I spent the entirety of my upbringing hiking and camping with my family. Happily, God blessed me with a husband who is happy to carry on these outdoor traditions with our own family. This summer we did just that and our baby girl got to have her very first campfire.
When out on the trails, soaking in God’s blessings, it’s always a treat to be reminded that you’re never truly alone. There is an abundance of creatures happy to pose for a photo or two before continuing on their way.
On a recent trip to Colorado, in addition to the usual family hikes to remote mountain lakes, my husband and I also visited some of the most well known and iconic views in the area. Colorado smiled for us in all of its’ summer glory as we soaked in Gods blessings.
Maroon Bells and Crater Lake are some of the most famous sites around, situated just outside of Aspen, CO where visitors from nearly every walk of life can take a short bus ride to the trailhead and witness God’s spectacular creation for themselves.
The Colorado Blue Columbine is fairly native to the Rocky Mountains which is likely why it was long ago named the state flower. Although we were visiting in late summer, well past prime time for spring wildflowers, we were still blessed to catch a couple of these along our way.
Hanging Lake is one of the great wonders of Colorado and a testament to God’s infinite creativity. Much like Maroon Bells, people flock to this lake, nestled high up in the walls of Glenwood Canyon. Its crystal blue depths are reminiscent of the healing mystical waters one might read about in an epic fantasy tale of brave knights and elven kingdoms.
If only returning to my childhood home was as easy as clicking my heels together three times. Blessedly, I married a man who is willing to clear our calendar for the better part of two weeks and spend more than 18 hours in a car with me, trekking halfway across the country so that I can drag him up every mountain I’ve ever had the pleasure of traversing in my short 26 years. I traded my ruby slippers for an old, dirty pair of hiking boots this trip. This vacation was long overdue though, under normal circumstances, is an annual trip my family has affectionately termed Colorado bootcamp. Despite scrapes, bruises, blisters, a strained back and fantastically soar feet, my heart is perfectly light and happy having recently returned from treading both new and familiar paths to places like this. Here, caught between the clouds and the wildflowers is a little slice of heaven.
I know my dad isn’t actually Indiana Jones. He’s not an archaeologist for one thing, although engineering seems close enough in my book. Many kids grow up revering their fathers as Superman but that just isn’t my dad’s style. My favorite moments with him are not displays of super human strength or laser vision to quell his challengers. He has a mind for history and numbers and a propensity for frequent off-trail quests, many of which make use of the rope or assortment of other outdoor necessities he carries in his hiking pack, ever the prepared eagle scout. More than once he’s come to the rescue of fellow hikers in tight spots while out on the trails. He long ago traded in his cape and tights for a stained, felt fedora and a faded leather jacket. To this day the theme from Raiders of the Lost Ark rings in our ears whenever we take a drive into the wilderness for some healthy outdoor adventure. I thank God for not giving me just another Superman.
Blue skies and frozen snow melt lakes are a wonder to behold and a blessing all there own. Such was the case in Estes Park, CO on this bright day in early June.
Blessed in the Midwest 