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HIGH ADVENTURE by Paula Friedrichsen

I belong to a ladies hiking club that hikes every Wednesday morning for about three or four hours. This group of enthusiastic hikers meets promptly at 8:15 a.m. to caravan to our predetermined trailhead. And in our common pursuit of clean air, exercise and the beauty of nature, we have thoroughly enjoyed the summer of 2003 - a year like no other!

We have experienced everything from an amazing array of wildflowers in "McGee Canyon," to the ragged and jutting mountain peaks found up at "Mosquito Flats." We've boldly scrambled to the top of Morgan Pass (the elevation is over 11,000 feet!) and have breathlessly endured endless switchbacks on our way through scenic mountain canyons.

More then once we have been stopped dead in our tracks, to openly gape at the dazzling splendor of God's handiwork. Seeing so many different species of wildflowers - in multitudes beyond what I could have imagined - made me cry out to the heavens "Good Job God!" I've also been so thankful to the Lord for providing the time, health, and vigor needed to enjoy these hikes. And our recent trek up Lundy Canyon took quite a bit of "vigor," but what we saw at the very back of the canyon made it all worth it!

The hike to Lundy started easy enough - much of it being up, up, up - but at a gradual and pleasant pace. As we continued winding our way through this lovely, green mountain landscape, we could see several huge waterfalls enticing us to come up higher. As we came around a corner in the trial, we could see the final (and most spectacular) waterfall way off in the distance. My friend Janet Shipley pointed to that waterfall, and said "that's where we're going." And to be honest, I really thought she was kidding! It looked to be much higher in elevation then we were, and it appeared to be several miles away. But Janet is an avid hiker, and she knows her stuff - so we pressed on.

As we continued up through some of the prettiest scenery I have seen in a long time, I found that I hardly noticed the effort needed to ascend Lundy Canyon (a lively group of talkative ladies will do that for you) until we found ourselves at the very back of the canyon, looking up at that last massive waterfall. And it was at this point that a discussion ensued; Do we
continue up the mountainside to make our way to that gorgeous waterfall...Or do we call it a day, being satisfied with seeing it from down below?

Well, let's face it - adventure is good for the soul. And even middle-aged housewives need an escapade or two to keep them inspired! So the whole group decided that, yes, we were going up to the waterfall. And up we went.

We followed the trail through 50 yards of shale, made a sharp turn right at the snow bank, which sent us scrambling up through the trees, which now led to. an abrupt end to the path. But on further inspection we saw that if we could scurry carefully up what appeared to be a faint path - skirting a precarious cliff, we would wind up at the waterfall. And at this point I
must tell you that some of the women balked at the precarious cliff crossing. It was one of those things that if you didn't think about it, you were fine - but if you took too much time to deliberate the matter, there would be the temptation to stop. But I'm happy to report that none of us stopped (is it silly to be proud of the fact that all seven mothers were willing to risk their lives?)

Around the corner we came to an expansive, shimmering, loud and spraying flow of white, rushing water! Runoff being at peak stage - the waterfall reflected that fact with a stunning 70 foot surge of charging, cascading water. It was so beautiful! I was completely awed by the Goodness of God. I felt an unfamiliar emotion too. it was the joy of "High Adventure." And in my little life, our hike to that last Lundy Canyon waterfall was "High Adventure." I felt a real sense of accomplishment, and a desire for more "adventure" in my life. Adventure is good for the soul. God created the heart of a man to crave new
experiences from time to time. And while adherence to our regular schedules and routines will have a positive overall affect upon our lives, so will taking a day off and having a "High Adventure" from time to time. We come away from these new experiences refreshed, revitalized and inspired - ready to take on the normal duties of our lives with renewed energy.

Paula Friedrichsen copyright 2003 [email protected]

Paula Friedrichsen is a Christian Speaker and Freelance Writer living in Mammoth Lakes, California. To find out more about her ministry visit her website at www.pfministries.com

*Reprinted with permission to Emerging Courageous Online Magazine

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