ON THE ROAD AGAIN

A friend of ours heard about our "journey of faith, fisher, forests, family, friends and fun" and suggested we set up a Blog. A what? So here we are....on the road again with Bocahontas and Buba. Blessed with the freedom of time, we were inspired by two of our favorite causes. So we organized a road trip to Alaska which should not only be fun but also an opportunity to spread the good word about The Fisher Houses , The Orthodox Christian Mission Center/Programs and some of our National Parks. We are participating in a 2 week Mission in Tyonek, Alaska with the OCMC group in June. Feel free to check out the planned trip on the calendar link. Caribou Cabins? Blue Moose? Tundra Lodge? and our soon to be "favorite" Motel 6. Any and all suggestions, prayers and good karma are welcome and very much appreciated....poor Buba, in a car with Pam for 5 months. Lions, and tigers and bears oh my! Toggle down to the calendar and see where we are over the next months. We ask for your prayers.

Grab yourself a cold one and come along for the ride. Enjoy and laugh along with us viewing the daily blogs which are archived on the left side of this page in chronological order. We started April 22- Happy Trails!

THE LONG & WINDING ROAD

THE LONG & WINDING ROAD

The Fisher House

The Fisher House program is a unique private-public partnership that supports America's military in their time of need. The Fisher House Foundation, through the kindness of donations received, provides "comfort homes" that are built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable America's military families to be together during extended treatment for serious illness or lengthy physical sessions....very much like the Ronald McDonald homes for families of children in a similar situation. We were first introduced to Fisher House while visiting Brooke Army Medical Center (Burn Center) in San Antonio. We were so moved by the dedication and love of the staff and volunteers that we returned for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Currently there are 44 Fisher Houses (more in the works) and our goal is to visit all of them and spread the good word to family and friends. Please feel free to peruse their website for a detailed explanation about the Fisher House Foundation and programs. Perhaps you will be inspired by the work this group does on behalf of our Armed Forces.

Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC)

The Orthodox Christian Mission Center is the official foreign mission agency of all the Orthodox Jurisdictions (i.e. Greek, Russian, Serb etc.) The goal of the OCMC is to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ where it presently does not exist and to establish vibrant Orthodox Eucharistic Communities throughout the world. We have had the privilege and pleasure to admire the work of this organization (headquarters located in St. Augustine, Florida) for years and now that we are retired we have the blessing to participate. We are on the road to Alaska to join a Mission Team in Tyonek for a couple weeks to do some construction and teaching in an Athabascan Indian Village. "If I had a hammer"...you'll be happy to know I deep sixed the acrylic nails in anticipation of caulking and painting. :) Please take a peek at the OCMC web site for details on all of the programs they are involved with throughout the world. And do stop in to see Father Martin and his kind and loving staff when you are in St. Augustine! We will also be visiting family, friends and Orthodox Churches while on the road to share the marvelous work of the OCMC.

National Parks

Most people know that the National Park Service cares for national parks, a network of nearly 400 natural, cultural and recreational sites across the nation. The treasures in this system – the first of its kind in the world –have been set aside by the American people to preserve, protect, and share, the legacies of this land.


People from all around the world visit national parks to experience America's story, marvel at the natural wonders, and have fun. Places like the Grand Canyon, the Statue of Liberty, and Gettysburg are popular destinations, but so too are the hundreds of lesser known yet equally meaningful gems like Rosie the Riveter in California, Boston Harbor Islands in Massachusetts, and Russell Cave in Alabama.


The American system of national parks was the first of its kind in the world, and provides a living model for other nations wishing to establish and manage their own protected areas. The park service actively consults with these Nations, sharing what we've learned, and gaining knowledge from the experience of others.


Beyond national parks, the National Park Service helps communities across America preserve and enhance important local heritage and close-to-home recreational opportunities. Grants and assistance are offered to register, record and save historic places; create community parks and local recreation facilities; conserve rivers and streams, and develop trails and greenways.


We hope to see you soon in a national park and invite you to explore the ways we can help you preserve what’s important in your hometown.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Day 16 Carlsbad Caverns....Spelunker Pam?

You can't get there from here. As Will Rogers called it, "the Grand Canyon with a roof on it". You got that right Will. Some 250 million years ago, the region lay underneath the inland arm of an ancient sea. Near the shore grew a limestone reef standing hundreds of feet high, later to be buried under thousands of feet of soil. Some 15 to 20 million years ago, the ground up lifted. Naturally occurring sulfuric acid seeped into cracks in the limestone, gradually enlarging them to form a honeycomb of chambers. Water molded this underworld 4-6 million years ago and then drop by drop voila Carlsbad Caverns-established as a National Park 1944.

Remember learning about stalactites and stalacmites in 6th grade? That spec is Keith and pleep walking down the "trail".

Me a Spelunker? Buba you want me to WALK down into that dark cave? The one they brag about having 1 million Mexican Bats? And there is an elevator to take me down the 75 stories and I wouldn't take that? the Ranger looked at me and suggested I take off the cha cha shoes and put on some sneakers. Oh. I did bring a pair along for the "mission" and they were a little stiff (vintage 1982) so I became reluctantly ready to climb down to the abyss. Keith did qualify for a Senior National Park Passport (62)- one time $10 charge and he has a lifetime of free admission for himself and 3 others. Oh Joy. So I felt compelled to get back some of my tax money and off we went...

How bad can a 1 1/2 mile "walk" be? ewwwww. What is that smell Buba? Brings new meaning to Robin's favorite comment when talking to Batman, "Holy bat #@$@, Batman". Code for "guano" a potent fertilizer, to say the least. Forget holding the rail...all that guano. Downhill (remember I mentioned that 75 stories down) should be pretty easy...afterall the early miners went down in a guano bucket. While the caverns were a spectacular site the elevator was the better bet. And forget the suggested jacket by the time I got going on that steep slope and hot flashes I was sweating. The "easy" downhill trek put my legs into lock up and limp that night. They say this park has over 800,000 acres....I felt like I covered most of them!

THEN BACK TO TEXAS....GUADALUPE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

Tex-New Mexico border, an almost road-free region. This national park established in 1972 covers 85,000 acres of rugged mountains. Some 80 miles of hiking trails-the highest point in Texas. Hey it was only 101 degrees today. Must pace myself for other hills. They looked really good from the car. :)

Pleep & Buba striking the right pose at the entrance to the Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The real question is where do you think we can get a cold, adult beverage to celebrate our 33 years of wedded bliss? Plus, why exactly is our only companion a monkey?

P.S. What a shame....only 20 or so cars at the Caverns and didn't see anyone else on the Guadalupe drive! These National Parks really were quite spectacular. Such a remote area that has a low visitation...hey, maybe a few t-shirt shops, fast food and tacky souvenir stores would draw more of us in. Hey, where's that cold beer and chips Buba?
Posted by Sharing our Journey of Faith at 11:07 PM