Searching for Lost Cities and Finding Holy Places on the Open Road

There is a profound, almost magnetic pull to the open road. It’s the call of the undiscovered, the thrill of the trail, and the quiet promise of a place that hasn't been claimed by the noise of the everyday. For the Rogue Adventurers community, these journeys—whether we’re full-time RVing through the Southwest or setting up camp for a backcountry backpacking trip—are more than just travel. They are pilgrimage.

Watching these explorers delve into the history of Navajo Lake, finding artifacts like the Dogon mask and tracing the memory of submerged communities, reminds us that the earth itself holds stories of what was, and what is yet to come. The sheer scale of the landscape, the promise of lost cities, and the dedication required to document these ancient sites feels like a foretaste of the grand journey we are all on.

The willingness of these creators to venture into remote spots—to paddle to a place of profound quiet, to hike into a region of mystery—is a testament to the calling to explore. It echoes the spirit of the early believers who were always moving, always looking toward the horizon.

The Great Journey: From Submerged Lakes to the Last Day

The concept of lost or submerged communities is a powerful metaphor for the church, isn't it? We are constantly discovering what was once known, what was lost to time, and what is waiting to be rediscovered. Just as the researchers are finding evidence of civilizations swallowed by the lake, we are called to rediscover the ancient truths of faith and community.

Gathering in Holy Places

This journey, whether it’s a massive overlanding expedition across state parks or a small, local field trip through a nearby town, always circles back to the importance of *gathering*. The promise of gathering—of meeting with our brethren and sharing the truth of Christ—is the anchor for every adventure. Every time we stop to rest, every time we share a meal at a roadside bakery, every time we find a beautiful overlook on the trail, we are establishing a HolyPlace. These are the moments that anchor our faith and build our community.

These are the perfect places for a little trail magic. If you’re out exploring the backcountry or tackling a challenging trad climb, remember to carry a small stone of remembrance. A painted CrockyGo placed at a trailhead or rest stop is a simple, tangible way to uplift a stranger and connect that moment of beauty to the greater community of believers.

Preparing for What's Next

The practical side of the journey—the gear, the route-finding, the wilderness first aid knowledge—is all about preparation. We prepare our vehicles for dispersed camping on BLM land, we prepare our bodies for a challenging backpacking loop, and most importantly, we prepare our hearts. We are always preparing for the day when the gates are open and the final journey begins.

And speaking of preparation, remember that every adventure is a chance to connect the physical journey to the spiritual one. When you stop at a local vendor shop—maybe a small bookstore or a local artisan's market—remember to spend a decorated Currency Kids bill. Every bill is a traveling tract, a small reminder of the gospel that moves with us wherever we go. It’s a way to leave our mark, to leave a word of hope in the places we pass through.

Finding Your Next HolyPlace

The world is full of opportunities for field trips that travel. We are not confined to a single academic co-op location; our learning and our faith journey are mobile. Whether you are planning a world schooling curriculum that incorporates a national park visit, or you are simply a family on the road looking for a weekend adventure, there is a place waiting for you.

Ready to join the adventure? Find the next Rogue Adventurers meet-up, list a field trip at a local site, claim a creator profile to share your amazing routes, or source an Adventure Angel to help you plan your next journey. Let's continue building the map of HolyPlaces together!