This is another photo taken during our hike on Root Glacier. I thought the name “Root” might be somehow related to the nearby copper mines. However, it was actually named for Elihu Root who was the Secretary of War at the time and later the Secretary of State. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for many achievements during his time in office.
I would guess that more people know of Root Glacier than about Elihu Root. It is said that we are remembered more for who we are than what we do.
I have been taking a break from running recently due to a health issue. Last Saturday morning, my wife and I went hiking at Sweet Arrow Reserve which is very close to our home. We were greeted with this beautiful sunrise.
Finding God’s blessings- it’s not hard!
Your way, O God, is holy. What god is as great as our God? You are the God who works wonders. Psalm 77:13-14
This was our last hike in Alaska, other than walking along the waterfront in Anchorage. The end of a trip is usually a bittersweet experience. Part of me is looking forward to returning home, part of me is sad the trip is nearly over.
Life has many bittersweet moments. Sometimes we label them mixed blessings. The truth is that these moments are surely blessings.
By awesome deeds you answer us with deliverance, O God of our salvation; you are the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas. By your strength you established the mountains; you are girded with might. Psalms 65:5-6
When we were up in Alaska last summer, I ran an ultramarathon near Fairbanks. There was a large fire burning and the race organizers had to alter the course to avoid the fire. This photo shows the fire from a distance. Though it involved thousands of acres, it was not considered a major threat and was mostly being allowed to burn unchecked. There was a nearby resort that was being protected by fire fighters. The resort was where the ultra was supposed to finish.
Random events don’t seem very random when we are directly involved or affected. It is easy to see ourselves as the center of the world and think mainly of how an event affects us personally. Very important to step back and remember that God is at the center (of everything).
This is a view of Kennicott, which is an old copper mining town. The biggest building is the mill which is actually several connected buildings going up the side of the hill. The mill was built between 1909 and 1923. These buildings were constructed to take advantage of gravity in the milling process. As you can see, some of the buildings have been renovated and others are literally falling down.
Sometimes I wonder if that is how God sees us.
The flight from Chitina to McCarthy was about 30 minutes long and was filled with one amazing view after another.
Glorious are you, more majestic than the everlasting mountains. Psalms 76:4
Signs Along the Way 