OR-1531 had their first adventure of the new year, visiting ten waterfalls as they hiked around Silver Falls State Park. Given the beauty of the falls and trail it is not surprising that this is becoming something of a tradition for these Trailman.
The difficult terrain tested the boys and brought to mind the lesson they learned from their first regular meeting on virtue. Fortitude was called for as the muscles burned along the upward climbs. Prudence was needed when walking alongside a cliff. The boys were challenged to be polite to other hikers, look them in the eyes, and saying “good morning.” St. Theresa of Calcutta said that peace begins with a smile, and I saw these strangers respond to the Trailmens’ happy greeting.
There were cave to explore, snacks to share, the occasional stone to toss, and the evidence of a Good God everywhere. Even after five miles of rolling terrain, the boys managed to play a few rounds of freeze tag before returning home. The dads had their share of good conversation, and even may have been more tuckered out than the boys by the end.
