Thursday, May 22, 2008

The week on the Buffalo River

The tenth week of DTS took place along the beautiful scenic Buffalo River in Northwest Arkansas. It was a great week to process our minds from weeks of teaching. It was also a week of adventure, teamwork, and enjoyment of Gods wonderful creation.
Monday and Tuesday we hiked 3 miles of trail along the river. As we walked around towering bluffs and through diverse forests, we occasionally passed mid-1800 graveyards and historical farmhouses. We enjoyed a diversity of wildlife, plants, insects, and beautiful scenery.
Wednesday and Thursday we canoed 28 miles of river. The scenery was awesome and the river tested our abilities to work as a team. It was a good variety with calm peaceful stretches and fast moving rapids. Each bend brought a new view and a new challenge.
Throughout the week our meals consisted of MREs (meals ready to eat), oatmeal, and power bars. The weather was great with only one rainy night. The rain forced us to build a flimsy makeshift tarp shelter where everyone huddled under to eat our evening meal and devotion. It was great fun. After 31 miles of trail and river, everyone rode home safely in the van.
(Story By: Ryan Levin) (Photo By:Jacob Ainsworth)