White water rafting

Today was our day off, but it sure didn't feel like it!! We went rafting on the new gauley river after taking a very interesting "adventure cut" as we drove from Colcord to Fayetteville. We were late to our drop off site, but our rafting place was extremely accommodating and took great care of us!!
Our trip down the river was fantastic. We hit a lot of great rapids and we all made it through safely, albeit extremely wet! It was a work out for sure, as we all had to paddle throughout the trip - too bad none of us were wearing our fitbits or Nike fuelbands!
We are currently eating and relaxing at Dirty Ernies! The food is way better than the name. It's a local treat and most of us are eating food straight out of the huge smoker in the back!
We are looking forward to our trip back over the mountain tonight and two more days of building, painting, and cleaning on Thursday and Friday.

On a side not we were all delighted to see that the U.S. Women's team won their semifinals match and will be playing for the World Cup championship on Sunday night!!

Rob

Devotionals at the church - Saturday Night

Colcord, West Virginia

We are here safely! Today was a long day of traveling, but we made it and are still soaring with high spirits.
One of the most interesting things about our trip today was seeing all of the floods as we drove through Ohio. There were flash floods all throughout the area and this caused the majority of the games we passed to be flooded. Many of the fields looked like lakes and some of the roads had even been overtaken by water.
When we arrived at the parsonage in Colcord we unloaded all of our things, got settled, and cooked dinner. We got a visit from Gary Anderson and we took a short walk into the woods...It was still raining off and on, so we also spent a lot of time hanging out on the front porch.
After dinner the many of us played cards and then headed outside to mess around and some of us played soccer until it was too dark to see the ball!
Overall it has been a great day and we are all tired, doing devotionals, and reflecting on our day so far.

It's done

Well, I just dropped off the 15 passenger van to its home in Zeeland, MI. The trip was absolutely fantastic, but I am very done with driving that van!

Last day in the smokies (try again)

Today was a great last day. We woke up and headed over to Cade's Cove. The Cove was absolutely gorgeous. We started by driving the scenic loop where we saw a small bear about 100 yards away. Plenty of people were stopped and taking pictures, so we couldn't. We kept on trekking and headed to the parking lot of the hike we planned on doing. When we arrived at the Abram's Falls trailhead the sun was out and it was about 82 degrees. It was amazingly beautiful (I've heard rumors it is not as nice in Kalamazoo today...). The hike was a simple one today. It was only a 5 mile loop with a beautiful stop at Abram's Falls. Kate led the way and I stayed near the back with Daniel (he stubbed his toe in the mirror maze last night in Gatlinburg and is still in pain). We weren't too at behind as the trail today was considerably easier than the hike on Saturday. It was mostly flat with only a few spots of rough terrain. Once we arrived at the Falls we stopped and ate lunch together while being in the presence of nature - everyone should have the opportunity to eat lunch with the serene sounds of a waterfall in the background.

After our break we headed back and all did a wonderful job with the last 2.5 miles of hiking while in the Smokies. At the end of our last hike many of us stopped to wade in the creek. The water was refreshing and exactly what our feet needed!

As we exited and headed home via the scenic loop we happened upon three bears (at a safe distance - and we were in our van). We stopped for about 5-10 minutes and took pictures and just watched the Bears in their natural habitat. People all around us got out of their cars to get closer pictures; we did not make that silly choice! But we did get some pictures from inside the van.

We are now back at the cabin packing, relaxing and hanging out. Oh, and some people are getting their nails painted as well...

Last Day in the Smokies

Today was a great last day. We woke up and headed over to Cade's Cove. The Cove was absolutely gorgeous. We started by driving the scenic loop where we saw a small bear about 100 yards away. Plenty of people were stopped and taking pictures, so we couldn't. We kept on trekking and headed to the parking lot of the hike we planned on doing. When we arrived at the Abram's Falls trailhead the sun was out and it was about 82 degrees. It was amazingly beautiful (I've heard rumors it is not as nice in Kalamazoo today...). The hike was a simple one today. It was only a 5 mile loop with a beautiful stop at Abram's Falls. Kate led the way and I stayed near the back with Daniel (he stubbed his toe in the mirror maze last night in Gatlinburg and is still in pain). We weren't too at behind as the trail today was considerably easier than the hike on Saturday. It was mostly flat with only a few spots of rough terrain. Once we arrived at the Falls we stopped and ate lunch together while being in the presence of nature - everyone should have the opportunity to eat lunch with the serene sounds of a waterfall in the background.

Night out in Gatlinburg

Tonight we all took a much needed break from everything by hanging out in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg is extremely touristy with little shops everywhere and fun, crazy museums (Mirror Maze, Ripley's Believe it or Not, Guinness World Records, etc.). We split up into two groups - one group with Kate and the other group with me. Everyone was looking for different souvenir items, but we all were looking for food! I'm certain your children will come home with a plethora of unnecessary items, but they were having fun shopping for friends and loved ones.

Now, they are hanging out in the hot tub, relaxing and preparing their minds and bodies for sleep. We have a big day of hiking tomorrow and we need to be ready!