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.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Day 96 Back in the USA....Glacier National Park

Waterton-Glacier National Park-Alberta Canada and Montana

The ride through Calgary was enjoyable as this has to be one of the tidiest cities we have ever seen. We took the long way (aka a little lost) so we were able to really appreciate all of the city and their neat ways. And it always feels good coming back across the USA Border though.

Pleep really wanted to jump a ride on the back of one of the bikers so we had to make him stay in the car at this pit stop. Then he made a run for the big red limo. Ultimately, he decided the view from the Collins mobile dash was the best. He just thinks we need to consider washing the outside & then detailing the interior.


I must say it was very cool to see 2 countries join together and manage this magnificent wilderness-a fabulous example of interconnection of two parks. This International Peace Park World Heritage site established in 1932- Waterton Lakes on 129,700 acres and Glacier on 1,013,572 acres. Glacier was established as a National Park in 1910- the nations tenth. Multi-hued summits whittled by ancient glaciers into walls and horns-some 650 Lakes! The highway that cuts through the middle of the park is one of those breath taking rides. Buba said this is his favorite park...but he has said that again and again. Water is definitely the lifeblood flowing and connecting the two parks. At Logan Pass, atop the Continental Divide, the peaks crowd around as if close enough to touch. The Jackson Glacier is a show stopper.

Pleeps personal favorite were the mountain goats. Baaaaaaaaa. The ride on top of the summit was tight to say the least....they carved the road out of the rock and did it when people weren't driving big bad SUV's and such....we are talking tight. No missing paint. Good job Buba and Pleep. Pleep continues on as the pathfinder. He heard the Blackfeet controlled this land during the 18th and 19th centuries and is most interested in learning about membership.

Pleep notices a bit of a wine drop on the white clothes. He recommends opening a bottle of white wine to help celan up the red wine spot. Oh, and as long as it is open maybe a brief stop to have a glass or two. A bit of cheese? Bread? We think he may have been hanging out with the French folks at the Chateau more than he let on.

We now know we must be back in the lower 48. Haven't seen any of these in the Great White North. Pleep says he likes the yellow car. It reminds him of bananas.

Now finally after weeks of salmon, a bit of comfort food. Who is it that invented corn dogs. We tell Pleep it is kind of like a fried banana.
Posted by Sharing our Journey of Faith at 7:16 AM