The morning sun was breaking through the clouds that had been casting a shadow over the entire past week. We were breathing hard, before we even started. Checking straps on our packs, ensuring we had enough supplies to get us by and one final look to ensure our gear was just right - we were ready to start up the mountain. But the men of Canby Christian Church weren't yet ready - we had to pray. This is what differentiates the men of CCC's ManUP ministry from ordinary men - we pray!
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| Starting up the trail |
June 16th, a group of men (young and old), set off after an incredible breakfast (also prepared by men) to climb to the top of Table Rock in the Molalla River Recreation Area. This hike would be a total of 7 miles and gain over 1000' in elevation along the way.
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| A moment with father & son |
As we stood in a circle praying in the parking area, it was good to be in the presence of men who love God and also appreciate God's creation - and we were just about to experience both!
After we prayed, we turned and started up the trail. Men walked and talked - talked about many things. The young boys that came with Neal & Curt were evidence that these men were investing their time and themselves in preparing the next generation of God's men.
Something I saw along the way is that nobody was ever left alone. If somebody was tired, somebody waited with him. If somebody needed food, somebody was there to offer some. It was evidence that these were men locking arms together to make sure everybody got there safely.
At about 1.5 miles in, the trail started getting very steep and rugged. Neal & Curt decided that this was a good spot to stop and turn around with their young sons. It was fortuitous that there just happened to be a patch of snow for the boys to play in (yes, all of us) and they took the time to enjoy the lunch they had packed in.
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| Yes - we got them to carry us - pound it!!! |
As we continued the climb, the trail became steeper and we got deeper into the woods. While the trail was generally easy to follow, there were points along the way where we had to make choices - forks in the trail, or the trail became hard to follow. Fortunately, men who had already been up the path had been there before, left markers for others to follow - all that was necessary was to look (yes, there is a lesson in this!).
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| Do you think it's that way? |
The trail continued to get steeper and lead higher up the mountain until we came to a large patch of snow crossing a field of boulders. It's not that it was necessarily cold, but the snow was soft, there were lots of holes that were just under the surface that could easily have lead to sprains or broken legs if people weren't attentive. Again, there were those who had gone ahead to mark a safe passage - we just had to follow in their footsteps to safely navigate the dangerous snow field. (Yes, there is another lesson here!)
Finally past the snow and boulders, we were on to the last push to the top. There was a lot of encouragement for those who were running out of strength - "it's just a little bit further" got to be a bit of a joke as it was always "just a little bit further". But that was what it took to get everybody to the top. One thing that was apparent was that the men were not there just to conquer a mountain - but to do it together. And we did!!!
The difficulty of the climb, the gasping for air, the pain in the bodies was forgotten when we broke out into the open at the top of Table Rock and saw the magnificent view from the top. The Cascade Mountains stood before us in all of their God-made splendor. A cool breeze refreshed hot bodies and a chance to sit, eat and tell stories about the adventures on the hike up made this a time that men revel in.
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| Mount Hood in the distance. |
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| The last little bit of the trail to the top. |
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| When you stand on the edge of a cliff and look at God's creation, you stand in awe! |
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| Looking down from the top |
With the mountain conquered, stomachs full of man-food and legs refreshed, it was time for the hike back down. Somehow, it didn't seem as far going down as it did going up, but nonetheless, I think everybody was happy to get back to the cars.
Eating breakfast together, praying together, sharing God's word together, conquering a mountain together - this is what ManUP is all about - God's men being the men that God has made us to be. We all anxiously wait to see what adventure God has in store for us next...
The trail continued to get steeper and lead higher up the mountain until we came to a large patch of snow crossing a field of boulders. It's not that it was necessarily cold, but the snow was soft, there were lots of holes that were just under the surface that could easily have lead to sprains or broken legs if people weren't attentive. Again, there were those who had gone ahead to mark a safe passage - we just had to follow in their footsteps to safely navigate the dangerous snow field. (Yes, there is another lesson here!)
