Sometimes back home we get these punks who come in from places like Vail, Colorado or Portland, Oregon and tell us that the Appalachian Mountains aren't real mountains on account of their height. If that be the case then I suggest that any man under 6' tall isn't a real man.
It's often difficult to distinguish between mountains and hills, though, isn't it? The subjectivity is astounding. I've always believed that if I can run up the side of an incline without taking a breather, then it's a hill; that no person can literally run up a mountainside in one quick burst. I guess that doesn't do much to settle the subjectivity of the matter since your aerobic capacity may vary considerably. For instance, I consider pulling myself out of these tiny British cars to be exercise (I'm 6'2'' and am, therefore, a real man).
Well, to conclude our stay with Paul and Kathy Bridson they took us to a region of Central Scotland called the Trossachs. We hiked up what I consider to be a small mountain because I was certainly out of breath when we reached the top. The views, however, were extraordinary! What an incredible way to see Central Scotland, and I mean we literally could see ALL of Central Scotland, as far as the Forth Bridge! Here are some of the views.
Above is a look out over Stirling (Braveheart anyone?). Stirling Castle sits atop that hill in the middle of the picture.
Those of you who hiked around Loch Lomond with us last summer will be interested in the above pic as that is Ben Lomond peeking above the horizon in the distance.
This is Paul and Kathy Bridson with their grandson Rory. What a generous family. They were so hospitable, and I'm glad they were our first host family in Scotland; made us feel right at home.
This week we are staying with James and Jenny McGimpsey -- the couple that led the N. Ireland trip. We've enjoyed building a friendship with them. Last night we bonded over an indulgence of Belgian Chocolate and "Downton Abbey." Great fun! Tonight the girls will join a baby shower for Abby Brown while the guys join the youth at an event in Edinburgh called Powerpoint. Should be a good evening.
For those of you wondering, we are, in fact, getting quite a bit of work done here in the U.K. I'm keeping up with school prep. for August and spend much of my free time reading ancient history. There are plenty of ministry opportunities, as well. We got to hang out with some teenage students during their lunch hour at school the past couple of weeks. I can't post pictures due to protection regulations, but know that it is a great opportunity to minister to these guys (yes, all guys). Sarah and I are also enjoying the Link small groups. Prayer group meets on Tuesday nights and house groups meet on Wednesdays. Great time of intercession and fellowship.
That's all for now. Hope all is well with you, wherever you may be -- except for those of you in Vail or Portland: You need to sit down and do some serious thinkin'.
It's often difficult to distinguish between mountains and hills, though, isn't it? The subjectivity is astounding. I've always believed that if I can run up the side of an incline without taking a breather, then it's a hill; that no person can literally run up a mountainside in one quick burst. I guess that doesn't do much to settle the subjectivity of the matter since your aerobic capacity may vary considerably. For instance, I consider pulling myself out of these tiny British cars to be exercise (I'm 6'2'' and am, therefore, a real man).
Well, to conclude our stay with Paul and Kathy Bridson they took us to a region of Central Scotland called the Trossachs. We hiked up what I consider to be a small mountain because I was certainly out of breath when we reached the top. The views, however, were extraordinary! What an incredible way to see Central Scotland, and I mean we literally could see ALL of Central Scotland, as far as the Forth Bridge! Here are some of the views.
This week we are staying with James and Jenny McGimpsey -- the couple that led the N. Ireland trip. We've enjoyed building a friendship with them. Last night we bonded over an indulgence of Belgian Chocolate and "Downton Abbey." Great fun! Tonight the girls will join a baby shower for Abby Brown while the guys join the youth at an event in Edinburgh called Powerpoint. Should be a good evening.
For those of you wondering, we are, in fact, getting quite a bit of work done here in the U.K. I'm keeping up with school prep. for August and spend much of my free time reading ancient history. There are plenty of ministry opportunities, as well. We got to hang out with some teenage students during their lunch hour at school the past couple of weeks. I can't post pictures due to protection regulations, but know that it is a great opportunity to minister to these guys (yes, all guys). Sarah and I are also enjoying the Link small groups. Prayer group meets on Tuesday nights and house groups meet on Wednesdays. Great time of intercession and fellowship.
That's all for now. Hope all is well with you, wherever you may be -- except for those of you in Vail or Portland: You need to sit down and do some serious thinkin'.
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