“Day Hike at Mt. Morrow”
This past Sunday, a group of LivingEd students, along with some young adults from the local congregation, visited “Mount Morrow State Park” for a relaxing day hike. We brought packed lunches, water, and even sweatshirts to guard against the cool autumn weather.
When we arrived, we hopped out of the vehicles, taking in the fall colors and excitement building for the hike ahead. The sky above was a crisp blue while the sun streamed between the leaves of hundreds of towering trees surrounding us. A slight chill hung in the air, and all we could hear was the bustle of voices from the parking lot.
Once ready for our trek, we split into three smaller groups. Each group followed a few minutes behind the others to avoid crowding. For roughly three miles, we hiked upward and through an otherworldly tree canopy that hovered gently like a silk blanket over our heads. Crisped brown leaves sprinkled to and fro, while rocks and pebbles lined our path. Some students chatted with friends, while others took in the sounds of nature.
The ground beneath us stretched steeper and steeper toward our destination. We advanced, digging our heels into the dirt, pressed each knee forward, and welcomed the final push to the top of the mountain.
Soon, we arrived at the outlook at the top of “Morrow Mountain”. The three groups arrived and gathered at the viewing deck. There, some enjoyed an ice cream while others grabbed hot chocolate or apple cider to warm themselves in the autumn wind. Together, we sat at picnic benches, munched our lunches, and shared stories of valor from the hike. The panorama stretching before us filled our sight, revealing mountain after gorgeous mountain in the distance, and reminded us of the incredulity of God’s creation.
All too quickly, it was time to head back down the slope. We gathered for a group picture, collected our belongings, and the first group headed down the mountain.
The return journey proved mostly smooth-sailing. By then, many of us were warm from the exercise and enjoying the opportunity to take in the beauty, breeze, and atmosphere. Others found giant tree branches and adopted them as hiking poles, and it soon became a challenge to see who could find the tallest.
By the end, all were brimming with smiles. The skies were still their happy hue when we returned, only now we had fond memories to take home with us. The LivingEd students and young adults had a lovely, refreshing time, and we were grateful for the chance to spend such wonderful time together, under the canopy of the handiwork of our awesome Creator, God.
