Saturday May 22, 2010

Our day off was one filled with some of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen and been immersed in during my time of existence. Liesl, Laura, Christina, Marisol, Sarah H, Brett, Jared, Vu, Kyle, Mike, Jonny, and I traveled to North Vancouver to Lynn Canyon Park.
While on the SkyTrain, I had the pleasure of talking with a native Vancouver couple whose son attended and recently graduated from Lindenwood University in Missouri.
Once we arrived at the Park, our first endeavor was to cross the suspension bridge. The view from the bridge was breathtaking and can hardly be described in words. The free swinging motion of the bridge frightened many people and they did not stop to appreciate the beauty of their surroundings before rushing to the other side and what they viewed as safety. Little did we know that this was only the beginning of the beauty that we would discover.
Mike and Kyle had been to this park the previous day so we decided to set off in a new direction. We set our steps toward the waterfall we could hear in the distance in hopes to stop and eat lunch beside the rushing water. We never found a spot by the waterfall nor did we stop to eat our lunch.
However, we did find a large creek filled with freezing water from recently melted snow rushing down from the mountain top. Mike, Kyle, Christina, Marisol, and I spent time hopping from rock to rock in the creek, trying to keep our balance and stay out of the water.
After a while, Christina and Marisol turned back and Mike, Kyle, and I continued to climb up the side of the cliff and hike on through the gorgeous mass of trees and undergrowth. We spotted a lean-to down the side of the cliff and decided to have a closer look. We were curious as to whether someone actually inhabited this little shanty. When we were finally level with it, we realized someone did live in it, so we kept our distance and soon headed back up the cliff.
Once back at the top, we found the rest of our groups heading our way. We joined forces and continued on for a short while. We eventually realized that we were no longer on the path designated in the park. Instead, we were on the wrong side and apparently had been for a while.
We finally hopped back over the fence when we came to an impasse and could go no further.
We all crossed the bridge and Mike, Kyle, and I found a trail on the other side headed back toward the creek where we were rock hopping. This side was definitely steeper and required more focus. The trails were much narrower and the undergrowth thicker, causing slips and blunders every now and then. After a while, we realized once again that we were on the wrong side of the fence. Nevertheless, we continued.
When we arrived at the creek, we all felt very accomplished. Our last mission was to get back to the other side of the creek, a task that proved to be more difficult to complete than what we originally thought. First, Mike practically face planted in the water. I’m not sure how he managed to do that, but he did and did it very gracefully. I couldn’t help but laugh then and even now as I recall the memory! :)
We ended up pretty far down stream trying to find a place to cross. A convenient place never really came up, so we ended up using the next best thing…and all ended up in the water. I slipped on a mossy rock and ended up with a green backside and extremely soaked jeans and shoes. Kyle became wet up to his thighs and Mike just became even wetter than he was before.
After crossing to the other side, we realized it wasn’t the other side at all! It was a small little island in the middle of the wide creek. Disgruntled but not giving up, we realized we had to cross the freezing water yet again.
Our search for a place to cross began again and went about as well as the first search…not very. While Kyle was out in the middle of the water and Mike was looking on, I headed upstream a bit to investigate for myself. I was tired of waiting and just wanted to cross. I found a spot that would do and began my journey.
First, I had to walk across a log, hop onto a rock, and then walk across the log a bit more. After the log, I jumped to a rock mostly submerged in the water and waded through the knee high water to the next rock. It proved to be rather difficult to keep my balance and walk while combating both the freezing, rushing water and the slippery rocks beneath the surface.
I finally made it across without getting the top half of my body wet. However, my body from my waist down did not fare as well. I was soaked through and through.
By the time Mike and Kyle even realized I had left them, I was across and resting. They abandoned their crossing and headed toward the spot where I had crossed a few minutes before. I tried to explain to them how I managed to find my way across, but most of the trip was left up to their own decisions. They survived the rushing, freezing rapids (haha) and we were all soon united on the other side. I now understand why the chicken crossed the road…because he didn’t want to go through the creek!
As we were heading back to the lodge/café area, we came across a sign that read, “WARNING: EXTREME DANGER! Do not go beyond this fence. Area is extremely hazardous and has claimed several lives.” Naturally, we discovered this sign after we had hiked all over this area on the wrong side of the fence. Despite our wetness and all the possible dangers, not a single part of the adventure was regretted.
We retreated to the café that had a fire place and tired to dry out and warm up while waiting for the return of the others. Once all together, we headed back to the bus stop that would hopefully take us to supper. We stopped in Chinatown to eat at a small, and obviously, Chinese restaurant.
While waiting on Laura & Liesl to buy marshmallows and talking with Kyle, I was in the process of lowering my hand to a ledge to brace myself when I saw a used drug syringe lying directly below. I quickly jerked my hand away and honestly, freaked out a tiny bit. The needle of the syringe had been bent up and had I not looked before placing my hand, I would have been stuck, subjecting myself to who knows what. I was definitely happy when we continued on our way. We all made it back to PLBC safely with many stories and pictures to share.
In reflection of the day and events, I realized how people say being with nature makes you feel closer to God. While looking at the gorgeous landscape at the park, it made me wonder how anyone could not believe. Such beautiful, breathtaking creation as such could not have simply appeared and it is unmistakable that the earth is God’s canvas painted on to show His power and glory.
I also realized that by spending all (some is great and sometimes needed) of our time secluded in nature is not how we are meant to spend our lives. Thirsty people in the cities are constantly searching for something greater whether they realize it or not. By filling their lives with things such as drugs, they are trying to fill that empty hole they feel inside. We, as believers, know the solution; the way to the living water. And we have the capabilities to show them the way.