Let me just tell you about this friend of mine. She is the best! I am so grateful for her! Her life spurs me on in so many ways! She loves her Savior and seeks to glorify Him in all she does. She is a servant. She is a selfless giver - so generous. She is discerning. She cares deeply. She trusts the Lord's plans for her life and finds contentment. She allows trials to have there full effect - God uses them and produces sweet change as she draws near to her Helper! I love her and I am so glad we are friends. I am so glad she came to visit.
04/05
We drove to Colorado Springs to tackle the Incline. I told you I would do it! Boy, was it WAY, WAY harder than I could have ever imagined. I don't think there are really words to describe it. To refresh your memory - it is a 1 mile (feels like 100 miles) straight up hike that increases 2000 feet in elevation. You climb by way of 2800 rail toad ties.
Here is shot before starting. Near the top of the picture you can see what looks like the summit. NOPE. It is the "False Summit" and it messes with your mind.
A picture during one of our "too many to count" breaks! I didn't take many more photos after this. Dangling around my neck, the camera started to become a bother. As I am literally using my hands and feet to climb in some places, the camera would swing around and hit me. Enough of that!
Absolutely stunning views as you look back and out! Looking down made me fell somewhat dizzy and nauseous.
We made it! What an awesome since of accomplishment! An exhilarating feeling! We didn't track our time. Let's just say it humbled us! And, just when we thought we were in shape and athletic people. Ha!
Now, for the beautiful - all down hill - 4 mile hike on Barr Trail.
Toward the center, you can see Garden of the Gods. Pictures didn't capture the magnificent "red" color. Pictures never really do the beauty in Colorado justice. It is a "must see in person" type of thing!
Awesome memory made. A very sore gluteus maximus! If you come visit me and think you are FIT, we are going to the
Incline Humility Trail! I dare you to come! lol!
Our scenic US Route 6 drive 04/07
Hi, my name is Ryder and my favorite thing to do is throw rocks!
Sure, Ty, if you want your whole face to be chapped, go ahead!
Getting comfy on the creek bank. Right at home. Perfect place for my boys!
04/08
Rocky Mountain National Park. Entered through Estes Park. We were on somewhat of a time crunch because of a bad spring storm that was rolling in. We wanted to find a family friendly, relatively easy, short hike to a waterfall. We stopped at the main ranger station and asked for guidance. He led us to Albertta Falls saying it was probably only snowy in "some places". Mountain streams along the trail, Nice waterfall at the top. Perfect! Off we went.
At the start. What's wrong with this picture? Just a "little" snowy? I think not! We could definitely hear the stream beneath the snow somewhere, but couldn't see it. We kept going.
Beautiful! But, not what the ranger said and the animal tracks were a little unsettling to this Momma. Not just hooves if you know what I mean. We had no defense, but kept going.
And, this friends, is Albertta Falls. Thanks a bunch Mr. You-Don't-Know-What-You-Are-Talking-About Ranger!
This is what it is supposed to look like! I took the image from Google.
Our descent begins and Ryder decides it is nap time. Wonderful! Great timing.
Completely limp.
It was slippery and we didn't have appropriate shoes on. I knew I would bust it while holding precious Ryder. So, I sat on my jacket and slid down.
Amazingness on the way out!
Another memory made and now a sore buttocks and sore biceps! We will definitely be going back to RMNP a lot more! I can't wait for this particular hike to dethaw!
So thankful for time spent with Court! The fact that I risked my life to take her to the airport, proves I'd do just about anything for the one's I love! To say the roads were in terrible condition bc of the storm would be an understatement. This FL girl was a nervous mess! They cancelled almost 500 flights, but not hers. Oh no! They wouldn't do that! Dear United, this might be why you just got rated as one of the worst airlines in the nation.
Sad to see her go and can't wait until next time.
