Adirondacks Trip

For those that come here or check Facebook for info would have seen a little post about the latest newsletter coming out after a trip to the Adirondacks. Many of you know that I had been helping out with ROCC (Reaching Our Community for Christ) over the last few years. Though I am trying to make sure I am focused on support raising, I had some teens ask me if I could go along on this mens/young mens hiking trip with ROCC. So I decided to make an effort to go.

On Sunday the 7th, our group headed out for Blue Mountain Lake, NY. After setting up camp at Lake Durant, and get geared up, our group (minus the cooks) went to hike Chimney Mountain. This hour or so hike gave a spectacular view with amazing rock formations to explore. The drive there and back, as well as the hike, gave an opportunity to talk and encourage the teens that were in my little hiking group.

The view from Chimney Mountain

Back at the campsite, we were greeted by our cooks, deep fried turkeys and rain. Sadly, due to hungry teens, some of us leaders resorted to cleaning off what was left on the bones.. But the earlier hike did as it was supposed to do. My camping site was asleep early, and I was in my sleeping bag by 9:30pm.

Chimney Mountain (Blue Mountain on the horizon)

Monday was just as amazing as the day before. After an early breakfast, we were off on the trail and hiking. The year before, it rained for most of the hike. This made the hiking slick and long (2hrs and some odd minutes). This year was a brisk and clear fall day. Mid way up Blue Mountain, our group was greeted by snow topped trees. The warm sun was causing the snow to drip or drop on us. The young men that hiked with me enjoyed some fun conversations about life, sports, and the creation that God had set around us.

Trees topped with snow

After an hour and twenty five minutes of hiking, we reached the top. Snow ball fights, a climb up an old fire town, grabbing a quick snack and spectacular views kept our group busy as we waited for everyone to make it to the top. Unlike last year, we were able to sit down and have an amazing devotional with a time of praying with the youth. Being able to do this in a public place allowed complete strangers to listen in as we shared the gospel and encouraged the teens in with their spiritual growth. The trip down was a little rough on a few. And the trip home was smooth.

View from on top the Blue Mountain fire tower

There were a few close calls during the hikes where I slightly twisted an ankle or slipped on a wet rock. But nothing serious. It was during unloading after the trip that I had my injury (tearing muscles and pulling tendons in my ankle)... leaving me with a very swollen and hematoma covered foot/ankle.

These outings are a lot of fun. You can't help but be awestruck by the creation that God has placed around us. It is also an amazing time to encourage the youth that accompanied us adults, as well as spiritually building up the other leaders that were on the trip. Makes me miss the time spent with staff and campers in Alaska.

After a quick break, this guy is ready to head down

Until next time...


Grace and Peace,
Daryl J. Howard

 ^"For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. 

Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God."

Romans 1:20 NLT