Virginia commented last evening that it was wonderful for Paul to have someone to "talk shop" with. We have done that, for sure...exploring various ministry successes and failures and probing theological issues. We sat at some outside cafe tables at noon and shared lunch and such shop talk.
For the afternoon we traveled around part of the Lake and up into the mountains for some hiking. Jeff was our guide. Jeff moved to north central Washington nearly 30 years ago when he would describe himself as a hippie. He collected some land, married Josette, a French Canadian woman who at that time spoke no English, and built a small cabin where he still spends his summers growing fruit, flowers and various vegetables. He spent an hour showing me how he had grafted his fruit trees and then gave me an aprium to test. This is a genetic cross between an apricot and a plum. Fantastic!
Once we began our trek down through the orchards, across the river and up the bank on the other side I was convinced that Jeff was part mountain goat. I was pleased that he was willing to do all the talking as we hiked for I may have been too winded to lead any conversation. After forging the second river of the afternoon we nearly stepped on a rattlesnake...and would have had he not taken care to let us know that he was here and that this was his path. We didn't argue. I did snap a pic that I will try to post. T'is as close as I ever care to come to such a critter.
(Jeff the "Mountain Goat" and Pastor Paul)
We forged our own path along the side of the mountain. In another 1/2 mile I heard some rustling of branches and spotted a bear cub climbing a tree about 20 yards down the hill. He was as interested in us as we were in him. I managed another picture here. We didn't tarry too long as this cub looked less than a year old, which meant that a third interested party on that mountain would have been momma bear, which, at that moment, we didn't spot. We saw more wildlife than people on our trek. We all agreed that this was fine.
Jeff is one of the only Jews in Chelan, but was very eager to enter the shop talk that Paul I carried out. He inquired about our ministries and hobbies and...an extraordinarily gracious dude. We finished our hike by driving to the lake to dip our feet, but no more than feet as the water is frigid! Lake Chelan is about 50 miles long and averages about a mile across. The water is pristine and a deep blue in the late afternoon sun. It is the third deepest lake in North America, claiming 1,600 feet in spots. Many of you may know that Holden Village (Lutheran retreat center where the Holden Evening Liturgy was born) lies on an island at the northern edges of this lake.
I will spend this evening reading and resting and may turn in early after a few games with the Palumbo's retriever, Xela. I have seen God in many places this day. I anticipate more encounters in my dreams.
4 comments:
Makes me want to visit Holden Village! Great pictures. Enjoying the blog.
Jan
Am thinking we'd better add protection from wild things to our prayers! Be safe!
Sandy
I am so proud to see that you are actually taking a TRUE sabbatical of rest and relaxation! But don't think that I won't be checking back often to make sure you are continuing to do so! We miss you! :)
What I wouldn't give to be along side you with my own Canon, but I am content to see the wilderness through your lens. I pray that the Lord be with and fill you during this time of relaxation. It is certainly well earned.
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