This weekend Duane & I went on a 10 mile + hike through the Gifford Pinchot
National Forest with the Scouts. The first 3 miles were the most difficult
having to navigate a 700ft incline through slippery wet and rocky trails.
Boys from 11 years old to 17 years old went on this "conditioning" hike,
preparing themselves for the 50miler to come this summer. Some boys had
NEVER been on a forest trail in their lives and it showed. Grumbling a bit,
some of the younger boys said that they missed their GameBoys, as they
walked passed scat left behind by some Elk looking down upon them and a
massive waterfall. Wild Trillium flowers which take 7 years in the wild for
their first bloom were missed by inattentive eyes but finally having to
figure out how to forge a swift running stream brought a reality check to
the group.One boy donned in tennis shoes and 1 pair of cotton socks soon
discovered that just the mere act of walking could wear holes in ones socks
and blisters on one's feet.
So why should anyone HAVE to hike or camp in the outdoors? Just BEING
outdoors is a MUST experience for everyone. As city dwellers we are all
consumed by our own creations; computers, cars, telephones, brick buildings
and miss out on discovering God's creations. Spending just 1 night in the
outdoors can be a life-changing experience and/or walking a distance farther
than from the car to the supermarket can show you how healthy you really
are. It made me appreciate how far Jesus really had to travel to get from
one place to another.
I hope all Rangers, even, city dwellers find an opportunity to take some
time to appreciate life beyond their own backyards.
Cdr Jen
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