A beautiful fall day at the local creek while walking Buddy.

First Tracks

Our first snow came a couple weeekends before Halloween. Everyone told us that the first snow would fall before the princesses, goblins and superheros came out. Sure enough, we awoke Sunday morning- late- because the sky was lead-like and the sun had no chance of burrowing it's way through the grey shield. The flakes continued to flutter down until the afternoon.

Recognize this? It's the dog park area!

All Terrain Lab- Buddy enjoys the change of seasons.

For all the "I told you so" folks, the snow was gone within two days and the locals say, this is the normal pattern with the snow (which is also wet like Sierra snow because our elevation is lower than the Rockies).

Something For Dad

While we were visiting Rocky Mountain National Park we strolled up to a lookout point at 12,000 feet in the alpine tundra. There we scrambled up come solid rock to find this dial. On the top surface, it has a map of the ranges. On the top edges, it has little points with the names of peaks. If you kneel down, you find even more names of peaks along with their elevation. While kneeling, you can sight the peak with the point on the center of the dial allowing you to know exactly which peak you are looking at! Dad, you would have been up there for a long time!

Other fun elements of the park, the Continental Divide, beautiful lakes and heaps of wildlife!

Though I thought nothing would replace the passion I felt for rock climbing, hopping on my road bike has become my compulsive default. I love the ease of being able to relax and enjoy the scenery or up the ante and go all out all from the moment I leave our garage.


This past Sunday I made quixotic decision to check out some of the numerous pathways surrounding us. Having been knocked down my the mountain the day before while mountain biking, I thought a nice road ride might ease my ego. Without consulting any literature which would provide detail about the trails I was considering, I hastily created my own route.

Hesitant, due to many uncertain factors, Steve agreed to go on the adventure. The sky was blue with pretty puffy clouds and the temperature prestine for riding. We headed off enjoying the seamless travel along the Cherry Creek Path.




We found ourselves on the outskirts of the city able to view Six Flags and the city skyline. Clouds were beginning to condense, but our spirits were high so we continued down the S. Platte River trail. The pathways are well marked and cognoscente we were reaching a fork in the trail, we stopped to view a trail map. Meanwhile, a gentleman and his wife were trying to repair a loose pedal. Steve helped out while I munched my Cliff Bar (I was close to bonking). With a little morsel in my tummy and lightening on the horizon, I was ready to hammer (Steve’s always ready). We hopped on our bikes only to find my front tire was flatter than a Looney Toons character that had just been the victim of an ACME weight.

Being a knight in shining armor, Steve aptly changed my tire as winds continued to pick up pace and the thunderheads raced closer. (I must digress to mention that my early capricious decisions would have left me without air for a flat had my thoughtful and detailed husband not reigned in my excitement.) We rode like horses to a watering hole in the Sahara only to find our connecting trail was packed dirt with a layer of loose gravel on top. This trail (Lee Gulch) is a short stint to the trail we needed. Steve’s words upon assessing the situation still resound in my ears, “Let’s just ride fast before the rain comes.”

Not more than a minute passed until heavy shards of rain poured over us (on the dirt path) like Niagara Falls. We were drenched to the bone, but still quite jovial. Really, what else can you do but laugh? Fortunately, the temperature was not too chilly so weren’t in jeopardy of becoming hypothermic. Our brakes and my derailleur were shot so we walked.

Finally we were back on solid ground and wound our way back home via busy roadways that were familiar and chance back roads that provided more safety from slick roads with traffic. My foot was cemented to my peddle so when we arrived home, safe and sound, my shoe was still attached to my bike! Steve spent quite some time cleaning our bikes after this trip. I have since learned that Colorado is not conducive to quixotic decisions! Life here is unpredictable and one my be prepared with an arsenal of contingent plans!

Inspiration

I’m fortunate to have many people around me who provide inspiration simply by how they live life. My brother who is devoted to his family and demonstrates his faith moment by moment. My friend who patiently rears her two adorable kids and rolls with the ups and downs of life. My mom who extends hospitality and creates memorable moments for our family by adding the most precious details. My grandparents who in their mid eighties still drive out to Idaho to visit family and enjoy life. My husband who is eternally patient. My friend who beats his body into submission through rigorous training. My friend who is soft, thoughtful and gentle. My sister-in-law who is rearing the world’s most amazing girls despite aches and pains but through reliance on Christ. My dad who is one the most optimistic encourager's ever. My friend who is sparkly, witty and not afraid to face life and helps others through it or allows them cry on her shoulder. If you’re reading this, most likely you are an inspiration not only to me, but to those around you.

This particular photo is a mascot of sorts for inspiration. Here is a man from New York who is 72- yes 72- and all smiles. He is on his new mountain bike waltzing up the side of the mountain and dancing down the descent. This man presses on- that’s inspiration. Press on!