Jan. 1- Happy New Year's!!!

Happy New Year!! May this year bring a deeper appreciation for Heavenly Father and all He does for us. For we are truly blessed. We woke up, worked out with Maria and had a chai, and headed back for a hike. Maria busted her knee attacking Eli after he was pestering her. Yet, she still committed to family time and did .5 mile. We did the Barr trail by Sheila's home in Eagle Nest? It was like being Katniss Everdeen. The woods were gorgeous. The weather was 55 so it was perfect out! We were walking with Erin when all of a sudden we see Brandon and the boys! It was the first time Erin and Brandon did that trail together and it was just so nice to breath and talk together. They were troopers and made it! It ended up being almost 4 miles and 250 elevation gain. 

We plunged in their pool and it was exquisite! Eli and Ella got pushed in but they were good sports about it!! We headed to bed a little early because I had to change our flight due to a mountain storm over the pass. It was such a great time. We loved to be around our cousins and hang out. It was good to talk and remember Dustin. Hopefully we can see each other soon again!

 

Sept. 27- Pike's Peak

America's mountain is 14,115 feet and 13 miles to the top. We started with the Manitou Incline which was 2,000 elevation gain in 2,800 steps in less than a mile. It felt good. It was quite the exhilarating start to climbing the mountain. I didn't feel like it was overly hard and I took my time knowing that I had another 12 miles and 6,000 feet to go. We were able to catch the sunrise and it was completely stunning and soul filling. The weather was perfect, not to hot not to cold.

I knew this would be hard for Jody, but he didn't complain. He took it one step at a time and rested when he needed to. The path is very easy. It doesn't have steep drop offs or anything to panic you that seems dangerous. It's a giving mountain, you could feel her tender spirit of wanting to help you succeed. 

Towards the last 3 miles, the A Line, Jody was starting to slow down a lot and feeling the altitude. Another hiker was going his pace and her name was Valerie. She thought she was going to die. She was young and not acclimated from Texas. I gave her my poles and talked her through it. She was dry heaving and not able to eat much. I ended up carrying her pack and got her on the train at the top. She was so grateful and said I saved her life. I think God put us together and God knows us individually.

I was a little worried at the top that we wouldn't have a ride with the COG train down. Fortunately a really nice train conductor squeezed all 17 of us on somehow. It was starting to snow and I didn't have a jacket.

I'm glad I was able to hike this beautiful mountain and that Jody took me.

 

Aug. 16- Mt. Rose for the 3rd Time this Summer

Why I'm still sane. This mountain is my home.