Llama Walker

OUR NEW BUSINESS!

2011-05-31T15:55:00.000-07:00

We have started a new business called, Staub Construction Services LLC. We do all kinds of remodeling, but with a specialization in hardwood flooring installation, finishing, and refinishing. Check out our new web site at: www.staubconstructionservices.com

The Spirit of John Muir

2011-01-30T13:59:00.000-08:00

We all have heroes of the past that we admire for their exploits, writings and works. Referring to long passed writers one of my friends said, "all my best friends are dead!" My best dead friend is John Muir. Sure, like all heroes of the past he is immortalized. But if I was on a backpacking trip with him in 1900 I would expect to identify at least one flaw. He wasn't perfect. I am fully

Top Ten Cheers for the Bible

2011-01-24T18:10:00.000-08:00

I read a blog post at Lady Atheist entitled, "Top Ten Grievances Against The Bible." You can read it here. I would like to respond point by point to that post with my, "Top Ten Cheers for the Bible." Here I go:1. The Bible has stood the test of time as the authority for God's people because it is remarkably accurate historically and has displayed an amazing unanimity between its authors. The

The Pursuit of Virtue Over Happiness

2011-01-18T13:06:00.000-08:00

I listened to a great pod cast by Psychologist Jordan Peterson on, "The Necessity of Virtue." You can listen to it on line for free at, Big Ideas Podcasts. You can access it here. This is a lecture that everyone will appreciate who is interested in understanding and solving our most basic human problem, suffering.Peterson's point is that our modern pursuit of happiness is an invalid goal for

He is There and He is not Silent

2011-01-11T18:05:00.000-08:00

Many years ago I read a book by Francis Schaffer entitled, "He is There and He is not Silent." It is a philosophical treatment of the existence of God. Schaffer's argument is that God is real and he reveals himself to us in a variety of ways. However, he may not reveal himself as we would like.I for one like evidence and I like tangible truth. Perhaps that's why I so much enjoy nature,

True Grit or True Disgrace?

2011-01-07T08:32:00.000-08:00

I went with Pam to see True Grit last night. The only movie I've wanted to go see at the theater for a couple of years. We both were disappointed!I love Jeff Bridges, so I was expecting a great performance from him as the updated, Rooster Cogburn. All I can say is, "Jeff, I saw John Wayne in the original True Grit, and you're no John Wayne." Sorry my friend. It's not Jeff's fault, John

Visit To Highline Llama Ranch In Wyoming

2010-12-23T20:37:00.000-08:00

Last week Pam and I visited the Highline Trail Llama Ranch in Boulder Wyoming, owned and operated by Al and Sondra Ellis. Al Ellis asked me to consider joining his staff at the ranch to work and guide llama trips into the spectacular mountains of western Wyoming. This was to be a visit Pam and I would take to help us come to a decision.Al and Sondra Ellis Al and Sondra's Home on The Ranch The

My Llama Pilgrimage: Part II

2010-12-07T19:14:00.000-08:00

Everyone has a bucket list. We all want to do a few things before we leave this amazing world and one of the items on my list has been to hike the John Muir

The "Disraeli Gears" Pass Through Oregon on the PCT

2010-08-14T12:09:00.000-07:00

Last April I met the "Disraeli Gears" while day hiking on the Southern California section of the Pacific Crest Trail. They are three 20 something Israeli soldiers who had just been discharged from their duties and decided to make the PCT the adventure of a life time. The name, "Disraeli Gears" comes from the title of a 1968 album by the Rock band, Cream. When Thomas, Yuval and Ishai started

MISSING LLAMA! Rainy's Lost in the Mount Hood Wilderness (Part III)

2010-08-03T17:24:00.001-07:00

OUR MISSING LLAMA HAS BEEN FOUND!I had planned on going out this past weekend to search for Rainy and was hoping that a few people would jump in and help. All week long at work I stressed about her being up in those mountains alone, or perhaps attacked and eaten by a mountain lion. We put out the all points bulletin during the week and got the help we needed by Friday afternoon. A special

MISSING LLAMA FOUND! Rainy was Rescued

2010-08-03T09:56:00.000-07:00

MISSING LLAMA! Rainy's Lost in the Mount Hood Wilderness (Part II)

2010-07-28T20:13:00.000-07:00

THE SEARCH IS ON: I will be camping this Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon at Devils Half Acre on the old immigrant trail of Barlow Road, so that I can begin another search for Rainy. Here is a picture of Palmeteer Point From Devils Half Acre where I will be camping. I believe Rainy is somewhere within the vicinity of this picture. Palmeteer Point is the high point to the left in this

MISSING LLAMA! Rainy's Lost in the Mount Hood Wilderness (Part I)

2010-07-26T11:12:00.000-07:00

WHAT HAPPENED? This past Saturday Pam and I went llama packing in the Mount Hood wilderness, just off the Pacific Crest Trail near Barlow Pass, when we lost one of our llamas to the forest (see picture below of our lost llama, Rainy). We were ascending a view point called, Palmeteer Point, about 2.5 miles from Barlow Pass (See the Map Below), when Rainy lost sight of our pack train, veered off

Day Hiking The Southern California PCT: April In Southern California 2010 (Part II)

2010-05-02T18:10:00.000-07:00

As I said in my Previous Post (April in Southern California 2010: Part I) I went to Southern California to see my dad. While there, I spent a lot of time hiking parts of the Pacfic Crest Trail. The day after I arrived I went up to Idylwild and hiked up to the Pacific Crest Trail just below Mt. San Jacinto. I had heard that the snow was heavy this year and long lasting. My intent was to go 20

Trip To Southern California: April In Southern California 2010 (Part I)

2010-05-02T11:13:00.000-07:00

Last week I went to Southern California for a spur of the moment trip to see my father and brothers in Southern California. My company insisted I take some vacation time since I am between projects, so I, "high tailed it" down to Hemet to see Dad, Lew, Paul and anyone else in the family with whom I could spend time. Here's a picture of the three youngest brothers and our 86 year old dad...It

Video Log of The South Breitenbush Trail to Jefferson Park

2010-03-16T16:18:00.000-07:00

CLICK ON THE TITLE OF THIS POST TO VIEW THE VIDEOThis past summer, Pam and I hiked the South Breitenbush Trail to Jefferson Park, located at the base of Mt. Jefferson. Jefferson Park is one of the most celebrated photographic locations in Oregon. Many people have come to know Oregon by the post cards displaying Mt. Jefferson as the back drop to the serene lakes and meadows of Jefferson Park.

Photologue of My Experience Backpacking The Sierras In October 2009

2009-12-02T07:07:00.001-08:00

It was early October and I was over one month late for my John Muir Trail hike. I missed the big hike with Tom Willard due to job requirements. It was the wrong time of year to go in to the Sierras for backpacking, but I was determined to get my Sierra fix this year. I drove all night to get to Bishop California and headed right for the Ranger Station to pick up my permit. By the time I got to

Backpacking Zion National Park in October 2009

2009-11-29T10:15:00.000-08:00

Sunset from my camp atop The East Rim Plateau Zion Canyon's from my West Rim Camp SiteThe West Rim Trail ascending up to Angel's LandingMe at my West Rim camp SiteThe view up-canyon from Angel's LandingOn the way up the West Rim TrailWhen I decided to backpack for two weeks in the Sierras during the month of October, I knew I was taking a weather risk. Any storm that comes through those mountains

Meet Our New Male Cria!

2009-11-28T16:57:00.000-08:00

This is our new llama cria that was born a few weeks ago. We just took these pictures today, but you can see birthing pictures in the slide show in the right hand column. Artemis is our first male cria since Columbus, who we lost over a year ago to a tragic accident. We've had several females born since Columbus and we like the females because they become breeders. However, the

The Origin of "Llama Walker"

2009-11-28T07:34:00.000-08:00

In October I had the good fortune to meet up with two experienced long distance hikers, Hippie Long Stockings and Wandering Hippie. No, those are not their real names, but names given to them during the course of their 7000 miles of hiking. Their real names are Kellie and Teresa, respectively. Although, my experience with them tells me that they identify with their trail names more than their

Glacier & Aspen Go On Their First Hike!

2009-11-27T18:08:00.001-08:00

We took our new baby llamas out for their first hike, today. Glacier and Aspen just turned 6 months and are now weaned. It's time to get them out on the trail to show them what llama life is all about. We decided to take them on a 5 mile hike on the Pacific Crest Trail where it intersects with Cascade Locks in the Columbia Gorge. It was a drizzly day, but comfortable and pleasant for a hike.

Video Journal of Oregon's Eagle Creek Trail

2009-07-05T06:38:00.000-07:00

(Click the Title to see the Video)Narrative: The Eagle Creek Trail is certainly one of the most popular trails in Oregon. It begins at the junction of Eagle Creek Canyon and the Columbia Gorge. Not far from the quaint town of Cascade Locks. For an Oregonian the trail begins with ordinary features. A thousand Oregon trails begin just like this one. A tumbling trail side creek. A

Obama-nation or Obama-exaggeration?

2009-06-22T17:26:00.001-07:00

I usually try to stay out of commenting on politics and focus my attention on the spiritual/religious side of things. But, this is one of those few occasions when I just can’t stay out of the game. Barak Obama has been getting hammered by a lot folks these days for some of his recent activities and speeches. My examination of the facts tells me that these folks are doing some spin doctoring to

"Never Rationalize Anything That Feels Wrong"

2009-06-16T19:47:00.001-07:00

On my way home from work every day I pass a road sign that says, “Never Rationalize Anything That Feels Wrong”. It catches my attention every time and it makes me think deeply about its meaning. At first I thought that this was someone’s attempt to justify an “anything goes” philosophy of life. But, now I think the person who posted the sign is on to something. In my life the dominant thinking

Hiking With Angels

2009-06-08T00:29:00.000-07:00

Click on the Title of this post to see the video I made of the Angel's Rest Trail hike I did this past Saturday, June 6th (stand away from your computer screen when you view it or you’ll get a head ache from the bouncing camcorder!). This is a loop trail in the Columbia Gorge that takes in the scenic Angels Rest, The eerie Devil's Rest and the beautifully forested Wakeena Trail. It’s an 11 mile

The Wilderness Connection

2009-05-31T08:56:00.000-07:00

I read an article in The Oregonian this past week entitled, “Nature in Our Nature.” (The Oregonian, 5/27/09, pg. B1) Researchers have discovered that we humans have a connection to nature that is vital to our existence. Evidently, people heal faster from surgery when exposed to the natural world than if not. Also, heart rate, mental well being, and anxiety all are affected by our exposure to

Noah Put Camelids on the Ark

2009-05-30T08:51:00.000-07:00

When Noah gathered up the animals to put on the ark he evidently included camelids. There are Camelids all over the world today, from North Africa to South America. We all have seen the Middle Eastern Camel, but Mongolians have their own funky looking version of camel. Then there are the South American Llamas and Alpacas that originated from the Vicuna, which is in the Camelid family. It is

Jesse Won The 2009 NAIA National Javelin Championship Today!

2009-05-21T22:16:00.000-07:00

I want to congratulate my son Jesse on his fine performance today at the NAIA National Track and Field Championships. Jesse rose from a 5th place season ranking to win the competition with a throw of 223'3" as a Freshman. He is now the National Champion with a 15' improvement over his personal best! A week ago Jesse got off a season best of 205'7" for a third place finish behind his team mates,

Jesse Is Going To Norway!

2009-05-11T20:54:00.000-07:00

As Jesse completes his first year throwing for Concordia University he will be transitioning to train and compete in Norway for the summer. Jesse's final competition for Concordia will be at the National Championships in St. Louis, May 20-23. On June 1 he will be off to Osolo Norway until he returns the first week of August. Jesse will be staying with his new friend and throwing companion, Magnus

Transcendence: A New Way to Think of Selflessness

2009-05-04T15:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was at a memorial service for a young man named Bo Jacobson who went to school with my oldest son, Joseph. He died a couple of weeks ago in a tragic accident while snorkeling in Fiji. I remember Bo as a very lively and extroverted fellow, who genuinely loved people. During the memorial service a number of individuals went up to the podium to eulogize Bo, but one person in particular

Is God Thinning the Herd?

2009-04-29T22:05:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago I was listening to the Glen Beck show on the way home from work and he was talking about the coming Swine Flu pandemic. He was trying to make sense of why such diseases occur in our modern scientific world. At one point he sarcastically surmised that there is nothing we can do about these pandemics because they are, “God’s way of thinning the herd.” And, by “herd” he wasn’t

Earth Day: An Occasion to Worship the Creator

2009-04-23T12:07:00.000-07:00

My pastor and good friend, Kenneth Garrett, has written a fine piece on his blog today regarding Earth Day. I appreciate Ken's timely response to many of the Earth Day advocates who would have us worshipping the creation rather than the Creator. I encourage you to read Ken's post, which you can access from my blog list. I was planning on writing a post some time in the future on my perspective of

Pitching A Tarp Tent in the Wilderness

2009-04-22T21:27:00.000-07:00

These are some examples of how I have pitched my nylon tarp tent on backpacking trips. Nylon tarps are light weight and versatile. This particular tarp will sleep two people. With a little creativity and practice you can pitch them just about anywhere using rocks, dead branches, trees, etc. All you need to carry is the 1lbs. nylon tarp and string - total weight! Although, you might want to

People Want To Make A Difference In This Life

2009-04-21T23:36:00.001-07:00

Today I went in to the office of Ted Jacobsen, Medical Division Manager at Howard S. Wright Constructors, and went on a rant about the City of Portland for delaying a permit for a project we are currently working on. I was frustrated. After a lot of brain storming Ted said to me and another manager working on the project, that we need to go down to the permit office at the city and get the

Magnus Berntsen Is Leaving For Norway

2009-04-20T10:37:00.000-07:00

This is a Picture of most of the Concordia University Freshman Throwers. What a great team of throwers and a fine group of young men and women! In the back row, from left to right is: Jesse Staub, Matt Oliva, and Bo Johnson. In the center is Kristine Leonard, Magnus Berntsen, and Sharayah Kenady. Kneeling is Matt Webster. Missing are Eric Wahlen and Emily Redmayne. This year's freshmen throwers

The Continuing Debate on the Historicity of the Gospels: “Why Four Gospels? The Historical Origins of the Gospels”, by David Alan Black

2009-04-17T20:14:00.000-07:00

Since I have been reading some of the latest literature on the historicity of the Gospels I thought I would ask my good friend, Bob Krupp, if he would weigh in on the controversy. I have known Bob as a Seminary professor and I turned to him as an expert in the field of the early church Fathers. I have been reading so much criticism of the Fathers as a source for the historicity of the Gospels,

John Muir, Here We Come!

2009-04-15T14:36:00.001-07:00

It’s official! I now have a companion with which to hike the John Muir trail. Tom Willard is a long time family friend and Sierra adventurer who lives in Los Angeles. I had always hoped that one day I could join up with Tom to share a trail high on the Sierran ramparts and now I am going to do it. The photo above is of Tom Willard and his girl friend on Mt. Langley in the Sierras, just south of

Are The Gospels Historically Reliable? A Review of Bart Ehrman’s, "Jesus, Interrupted", and Richard Bauckham’s, "Jesus and the Eyewitnesses"

2009-04-06T19:17:00.000-07:00

These are two of the latest and most compelling books written on the subject of the historicity of the Gospels. Bauckham’s book came out in 2006 and Ehrman’s in 2009. The books are written in very different styles and with different purposes. Ehrman’s book was written on a more popular level, while Bauckham’s book is written in the style of a doctoral dissertation. Reading Bauckham is like being

Spin Doctor Atheism

2009-03-30T18:49:00.001-07:00

I've been going over to Debunking Christianity to mix it up with the Atheists for quite a while now. I think they might be fed up with me, so I haven't been replying to any posts for a couple of days. However, the blog director and chief atheist, John W. Loftus, just posted an interesting article from Dr. Douglas Groothius, professor of philosophy at Denver Seminary. He has a new book coming out

Test Your Faith with the Outsider Test of Faith

2009-03-26T23:48:00.000-07:00

Recently, I read a book entitled, “Why I Became an Atheist: A Former Preacher Rejects Christianity”, by John W. Loftus. It’s a book designed to convince the Christian that Christianity is a fairy tale myth that is essentially no different than belief in, what Richard Dawkins calls, “Flying Spaghetti Monsters”. I must admit that Mr. Loftus’ book is a thorough and comprehensive critical look at

The 50 Milestone

2009-03-22T17:38:00.000-07:00

I turned 50 in November, so I wanted to try to achieve a few things during this milestone year. I ran the Shamrock 15K run last week. Pam made a video of the event, which you can see here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGzvDau162I. My next goal is to hike the John Muir Trail this summer. It's a 220 mile trek through the High Sierras. When I was hiking in the Sierras 10 years ago with Pam, we

Watch Out! The Four Horsemen Are Here!

2009-03-20T12:18:00.000-07:00

Did you know that the Four Horsemen have been galloping through our nation for the past several years? That’s right, only these aren’t the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse who sweep the world to destroy the ungodly. On the contrary, these horsemen are out to destroy faith in God. I refer to the four popular atheist authors that have come to be known as the Four Horsemen: Christopher Hitchens,

Journey or Destination?

2009-03-18T06:25:00.000-07:00

My motto is that life is about the journey. That certainly doesn’t say everything about my life, but it is an attempt to focus my life on the present process of life, rather than the future destination. This is not to say that the destination is unimportant. Rather, the destination is important, especially for the Christian. It is good that we live in the light of our future heavenly union with

The Birth of Pax

2009-03-11T20:03:00.000-07:00

We had our first llama birth of the season today. Click on the link below so that I can introduce you to her.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_qzFMUsMLY

In Defense of Seekers

2009-03-11T13:59:00.001-07:00

About 8 years ago a fellow track coach complained to me about one of his athletes. It seems that this athlete was missing some practices, doing poorly in school, and was generally too much of a free spirit to be coachable. Since I was a pastor at the time, my coaching colleague came to me to see if I could help control the boy. After telling me his problem with coaching the lad he vented his

Book Review: "A History of God: The 4000 Year Quest of Judaism, Christianity and Islam", By Karen Armstrong

2009-03-10T12:53:00.000-07:00

I would prefer the subtitle, Man’s Quest to Interpret God. But then, that assumes there is an objective God that one can interpret, which is a God Armstrong does not acknowledge. It is not clear from the book what Armstrong even believes about God, but it is clear that she is steeped in God. What Armstrong does in this sweeping account of the 4000 year history of Judaism, Christianity and Islam