There and back again....not quite a hobbit's tale

My trip to the Grand canyon was a rare treat. In the morning I was disappointed at my luck when a drizzling ran began as my group started its hike below the rim. In the evening, the same rain became a blessing when it began producing rainbows over the canyon.

Alcatraz just looks cool. I don't have any great stories about my visit to it, but hey, it's Alcatraz, it's enough story of its own.

This picture reminds me that some of life's greatest blessings are intermingled with trials. This particular picture looks back into Rocky Mountain National park as I was driving a way. When I looked behind me and saw the beautiful scene, I felt compelled to pull the car over and take a picture. I got out, shut the door, and proceeded to use the last bit of space in my camera. Unfortunately, as I placed my hand on the door handle, I discovered the door had locked itself. Getting back in was no easy task. My cell phone, AAA card, and everything else I owned except my camera were locked in my still running vehicle. Several minutes passed as I double checked doors and windows. As I experimented, I noticed the rear side window would crack open just a little, so I began prying in hopes the latch would release. In a last ditch frustrated effort, I said to God, "Lord, I'm begging you to get me in this car". Be careful what you ask for. At that moment, I reach up to try prying one last time and the entire side window shattered. I was relieved to get in, and, even if success didn't match my expectations, my prayer was answered.

Badlands National Park was quite an experience. Cell Phone Towers? No. Running Water? No. Admittedly, I kept my stay short (a few hours), but the rugged hills and stray buffalo made for wonderful scenery. The buffalo also made using the restroom an experience. While these creatures appear docile enough from inside a car, they made my trip to the outhouse a bit unnerving.

If you every have an opportunity, visit one of the Redwood National forests. You won't be disappointed. They even have a few trees you can drive through.

Niagra Falls. A beautiful place, day and night. While the multicolored lights seemed unnatural, their reflection off the water was quite beautiful, helping make the Falls one of the most memorable stops along my journey.

One of our country's less well known treasures is Bryce Canyon. It is a few hours north of the Grand Canyon and equally beautiful.

The semester before I began seminary, I spent two months on the road making balloon sculptures and exploring the great wonders of the country. Admittedly, I was not able to share Christ as much as I had hoped, but it helped me understand why Christ sent his disciples out two by two. I began to understand as I journeyed alone the importance of unity with other believers and relationships with other people.

Almost into Colorado, I thought I would take the scenic bypass. A few miles down the road, the idea didn't sound quite as appealing as I looked into the distance at the seemingly endless road rising into some of the most foreboding clouds I have ever seen. Needless to say, I made my way back to the interstate after taking this shot.