Battle at Bristol and the 15th Anniversary of 9/11

From time to time, you find yourself caught up in an event you recognize as pretty significant. That was me at the Battle at Bristol on September 10, 2016.  It was a football game between the University of Tennessee and Virginia Tech, held in the Bristol Motor Speedway, in Bristol Virginia. It was the largest crowd to ever attend a football game. It was also the 15^th Anniversary of 9-11. It was worth attending because my son, Chad invited me to join him and my grandson, Shepherd. I couldn’t say “No.”

The significance of this “Battle” escaped few people. It was an event that might make history books, at least for a few years. It wasn’t a “Super Bowl” where the winning team will be remembered for 50 years or a Presidential Election, or even Lunar Landing. It was an anniversary of a tragic event and a football game attended by a lot of crazy fans. It was Big and it was noteworthy!

So what went down?

First, this football game was held in Bristol, Tennessee at a Speedway. It had to be retro-fitted to accommodate a football game. There was a speedway between the field and spectators. There was a 700 ton Jumbo-Tron referred to a “Colossus” that hung over the field for spectators to view field activities, such as the coin-toss with Peyton Manning, the singing of the National Anthem with Jennifer Nettles, and game re-plays. Although you could see “play” on the field, Colossus was a “hit” because it added much to the experience of the game. It was a whopping 63 feet wide and 30 feet tall. So, the venue was unusual because it was in neither Knoxville nor Blacksburg. The stadium was in itself an attraction.

Though it was not an SEC Conference game, it was an important game for the teams and coaches of each school. Butch Jones, coach of the University of Tennessee team had not yet proven himself as a viable coach in the SEC. He needed wins. For those of us who are UT fans, 2 quick touchdowns (plus extra points) by Virginia Tech in the first quarter made us wonder about even attending this event. Who likes to loose, even if it is an historic occasion? Thank goodness, in the second quarter Tennessee made three touchdowns (plus extra points) and a field goal, for twenty-four points. In the third quarter J. Dobbs connected with A. Kamara with a pass and Virginia Tech had a field goal, making the score 31-17. In the fourth quarter both J. Dobbs and J. Kelly ran for touchdowns (with extra points) and Virginia Tech had a touchdown and good kick, making the final score 45-24. It was said to be sharper than the typical HDTV. But, this football game was only part of the event.

It was also the anniversary of “9-11.” As such, it was a special landmark or memorial to an event that changed the thinking and history of a nation. It needed special recognition. And for the 15 years that has passed, we took note. This crowd got it. We are Americans; we honor our military. We are patriotic. Though we may not always respect our political leaders, we respect those who put their lives on the line to keep us safe and free. The sacrifices of many needed honoring. Half-time was pretty much devoted to honoring the brave Americans who have sacrificed so much.

It fact, honoring Americans was done throughout the night. It actually began with the National Anthem, sung by Jennifer Nettles acapella. We had red, white and blue flip-cards to do two “card stunts” for television viewers. When the cards were flipped, they revealed long red and white strips along with white stars on a field of blue. As all of this occurred a huge American Flag was stretched over the field. At the end of our Anthem, there was a C-5 Galaxy flyover. If the Star-Spangled Banner didn’t make you emotional, the visuals and fly-over surely did. Did I mention, there were fireworks? Well, add that to the mix. If you missed it, Goggle it, listen to Jennifer Nettles and be inspired by a crowd that was totally into it.

During the half-time show Lee Greenwood sang, “God Bless the USA.” There were fireworks again as the band paid tribute to our American military services. These were powerful moments for those of us in the stadium. (Again, Google ‘Lee Greenwood at the Battle of Bristol,” listen and watch the fireworks.)

It was also significant that in the second half, game organizers announced that paid crowd attendance was 156,990 people, beating the previous record of 115,109 people at Michigan Stadium in 2013. That game was between Michigan and Notre Dame. Beating the previous record by 41,881 is no small feat. It was obvious that this was an enormous pro-Tennessee crowd at several points. One was just prior to the first play. The noise was almost unbelievable. I’m not certain, but I think time was taken for the crowd to quieten a bit in order for Virginia Tech players to hear their quarterback. During the first quarter, crowd noise was a significant issue, if you do not count the jarring boom of Virginia Tech’s obnoxious cannon on unsuspecting Tennessee fans.  But in the following quarters, if you were a Tennessee fan, the numerous rounds of “Rocky Top” made up for the cannon booms experienced in the first. Given the crowd size and venue, “Rocky Top” never sounded better. The sea of orange never looked better.

What was the coolest thing about all this? My son, grandson and I were eye-witnesses to this monumental event. You could see his mind clicking into higher gears as he witnessed the swelling crowd enter the stadium and fill to capacity. And when our team scored, and everyone was giving high-fives and hugging everyone around us and us too, how could you not notice. There seemed to be no strangers among all these strangers. Yes, the fun of it was seeing his face light-up like Christmas lights on a tree to sparkle throughout the night.

What was not so great? The 3 hours on a two-lane road in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Shepherd didn’t let it bother him though. He slept most of the distance to our hotel an hour and a half away.

Scripture

John 2.1-12 – The wedding reception at Cana where Jesus performed his first recorded miracle.

Luke 9.10-17 – Jesus fed the 5000 people who were following him to hear about the kingdom of God.

Acts 15.1-18 – The Council in Jerusalem recognizes the grace of God is available to all people.

#BattleatBristol #VolsFootball #Keck #VirginiaTech #BristolMotorSpeedway #9/11

Shepherd Conquers Charlies Bunion, GSMNP

Shepherd’s hike to Charlies Bunion in the Great Smoky Mountains actually began when he hiked the Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan this past summer.  Initially, only my son, Chad and I had planned to hike in the Smokies but after trekking across Sleeping Bear Dunes he was convinced his son, Shepherd could manage any day-hike we could throw at him. I wasn’t totally convinced, because you see, Shepherd is only nine years old. I had never seen a kid that young handle 6, 8 or 10 miles in a day. So, before we set out, I had decided in my own mind that it was alright if we turned back after 2 or so miles. I enjoy hiking, so it really wouldn’t matter if we didn’t make it to Charlies Bunion.

Our first thought was to hike to Ramsey Cascades, an 8 mile hike (roundtrip). We (my son Chad, his son Shepherd, and I) began early enough out of Pigeon Forge and arrived at the Ramsey Cascades Trailhead (TH) about 9 am. Unfortunately though, signs informed us near the TH that the trail is closed.  Wondering if it is just a temporary closure we doubled back to stop at Sugarlands Visitor’s Center (at 9:50 am) and learned that a fallen tree has destroyed a footbridge on the trail to the cascades.

We decided then to hike to Charlies Bunion as it was already 10 am and wouldn’t take long to get to the TH. It was on my original list of potential hikes. My son had never been to this unique place, though this would be my fourth time. The first time I hiked to Chariles Bunion was in October of 1963 or 64. I with my friend, John Toomey and my brother Richard. We were new to hiking then, equipment taken was crude and weighted too much. Packs consisted of ruck sacks and handheld duffle bags. We also took a large two-burner Coleman stove. I suppose we looked like a “comedy of errors.” We carried too much and equipment was crude by today’s standards. We spent the night at Ice Water Springs Shelter with a Boy Scout Troop. Well, actually, we spent the night in the clearing in front of the shelter. In those days, there was no permit system to stay at shelters in the park. In the morning we also had an encounter with a bear at breakfast. We then hiked on to Charlies Bunion, which turned out to be very disappointing, as we could not see a thing. It was foggy and cold. It was just as well, I did not have a camera with me anyway.

 The second time I hiked to Charlies Bunion was in September of 1993. I carried a camera on that hike, but took no photos, again because of fog. I should have taken a few pictures, even if they were only of the sign at the side trail, just to document the lack of a view.

The third time I was at Charlies Bunion was in October of 2005. (I am including several images from that hike in this post, as it was an exceptionally clear day.) Most of the photos in this post are from my fourth visit.

Back to my account of Shepherd’s first hike. We drive up about 13 miles to Newfound Gap (US Highway 441) and park in the parking lot. The Trailhead is on the northeast end of the parking lot near the large stone podium where President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on September 2, 1940. There is also a plaque at the site commemorating John D. Rockefeller.

We are at the Charlies Bunion Trailhead (TH) at 10:30 am. We take a few photos of Chad & Shepherd and Poppa & Shepherd. It is a beautiful day. Although it wasn’t cool, it wasn’t hot. Temperatures are in the 70’s. There were a few clouds.

The trail sign tells us the Sweat Heifer Trail is 1.7 miles; the Boulevard Trail is 2.7 miles. Our trail map adds that Ice Water Springs Shelter 3.4 miles and Charlies Bunion is 4 miles. Beyond that is a view of the Sawteeth. It is 5 miles. The trail northeast is rocky.

An hour later (11:30 am) we arrive at Sweat Heifer Trail. Photos of the AT and Sweat Heifer Trail. To this point it is 95 percent uphill. Shepherd has marched the AT without complaint. This was where I thought things would go downhill. I was wrong.

At noon (12:00 am) we arrive at the Mount Le Conte Trail. The trail to the Jumpoff is .3 miles up that trail. The Jumpoff is a popular spot with great views. Mt Le Conte is 5.3 miles.

After a little more hiking (12:15 am) we arrive at Ice Water Springs Shelter (just off the AT). (Photos of the shelter, Chad and Shepherd Keck.) We eat lunch and leave at 12:50 pm. From its junction with Sweat Heifer Trail, the AT is about 65 percent uphill. About 2 tenths of a mile beyond the shelter is Ice Water Springs.  (If you pick-up water here, filter or treat it before you drink.)

At 1:20 pm, we arrive at Charlies Bunion, a gigantic protruding rock just below the summit of the ridge. It is 100 yards off the AT to the left. The AT continues to the right. The rounded knob holds dramatic views. On a clear day it has a great vista to the northeast of Mount Le Conte, Brushy Mountain, Porters Mountain and Woolly Tops Mountain. We spend 20-25 minutes at this scenic site soaking-in the view. A fellow hiker takes photos of Poppa, Chad and Shepherd Keck. I take a number of scenic photos.

We discuss with Shepherd hiking on to the Sawteeth, about a mile beyond Charlies Bunion. Shepherd does not object nor does he ask to go back to Newfound Gap. And so, we hike on to Dry Sluice Gap Trail on right, arriving there about 1:55 pm.

We continue to hike along the The Sawteeth for about a mile. We find a clearing along the trail and look back toward Charlies Bunion and Mt. Kephart. (We take photos looking back toward Charlies Bunion.) From there we hike back the 5 miles we came.  We rest a few times, re-visit Ice Water Springs shelter, catch our breath, drink water and snack on nuts, raisins and a few other things.

At 4:40 pm we arrive at Newfound Gap and I also take a few photos of Shepherd. I also photograph the ridge that Newfound Gap Road takes south into Georgia. It is a beautiful sight.

I began this blog post skeptical of Shepherd making it all the way to Charlies Bunion. At the trailhead I reflect on how this kid hiked 10 plus miles and did it without complaint. He was conversant. Enjoyed what he saw enjoyed being with his dad and grandfather. Given his age and it was a warm day, he never mentioned the heat, his feet, legs, becoming thirsty, or being hungry.  I want to hike with this kid again. It was an amazing day in the mountains. It was an even more amazing day with my son, Chad and grandson, Shepherd. We enjoyed having Shepherd come along. I won’t “short” this guy again. He is a “tall” man among hikers. I am excited about watching Shepherd grow to be the man he will become.

Scripture:

Psalm 139.13-16 – God created our innermost being and knew us before we were even conceived.

Luke 2.52 – Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and people.

Philippians 1.6 – God will complete His work in you.

Today, 70 and Sunny. So what’s the forecast?

I'll just say this up-front, this post isn’t about the weather. It’s about my body turning 70 years of age and my mind somehow thinking I am about 20. Yeah, a 20 year old inside a 70 year old body, that makes me a “Baby Boomer.” The guy inside this body seems to be stuck back in time in a lot of ways. I appear to be confused and living on the movie set of “Back to the Future.” There are all these fantastic devices all around me: cell phones, C-Pap machines (not me, but my friends), iPads, huge TV screens to watch really big movies, an automobile that get 30 miles to the gallon, kiwi for breakfast, watches that give me my coordinates, people who jump off bridges using bungee cords, thousands of photos on “thumb-drives,” and people living with other people’s hearts. I love them, except, there’s Siri. She doesn’t understand a word I say. Maybe, it’s my mid-western-southern accent.

Why should I be amazed? I am the kid who watched episodes of Flash Gordon on a ten-inch TV. The interstate highway system had one of its first stretches near my home and Disney captured my imagination every Sunday night. My mother had a spin-cycle washer and the Soviet Union launched Sputnik. Our two-tone blue Bel-Air got 7 or 8 miles to the gallon, and gasoline was 29 cents a gallon. You could even go to a move and get air conditioned while you watched 101 Dalmatians. I heard Elvis sing Heartbreak Hotel and then The Beatles.

At 17 the impossible happened, I witnessed the assassination of a President and then saw his alleged killer die on TV. I graduated from high school. Howdy Doody didn’t prepare me for that, or for the never-ending Vietnam War. I represented the hope of a World War. I grew up in the “Cold War.” There was the Cuban Missile Crisis and there were hula hoops and newspapers to deliver. There were conspiracy theories and two new flags in rapid succession. It was crazy. We even saw guys walking on the moon. So why can’t I tell Siri to tell me what channel the Volunteers are playing on my hulking TV without my phone deciding to call some random friend? Tell me.

So much for the ideas and gadgets of my youth. I now wrestle with the host of new countries created by the disintegration of the Soviet Union and the re-naming of countries all over Africa and what was once scandalous in my youth now flaunted by anyone capable of flaunting some difference. And too, I marvel at the progress we have made with many of the injustices in the world, and why new ones have emerged where none should be. Some things don’t make much sense. We have freedom of beliefs, but continue to be sold again and again in the news and media what has already been bought. Whatever happened to simple humor? Some things just don’t make sense. I guess, on those things I need to pray for more grace.

You’d think in 70 years someone could stop all the chaos and confusion and allow the dust to settle so we could see where we are. But then I think about it and understand that the “cutting edge” of my generation just paved the way for those who have come after me. We didn’t stand still, nor does the current age, so why should we expect those behind us to sit still either. My parents’ generation, also referred to as “The Greatest Generation” didn’t stand still. They had their own achievements. They were all about saving the world and making it a better place to live. They endured the Great Depression, the “Big War,” and the Korean Conflict. They saw my grandparents get electric lights, bought their first refrigerator, had their first TV, made their first phone call, bought their first car, a hi-fi and wanted their children to get a good education. They gave me a ride that helped shaped who I am. “What a long, strange trip it’s been.”

I suppose these changes (I’m really not complaining) will persist and confuse me until my last breath. Maybe the answer is the same as the answer my father gave me after I asked him a question about family history. His response, “It is what it is.” I do now what The Beatles advised, “Let it be.” God has authority over everything.

I’ll admit, I’ve been blessed. First, I am blessed by have a relationship with a gracious God, His Son and the Holy Spirit. That doesn’t mean I am not challenged. I’ve faced plenty of problems. Everyone I’ve ever known has had problems of some sort or other – financial, relational, physical, and emotional. I’ve had serious health issues. Family members I love had had them all. But the relationship that helped me get through them all has been with Christ. The Bible has some serious “Emergency Numbers” (type “Biblical Emergency Numbers” in your browser). His promises have helped me. Remember when Mary (the mother of Jesus) was told she was pregnant? Even though she was troubled by the event she knew she was blessed. I’m not Mary, but I too am blessed. Like Mary, I have a precious family, wonderful friends, a purpose and a future.

Fact is, aren’t we all called to live in the kingdom and to live a blessed life (Matthew 5.1-12)?

So, now, let me tell you, my plans. This is the “sunny” part of this post. I suppose it is a sort of “forecast.” To set my bucket down is to “give it up.” I’ve seen it happen to others. I’m not going down the road of Ecclesiastes 12 so easily. I grew up on rock and roll, Motown, country and R&B. I haven’t disappeared yet. I’m running with those who are “engaged” with life. I don’t plan to disengage so easily.

My plans? Well, I plan to be in God’s Word and spend time with believing friends who encourage me and keep me on course. I plan to spend time with my grandchildren. I want to play board games with them, shoot a few hoops and embarrass myself on a bicycle. I want to host cousin’s camps for them. I want to be a part of their lives and take them on trips. Yes, I want to travel – north, south, east and west. I want to do mission trips with my church, help people in need and do a little good, connect with people and accomplish something bigger than myself. I want to run another half-marathon. I’ve already registered for one. I want to hike. I’ve got some trails listed in my computer with trailhead locations and trail distances. My media cards are ready. My camera is ready. I going to document the beauty that I see around me. I’ve got friends I want to laugh with on the trail and laugh at sometimes because of the goofy things we do and say. These are sure to be “sunny” days.

Oh, I expect some less than sunny days too. I know the words of Solomon are true. Not every moment is wonderful. There will be times I have overcast days too. My grandson will probably win a few more games of Connect Four, because I am “Old.” Then to, to appease my wife, I need to clean out some drawers and closets and lighten the load on a few book shelves. So be it. It’s life.

Well, here’s to becoming 70 and a sunny forecast. Let’s do this as a parade!

Scripture

Psalm 73.24 - God gives purpose and direction.
Ecclesiastes 3.1-11 – There is a time for everything.
Ecclesiastes 8.7 – No one knows nor do we know the future.
Ecclesiastes 12.1-7 – In our old age, we lose our sight, hearing, teeth, taste and ability to walk upright.
Jeremiah 29.11 – God has a plan for me. I have a future.
Isaiah 41.1-4 and 48.12-13 – God is in control. He is the first and the last.
Matthew 5.1-12 – Blessed are those who are kingdom minded.
Luke 1.45 – Blessed is she who has believed what God is to accomplish.
John 7.38 – To believe in Christ is to have a fountain of living water flowing.
John 10.10 – In Christ we have life to the full and overflowing.
Ephesians 2.10 – We are made to do good works.
1 Timothy 4.8 – Exercise may be of some good.
Hebrews 11.6 – Only faith pleases God.
Revelation 1.17 – God is first and last.

Jungle Ice Cream. A Memorable Scream for Ice Cream.

 

Imagine being in a jungle. It is hot and humid. You are sweaty. To tell you the truth, ice cream isn’t even on your mind. Then someone asks, “What do you remember about going to the city?”

 

I've spent time in 3 or 4 villages in the Amazon Basin in Brazil, near the equator. The villages were all along the Negro River, a major tributary to the Amazon River. The people living along the river are referred to as 'River People.' Life is made up of houses on stilts, canoes and paddles, families and village members inking out a living from the river and the jungle around them.

 

Many ‘river people’ are Christian. But there are many villages that have little or no religion. For medical attention villagers go to Manaus. They buy whatever they need and sell whatever they can make or trade. Obviously, the influence of Manaus, and the growing wealth of Brazil is impacting the ‘river people’ and the indigenous. Their villages generate electricity a few hours each day so they can watch soccer, and other entertainment and keep up with news on satellite TV. They have cellphones, even if cell coverage is limited. Many teens have cell phones that provide endless hours of gaming and make nice photos.

 

A couple of us were talking to some kids on my second visit to the region and someone asked one boy, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Given their access to media, some responded they wanted to be entertainers, sing all over the world and make lots of money. Others simply wanted to go to Manaus to work and make lots of money. Some of the younger children simply wanted things, jewelry, clothing, and motor cycles and cars. Never mind that there are no roads in the jungle, only the river.

 

The surprise that day was this small boy wanted to eat something he had eaten on one of his trips to Manaus, but couldn't remember what it was called. We played 20 questions. You know, what color was it? Was it a meat or a plant? Was it hot or cold? Bing! It was cold and white. Finally we guessed. It was ice cream. It was a memorable scream for ice cream. You know the old line, “I scream; you scream; we all scream for ice cream.” I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist this childhood chant.

After talking about this experience with my travel-friend Steve, another American, and how we take some of the things we have for granted, we got to wondering. I thought the idea was mine, but Steve, my travel mentor believes he put it into words before me. “Why don't we go to a village and make some homemade ice cream for kids” we said! The idea was electric. We decided the next time we went to Amazon we were going to do this.

Well, planning for and preparing to make homemade ice cream in the jungle was a beginning point for our next trip. First, we needed to consider the ice cream maker or “freezer.” It needed to be the old fashioned hand cranked kind, because we couldn’t count on having electricity. Also, one freezer would only make about a gallon of the pearly stuff. We might need more than one freezer. We would need rock salt. And what about milk? Then we thought, could you even get these things in Manaus? What about eggs and cream? We needed to consider keeping these items refrigerated. We needed a recipe that was fool-proof in the hands of a couple of guys who seemed to be in-charge, me and Steve.

Once I got home, I asked my wife about ice cream recipes and she came up with the one we regularly use at home. It did not require eggs or whipping cream, but it did require canned evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk and vanilla pudding mix. It was a tasty recipe from my experience, and not hard to freeze, even though I had always used an electric freezer when I made it.

We decided to remove as many obstacles out of the equation as possible. We would need only two things on the river: whole milk and ice. We would take everything we needed with us. That included (for each freezer):

 

1 can evaporated milk (12 oz. can)

1 can sweetened condensed milk, i.e. Eagle Brand (12 oz. can)
1 large package vanilla instant pudding mix (i.e. a 5.9 oz. package)
Vanilla extract to taste (at least one tablespoon).
Whole milk (to fill freezer). A typical freezer will make about a gallon of ice cream.

Additional items we thought we needed:

Whisk.
Spatula.
Rock salt (1 box per freezer). Rock Salt typically comes in 4 lb. boxes.
15 lb. of ice per freezer and an igloo to keep it.
Long-handled, sturdy spoon for dipping ice cream.
Chocolate syrup and nuts as optional toppings. Hershey’s Chocolate comes in 12 oz. cans.
Small cups and plastic spoons.

 

The photos included are of our team making ice cream and the children eating it. Sure, some of the river people have had ice cream in Manaus. But none had ever had it in the jungle, miles up the river from the city.  And then there were some who had never had ice cream at all.

 

What was the motivation behind this crazy plan? Simply put, it was to make a memory, to do something that would be significant for someone that they might long remember. These are things that aren’t easily done. In doing it you say, not in words, but with your action, “You matter.” “We love you.”

 

The thing that jumps out now to me, I don’t say “You matter” enough.

 
Scripture has many examples that say, “You matter.” Here are a few:

Scripture

Matthew 26.6-13 – When Jesus was in Bethany, a woman came, broke open a container of expensive perfume and put it on him. Some complained that it was a waste. Jesus told them, “She has done a beautiful thing. Whenever the Good News is told, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”

Acts 3.11-12 – When the beggar (who could not walk who used to sit at the gate near the temple was healed) clung to Peter and John, all the people around them were astounded. Peter and John explained to them, “We didn’t heal this man. This man was healed by God in the name of Jesus.”

Acts 11.23 - When Barnabas arrived at Antioch and saw the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged all of them to remain true to the Lord with a firm resolve of the heart. Together, Paul and Barnabas spent a year with the Church at Antioch.

Acts 14.21-22 – After helping people in Lystra, Iconium and Antioch become believers, Paul made efforts to strengthen their faith by encouraging them to continue in the faith, telling them, “You will have many problems on our way into the kingdom of God.””

Romans 12.10 – Outdo one another in showing honor.