Starr Treks: Alaska trip Wednesday 6/24/15 Anchorage

Starr Treks Wednesday 6/24/15 Anchorage

(I was pretty tired when I wrote my journal last night after a hot game of bridge with the Everetts, so I think I combined Monday and Tuesdays under Monday— oh well — tuesday is actually there)

This morning we headed out around 8:20 — said goodbye to the Everetts who were driving to Valdez today. I had spoken to Guy Galloway last night (they used to live in Alamogordo and live here now) about hike recommendations and he suggested the Rendezvous Peak trail. We drove up the highway from our RV park about 8 miles, then turned on Arctic Valley Road — started out paved, and soon became a gravel road for 4-5 miles. There were some soldiers along the road —talked to them— they were doing some shooting exercises, but gave us the ok to pass thru. The trailhead was near a ski run. There was one other car in the lot, and while we were signing in and paying the fee, a car with 4 ladies parked. There was a trailhead sign by the kiosk, but then we ended up on the wrong trail. We hiked with the 4 ladies— the 2 younger women were RN’s— one was a traveling nurse who came here in April and is leaving next week— her mother and a friend from Rochester NY were visiting. The “wrong” trail was not the “easy to moderate” hike that we read about— it was straight up and quite strenuous— we had our sticks, but the older (probably in their 50’s) ladies were using their hands as well as their feet. At one point we all decided we were on the wrong trail, and then some hikers came from above us and told us we were on the right trail (we were not!) Anyhow, with a lot of huffing and puffing, the 6 of us made it to the top. The top appeared fogged in from the trailhead, but we got above the clouds and it was very pretty. We could see Anchorage and the coastline pretty well. We were definitely in Alpine territory, well above the tree line—lots of pretty flowers. The 6 of us never found the other end of the loop trail, so we trundled down the way we came up — again, I was glad we had our sticks — the ladies proceeded very slowly and carefully since it was easy to skid. When we finally got back to the bottom of the mountain, we could see a tiny gravel path that took off to the right— we think that was probably the right trail. Anyhow, we enjoyed ourselves — sort of — not so much the going up, but seeing the lovely views on top was very nice, it was pleasant chatting with the 4 ladies, and the going down was not as horrible as I thought it would be! We sat and ate our picnic lunch. Larry’s feet were “killing him” so we headed back to the RV to clean up and do some laundry.

We then drove downtown and shopped at the Ulu factory— ulus are curved chopping knives. We walked around the souvenir shops a little and then caught a free trolley that took us back to the Ulu factory where we were parked. We walked by the river a little— there were people fishing, but did not see anyone catching any fish.

After supper, we went to the Anchorage Bridge Club. We did not play very well (like a 44% game), but it was so fun to talk to the people there. I would just ask each pair we played with how they ended up in Alaska — most were from the lower 48. There were several younger people who still worked— an accountant, a lady pathologist, a lady lawyer (who balanced on high platform heels, and had a skirt slit halfway up her left hip!), a high school teacher, people who worked for the oil companies. It was very interesting. We will probably try to play again— our game can only go uphill!!! (That’s what we spent the whole morning doing— going uphill!!)

My email Upper Room devotion from yesterday really fit into our hiking experiences — today, we really needed some signs, and they weren’t there.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.

- Psalm 32:8 (NIV)

Today's Devotional

I am a trailblazer, pathfinder, and guide. In the area where I work, we have ways to guide hikers along the path. Wherever a junction of paths occurs, a sign and a colored footprint indicate the new route. Once hikers are on the right trail, they will see rocks painted with white dots placed roughly 50 paces apart to indicate the right track. When the path is slightly overgrown, some hikers begin to feel a bit anxious, wondering if they are still on the right path. At such times, they are relieved to spot a white mark on a rock so they can confidently proceed on their way.

Walking with God through our daily lives is similar to hiking a well-marked trail. God has promised to guide us and show the way at each important new intersection. When no guidance seems to come, we may begin to feel anxious, wondering if we are still walking in the way of God. That is when God’s “white dots” are so encouraging. Each “dot,” each sign, could be described as a nod from God, indicating that we are still on the right trail and that God is pleased with our progress. “Just keep following the path you are on right now,” God seems to be saying. “I will show you where to turn next.” These signs may appear in the form of scripture, spiritual songs, words from a friend, or part of a sermon. Even life’s circumstances — good or bad — can play a part in revealing signs from God.