Cowboy Jim‘s Stories Around the Campfire

I've had the chance to drive in many different countries in many different vehicles.  Sometimes it can get pretty crazy and exciting as one tries to learn to maneuver a car or motorbike around in a culture that may drive a whole lot more differently than we do here in the States.

I've already talked about some of the hazards of camping.  When you are out in the woods there are many things that can happen to you.  Some of them are funny and some of them might be a bit challenging or scary.  But a bad day in the woods is still better than a day in the office.

Those of us who enjoy canoeing will often go to great lengths to find a fun, challenging and scenic place to canoe.  It is almost always worth it.  But there are times that times go wrong, the water is worse than expected or storms cause a lot of trouble.  There are times we took some trips with students and I'm sure it was only by the grace of God that we did not suffer serious injury or accident.

If you have been camping you know that everything does not go exactly as planned many times.  Some of these events are hilarious and some are disastrous,  but they both make good stories after things are over.  Whether you've had nothing but wet wood for your campfire or put your tent over a bee's nest you will appreciate these stories of the hazards of camping.

Hunting elk in the San Juan Mountains in Colorado is always a challenging hunt.  I have worked as a hunting guide with an outfitter out of Pagosa Springs and some of the hunts were fun and challenging and some of the hunters were hard and challenging.  But there was always adventure.

One of the greatest demonstrations of the power of God as Creator is seen in thunder and lightning.  It can be terrifying to be caught in a bad storm but it can also be exhilarating.  Join me as I recount some of the storms I have been in -- and survived!

Cowboy Poetry is a real thing.  Those of you in the East or other countries may not realize that it is a special kind of poetry - mostly telling a story of western life or the ranch.  My grand kids in west Texas have all written Cowboy poetry and have even competed in some regional contests and several have won.  Here are some great renditions of Cowboy Poetry - read by me but written by the grand kids.  Enjoy!

One of the most exhilarating experiences in lift might be doing whitewater rafting on class 5 rapids.  Even smaller rapids can give you a fun and exciting ride.  And when you unexpectedly go overboard it can be terrifying, shocking and cold!  These are some of my whitewater stories that I think you'll like.

I've had the opportunity to travel to lots of places all over the world.  Places like Papua New Guinea, Bangladesh, Brazil, Guatemala and even Poland have provided some very interesting and challenging travel.  But it was all great!

Some more of Ann (my wife) and my camping adventures.  This was one of the most special trips we took and Ann found out what "saddle sore" really is!  The country between the Weminuche Valley and Silverton in Colorado is some of the most spectacular anywhere in the world.