The hikers walk on, and on, and on...

Tyler, David, and Paul made it into Breckenridge yesterday. They called to let us know they were okay, in spite of rain and thundershowers at over 10,000 ft on Georgia Pass. Nancy and I met them at this hostel in town and then took them out to dinner. It was a pretty nice hostel with a beautiful hot tub which they enjoyed soaking sore muscles in.

On the way up we stopped in Silverthorn and picked up a new water filter cartridge for them. Paul is showing the "before and after" look. I know I wouldn't want to drink from that old one!

After dinner we stopped and got ice cream. They told us stories about their march into Breckenridge with packs on and all the people who wanted to take their photo and ask them questions about their trip.


From Breckenridge they head for Leadville, CO. It should take them 4 or 5 days depending on how much fishing and exploring they want to do.

Political fun

I've been reading Bob Dole's book, Great Political Wit. In it he pokes fun of himself, "You know what the hot drink going around L.A. is? The cool new drink? These Metamucil cocktails. Who drinks orange Metamucil shooters? I mean, besides Bob Dole on spring break?"

It would be somewhat enjoyable if the candidates at least had a sense of humor. I'm afraid of anyone who takes himself so seriously that he can't find the humor in his circumstances. The good news for both Presidential candidates is that no one can remember what they've said. Maybe the Democrats are smoking too much funky weed. Eugene McCarthy said, "It's dangerous for a national candidate to say things that people might remember." Some will remember, so pay attention.

Only 408 miles to go

72 miles and counting. Nancy and I met Tyler, David, and Paul at Kenosha Pass last night and camped out with them. Since leaving Denver last Sunday, they've made 72 miles in 6 days of hiking. Only 408 miles to go! It was raining but we managed to make some good burgers and baked beans, just what they needed! As you can see, they cleaned their plates. Everyone seemed healthy and happy. They said they saw lots of deer and were pestered only a little by racoons and skunks.

This morning we got up before the guys and enjoyed a cup of coffee together. The weather was better. The campground was nice too, but not very quiet. The campground is just a quarter mile away from Hwy 285. They will have to cross the hyway today to get back on the trail.

We made elk sausage, scrambled eggs, and english muffins for breakfast. I think they appreciated the fresh food. The sausage was a hit.

After breakfast we drove into Jefferson and picked up a cache of food for the next segment, which David and Tyler dropped off the week before. At some of these food cache's they will need to hitchhike into town. When we returned from Jefferson, it took them several hours to get re-organized and prepared for next 31 miles to Breckenridge. They plan on arriving there on Wednesday.

Not My Job Award

Some things are just timeless. I liked the photo so much I decided to post it this morning.

Balloons

This balloon wandered over our house the other day. They're so beautiful and I've always wanted to ride in one. But they're probably like all the airlines. Show me an airline that runs smoothly, and I'll show you a bus company. My real fear of flying in one of these is not unlike some of the no-frills airlines. "Can I have two chances on your six-fifteen flight?"

My Birthday

Yes, today is the day. Many years ago today, I was born and now I want a transplant. But the hospital said they no longer make the parts! You know you're getting older when it takes you more time to recover than it did to tire you out. And now, Nancy and I are both having an age problem. I won't act mine and she won't tell hers.

Mr. Thompson, an old family friend hit seventy and decided he wanted to live a long time. He started to diet and exercise, and gave up smoking. He lost his gut, his body firmed up, and, to make the picture complete, he bought a toupee to cover his bald scalp. Then he walked out in the street and was hit by the first car that came along. As he lay dying, he called up, "God, how could you do this to me?" God answered, "To tell you the truth, I didn't recognize you."

It's not so bad actually. I'm at that age where everything is starting to click - my knees, my elbows, my neck....

Walk 500 miles!

Tyler, David, and Paul began their 480 mile journey on the Colorado Trail today. They elected to start at Roxborough Park and hike through to the trail from Carpenter Peak. This seemed more interesting to them as opposed to the traditional start in Waterton Canyon. So, Nancy and I drove them up to the trailhead in the Park. Iping came with us to say goodbye to Paul (pictured below).


As they first tried on their packs in the parking lot, it became apparent that 50 to 55 pounds each was almost excessive. However, they needed to pack food for 6 days if they expected to make it to Kenosha Pass and their next food cache in Jefferson. That's a lot of food!



Iping, Nancy, and I hiked the first mile or so with them and were rewarded with some wildlife in the first 15 minutes of hiking. A doe ate the grass in the photo below without looking up until we started to walk again.



As the trail steepened, we decided to say our goodbyes for 50 days. We watched them hike the first switchback up the hill as they stopped and waved goodbye.



No sooner had they hiked around the corner and a fox came darting around the trees in this open field. If you're up early it sometimes pays off. We'll keep you updated on the trip as events develop.

Colorado Trail

Tyler is preparing for his Colorado Trail expedition. Tyler, David, and Paul will be hiking and climbing 14rs for 50 days. On the trail for 50 days from Denver to Durango! After watching him plan, buy food and supplies I realized just how daunting a task this really is. He's doing a great job packing up the food, fuel, and other essentials. "What's for dinner this night," I said, pointing to a bag. "Chili Mac," he replied. Sorry I asked, but I'm sure the tent's vented.

The guys will have 6 or 7 "drop zones" where they will either mail or deliver food for pick up along their 480 mile journey. I asked Tyler how much toilet paper is required. His answer left me wondering. I better check the cupboard, we might be out in a few days!

I remember backpacking with some friends in Arkansas a few years ago. We were constantly bothered by mosquitoes during the first night in camp. Later that night one of my friends saw some fireflies and said, "Now they're coming after me with flashlights!" Good luck guys! Take lots of photos.

Raft Trip

A couple of weeks ago we did a raft trip down the San Juan River in Utah from Bluff to Mexican Hat. The point of the trip was to see rock art and Indian ruins. We weren't disappointed. Below is Kathy and Nancy in the raft looking at the cliff Patterson's dog fell from. Evidently the dog was chasing a rabbit and at the last minute the rabbit darted away. His dog kept going straight over the edge to the water below. It must have been over 100 feet high! He said the dog survived but it has a limp now.

Here is a photo of Nancy by the River Ruins. They're more intact than many I've seen. This is probably due to the fact that they're very remote. We had to get there by raft.

Here is another photo of River Ruins. To get there we moored the raft on the river and walked about a quarter mile to reach the ruins.

Government

What I want to know is, how do you explain to kids why a government that just spent $600 million on nuclear weapons is trying to outlaw firecrackers? Here's the answer: The firecrackers continue to go off long after the 4th. If we leave the windows open at night then we can't sleep. I personally think government regulations are like salad dressing. You get too much or too little.

But the county still wants to ban fireworks so it's a crime now. I like what Reagan said in 1967 about crime, "One way to make sure crime doesn't pay would be to let the government run it."

Reality of things

Pascal writes, "Let man re awake and consider what he is compared with the reality of things; regard himself lost in this remote corner of nature; and from the tiny cell where he lodges, to wit the Universe, weigh at their true worth earth, kingdoms, towns, himself. What is a man face to face with infinity?"

What is man in nature? Just a dot compared with the infinite, a mean between zero and all. According to Pascal we are infinitely unable to grasp the extremes, the end of things and the beginning are hopelessly hidden. For we are "equally unable to see the Nothing whence we spring, and the Infinite in which we are swallowed up."

Pascal also says, we should know our limits. "We are something" he says. But "we are not all." "Such existence as we have deprives us of the knowledge of first principles whose source is the Nothing; and the pettiness of our existence hides from our sight the Infinite." Those "principles" he refers to are a relationship to God through Jesus Christ. It is God who brought the universe out of nothing and God who sustains it.

Daughter and Grandson

The kiss of the sun for pardon,

The song of the bird for mirth,

One is nearer to God's heart in the garden

Than any place on earth.

Pagosa Springs

At Piedra Falls Tyler and Noelle returned to car for the 45 minute drive back to Dee's place. Little Andy slept most of the way, in spite of the rough road.

Below, Tyler enjoys a close up view of the falls. The mist and force of the falls nearly blew his hat off.

Pagosa Springs was beautiful this week. We enjoyed time with family and trips into the wilderness. Below, Noelle and Tyler enjoy a game of chess on the computer.


We also went to Piedra Falls about 20 miles or so North of town. The water level was down but the views were up.

A great weekend

What a reunion! Both kids and the grand baby all here. Nancy of course happily takes care of every detail and feeds the baby on the back porch. It's great to have everyone home. We miss Seth though and wish he was here too.

I took Noelle to lunch today after we ran some errands. Some lady at the restaurant asked me if that was my grandson. I said, "YES." She said, "Oh, he is sooo cute." I was in my element to say the least.