JANUARY 2003
In This Issue
From The Editor________________Page 2
Friends Along The Trail__________Page 3
Trail Tales_____________________Page 4
Encouraging Gods Children______Page 5
Newsletters__________________Archives
Home Page_________________Trailheads
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....From The Editor |  |
Web site: www.hikingthetrailoftruth.com
E-mail: (Please note this is a new E-mail address) mstaylor@sonic.net
New Trail Office address: HTTOT c/o Mark Taylor, PO Box 492 Windsor, CA. 95492-0492
24 hour telephone: 707-477-2460
Hello, Happy New Year!, and welcome to the January 2003 issue (US mail and Web version) of the Hiking the Trail of Truth Newsletter! This newsletter is just one of many enlightening features currently available on the new HTTOT Website. If you do not have the availability to access the Website within your home, I hope that you will go to your local library and visit us there via Internet. It will be well worth the trip and the time that you spend with us! I look forward to hearing from you regarding the new Website...
Trail Tales, a new Website feature, was first released in the December 2002 Web version of the Hiking the Trail of Truth Newsletter, and is available at the Newsletter Trailhead and within the Newsletter Archives on the Website. The current story in this special Newsletter feature is entitled, "A Winter's Tale". It is an ongoing story for folks from ages 1 to 101, and features a new (continuing) episode each month. It is an enduring adventure tale, created for you to read and enjoy for yourself or to share with your children or grandchildren. Episode #2 of the story is included within this mailed issue of the Newsletter (Episode 1 was not mailed with your December newsletter, but you should be receiving a copy of it shortly). If you do not have access to the Internet at home or at your local library, at your request, I will continue to mail you the entire monthly Newsletters, beginning with this (January) issue. Please fill out the questionnaire below and mail it to me in the envelope provided as soon as possible... Thank you, so much!
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provided... ___ I have access to a computer and the Internet, and no longer wish to receive the monthly Newsletters by US mail. ___ I am unable to view the entire Website and wish to continue the US mail version of the monthly Newsletters. ___ At this time I wish to discontinue my free mail subscription to the Hiking the Trail of Truth series. My Name________________________________________________ My mailing address is___________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ My current E-mail address is_____________________________________________ --------------cut here----------------------------------------------mail in envelope provided-------------------- |
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There's been an exceeding amount of rain here in northern California this year. What a pleasure it has been to throw on the ol' poncho and hike out into the rain! I received a pair of hiker's rainpants for Christmas and that has given me even more incentive! I'm sure you know how much I love the rain and how significant it is in our understanding of God, our Creator. If you haven't hiked through the Website yet, I encourage you to hike the Lake Trail, Day Hike #1 (Raindrops), for some insight on rain. Rain seems always to bring certain inspirations into my heart...
I always think of Noah. Did you know that it never rained on the earth prior to the great flood of Noah's time? From the earth's creation, through the 1,656 years prior to the great flood of Noah's time, the earth was watered by a mist that came up from the earth and watered the whole face of the ground (Genesis 2:6). Our geysers of today, such as Old Faithful in Yellowstone Park and several others scattered around the US and around the world, are all that remain of the original watering system for the entire pre flood earth. Visiting one of these geysers is fortunate in that our eyes are able to behold something of the pre flood earth, a profound evidence of the historical truth of God's written Word. As I continue to consider Noah, I compare the rainstorms of today. The most violent storm that we have ever witnessed in our modern world cannot begin to compare with the global disaster of Noah's day. So, when I see the television news reporting flood damage here and there, and I see people piling up sandbags, boarding up windows and getting overly excited and fearful of a little wind and rain and flooding, it causes me to both laugh and be sad at the same time, and to shake my head in wonder... Haven't they read? Haven't they heard? Why do they so fear the forces of the earth? Don't they realize that if they have surrendered their lives to Him, God will care for them?
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth quakes and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake with their surging (Psalm 46:1-3). Unfortunately, most people are not aware that this violent, decaying world is coming to an end and it's time to prepare. You must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him (Luke 12:40). Let us continue our lives with these thoughts in mind. Let us make the best of our days in teaching others to respect and to believe in God and his promises.
The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night, in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and everything in it shall be burned up...Let us look forward to this day and speed its coming, looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of goodness (2nd Peter 3:10-13).
May God be with you until we meet again. Lord willing, we'll talk to you in next month's Newsletter. Should you have need of anything, just give me a call at the phone number listed at the top of this Letter from the Editor, or write me a letter in care of the listed PO box, or send me an E-mail c/o mstaylor@sonic.net. Don't forget to return the questionnaire to me... Please visit our Website if you can and hike the many inspiring, enlightening trails within. Take care...
In your service in His name, Mark S Taylor Hiking the Trail of Truth
COMING IN NEXT MONTH'S LETTER FROM THE EDITOR... "Your Search for..."
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| Friends Along The Trail |  |
We began this new series in June of 2002 and, thanks to positive subscriber responses, we've been able to continue it, thank the Lord, in subsequent issues. Within this particular series I have been reflecting on how certain friends, relatives and strangers have influenced me over the years of my own life and times. As Christians we are instructed to encourage one another daily. Lord knows that I have been encouraged many times over the years through the words, actions, and associations of others. It is indeed then time to honor them. I have honored some of them before, yet, honoring others is something we really can't overdo for those truly deserving of it. I sincerely hope that my reflections on these "special characters" of my lifetime will cause you yourself to consider the God given blessings that special characters have had on your own life.
At this particular time I would like to go back to what I call; The Days of High Adventure. From 1986 thru 1994 I worked and shared many adventures with an elite group of friends from the Arcadia Police Department, in California. Together we explored the rugged deserts of southern and central California. We scouted, hiked, and fished the wilderness of the high Sierra-Nevada mountain range. We camped among the rich desert blooms of Death Valley's arid floor. We thrice climbed the cragged, breathtaking trail to the top of the highest mountain in the continental United States; Mount Whitney, located near the remote and artistic town of Lone Pine.
During those glorious years of innocent adventure we came across ghost towns, deserted mines, covered wagon parts, bleached animal bones, cemeteries in the middle of nowhere, rattle snakes, tarantulas, coyotes, mountain lions, elk, rare eagles, hawks, and unspeakable scenic views of which the post card companies and travel magazines would consider rare finds. How fortunate we truly were, huh? The life and times we shared will never be forgotten. The "life" lessons we learned certainly reshaped our individual characters. The immeasurable value of our experiences allowed our spirits to soar like the eagle. The strong comradeship we maintained forced us to see more clearly into the purpose of our manhood and of mankind in general. We were on top of the world. Able, encouraged, motivated, curious, and effectively united in heart and spirit.
The first friend I would like to honor among this sacred group is Ken Petty. Ken was a reserve police officer who worked with me on many hair-raising occasions in the performance of southern California police work. Ken was and still is the type of person who showed a deep concern for his friends. He has always been willing to give the shirt off his back if necessary, and was always there to listen to anyone who was in trouble and needed, as we do so many times, a sounding board, a shoulder to lean on... someone to talk to when fear or worry entered our lives. Most people always have answers, but Ken always has ears. He would always do the listening. Many times we truly don't need others to talk to us and offer advice. We just need them to listen. This is Ken. A true friend. A rock (and he's a big, tough guy) of refuge. Of course, the Lord is our true rock of refuge, our hiding place, our pillar of strength when times are hard. Yet, this is a talent which He has given Ken. The ability to be a "local" rock and refuge in the storms of life. My hat is off to you, my friend. My heart will cherish the image of your face and the greatness of your character forever. Thank you for being a part of my life.
Another dear friend from this group is Ed Ostashay. High Sierra Ed, we called him and still do. He was my favorite bowling partner too. We sure had some good times on those old "scum-bag" bowling tournaments. Ed was a lieutenant then but he didn't mind spending time with us plain ol' officers. I respected him for the casual way he had about himself. Always made time to converse with you. Just before I left California for Ohio last year, in fact, just one day before I started on my journey I received a phone call from Ed. When he learned of my trip to Ohio he was quite saddened. He thanked me for all the good memories on the trail. He thanked me for producing the many video tapes of our adventures over the years. He thanked me for the Biblical tapes which he was watching more often now in his retirement. He thanked me for the Hiking the Trail of Truth Newsletters over the years and asked that I continue to send them his way. He said that he had family in Michigan and that he hoped to see me on a future trip back that way. (Thank God I am back in California for good now!) He said I was a good man and said it sincerely. Lord knows I wish I would have been a better Christian man in those days. I may have been able to make a better decision regarding staying a few more years with the PD and retiring. Thank you, Ed, for your encouragement. I think of you more than you know. Thanks too for that memorable hike the two of us shared to the top of Mt. Baden-Powell! (We may get to do Mt. Whitney together in August of 2003)
Thank you, Lord, for these renowned friends. Please protect them and continue to bless them in this life. Next month we'll ride once again with some Friends Along the Trail. Any subscribers or viewers who wish to speak about and to honor their friends, you're welcome to write in to Hiking the Trail of Truth, PO Box 492, Windsor, CA. 95492-0492. (E-mail: mstaylor@sonic.net)
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Trail Tales |  |
A WINTER'S TALE
Episode 2
Previous episodes of Trail Tales can be located in Newsletter Archives
Johnson shook the reins gently and the horse team started onward. "Sure, I can finish the story for you girls. Like I said, I stood there in the fog, unsure of just where that bear was. His growling sounded within twenty or thirty feet of me. It seemed like it was more behind me than in front of me, but like I said before, it's hard to tell about sound in the fog. I decided to just keep walking on ahead. I knew the cabin wasn't far. I then got the notion to start makin' some noise! Usually, if you make a lot of noise, a bear will run off. So, that's what I did... I started woopin' and hollerin' as loud as I could while increasing my strides towards the cabin. All of a sudden, there was the cabin door... I jerked it open in a hurry, stepped inside, and closed it just as quick. I no sooner got that oak bar in place when, Wham! That bear must have hit that door with all fours. There is no way he was going to get through it. I heard him sniff around a bit, then he wandered off. I remembered at the time one comin' through the door when I was in Colorado, no thanks to an old hunter named Chris Lapp. Bear Claw was the fella's nickname, but that's another story."
"You were lucky, Grandpa!" Hannah spoke, shaking her head in wonder. Riley was clinging tightly to her coat. "Did the bear ever come back?"
"He was gone by first light. Snow had covered his tracks and I wasn't sure where he wandered off to. Several bears are still around, but we're not sure if that particular bear is one of them. Nobody's been attacked... the bears have kept their distance. None of 'em are big, but the one that hit my door that night was a big one. I'm not sure where he went. It's been a couple years... It's hard telling."
Two men could be seen sitting on the front porch when Johnson's wagon and Windwalker's mount reached the crest of a rise where the cabin and ranch came into view on the ridge below. Johnson brought the wagon to a slow halt and looked over at Windwalker. "I know those men. We're a ways off, but I think the one on the left is ol' Railroad Ron. He was with the Union Pacific when I left Colorado. The other fellow looks like Ed Ostashay, a lawman from down southern California way." Johnson squinted his eyes in thought. "Can't figure out how those two got together, or why they would be here."
"You've got eyes like an eagle, Johnson. You figure it's trouble?" the Indian questioned. "I can kill 'em from here...and real easy." He put a hand on the butt of a Winchester rifle tied to his saddle rig.
"I don't think so," Johnson laughed. "I saved ol' Ron's life one time. Some Indian chief had captured him and tied him to a tree in Rattlesnake Canyon. He'd been bitten three times when I found him. He was one sorry lookin' individual. I put him across my saddle and rode into Flathead country, just above Wolftail Valley, where ol' Two Tongues Labeau nursed him back to health. He rode with me for about a month after that, then got up one morning and said he was headed for Denver. I rode with him to the railhead in Durango... never saw him after that. As for Ostashay, he was fishing up here in the high country when I met him for the first time."
Windwalker relaxed in the saddle. "Well, I guess we'll ride on in there and find out what they want."
"I guess", Johnson nodded, starting the team up again.
A short time later Railroad Ron and Ed Ostashay stepped off the porch and approached the wagon as Johnson and the girls pulled up. Windwalker dismounted and helped Hannah and Riley down from the wagon.
"Good to see you, Jeremiah", Ron said, extending a hand toward him. Johnson shook his hand then in turn shook the hand of Ed Ostashay.
"Good to see both of you boys. What brings you up here? You two know each other?"
Railroad Ron spoke first. "I retired from the railroad about a year or so ago. You know how things were in Colorado, Jeremiah, with all the people pourin' in, puttin' up towns and such... just had my fill, I guess. Went into Nevada for awhile and took up prospecting. After all those difficult years with the railroad, it was good just to wander and relax... to enjoy God's creation and just live off the land one day at a time. Then I heard there was a lot of gold here in the Sierras, so I bought me a good horse in Battle Mountain and rode west. Talked to a trapper in Reno who said he heard that you were in Lone Pine. So, I headed this way. I figured if anyone could lead me to gold, you could! Met up with Ostashay here at June Lake. Took to him right away", he smiled.
"He's a likable fella... You ain't a lawman no more?" Johnson inquired toward Ostashay.
"Retired a month ago", Ed replied. "You know me... I just headed north from the Basin to my old camp at June. I met this railroadin' sodbuster and gold sounded like a good thing", he smiled at Ron momentarily, with a jesting punch against his shoulder and continued his conversation with Johnson. "We figured we'd come down here and see if we could talk you into guiding us over the Sierras into Mineral King... We heard there was gold there and damn few prospectors. Sounded like the kind of odds we were looking for... considering that we're looking more for relaxation than we are for gold. Lord knows we don't need money. Just some peace and freedom... and adventure, of course", he laughed. "We know how well you know these mountains, Johnson. Knowing your spirit we figured you might like to tag along. Lord knows you're the best guide there is in these parts. In a lot of parts for that matter, though we did hear that John Muir was wandering these mountains somewhere here abouts."
Johnson grinned. "John Muir? I guided him to Mt. Whitney a few years back. He became right popular after that. Did a lot of writing and encouraging folks back east about the High Sierras. Had a little population explosion after that. I wasn't happy about it at the time, but, a lot of nice folks have settled in the area. Buried a few of them after last year's earthquake though. Folks around here we're OK, but some of the Lone Pine residents didn't make it. I didn't know any of them...migrant workers mostly. Some of the graves over there don't have any names on them. Sad thing, it was. But that's how life is sometimes in this country."
"How about Clarence King?" Ron asked. "We heard he had a tough time finding the correct route to Whitney."
"That he did!" Johnson laughed. "I think he made at least four attempts before he finally chose the right pass and made the ascent to the summit. A local group of fishermen got the credit for the first climb about a month before King made it, though he was one of the first white men to climb in this area. They don't know I was up there long before any of them, and I know of a couple Indians who made the climb before any white men ever set foot into this area. Of course the Spanish were here a hundred or so years before that. I think they hiked the White Mountains to the east over there... some relics have been found...don't know if they wandered the Sierras at all. I guess it doesn't matter anyway. The good Lord saw it all before any of us. He made it."
"And some fine sculpturin' He did", Ostashay added. The conversation stopped momentarily as the group looked about at the surrounding mountains. Hannah and Riley had been fully attentive to the conversation of the men. They now shared with them their immediate attention to the breathtaking scenery that encircled the valley of the Johnson ranch. Windwalker too joined in their pause to gaze upon the majesty of the High Sierras. After a few moments he broke, with respect, into their silence...
"I know of this Muir. He is a friend of the local Indian people. He has said that it seemed to him that the Sierra should not be called the Nevada, or the Snowy Range, but the Range of Light. And after ten years spent in the heart of it... seeing the sunbursts of morning among the icy peaks, the noonday radiance on the trees and rocks and snow, the flush of the alpenglow...it still seemed to him above all others the Range of Light, the most divinely beautiful of all the mountain chains he has ever seen."
"He was damn right", Johnson breathed. All continued to stand and gaze in silence for still several moments longer. Hannah was inspired to hug her grandfather, while holding onto Riley's hand.
"These are my granddaughters. They've come to spend some time with me. Long overdue time. I don't think I will have the time to guide you boys up there just now."
"They're mighty pretty girls. I'm sure your time together will be precious... What chance do we have of finding our own way, Jeremiah?" Ron inquired.
"Little...or none", Johnson replied.
"How long does it take to get up and over to Mineral King?"
"Three days up to the John Muir Trail, then it's an easy hike down into the canyon of Mineral King. Problem is the trails are not marked all too well. You could get lost pretty easy up there. Those sharp peaks, the needles they call them, show no mercy. It's easy to get disoriented among them and go in circles."
"Let's go with them, Grandpa", Hannah urged. "We came out here to hike with you." Johnson looked at her then at Riley. Hopeful anticipation was written all over their faces. Johnson knew that at Riley's age she would agree with anything Hannah suggested. He smiled and just shook his head.
"It will be cold", he warned. "And, it won't be easy. You gals are a bit young, 'specially Riley here. But, I guess the experience would last a lifetime. Experience is what life's all about I reckon. I know the neighbor boys have been wanting to go... might be more fun for you girls if they were to tag along. Maybe you wouldn't tend to think about the cold nor the hardship so much." Johnson turned his head toward the high peaks, contemplating for a few moments, wondering if his offer was indeed such a good idea. His partiality to his granddaughters wishes could turn out to be costly. The high trails were no bowl of cherries, that's for sure... and winter was coming on. The high country can get mighty rough in winter. Unrelenting at times.
"We would appreciate it, Johnson", Ed Ostashay encouraged. "These kids would be fine company... might give me a chance to use my grandpa skills", he laughed. "I think it would be one fine trek, providin' we don't get scalped, kilt, or freeze to death... no offense, Indian." He smiled at Windwalker.
Johnson laughed. "Sorry. I'm not much with introductions. This is John Windwalker. He's a Crow. He came here with me from Colorado. And, don't worry...there's no wild Indians in the Sierras...least not lately. Just a few explorers and trappers here and there. Most of 'em's friendly. Now and then you'll run across some thieves and robbers. Biggest threat up there is of course the bears. They don't take too kindly to trespassing into their domain. Might run into a wolf or two, maybe even a mountain lion. I've met them all before... I'm still here." He ran his hand through Hannah's hair and winked at Riley. "The peaks are a bit craggy though and we're due a good snow. ___Let's go into the cabin, cook some dinner and talk this thing over. We should make some plans and consider the proper gear we'll need." He nodded once at the others. "Let's go inside."
There was indeed much to consider. An old mountain man once said; "You can't predict the mountain, nor cheat it... The mountains got their own way..."
TO BE CONTINUED
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Encouraging God's Children |  |
Here is this month's list of those who need your encouragement through your prayers and letters. I hope you will take the time to encourage them... Some of their problems are personal and we will respect their privacy, leaving it up to those individuals to share at their discretion. Please pray for them and write to them (I can provide addresses for you. Please call, E-mail or write to me for that information). Encouragement is a noble thing and a profound way to honor God.
Karen Keifer, Akron, Ohio; Karen is recovering from a home accident and needs your prayers for strength and renewed courage. She is a fine Christian lady and needs to hear from you.
Charlie Mayer, Marietta, Ohio; Charlie, like all of us, is in need of encouragement that will help him through some of life's difficulties. We've all been there so we should know how to pray and what to write to him.
Suzi Kopanski, Boulder City, Nevada; Suzi and her son, Ryan, are in need of your prayers that their lives may be drawn closer together. Family relationships are indeed important. Remember that God brought you into His family and it is our honor as well as our duty to care for and to pray for one another.
Raymond Laird, Bullhead City, Arizona; Ray has recently undergone surgery for cancer. He had to have a lung removed, but is recovering well and is even now back to work! I admire your great courage and strength, Ray. You are always in my thoughts and prayers.
Jack and Marge Myers, Crestline, California; These are active subscribers who need your prayers or letters of encouragement that good health may remain theirs to enjoy during the remainder of their stay on earth.
Brian Hadley, Mt. Sterling, Ohio; Brian is in need of your prayers due to problems with his legs. It has been difficult for him to work the long hours necessary to help his family.
Storm Yetter, Hungry Horse, Montana; Storm needs your encouragement in dealing with some of the many difficulties life can bring. We've all been there and still are there, so lets pray for Storm and get some letters of encouragement out to her.
Please remember the homeless again this month. Locate a homeless person and help them in any way that you can. Pray for all of those in need, and pray for the world at large, that men and women will desire to find wisdom, that they will turn and seek God's face in this world full of fear and doubt..
Please remember Hiking the Trail of Truth in your prayers, that we can reach out together to help and encourage others along life's difficult trail...
Lord, grant us the humility to seek your face for the well being of others. Help us to reach out to them in word and in deed. We are each one of us in need of your guidance in the use of our tongues and our talents. Though we are unworthy we ask you to bless our efforts... In the name of your glorious Son, Jesus, we pray.
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Thank you so much for hiking with us through the January Newsletter2003 issue of the Hiking the Trail of Truth Newsletter. Until February then, may the grace of our Lord Jesus be upon you.
Sincerely, Mark S Taylor
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HIKING THE TRAIL OF TRUTH
Mark S. Taylor
(707) 477-2460