Like many religious celebrations, Easter is one of those holiday’s that can get you into trouble. Sure, the moveable feast has great importance in the Christian theology, but not everyone adheres to the Christian theology, or they do to varying degrees. Too much religion in your celebration and you may turn some people off; too little and you may turn off other people. Eh, that’s just the way it goes. Throw on your best pastel colored button down, grab some Peeps and roll with the punches, because it’s just another opportunity to hang in the yard with family, friends and watch kids run get hopped up on Cadbury Cream eggs and sprint around in a circle.
The main event of any Easter celebration has to be the Easter Egg Hunt, but there is also the sunrise service to think about. You may not be hitting church this Easter Sunday, but you can still get some spirituality in by having a sunrise service of your own. Get up early on Saturday – rain in the forecast for Sunday so don’t risk it – and hike to the top of a mountain during sunrise to give your soul a boost. People on the trail always say, “This is my church.” Well, now is the time to prove it.
We recommend Old Rag in Shenandoah National Park. The views from the top are spectacular, especially during sunrise. This is one of the most popular trails in the park, but you’ll have the opportunity to hike it with minimal crowds, and there may even be is some snow at the top to add an extra element of adventure to the outing. Speaking of extra adventure, make sure you pack some sort of traction device for your shoes, either some slip on studs or spikes, and be extra careful towards the top of the climb. Ice on rocks can make for a particularly dangerous, slippery situation, so be sure and use your best judgement when scrambling around. Having fun means coming back in one piece, guys.
It may take you a little longer to reach the top, but it will be worth it when the warm sun shines on your face, and washes away your sins…I mean worries…washes away your worries.
