Our family stayed at the Orchard Inn in Saluda, North Carolina, over Thanksgiving week. Built by the Brotherhood of Clerks for Southern Railway in 1926, the simple farmhouse-style lodging was created as a summer getaway for railroad employees and their families, many of which took part in building the Saluda Grade. Along with the typical Lane Family Reunion festivities, this year we were also celebrating my In Laws' 60th wedding anniversary.

It was a truly lovely week of fun activities all over Western, North Carolina, amazing locally-sourced food, the loudest of laughter, and the sweetest of memories. Sixty years of marriage is really something, and my In Laws were absolutely beaming to have both of their sons' families there with them for the week. That level of commitment has yielded them two very accomplished sons, two talented daughters in law (if we do say so ourselves), and four amazing grandchildren, ranging in age from 26 down to 11. Their cup runneth over, and it was a joy to watch them bask in all that love and support.

Each morning the owner of the Inn, Marc Blazer, invites the guests to join him for a sunrise hike on the grounds, but the true trail guides are his family's two beautiful Boxers. It's very much their stomping grounds, and they're happy to share it with any and all fellow adventurers. There was a gorgeous sunrise vista, fresh coffee, and deep wrap-around porches awaiting us each morning at the conclusion of the 30-minute hike. The views were breathtaking, inspirational, and I miss them already.

On the drive home, I found myself wondering what warmth and love and support I might find surrounding me when I get to my In Laws' phase of life. I'm so grateful for the encouraging community God has built around me and my little family through the years. This Take a Hike Women's Outdoor Adventure Group is just one example of how the Holy Spirit weaves lives together for the purpose of building strength through like-minded community. What steps are you taking right now to ensure you and your tribe grow together as time passes? Who feels like family in your life, and how are you letting them know the value you find in them? Let's chat through the implications of this when we meet up on the trails in January!

Blessings on Your Journey,

Rev. Jessica Lane

Pastor of Ministry Engagement, The Church at Ross Bridge

Got outdoor adventure stories? Want to share them in the Take A Hike newsletter? Submit your words and your photos to Pastor Jessica!

Our First Annual Take A Hike Outdoor-Themed Gift Swap Party was a blast! We had outdoor gag gifts, practical gifts for hiking, and down-right technical outdoor gifts. We laughed our way through the evening, recounting our many adventures together over the past year!

It was a photographer's paradise the afternoon that we hiked the grounds of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens! We discovered some less-traveled paths and trails in the upper elevations, and we will definitely book more hikes there this Spring!

We discovered some amazing totems built at the High Falls during our hike of the Simmons Middle School Bus Depot trail head of Moss Rock Preserve.

We are thrilled to announce our very first Take A Hike Service Project! We will conduct a one-day trash sweep of the Enron Ridge Trail. It's 1.1 miles long, and the Freshwater Land Trust will provide the trash grabbers and the trash bags. Saturday, 1/22, we will meet at the Enron Ridge Trail Parking lot (2 North Bankhead Highway West) at 10:00 AM. When we've completed the project, we will go have lunch afterwards at Niki's West.  

Tending to God's creation and ensuring His world is a place where humanity can thrive and flourish is our calling as human beings, let's consider clearing some of the clutter in this corner of our community together.  :-)  The Enron Ridge Trail is a Rails-to-Trails project that sits on the route of the old No. 6 Pratt-Ensley streetcar line. It's also featured in the Civil Rights band of green ways and walkways. Register HERE for this event!

We will meet at the Simmons Middle School Bus Depot Parking Lot Trail Head of Moss Rock Preserve at 10 a.m. We will hike the Orange Trail for 1.3 miles to the High Falls (taking in Rock House Boulders and the Natural Bridge along the way), and then backtrack, branching off into the lower White Trail for about 1.3 miles, following Hurricane Creek to the Lower Falls, and then back to the original trail head. This hike is suitable for mild, moderate and advanced hikers, and will be about 1.5 hours long. You will need proper hiking footwear (with deep tread for traction), layers of clothing, and ample water.

REGISTER HERE!

TAKE A HIKE is a Ministry of The Church at Ross Bridge

2101 Grand Avenue - Hoover, AL - 35226

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