The mountains were calling... so we went

In July we had to cancel our backpacking trip due to several different complications, including the weather. We had observed from previous trips that hiking, camping, cooking in the rain is decidedly unpleasant. So, we tentatively rescheduled the trip for September. I tried to keep the boys in fitness shape, but it was hard with the several month gap; we had trained so hard for the July trip and motivation was a bit elusive to continue training for the later trip. However, they ponied up and really did train in the last couple weeks and it paid off. 

We met Krista and Derek at Woods Lake in Colorado and headed out for four days and three nights. The hike in was brutal as we pushed from Woods Lake to a basin approximately 11,400' in elevation. It's an area that we are familiar with, though we have never backpacked in from this direction or on this trail before.

 

I found myself unwinding even on the drive out there. It's incredible how hard it is to maintain the constant pace and keep the rhythm of life steady. There is no cell phone service almost as soon as we leave our house, and though there are spotty areas where I can reconnect (if I want to), it is challenging, at best. The forced disconnect is absolutely restorative. Even though I am not alone on the journey, I find myself praying, deep in thoughts all my own, reminiscing, sorting through what seems impossible in the daily grind. 

These adventures are never without their own challenges: exhaustion, altitude issues, bear spray where it shouldn't be, sleepless nights, sock shortages, etc. We had to come out one day earlier than originally planned because of impending lightning/hail storms. We found out the following day that our decision was a prudent one as they had so much rain/hail it produced flooding in areas. 

Spending an extra day/night in Ouray is never a problem. :-) We wandered through the little town, visited our favorite coffee shop there, and then went to Telluride to ride the gondola up the mountain so we could hike down. We sort of earned our dinner for that night. ;-) 

Saying our goodbyes and facing the long drive home is always the hardest part of each of these excursions for me. Now, it's back to school, therapies, restoration projects, horse training, A-frame cleanings and the stuff of life. This life is rich and I am thankful for it.