The Love Branch Bible Trail (LBBT) is a series of caches placed in honor of significant Bible figures. There are both Old Testament and New Testament figures including 10 of 12 apostles of Jesus. We decided to place this series of caches to provide smiley opportunities for those doing the 31 days of caching in August and to provide additional caching opportunities for those visiting the area for the Hatfield McCoy Mega event at the end of the month. We also felt this would give some of the local cachers putting out caches for the HMGT a chance to get some smilies. Each cache is named after one of these important Bible figures. The caches are hidden in a variety of containers and styles. Some of these caches will be easy while others may be quite challenging. The caches are placed along a dirt road that once was used to remove coal from the area. The mine has been inactive for several years and now the area is used for outdoor recreational activities such as ATV riding and hunting. The dirt road is an easy drive for SUVs, jeeps, trucks and ATVs. I have seen cars drive on this road but I would not recommend it. It can be quite rough and bumpy. All caches are within a 200 feet walk from the road. Even though they are fairly close to the road, getting into the weeds for some will be required. We would recommend long pants and hiking boots as well as some good insect repellent. It is possible that you may encounter some ticks while caching.
Bartholomew – Bartholomew also believed to be Nathanael was another apostle of Jesus. The apostle Philip brought Nathanael to meet Jesus and told him to come meet the Messiah. Nathanael was skeptical but did go. After talking with Jesus, he did come to believe that Jesus was the Son of God. Bartholomew was believed to have brought Christianity to Armenia and converted Armenia’s king, Polymius to Christianity. It is widely believed that he was martyred in Armenia.