GAF TRAIL RIDES
GREAT ADVENTURE FELLOWSHIP
GREAT ADVENTURE FELLOWSHIP
GREAT ADVENTURE FELLOWSHIP
| SCEM Fall Trail Ride @ Croft October 22-24, 2010 What a Wonderful Weekend at Croft. God gave us perfect weather as people began to arrive at Croft State Natural Area. Everyone was looking forward to refreshing both body and spirit. Friday evening we joined together around the campfire at site #9. Nancy welcomed us warmly with the fixings for ‘Smores’, hot coffee and hot chocolate. It took awhile to settle down as everyone wanted to check out the silent auction table and look for things they wanted or needed. Many items were looked at and eventually purchased! Bargains everywhere! As people began looking for the warmth of the fire we were told of the schedule for the weekend and then Robert & Debbi led us in a singalong. It was a good evening as we renewed friendships and praised the Lord in song! Heading back to our trailers we knew God was smiling on us. Saturday dawned cool and crisp and we all anticipated a good ride on the hills of Croft. We met at the barn to saddle up and our president, Anthony Fowler, led us in a devotion, asking “are you ready to ride?” he encouraged us all to be prepared and ready to minister to everyone, at all times, hopefully making others ready to ride also. Several different groups went out and explored the trails and found them to be as much fun as always! Everyone reported very pleasant rides. Saturday evening found us gathering at shelter #2, looking for BBQ sandwiches, hotdogs and other goodies. Nancy and her crew from Grace Riders Fellowship did a great job feeding us and making everyone welcome. After a delicious meal Greg Lambert sang praises to God and inspired us to praise the Lord continually. He was a blessing. A big thank-you to Grace Riders for all they’ve done to make this trail ride weekend memorable. Sunday morning we met at the camp fire ring for a worship service. Larry Johnson led in prayer for various requests then spoke to us about ‘blowing our horn’ and letting people know who we are and what we stand for. Are we proclaiming Christ in everything we do? As Larry closed out the service we knew we were a blessed people. After service some were able to get in one more ride but regretfully we also began packing trailers and saying goodbye to one another, knowing we would meet again and praise God for all He has done for us and given us! |
| White Horse Annual Ride ----October 2010 What a wonderful weekend the LORD gave us for the White Horse Ride at Lakeview Plantation the weekend of October 2nd. Upon arrival Lori Smith, Linda Turner, Larry and Margie Johnson had already got their trailers set up. This was Susan Harrison first time of pulling her goose neck trailer so I met her in Orangeburg to help her get in and get set up. I might add she was still all in one piece when we met and she said it really didn’t bother her that much. While we were getting set up the rest of them went for a ride. Later on that evening Felder and Janice Poplin made there first trip with their new trailer. This was their first time of pulling it also but Felder drove so they finally made it all in one piece. While I was helping Felder get things set up some horse Thieves came through and stole all my horses off my lights. Naturally nobody knew where they ran off to. It took me going down to the local magistrate’s office and signing arrest warrants for Lori, Janice, Margie and Susan before they just happened to show up in a corral. Margie’s only comment was you must have rattled the feed bucket loud enough for them to hear it. There is nothing like friends to make your day. Don’t remember when Robert and Debbi Christmas came in but I don’t think she was a member of the DAULTON GANG. We went for a ride Friday and had such a good time. The weather was so perfect. That night White horses had a ‘meet and greet’ at the shed provided by owners Heyward and Donna Simmons. Consultant Floyd Tidsworth opened with a prayer and gave us an update on white oak. Roxie sang us some very good songs and we had a good time of fellowshipping with every one. Saturday we went riding again and the weather was perfect. A little cool to start off with but turned out to be a nice day. Saturday night Heyward and Donna roasted a pig for us to enjoy. After supper Roxie Williamson started off the night and introduced White Horse President Andy Green. After a short statement S.C.E.M. President Anthony Fowler made a short statement. We had some really good singing after the supper by the Royal Descendants. Sunday morning we had church and Anthony Fowler gave us a very good message and invited everyone there that if you did not know Christ, now was the time to find him. After church everyone saddled up again for a short ride, and then got packed and headed home to get ready for Croft. Susan had to stop and get gas and Janice pushed Felder out of the driver’s seat and she pulled the trailer the rest of the way home. I sure am glad she stayed behind me. Didn’t want to be tied up in a traffic jam if you know what I mean. Putting all jokes aside, everyone commented that this was the best ride and time that we have had together in a long time. I even learned how to field dress a cigarette in the middle of the ocean without using a skinning knife. Just leave it to Linda to come up with the idea so the turtles want eat the filters. I will close with this, “there is no promise of tomorrow so this is the day that the lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Bobby Player |
| March Ride at "Our Barn" March 20, 2010 Howdy All, March 20th sure was a beautiful day as six old members and several new members hit the trails at "OUR BARN". Most on horses, but Tom also drove his Mule powered wagon on a slightly different route. I'm guessing the total count to be around 25 or so. The trails were wide and had plenty of up and down slopes with small creeks and streams to cross. There was also at least one good sandy spot; you'll have to ask Terri about that though. Charity was Our BARN Summer Camp Scholarship" fund. There was $120.00 collected in our time slot from about 11:30 until about 3:00. The total for the day was over $400.00 as there was another group ride after ours. Lori also gave out tickets for door prizes, be sure and check out Terri's new bag. Thanks to Tom and Lori for having us out and for letting us plant a small seed in the summer camp ministry at "OUR BARN" where we pray God's kingdom will reap the harvest. See ya on the trail, Johnny and Terri |
| GREAT ADVENTURE FELLOWSHIP "SEEK AND YE SHALL FIND" RIDE LEE STATE NATURAL AREA, BISHOPVILLE, SC NOVEMBER 12-14, 2010 What a wonderful weekend God provided us for our annual Seek Ride at Lee State Park. Weather was perfect for riding during the day and cold enough to enjoy fellowshipping around a fire at night...or maybe the correct phrase would be huddling around the fire at night. A group of us arrived on Thursday to set up and prepare for all the activities we had planned. Friday morning was spent finalizing trail plans and putting out trail signs and treasures...then back to camp to welcome all the visitors and enjoy a wienie roast. We also enjoyed sandwiches from Chili's and chips and salsa! As the campground filled up the sounds of horses neighing and stomping and people yelling welcomes to each other were soon heard. Members were right there to help fellow campers ease those trailers into the camp spots and get everyone settled. As bedtime approached many of us slipped into our campers wondering if the power would hold throughout the night....and no it didn't, Larry was up 4-5 times during the night calling Bryn our park manager and assisting her to change fuses. Saturday morning was spent explaining the hunt and passing out tools and off to the ride we went. Met many people smiling and laughing on the trail as they collected their treasures. We estimated 68-70 people participating in the ride. We had a brief period of down time in the afternoon then it was up again to prepare for the evenings festivities. Jerry Smith took home the GOLDEN PIG AWARD for our 1rst annual BBQ cook-off....we'll get him next year! Great dinner was enjoyed by all, thanks Lori, and then the auction and craziness began....we witnessed a 20.00 dollar be auctioned for 25.00...all in all a good time was had by all! Julian Brown then refreshed us with his music and praises to our Lord...more huddling around the campfire and then off to bed. Larry only had to get up 2-3 times during the night for a blown fuse! Sunday morning we had a blazing hot campfire and 15-20 people for cowboy church...Larry reminded us to watch for impostors. After church a group headed out and did pick up on the trails. Back to camp to pack up for home and thoughts of what we could do next year. We praise God for the wonderful weekend with our horses and old friends as well as meeting some great new friends....I'll be looking for you all on the trail! Margie Johnson |
Blowing Rock, NC June 22-28, 2010
South Carolina was hot, hot, and under a heat advisory so it was off to Blowing Rock, NC for some cooler temperatures. We left early in
the morning on the 22nd and arrived in Blowing Rock about 9am. Already cooler and anxious to rides the hills of Moses Cone we
unpacked, set up camp, saddled up and headed out. Yep, it was just as beautiful as we remembered. Clear wide shaded trails, blooming
rhododendron, and a beautiful mansion with a view of Bass Lake. With clear skies, good horses and good friends, what more could you
as for? Bobby had decided to stay home because his mother-in-law was not doing well but as she improved he decided to surprise us! He
joined us just in time for supper and good conversation around the table. Wednesday dawned and we hit the trail to Rich Mt. and had a
good day again. Back at camp Bobby heard his mother-in-law wasn’t doing as well and made the decision to return home. We hated to
see him go but knew he needed to be with his family at this time. The week was full of riding; no one got wet or fell off. Always had good
eats; BBQ, chicken & beans, pizza and bruschetta and gourmet grilled cheese! Oh, did I forget the Kilwins ice cream? Yum, lots of ice
cream. We also enjoyed Bolicks Pottery Festival, Farmers Markets and even a day lily farm in Todd. Most of all we enjoyed the wonderful
gifts God has given us. The beauty of His world, the friends He’s given us (two legged and four legged), and spending more time with Him
in His Word. Thank you Jesus!
South Carolina was hot, hot, and under a heat advisory so it was off to Blowing Rock, NC for some cooler temperatures. We left early in
the morning on the 22nd and arrived in Blowing Rock about 9am. Already cooler and anxious to rides the hills of Moses Cone we
unpacked, set up camp, saddled up and headed out. Yep, it was just as beautiful as we remembered. Clear wide shaded trails, blooming
rhododendron, and a beautiful mansion with a view of Bass Lake. With clear skies, good horses and good friends, what more could you
as for? Bobby had decided to stay home because his mother-in-law was not doing well but as she improved he decided to surprise us! He
joined us just in time for supper and good conversation around the table. Wednesday dawned and we hit the trail to Rich Mt. and had a
good day again. Back at camp Bobby heard his mother-in-law wasn’t doing as well and made the decision to return home. We hated to
see him go but knew he needed to be with his family at this time. The week was full of riding; no one got wet or fell off. Always had good
eats; BBQ, chicken & beans, pizza and bruschetta and gourmet grilled cheese! Oh, did I forget the Kilwins ice cream? Yum, lots of ice
cream. We also enjoyed Bolicks Pottery Festival, Farmers Markets and even a day lily farm in Todd. Most of all we enjoyed the wonderful
gifts God has given us. The beauty of His world, the friends He’s given us (two legged and four legged), and spending more time with Him
in His Word. Thank you Jesus!
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