The Great Gathering: Finding Hope in the High Country

There are moments in the overlanding life when the sheer scale of the landscape makes you feel wonderfully small—and wonderfully connected. When the clouds roll in, painting the mountains with a drama that feels less like weather and more like a divine curtain being drawn back. We've all experienced that feeling: the kind of breathtaking arrival where the journey, no matter how long the BLM dispersed camping stretch, finally pays off.

The Crestone Energy Fair captured this feeling perfectly. We arrived when it was pouring, but even as the snow dusted the peaks above 11,000 feet, there was a palpable sense of anticipation. This wasn't just a field trip; it felt like a convergence. It was the kind of gathering that reminds you why you put the miles on the RV, why you packed the gear, and why you keep the faith.

The Joy of the Gathering

In the adventure community, we talk a lot about the physical destination—the pristine trailhead, the perfect view from an overlook, the challenge of a backcountry traverse. But sometimes, the true destination is the people. It’s the unexpected reunion with folks you haven't seen since the last World Schooling co-op meeting, or the chance to share a quiet moment of deep conversation with fellow believers who understand the weight and wonder of what is to come.

“The greatest destinations are those where the journey itself reminds us of the coming home.”

We spent time connecting, talking about everything from the best local Proof Breads loaves to the deep theology of the Advent. These moments—the fellowship, the shared meals, the quiet preparation for the next day's talks—are what make places like Crestone feel like HolyPlaces. It's a reminder that whether we're tackling a sport climbing route in the Rockies or just parked at a state park for the weekend, we are always moving toward something.

Building the Trail of Faith

Our community thrives on sharing the journey, making the wilderness feel less daunting and more sacred. We believe that every stop, every viewpoint, and every shared moment can be a small testament to the hope we hold. This is why we carry our little Adventurer tools with us. The CrockyGo painted rocks become little stones of remembrance left at trailheads and rest stops—a subtle, silent declaration that others are walking this path, too.

And when we gather, we don't just talk about faith; we support the local ministries that keep the light shining. Our decorated Currency Kids bills aren't just spending money; they are traveling gospel tracts. Every purchase at a local bakery or gift shop becomes a way to invest in the infrastructure of the Kingdom, supporting the community that makes these epic field trips possible.

The beauty of the big-sky lifestyle is that it forces this convergence: the rock climbers, the RV life enthusiasts, the homeschool co-ops, and the believers all meet on the same BLM dirt roads, drawn by the same pull toward adventure, and toward something eternal.

We're always planning the next leg of the journey. Whether we're gearing up for a thru-hiking expedition or simply planning a weekend road school session, the goal remains the same: to gather, to prepare, and to look forward to the ultimate coming home. We'll catch you early in the morning—be safe, and remember to share your own stone of remembrance!