I am basing this story off of the Verse in the Bible “Ecclesiastes 9:9 NLT
[9] Live happily with the woman you love through all the meaningless days of life that God has given you under the sun. The wife God gives you is your reward for all your earthly toil.”.

God brought my wife, Jessica, into my life when I was ready for humility… Not more and not less ready, a woman I could share all things with while she assists me in the becoming of a more Godly man.  Jess and I recently moved to the East Coast after getting married.  Leaving our Home in Arizona behind. This new move allowed for a season of deeper reflection for me, where I learned how to be a better husband to Jessie.  I thank God for the lessons he has provided in this season and the ability for Jessica and I climb mountains together in his name.  Although the pair of us has not been outside nearly as much as we would like over the last few years.  Most of the reasoning behind this change of pace was us learning how to be husband and wife.  How to understand and meet each other’s needs and expectations.  In short, I needed to temporarily take a break from all the adventure and figure out the lessons God is teaching me in how I can share my life and way of life with Jessica.

Jessica and I on this occasion were planning to backpack in North Carolina’s Uwharrie National Forest.  We wanted to spend the night on the summit of Little Long Mountain.  First though we had to make the drive.  The evening before we drove from our home to just outside of Greensboro North Carolina.  Hagen Stone Park and Campground became our home for the night.  Of course the enthralling unexpected issue that normally pops up would occur.  I spent around forty or so minutes fixing and splitting a tent pole that snapped.  Though before we knew it… We were off to bed.  Our sleep…competing with the noise of some fellow campers partying just down the way.  Fortunately we got some sleep and drove into Ashboro the next morning.  Grabbing breakfast at Huddle Inn and trails snacks at Lowes Grocery.  Once completed it was now time to drive to the trailhead.

We made the short drive to the Trailhead and into Uwharrie National Forest we went.  While not the most desolation we had felt… Peace abound!  Our goal was to sleep on the summit of Little Long Mountain (Bald Mountain).  From the Joe Moffit Trailhead our walk in was just shy of a mile.  Jess and I made a quick time of this gallivant and after a short amount of time waiting on top… We had the mountain to ourselves!  Taking shade in the Eagles Nest Shelter the Boy Scouts of America had built at some point we found a balance of bodily temperature control as best possible.  I cut some firewood that I did not end up using and we spent the day taking in the peace of the Mountain.  By sundown the colors in the sky lit up and surrounded us in reminder of God and his goodness!   The sun made it pilgrimage as we looked at the stars through our tent.  Hearing the song the Grasshopper,  Cicadas, and Frogs.  It was peaceful even though nature’s song was loud to our ears.

The next morning Jessica and I picked up our camp and made our way home.  Taking our time…. As not to rush the blessings of the weekend but to only give thanks to God for his goodness and mercy!

-Sky