In each port we try to find a low-cost, adventurous opportunity. In Guinee it was Roome Island, which I've blogged about before. Here it is 'The Gorge'. It is a beautiful area about 30-60 minutes from the ship depending on traffic. We have been there three times already. The biggest expense is fuel, which we try to defer a bit by asking others that come along to chip in.
We usually leave the ship at 10:00 and get there around 11:00. The first two times we parked at the top, hiked down to the beach (about 3 miles), ate a packed lunch, played for a couple hours, hiked back up, and drove home. I (Peter) usually have about a gallon of water, food, and other 'essential' outing items plus Xavier on my shoulders for most of the hike. He's 45 pounds these days so it's a solid workout.
Yesterday we decided to start at the beach and hike up. Xavier stayed at the beach with Dara so it was Elijah, Malachi, Will (one of their friends), and I. I decided that with only two liters of water and no five-year-old on my shoulders I'd push the boys a bit and see if we could set a good clip. We made the hike from the beach to the top in 38 minutes, which was a strong pace with a few stints of jogging thrown in. The last 100 yards or so is pretty close to vertical. There are 'stairs' cut into the hillside. It's a killer.
At the top there are some tables, chairs, and a small business that sells cold drinks. We plopped down into the chairs, exhausted. Malachi, white as a sheet, looks at me and says, "I think I'm going to throw up". He held it together, though. We bought a couple sodas, had a quick lunch, and headed back down.
We made the beach in the same time that we hiked up (going down isn't
really any faster than going up on a steep incline). We hung out there
for a few hours along with Dara and Xavier and some other Mercy Shippers
that were there. All in all a great day. We all slept well last
night.
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Malachi, Will, and Eli at the top
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| The hike back to the beach |
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| The boys and their friends at the beach |
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| Dara and her friend Melissa found a bunch of washed up jellyfish |
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| Malachi with a little jellyfish |
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| More beach fun |
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| The sign of a true Mercy Shipper - never leave home without it |
Yesterday we decided to start at the beach and hike up. Xavier stayed at the beach with Dara so it was Elijah, Malachi, Will (one of their friends), and I. I decided that with only two liters of water and no five-year-old on my shoulders I'd push the boys a bit and see if we could set a good clip. We made the hike from the beach to the top in 38 minutes, which was a strong pace with a few stints of jogging thrown in. The last 100 yards or so is pretty close to vertical. There are 'stairs' cut into the hillside. It's a killer.
As a blogger for our ministry work myself, I know how encouraging a comment can be. If nothing else, it tells you someone is actually reading what you take the time to write.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed seeing the pictures and hearing about your outing.
Be encouraged as you find that there are people around the globe praying for your ministry work!
God's blessings be upon you and your family! (If you ever need a vacation, please come to the Bahamas, we would be glad to meet you in real life instead of in the virtual world.)
Soli Deo Gloria!
Tim and Mindy Seeley
Director, Adventure Learning Camp
Nassau, Bahamas
Hi Tim and Mindy,
DeleteIt is indeed a pleasure to receive your comment and know that others are reading and praying.
I tried to check out ALC Bahamas but could not get the page to load. Would you mind sharing your blog address?
I'm curious how you came across our blog.
The Lord's blessings on you and your ministry as well.
Peter