Prelude to Adventure

"For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him."
~ Psalm 95:3-4

God must delight in surprises, because He sure is full of them. While I'm sure it pains Him to watch His children suffer when their plans fall apart under the weight of His superior plans, I'm sure He also finds great joy in knowing what is best for His children and acting upon it. While His purposes are rarely clear in the beginning and while we may suffer - torn, at times, from our hopes and dreams - His will is ultimately better, and because He loves us, we are left better off in the long run.

These are the thoughts I often turn to when I reminisce on the adventure that transformed my life. In December of 2005, I was a junior in college and still bent on my high school dream of writing a novel. Long ago, I had worked everything out in my mind. I would write a story of unparalleled inspiration, tearing through traditional expectations, and, upon graduation, I would already be a best-selling author. I felt it was my purpose. My primary aim in life seemed the fulfillment of this dream. But it was getting harder to accomplish as I became distracted and confused. To make matters worse, I was losing interest. As I desperately clung to my teenage aspirations, like a sailor to the mast of his sinking ship, I became frustrated...then angry. Why had God led me down this path only for it to end in failure? I felt defeated and lost. I had spent so much time and energy... and for what? What was I supposed to do now? By the end of 2005, I was distant from God, unsure of His faithfulness and unsure of my relationship with Him. Little did I know, He was never far.

One day, I got a phone call from an old friend. "I think it would be really cool to get the old crew back together for a camping trip on New Years," said my friend, Rich. "We'll hike to McAfee's Knob and spend the night. It'll be like old times." The idea of spending some quality time with my old friends, The Nightwalkers, interested me more than the idea of backpacking, but it was more than enough for me to commit. I had not camped, let alone backpacked, in a long time. I didn't know if I'd be up to the challenge, but Rich assured me it wouldn't be a difficult hike, and everyone would be out of practice. And although the hike was a little tough - since I was way out of shape - it ended up being totally worth it. We reached the Appalachian Trail shelter ahead of schedule and made camp, our Scout skills resurfacing as if we had never lost them.

It felt good to be doing something. To set up a tent, pick up firewood, light a stove, get dirt on my hands. The air was crisp and clean with a little bite as I breathed through my nostrils. Leaves crunched beneath my feet, and the chilly mountain breeze gently stung my skin. I felt inspired... alive! This experience - the outdoor experience - was new to me all over again. That night we made a scorching fire and crowded together, cupping bowls of steaming brunswick stew. It was good to reconnect, to talk and laugh in the still and quiet of the night. I remember a satisfaction I had not felt in a long time.

The next day, we shouldered our day packs and began the climb to McAfee's Knob, Roanoke, VA's most photographed landmark and Appalachian Trail hot spot. Again, I struggled but succeeded. We reached the Knob, and I stood, amazed. Only once in my life could I remember a view such as this. While staring across the wintry, Virginia valley, I realized how much I had taken for granted, and the ache of my heart told me what was missing. In this moment, I found myself caring more about the present reality than any fictitious moment I could create. The granite cliffs were real. The drifting clouds were real. Me, standing on the mountaintop... real.

And in retrospect I attribute this experience to God, the Creator of those mountains. The Annual Nightwalker Trip (which it would ultimately become) at McAfee's Knob laid a seed. In little time, I became enthralled with the natural world. I could feel its power and testimony. It both amazed and perplexed me. I felt drawn to it, and so began my great love for outdoor adventure. But more importantly, it was through the outdoors that God spoke to me. For so long I had been making plans, uninterested in His own. Then, when things fell apart, I fell away. Now, I look back on my first, true, outdoor experience, and I can see God pursuing me. I can see God's hand in the mountains, how He conceived and shaped them. Being as stubborn as any man, I needed a strong example of God's strength and faithfulness, and He delivered with His Creation... Of all things.

My life has changed in many ways since 2005. God has fostered in me a great love for the outdoors. I care very deeply about peoples' interaction with nature, especially America's children, and I want to share my appreciation for God's splendor, depicted perfectly through Creation. And I still write, only now with a different purpose.

"Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth."
~ Hosea 6:3

Photo of the Week # 4

Monadnock Sanctuary

June, 2009

Jomeokee Mountain (also known as Pilot Mountain) in Mt. Airy, North Carolina


Photo by Sir Evan on a day trip with his friends, Tim and Kearsten Lee

Sir Evan's Weekly Movie Recommendation

The Patriot (****) 2000

Rated R (intense war violence and innuendo)

Starring Mel Gibson & Heath Ledger
Written by Robert Rodat
Directed by Roland Emmerich

As with most war films, The Patriot has many full-blown battle scenes, but with the American Revolution as the conflict in focus, these scenes take on a unique tone. Mel Gibson words it perfectly in an interview where he says, "It was a different kind of warfare all together." Troops by the thousands blatantly march across open fields; cannon balls blast through lines of soldiers; and Gibson wages combat with a pair of Native American tomahawks.

One would expect the story to get lost in such a massive film. But director, Roland Emmerich, excels at big budget, summer action-movies, not only because he knows how to keep our attention, but because he maintains focus where it really matters. The story is not about the war; rather, it is about the characters fighting the war. The Patriot follows the story of Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson) and his family. A colonial farmer and widower, he is left to take care of his 5 children, as turmoil increasingly surrounds them. At first an opponent of war with Britain, Martin has only his family's safety in mind, but when the war comes to his front doorstep, he is left with little choice but to defend his land and family. The movie co-stars a young Heath Ledger in his first big role as Gibson's son, Gabriel Martin. They share many engaging scenes together, and movie goers could certainly predict, based on Ledger's performance, he would go on to become a first rate actor.

The film is full of gripping scenes, among them an up close (and personal), hand-to-hand fight between Gibson and a platoon of Red Coats, in which he brandishes his deadly tomahawks. Romance is also central to the plot of The Patriot, and it is handled tastefully and in moderation. And most importantly, it is believable. Ultimately, The Patriot is about a family's reaction to the American Revolution. It is uplifting and inspiring, full of epic, patriotic moments big enough to stir the emotions, but these scenes really pale in comparison with the more personal, family scenes occurring between the action.

If you're looking for an engaging take on the American Revolution and enjoy a thrilling story, check out The Patriot. And if you're still not convinced, check out the trailer below.

Step Aside Tom Cruise... These Climbers Are For Real

No Room For Errors

Some of you might recall the opening scene of Mission: Impossible II where Tom Cruise, as Ethan Hunt, hangs precariously from a rock ledge hundreds of feet in the air. While his representation of that sort of climbing, called Free Soloing, is pretty absurd, there are people in real life who do it! These videos, excerpts from a film called "The Sharp End," will seriously give you chills, but you will be blown away by the audacity, confidence, and strength of these climbers!



For a more in-depth look at Dean Potter's free solo of The Eiger's north face, check out this video:

Summer Time Means Sandal Time!

Clown Shoe vs. Jesus Sandal

Through my work in the Outdoor Retail Industry, I spend a lot of time in footwear. Come early May, people start looking for a sandal or shoe they can take in the water but will dry super quick and provide the comfort and support they need to get through the day. Based on my experience, there are two brands that stick out among the rest.

Keen sandals are great for all occasions. They provide excellent arch support, are constructed with a durable EVA foam - which offers excellent cushion and shock absorption - are built with a medium to medium-wide last (sorry to those with narrow feet), and have a unique, patented toe cover. Specific models are made of leather, while others are made of a synthetic, nylon blend. All Keen sandals are 100% waterproof and resist odor-causing bacteria. They are also equipped with anatomically-designed foot beds for extra comfort and support. The unique ridges built into the foot bed help cup the heel and prevent sliding.

While I do not own a pair of Keens on account of a narrow foot, I have encountered many loyalists and seen the sandals on happy feet in many circumstances, ranging from the local grocery store to the mountains to the beach. Many customers looking for a simple "water shoe" end up with Keens but also end up with a lot more. They come back to the store a month later and say, "I wear them all the time!" Indeed, Keens have that reputation. And here is a bonus: some models have a vanilla extract built into the rubber, so they smell good, too! In fact, I'd be lieing if I said I didn't enjoy sneaking a sniff in the shoe deck, from time to time...

Chaco sandals have developed something of a "trend following" at nearby Appalachian State University, but, in general, have found a profitable market amongst the outdoor adventurer crowd, due to their extreme functionality. Chacos, or as some like to call them - "Jesus Sandals" - provide unparalleled arch support. The thick, Vibram, Unaweep sole makes Chacos tough enough to hit the Appalachian Trail for a day hike or even an overnighter. And if you have more water-based endeavors in mind, try the Pro edition, IdroGrip sole that's designed to give you more traction in wet places. As with the Keens, there are several models to choose from. The Z/1 series have a single strand of polyester (quick-drying) webbing, while the Z/2 series (pictured) provide a stabilizing toe strap, which river guides and hikers find useful. Chaco also produces more casual styles, such as the Zong - which has no heel strap - as well as flip flops. Like the Keens, Chacos are 100% waterproof and quick drying, so don't hesitate to wear them in the river!

Since I own a pair of Chacos (the Z/2's) I can testify to their quality. After a full year of solid use, they hardly look worn, and the Vibram sole is holding up, as expected. I've worn them for entire days at work and have also taken them on day hikes. They seriously provide the support of a light hiking boot. I absolutely love them. However, I think Keen also makes a quality sandal, and if my foot were not so narrow, I would surely have a pair of them, as well. So if you're looking for a pair of summer shoes or even just something more supportive than your typical Nikes, try a pair of Chacos or Keens and see what all the talk is about!

Photo of the Week # 3

Great Falls of the Potomac River

Outskirts of Washington D.C.

Kayaker's Identity: Unknown


Photo by Matt McLaughlin of the Record Herald in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. For more of Matt's photography, visit his online portfolio! And thanks to Matt for the photo of the week!

Sir Evan's Weekly Movie Recommendation

Raiders of the Lost Ark (****) 1981

Rated PG

Starring Harrison Ford & Karen Allen
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Written by George Lucas & Lawrence Kasdan

A film like Raiders of the Lost Ark can leave a lasting impression on a 9-year old, or anyone for that matter. Although I didn't realize at the time, it sparked in me a spirit for adventure I have never been able to shake, as I'm sure it has done for many individuals over the years.

It was a typical, Summer afternoon in Virginia... hot, humid, and sweltering. My friend, Wingate, was over (yes, that's really his name). Tired of playing "war" and causing neighborhood mayhem outside, we came inside to escape the heat for a while. My Father suggested we watch a movie, since our excitement level was running high. And in his brilliant, Fatherly wisdom, he choose a movie he knew would captivate our attention from beginning to end. From the scene where Indiana Jones, fedora-wearing adventurer and archaeologist, runs from a massive, rolling boulder and narrowly escapes an onslaught of poison-tipped arrows, to the scene where he boldly chases after a Nazi convoy on a white stallion, I was hooked.

The film takes place in the late 1930's, during Hitler's expansive search for Biblical artifacts. Dr. Indiana Jones, a college professor and renowned adventurer, is enlisted by the United States government to locate and secure the long lost Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis can get their hands on it. They fear with a relic as powerful as the Ark in the Nazis' possession, nothing will stop them from marching over all the armies of the world. Dr. Jones, more interested in fortune and glory and the historical significance of the Ark than in do-good idealism, travels from the snowy climate of Nepal to the sands of Egypt in his search for the Ark. But Nazi agents are always close behind, and Dr. Jones, as usual, finds himself in way over his head. He will have to use every ounce of strength and resourcefulness he can muster if he hopes to win the chase!

In many ways, the movie speaks for itself. From the very first scenes, it grabs viewers and doesn't let go. Raiders, later changed to Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, for continuity with the three sequels that followed, is movie magic. Somehow, Spielberg and Lucas managed to craft an adventure film that went both with and against the grain. Inspired by old-fashioned serial films from the 1920's, Raiders has a familiar feel with its over-the-top action and campy style, but by 1981, this type of film was less common. The 70's introduced an array of bleak, dark, and brooding films, heavily influenced by the political climate of the decade, so when the "Blockbuster Duo" introduced Indiana Jones to the world, people flipped out. It was new, fresh, and much-needed. Here was a movie designed to simply be enjoyed.

So if you haven't seen any of these films, start with the first (and in this writer's opinion, the best). But make sure you allow enough time to watch from start to finish. Believe me, if you have to stop in the middle, it's going to drive you crazy. Raiders of the Lost Ark is a true, movie going experience. Hang on and enjoy the ride!

Here follows the reissue movie trailer, which I find a little better than the original, theatrical version. And for more information on the series, check out the official website!

Photo of the Week # 2

Dawn on the Mountain
March, 2007

The Priest Mountain, Nelson County, VA

George Washington National Forest/The Priest Wilderness

Elevation: 4,063 feet
17 degrees plus windchill factor


Photo by Sir Evan, Nikon CoolPix L3

Sir Evan's Weekly Movie Recommendation

The Edge (****) 1997

Rated R (language and violence)

Starring Anthony Hopkins & Alec Baldwin
Directed by Lee Tamahori
Written by David Mamet

One of my all-time favorites, The Edge is a thrilling tale of survival in the remote woods of Canada. Charles Morse (Hopkins) and Bob Green (Baldwin) find themselves stranded in a deadly wilderness when their Cessna seaplane crashes. Having gone way off course, no one will be coming to get them. They must push aside their differences in order to survive. To make matters worse, a giant, flesh-eating bear haunts their every move, and the harsh winter is well on its way. The Edge is a small masterpiece of raw suspense, action, and the complexities of human interaction. Check it out, and you will not be disappointed!

TV Review: Expedition Africa, Ep. 2

Man Down!

This week's episode of Expedition Africa introduced new troubles for our modern-day explorers. Ironically, their biggest problem stems from within. As most have probably noticed, Pasquale, the team leader, has a head the size of a watermelon, and in the first 10 minutes of episode 2, viewers witnessed the cost of his inflated ego.

The show picks up on day 6 of the expedition, fast forwarding through several days and some mileage. They have 900 out of 970 miles to go, and for a challenge, they have decided to deviate from Stanley's original course. Rather than snake their way around the Uluguru Mountains (as wise, Mr. Stanley once did), they will climb straight over them. But these mountains are tough. And with Pasquale unwilling to slow his reckless pace, the team suffers. Only 10 minutes into their ascent of the Uluguru's, a porter collapses from severe heat exhaustion. This is just moments after Kevin, the journalist, asked Pasquale to slow down, for fear the porters would be left in the dust, to which the self-declared leader responded, "Dude, we're fine!"



In this moment, viewers witness a transformation. Kevin, the least experienced "expeditionist" of the group, bolts into action, his Emergency Technician training coming into play. He knows exactly how to care for the exhausted porter. Later, Benedict, the team's survivalist, remarks that it was a sight to behold, witnessing Kevin's call to action. Earlier in the show, Kevin states to viewers how - unsure of his expedition skill set, yet wanting to contribute in a unique way - feels a draw to the porters. Therefore, he has taken it upon himself to become their voice, their say in the expedition. He will be the link between them and the team leaders. They are his self-inflicted responsibility. Indeed, we see this acted out over the course of the episode, as he is in constant communication with them, making sure they are fed, have water, and enough rest.

Thankfully, the porter survives, and the team moves on, but the event calls Pasquale's "all-or-nothing" attitude into question. Someone suggests Mireya take the front, so she might set a slower, steadier pace for the group, but Pasquale refuses. "The expedition must go on!" he claims, stating that the group's mission outweighs an individual's personal position. Not to be harsh, he says, but that's just the way it is on an expedition. Some may not agree with Pasquale's mission philosophy, but he is certainly confident and unmovable. These are both qualities and flaws in a leader.



That night, the team endures severe winds so loud and strong, they hardly catch a wink of sleep. The following morning, Benedict starts a fire with a tampon, which he always carries in his survival pack for just this purpose. It acts as valuable tinder, he explains, and sure enough, he provides a roaring fire on which the team can cook their breakfast.

Later in the show, the expedition comes across a giant cliff, which must be circumvented, and through this unexpected obstacle, Kevin's insecurities are revealed. In this moment, he shows his fear and uncertainty, and Benedict states, rather frankly, if Kevin cannot adapt to the needs of the expedition, they're going to have a problem. Luckily, navigating around the cliff face is not as difficult as it first appears, and Kevin's fears are in vain. But his uprooted insecurity could present problems in the future...

Episode 2 ends with the team arriving at a native village, where they are welcomed as heroes. Exhausted and starving, the explorers enjoy some unique foods. Mireya, for one, has her first taste of goat kidneys. Yummy. The natives throw a huge celebration that night, full of exotic food, dancing, fires, and massive pythons!

Now that the Uluguru Mountains have been traversed, the expedition is headed for the African plains, where they'll have to fend off new kinds of predators. Lion country awaits!

If you missed this week's episode, you can watch full episodes at History Channel's website!

Photo of the Week # 1

July, 2003

Mt. Katahdin: "The Greatest Mountain"
Baxter State Park, Maine

A segment along the blue-blazed "Knife Edge" trail...


Upon further examination...

Highlights from Bear's Adventures

The New Face of Adventure

Here follow some highlights from Season 2 of Man vs. Wild, which just finished its 3rd season and is available to order on DVD! In fact, this past week, Discovery Channel aired a special in which comedy actor, Will Ferrell, joined Bear in Sweden, deep inside the Arctic Circle. If you missed it, you can watch it in 5 parts on youtube. It was an amusing and exciting episode very much in the spirit of the show. Ferrell took his role seriously, obeying Bear's every command, even though it took him way out of his comfort zone. At times, viewers even saw a rarely-vulnerable Ferrell open up and discuss his reactions to the severe elements. Overall, it looks like Ferrell had a good experience and Bear really enjoyed taking him on an adventure!



Below you will see a clip from the Will Ferrell special...

Bear Grylls Moving Into New Territory...

Recently, Bear Grylls of the Discovery Channel's hit show, Man vs. Wild, was announced as the new "Chief Scout" of the UK Scout Association. According to Grylls' website, the Chief Scout is responsible for inspiring the Scouts and the thousands of volunteers who make things possible. The first Chief Scout was Robert Baden-Powell, the father of Scouting, and upon Grylls' appointment, he will be the youngest Chief Scout in the history of the program.

It's easy to see why Grylls has been chosen for this role, as there are few modern day adventurers as recognizable and popular enough as him to serve as a figurehead for the Scout movement. It is my hope that young people will see, reflected in Grylls, the spirit of adventure so close to the core of Scouting in the UK and America. Frankly, I can't think of anyone better to serve as the figurehead of the Scouting movement. And if we are lucky, perhaps it will also inspire children to join Scouts in America!

For more information on Bear Grylls and the UK Scout Association, be sure to visit his website!

TV Review: Season Premier of Expedition Africa

This past Sunday, another night of prime time television came and went, and with it, History Channel's premiere of Expedition Africa, a new reality series. While it's always difficult to tell about a show from a single episode, Expedition looks to promise real life adventure.

The show begins in Zanzibar off the east coast of Africa, where we meet our four modern day adventurers. We have Pasquale, the navigator and self-declared leader of the group. Also vying for the leader role is Benedict, the team's survival expert. Mireya is a strong woman who does not always voice her opinion but serves the team well through her wildlife expertise. Already in the premier, she locates a spitting cobra and instructs the team on how best to avoid its deadly spray. Lastly, there is Kevin, the team's war correspondent journalist, who is the least experienced in the "wilderness" field. Early on, viewers get the distinct impression these individuals will not always see eye to eye.

To reach the mainland, the team charters an old fashioned skiff, just like H.M. Stanely did in the original expedition this show tries to emulate. After enduring violent waves, they reach shore, and the real journey begins!

They have 970 miles of dangerous terrain to cover and only a rudimentary map and compass to guide them. From the offset, clashing personalities plague the expedition. Pasquale wants control of the team, while Benedict thinks he is also up to the challenge. Kevin, the most inexperienced, poorly suggests they not fill up on water until the expedition is underway, while Pasquale knows this is a bad idea. Water is life in Africa. But he is outvoted, and the team, consisting of the four core members, in addition to their porters, embark into the wilderness.

Only miles in, the team members realize they are out of water, severely dehydrated, and far from a viable water source. Already, this expedition is in trouble. Together, the four members decide it wise to send "runners" to the nearest source. They cannot go on without precious water. Once they are re hydrated, they vow never to make this mistake again. And, as expected, Pasquale is angry, since he told them so.

Later in the show, the team must ford the crocodile-infested, Ruvu River, in old, dug-out canoes, and trek through knee-high mud. To make matters worse, Kevin is lost for a brief time, and Pasquale has a difficult time orienting himself in the dense undergrowth. At one point, Benedict and Mireya even call his skills into question. Ultimately, though, he finds his way and leads the team in the right direction. It seems Pasquale is to be trusted; he simply has his own way of going about things. Time will tell how his strong personality will contribute to the expedition...

Overall, Expedition Africa looks to be an exciting, realistic portrayal of a famous wilderness adventure. It has it all: bickering team members, porters, epic mileage, severe conditions, predatory wildlife, and even native warrior protectors. So if you enjoy a little history, learning about foreign places, and - of course - adventure, you won't want to miss Expedition Africa next Sunday on the History Channel!