We made a run at the summit of Mt San Jacinto on Saturday. Didn’t quite make it. About four miles in we had to battle through some glacial conditions on one northeast facing slope. Brent went down pretty hard, but we carried on and found the trail again on a southern facing slope. We made it up to 9700 feet and rounded a corner to see the trail get lost again due to snow. We were reaching our absolute turn around point to make it home in time so we decided to pull up short. battling through the hard-packed ice just wears you down and eats up a lot of time, when you stop to check that you’re heading the right direction. See we did 11.5 miles and gained 3300 feet. May 2nd we will make another run at the summit, this time we will spread it out over a day and a half.

If you liked what you just read you may like:

• Spring is in the air
• Mountaineering
• Nirvana | Bass Pro Shops

If you have been to Bass Pro Shops, then you know. It is probably the coolest store ever conceived by mankind. I have been getting the catalog for years, but have not had the chance to check into one. I have driven by the one in Las Vegas many times, just never had time to stop.

That all changed in July when they finally built one somewhat near where I live. It’s up the freeway in Rancho Cucamunga.

With our annual staff retreat coming up at Jackass Meadow, Jeff and I made a trip up there to stock up on supplies.

Bass Pro Shops has done the greatest job of any store in designing the ambiance. You feel like you have left So Cal and transported to Montana or Alaska…somewhere outdoorsie. There’s a huge fish tank full of…well…bass, and taxidermy everywhere. Vegans beware.

So we stocked up on some gear, I needed a new sleeping bag rated at 20 degrees, it gets cold at 9000 feet in October, and some fishing lures. The native brown’s we catch up there are beautiful.

If you have an afternoon to kill, head to Bass Pro Shops and experience it for yourself. Beside, it is a really cool place to take the kids.

Also, Victoria Gardens is right there, and it is really cool, I need to head up there and just cruise that place.

If you liked what you just read you may like:

• Mountaineering | San Jacinto
• Plagued Ride
• The Happiest Place On Earth

John and Travis and I had one of those rides this morning that was a mess. Travis’ bike was shifting poorly, so he went down and threw in the towel after a few miles. With about 3 miles to go John broke his chain. That’s some serious power.

John being the engineer that he is, had a chain tool and was back in the saddle after some first aid.

I was lucky, I flatted within 50 yards of the cars. Bummer.

We did meet single speed Tony…hope to catch him again.

If you liked what you just read you may like:

• Mountaineering | San Jacinto
• Nirvana | Bass Pro Shops
• The Happiest Place On Earth

The dreaded Disneyland trip is over, and it was a huge success. Not only did my kids have a great time but Tami and I had an awesome time. I would totally do it again. Check out the evidence.

If you liked what you just read you may like:

• A Walk Through The Valley of The Shadow of Death
• Spiritual Standards
• Mountaineering | San Jacinto

Tomorrow I will literally walk through the valley of the shadow of death AKA…Disneyland.

At best I can’t stand the thought of going to an amusement park. I think I would rather be at the dentist all day…at least I can sit down.

First is the cost of it. Getting my family of four through the gates sends a shiver down my spine when I think of all the other things I could do with that money. e.g. Feed the entire nation of Uganda for a year.

Secondly I have to go near Los Angeles. Which I don’t mind doing…between two and three AM. Other than that rush hour runs from 4 AM and goes until 1AM the next day.

Thirdly and worst of all; I’m going through step one and two so that I can literally WAIT IN LINE ALL DAY! I think hell will probably be just a long line…visit the DMV for an example.

That said. I love the challenge of the spiritual discipline that will be required of me to make it a good time for my kids. Which isn’t too hard in and of itself. It’s almost like fasting. All day I will be constantly reminded that I need God’s Spirit to fill me and guide me. It’s kind of like fasting from myself.

I will be required to die to myself all day. And that’s something I can get excited about.

Eight bucks for a Coke…not so much.

If you liked what you just read you may like:

• The Happiest Place On Earth
• Spiritual Standards
• Mountaineering | San Jacinto

This photo practically took it self. The wagon was talking to me the entire time we were working that day. At just the right time it showed me its good side.

Mission trips tend to be an exercise in listening for me. I’m not the guy who rolls up his sleeves and works until he bleeds, although I can put it down correct when I need to. I love to soak up the culture and the people and see what happens…and look for photo opps.

If you liked what you just read you may like:

• POV
• Mountaineering | San Jacinto
• 1000 Words | A Man And His Car