Challenges 9 & 10: Double Dipping.

1 Afternoon. 2 Challenges. Here's the skinny.
I arrived home from church at 10:45 AM.  Nobody was there - a rarity for a house typically inhabited by 10 people)  I've had a hankering for adventure of late and decided it was high time for an excursion.  I loaded my Camelback with my adventure supplies (Swiss Army knife, head lamp, ankle tape, gore-tex raincoat etc.) left a note telling my family where I was, and buzzed off for the wilderness.  My destination was Hells Hollow Falls at McConnell's Mill State Park.  It was a 12 mile hike: 6 out, 6 back.  On the way to the falls, I was really hoofing it.  I stopped only twice: once to crawl into a cave and poke a massive spider with a stick, and once to climb a 40 ft vine (done, and done). I reached the falls in a little over 2 hours, but my expectations quickly deflated. The falls, more aptly described as a trickle, were drastically reduced by the recent dry spell.  Adding to my growing snarl was a slew of rambunctious youths (who clearly have not read this fine publication) hurling rocks at trees, animals, and each other.
Up to this point, I had stuck rigidly to the marked trail, but at this juncture I resolved to alter my course.  The thought crossed my mind that "If you only walk where others have walked, you will only see what others have seen."  Brilliant, right? And I abruptly veered into uncharted terrain, following a stream that headed in a "right-ish" direction.
I hopped briskly from boulder to boulder along the stream, my unpolished voice belting out lyrical snippets.  I counted roughly 50 frogs along the way, all of whom dove into the water and glared disapprovingly at my barbaric yapping.  I had hoped to cool off in the falls, but having already been sprinkle baptized once in my life (and finding it rather unpleasant), I bypassed the trickling falls.  This downer merely added to my delight when I climbed over a mossy boulder and gazed at a rushing 3 foot waterfall tumbling into pristine pool. One quick glance and nature took over, speaking to me in an almost audible voice.  It said "Do it. Nobody's around."  And so, in the tradition of dudes past, I extricated myself from my human vestures, and plunged.  Two words: sweet bliss.  And three more words: Challenge. 10. Complete.
Following the dip, I sunned myself on a rock and consumed the almonds I brought along, thoroughly enjoying the solitary circumstances in which I had placed myself. Once dry, I re-donned my gear and trekked back to civilization.
This experience gave me a full 7 hours of solitary time enjoying the both the company of nature, and that of my own imagination.  The isolation provided mental refreshment not dissimilar to that which the plunge offered my body, and I returned home both physically and mentally renewed.

Challenge #11 - Remodel something.
Dude out,
-C.R.

Challenge #8: No Small Talk Aloud...hehe.

Challenge #8 was to have a meaningful conversation with another dude. I actually accomplished this challenge twice.  I met with the ever interesting Ethan Worthington (on staff at Eastern Hills Bible Church).  We talked about things like God's grace, a missional philosophy, and how to perceive/interact with others in meaningful ways.  I am a very inquisitive individual and I thoroughly enjoy listening to intelligent people discuss things that matter.  Even if I don't agree with their ideas (not an issue with this particular conversation) I believe there is inherent value in discussing something other than sports stats, girls, and (cringe) politics.  Both conversations with Ethan left me reflecting on my approach to life, faith, and those around me.  Perhaps this challenge was more rewarding because I followed the two best rules for a great conversation: Find someone smarter than you, then ask questions.
Challenge #9: Spend time alone.
Dude out,
-C.R.