local time, 0930 BST, 1030 BST). Fall in the sea. Job done.

"
Wow... what a walk! 859 days is almost 2 1/2 years of trekking through the Amazonian Rainforest. Imagine the things seen and experienced during this time. If there's a book (and I imagine so), this is one I want to read.

Stonehenge's Twin?

Click on the title above to see the story

Interesting news-piece from FoxNews on the archaeological discovery at Stonehenge.  Highlights just how much mankind does not know.  "New things" come to light all the time.  GOD is not surprised, but we sure are!
<+><

Day Hike Lanark - Alabama Wildlife Federation Nature Center

Hike: Hilltop Pass, Turkey Ridge, Still Creek Run - Lanark, Sat. 7/17/2010, 09:00-11:45
Distance: 6 miles  Rating: 4/5
Difficulty: Easy  Map Coord: N32.47717 / W86.38391
Conditions: Partly cloudy.  Hot and very humid. 09:00-11:45
Thoughts/Observations:
Got a little later start today than originally planned.  Saw my friends off at church before coming to trails.  Missed them a lot today.  Legs felt a little heavy and I was sweating a lot today - humidity was very high.  Trails were in good shape and I had all of them pretty much to myself - met one man and son on Turkey Ridge.  They have added a loop off of Turkey Ridge called Tadpole Pond Loop that highlights a pond and aquatic ecosystems.  Some of the largest tadpoles I've ever seen are living in Tadople Pond!  Dragonflies were the stars today.  GOD created these magnificent creatures in all sizes and colors.  They were showing off today.  Red, blue, green, black - even some quite large blue ones with sliver, lacy wings.  They darted all around me as they hunted for their food or a mate.  Damsel flies were also in abundance in blue, black, and brilliant, bright green.  The Damsel Flies seemed to favor the boggy areas while Dragon flies were more numerous over open water and flowing streams.  Passarines were in abundance as usual - I really enjoyed several friendly and melodious cardinals on the creek side trails.  One large black racer slid from the Tadpole Pond area up under the boardwalk as I hiked by.  He was very shiny and swift.  Many small lizards with blue stripes ran up and down the boardwalks staying just out of reach.  Gray squirrels and chipmunks were busy scurrying about in Hilltop Pass and Turkey Ridge. 

Was able to spend some time in prayer and worship.  Humming "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore THEE".  Didn't feel as good as usual during this hike.  Felt a little light headed or shaky.  Not sure what's going on.

Very Creepy!

Thousands of creepy spiders crawling out of the cargo hole of a ship and onto an island!  Sounds like something from a B-rated Science Fiction Movie.  Look out Guam.

Mountain Creek Hike 7/5/2010

Hike: Pine Upland and Hardwood (Riparian) Trail - Mountain Creek, Mon. 7/5/2010, 07:30-09:30
Distance: 4 miles  Rating: 5/5
Difficulty: Easy  Map Coord: N32.71956 / W86.47324
Conditions: Mostly clear.  Bright blue sky.  Swift passing clouds.  Moderate, steady breeze.  Feels good.
Thoughts/Observations:

Absolutely gorgeous day!  Had the park completely for myself.  Gray squirrels and birds in abundance as usual.  Chipmunk scampering for cover.  Large mammal (from the sound it made) near Hickory Hill - probably whitetail deer.

Such a treat YOU have given me today.  I pray that my eyes, ears, and heart will always be open and receptive to YOUR truth.  I so want to teach others this love and appreciation of YOU that I feel; to be able to teach them to open their eyes and see YOU in the midst of YOUR creation.

Early Morning Hike - Swayback Bridge Trail

Hike: Swayback Bridge Trail, Sat. 7/3/2010, 06:30-09:30
Distance: 7 miles  Rating: 5/5
Difficulty: Easy    Map Coord: N32.62435 / W86.24025
Conditions: Clear.  Surprisingly mild for July.  Less humid this morning.  Very nice, steady breeze.  Felt good.
Thoughts/Observations:
Thinking about freedom in CHRIST (Rom. 8) and about how I do not take every thought captive as I should.  Plants were the stars today.  GOD blessed me with beautiful wildflowers and inspiring hardwoods.  It was a feast of light, shade, color, texture, and shape.  Mimosa perfume permeated the air throughout much of the hike.  Thank YOU for the caress of the breeze and the opening of YOUR treasures on the forest floor.  I have ID the large leaf hardwood.  It is a Big Leaf Magnolia.  Somewhat rare apparently.  Well represented here and at CRATA.  Several mtn bikers and trail runners today.  Lots of vehicles headed down toward Coosa River launch at Jordan Dam.

Nature Photo of the Week: Summer Mist

Nature Photo of the Week: Summer Mist: "

Wow and Double Wow... Just look at this view. This is the Napali Coastline in Kauai HI. It just moved up even higher on my "To Do/See List". How I would love to be there today. It's hard to take my eyes off of it.

The 10 Best Hikes in the World

Billed as the "10 Best Hikes in the World" http://www.bootsnall.com/articles/09-02/10-best-hiking-trails-world.html this one makes my mouth water and my palms sweat! 

I have done the Zion Narrows and it is spectacular.  Am drooling over the Kalalau Trail on Kaui... GOD willing one of these days I hope to hike that one.  The Inca Trail appeals to me as well.  I'm certain all of them are outstanding.

Any one of these "whisper to your heart"?

Early Morning Hike - Mtn Creek

Hike: Mountain Creek, Saturday, 06/26/2010, 07:15-09:45
Distance: 5 miles  Rating: 5/5
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions: Pleasant morning temps, sun rising clear and beautiful.  Wind: calm.  High humidity.
Thoughts/Observations: 
Had the park to myself - that is, no other human beings here when I began my hike.  Birds were already active and vocal.  Birdsong filled the morning air as I entered the forest near the old church.  Dew was heavy on the ground and occasionally sprinkled by legs as I hiked through the taller grass.

Insects were in abundance as you would expect this time of year but were not overly bothersome.  Thank you "Deep Woods Off".

The morning appeals to me at a deep level.  It is serene, beautiful, and comfortable with an element of expectation pervading every nuance of the trail.  You never know what treasure GOD will reveal around the next bend or what truth you will come to understand.

Scared up a whitetail deer entering the forest.  Observed cottontail rabbit, the ever-present gray squirrel, and a particularly gorgeous (and photogenic) green damselfly.

Summer wildflowers are blooming: the yellow black-eyed susan, little white blooms on small ground hugging vines (like a miniature version of wild potato), unidentified low purple flowering plants, and the mimosa.  (The sight and smell of the mimosa always remind me of my Grandmama Teal.)  American Beauty Bush is also beginning to bloom.  Got to have those deep purple berries ready for Fall.

Thank YOU, LORD, for such a wonderful way to start the day and for meeting me here.

Kayak & Hike Ft. Toulouse, Tallapoosa River

Kayak: Tallapoosa River near Ft. Toulouse  Sat, 06/19/2010, 07:45-09:00
Distance: 2 miles (approx)  Rating: 4/5  Map Coord: N32.50095, W86.25276
Difficulty: Moderate due to current and depth
Conditions: Clear, calm, warm and humid.  About three other boat trailers at launch site but I saw no other boats on the river.
Thoughts/Observations:
Beautiful morning.  Good time to get out on the river and soak in some of GOD's wonder and care.  The Tallapoosa was a little low and was flowing faster than I have ever seen it before.  (Note:  If you are contemplating a similar adventure REMEMBER that you have to paddle back upstream at some point in time!)

I particularly enjoyed the sheltered coves to the left of the boat launch.  With my kayak I could get a decent distance back inside the cove.  Several herons and other water birds did not appreciate my intrusion (even though I was quiet).  Fish jumping in several places.  This was a very peaceful place.

As I paddled downstream, in the back of my mind was the thought, "I will have to paddle back upstream to get out."  I tried to go river left, around a large island but found the depth too shallow even for my yak.  I took this as a tap on the shoulder from GOD that I should start back, and so I did.

And it is a good thing that I did at that time.  The current was aggressive, at times wanting to spin my kayak back around.  I found it best to paddle nearest the far shore, in somewhat calmer water.  Needless to say, I got a workout by the time I reached the boat launch.  I paddled a little upstream from the launch; crossed over the river; and paddled back downstream toward the launch.  Take out was simple and easy.

The dry bag worked great for my digital SLR - that's the only way I would dare take it on the river.  (Note to self: Investigate a water-proof digital, point and shoot camera.)

Hike: Bartram Arboretum and River Trail, Ft. Toulouse, Sat. 06/19/2010, 09:30-10:45

Distance: 2 miles  Rating: 4/5

Difficulty: Easy

Conditions: Sunny, calm, very warm, humid.  No one else on the trail.  Some people at Ft. Toulouse - in fact, they set off a canon!  That will get your attention!!!

Thoughts/Observations:

Trees and bushes are in full summer foliage.  Wonderful shadows grace the trails and provide welcome relief from the blazing sun (even at this time in the morning).  Many gray squirrels are busy scampering about - some carrying lunch in their mouth.  As usual, I was serenaded to forest bird-song as I hiked this relatively easy riparian trail.

The numerous wild plums along the trial remind me of my childhood and teen years, hiking the trails behind home.  Mimosa perfume was ever present in the air along the Coosa side of the river trail.

At the confluence of the Tallapoosa and Coosa I was surprised to find that the Tallapoosa was flowing considerably faster than the Coosa.  It was also muddier than the Coosa - that is rare.  A small change in the channel of the Tallapoosa seems to have occurred.  There were numerous sand islands in the confluence area.

Dream Hike - Milford Track New Zealand

If I had a "Dream Hike" (and I actually have several) this would certainly be near the top of the list. Can you imagine hiking for 4 days amidst this inspiring example of GOD's Creation?  Check out the link in the Title above - it will take you to NewZealand.com.

Now I just have to start saving and planning for this Expedition!...

Expedition #21 - Merritt Island Florida National Wildlife Refuge (Biolum Tour)

Expedition Type: Kayak tour (two part), Friday, June 11, 2010, Merritt Island NWR Florida (AM and PM)
Distance: 5 miles total (approx)  Rating: 5++/5
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions: (Part I - 09:00-12:00 Thousand Islands area, clear, hot, humid)  (Part II - 21:00-24:00 Haulover Canal / Indian River / Bear Cove / Mosquito Cove, clear, stars everywhere, mild, pleasant)
Thoughts/Observations:
(Part I) (Liz, Jon, Amber, & me).  Toured the Thousand Islands area near Cocoa Beach, FL.  Mangrove coastal area.  Viewed several manatees, Great Blue Herons, Osprey, Green Heron, Night Heron, Snake Bird, Florida Stingray, different species of mangrove trees.  Such a beautiful area.  Liz and Amber tried their hands at single kayaks.  Liz left with some Red Mangrove trees to try and grow at home!

(Part II) (Pam & Barry joined us for this portion.)  A phenomenal, joyful experience!  The bioluminescent algae, the myriad stars, the jumping mullet, porpoises, beautiful coves of the Indian River - GOD, YOU, were magnified in YOUR creation.  Thank YOU for this special time.  Felt like a kid chasing the mullet and wide eyed in amazement at the surreal glow of the dinoflagelates.  Liz & I shared a tandem kayak.  What a wonderful time.  My heart was filled to overflowing.

I was privileged to witness some of the most awe-inspiring work of GOD.  On Bear Cove we were surrounded by acres of sea grass beds.  A seemingly endless canopy of stars draped over us.  Our boat was supported on a warm bed of water, filled with countless bio luminescent algae.  We were cocooned in the warmth and beauty of the CREATORS love – exhibited in brilliant clarity through sight, sound, smell, touch, and spirit!  The algae’s bio luminescent glow cast a surreal feeling over our time – but believe me it was real! 

How can anyone witness such an event and not be “touched” by a realization of our CREATOR GOD and by a desire to know HIM? 

Hike Saturday - CRATA

Hike: Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail, Lake Martin, Sat., 6/5/2010, 08:30-11:30
Distance: 4 miles  Rating: 5/5
Difficulty: Moderate
Conditions: Partly cloudy, hot, humid, light to moderate breeze (very much appreciated).  Periods of darker clouds but no rain.
Thoughts/Observations:

Hike Saturday.  Eight of us (Liz, Tammy, Barry, Pam, Jon, Amber, Larry G., and me).  Great time of fellowship and worship in GOD's outdoors.  Couple of folks almost got too hot even though we got an early start.  The humidity was quite high.  Everyone made it safely through!  The views, companionship, worship, and results made the hot work worth it!

Observed numerous lizards, butterflies, insects, and wildflowers.  Enjoyed sweeping panoramas of Lake Martin.  Splendid rock (boulder) formations (always a special feature on this and Deadening Trail).  The mixed hardwood and pine forest is always a treat.  Bugged that I did not know the ID of a particularly impressive hardwood tree with very broad, large leaves.  The tree does not grow very tall nor massive but is strikingly beautiful because of its large leaves (albeit there are few of them).  Have only seen this tree in the CRATA area.

After the hike we talked about Romans 1 and how GOD is manifested in HIS Creation to each of us personally.  It is amazing how each of us "sees" a small piece of GOD in different aspects of HIS Creation.

This will may be the last Hike Saturday that involves pure hiking until the Fall.  I don't want to kill my friends with the heat and humidity.  The summer-time Expeditions & Hike Saturday's will focus on cool water and shade.  Anyone for "Hiking in a Cave"???

Quick Mountain Creek Hike

Hike: Mountain Creek, Sat. 05/08/2010, 09:00-11:00
Distance: 4.0 miles  Rating: 5/5
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions: Mostly cloudy to partly cloudy.  Moderate breeze.  Mild temps (front coming through to lower temps).  Park received lots of rain this week (4+ inches most likely).  Ground and trails still damp but no standing water.  Creek and streams slightly above normal flow but not what I would consider high.
Thoughts/Observations:
Shorter hike than I would have liked but had to prepare for Mr. Mack Lee's funeral this afternoon.  Amazed at how much trees and other plants have "leafed out" since I was here last.  Sweet perfume of the Honeysuckle was extraordinary. Many woodpeckers at work in the forest today.  The usual passarines were my constant companions throughout my hike.  Quite a few chipmunks and gray squirrels scurrying about this morning as well.  Saw one small brown snake up close.  (Still have to ID his species.)

Was good to get outside and enjoy GOD's Creation after almost two weeks of long outage workdays. 

Pine Mountain Animal Safari

Today was a special day for me - I believe for Kathy and Diane as well.  This was one of the few Saturday's available before Diane's wedding that we could have a Family Day.  Diane wanted to see the Wild Animal Safari in Pine Mountain, GA - so we headed over about 8:00am.

The day was fantastic!  Mostly sunny skies and warm temperatures graced our picnic at the visitor's center as well as our zebra-van safari ride and walk through of the park.  There seemed to be even more animals than I remember.  Long horned cows, other African bovine, and bison were waiting just inside the gate as I drove our zebra stripped Dodge minivan into the park.  They were all eager for a tasty treat and did not mind in the least sticking their massive heads inside the window where they would accept their snack and maybe drool on you at the same time.  We were feeding, petting, and scratching huge bovines from all over the world as well as Kathy's favorite:  the bison.  Diane and Kathy both were squealing and laughing like little girls.

Various deer also graced our ride-through safari.  They were more timid than the huge bovines and would not stick their heads inside the van.  They would come up to the van though and accept a snack from your hand.  Except for the occasional elk, all the deer in the park were of the small, delicate type (Fallow, etc.).  Their eyes and expressions reminded me of Gracie (yes, I fed a lot of them).

Zebra, donkey, and zedonks were also present but they got their treats tossed to them (they will bite!).  Ostritch, Emu, and Rhea also have a tendency to peck and poke at you - so they got their treats tossed as well.

The star of the show had to be the small, pot-bellied pigs.  Diane literally squealed with delight at seeing them.  She would call "piggy piggy" and they would come running from all directions.  We were even blessed to see a group of four newly born piglets near the roadway.  "Oh they're so cute" was an often heard phrase from Diane and Kathy.

Seeing, feeding, and experiencing the animals was a thrill, but nothing compared to the thrill of sharing this special day with Kathy and Diane.  Soon Diane will be married and in her own home.  I am so thankful for this time.