In my four-plus decades of ministry, I haven’t had many opportunities to go on missions trips. My first experience, 22 years ago, took my wife and me on a two-week visit to Singapore and Malaysia. I had the opportunity to speak about 20 times to families and young people at…
Winter in our neck of the woods has been relatively mild thus far. In fact, I think Destin, Florida, has received more snow this year than we have! Nevertheless, the day we took our annual winter break to Lake Geneva wasn’t so mild. For this time of year, the temperatures…
On January 1 of this year (2024), my wife and I signed up for the Hiker’s 365 Challenge. Simple concept, actually. All you have to do is hike 365 miles in a year. Easy-peasy—just hike an average of a mile a day. Not like through-hiking the Appalachian Trail or Pacific…
My wife’s work as an Administrative Assistant for the Reformed Baptist Network requires her to attend the annual General Assembly. This year it was held in Riverside, California. Aw, shucks! Now, we couldn’t fly all the way to California and spend just the three days required for the conference, now,…
Just before Independence Day, a friend and I hiked less than 2% of the Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin on an overnight backpacking trek. Sounds rather insignificant, I know. But keep in mind the Ice Age Trail is 1,000 miles long—and all in Wisconsin! Hiking west to east, the trail…
I wouldn’t necessarily call it a favorite path, but the Hennepin Feeder Canal Trail is frequently used and enjoyed. We access it about a quarter mile from our house, hence the frequent use. The trail is nice because it’s flat and straight—in other words, easy! From the trailhead near our…
In our year-long quest to fulfill the “365 Hiker’s Challenge”—hiking 365 miles in 12 months—my wife and I look for hiking trails near our home. Within an hour’s drive is ideal. Most of our hikes are along the nearby Rock River Trail or Hennepin Canal Trail—we access both just a…
[If you missed previous installments, begin here, or get the background to today’s post here.] What turned out to be our last full day’s hike on the Long Trail began ominously. The torrential rains from the night before died down, but a light rain persisted. With daylight came a clearer…
Due to the unexpected pole incident (read about it here, if you missed it), my sister and I found ourselves at the Green Mountain House a couple of days earlier than our initial reservation. The host graciously made room for us. The Green Mountain House Hostel is a way station…
After yesterday’s disappointment—following the wrong trail, losing ground and precious time—we left the Congdon shelter hopeful that we could make up for it all on our third day on the Long Trail. For the second day in a row, the sun brightened our mood and the forecast looked promising. We…
