Sunday, May 31, 2009

Memorial Day Pics - Lava Hot Springs, Idaho




Between A Rock And A Hard Place: Book Review


9. Between A Rock And A Hard Place

This book tells the story about Aron Ralston who went hiking and rock climbing in Blue John Canyon in Southern Utah. He was climbing down through a smaller portion of the canyon, and a very large stone fell, pinning his right arm up against the side of the canyon. With no way of escape he endured 5 days of being trapped. He ran out of water, drank his own pee, and in the end figured that his only chance of survival was to cut off his arm.

He used leverage against the rock to break both bones in his arm and then used an old multi-tool to cut through the rest. After he was free he still had to rappell down a big drop in the canyon, hike 7 miles, and was finally rescued by a chopper.

It is an incredible story, worth reading. There are a few parts where he goes over some previous expeditions that he has done, and they get a little bit long, but overall a very good book with an incredible drive and a good ending.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Gotta Love Church Signs


Understanding The Book Of Mormon: Book Review


8. Understanding The Book Of Mormon: Book Review
I picked up this book at our last Intermountain West District Conference. It was written by a Pastor in our District, and I think that he does a very good job of explaining what the Book of Mormon is all about without bashing the LDS Church or people who believe that. It is a very quick read, but very informative. The author was raised mormon, but converted to Christianity later in his life.
I would reccomend reading this if you have any interest in the Book of Mormon and the LDS faith. Sheds a lot of light on what and why they believe the way they do.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Mark Of The Grizzly: Book Review


7. Mark Of The Grizzly
Great book that recounts different attacks of Grizzly Bears. Some people walk away unharmed while others perish. Very informative as well, and gives tips and advice on how to live in bear country and how to avoid being attacked if you come in contact with a bear.
I've never seen a bear in the wild yet, but I'm guessing that I will sometime soon living around here. This book made me appreciate bears more, and also took away some of my fear because it presents the information in a way that isn't "American Myth" that all bears will instantly kill you if you see one. More people die from bee stings than bear attacks.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Pastor's Retreat in Estes Park... last few days

I'll just give you a summary of all that we did while we were in estes park, co. The second morning we hiked up to a place called Bible Point, where you can overlook the YMCA campground, they have a cross up there, and also a mailbox where people can write letters to God. After that we had our morning session, and then had time to explore and find God in nature. I took off by myself for a little hike, followed a creek and climbed up Eagle Rock for some really cool views of the mountains. That afternoon we swam in the pool, then had our evening session.

On Wednesday Audrey and I went for another early morning hike, and I showed her where I went the day before to Eagle Rock. We had our morning session, and then we went on a 2 hour horseback ride through Rocky Mountain National Park. It was a really pretty ride and fun to be on horses, but the wind was blowing about 24 mph and made it pretty chilly. We saw quite a few elk and some mule deer on the ride.

It was a great trip and you can see some of the stuff we did with the pictures below!