2006 Trip Logs
June 2006
Dave and Scott led a retreat into the Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park with fellow hikers Lynn, Rebecca, and Karen. The focus of the hike was on an individual scripture each hiker selected for themselves. The weather was nice and the hike extended from an anticipated stroll to a waterfall to a 10+ mile roundtrip. Time was spent getting to know each other and then as the journey returned to the trail head there was a focus on what God might be speaking to the hearts of the hikers. The themes of rejoice in the lord always, binding up the brokenhearted, dwelling on the things above began to settle in. Our humble ministry of using hikes and natural settings to connect with God had a beginning.
August 2006
I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters…”
The 23rd Psalm was the theme of this meditative hike. Dave, Scott and Tony began the hike pausing by the quiet waters at the trailhead to share in the scripture. Each stage of the 23rd Psalm played out in many ways before us on the hike. Though we were small in number there was good discussion and the setting brought an awareness of the depths and riches of this passage. We found on the trail back from Fern Lake that we almost had a special encounter with a black bear. The group right in front of us as we caught up to them seemed rather excited. They said a big bear had just crossed the path. We were eager to see the bear ourselves but perhaps fortunately he had disappeared. We did get to see the photo of the big guy on one of the hiker’s digital camera. Though this bear proved elusive our journey through this scripture showed a God who is not hard to find. “Surely goodness and lovingkindness shall follow me all the days of my life.”
Late August 2006
This was a training hike on a 14’er for Scott in preparation for the Longs Peak-Hebrews 11/12 hike. Scott and his family Patty, Samuel, Luke and dog Elbert set out for Mt. Princeton in the Collegiate Peaks Range of Colorado. It was a beautiful day on a 14’er. In fact it was a rare day without wind or the seemingly ever present threatening clouds that follow Scott and Dave on 14’er climbs. The climb was halted for Scott, Luke and Elbert on the last section of the upper reaches as Elbert was having some difficulty negotiating some of the large boulders. Luke grew concerned for his dog and wanted to stay back. Patty and Samuel proceeded to the top to “carry and plant the flag” for the family. After they returned to the saddle, I proceeded by myself to the top of “Tigger Peak” a sub-peak of Princeton. Here I found a perfect time to read aloud from Hebrews 12 about the great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, as many little clouds dotted the blue sky. It made me appreciate those who have gone before me and perhaps are watching from above. I was grateful for this moment alone with God on this high peak.
September 2006
This hike up Audubon was originally planned to be an epic climb on Longs Peak. The theme was Hebrews 11 and 12, a perfect passage on faith for the long 15 mile trek of Longs Peak. However early snows closed Longs Peak to non-technical climbers. Audubon came up as an alternate option though much shorter and lower in elevation. The message of faith in the setting of a climb to the summit of this low 13’er would still carry significance. We felt this significance as we progressed up the trail. We stopped every ½ to 1 mile to share in sections of this faith story as we read from Hebrews. The wind gradually grew stronger which made it harder to read, but we persisted. Jim, JC, William, Dave and Scott eagerly soaked in the story. Farther along the trail we began to be slowed by the accumulation of snow from the past week in the high country. Low, heavy clouds surrounded us and the visibility in all directions was very limited. It became difficult to spot the trail and cairn markers. Spurred on by the message of faith we persisted.
Near the summit we faced the crux of the climb as the visibility significantly dropped to 20-30 feet, and the strong wind became almost unbearable carrying small ice crystals that blasted us relentlessly. Here we began to wonder if we could physically take this much longer and more importantly whether we would be able to see well enough to know where we were going. Some of us felt it best to head down, others were eager to succeed with summiting the peak. A discussion of faith followed. The example from Hebrews spoke of many of those who did not see the results of their faith, yet they still believed. The world was not worthy of these. We understood the real faith journey was not in summiting this day but in living for God each day and in every trial. With this lesson learned we retreated down the mountain while we could still remember which way was down.
Late September 2006
Lily Mountain was Dave and Scott’s unintended achievement. Again it was a beautiful day. The wintry climb of Audubon seemed to be a distant memory. This was one of those days that started out to be a short stroll to who knows where, that kept extending itself as the trail continued. Eventually we reached the rocky summit of Lily peak with impressive views of Longs Peak and Twin Sisters. This as all climbs can be, was a metaphor for the journey of faith…sometimes you end up places more magical and wonderful than expected even the though the way there can be filled with strenuous work. More adventures are ahead in both climbs in the mountains and in the spiritual journey.
October 2006
This hike was taken by Dave and Scott and Elbert (Scott’s golden retriever). The journey was in the Rabbit Mountain area of Boulder County. The day was filled with quietness and stillness. The hike was a blessing in solitude. Never has it seemed so quiet and still outside. The birds were quiet, the wind was still, the trees and the branches did not move. Everything seemed to wait for the presence of the Lord. His creation bowed in reverence. This was a time to just be in the presence of God and not require anything else.
