To hike or not to hike?
That has been the question many a day during our time on the Oregon Coast.
We decided to visit Cape Perpetua, so named by Captain Cook when he sighted it from his ship in 1778.
After mulling over our trail options at the Visitor Center, we decided on the St. Perpetua trail, described as
“difficult, but worth it”.
My question to my dear husband (whom I affectionately refer to as Nanook of the North during our adventures):
Should we bring our hiking poles? There is a significant elevation gain.
His answer: No, we’ll be fine.
This reply made perfect sense – as at that moment we were surrounded by an assortment of tourists who also came to see the beauty of this area, none of whom were carrying poles.
And so, off we went on our merry way.
Our initial meandering through lovely forest progressed to some significant climbing.
As I trudged along, my not-so-great memory flashed to reading of a hike described as having 11 switchbacks.
Could this be it?
Further along, huffing and puffing, I began to fantasize that I was using my poles as I climbed.
After about the 7th switchback, my thoughts weren’t quite so pleasant.
What the h**** are we doing?
All the while, we saw only one other couple on the trail.
When we finally got to the summit, we were astonished to find many people there, all looking fresh as daisies, gazing at the vista.
And then Nanook asked someone the big question of the day:
Can you drive up here???
We had a good laugh at the answer – and then lunched happily on a bench, taking in the splendor of (what we now know!) is the highest point on the Oregon coast.
And we were grateful that we had the opportunity to appreciate God’s amazing handiwork once again.
To me, this hike is analogous to our life journeys…
Can you think of an experience that has been difficult, but worth it?
One where you thought that your own fortitude wasn’t enough to get you through?
When life brings seemingly insurmountable hurdles, we need to remember that God’s hiking poles – Faith and Hope – are readily available for our use.
Free of charge.
When we think we are managing on our strength alone, God has a way of making us aware of His perpetual help.
And I’m so thankful for this reminder.
The trip back down wasn’t so bad, though for a fleeting moment we entertained the thought of hitching a ride.
Best of all was having more time to reflect on God’s Presence, everywhere, always.
I hope that you can feel Him walking with you today, wherever your journey takes you.
Having God by your side is always worth it.
Day by day, morning by morning, begin your walk with Him in the calm trust that God is at work in everything….It is your personal business, as a discipline of your heart, to learn to be peaceful and safe in God in every situation….Remember, friend, where your real living is going on. In your thinking, in your reacting, in your heart of hearts – here is where your walk with God begins and continues. So when you start to move into trusting Him, stay there. Don’t wander out again into worry and doubt! ~ Anne Ortlund
Love this! Enjoy the rest of your stay
Thank you, sweet friend!
Love this, Toni. You are my inspiration. Each day is like hiking up a steep hill as I struggle with an irregular heart beat & now, dizziness. Some days are harder than others & I just need to stop, breathe, enjoy the view & especially remember to ask God to give me strength to get to the summit so I can enjoy the view. Thank you so much for these sweet words & enjoy your family & Oregon.
Thank you so much, Salee! I hope you get stronger and feel better each day – with God’s help! xo
SO GOOD to hear from you girl💟
Wonderful sharing and writing.
(Ann O. was one of my mentors in the 80’s,)
Still pick up her book!!
Thinking about you all having a ball!!!
Hugs 🕊
As much as we are enjoying our time here, it will be wonderful to get back to SF and see our dear friends!!! xo
What a lovely reminder. Thank you for sharing your faith. Happy travels.
Thank you for reading, Lynn!
Hi Toni, I was recently thinking we never got our Santa Fe hike in this summer! Well, now there is the fall and the opportunity for a shared birthday hike! Have a wonderful time on the coast, sending many blessings, and look forward to seeing you soon.
Sounds like a great plan, Susan! I will look forward to that!
LOL…my message went to you anonymously!!…its Frannie…..xo!!!!
I thought it was you, Frannie! :)
I giggle as I read this! I think you know we are avid hikers, (well according to Larry) we are! Lord willing we will hike the Grand Canyon in Nov. and i wake in the middle of the night fearful I am not good enough to hike down, up and the next day hike down and up again!!!! PLUS…..we had to pay to hike their mountain! SO pretty locked in. Prayer is what it will take at this age!
You can do it, Alice! I’ll be praying…
And God will provide the extra strength! :)
Hi Toni, I love all your posts. Love the way you tie everything in with God and His word. So looking forward to seeing you. Love, Ingrid
Sent from my iPad
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Thank you so much, Ingrid! And I am very excited to spend some time with you, too! Love you xo
Well…….FINALLY getting around to reading this wonderful post, Toni! I thank you for your PERPETUAL reminders of our God’s great undergirding and His unfailing strength – we can do all things through Him who strengthens us…….
Sooo looking forward to seeing your glowing face again….!!
Likewise, Betty!!! It’s been too long……
Thank you, Toni. I plan to hike on the CA coast this week-end and your image offers a lovely picture of the poles to carry with the younger crowd I will hike with! Love finding God in the ordinary days of life!
I’m glad you enjoy being aware of God’s Presence in the everyday things as much as I do! Enjoy your California hiking!