Going camping!  About ten of us are headed up to the mountains, about a hour or so north of here, for a couple of days of camping.

We will be staying at Jenny's Creek.  This is a small, family-owned campground.  Since I'm not into roughing it, they have almost everything I need for camping: shady lots, electricity, water, bathhouses.  A swimming pool would be nice!  But, they do offer wi-fi, so who knows but I may write a post on my ancient laptop while there.  An interesting point from their website concerns the photos of their "lake".  It sure looks big in the photos.  A few of us drove up to check-out the place.  In reality, it is a rather small lake, perhaps more appropriately a pond.  Still, I intend to cast a few lines and see if I can catch a fish.

We intend to make a couple of hikes.  We'll hike 2 1/2 miles to Raven Cliff Falls, purported to be a spectacular scene as they burst from between huge cliffs.  And we'll do Dukes Creek Falls, which appears to me to be overlooked by the crowds but promising. 

Our crew will include a half dozen teens from the church, and three or four adults.  I look forward to getting to know these young people better.  I tell people, who complain about the limitations of a small church, there are special benefits.  For instance, where else are you going to find a church where the pastor will go camping with your teenagers?

I sure hope Jimmy goes with us.  I've invited and encouraged him, and hopefully he will show up.  Jimmy is 61 years of age, and has never been camping.  He has missed out on so much fun in life.  He was born with a learning disability, and extremely sheltered his entire life by a well-meaning but in-my-opinion unstable mother.  Last year, in quick succession, Jimmy lost his mother and twin brother.  Now he is alone and in so many ways lost.  I've been telling him that in reality life is now opening up to him, like a flower.  He is childlike in many ways, and has an especially kind demeanor.  He is anything but dumb, and is slowly venturing out.  I think this would be a highlight of life for Jimmy- sure hope he comes.

We will be back on Sunday morning, ready for church.  I may be cranky, unshaven, and unprepared for my sermon- but I will be there.

Come on over.  We will catch a trout or two, wade in the water under the falls, and make some smores around the campfire.

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posted by: inkspector (reply)
post date: 07.18.08 (7:07 am)

I hope Jimmy goes! I think it would do him a world of good! Go Jimmy go!

I hope you all have fun.
Sunday afternoon, take a nap and recover.

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posted by: bawdy (reply)
post date: 07.18.08 (12:22 pm)

Have fun, Grizzly Adams! Try to bring all the kids back unscarred!

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posted by: fractalmom (reply)
post date: 07.18.08 (5:10 pm)

i hope everything turns out well for everyone concerned :)

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posted by: auntconi (reply)
post date: 07.18.08 (10:11 pm)

Did someone say "s'mores?" ~ I'll be right there!
As soon as I can find my Off to keep the skeeters away! Looking, looking, looking...

Seriously ~ hope y'all have a fun time!
See you in church on Sunday morning!

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posted by: spook102956 (reply)
post date: 07.20.08 (6:47 pm)

There are advantages to smaller churches. You ARE a great pastor to take the teens and Jimmy camping. They'll never forget the trip or you.

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posted by: 14u2nv2 (reply)
post date: 07.20.08 (9:39 pm)

I have to agree with Spook. I came from a Southern Baptist Church and my favorite times were spending time out with fellow believers (ie church functions). I will never forget the Church breakfasts either!! (grits, eggs, biscuits you name it..YUMMY - Older ladies are awesome cooks).

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posted by: auntconi (reply)
post date: 07.22.08 (4:36 pm)

Yoo hoo, PastorDave ~ are you around?

Did you survive the camping trip? We haven't heard anything so I hope all is well and you folks didn't get lost. I hear "guys do not ask for directions" so I hope that isn't the case.
:)

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posted by: auntconi (reply)
post date: 07.22.08 (4:37 pm)

Reply to: kurtmaddox

Oh I hear you Kurt ~ (no plasma TV) ~ really toughing it!
:)
:D

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posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 07.24.08 (7:58 pm)

Reply to: inkspector
Alas, Jimmy did not make it. Last minute he backed out- told me he had a migraine and sharp stomach pains. I guess the idea really stressed him out. Too bad. I'll keep working on him.

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posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 07.24.08 (7:59 pm)

Reply to: bawdy
back, and unscarred. However, can't say the same about the nice little family campground. They suggested we find another place to camp next time.

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posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 07.24.08 (8:01 pm)

Reply to: kurtmaddox
Some few are gifted with extemporaneous speaking. Not me. Absolutely I must prepare. When I stand to preach, I pretty well know what I'm going to say, sometimes even having practices particular sentences. Oh well, I imagine Chesterton was a heck of a speaker.

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posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 07.24.08 (8:03 pm)

Reply to: fractalmom
All turned out well, thank you. It's Thursday evening, and I'm finally recovered from the ordeal.

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posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 07.24.08 (8:04 pm)

Reply to: auntconi
We did not get around to the smores. However, plenty of hotdogs and poptarts were consumed. Strange meal, but it worked.

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posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 07.24.08 (8:07 pm)

Reply to: spook102956
Very kind of you. We have created memories, good ones too.

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posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 07.24.08 (8:09 pm)

Reply to: 14u2nv2
Church breakfasts? We have a men's breakfast every month, and it indeed is very good. Those old men can cook! And I know well how to eat.

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posted by: 14u2nv2 (reply)
post date: 07.24.08 (9:12 pm)

Reply to: PastorDave
Yummy comfort foods :)

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