Goose and Beaner would like to let you know that summer has officially arrived here in Colorado! The kitties spend most of their afternoons sitting in front of the sliding glass doors entranced by the song birds that are resting in the shade of our deck. We've had plenty of sunshine and heat (which Bill just LOVES while he's outside in a suit knocking on people's doors...). And just like my Florida summers, we have afternoon rain showers. The only thing that is missing (but certainly not missed) is the awful humidity!I mentioned in one of my last posts that I would tell you later why I was wearing my glasses during Steven and Chrissy's visit. Thanks to my amazing family, The Boulder Eye Center, and Uncle Sam, I was able to have a surgery that I have wanted for many years - Laser Eye surgery to repair my vision. It was a graduation gift to myself, and well worth the wait! I had to wear my glasses for two weeks to prepare my corneas for the surgery.
I once was blind...
But now I see!!
What a difference it has made in my life to be able to roll over in the morning and see my husband's scruffy face clearly! To be able to fully appreciate the beauty of my surroundings without having to struggle with dry contact lenses! I will never have to say the words "Nobody move! I lost a contact lens!" I am so grateful.
I recently purchased another trail book titled "A Hiking Guide To Rocky Mountain National Park: 109 Classic Lunch Spots". The guide chronicles several hikes in the park that culminate in a breathtaking spot to have lunch, and is written with a great sense of humor. Bill and I decided to embark on a 7 mile out-and-back trail that links several mountain lakes together and promised to be spectacular.
Unfortunately, as soon as we arrived at the park the rain started dumping on us. For the next 2 hours we hiked and scrambled in pouring rain through the alpine woods to reach the first lake. We were soaked through and pretty miserable! I was determined to see at least one of these "beautiful lunch spots" since we had driven all that way, and Bill was a good sport (maybe he's starting to realize just how determined I can be...).
Just as we were about to give up and go back to the car, the rain subsided (praise God!) and we were able to hike on. We were rewarded with some amazing views along the way, and finally made it to Mill's Lake, the first body of water on our route.
Although it was still a little gray, the lake, surrounded by great mountain peaks, was pristine and lovely. We hiked on a little further looking for a few more "lunch spots", but eventually pooped out and turned around. Overall, our day of hiking wasn't one of the best we have experienced, but it was certainly an adventure!
Last weekend I convinced Bill to take Saturday AND Sunday off, and we got to go camping! We headed southwest by about three hours to the Arkansas River Headwaters State Park and found ourselves in another gorgeous spot.
Our campsite at Hecla Junction Campground was up on a small hill overlooking a bend in the river where white water rafters enter and exit.
Check out the view of our campsite home!
Bill wanted to make sure that everyone knows we fully enjoyed our camping snacks and "beverages"...
We attempted some river and fly fishing throughout the weekend, but unfortunately didn't catch anything. Our campground did not have running water, so we tried to rinse off in the river but it was freezing! I couldn't go in above my calves! We were pretty odorific by the end of the weekend, but "roughing it" is half the fun!
On our way back north on Sunday, we stopped at Spinney Reservoir State Park to try our hands at fishing again. This spot is rumored to be one of the best fishing spots in Colorado. Unfortunately again, we did not catch a thing! But it was a very peaceful spot with lovely scenery.
On our way into the park, we made some very special friends...
Those girls were extremely friendly and curious. We hung out with them for a good 5 minutes, scratching their noses and shooting pictures. The experience took me back to my island time and reminded me of my dear Donkeyshein (my surgery donkey in 7th semester). Now I want a donkey! (and my husband rolls his eyes...)We thoroughly enjoyed our weekend away from the busy-ness of our lives; spending a few days away from the comforts of home in the serenity of God's creation was so refreshing.
In just a few days I am flying to Las Vegas to take my third and final licensing examination, and when I return we will have more visitors in our home! We love visitors!
Stay tuned for more Bliz adventures!
