And I'm Back

Sorry for the delay. Between working 6 days a week and a shoddy internet connection, I haven't been able to do a decent blog. But fear not, here it is.

So since I've been working so much, I really haven't had much time to do major hikes like before, so instead I just strolled around the valley a little bit. So the pictures are mainly from a short walk. I did get to do a decent hike Sunday which was up to Chilnualna Falls. I think it was about 8 miles round trip with a 24oo elevation gain, but we didn't do the entire trail due to time restraints, and also the falls hugged the cliff to tightly and I couldn't see much of it for the trees in the way, so no photos of that one.

This past Sunday marked our first ACMNP (A Christian Ministry in the National Parks) service. It takes place in a campground ampitheatre. It seemed to go pretty well. In the message, I went through a quick history of the kings of United Israel and of Judah until I reached King Josiah and I dwelt on him for a bit talking about how the law was found in his reign after having been lost. And when he heard this law, his life was changed immediately which led him to do an immediate complete reformation of worship in Judah. I then related this to us and the gospel and challenged the listeners to "refind" the gospel and read one. I think it went over pretty well. And if you're interested in Josiah, 2 Kings 22-23. I think he's often overlooked.

After the service, the ACMNP crew met up with a guy who'll be helping out with ACMNP in Glacier NP but for the moment he's traveling through several national parks working on another ministry. For more information about that you can check out sacredparks.org. Anyway, we joined him in a hike to Chilnualna Falls and spent the rest of the day with him. Pretty interesting.

And for all the southerners out there, you'd be glad to know that I have introduced some fine southern culture here in Yosemite. I made some sweet tea and the Californians love it, as well as some Michiganians and New Yorkers. However, there were many comparisons of the tea to syrup, and even some talk about putting it on pancakes.

Although this may sound like code to some, I attempted to have C & C but it's just not the same without ole Jay Fincher. As soon as we get back, let's do it.

I saw my first Yosemite bear last night. It was actually in our tent cabin neighborhood last night about 12:30. We heard a high pitched scream of "Get out of here bear" so naturally we chased it. But calm down mom, it's what we're supposed to do. And the brown guy just trotted off.

For the record, don't come to Yosemite on Memorial Day weekend if you have the option. It gets pretty crazy.

Pictures. Check it.

Yosemite Falls

Lower Yosemite Falls

The top of Upper Yosemite Falls

Another blog should be coming up after the weekend since I get this weekend off and will do some more hiking/picture taking.