The Gift

Our son is truly through hiking now.  His thru-hike of 485 miles on the Colorado Trail was accomplished in 26 days...an average of 19.4 miles a day!  Amazing!  His dad and I were his crew throughout and what a thrill it was to find him at the designated trailheads every time.  My fears of his being mauled by a bear, attacked by a pack of coyotes or being torn apart by wild dogs turned out to be unfounded.  In the end, the only dangers he encountered were biting mosquitoes, pesky flies and a charging cow.

Now that we're both in our 70's, how many more chances will we have to care for our son or daughter?  Soon it might be their turn to care for us.  Maybe it's a privilege either way.  Thanks, God (and Scott),  for this amazing gift.

A Night at the Bordello

       
        That's where we are now...in Silverton, Colorado in an old Victorian bordello built in 1907, now newly refurbished with iron bedsteads, antique china and Godey prints hanging from rose colored walls.  After Frisco, we met our son in Salida, Lake City, and now Silverton.  He has only 75 miles to go to Durango and the end of the 485 mile Colorado Trail.  Attempting to average 25 miles a day for the next three days, he astounds me with his tenacity, endurance and fortitude.  Because he's lost so much weight, his wife Robyn commented on a photo we emailed her, "There's nothing left but beard!"

What a lesson he teaches me.  Keep on keepin' on...no matter what!  You, too, faithful reader.

Judy

A Southern Adventure

Judy and Don are still following their hiker son along the Colorado Trail.  Not to be outdone, Richard and I flew east to heat and humidity and new sights.  Here is a photo montage for you:

First, view our two dear granddaughters in North Carolina,

 eating ice cream with their parents at a Brevard Music Center concert on the lawn.

 I must always visit the magical fairyland of the Biltmore,

where even the insects pose.

Then on we drove to Atlanta where the purple and red and pink and white crepe myrtle blooms all summer,

 strange things happen to flora at the  Botanical Gardens,

and a Colorado Springs artist Dale Chihuly contributes his glass sculpture to the fountain (he has no idea we snuck in as well). At least Richard says it's Dale's work.  If I've led you on, I apologize!

We finished with a sobering time at the Martin Luther King exhibit.  This is where he was born. Don't miss the Ebenezer Baptist Church and the history center just across the street.

I've heard that a picture is worth 1000 words...much easier on the eye than multitudinous print, I think.  Enjoy, yuall!

Thru-Hiking

Not 'through hiking' (words I will be happy to hear), but that won't be for another two plus weeks.  My former marathon-national-champion-son is now a hiker encountering weather he never planned on for the middle of July...monsoon season in the Rockies arrived early this year.  Sunshine gone by noon, dark billowing clouds heavy with moisture, lightning, rain, hail and cold have plagued him the last week.  River crossings through fast rushing water, yet scenery so breathtaking even non-believing mortals would be given pause.  The San Juan's loom ahead and more tales to be told next week.  I can't wait!   Psalm 148:7-10 This post from Judy again.

Scott's Peregrination

After 7 days and over 120 miles, who looks the worse for wear?  My son's trip over the Colorado Trail is killing me!  

We met him Sunday morning in Copper Mountain and drove to nearby Frisco so he could have a good night's sleep on a real mattress and re-supply food and whatever else necessary for this long 500 mile journey in the Rocky Mountains.  He was exhausted and dehydrated, but gratified.  After a well deserved breakfast of eggs, sausage, challah french toast and cups and cups of hot coffee on the Bread and Salt patio, we found a darling bed and breakfast hotel dating from 1885 and moved into a small but cozy old fashioned room, decorated in flowered and striped wallpaper, antique furniture and old quilts.  He told us stories of thunderstorms, wind and lightning.  Mosquitoes, deer, elk and big horn sheep.  He slept the afternoon away, regaining strength for the next three-quarters of his expedition.  Monday morning after another hearty breakfast, we bid him God-speed until we meet him in another 8 or 9 days. 

I'm a mother...I cried again as he walked up the trail and out of sight.  I'll keep you posted.

       Judy