backpacking

i just got back home from a 2 night [20 miles] backpacking adventure!! ive done hiking & camping, but never did it together - now i want to do it again! it was a great time, and an enjoyable way to spend my days off [and and extra day, too!]. my tan has definitely taken a turn for the best & my back is now a nice shade of red from all the snorkeling; amazing fish here in hawaii! there was 10 of us the 1st day, but 5 had to head back early b/c of work, so the 5 of us that remained hiked to 3 camps along the coast, enjoyed the sun & water, cooked together, and relaxed.

hiking over frozen lava does serve for an interesting hike . . .

so im writting this new program for my tours, and its all about native plants, but what im getting at in the talk is for people to experience what it must have been like to arrive to a new land [hawaii] and have all these new plants - not knowing what they are. so the talk will go on to expalin the plants, BUT what got me thinking was about what it must have been like for those 1st hawaiians [and native americans, for that matter] just arriving to a new land. they have no home to go to. they have not water faucet to turn on. they have not electricity. they have not shower or toilet paper. there is no refiderator to throw their food into.

hummm.

here i am in the same location that the tahitians & marquesan may have arrived on 1200 years ago. i have a sophisticated pack with all the food i'll need for days ahead. i have a water filter & portable stove. i have suntan lotion & good shoes. I also know when i'll be home so that i can use the shower, soap & shampoo. WOW. it really makes me think what, as a people, we have become.

well, it just made me think for a bit - i was able to thoroughly enjoy the days out in the backcountry exploring & seeing God's amazing creation. definitely points to a creator.