How We Spent Our Summer Vacation — ‘08
September 6th, 2008 by Pastor John
Kathie and I had a great time pulling out our camping gear and going camping. It’s been a number of years for us since we’ve gone “dirt camping.” We were originally hoping that Marke and Matthew (my two younger sons - 25 and 22) could join us but as the date grew closer, they began to focus on their Europe trip (9/12-10/4) and getting school wrapped up. So….we decided to go anyway and it was great!
We started out at Robinson Creek near Bridgeport, CA., and camped Friday-Monday. The very best camp site “mysteriously” opened up for us and we pitched our tent right on the creek. Deer walked through the campground every morning and we got used to the rigors of camping again. Just when we got used to it, it was time to leave and we decided we weren’t going straight home! Over the Sierras and to the Coast was our decision. Meanwhile, Mark Allen did an excellent job teaching and encouraging Zoe as he always does. Mark is one of Zoe’s Pastors and has been faithfully leading our men’s group for more than 3 1/2 yrs now and has many insights into what it means to walk with Christ for all of us.
Meanwhile…we went over Sonora pass (9600 ft) and ended up spending Tuesday night in Pinecrest (elev. 5000) on the descent into the central valley. It was a quick “setup and teardown” for the an overnight stay but we had brought a second, smaller tent for just such an occassion! Then it was on to Big Basin Redwood Campground north of Santa Cruz. We ended up in Huckleberry campground, isolated (just like we wanted) but cozy packed into the Redwoods. We were very comfortable as Kathie is a phenomenal camper (of course!). We stayed there three nights and in the day time explored the coast near Santa Cruz.
Meantime… Dave Woods, our young adult Pastor, shared the Word at the Sunday service. Dave is an amazing teacher, gifted and with loads of energy and encouragement from the Lord. Zoe was well cared for while we were “getting away” from it all. We spent a morning in Carmel, looking at the homes and enjoying the beauty of it all. It was fun to see Carmel through Kathie’s eyes and enjoy her appreciation of what can be done with even a small home.
Well, there’s more, but like most vacations, it’s supposed to be a little boring so you can relax and enjoy it. Our ‘08 vacation was wonderful in many ways. Our close family friend and Zoe’s other Pastor, Royce Cansler, graciously finished off our three week absence from Zoe with a very special message. I hope you get a chance to listen here and enjoy these men and their teaching as much as I did.
September 24th, 2008 at 6:47 am
John,
That has to be one of the best pictures I have seen of you and Kathie. You guys are glowing! Good to hear you had such a relaxing trip. My uncle lived in Carmel for many years in one of those small homes and he loved it. It is a beautiful place.