Sabbatical Day 24

Home from my trip to Canada. Am home for a day and then begin my hike.  I am a little anxious about the hike.  I want it to be a spiritual experience.  I hiked 3 miles today.  Looking to do more tomorrow.  I need to walk 8 miles up hill on Tuesday as I begin my trip and it will be several 8 mile days.

Sabbatical Day 19

Catching up the last few day.  We made it to Toronto albeit about 8 hours late.  We were set to arrive at 9:30am but did not make it until about 5:30 pm.  It seemed to we passengers that the freight trains were more important west of Toronto.  We would have to pull onto a spur and wait for long freight trains.  Often we would wait for two long trains to pass before we could go on.  We are now east of Toronto and there are 3 and 4 pairs of tracks everywhere.  Therefore no need to pull onto a spur and wait.  Another difference is that on the tracks west of Toronto, we rarely did above 65 MPH.  On the track between Toronto and Montreal we are hitting speeds approaching 100 mph.  

Yesterday, we spent the day in Niagra Falls.  While I have been there many times, it is always beautiful and this was no exception.  We first visited Horseshoe Falls.  The we went to the Hornblower, the 

Canadian equivalent of the Maid of the Mist.  It was great.  Mist from the thounderous falls poured over us for the 2 minutes we floated in the "U" of Horseshoe falls.  The mist was so thick the visibility was almost nil.  Once we were out I could take picture again.  Even with the rain coats I was soaked.  

From there we were treated to a dinner at a hotel restataunt from which we could see both the American and Canadian falls.  It was a buffet and was it good.  Other stops included the "Whirlpool" and Niagra on the Lake.  I made friends with the bus driver who took me too the local pub.  Great beer.  I had a tall one while he watched as he could only drink water.  He was a good guy.  

Arrived back at the Part Hyatt at 9:00 pm and went to bed.

We woke up early this morning and after eating beak fast, headed for the the "Hop On/Hop Off" tour of Toronto.  Unfortunately for the first 1/2 of the tour we were down stairs on a double decker bus with standing room only.  Once we made it down town, the crowd had eased enough that we could move upstairs.  Beautiful city with Lot and Lots of Condominiums.  One was 75 or more stories high.  May had patios with trees and flowers going way into the air.  

Tonight, we are on a bus to Montreal where we will spend the next two nights.  Looking forward to the next three days.

God, 

For good friends and new friends and the opportunity to see your people, I give you thanks.

Amen.

Sabbatical Day 16

Yesterday was a full day on the train.  I woke up and we were out of the mountains.  Flat land was all that could be seen filled with cows and cow pasture and alfalfa fields.  They were beautiful in their own way.  The train did stop twice along our way yesterday; once in Sakatoon an once in another place.  Each time was a good opportunity to get out and walk.  I only got it 5000 steps yesterday so it was good to at least get some exercise.

I wrote a Christmas Devotional for the Advent booklet that I should have finished before the sabbatical. Still some work to be done today. Played Euchre in the afternoon with a couple we met who has been and will be with us from day one.  They too are hoping to Halifax.  They are a very nice couple from South Bend, IN.  

Creating God,

YOur creation never ceases to amaze me.  So very thankful.

Amen.

Sabbatical Day 15

Yesterday was the last day of the first 1/2 of our trip.  There was no sight seeing trip scheduled as we were to meet the Via Rails train in the late afternoon and as usual it was an hour late.  So I got up early and hiked the 3 miles around the lake.  The trail was very level so nothing in the way of hills but at least something to warm me on a 35* morning.  The scenery was also beautiful but It got even more beautiful.

My Dad and I have canoed well over 1000 miles together in our life times.  One long trip took us from Xenia, OH down the Little Miami River to the Ohio River just east of Cincinnati and then on down to Louisville, KY.  So Dad wanted to get in a canoe again.  We rented a canoe for an hour and did the perimeter of the lake.  The water was clear.  I could see bottom down to 40 or 50 ft as our canoe cast a shadow in the bottom.  From the canoe, I was able to get pictures of the surrounding hillsides (Mountain sides).  It was a great time together paddling but at 90 he does not have the endurance he use to have.  I wore him out and was even a little worried about him but after sitting and resting for a half hour or so, he was his normal self.  

We got on board about 6:30pm.  Because my suitcase was too big, I had to purchase a box to carry my things on board I would need for the next three days like clothes, charging cords, toothbrush, and the like.  Our room is a sitting room during the day and a sleeping car by nights.  I get the high bunk.  It is crowded with the two of us and all our STUFF.  We both slept well with the train rocking us to sleep.

As we road last night we say elk and mountain goats as well as the yellow aspen leaves.

Thank you God for a great day.

Sabbatical Day 14

Enjoyed an 8.5 hour bus ride from Lake Louise to Jasper, Alberta.  The bus driver reminded me of a close friend who died several years ago.  He sounded like him and even had his laugh and since of humor.  He also had his gift for gab.  

The highlight of the day was walking on a glacier.  We hopped on a Ice Buggy bus for the ride 1/2 up a mountain glacier.  We saw pictures of where the Glacier was in 1920 and where it is today.  Don't tell them there's no such think as global warming.  The glacier has retreated several thousand feet.  The Morain it created not sits hundreds of feet from the glacier itself.  The deep blue of the snow when it has been compacted is just beautiful.  Got to see several crevasses on our trip.  We got to see several more Glaciers on the journey but only from a distance.  

Another highlight was the SKYWALK.  The is a walkway out over a gorge about 1000 ft deep.  The interesting part is the the floor is made of glass.  It was interesting to walk on.  I always felt safer on the metal pieces which secured the glass but I'm sure the glass would hold me just as well.  It was a head thing.  

Tonight bedroom is at the Jasper Park Lodge.  Not sure how we got this place.  There were only four of us here who stayed here but after the seeing the other places, I think we hit the lottery.  It is beautiful.  It has been home to Queen Elizabeth twice.  Once on her Honeymoon and again on a visit.  It is also seen the likes of Bing Crosby and Marilyn Monroe.  I can see why.  I clear mountain lake with a nice jade color, hiking paths, surrounded by the Mountains of the Canadian Rockys on all sides.  A beautiful spot indeed.

This afternoon we load the train for a 3 day/night journey to Toronto.  I am hoping for a workout car so I can keep up my exercise for the AT Trail.

Thank you God for continued blessings.

Sabbatical Day 13

Yesterday was a beautiful Day.  We left Banff early for a bus where we visited lakes and waterfalls of the  Canadian Rockies.  One water fall, Takkakkaw Falls fell hundreds of feet (850 ft) from the glacier above to the river below.  It was a clear day so the clear white water could be seen reflecting the bright sunlight from a good distance.  It was a great experience.  

We arrived in Lake Louise around 4 and immediately sent to visit the lake.  The Chatau looks down the lake with a snow capped mountain range at the other end.  It is a sight to behold.  I hiked about 2 miles up to Mirror Lake - a climb of about 1000 ft in elevation.  This allowed me to get some walking in which felt good.  

In the evening, I took out my camera to do some night photography.  The moon was out but I was still able to get seem great shots of the evening sky and the mountains reflecting the moonlight.  Today we board a train to Jasper, Alberta and spending some time in the ice fields.

Thank you God for the many wonders this earth has to offer and for time spent with my dad.  Amen.

Sabbatical Day 11

Yesterday was one long train ride.  We started in Kamloops and travel several hundred miles to Banff.  It was a long day on the train with beautiful sights as you go through the Rockies.  We crossed the Canadian Contential divide at around 5300 ft.   So already we are on the Atlantic side of the country as far as water is concerned.  Gone are the Samon filled rivers we saw yesterday.  

Our tour today took us to the top of one of the mountains near Banff.  There was 8 inches of snow at the top and I hiked about 1/2 mile to the high point of the mountain.  Terrible day as clouds were above, below, and even at our altitude.  I did however lead to some interesting pictures.  It was a beautiful all it's own.  Temperature at the top was below freezing while the temperature at the base of the gondola was around 34*F.  Still pretty cold when you've been use to 80 and 90 degrees just last week in Ohio.  

As we are in Alberta now we lost an hour. There is now only a 2 hour difference between where we are and home.  It has been interesting hearing the history of these many places and the railroad from a Canadian prospective.  Many of the decisions made regarding the railroad was made to keep the US from claiming more territory that Canada wanted for itself.  

God,

As we continue through this Sunday, we worship you in the sanctuary that you continue to bless us with.  "This is my Father's World . . ." Thank you for it's beauty and blessings.

Amen

Sabbatical Day 9

Traveled yesterday to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada with my Dad to begin a 16 day adventure.  We stayed overnight at the Waterfront Hotel in downtown Vancouver.  We did a walking tour of the area around the hotel including the 3 floor outdoor gardens and bee hives.  Dad at 90 is not as fast as he use to be but it still does a good job walking. 

Today we left Vancouver by Train (Rocky Mountain) and headed east up several different rivers.  The scenery all of the way here has been superb. We have traveled about 300 miles east and about 1100 feet in elevation.  We probably saw at least 12 to 15 Bald Eagles today as well as Osprey and several other birds of prey.  We had a bear cub sighting (never saw mom) and several Prong Horn Sheep.  The service on the train could not be better. They work hard and are well organized at what they do.  

"For the beauty of the earth . . . Lord of all to thee we raise, this our hymn of grateful praise."  Amen

  

Day 4

Psalm 150 let everything that breathes praise the Lord!

<br><br>

Wow! I went to find the trails that I used to hike 11 years ago and all of them are overgrown. I could not even get to the baseball diamond in Chauncey as there were do not trespass signs all over. Utah pond where I intended to spend the night now has day use only. So Plan B.<br><br>

I drove up to Clear Creek Metropark and hiked the Cemetery Ridge trail down the Fern trail to the Hemlock Trail and back to the car. Altogether this was about a 6 mile hike. But it was a much tougher 6 mile hike than yesterday's. Many more hills and steeper hills and higher hills. A better place to get me in shape for the Appalachian Trail but man was I wiped out.<br><br>

As Clear Creek does not allow overnight camping, I went to AW Marion state park east of Circleville and they just happen to have an opening where I could hang a hammock. It was the only opening they had left. I'm obviously not the only one that likes to camp. Simple church youth groups out here this weekend. The couple next door to me with two girls gave up their extra firewood and I had a nice fire last evening.  Last night got to hear owls and frogs and other bugs and woke up this morning to birds chirping and woodpeckers looking for food . It seemed as if everything that breathed was praising the Lord<br><br>

Thank you God, for the sounds of nature I too often take for granted. Amen

Day three

Yesterday I headed out for wildcat Hollow. I was hoping to hike the full 16 mile long loop. However after hiking about a half a mile I discovered that there was no water. All the Creek beds had dried up. I only had enough water for one day so I hiked the short trail of about 6 miles. Yesterday evening my legs were hurting pretty badly. But I woke up this morning with very little if any pain at all so I'm obviously getting used to it.<br>
<br>
I slept well in my Hammock last night and woke up to a beautiful Sunday morning. The sun is shining the sky is blue it looks like a great day for hiking.<br>

<br>

When I served in the Hocking Valley Parish I explored many trails in that area of varying lengths. And I know a nice campground between Chauncey in Nelsonville so I'm gonna see if I can't get in 6 to 8 miles today and camp out there.<br><br>

Thank you God for continued rest and renewal.

Day 2

I finished up a couple of loose ends yesterday, feeling guilty that I had not completed them before but they are done. I will finish a few more next week.

Now the process continues for preparing my body for the hike. With my fully loaded pack at 36 lbs I hiked the 3 mile loops at Chestnut Ridge Metro Park. This is a good park because it has some hills that at least give a little of the look and feel of the Appalachians; Not the length of the hills or even the steepness but some climb. I was able to do the full 387 ft climb without stopping on my first try. It surprised even myself. It was a beautiful day with temps in the mid 70's and a nice breeze so I never even worked up a full sweat. Again a surprise.

My maps and guide books arrived in the mail so I spent the evening planning my hike. It will take 19 hiking day and a few rest days to make it from Springer Mt to Fontana Dam. One book says this is 166 miles and another 189. I can account for 8 miles of that distance being the 8 mile trail up to Springer. But where the other 15 miles are, who knows. Getting my resupply boxes ready to mail as well. It is all coming together

Lord, thank you for this time of Sabbath. Be with those who are carrying out the work. Amen.

Day 2

I finished up a couple of loose ends yesterday, feeling guilty that I had not completed them before but they are done. I will finish a few more next week.

Now the process continues for preparing my body for the hike. With my fully loaded pack at 36 lbs I hiked the 3 mile loops at Chestnut Ridge Metro Park. This is a good park because it has some hills that at least give a little of the look and feel of the Appalachians; Not the length of the hills or even the steepness but some climb. I was able to do the full 387 ft climb without stopping on my first try. It surprised even myself. It was a beautiful day with temps in the mid 70's and a nice breeze so I never even worked up a full sweat. Again a surprise.

Lord, thank you for this time of Sabbath. Be with those who are carrying out the work. Amen.

Sabbath Treker Day 1

I spent the day at my own choice cutting grass at Camp Christian. It not only is my work, it is also my passion. I received my calling into ministry there many years ago. I continues to be a place that changes people's lives for the better. I spent 6 hours driving to and cutting grass. I came home to another 3 hours of singing Barbershop with one of my two quartets. It was a joy.

Tonight, I discovered yet another loose end I need to take care of before I can let go of work completely. Perhaps it will be true that loose ends follow me all the way through my Sabbatical. So be it.

One frustration for the day. There was an article on Facebook about church growth and sharing that was congregants really want is a good preacher. (I honestly did not read the article just the headline which could be dangerous.) I am aware of a situation where a pastor is getting "talked to" by the elders because of a sermon he/she preached on racism. It obviously made those in the pew uncomfortable. To be the people of God we are called to be means that we often need to point out uncomfortable truths. Racism, white privileges, (let me even more specific, Male, white, straight privilege) is alive a well. Denying it's existance will not make it go away but instead allows it to grow and multiply like mold in the dark places in a home. It is only my bringing truth to the light that we can work together to get rid of this scourge of racism. So the question I ask is, "Do we want a minister who will make us comfortable with Pollyanna sermons that keep the status quo or do we want a pastor who will tell us the truth in love?"

Lord, help me make this sabbatical a time of refreshment in body, Mind, and spirit that I may love you more with all three. Be with those who are carrying out my work load while I am gone. I look forward to this adventure time. Amen.