Tag Archives: hiking

Superior Hiking Trail – Day One

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Last week I hiked a portion of the Superior Hiking trail. Castle Danger, north of Two Harbors, was my launch point. The sky was a milky grey as I lifted my pack from the back of the car. For the first time I had packed an umbrella and I wondered if I would need to use it within the first mile.

The climb to the first ridge was steep but soon I was at ridgeline and I had my first glimpse of Lake Superior. With the grey sky it was hard to discern the horizon and the water. Large ore ships convinced me it truly was the Great Lake. As I moved along the ridge, I passed two backpackers and their dog, headed down to the parking lot. What I remember was that they had new gear; even the dog had a new pack. They were the only other backpackers I saw that day.

With the late start I soon stopped for my lunch of cheese, tortillas and trail mix. The view was superb, especially as the sun poked through some of the overcast. I felt confident and energetic after lunch, pushing the pace to see if I might make 15 miles before calling it a day.

IMG_20130528_153743_452I dropped off the ridge and started following the west bank of the Gooseberry River. There were plenty of down trees that lay across the path and several wet, muddy stretches, but overall the trail was clear and easy to follow.

As I neared Highway 61 and the popular Gooseberry Falls State Park, I saw several day hikers. Once I left the park, the trail was quiet and isolated again. I climbed a new ridge and followed the trail through pine and birch forests towards Split Rock river. As late afternoon approached I knew that 15 miles was beyond my reach; my left ankle was sore along with overall fatigue. I decided Blueberry Hill would be my campsite.

Blueberry Hill CampsiteAs I set up camp, I took time to sit and be thankful. I was so excited to be on the trail again, that I hadn’t taken time to thank God for marvels of the day: the beauty and wonder along the trail, the physical ability to walk 11 miles, the food that sustain my body, the small bits of equipment that constituted my home and the many volunteers who created and maintain the trail. A psalm came to mind,

Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103:1-5

I went to bed thankful and wondering what day two would bring.

Easy Burden and Light Pack

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Lake Superior from the Superior Hiking Trail

Lake Superior from the Superior Hiking Trail

Tomorrow I am headed north to the north shore of Lake Superior. I am planning to hike four days along the Superior Hiking trail, starting just south of Gooseberry Falls.  My goal is to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation while also testing my equipment and endurance for a longer hike this August. If all goes well, I should cover between 50 and 70 miles of the trail.

Always a good idea to erect the tent at home before one tries it in the wild.

Always a good idea to erect the tent at home before one tries it in the wild.

Recently I  have been reading about ultra-light backpackers who are scrupulous in reducing the weight of their packs to less than 10 pounds (without food or water). That low weight includes the pack, shelter, sleeping gear, cook gear and clothing. I am not there yet. I did get a new a new tent that weighs less than three pounds. After my first round of weight cutting, I have reduced my pack’s weight from 30 to 20 pounds.

Ultra-light hikers stress that backpacking is mostly about hiking, not camping.  The joy is the journey, not the destination, and to enjoy the journey, one needs a lighter pack. As I have worked to lighten the load I am reminded of Jesus words.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light (Matt. 11:28-30).

I realize that backpacking is not everyone’s way of “resting” in Christ, but it is a way to restore my soul. I’ll let you know how it went when I return.

Lord Jesus, teach us how to rest in you.

Mountain Guide

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First, I want to thank Sarah Storvick for being my guest blogger last week.  I appreciate her thoughtful reflections on participation in a “fake” book club and our call to be authentic followers of Jesus Christ.  I am so thankful for having gifted co-workers to share the call to trust, live and serve.

Pastor John Atop Hallett's Peak in RMNP

Second, I am thankful for a refreshing vacation.  I had some great hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, including the top of Hallett Peak on the Continental Divide.  While atop the peak, I met a volunteer ranger named John. He named all the surrounding peaks for me and told me stories of some of his past hikes and climbs.  He was carrying an ice axe which was not needed on the hike up.  He informed me that he was planning to descend via Andrew’s glacier, an alternate return route that I had been considering.  But seeing his ice axe caused me concern since I did not carry one.  I asked, “Do you think I could descend the glacier without an ice axe?”

He responded,  “I honestly don’t know, but you are welcome to follow me and together we can find out.”

Ranger John preparing to descend Andrews Glacier

Ranger John lead me across the boulder-strewn divide to Andrew’s Glacier and there he stopped to attach some light hiking crampons to his boot. He then directed me on the best angle to descend the ice field and how to navigate beyond the small lake at the glacier’s bottom.   His guiding presence gave me peace and confidence through some tricky parts.

Shortly after John and I parted, I wondered if I would have been as patient and caring to a fellow hiker?  Ranger John certainly was enthusiastic about hiking and proud of the many hidden splendors of Rocky Mountain National Park.  He was a natural evangelists for the park and especially the back country.  Am I as enthusiastic about my journey with Jesus Christ and the high country through which he guides me?  Are you?

Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people” (Mark 1:17).

Lord Jesus, guide me this day along the path you have given to walk.  Prepare me to be companion guide for the people I meet.

Hiking with Suzanne and with Jesus

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I am looking forward to my two-week vacation, starting next Monday. The second week will be traveling out to Estes Park, Colorado, to bring daughter Suzanne home from her summer job as a pastry chef at Lane’s Guest Ranch . I am going out early to do some hiking and camping. The mountain trails in Rocky Mountain National Park stir my soul and challenge my heart, lungs and legs.  Mountain hiking is true Body/Mind/Spirit exercise for me.

Suzanne Climbing the Path

I often associate Suzanne with Rocky Mountain National Park, not only because she has worked there the past three summer. In 1996 my wife’s family had a reunion at nearby YMCA of the Rockies. Most of the week was cool and cloudy with frequent rain showers. One afternoon Suzanne and I took a special hike together. We climbed a small prominent peak near the camp and contemplated the vista. I remember the hike well, because I marvel at Suzanne’s ability to hike in spite of her open heart surgery five years before. She was a trooper and celebrated the climb with a shout of victory and a granola bar.

Climbing a mountain is one of my favorite metaphors for the Christian life. Our path in life is often uncertain and challenging. We may only be able to see the next few steps. We persevere through blown down trees or muddy streams. Life in Christ often has its challenges. The path may be steep and long. Still we trust the path will eventually lead us to our goal. As we climb higher our vista opens and we experience the joy and wonder of God’s creation and majesty.

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:7). The psalmist sang, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path” (Proverbs 119:105).

How would you describe your recent path with God?

Lord Jesus, be my guide this day as I seek to follow your path for my life.

Holy Place of Peace

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Hiking below Mt. Rainier

This morning I lead a class on prayer and one of the prayer exercises was a guided meditation, based on Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.”  One method that has helped me enter into silent meditation is to take an imaginary trip to a favorite place that emotes peace.  Many people (especially during a Minnesota winter) might choose a tropical beach with warm breezes and rhythmic surf.  Or a beautiful garden that is under a brilliant blue sky and filled with fragrant blooms.  I choose the Cowlitz Ridge near Mt. Rainier.

I hiked the ridge once, nearly forty years ago.  The week before I left for my freshman year of college, my friend Marv and I decided on one last hike together.  We picked a three-day trip along the Wonderland trail which circles Mt. Rainier.  At first we climbed the steep switchbacks up out of the dark forested river canyon.  As we near the top of the ridge we stepped out of the dark forest into brilliant sunshine and a spectacular view of Mt. Rainier.  We camped in that meadow for two nights, soaking up the beauty and wonder of that ridge.

Now whenever I want a special time of prayer, I go on an imaginary journey to that same spot.  The only difference is that I take the imaginary trip with Jesus as my guide and friend.  For many reason, I find rest, comfort, strength, hope in visualizing him there with me.  As I meditate a deep abiding peace grows up around me.  I realize that I could imagine Jesus with me in other locations, but that spot has become a very holy spot.

I sometimes wonder if I will ever make the hike back to Cowlitz Ridge.  I might, but it is not essential to my spiritual life.  The essential part remains Jesus who is my guide and source of peace and joy wherever I am.

 Has guided meditation helped you in your spiritual journey?  Where do you find God’s peace?