Food was outstanding, had aligator steaks and other great foods. Festival of lights was a sight for sore eyes. Did a lot of sightseeing, twas a Merry Christmas :-)
Some thought that came to mind.....
I was going to say Boy Scouts for grown men who missed the chance, but when I saw $250 a head cover fee I realized it’s just another way to monetize the hiking experience.
This is is my idea of a ruined trip.
The original poster showed great restraint and decency, I hope I would have handled it as well.
I would have have been very tempted to shout out the glory of God and nature ( as the 2 am prayer group did) at first birdsong ( 6 am) with a heartfelt dose of “ need more cowbells!”
The video is is like a viagra meets paramilitary recruitment flick.
They are marketing this as a form of Christian Man empowerment? Pardon me Jesus, but ***.
How could anyone with any respect for the wilderness and back to nature camping experience condone taking 104 backpacker / campers, many probably newbies, to a limited spot with no toileting facilities, with CHAINSAWS!
another example of why beautiful areas which are close to public access roads should be considered with caution.
although many grumble about the government putting restrictions on hiking and portions of the AT and national forests, we need these laws and people to enforce them to prevent this type of event from becoming the new normal.
I’m familiar with the Wichita mountains in Oklahoma. Beautiful spot, lots of rattlers when I was there. A environmentally delicate place due to arid conditions. I hope the group visiting is schooled on leave no trace, even if on private land.
If the the participants were questioned privately about their experience, what would their responses be? Perhaps some will go on to be active outdoorsmen, and good stewards of their environment. A wonderful thing!
Repeat point number 6
just my take on things, HYOH folks.
Send them an email to voice your concerns about leave no trace and other things.
https://www.4musa.com/contact
https://www.4musa.com/about
quote:
The 4th Musketeer was the idea of… a woman. One evening in September 2007, Ruth Stoorvogel told her husband, Henk, "Why don't you start something adventurous and challenging with men? Not something ordinary but a movement unlike any other men's movement." Inspiring men to a more fulfilled life based on the person of Jesus Christ and inspired by the character D'Artagnan, the protagonist in the book The Three Musketeers, the XCC concept was developed. An epic adventure where men experience great physical challenge, mental exhaustion and wild inspiration; all for a greater cause. A movement where men’s hearts are awakened.
Zelph - Thanks for those links. I just sent them an e-mail. Not sure I'll hear back but if I do, I'll be happy to report what comes my way.
That's all for now. Take care and until next time...be well.
snapper
As long as the group was well behaved and left no trace I don't see a problem with it. They probably had reservations/permit in advance.
Let's head for the roundhouse; they can't corner us there!
What consenting adults do with their money is, of course, their business. There's nothing wrong with men (and women) wanting to better themselves but if they are looking for a spiritual experience, I doubt one would find it in such large groups.
Zelph, Thank you for posting and for the updates. i also sent the group a message.
That's a nice jesture, good on them.
The Standing Indian Campground has a "group camping" area....I suspect that is where their base camp was situated for their 72 hour gathering. Their site says they are organized in groups of 10. Could it be that there was far less than the total group of 104 on the mountain top?
Yeah but did they offer you a beer?