A week ago my sweetheart and I ventured into Wells Gray Provincial Park near Clearwater, BC, with our truck, kayaks, and fifth wheel trailer for a few days of camping. We'd researched online, and it sounded wonderful. The park was full of incredible scenery complete with access trails. The campground lay beside the Clearwater River, and Clearwater Lake was just a short distance north of there. The campground had no services, but we were prepared to conserve water and power in our RV. We were set.
Well, I was nervous but excited. This would be a test, our first time with the truck and trailer, and the first time we’d been off grid in ages. Would we run out of water? Or power? What if it was really cold, and we used all our propane to heat the trailer? And what if my lack of balance ruined the whole holiday? My inherent timidity was in full force.
After nearly five hours of travel, we arrived at our campsite. The location was great, just one campsite away from the river we’d expected to kayak. We could hear it and caught a glimpse through the trees. As soon as we were set up, we walked over to the riverside.
Gulp. No kayaking there! Clearwater River roared, tumbled, and frothed. Not the gentle stream we’d envisioned.
The next morning we walked down the road to a trail we’d spotted the night before. The brochure we’d picked up promised a short hike to either a waterfall or an overlook. The trail seemed nearly vertical as we climbed uphill, and uphill, and up another slope. I struggled, wobbled, and grabbed hubby’s hand several times. But we finally made it, red-faced and panting. The narrow walking bridge beckoned, and I hesitated before stepping onto it. The water below bucked and raged. Dizziness struck, and I clung to the railing.
“Challenge your dizziness,” the doctor had said. “Look at whatever triggers it.” So I looked. It was hard at first, but after a few minutes, I grinned. The bridge would hold, the water would not overcome, and I would not fall. No fear.
God is our refuge and strength, and ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way…though its waters roar and foam. Psalm 46:1-3