50 Miles in Yellowstone

I spent a week in the Bechler Region of Yellowstone National Park last summer with a group of Boy Scouts and leaders. We hiked over 50 miles through some of the most beautiful country on earth.

This is a picture of me and my son as we take a rest one afternoon in a meadow at the base of the Tetons.

We can do much more than we think we can. One of the great lessons these young men learned was their ability to push on even when they felt like quitting. I wish all children, and many adults, could learn this lesson. You can do more than you think you can. Even when you're tired and hurting, you can still keep going. Physical fitness is important, but I constanly saw less fit young men surpassing some who were in better shape.

Union Falls, shown here, can only be reached by walking or horseback. It's probably about a 12 mile hike from the Bechler Ranger station. It's truly a sight to behold. I've never seen anything like it. We hiked up for this view on our second to last day. By the time we sat down overlooking this beautiful sight, we were about 45 miles into our trip. Self discipline and teamwork had brought us to this point. Everyone gazing at the wonder of Union Falls had earned it.

He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. Proverbs 25:28