Dad and Kids "Playday"

All too often Dads focus their time on being the provider, which is honorable, but there is so much more to Fatherhood.

The Father's kids usually desire the Father's time more than anything......

Kearns Family - Bike Racers

My family has started a new bike club named after my Dad and our love of everything Irish - 

The "TommyShamrock Bike Club."

You guys are just too cool. I hope to join you soon. 

I have begun to train and will hopefully be able to buy one of those "not so cheap" bikes in the spring!

Wet and Wild Time!

Liz and I jumped in a River Jet Boat and flew down the Beautiful Rouge River.

I really enjoyed spending time with Liz.... She is so much fun.

The river was full of rapids.

So did we slow down?

Oh No!

We went right through them....

We traveled at speeds of over 50 miles per hour and.....

The Jet Boat Captain would spin the boat for a high speed 360 degree donut.

Talk about fun!

Not only did we have an adventurous time, but we spotted 5 different bear along the way.

There is just something so special about watching God's creation in the natural environment.

Whiskeytown Falls with My Brothers

I had a great day just hanging out with two of my brothers.

Check This Out!

My Youngest Brother, Dan.

Number 2 brother, Tim.

Yours Truly

What a Beautiful Location.

A Beautiful Morning

I awoke to a beautiful sunrise.

So I thought, Hmmm, Why not get a hike in before the family wakes-up!

 

I had never hiked the Yana Trail on BLM Land south of Redding.

 

I was surprised that the trail was marked so well.

 The hike was much different than the mountain hikes I had become accustomed to, but beautiful in its own uniqueness.

As I hiked I could hear animals in the grass, didn't see them, but they were there....

Even though the temperature was going to warm up to 100+ degrees, the morning still felt comfortable.

There were some terrific views of the small adjacent mountains and the Sacramento River.

I felt like I was hiking in the desert.

But then a creek would appear.

You probably wonder why I do so much hiking? Well, for me, It gives me time to clear my mind and hear God's voice in the quiet. Hiking is in many ways, my special prayer time. I can experience and feel his presence so clearly when I am active, out in the nature, and ask that He listen to me and then I listen to Him.

There was an obstacle or two along the way, but it wasn't too much for a man with trek'n poles, waterproof boots, and a good jump.

Then, after 8 miles, I finished the hike and returned home to find my family just waking up.

Mount Lassen - My Spiritual Climb

Here is Mount Lassen, Less than an hour drive from Redding, California.

 The summit is at an elevation of 10, 500 feet.

Yes - It is still considered an Active Volcano.

May 22, 1915 - The final and most major eruption, as seen from Anderson, California. 

Anderson is 40 miles from the summit.

The trail-head begins at an elevation of 8500 feet.

And peaks at 10,500 feet.

Check out My Spiritual Climb

For Men Only !

The Famous PCT (Pacific Crest Trail)

What a 4 Day Vacation can do for the mind and the soul!

We packed up the truck, grabbed the kids, a few friends, and off we went.

It wasn't long and we were in the mountains.

We set up camp.

Cooked some real camping food.

and yes smores.....

Liz was able to get some rest.

I found an adventure or two.

The kids had so much fun.

and we all feel rejuvenated and refreshed....

I bet you can't guess what we did....give you a hint.... 40 foot drop, water, and pure adrenaline....

Are You Man Enough?

The real question is: Are you man enough for a spiritual adventure that just might change you life?

Along with the “Men of Faith” Catholic Men’s Group, Deacon Pat Kearns from "Our Lady of Mercy Parish"  in Redding CA. from the Sacramento Diocese will lead another Spiritual “In-Motion” Retreat  while backpacking on the famous and beautiful Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).

A group of Men (16 years old and above) will journey along the trail while incorporating spiritual exercises and manly adventures.


Each Day will consist of:

Morning and Evening Prayer

A teaching by Deacon Pat or another clergy on aspects of “Manly Character”

“An Hour of Silence” meditating on the lesson of the day while hiking

Evening Group Reflection and Sharing

As well as fellowship, laughing, joking, fishing, eating, campfires, and nourishment that feeds the soul.


When: Labor Day Weekend. The group will meet at Our Lady Of Mercy Parish in Redding CA on Friday, September 3rd, 2010 in the afternoon and caravan to the drop off point. The Spiritual Adventure will end on Monday, September 6th 2010 (Labor Day) midday.


Where: The Pacific Crest Trail Near Castle Crags State Park.

Cost: There is no cost. You are only required to supply your own food and supplies.

Information: For more information you can log onto www.catholic-men.blogspot.com or feel free to contact Deacon Pat Kearns at:   e-mail:    patkearns@sbcglobal.net.

Now more than even, Catholic Men need to unite, create friendships, support each other, and obtain spiritual nourishment in a method conducive to authentic manhood, as Godly Men!

We Made It - 150 miles of Kayaking (A Men's Spiritual Retreat)

Here is the group of men who had enough guts to set out on a 150 mile "Men's Spiritual Kayaking Retreat."

We packed our kayaks with gear and off we went. Here is my son Sean.

Here is my rig, a double kayak packed with everything you could think of......

Here we are leaving on the adventure.

We had some great camp spots.
Sometimes in campgrounds, and sometimes like here on a sand (or boulder) bar.

We fished

We ate

We laughed

But we also experienced many moments of pure holiness and were engulfed in His Grace.

Here we are 150 miles later..... 

Tired Yes, But A group of men changed in many ways.

Check out the videos below and see why.

Part I of the Adventure

Part II of the Adventure

Part III of the Adventure