Wonder Voyage 2010 Summer Blog

St. Margaret’s first day in Colorado was full of wide-eyed adventure and surprises. One place in particular, however, stood out to us. Our first stop of the day was Bishop Castle, a monument to obsession nestled in the San Isabel National Forest. Though Jim Bishop was unfortunately not available, we spent our morning in awe of his fantastic stone masterpiece. The hand-placed stoned and black wrought iron tower above the surrounding forest. The sight is impressive and thought-provoking. His castle reminds us of not only what one determined human being can accomplish, but asks us this question: what sort of monuments are we creating with our lives?

Tomorrow, we set off for more amazement in the Great Sand Dunes to the south. We can’t wait to see what’s in store…

Day 3 met us bright and early. It was an early wake up call, but well worth it. After a nap in the van we awoke to the majestic dunes. Here’s how a few of the pilgrims described it:

“The great challenge is looming in front of us; the bright sun beating down. Mixed feelings soar through us: ‘Should I be worried? Will I be able to conquer these sandy warlocks? Yes I can!’ The climb is much more difficult than we expected. Reaching the top feels… exhilarating and… sandy. I feel as if I can see half the world. After a nice long rest at the peak we’re recharged and ready to descend. We kick start the descent with a BANG! And gracefully gallop down the dunes like a gazelle running from a cheetah. (Gee Wilikers, I’m speedy! I hope I don’t fall!) … Every once in a while a blind squirrel finds an acorn.”

After the dunes we stopped off at Zapata Falls, a majestic waterfall nestled in a cave. The water was frigid whoever we all braved frozen toes to witness the beauty; a few brave souls even took the plunge, submerging themselves in the icy water. “It was magical!” The day was very long so when we got back to the ranch everyone crashed.

The next day we took it easy, playing games, building the bonds of friendship (as you can tell from their playful description of the dunes) and resting from the strenuous day before. That evening we hike to the top of a ridge in Pueblo Mountain Park to watch the sun set in silence. “Be still and know that I am God.”-Psalm 46:10. But day five brought:  Rafting! What more can you say? It was a perfect day, hot and sunny with cool water rushing beneath the boat. We rocked it through rapids and even got to surf some waves! Tomorrow we head back into Colorado Springs for out last day of fun and adventure, sealing our bonds of friendship.

The Pilgrims of Good Shepherd Episcopal arrived safely in Colorado Springs and were quickly whisked away to the glorious Garden of the Gods. They walked in awe past the towers of red rock jetting into the sky. Excitement grew with the prospects of wildlife and then a Ranger redirected them due to a rattlesnake up ahead! After a long day of travel they were quite tuckered out, so after a little drive down to our home for the week, Easy Yoke Ranch, they crashed for the evening.

This morning was met with renewed energy and curiosity for what lied ahead and what did, did not disappoint. After a scenic drive through the National Forest we came upon Bishop’s Castle, the eclectic creation of one man, Jim Bishop. A Tim Burton looking castle in the middle of the Rockies, complete with dragon, captivated the imaginations of the pilgrims.The next hour was spent climbing to the top of spiral staircases, standing at the top of towers, and listening to Jim Bishop himself rant about his creation and his crazy antics about the government. The pilgrims all got a a big kick out of it. On the way back to Easy Yoke we stopped in the National Forest to have a picnic along a babbling brook and reflect on the monument we had just explored and how we create monuments in our own lives. The afternoon was spent at Easy Yoke helping them finish out a great fire pit that we will surely be enjoying s’mores around soon

As our week drew to an end and the pilgrims made their way to the airport, I was astounded by the beauty God shared with us in Colorado. The rapids proved to be one of the week’s top highlights as the students were given the option of diving in for a swim and letting the river guide their path for a distance. It was a way for them to experience the power of letting go and trusting God in a very hands-on way.

The overlying theme for the week was transformation and community, and I think the team accomplished both. During our final moments together we talked about the incredible experiences we’d had and how it is often difficult to describe the transformative process to others. I consider it a blessing to have been part of the pilgrimage and the adventure. The close encounters with God and His creation made this truly a week to remember.

Our journey of 21 people from Catherdal of the Incarnation consists of 15 pilgrims, 4 chaperones and 2 Wonder Voyage leaders. The Rockies provide a great backdrop for spiritual growth and development and we focused on transformation, healing and journeying together.

We travel as a community, but our journey begins within, and as we share our growth and change, now that our spiritual fires are charged, we transform as a community also. We faced sand dunes, hiking peaks, mountain fires, service projects and the rapids. We grow closer, stronger and more likely to face down our fears every day on this pilgrimage.