the Roan Highlands

Hello to all!

It has been a few weeks and life seems to be moving faster than ever. Last weekend myself and four other guys (Chris, Jared, Dan, and Micah) went on an all dude RA backpacking trip to the Roan Highlands...a beautiful region where the Appalachian Trail travels from Carver's Gap, TN into the city of Roan Mountain, NC. This is a portion of the AT I have hiked 4 times now and it never gets old. But this time in particular was simply spectacular; the most beautiful weather I've ever had here. 

And it really is a blessing to have had such good weather for all three days out there. Last year for this same RA trip we didn't have a lick of good weather...just thick fog and intense wind. The year before we had just one good day of weather. So this year, not only was I thrilled for the sunshine, but I had forgotten how beautiful this hike is and how glorious the sun shines on the golden balds in autumn. 

We drove the 4 hours from Chattanooga to Carver's Gap Friday evening getting in around 10 pm to set up our tents and call it a night. It was pretty chilly, but crystal clear throughout the sky. The stars were stunning. It's been a long time since I've seen such a bright sky. We got a decent rest and woke up to a cold and crisp morning. But once the sun came out, the day weather became really enjoyable. We got on the trail around 10 AM because we really didn't have that long to go. Once we got started it was immediate excitement for all of us as we hiked up to 5800' and beautiful views from Round Bald and Jane Bald. I was continually stopping to take in all the views around us. 

We took a break to do devotions on top of a rocky portion of Jane Bald. We read through Isaiah 40, and certain verses really stuck out in the midst of such raw beauty.

⁴ Every valley shall be raised up, 

every mountain and hill made low; 

the rough ground shall become level, 

   the rugged places a plain. 

⁵ And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, 

   and all people will see it together. 

 For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

²¹ Do you not know? Have you not heard?

Has it not been told you from the beginning?

   Have you not understood since the earth was founded?

²² He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth,

   and its people are like grasshoppers.

He stretches out the heavens like a canopy,

   and spreads them out like a tent to live in.

²³ He brings princes to naught

   and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.

²⁴ No sooner are they planted,

   no sooner are they sown,

   no sooner do they take root in the ground,

than he blows on them and they wither,

   and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff.

 ²⁵ “To whom will you compare me?

   Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One.

²⁶ Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens:

   Who created all these?

He who brings out the starry host one by one

   and calls forth each of them by name.

Because of his great power and mighty strength,

   not one of them is missing.
²⁸ Do you not know? Have you not heard?

The LORD is the everlasting God,

   the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary,

   and his understanding no one can fathom.

²⁹ He gives strength to the weary

   and increases the power of the weak.

³⁰ Even youths grow tired and weary,

   and young men stumble and fall;

³¹ but those who hope in the LORD

   will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

   they will run and not grow weary,

   they will walk and not be faint.

So much of this passage just cries out to the majesty and wonder of the Creator God and reading this amidst the wonder and vastness around us made this so real to me. Creation is so beautiful and huge, but it is NOTHING compared to the hugeness and greatness of God.

The rest of our hike took us down to the Overmountain Shelter, or the "Barn", where we stayed the night. We got in fairly early so we had time for some individual solitude, gathering of firewood and preparation of the "sweat lodge". A sweat lodge is a homemade sauna/steambath. You simply heat up a few rocks in a campfire, then place them in an open space, sitting around them in a circle and placing a tarp over the circle. When you pour water over the rocks it creates a steam that gets trapped in the tarp and cleans out your pores. It's an old backpacker trick for taking a shower and cleansing the body. And did it feel great after a day on the trail! 

We had a good evening with a great dinner cooked over the fire. And I slept great that night. There is something really special about a campfire...it collects comradery and demands vulnerability from those around it. There's a real comfort that speaks through the flames and enhances conversation as chunks of wood become burning coals.

The next day was rough. We had only hiked 5 1/2 miles the day before so it was a big jump to push 12 miles with 2000' of elevation change multiple times. We hiked straight up for a mile which gave us terrific views of the "Barn" as we looked back into the valley. After about another mile we had reached the peak of Little Hump Mtn. A beautiful grassy bald which allows complete 360 views around you. Simply stunning vistas in the crisp mountain air. In the deep distance was Grandfather Mountain, a famous North Carolina mountain. It's jagged crest looked like a puzzle piece against the ripe blue sky. 

The wind was too intense to hang out for long at the top so we quickly descended and came into another valley at the base of Big Hump Mountain which we began ascending almost as soon as we had stopped descending Little Hump. This is quite a climb. About a mile of straight upward trail. But certainly a beautiful sight. I really love letting others go way in front of me so that I can see them trek ahead of me looking like tiny ants heading up the trail. That's the cool thing about the Roan Highlands is that the higher altitudes are complete grassy plains and balds which gives you full sight of the trail ahead and behind and complete views around you. There are very few places that allow you to see where you are going and where you have come from, even 10 miles away.

We peaked Big Hump, did some devotions, and ate lunch. Met a through hiker who has been out since mid May. On our way back we kept running into him at different rest areas and had interspersed conversations. I always find it a real privilege to meet a through hiker on the trail. There is so much experience in that one human being, yet there is so much peace and chill excitement in their eyes and voice. Each step they take is another cool piece of the journey, but they don't make it anything bigger than it really is...after being on the trail for 6 months there's a certain composure that is evident. Yet, in the Roan Highlands there never ceases to be a "Whoa!" among through hikers. Because the beauty there is so unlike anything you will ever see in the South or in the entire East for that matter. 

So we hiked back down Big Hump, up Little Hump, down Little Hump and then all the way back from where we had come the day before...a lot of uphill. But the beauty made it bearable. We finally got back to the car around 4 pm and that was that. Another great trip...and a much needed outdoor adventure. My first backpacking trip of the fall, long overdue, but the addition of my kayak has kept me from the backpack recently. And honestly, that's not too bad a trade.

So here's a short video of our hike:

A map of this portion of the trail:

View Male RA Backpacking Trip in a larger map

And go to this link for more pics:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2026852&id=146900198

Well...that's all I have for now. My next planned travel is to Washington state for Thanksgiving break to visit my Grandparents. I cannot wait to get out there.

But until then I will say farewell, 

-b garrison

the Charleston Trip

So I really had a successful trip to Charleston and the surrounding area. While I was only there for a couple of days I was still able to do so much. the drive down was really pleasant as I drove some back roads through South Carolina to get down there...and I always love driving backgrounds. Like I said previously, I spent Sunday afternoon around downtown, just checking things out. It was a very old city, with much history going back to pre-American Revolution. Many of the houses in the city were early 18th century homes.

I spent a few hours around the College of Charleston campus. Working in higher education at the college level I really enjoy seeing other college campus' and getting a feel for college life. And it really was a pretty cool vibe, just being in the middle a downtown such as Charleston gave it a special feel. I was able to spend both nights with my friend Chris who now attends Charleston Southern after spending 4 years in the Marine Corps all over the world. That was really a blessing getting to reunite with him and spend some time with him if only for a short while.

Monday was jam packed. I drove out to Sullivan's Island early in the morning to check out Fort Moultrie,  a very historic place where African slaves were brought in from 1700-1775, America won its first full battle in the Revolutionary War, and the first submarine to sink an enemy warship occurred. Pretty cool. Then I took some time to sit on the beach and read through some of Ecclesiastes and the book of James, did some journaling...definitely a good start to the day.

From there it was off to Shem Creek, where I had heard of good, quiet kayaking, immersed in wildlife. I put in and took off around 10:30 and was able to paddle around for 4 miles. The area really was beautiful, and very quiet. There were tons of birds and big fish and fortunately no alligators.

After Shem Creek I drove out to Isle of Palms and just took a nap out on the sand. Read a bit. Just relaxed. It was such perfect weather and a fairly nice beach, not as beautiful as Sullivan's Island, a more untouched natural beach. From there I put in my kayak again, this time in the Intercoastal from the point of the Isle of Palms. It was a private boat ramp, but it was really the only one that I could find so I just went for it.

I got out on the water around 5 pm and went with the current to a small little tributary that led me through the tall grasses toward a little island. The path was very narrow at points, but so peaceful and calm. With the light breeze blowing through the grass and the sunset creating a golden reflection in the water I just had to sit and soak it all in for a while. It felt really good to be out there all alone, knowing you're the only human alive, just a spectator of nature doing its thing...whether or not I was there, creation would run its course of beauty. It doesn't do it for me, but because God has established it so. And in that time it became so clear to me that creation was crying out the spectacular glory of God. There is no other reason for such awe inspiring beauty, than to point to the Creator and Sustainer of all things.

Beauty is funny like that. In something so simple, some water and some muddy, grassy reeds, there is beauty. Sure it is physically appealing and visually stimulating...it really is. But when we still our minds and see the complexity of creation, that every small ripple of water is fulfilling its purpose, that every blade of grass is moving to its Master's commands...that there is NOTHING, no bird, or fish, or blade of grass, or butterfly, or clump of mud, or body of water that is not under the mighty control of our sovereign Lord; then we see the real beauty of this complex world. And we were created to be drawn toward the One who holds all things firmly in his hand. It is not the beauty but the Author of the beauty we must be in awe of...awe that brings us to worship.

I was struck by this all evening as I was continually stunned by the beauty around me. I was able to just sit in the middle of the Intercoastal and watch the sun set behind islands in distance. The sun's red glow gave the water a stunning color and the sky was immaculate in it's red to blue color spectrum. I will not soon forget that moment. I felt so special to be a part of that, but yet so small in this world.

From there I strapped the kayak back on and drove south to Folly Beach, which is southeast of Charleston. I sat out on the boardwalk and cook up some chili on my stove while I watched the Rangers vs Yankees playoff game on my laptop (using internet from the nearby Holiday Inn). But afterward I had a great conversation with God. I just talked to Him. What struck me was the waves. There were so many and they were so constant in flowing to shore. And again I was reminded of the sovereignty of God. That if He has a plan and a purpose for each wave that comes to shore how could He forget me?

The waves may not know where God is leading them, but they eventually reach their destination and thus have their purpose. And in the midst of all my struggles and discontentment about now and anxiety about the future I finally felt a peace seeing those waves gently pushing up to shore. God was teaching me then and there that He has MUCH for me. Though I may not know what it looks like I MUST trust Him. And the awe and wonder of His majesty brought me to a place of worship deep within my soul. The God who controls the waves of the ocean is my Father.

Blessings.
-b garrison











View Charleston, SC in a larger map
The top map follows where I drove to Charleston and around the area. The below map is a detailed view of where I kayaked.

View Charleston Kayaking in a larger map

Charleston

So, I am writing from Charleston, SC. Yeah...this was complete spontaneity. I have been wanting to come here for a long time and when my initial plans for Fall Break fell through I decided yesterday to throw my kayak on my car, pack some camping supplies and some food and drive on over. It's pretty sweet here. I enjoyed my afternoon around downtown. I just found out the my friend Chris is in town as well (when I previously thought he would be on vacation) so we might hit the town tonight.

This is what it comes down to...there is no plan. And I have actually worked hard to keep it that way. Sometimes you need to just go, and see where the experience leads you. I believe that can be the most exciting and rewarding way to travel at times. Now, I'm prepared for anything, camping, sleeping in the car, I've got food and water, maps if I need them. But the goal for me, in this trip, is to go without an agenda...well, besides enjoying the beauty of this city and its natural environment. Just go and see what happens. Be flexible, be loose.

Tomorrow I am planning on taking the kayak out...not exactly sure where, but at least I know of a general location. The Sullivan Island area, which I've heard is beautiful, will most likely be the destination. I was planning on just kayaking around the Intercoastal in between the islands and mainland around the marshes, but I providentially ran into a lady around the Battery this afternoon who started talking to me.

It turns out that she grew up here but lived for 30 years in Mentone, Alabama, just behind Lookout Mountain. We talked about that for a bit and I came to speak of my kayaking hopes and she told some crucial facts about the tides and the current; certain areas not to go, etc. She said it can become very dangerous if you go in the wrong areas. The Lord was definitely looking out for me! She told me about this area called Shem Creek on the way out to Sullivan's Island. I looked it up and it seems pretty sweet. Apparently there are dolphins are over this area. So it looks like I will kayak some, then maybe hit the beach at Sullivan's and then maybe do some more kayaking. We shall see.

And I just heard from my friend Chris and he wants me to stay at his place tonight so...free lodging! without having to sleep in the car! God is good!

I can explain some more depth to my trip later. But for now, I'm gonna save my computer battery.

So long.
-b garrison

Updates to my blog...

hello everyone!

I just wanted to share my updated blog with you all. I really wish I had things set up like this when I was Down Under for the summer because it would have been a much better way to share the summer with you all, but...oh well.

PAGES: I've added a few new pages...underneath the slideshow you can check them out. The first page is an explanation of what this blog is about with my new promo video. The second is a list of upcoming travels I am preparing/planning for; this includes dates and maps. Third is a page filled with some of my videos from recent travels. I'm hoping to rotate some in and out for you...there should also be links to my YouTube channel there. Finally I have added a music page with a continually updating playlist of some of my favorite music streaming live from my podcast.

I appreciate any feedback I can get on what you think. Do you have any suggestions for new pages? etc.

SIDEBAR: To the right of the blog entries are a lot of new "accessories". There is a search bar powered by Ligit, which enables for you to search for any topic within my blog and a list will pop up for you. There is a featured song of the week from Podbean underneath that. Below my profile there is a list of links for you to check out if you're interested. And down toward the bottom of the sidebar is a way for you to help Invisible Children. Just by visiting my blog you can help raise funds for Invisible Children, sponsored by SocialVibe.

So I hope you enjoy the updates. I am hoping to make this a more regular blog than it has been, but than again I feel as if I may have said that in the past. So don't hold me to that...

Alright. God bless,

-b garrison

quick Florida trip

Well, hello everyone...it has been a little while since I've last had a post. Not that life has been dull or uneventful by any means; I've just been in one place most of the time.

We had the annual RA retreat in northern Alabama previous to the school year and the freshmen arrival. I've been to Atlanta a couple of times for different reasons. But nothing out of the ordinary. Except for my car hitting mile 55,555 on a trip to Atlanta. I got to see my friend Pedro perform at a show and me and my brother hit up the Varsity.

Last weekend I bought a kayak, not really planned. But awesome! This Wednesday I was able to take it out for a bit and it ended up being the perfect day out on the water.  I took it out to Booker T. Washington State Park on the Tennessee River and it really was a blast...so peaceful and so relaxing.

But this weekend I took an impromptu flight down to Fort Myers to surprise my mom, along with surprising my good friend Jason (Debo) and getting to spend some quality time with other friends (Pedro, Michael) and my parents. It really was a great trip! And a much needed vacation. God truly blessed the short time that I've had here (Saturday morning from 10 to Monday morning at 9). I had some really great time with people...truly blessed to have this opportunity. It's funny how God does that. I am so thankful for Him making every minute special. 

Right now I'm in the Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach waiting for my flight to board. It was a beautiful day today...really gorgeous. It's started to get into the high 40s back on the mountain so it was nice to be down here and feel the warm sun on my skin and the 70 degree evenings underneath the majestic sunset. I hung out at the beach here for a little while which was great...I really miss the beach, and the beach is beautiful here. 

Well, now I'm heading back to the mountain and to Covenant. I'm praying that my time down here will have been not only restful and replenishing, but a time to really process and brainstorm through some things for work. That's all I got for now...

Blessings,

-b garrison

where it all began...

So now I am back where the adventure began, Lookout Mountain, GA in my apartment at Covenant College. I can remember leaving this apartment at the beginning of June, on my way to Michigan. I returned the second week of July from California for one night. And now after being in Florida for 15 days I am finally back. And this place does feel like home to me...even more after this summer, now that I'm back from everywhere.

I'm not sure if I mentioned this before, but Scott and I had a really good time in LA for the few days we were there. Joel went to Chicago to visit his sister and Scott and I stayed in Hollywood as I mentioned before in a post. But while there we managed to see downtown, the USC campus, Pasadena, Hollywood Boulevard (Walk of Fame), Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica Beach and pier...Some of our highlights included going to a Dodgers vs Cubs game, playing beach volleyball against a Swiss couple at the beach, seeing what might have been David Beckham's $500,000 car in Beverly Hills, and getting onto the TV show NCIS LA. Yes, Scott and I pretended to be background extras and we walked right into the middle of a shoot. The director placed us and told us what to do, and as the chase scene went down I was right there in the middle of the shot...and Chris O'Donnell stepped on my foot. It was a pretty sweet experience to be a part of a live shoot in the middle of Hollywood. And we certainly weren't allowed to be there at all...everyone else was getting paid $200 for the day. And after about five different shots the director told us all to go to the holding area, so we just followed the crowd. Eventually we broke off and decided to leave, but it was a SWEET experience for sure!

My time in Florida was really good. I was able to do a good amount of things like I said before. I have posted some pictures and a video from the beach at Captiva Island. It was a pretty day...just extremely hot, around 100 degrees. But the water was beautiful and cool and we were able to see dolphins and throw the football around and such.
Two Dolphins (video) 

Unfortunately since I maxed out of pictures Down Under I had no room left in California and the only time I took pics in Florida was at Captiva. But I'll also attach some pictures from my friends Pedro and Jessica's wedding. It was such a great time! 

On Thursday night I left home to go to Pedro's show (he is the drummer for KJ 52) in Lake Placid which is right in the middle of nowhere just north of Lake Okachobee in Florida...straight up Florida wilderness. The show didn't start until 10 pm so it was dark as I was driving this small little road which was very straight and very flat for miles. I was driving about 75 mph at the time when I suddenly saw a shadow in the middle of the road and swerved to get out of the way. My first thought was that it was a deer...but as I passed it, my lights shone straight into his eyes and he tried to take a bite out of my tire. It was, of course, an alligator...a very large one at that, probably around 10 foot. And that thing really freaked me out...anytime you almost hit something in the middle of the road it frightens you, but when you almost nail an alligator crossing the road it gets to you a bit. Or at least it did to me. It was pretty crazy...and I would have turned around and gone back if I wasn't in a hurry. So anyways that is my story.

All in all I totaled my trip up at just over 29,000 total miles traveled this summer all over the world. It was really a great time and I would love to talk to you about it in person or over the phone. I can verbally explain so much more than through cyber space. I will share a map with you too that has the total route of flights and most of the driving that we did. I hope to make in depth maps in certain areas that we traveled around in to show more depth to the maps. For example, our time in Sydney and the actual places we walked and the areas we saw through our pictures and videos which I can place at the actual locations.
Map of Summer 2010
Map of Summer 2010 (USA)

Well, I'm back in work mode now so I need to catch some sleep. Until next time...

God Bless you all,
-b garrison