tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23419463191816552002024-03-07T18:18:53.218-08:00-My Current Events-LIFE AS I LIVE ITRyan Frankehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626837771714017935noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341946319181655200.post-28072766282960210682007-09-14T16:49:00.000-07:002007-09-14T17:17:10.045-07:00new beginningsThank the Lord, I am now three weeks into my discipleship training school. For those who do not know the program is called ACTS (Antioch Christian Training School) and is located in Tiaton WA. Our team this session consists of 4 guys, 3 girls and one guy and one girl intern. The program consists of 12 weeks of teaching then 4 weeks of Outreach ministry. We will be going to Mexico for our Outreach scheduled for mid November through mid December. We are beginning to raise our support for the trip so I could use prayer as this is something I am very uncomfortable with. But i do know the Lord will provide. After Outreach we finish up with a three day retreat to reflect on what God has taught us and say our goodbyes. The program has a great website you can check out at www.gcmacts.com<br /><br />I have no doubt in my mind that God put me in this program. The circumstances by which i came are to long and complex for me to write here. I do know that this is Gods plan for me and I am very excited to be back in communion with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I could use prayer that my walk would stay consistent even after ACTS ends, and I would rely on the Lord only for my strength. I am not sure what i will be doing after the program, but at this point i am really not concerned. It feels so good to be able to commit the majority of my every day to the study of Gods word and bettering my relationship with him, and not be worried about what comes next.<br /><br />The Lord has blessed us with an awesome team. We all seem to get along great and have a ton of fun in our free time as well as during program. One thing i have been most impressed with is that this team is a praying team. We pray LOTS! It feels so good to be in good communication with the God of the universe. It has been most of two years since i have been wiling to bring any sort of requests before Him. <br /><br />I would like to say a quick thank you to all of you out there who have been praying for me. I am sorry for the testimony I have lived these past two years and for any way I have offended any of you. The Lord is good and continues to pour out his love for me, when i run, time and time again. <br /><br />I will try to be more faithful to updating this whenever I get new information. Maybe ill even post some pics. You can see some pictures for yourself on the ACTS website under Session 7 in the gallery.<div class="blogger-post-footer">SoliDeoGloria
-RY-</div>Ryan Frankehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626837771714017935noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341946319181655200.post-30999746694920796592007-08-19T08:57:00.000-07:002007-08-19T09:06:45.970-07:00so far from homeI want to do what is right. But i seem so far from the only one who can give me the answerers i seek. If you read this blog i covet your prayers. <br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:180%;"><b><a href="http://www.lyricattack.com/b/bravesaintsaturnlyrics/index.html" class="NoUnder" onmouseover="window.status=' '; return true" onmouseout="window.status=' '; return true">Brave Saint Saturn Lyrics</a></b><br /> </span><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;"> <a href="http://www.lyricattack.com/b/bravesaintsaturnlyrics/daylightlyrics.html" class="NoUnderPlain" onmouseover="window.status=' '; return true" onmouseout="window.status=' '; return true">Daylight Lyrics</a><br /></span> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><br />did you hear the news today<br />i'm not coming home,<br />no<br />and i wished it all away<br />i felt so alone<br />and the darkness crept it's way<br />like stars we know will die too soon<br />there is never any sunrise here in the shadows of eclipsing moons<br />crawling on a tightrope<br />the bravest thing i have is hope<br /><br />daylight, save me<br />daylight, save me<br />tonight, tonight<br /><br />halogen, the lights will flicker<br />incandescent burning lies<br />and the silence stands for nothing<br />desperate i search the skies aching for a spark<br />trembling in pitchest dark<br /><br />Mission Control: U.S.S. Gloria, this is mission control, do you copy?<br />we have lost contact with the U.S.S. Gloria<br /><br />U.S.S. Gloria: Mission Control, this is the U.S.S. Gloria, do you read me?<br />Mayday, we have lost primary guidance functions<br /><br />News Reporter: The crew is now out of radio contact. <br />presently there is no way for us to know whether they<br />are alive or dead.<br />our hopes and prayers go out with you all.<br /><br />Mission Control: U.S.S. Gloria, this is mission control, do you copy?<br /><br />U.S.S. Gloria: Houston this is the U.S.S. Gloria. <br />good to hear your voice<br />we are coming out of the eclipse now.<br />i see the sunlight. it's beautiful<br />the sunlight is beautiful.<br /><br />Jesus Christ, Light of the World<br />You never did forget me<br />and when i bled in darkness, You held<br />me<br />still held me<br />when desparate nights i cursed You<br />You loved me, still loved me<br />Jesus Christ, You dry the tears<br />You break my heart of stone<br />Your words are life<br />cut marrow through<br />the darkness, to the bone<br />a heart of flesh You gave me<br />only You can save me<br /><br />Savior<br />Daylight<br />I am coming home </span></span></p><br />I only hope i can still find my way home...<div class="blogger-post-footer">SoliDeoGloria
-RY-</div>Ryan Frankehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626837771714017935noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341946319181655200.post-75026700037179018252007-04-24T21:17:00.000-07:002007-04-24T21:29:05.410-07:00paradoxes of a man of God<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIASaV0UYgcBhiR9Hf3u-8koT07Eix4aTRX_GENsQ5hIo_ZZTA4-X-HxcShV3DOs0bEmrJIDcnqTlIjgPM5T9BaIyzAARIK2zXhtL73NzIc206zmyVnZAlI8QhXr8jFZMU7_u2OZ5o2nI/s1600-h/IMG_1210.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIASaV0UYgcBhiR9Hf3u-8koT07Eix4aTRX_GENsQ5hIo_ZZTA4-X-HxcShV3DOs0bEmrJIDcnqTlIjgPM5T9BaIyzAARIK2zXhtL73NzIc206zmyVnZAlI8QhXr8jFZMU7_u2OZ5o2nI/s200/IMG_1210.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5057217183612571858" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">-strong enough to be weak;<br />-successful enough to fail;<br />-busy enough to take time;<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">-assured enough to cry;</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Copperplate Gothic Bold,sans-serif;">-leading enough to serve.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">-serious enough to laugh;<br />-rich enough to be poor;</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">-victorious enough to lose;</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">-important enough to be last;</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">-loving enough to be angry;</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">-wise enough to say I don’t know;</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">-right enough to say “I am wrong”;<br />-compassionate enough to discipline;<br />-conservative enough to give freely;<br />-mature enough to be childlike;<br />-righteous enough to be a sinner;<br />-courageous enough to fear God;<br />-planned enough to be spontaneous;<br />-controlled enough to be flexible;<br />-free enough to endure captivity;<br />-knowledgeable enough to ask questions;<br />-great enough to be anonymous;<br />-responsible enough to play;<br />-industrious enough to relax;<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Copperplate Gothic Bold,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">SoliDeoGloria
-RY-</div>Ryan Frankehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626837771714017935noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341946319181655200.post-75436122784786188922007-04-13T17:12:00.000-07:002007-04-13T22:39:15.708-07:00wilderness<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieabuxDhBv77VzzEvm1NlHFRP1Wy8yE16C9h-zOMsQwa67W_011Z2lSOB_1MTlGPRoIiKDsRjg0xwl6D8imkXfSjdig7CKePKYDJoPCaPs4sCAot3c6_cLNz7za_mpZXo31XQWD8j1I_fy/s1600-h/IMG_0973.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieabuxDhBv77VzzEvm1NlHFRP1Wy8yE16C9h-zOMsQwa67W_011Z2lSOB_1MTlGPRoIiKDsRjg0xwl6D8imkXfSjdig7CKePKYDJoPCaPs4sCAot3c6_cLNz7za_mpZXo31XQWD8j1I_fy/s200/IMG_0973.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5053071347713622338" border="0" /></a>I haven't written a lick of poetry in my life. I was mowing the lawn today and thinking of this past year. These words just came to me, I hope they can be a blessing. <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wilderness</span></span><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">You offered something better<br />I took you at your word<br />Your promise in this letter<br />New life, a Creed, a Sword</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I prayed that you would use me<br />You told me of your plan<br />I said I'll go and see<br />What adventures are in this land</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">You took me to the boarder<br />I complained about the giants<br />Don't take me any farther<br />I can be self reliant</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I ran the other way<br />To become what i was before<br />I'll not stop to pray<br />Iv been down this road before</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">From you I ran my fastest<br />As far as i could<br />But the Giants just got bigger<br />The further that I stood</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Still your love was for me<br />You dealt me a fresh hand<br />But not before you lead me<br />Through a dry and barren land</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Even in that time,<br />You showed me I was blessed<br />Not a reason or a rhyme<br />Why you should love this mess</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Now back to the boarder<br />The Giants are still there<br />To disobey your order<br />Seems not even to compare<br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I see these scars and feel the pain<br />Of mistakes iv made before<br />This time I see the rain<br />As cleansing gone before</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I will go.<br />Use me, guide me, I know you will</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">SoliDeoGloria
-RY-</div>Ryan Frankehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626837771714017935noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341946319181655200.post-22711757632473414492007-03-19T22:33:00.000-07:002007-03-29T17:33:27.642-07:00a hearts plea<span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:arial;">When I was young, the smallest trick of light,</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Could catch my eye,</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Then life was new and every new day,</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I thought that I could fly.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I believed in what I hoped for,</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">And I hoped for things unseen,</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I had wings and dreams could soar,</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I just don't feel like flying anymore.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">When the stars threw down their spears,</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Watered Heaven with their tears,</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Before words were spoken,</span><br /><div face="arial"> Before eternity.</div><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Dear Father, I need you,</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Your strength my heart to mend.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I want to fly higher,</span><br /><div face="arial"> Every new day again.</div><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">When I was small, the furthest I could reach,</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Was not so high,</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Then I thought the world was so much smaller,</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Feeling that I could fly.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Through distant deeps and skies,</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Behind infinity,</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Below the face of Heaven,</span><br /><div face="arial"> He stoops to create me.</div><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Dear Father, I need you,</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Your strength my heart to mend.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I want to fly higher,</span><br /><div face="arial"> Every new day again.</div><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Man versus himself.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Man versus machine.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Man versus the world.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Mankind versus me.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The struggles go on,</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The wisdom I lack,</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The burdens keep pilling</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Up on my back.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">So hard to breathe,</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">To take the next step.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The mountain is high,</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I wait in the depths.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Yearning for grace,</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">And hoping for peace.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Dear God...</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Increase.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Healing hands of God have mercy on our unclean souls once again.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Jesus Christ, light of the world burning bright within our hearts forever.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Freedom means love without condition,</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">without a beginning or an end.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Here's my heart, let it be forever Your's,</span><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;"> Only You can make every new day seem so new.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" > Five Iron Frenzy</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" > Every New Day</span><br /></div></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">SoliDeoGloria
-RY-</div>Ryan Frankehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626837771714017935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341946319181655200.post-54521486414743103122007-03-18T12:49:00.000-07:002007-03-18T14:05:51.529-07:00a God of loveI have received some feedback about my recent post on love. It seems i came across in a way other then i intended. So i would like to quickly clear up the main point of the post.<br /><br />As i stated in the opening paragraph, so many Christians today are constantly worried about "following the rules". Or maybe that Christianity is so complicated with all its do's and dont's. The point i was trying to make was that we can avoid all this complication if we simply love each other as Christ has loved us. I don't believe the Christian life should be such a hard concept to grasp. So if i could sum up the "rules" i would in saying, just love. "...for love is the fulfillment of the law."<br /><br />I do not believe God to <span style="font-weight: bold;">only </span>be capable of love, we see God's wrath in scripture from beginning to end. God WILL judge those who reject Him and He WILL punish them for their rejection of the truth. His wrath is perfect and just.<br /> <br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Romans 1:18-20</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who surpass the truth by their wickedness, since what may be know about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.</span><br /><br />Another point i would like to make is in agreement with a comment my cousin posted. We can only truly love when we <span style="font-weight: bold;">have been</span> truly loved. The world does not know love as they believe. And when we speak of something greater they can only see foolishness. They have been blinded to the truth by their unbelief. So it is through the love of our Father in Heaven that we can show our love to others. And it is only as our relationship with Him grows that our love for others will grow.<br /><br />Simply put i believe love to be a big part of out Christian life. I believe that we waste to much time trying to overcome our negative attitudes, lusts of the heart, dislike for others and self righteousness, when we could simple work on our love for others. How we do that MUST be in improving our relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, through prayer, Bible study, praise and <span style="font-weight: bold;">time</span>! You cannot get to know someone if you refuse to spend time with them. I am defiantly speaking to myself as i need to work on this as much as anyone. I hope that this has cleared up any misunderstandings from the recent post. Thanks for the read. <br /><br />SoliDeoGloria<br /><br />Ry<div class="blogger-post-footer">SoliDeoGloria
-RY-</div>Ryan Frankehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626837771714017935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341946319181655200.post-1026540631086712212007-03-10T21:39:00.000-08:002007-03-15T18:55:56.061-07:00eagle creek<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8lQOgcHrc5F6SzbettPhIPhkwAXxa1dm_P3dkhKY47b0E4Wkhaf8wmmrktbvy_fRKV1uzl6iW1jcMxxTAFDw7zXq7WoHnQNQ2xwhvWbglGS7cixN0sbuDWRcF-EjeOM2DIYCfJbiOuYq/s1600-h/IMG_3306.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8lQOgcHrc5F6SzbettPhIPhkwAXxa1dm_P3dkhKY47b0E4Wkhaf8wmmrktbvy_fRKV1uzl6iW1jcMxxTAFDw7zXq7WoHnQNQ2xwhvWbglGS7cixN0sbuDWRcF-EjeOM2DIYCfJbiOuYq/s200/IMG_3306.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041581942558766274" border="0" /></a>This past summer i took a three day pack trip through Oregon's beautiful Columbia Gorge, with my buddy David. I thought i would post some pictures of the hike. I will be revisiting the area in May, when my brother comes home, on a five day trip with ten of our friends.<br /><br />From the trail-head, David and I started the loop opposite of what we will in May, heading up the ever so popular Eagle Creek Trail. Because it is so crowded on weekends we made sure to be on trail<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-G3F1e73cxf0x5UiaCbUcoOqL7FOfGa5oyrJdlFUlWSDxT3wRQwhZOjlhY0KIMuoWOhx3grL38Fj-2ovFhZ7N1nWK4GrVSkaVoMHmmQfqENAbqgr8IuM5Q4Py6ykrgtxF1pO14qWrGz21/s1600-h/IMG_3317.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-G3F1e73cxf0x5UiaCbUcoOqL7FOfGa5oyrJdlFUlWSDxT3wRQwhZOjlhY0KIMuoWOhx3grL38Fj-2ovFhZ7N1nWK4GrVSkaVoMHmmQfqENAbqgr8IuM5Q4Py6ykrgtxF1pO14qWrGz21/s200/IMG_3317.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041581951148700882" border="0" /></a> by 7am. As we started out we were the only hikers in sight. We passed several camps early on and found everyone to still be in their tents. The weather was perfect as was the forecast for the next few days. If you have never been up Eagle Creek, you are missing out. It is non stop beauty for over 11miles. Every corner you come around has a waterfall, viewpoint, or breathtaking scenery.<br /><br />The first significant landmark you will come to, is Lower<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-Df0y4aihKoC9y8XQo1nJQw7IjJSR1pEy9_2DECHBGpyylfCw102ndfsXJxKddYyHHkOiywWZ20jnzi9UwYb_VmUvJ3SqGOyqdXLoYZR9kWEMQzksVx8ZlFees0kLj9AeQLc1hpY15dD/s1600-h/IMG_3326.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-Df0y4aihKoC9y8XQo1nJQw7IjJSR1pEy9_2DECHBGpyylfCw102ndfsXJxKddYyHHkOiywWZ20jnzi9UwYb_VmUvJ3SqGOyqdXLoYZR9kWEMQzksVx8ZlFees0kLj9AeQLc1hpY15dD/s200/IMG_3326.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041581955443668194" border="0" /></a> Punchbowl Falls. This is a short trail down to the creek where you meet a huge pool under a beautiful waterfall (guidebooks say this is a great place for a summer swim, it was much to cold at 7:30am). Further down the creek there is another series of <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyOKpiwjSCWryO8w_7lmRELJnPJEREkQvP2VBRVt9XDUQUXQOPuNADGnDTwxABrdzqfMkSL8NlvUcszlwQCt_6L0zfDbI1WvJ7fZjRk0wiq7fNq0gs3H6PLmgEvY08-jEPxF_6ZPm0yez/s1600-h/IMG_3358.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyOKpiwjSCWryO8w_7lmRELJnPJEREkQvP2VBRVt9XDUQUXQOPuNADGnDTwxABrdzqfMkSL8NlvUcszlwQCt_6L0zfDbI1WvJ7fZjRk0wiq7fNq0gs3H6PLmgEvY08-jEPxF_6ZPm0yez/s200/IMG_3358.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041586770102007058" border="0" /></a>smaller falls with places to camp along the shore. Back on the trail we passed a dozen more smaller waterfalls before coming to a suspension bridge that hangs nearly<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3ebsYI5lT59I6E6oJ6ip66TEqSo6lSDNhrb771xiDkNKbjEGcZNDkMEbYil3HI8YWC8IUwK0mhPf6OAANf_2OrRaQnnSNNrUkdeEnf5YKCSwA_siE1BmYtaWnJEwKwxRaYpARFWGCknM/s1600-h/IMG_3356.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3ebsYI5lT59I6E6oJ6ip66TEqSo6lSDNhrb771xiDkNKbjEGcZNDkMEbYil3HI8YWC8IUwK0mhPf6OAANf_2OrRaQnnSNNrUkdeEnf5YKCSwA_siE1BmYtaWnJEwKwxRaYpARFWGCknM/s200/IMG_3356.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041581968328570114" border="0" /></a> 80' over the creek. When you look up the canyon there are a handful of pretty waterfalls all in series. The view is certainly one to thank our creator for!<br /><br />The grand-finally comes after a few more waterfalls and peaceful pools. As you come around the corner to Tunnel Falls, the trail gets very narrow. You have overhanging cliff to your left and a 80' drop to your ri<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4byl9nbEih5ZLI4pyTZN_clddYUiBdjbBG7pkMjV17hzB8nH9XRHs2sJV4R134fvUO1hQR-FbhG-UjSMx6aVwtMuzrNhDhz6oXNntInKdQZmAstthfNs-37skHbf-WvUnMOKrbMiV1Vv/s1600-h/IMG_3369.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4byl9nbEih5ZLI4pyTZN_clddYUiBdjbBG7pkMjV17hzB8nH9XRHs2sJV4R134fvUO1hQR-FbhG-UjSMx6aVwtMuzrNhDhz6oXNntInKdQZmAstthfNs-37skHbf-WvUnMOKrbMiV1Vv/s200/IMG_3369.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041586782986908978" border="0" /></a> nothing but a cable bolted to the ght. This leaves you standing on a rocky trail, no more then three feet wide, withrocks for comfort. The view is well worth any trail<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUOEtBy4-o2J2dgM2bXPSjdvJGAOjjo9UE9WAG3riGMiNxIwIjFbmxbvlojQTGMtbuO5nMMweaKzLPTnY32mKpm3f0rNpJJ6iAEpynG_gYUMIrY-irbvhGCPJroX26YYyWWO1or7_f0N6/s1600-h/IMG_3342.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUOEtBy4-o2J2dgM2bXPSjdvJGAOjjo9UE9WAG3riGMiNxIwIjFbmxbvlojQTGMtbuO5nMMweaKzLPTnY32mKpm3f0rNpJJ6iAEpynG_gYUMIrY-irbvhGCPJroX26YYyWWO1or7_f0N6/s200/IMG_3342.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041581964033602802" border="0" /></a> leads you into a horseshoe valley, right in the middle a huge waterfall pours over the trial and 80 feet down, into a vary large pool. The trail has <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8lECfD5PNMgqGYHXuyvBRj3HNIX1HUMcTBG5nAAeGTm4Yk8olrAJzYFFphikkSTPHhk43y0PAf2Do3slwm09kq5eRgDx__MYRJ7_rwIttDkdz_ELYiQt5mw-APHCUCOoSmt8uck0a4s1/s1600-h/IMG_3372.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8lECfD5PNMgqGYHXuyvBRj3HNIX1HUMcTBG5nAAeGTm4Yk8olrAJzYFFphikkSTPHhk43y0PAf2Do3slwm09kq5eRgDx__MYRJ7_rwIttDkdz_ELYiQt5mw-APHCUCOoSmt8uck0a4s1/s200/IMG_3372.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041586791576843586" border="0" /></a>been cut into the rock along the cliff and actually tunnels behind the waterfall. You get a little discomfort you may feel if you are not prone to enjoying heights. The now narrow wet from the mist as you pass under the falls, but on a warm day it feels great. On the far side of the horseshoe you get a great view of the falls and a chance to get some pictures.<br /><br />Just on the other side of Tunnel <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7SNt_5VayYCJTAyo7ZcbpgLf90lo-ff55npya7Zs8vhj1zdw1uy7JUsI29a4braYxxAWXZVZNx9Bg0tUJkpkpE7ZZUQLu0KODeoQOOdGNfOlQ4EgKH0Gv4FL2ALMvnMlOglv0ZIlXSZOa/s1600-h/IMG_3379.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7SNt_5VayYCJTAyo7ZcbpgLf90lo-ff55npya7Zs8vhj1zdw1uy7JUsI29a4braYxxAWXZVZNx9Bg0tUJkpkpE7ZZUQLu0KODeoQOOdGNfOlQ4EgKH0Gv4FL2ALMvnMlOglv0ZIlXSZOa/s200/IMG_3379.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041586795871810898" border="0" /></a>Falls we stopped for lunch by a clear pool in the rocks. The pool looked so pleasant and inviting we decided to take a swim... the swim didn't last long but it sure woke us up! David got a picture of me horrified at the cold, and then gave a good smile and thumbs up when i took his picture. He called it "proof that hes tougher then I am".<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Fh9ZOCI-YNRr9vjIzjbJ-Zf897mmYrfZBWz3I5p7jXMnPhG7zShNUn0wMyV9hgczq7n0PYg_Pmcx0s5CCN2IShcoZow0TSDMtKU67CDB7EDFiI-aXs-7h2hkxsxwOBylUBn6Rl99crWz/s1600-h/IMG_3381.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Fh9ZOCI-YNRr9vjIzjbJ-Zf897mmYrfZBWz3I5p7jXMnPhG7zShNUn0wMyV9hgczq7n0PYg_Pmcx0s5CCN2IShcoZow0TSDMtKU67CDB7EDFiI-aXs-7h2hkxsxwOBylUBn6Rl99crWz/s200/IMG_3381.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041593843913143650" border="0" /></a><br />After lunch the scenery slowed only a touch as we gained elevation. We had decided to stop at a campsite one of my guidebooks had recommended and get a good night sleep. The "recommended" campsite was about half a mile down the Eagle/Tanner Cut-off trail, and right beside Eagle Creek. It didn't prove to be a great campsite, but we m<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6YbDYBJgdzBQb88HmUf6CQCZCYzFb-vgNEyj6g9rkJfZXs7rDh5As9Uh1MI7qRKfSKAgpqTfybZPWN5EC8CTxhvpkZWWLMc5INQwnpImdrcUmlZsW3PVzSc2dFmGXJEIkN-WP9NC2pdk2/s1600-h/IMG_3416.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6YbDYBJgdzBQb88HmUf6CQCZCYzFb-vgNEyj6g9rkJfZXs7rDh5As9Uh1MI7qRKfSKAgpqTfybZPWN5EC8CTxhvpkZWWLMc5INQwnpImdrcUmlZsW3PVzSc2dFmGXJEIkN-WP9NC2pdk2/s200/IMG_3416.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041596614167049650" border="0" /></a>ade the best of it and got to bed early.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYgvgeEhY3-cRxvIUuWIqIQMGvEJNox8dpDjlryKqPFXYIgzgzxeKHiYica7D_FdU3GSmaXjgqTL8JwXpmUgfL3YrRWUWXn0YXvlzFyUEirTYP00v2M3aYNMBp4yNoFGm8kLPzC2kKzxV/s1600-h/IMG_3382.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYgvgeEhY3-cRxvIUuWIqIQMGvEJNox8dpDjlryKqPFXYIgzgzxeKHiYica7D_FdU3GSmaXjgqTL8JwXpmUgfL3YrRWUWXn0YXvlzFyUEirTYP00v2M3aYNMBp4yNoFGm8kLPzC2kKzxV/s200/IMG_3382.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041593852503078258" border="0" /></a><br />the opposite direction. Once back to Eagle creekWe woke up to a cool morning with clear skies. The half mile back to the trail seemed to be much longer in trail we made good time and a steady accent towards Benson flats and the Benson Plato. About a mile farther and we found a great campsite right off the side of the trail (live and learn).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHu_0kH1OpPhjgUWknaI_sjYKKkp8SHe6KOJZof6IznVPN1x6ploldKs3SBkRrnT1WPv46UDbChKpneMvZD4mizeQu2V-pgOus6NVgCWUohhbbdF-As9uVsIDW8wTwCB74Y3xUJVCPBikD/s1600-h/IMG_3396.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHu_0kH1OpPhjgUWknaI_sjYKKkp8SHe6KOJZof6IznVPN1x6ploldKs3SBkRrnT1WPv46UDbChKpneMvZD4mizeQu2V-pgOus6NVgCWUohhbbdF-As9uVsIDW8wTwCB74Y3xUJVCPBikD/s200/IMG_3396.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041593861093012866" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0HPhf0MbosK0CiDoBeOolHSdCwSy-b9ZxoN2VlS5TTplfaEEF8GKn0WMKDE6CvRLgb4ADo1nAH7Pt6xnzjQkWqNCMXrJIdmG8XJN8YT1c7JZwBSZJnGYe-lS7bBIkpNgPX-3S0tbQ-nE/s1600-h/IMG_3445.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0HPhf0MbosK0CiDoBeOolHSdCwSy-b9ZxoN2VlS5TTplfaEEF8GKn0WMKDE6CvRLgb4ADo1nAH7Pt6xnzjQkWqNCMXrJIdmG8XJN8YT1c7JZwBSZJnGYe-lS7bBIkpNgPX-3S0tbQ-nE/s200/IMG_3445.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041596622756984258" border="0" /></a>The next great landmark was Wahtumtiful lake, a rich blue in color. As we passed by the lake, we watched as a girl pick up a violin and start playing amazing grace. We made lunch at a campsite, uphill from the lake, with pleasant music in the air. haha.<br /><br />After lunch t<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNns8LtbbHIyJPadYMc_bmBeldlza5p2Qxy08kQsmrX_2cZd8IYzuJOku3j7YY0fJmTxMULLse4fWtZFFrRUlPKSKksoVDHVXlC6yINj1o0ZDGRkwfq3sGZmwA_o6J4_Grd0srwdpgodv2/s1600-h/IMG_3451.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNns8LtbbHIyJPadYMc_bmBeldlza5p2Qxy08kQsmrX_2cZd8IYzuJOku3j7YY0fJmTxMULLse4fWtZFFrRUlPKSKksoVDHVXlC6yINj1o0ZDGRkwfq3sGZmwA_o6J4_Grd0srwdpgodv2/s200/IMG_3451.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041596627051951570" border="0" /></a>he trail climbed steeply for a mile and a half to<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaxKGEsF9QlRQ-3XdY3T8y6n5zw4j1ydqvsb87HDgYkM8M8CrPT2yNdl95FNJ5bn4j5sGMvlnexx42IKsZvDzt6XDx2z_a0K-42ZI84NmAD7olr-BodhPX05AeWnoUdW_oUM9NSHn1suV/s1600-h/IMG_3403.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaxKGEsF9QlRQ-3XdY3T8y6n5zw4j1ydqvsb87HDgYkM8M8CrPT2yNdl95FNJ5bn4j5sGMvlnexx42IKsZvDzt6XDx2z_a0K-42ZI84NmAD7olr-BodhPX05AeWnoUdW_oUM9NSHn1suV/s200/IMG_3403.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041593869682947474" border="0" /></a> junction with the Pacific Crest Trail and Chinidere Mt. trial. We dropped our pack, hid them in the brush, and set out for the view point<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOT8BLlTZuCHqHpWqaBCQONo0fs6lkPw2MDGUb82g0Dqjx_pej-8jQji4_HWUsPBU7d_xIVFbaKxgsArp0JD0XOJCiP0rab5j0kk8HfFqRlm7yvI6SbSzmzVStfT4Sq2PZyYecm-yxieue/s1600-h/IMG_3400.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOT8BLlTZuCHqHpWqaBCQONo0fs6lkPw2MDGUb82g0Dqjx_pej-8jQji4_HWUsPBU7d_xIVFbaKxgsArp0JD0XOJCiP0rab5j0kk8HfFqRlm7yvI6SbSzmzVStfT4Sq2PZyYecm-yxieue/s200/IMG_3400.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041593873977914786" border="0" /></a> atop Chinidere. The hike was short, and not too steep, we made the top in less then fifteen minuets. Despite the haze, the view from Chinidere Mt. is BEAUTIFUL!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJutAqL_TUxv4Fgu3RjlK_5K2v9ScW06XBk2DKqxgrOPh-80AioL6RyG5f-qieSlfEU16Wiwg-g1xSHsP_JL8JK27-ucaCNG3W6YFpvTAtwG-IgVYOvo9kapoHR0m4WgCeqES3TzU7rbFq/s1600-h/IMG_3459.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJutAqL_TUxv4Fgu3RjlK_5K2v9ScW06XBk2DKqxgrOPh-80AioL6RyG5f-qieSlfEU16Wiwg-g1xSHsP_JL8JK27-ucaCNG3W6YFpvTAtwG-IgVYOvo9kapoHR0m4WgCeqES3TzU7rbFq/s200/IMG_3459.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041596635641886178" border="0" /></a> You have a clear s the cascades to the north and south, with Wahtum and Rainy lakeshot at below. There is also rock that looks like a scaled version of Pride Rock off of The Lion King. Below this rock the terrain drops incredibly steep to tree line a half mile below.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35PqIdXhGkERnDJ61Dmc1wLA6s9NvbQEk9RVcSK8X1B9rxoTjO6H-tXr3zNPRhvDijkpUWSTRAVR7jHRzu9uZw2Rd_OMPTn8FFGQmZTzn4P5qnwQ4EuQ1Us420THQQTRg8ifWrNL_YwAD/s1600-h/IMG_3464.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35PqIdXhGkERnDJ61Dmc1wLA6s9NvbQEk9RVcSK8X1B9rxoTjO6H-tXr3zNPRhvDijkpUWSTRAVR7jHRzu9uZw2Rd_OMPTn8FFGQmZTzn4P5qnwQ4EuQ1Us420THQQTRg8ifWrNL_YwAD/s200/IMG_3464.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041600548357092866" border="0" /></a><br />Coming down the trail we saw some people climbing trees near where we had hidden our packs. As w<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgraKhWdOAnxjlTouRz11No4FFIGwCRumn5E7m17x-EEcoJ9_H1jZ6c9LqBAuoNmMvyfjG_BQR34HS7wU71Y6KSFYij16o9JJe0B4fnp2sMWInTa0wA_RipDRDRwdtxhAjFuq7CdpY9euf/s1600-h/IMG_3462.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgraKhWdOAnxjlTouRz11No4FFIGwCRumn5E7m17x-EEcoJ9_H1jZ6c9LqBAuoNmMvyfjG_BQR34HS7wU71Y6KSFYij16o9JJe0B4fnp2sMWInTa0wA_RipDRDRwdtxhAjFuq7CdpY9euf/s200/IMG_3462.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041596639936853490" border="0" /></a>e got closer we realized these guys weren't wearing any clothes. Just their briefs and boots. We stepped off trail, scooped up our packs and headed on... We were now hiking west on the PCT towards the<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8KxG9eqCIqTk868a7deaZO0TT6be8JAzZ46KzQL_D8-up12FSLlJNW1QPCO0rl4CsCr8_KvzAi6NqyBVwZh4KygejjU9CQzPCQ01D7czxf4Dg7MAQvqLzZ7zZlvWkm6RzVjL3COxC4Gr/s1600-h/IMG_3479.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8KxG9eqCIqTk868a7deaZO0TT6be8JAzZ46KzQL_D8-up12FSLlJNW1QPCO0rl4CsCr8_KvzAi6NqyBVwZh4KygejjU9CQzPCQ01D7czxf4Dg7MAQvqLzZ7zZlvWkm6RzVjL3COxC4Gr/s200/IMG_3479.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041600556947027474" border="0" /></a> Benson Plato where we planned to spend the night (in the only marked campsite on the map). The scenery was absolutely beautiful along the PCT and the trail condition was the best we had seen. We stopped often to enjoy view points off the side of the trail. We also found a HUGE ant mound. It was actually two mounds that had merged into one. They we consuming a large branch that had fallen from a tree above.<br /><br />About the time we finished taking<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSq-CRGLGTcoJW4NnrhaYSJVPL7otDDAAVbRdnOyJGoVYx_nROmt9uaAZl8hZyrY6Ei7c4s0icARcar2K8iZ09rImidG24V-1VgGXLqOY4U9ZzMp8I1kiG-Q38QiCBaSWDiEjgN_8eJp5s/s1600-h/IMG_3502.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSq-CRGLGTcoJW4NnrhaYSJVPL7otDDAAVbRdnOyJGoVYx_nROmt9uaAZl8hZyrY6Ei7c4s0icARcar2K8iZ09rImidG24V-1VgGXLqOY4U9ZzMp8I1kiG-Q38QiCBaSWDiEjgN_8eJp5s/s200/IMG_3502.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041600561241994786" border="0" /></a> pictures of the ants, our streaking friends passed us on the trail. We caught up to them at the next junction and asked where they were going . They told us they planned to stay the night at Camp Benson.... which was the only camp in the area and happened to be where we were headed. So David and i took the opposite trial at a dead run. We made good time down the trail then cut across trough the forest and over to Benson Way, and Camp Benson. There was no one there so we set up camp and tried to look settled. That was the last we saw of them, and i must say we were glad of it. It was a pleasant evening so we started a<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRpMMlyxVaELt4cWeYSLN8KbIdkcjpXD9JmtyKmEkyaE5RXc7LI096b16vASGV-jKX93rsq28nJ-S33BNPWvjocFyWcOhgJ90Q2UWwuqCf-QRux9jbaHCangHDFYOetKt7CY0cOX9NeOp/s1600-h/IMG_3511.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRpMMlyxVaELt4cWeYSLN8KbIdkcjpXD9JmtyKmEkyaE5RXc7LI096b16vASGV-jKX93rsq28nJ-S33BNPWvjocFyWcOhgJ90Q2UWwuqCf-QRux9jbaHCangHDFYOetKt7CY0cOX9NeOp/s200/IMG_3511.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041600565536962098" border="0" /></a> small fire and sat in the dark talking and trowing sticks on the flames.<br /><br />Once again we woke to a crisp morning with the promise of a nice day ahead of us. We only had about 6 miles to cover but it was going to be steep. We were somewhere around 4000' elevation and had to descend to the trail head at 100'. Then meant what we had climbed in two days and 32 miles, we were about to descend in a few hours and 6 miles. Ruckle Creek Trail proved to be a<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigUtUKNIcp1I2ppJaHmgImahiMxd8RPq49CdiUDHccQH1PbanGhxfTjYxSgG7Lwj5eDoy2wV1TBJOrMoSJWju0MAOhIsLWbu_Kcsob-ET72I_EYYj7hfzr6jzr33ccGrnXpHI9e9sW-UvX/s1600-h/IMG_3516.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigUtUKNIcp1I2ppJaHmgImahiMxd8RPq49CdiUDHccQH1PbanGhxfTjYxSgG7Lwj5eDoy2wV1TBJOrMoSJWju0MAOhIsLWbu_Kcsob-ET72I_EYYj7hfzr6jzr33ccGrnXpHI9e9sW-UvX/s200/IMG_3516.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041600574126896706" border="0" /></a> doozie! It wasn't long before my legs where trembling form holding me and my 35 lb pack from <span style="font-weight: bold;">running </span>down the mt. There were frequent view points and the weather was amazing. It was warm but not hot. We did however, find ourselves talking about Wendy's Frosties, and decided that was the first thing we would do when we got into town. By the time we reached the the Gorge Trail, we were more then ready to be done. A short hike back to the parking lot and we were set. We tossed our packs in the back of the truck and made good time to the nearest Wendy's.<br /><br />SoliDeoGLoria<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Ry-</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">SoliDeoGloria
-RY-</div>Ryan Frankehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626837771714017935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341946319181655200.post-51019868663826858572007-03-03T21:16:00.000-08:002007-03-03T22:37:25.728-08:00love, a morning devo<o:p></o:p><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> This is a devo i wrote a few months back. I found it a few days ago and was hit with the fact that i have not been living it. It has become a goal to act out in my own life. One i struggle with continually. I find i am constantly having to fight a critical spirit and more often then not fail entirely. How can it be so hard to fight criticism, when i know how much Christ has done for me? Why do i battle forgiving others when He has forgiven me of so may offenses? Part of the reason i believe, is found in I Timothy (all throughout Paul's writing and in fact throughout the entire word of God). Hope these thoughts can be a blessing to others... </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> </span></span> <br /> ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++<br /><br /> The other morning when I was doing my personal devos this verse struck me.<span style=""> </span>I have read it many times but something I heard a pastor from Ecola Bible say the other day put a whole new light on the verse.<span style=""> </span>I thought I would share. <o:p></o:p><o:p><br /><br /></o:p>-I Timothy 1:3-7 NIV-<o:p></o:p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><b style=""><i style="">“As I urged you when I went into </i></b><st1:country-region><b style=""><i style="">Macedonia</i></b></st1:country-region><b style=""><i style="">, stay there in </i></b><st1:place><st1:city><b style=""><i style="">Ephesus</i></b></st1:city></st1:place><b style=""><i style=""> so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies.<span style=""> </span>These promote controversies rather than God’s work – which is by faith.<span style=""> </span><u>The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.</u><span style=""> </span>Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk.<span style=""> </span>They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.”</i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">The pastor was talking about living a Christian life (Christ-like life) always running from what is “wrong”.<span style=""> </span>It’s wrong to steal, its wrong to get angry at a friend. It’s wrong to gossip about a co-worker or to think of the dislike you have for them.<span style=""> </span>The Pastor was saying we spend to much time and effort running from the wrong, so we can be more Christ like, when <span style="font-weight: bold;">all we have to do is to love</span>.<span style=""> </span>And then he moved onto the next subject and that was it. He said no more on the subject but for weeks it’s been on my mind.<o:p></o:p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">My first thought was too I Corinthians 13:13<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span><b style=""><i style="">“now these remain: faith, hope and love.<span style=""> </span>But the greatest of these is love”<o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Although I have heard this verse all my life it has never made too much sense.<span style=""> </span>How can love be more important then faith?<span style=""> </span>Isn’t our Christian life built solely on faith?<span style=""> </span>Another verse then came to mind. <span style=""> </span>James Ch. 2<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in;"><st1:time minute="14" hour="14"><b style=""><i style="">2:14</i></b></st1:time><b style=""><i style=""> “What good is it my brothers, if a man claims to have faith, but has no deeds?”<o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in;"><b style=""><i style="">2:17. “In the same way, faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead”<o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in;"><st1:time minute="26" hour="14"><b style=""><i style="">2:26</i></b></st1:time><b style=""><i style=""> “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”<o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> So I went back to Paul’s words to Timothy and read them again.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in;"><b style=""><i style=""><span style=""> </span>“ The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”</i></b><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Paul says <span style="font-style: italic;">"the goal of this command..."</span> What command? The word is translated from the Greek word <span style="font-weight: bold;">paraggelia</span>, (par-ang-gel-ee'-ah) which can also mean <span style="font-style: italic;">a mandate or a charge</span>. Paul is referring to the Christian walk, the New Covenant or the Gospel. The fact that Jesus came, bled, died and rose again to replace the “old covenant” or the code, that so many Jews were still hanging onto, and gave them a new way to live.<span style=""> </span>He states that the goal of the Christians life is love.<span style=""> </span>That simple.<span style=""> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">After </span>ones faith is in place, action <b style="">must</b> take place in a very simple concept… love.<span style=""> </span>Paul gives us three steps to pursue love.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span><b style="">-a pure heart<o:p></o:p><br /><span style=""> </span>-a good conscience<o:p></o:p><br /><span style=""> </span>-a sincere faith<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Is that really it?<span style=""> </span>Can my Christian walk be that simple?<span style=""> </span>I believe from scripture it can.<span style=""> </span>Think about it.<span style=""> </span>Would you ever murder, lie or commit adultery if you really loved <b style="">everyone</b>?<span style=""> </span>If you really truly love the brother next to you, would you get irritated when they mess up?<span style=""> </span>Would you steal from him, or think wrong thoughts about him?<span style=""> </span>Why would you gossip about her if you really loved her deep down as sister in Christ, or even just one of Gods creations?<span style=""> </span>We can see from the gospels that Jesus’ entire ministry was summed up in loving people.<span style=""></span><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">In Romans 13, known also as “the love chapter”, Paul again says starting in verse eight.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b style=""><i style="">“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to <u>love one another</u>, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.<span style=""> </span>The commandments, “do not commit adultery”, do not murder”, “do not steal”, “do not covet”, and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”<span style=""> </span>Love does <u>no harm</u> to its neighbor.<span style=""> </span>Therefore <u>love IS the fulfillment of the law.”</u> <o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Paul sums it up right there, we need to Love. I find it interesting that we are told to love others as ourselves. If there is one person my flesh tends to naturally look out for it ol' number one. What a simple standard of measure... one we can all relate to and no one leave at home;) I think of these WWJD bracelets. Well maybe we should all start wearing WWID (what would I do) in light of doing for others what we would want for ourselves.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> In Galations 5:6 we read<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><i style=""><span style=""> </span>“…the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”<o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">As we all know it’s not always easy to love everyone.<span style=""> </span>But it was interesting to me that Paul’s steps for true love were all personal, and internal.<span style=""> </span>It’s not a formula or a list of do’s and don’ts.<span style=""> </span>A pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith, all internal, for no one else to see.<span style=""> </span>Hopefully we have the sincere faith.<span style=""> </span>But think, how sincere am I?<span style=""></span><span style=""> Do i have the passion i had the moment of my salvation? The Greek word for sincere can also be translated undeniable (a pretty good argument for eternal salvation i think;). </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">The other two steps might take a little more work, at least for me.<span style=""> </span>A pure heart.<span style=""> </span>I think of garbage in… garbage out.<span style=""> </span>I am the king of putting the wrong stuff in. I have seen in my own life the roller coaster from Christian living to falling deep into sin and then back again.<span style=""> </span>And I keep on doing it. How hard am I working to keep my heart pure.<span style=""> </span>Clean and clear, with no dark smudges or hidden closets.<span style=""> </span>The way I see it I can’t have that true love if I have things clouding my heart.<span style=""> </span>And what clouds your heart is going to be different then what clouds mine.<span style=""> </span>I don’t see Paul listing ten sins to stay away from.<span style=""> </span>I believe that is left to the Holy Spirit convicting us on what we need to clean up in your own life. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Last is the clear conscience. Seems to me this follows the pure heart as a sort of checks and balances.<span style=""> </span>I don’t think we could ever really have the pure heart unless we have removed all those things the Holy Spirit has put on our conscience. <span style=""> </span>Again, I have seen in my own life, it’s no sooner then I give up that habit, that has been bugging my conscience for so long, that I notice some other sin in my life that never seemed to bother me before.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Remember God wants us to live our lives as close to Himself as possible.<span style=""> </span>And God cannot walk hand in hand with sin.<span style=""> </span>And he’s not going to give up.<span style=""> </span>If we fail to remove the sin in our life he has placed on our conscience, He is not going to say “well he’s not getting rid of that one, we’ll move onto the next” <span style=""> </span>No he will keep on faithfully placing us under trials until we yield to his will and take care of the sin. And only then after we completely repent and turn from that sin will he show us the “next step”. (i have had many such first hand accounts even in this last year; sad to say.)</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">We know from scripture God desires a love relationship with us, and gives us the tools we need to acquire it. I believe true biblical Love is one of those tools, and a very important on at that. Remember its only after our life is right with Christ that we can live a proper Christ like life with those around us.<br /><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">I am preaching to myself here, as I need to learn this and work at it as much as anyone… maybe more.<span style=""> </span>But it’s been on my mind allot the past few weeks and I thought I would share.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Please take this as a challenge.<span style=""> </span>See who you can love this summer.<span style=""> </span>Every time a thought enters your mind, stop and think, is it pure?<span style=""> </span>I believe this is a challenge we all could undertake.<span style=""> </span>If we only love, everything else will fall into place.<span style=""> </span>We won’t need to run from the “wrongs”, because we will desire to do what is right.<span style=""> </span>You can’t sin against a brother you <span style="font-weight: bold;">truly </span>love.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">“… The greatest of these is LOVE.”<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">I Corinthians 13 describes love in such a beautiful way.<span style=""> </span>It does not tell you <span style="font-weight: bold;">how to love</span>, it tells you, <span style="font-weight: bold;">how love is</span>.<span style=""> </span>These are traits I desire in my own life.<span style=""> </span>And I believe Christ desires them for all of us.<span style=""> </span>How do we acquire them?<span style=""> </span>Do we work to become everything on this list?<span style=""> </span>No we simply love, and these beautiful personality traits are sure to follow.<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">-love is patient<span style=""></span><br />-love is kind<span style=""></span><br />-love does not envy<br />-love does not boast<br />-love is not proud<o:p></o:p><br /><span style=""></span>-love is not rude<o:p></o:p><br /><span style=""></span>-love is not selfish<o:p></o:p><br /><span style=""></span>-love is not easily angered<o:p></o:p><br /><span style=""></span>-love keeps no account of wrong<o:p></o:p><br /><span style=""></span>-love rejoices in truth<o:p></o:p><br /><span style=""></span>-love protects<o:p></o:p><br /><span style=""></span>-love hopes<o:p></o:p><br /><span style=""></span>-love perseveres<o:p></o:p><br /><span style=""></span>-love never fails<o:p></o:p><br /><span style=""></span> …never fails.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Take care</p><p class="MsoNormal">SoliDeoGloria<br /></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">SoliDeoGloria
-RY-</div>Ryan Frankehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626837771714017935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341946319181655200.post-74474285338897610202007-02-26T17:00:00.000-08:002007-03-04T15:18:59.339-08:00summit suprisem<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvKTbuI54VmkwMSpaCdBdeL7As1rcjxzDerqPOtcxJgrwAvPK8TroF0E1y4fo7VHRrl7vRKLLOkor6ipYohyphenhyphenYn8O3nA3wV7OjWWSmysQoKtkXUSaRkt3heWBYRXiNum2Vr__jIY6Mwy4q/s1600-h/DSCF2394.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvKTbuI54VmkwMSpaCdBdeL7As1rcjxzDerqPOtcxJgrwAvPK8TroF0E1y4fo7VHRrl7vRKLLOkor6ipYohyphenhyphenYn8O3nA3wV7OjWWSmysQoKtkXUSaRkt3heWBYRXiNum2Vr__jIY6Mwy4q/s200/DSCF2394.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5036779601750425618" border="0" /></a>Last weekend i was able to take an overnight pack trip with my buddy David. Our aim was a simple 11 mile hike to the summit of Kings mountain, taking the Elk Creek trail which approaches the summit from behind (north). Neither David or myself had ever hiked Elk creek trail before. We started out Saturday morning, at 11am from the Kings Mt. trail-head. At the Kings/Wilson jct. we saw a sign posted stating that the trail was closed. It informed us that due this years flooding the trail had been destroyed and was impassable at points. So, we looked the other way and marched on! We passed one other hiker along the four mile stretch to Elk Creek campground and were<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqStG1H4OSupBaEM5rplXfsMdnxlrhWRvm7iNoefd6f5iSQq4w4T7crUjSS_cfxkUUrwczUN70Fzx04oIIE2Qerwe9DbAmtXM83dXwSw5eFIKPYklQYn7YLN4rmyOWJLDiZJeSp7LriXG/s1600-h/DSCF2399.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqStG1H4OSupBaEM5rplXfsMdnxlrhWRvm7iNoefd6f5iSQq4w4T7crUjSS_cfxkUUrwczUN70Fzx04oIIE2Qerwe9DbAmtXM83dXwSw5eFIKPYklQYn7YLN4rmyOWJLDiZJeSp7LriXG/s200/DSCF2399.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5036780387729440818" border="0" /></a> impressed to see that the trail had been repaired the entire way through. From the jct. at Elk creek campgrounds, we turned north on Elk Creek trail. This 3.5 mile segment was in not so great condition. Sevral<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4W2i6WPGCHlmlm-s-giolCl_W0YEU38lUqZxwaQLJjTZj8l4pU7RPvWic4PvnFNjaOChWriTASRReyJLqxu84_o4kykbNjBcA2OqoL-2TpOAissXd2YVc3bxbWsonKoCkGaVdp4RZg9D/s1600-h/DSCF2397.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4W2i6WPGCHlmlm-s-giolCl_W0YEU38lUqZxwaQLJjTZj8l4pU7RPvWic4PvnFNjaOChWriTASRReyJLqxu84_o4kykbNjBcA2OqoL-2TpOAissXd2YVc3bxbWsonKoCkGaVdp4RZg9D/s200/DSCF2397.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5036779928167940130" border="0" /></a> times we passed washouts or had to climb the embankment to continue on. We stopped for lunch where a creek crossed the trail, so we could filter out some water. I had my instant mashed potatoes & tuna as David filled up on trail mix and jerky. We toped off our lunches with some hot tea. Continuing on after lunch the trail got increasingly steeper. We were following and old logging road, so the condition was fine.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYjEpsRTIoS9mgKVoQCLRC_Aoi7Xxp6tqtXjfmfdMdqEVzKDPrgd5y2lp0_e4TibnqjTo3Hkjrbuq_hYtPKRczuV7h0DcGRt5ARzR1jhWHHrHofOr3zRs2LxNFvafu2ZVwYmeUWcy1Kj7/s1600-h/DSCF2405.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYjEpsRTIoS9mgKVoQCLRC_Aoi7Xxp6tqtXjfmfdMdqEVzKDPrgd5y2lp0_e4TibnqjTo3Hkjrbuq_hYtPKRczuV7h0DcGRt5ARzR1jhWHHrHofOr3zRs2LxNFvafu2ZVwYmeUWcy1Kj7/s200/DSCF2405.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5036780946075189314" border="0" /></a> There were several pretty waterfalls along the way which we stopped to enjoy (and maybe more to rest;). As we got hirer in elevation the fog began rolling in. We passed another solo hiker on his way back down. He informed up we were only 45 min. form the next jct<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-mEqe8EEEG_Vkfn4kMDZw1Ws8iEtSFzizeb8Ni3fOxSVXS59z9uLz7tiIJ1TbpGgmfC6Htv-tNno7f7f1Q2YVha7VwDE9Nc6f2b6JR6Xz1vNgSWicCKQf7GF8mbBhuTfTC3rhBWvI80A/s1600-h/DSCF2412.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-mEqe8EEEG_Vkfn4kMDZw1Ws8iEtSFzizeb8Ni3fOxSVXS59z9uLz7tiIJ1TbpGgmfC6Htv-tNno7f7f1Q2YVha7VwDE9Nc6f2b6JR6Xz1vNgSWicCKQf7GF8mbBhuTfTC3rhBWvI80A/s200/DSCF2412.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5036781603205185618" border="0" /></a>. We stopped to put on our rain jackets as the fog got thicker. It was not raining but because the fog was coming in so fast and thick you could feel it hitting your face. About 100 yards form the junction we stopped to refill our water bladders and filter some cooking water for that nights dinner. We reached the jct. and turned west onto Elk Mt. trail. This we followed one mile to a junction with Kings Mt. trail and that last leg of that days trip. As we had heard, this section was VERY steep country and the trail a little precarious. For some time we walked on a trail that looked more fit for Mt. goats. It was steep wall on one side and drop off on the other. One area even had its own CAUTION sign. There was a rope tied to a tree with which to lower yourself to the next section of trail... I began to be glad i had brought my new trekking poles. We made summit (3226') at 6pm and immediately set up camp. We used a little clearing just down from the summit that we had stayed at before. The last section of trail had been more then we expected and so we were more then ready for a hot meal and good nights rest. We cooked under the vestibule form just inside the tent. It didn't take long to wrap up dinner and jumped in our sacks. The night proved to be long for both of us as the wind coming up the valley past our heads was VERY loud. Because we were in a clearing of trees we did not feel the wind on the tent. It mostly just whipped right past us leaving us with its noise. The night did however end and with its end came a cold morning. I lay on my back looking at the inside of the tent. I could not make sense why the morning<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRIx9ccEuwO28eu6lp31exqiU-87pjqjtDWUqqZjGLLh0bvLAP40qz9GwZfLck0kMpYzxlEySHb7FaT_2_BeWrKRwQZMEycJxTt8uyz96PXg263mwt4Z5N6ybY4jDzR3acYXc9RPlrGgH/s1600-h/DSCF2421.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRIx9ccEuwO28eu6lp31exqiU-87pjqjtDWUqqZjGLLh0bvLAP40qz9GwZfLck0kMpYzxlEySHb7FaT_2_BeWrKRwQZMEycJxTt8uyz96PXg263mwt4Z5N6ybY4jDzR3acYXc9RPlrGgH/s200/DSCF2421.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5036782097126424674" border="0" /></a> light was coming in through the walls, but the top was dark in shadow. Then it occurred to me, I reached over and unzipped the tent, SNOW! During the night we had acquired no less then an inch of snow. I don't<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLdLJtgSs9DioVmCDjQFtIukTNwxdGvXKH7Mm71yMGebt0e609KNALzdXxepuY2_cEoPmpVf6L3FZ6EznuZylHMx6mJdI5PRaxTifusOjCMZxKVGlVlDxXa-SPRsVLAyeIth5I159MBFiQ/s1600-h/DSCF2424.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLdLJtgSs9DioVmCDjQFtIukTNwxdGvXKH7Mm71yMGebt0e609KNALzdXxepuY2_cEoPmpVf6L3FZ6EznuZylHMx6mJdI5PRaxTifusOjCMZxKVGlVlDxXa-SPRsVLAyeIth5I159MBFiQ/s200/DSCF2424.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5036782500853350514" border="0" /></a> believe David was quite as thrilled as i was, but agreed it was easier to deal with then rain (which we had been expecting) We heated ourselves some hot chocolate and oatmeal as we bit into out now frozen granola bars. Within half an hour we had our bags packed and were on the trail. With only two miles of down hill to cover we had a short day <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOTCIqxPPsbWTuje-X1kUjybRa_Z7M2V_ch4smRkDGiGOupOhBxtezEM61exLTn3TJ-kZTYB8O6dv348DMHGEPpx3ojbzQuWkeAQxc2G9NHmRNa_2sULhr9PZVzu1DxYekWQm3dUV8WLH/s1600-h/DSCF2426.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOTCIqxPPsbWTuje-X1kUjybRa_Z7M2V_ch4smRkDGiGOupOhBxtezEM61exLTn3TJ-kZTYB8O6dv348DMHGEPpx3ojbzQuWkeAQxc2G9NHmRNa_2sULhr9PZVzu1DxYekWQm3dUV8WLH/s200/DSCF2426.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5036782921760145538" border="0" /></a>ahead of us. The snow covered the ground clear down to 2000' elevation. We made and easy trip to the trail head and wrapped up our trip with another picture by the information sign. I hope to soon take a similar trip up nearby Elk Mt. trail which climbs 2326' in 1.5 miles. I am told it is a very difficult trek, but I'm always up for a good challenge. Till next time,<br /><br />-SoliDeoGloria-<div class="blogger-post-footer">SoliDeoGloria
-RY-</div>Ryan Frankehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626837771714017935noreply@blogger.com1