Mountain Hikes

Well, I must be on a travel binge right now!  All that talk yesterday, about traveling through the Word of God to find special locations that bring peace and victory, got me to dreaming about one of my favorite hikes.  You guessed it!  It’s in Plumas County California, and it is the centerpiece of Plumas Eureka State Park.  The 3 mile trail is called the Eureka Peak Loop Trail.  It is rated by the U.S. Forest Service as “Difficult.”  They say that it normally takes about 3 hours to complete, although I don’t think that we have ever completed it in less than four or more.  It’s probably because of all the spell-bounding views that the effort offers to the intrepid hiker!  At the very top of the peak there is a 360 degree view taking in almost every major peak in the county.  I always enjoy gazing through my binoculars trying to count how many Fire Observation Towers I can see sitting like beacons on the tops of the various peaks in the distance.

Looking off toward the north east you can spot the little town of Portola, which is the gateway to the Feather River Railroad Line.  The quant, old fashioned town which is nearly a mile high in elevation is flanked by mountains and is the Union Pacific crew change point.  It is a common event to see a train or two snaking their way around, through and over the lower peaks that are visible from the top of Eureka Peak.  I’m not sure how far the eye can see from the top, but I am pretty sure that you can see into the neighboring state of Nevada.  Without over exaggerating the point, I have to say that the view from the summit has to be one of the most breath-taking scenes that I have ever set my eyes upon.  It makes the strain of the steep trail up the mountain worth every bit of the effort!

And you know… It is the same kind of reward that one receives when they make the effort to climb through the heights of God’s Word!  A study-hike in God’s Word gives the student a mountain top view of the situations in their lives.  It gives you God’s line of sight on the questions that you have, or on the situation that you are facing.  When you get up to His higher elevation, the problem just doesn’t look as big as it did down at ground level.  It also gives you the chance to see more of the big picture, and it can help you in making better, more informed and successful decisions.

So… dig out those hiking boots (Gee here it is almost December and I just happen to have on my hiking shorts and boots! - - - Ah… life in California!), grab your hat, backpack, water container and your Bible and begin the journey up the hill, through the gorgeous Alpine meadows, up the steep, rocky hillside trail and forge on up to the top of the peak where you’ll find yourself alone with the Creator of the beautiful mountains.  There you will be surrounded by peace, rest and the spectacular views that are only available from God’s Word.  Then you’ll be as “the dwellers of the rock (who) sing, (and) shout from the mountaintops!”  (Isaiah 42:11 – Modern King James Version).  Stay tuned and keep asking yourself… “What Mountain Tops am I expecting To Climb today?”