Crossties’ November weekend trip to Bryson City, NC, was more than a chance to hang out with friends, sit by the campfire, and hike in the mountains. Some of us had never met. Yet we came together as a group to share thoughts, hopes, and goals. The retreat gave us the chance to play and pray together and build on our commonality as a unified group at the Chapel of the Cross.

The drive up was talkative, musical, rainy, and dark. Winding roads didn’t deter our responsible driver, Caroline, who persevered through the rush-hour traffic and unfamiliar mountain roads to deliver us safely to BJ’s Creekside Cabins.

Two cozy cabins stood waiting for our crew. The rain continued, and we settled in while Caroline warmed her enchiladas, and Ellen played guitar. Finally, Dan and Lisa arrived, making our group complete. Warm cider welcomed them to our family cabin, and we gave them the tour of their hideaway loft. After unwinding and getting to know each other better, we ended our evening with Compline.

Saturday brought more rain as Lisa sang “Shortnin’ Bread” to mix up the dough for homemade biscuits. She then played madrigals and hymns on her recorder as Dan drank coffee and listened contentedly by the fire, while John entertained us with his witty quips for the day. Then we were off to the woods for a day of hiking, singing, and getting only slightly lost.

The afternoon called for naps, Caroline’s pasta salad and deviled eggs, Ellen’s hot chocolate, Elizabeth’s pumpkin bread, and John’s contemplations while we refueled for the evening. After Ellen’s spaghetti dinner, Dan, John, and Elizabeth starting building the campfire for ghost stories, jokes, and camp stories. Caroline’s S’mores Station was a hit. Lisa kept the fire stoked as the clock ticked into late night, and the temperature dropped.

Sunday morning was cold! Snow was on its way. Lisa’s traditional recorder serenades were the perfect compliment to Elizabeth’s apple pancakes. Finally, Lisa and Dan led morning prayer; and we prepared to say goodbye to our cabin retreats. Before leaving, we took a short hike up the mountain to see the waterfall. We took one last photo by the babbling brook, and we wished you all could have been there to see the beauty and participate in the fellowship. It was well worth it.

Crossties is a group of professionals and graduate students (roughly ranging in age from 20-40) who meet twice a month for inspiring conversation, presentations, bible study, and social functions as well as to plan contributions to charities and the community as a unified body of Chapel of the Cross. To join, contact Michael McElreath at jmmrts@hotmail.com; to receive e-mail about upcoming events and meetings, contact Dave Scocca at dave@scocca.org