Into the Abyss

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Our naive little spelunkers are marching off into the abyss. They have a spring in their step and smiles on their face. This is going to be fun! This is going to easy!

Tight Squeeze

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You can't really appreciate this picture without hearing the screams and giggles. The kids are taking a little detour to visit a small chamber called the Egg Room. I tried to follow, but you're required to slither on your belly over 25 feet through this very narrow crevice. Halfway through I felt the grip of claustrophobia for the first time in my life. I decided to back out and let the kids enjoy this on their own.

The Mud Room

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Trevor demonstrates the log roll for everyone in a small cavern known as The Mud Room. There is nothing more enjoyable than rolling around in cold muddy water. I'm not going to try it though. I'll just take their word for it.

Girls are Icky

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Gail and Shellsea are no wimps. They showed us guys a thing or two. In fact, I had trouble keeping up with them.

At the end of my rope

This is where I really start to get tired (Notice the blank, vacant stare). My guide gently encourages me, "We're almost to the halfway point, Jeff. Hang in there."

Cavemen

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I had no idea what I was getting us into. For the last 4½ hours, we have walked, crawled, slipped, climbed, slid, waded, tripped, pulled, and slithered our way through almost 5 miles of passages. At one point when we were wading down a waist-deep, icy-cold creek that runs through the lower level of the cave, I could hear my son Trevor's teeth chattering in the darkness. I asked our guide how far we were below the surface. When he replied somewhere over a mile, I cursed myself (can you say hypothermia?). However, we finally emerged safe and uninjured, although we are a little banged up, very cold, and extremely exhausted. I have to admit though, this expedition has been one of the most unique and profound experiences of my life. As my boys would say, "it was awesome!"

Today's Adventure

We're loading up the horses and going to hit the trails at the DuPont State Park today.

Covered Bridge

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I know I named this post "Covered Bridge," but a more appropriate name would be "Saddle Sore." My backside is singing Ava Maria. What reproductive ability wasn't destroyed by yesterday's too-tight wetsuit was taken care of by my first horseback ride in almost 40 years.

Lake Imaging Trail

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Gail's leading Max off for a scenic ride on the Lake Imaging Trail. Trevor and I followed on foot not knowing what an arduous hike was in store for us.

The Lone Ranger

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Maxwell did fantastic for his first ride. Cashmere obeyed his every command and gave him and excellent ride. I'm sure after carrying my 250lbs for 4 miles through the hills, Cashmere was grateful for the break.

A well-deserved rest

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After a very long and difficult hike, Trevor and I stumbled across the Grassy Creek Falls. Trev immediately asked if he could soak his feet (the water was way too cold) and grab a bite. I almost fell in trying to get this picture but it was worth the risk.

Trevor's View

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This was the view Trevor was enjoying as he munched on his ham sandwich.

Ready to ride...Well, almost

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Trevor's geared up and ready to ride. I guess I should tell him his helmut's on backwards.

Trevor's Turn

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Trevor finally gets his turn. However, Cashmere had had enough and headed back down the trail despite Trevor's best efforts to turn him around for a visit to the covered bridge. Maybe next time, Trevor.

First morning

We're finally here. The boys are checking out my friend Gail's horses, Cashmere and Phoenix, on a crispy cool morning here in beautiful North Carolina. It's a little chilly but we hope to do some whitewater rafting today.

Men in tights

The boys and I getting ready for our first whitewater rafting expedition on the frigid French Broad River (that's why we are wearing the sexy wetsuits). The Nantahala Outdoor Center provides expert guides and all of the gear necessary for a fun-filled adventure. Fortunately, the tourist season hasn't quite yet started so we're receiving extra attention and we have the river all to ourselves today.

The Calm Before the Storm

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This place is heaven. The boys are so happy. They've been wearing constant grins since we got in the raft. We're surrounded by beautiful mountains and lovely forests. It's so quiet and peaceful as we slowly drift down the river...

...oh my God! Here come the rapids!

Whitewater!

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Here we go! The adventure begins! Trevor's the one in front with the priceless expression on his face and his brother, Maxwell, is seated behind him. The two ladies paddling frantically are Gail and her daughter, Shellsea.

Meet the team

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Introducing the team from left to right:

Jeff Stroup (Dad): I am the one with the pained expression on his face and the bubble on his head. I grabbed the largest available helmut and naturally it is still 3 sizes too small. I picked the biggest wetsuit and honestly believe I've destroyed my reproductive capability forever. At least I'm wet and cold.

Maxwell Stroup (12): When our raft guide asks Trevor to stop paddling five times in a row because Trevor's drifted off into Trevor-Trevor Land again, you can always count on good old Maxwell to get Trevor's attention with a quick strike from his trusty paddle. Now I know why Max wanted to sit behind Trevor.

Gail Frandsen (Friend & Shellsea's mom): This hyperactive lady (I'm sure you can sense her energy) is in charge of our travel itinerary. She started our week with icy cold rapids and has made plans to have us riding horses, climbing mountains, crawling through caves, and possibly panning for gold. I hope I survive to post more blogs.

Trevor Stroup (11): "Stop paddling. Please, stop paddling. Trevor. Trevor. Stop paddling, Trevor. Come on, Trevor. You need to pay attention. Can you hear me, Trevor?"

Shellsea Frandsen (15): Surprisingly normal for being raised by you-know-who. This girl has been groomed to face any challenge she will ever encounter in life. I'm voting for her in the 2030 Presidential Elections.

Dreaming

Max may look like a beautiful little angel sleeping peacefully, but I am on guard. When he jerked out of his last nap he almost hit me in the face. Max said he'd tripped over a wire in his dream.

712 more miles to go

We're on the road again. 712 miles from now we'll be in Hendersonville, NC to enjoy Spring Break with our friends, Gail and Shellsea,. I loaded my Ipod with videos to keep the boys entertained. So far it is working.

Happy Birthday Bill!

Happy Birthday to a great guy and good friend, Bill Bentz (pictured here with the lovely Michelle). I hope you enjoy many more birthdays, Bill, and I hope I get to sit by Michelle again at your next birthday party.

Trevor takes it to the hoop

My little Trevor charges to the basket and prepares for the slam while his brother, Maxwell, looks on.

Rearranging Priorities

Enough excuses. I am going to stay on top of this blog and start posting more frequently.

I've been working like a dog and not giving these two handsome guys the attention they deserve, so I decided to rearrange my priorities. After I picked the boys up from their mom's tonight, we headed straight to the basketball courts near our house. Boy, did we have fun. They challenged yours truly to a game of hoops giving me the opportunity to crush and defeat them 10-3. It's reassuring to know that I am still the alpha-male in my house.

Swamped

I've made no postings in over a month because I have been swamped. Tax season is upon us and I am spending most of my time sitting in front of a computer. I hope to start posting again soon but it probably won't be for a couple of weeks. I am off to Brazil for 9 days starting next Friday 3/17. See you soon.