July 31, 2012 – Overlook to Florence Lake

Title: July 31, 2012 – Overlook to Florence Lake

Trail head: Overlook

Hike Info:

Trail: John Muir Ranch

Destination: Florence lake

Distance: 2.3

Travel Time: 0:33

Moving Time: 0:31

Elevation Rise: 157'

Maximum Elevation: 7,465'

Description:
My morning meditation: Can a Christian ever be alone in this world? For two plus days, we did not see any human besides ourselves and there was hardly a trace of anyone either, except for an occasional duck or if we were fortunate, a little path for a 100 yards. Saw a broken stem of a flower and a couple of foot prints. But you, O Lord, were with us as we wandered. You left signs for us in the beauty we saw. We felt caring in that when we might despair, you should show us the way. Thank you.



Last night read the first chapters of Ephesians. How that makes the heart soar. This morning woke up thinking how hiking is like life. In the cities, we clean up to go to the theater or art museum, which imitates life. But hiking for several days , it is hard work. You sweat, get dirty, strain your muscles. But you see the sights of heaven. Even these are imitations of that which is above. Same way with our walk. We go to church. But it is our life outside of church which is where the real herorics happen. How we live out our lives with others, helping our neighbor on their way to heaven.



Got up around 6. This is a slow day. Just need to make it to the dock by 9—about a mile or a mile and ahlaf. Or we can hike around the lake. Right now, nobody feels strongly about doing the later hike. So down we go. Sherri is leading the way. The trail gets a bit confusing and so we go off on ways unexpected, but still fun. We make it down in plenty of time.



An enjoyable ride across the lake. This is the driver's first time taking the boat, so he is getting directions from his boss—the owner. The lake is low, so the submerged rocks do provide some real challenge to navigation. But we make it cross safe. We get a few drinks from the store and pay the boat fee. And then it is time to make it back to Fresno and the Red Robin hamburger awaiting us.