Lions Gulch

Today we hiked up Lions Gulch trail to the old homesteads, long abandoned for 75 years or more. The hike was delightful and the sun was shining in the morning on the way up. On the way down, it started to snow a little, but that's the Colorado we all know and love, in the high country. We had a nice lunch here in these rocks and enjoyed some great fellowship together.

On our hike up the trail we ran into some deer just a few feet off the trail. I got my camera out and quickly snapped this photo from the trail. Two more seconds, and they were all gone.

Below is one of the homesteads we checked out. It must have been a hard life here a hundred years ago without electricity and modern conveniences. We take so much for granted today. How many of our spiritual benefits do we take for granted? Remember, we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, in Christ. We are adopted as His sons to the praise of the glory of His Grace! In Him we have redemption and forgiveness, according to the riches of His Grace! We have obtained such a great inheritance and you've been sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise. When I remember these things, my gratitude and Love for God soars. Check it out by clicking here today.

Ouzel Falls

Our trip to Ouzel Falls was a wonderful hike. The weather was nice, the snow conditions were perfect for just walking, and the fellowship was sweet. Ouzel Falls is in the Wild Basin area in Rocky Mountain National Park so the scenery was really nice.

After a couple hours of hiking we arrived at this little bridge over the frozen river, just below the frozen falls. As you can see, we all enjoyed a lunch together on the bridge.

Just around the corner from the falls was this beautiful view of Longs Peak. And, as you can see, not a cloud in the sky.

We decided to take a photo near the falls to remember what a nice hike it was. I for one plan on returning this summer. It is a pretty place. God is so good to us and we're all so grateful for His creation and the joy it brings to us on every outing. Praise His name!

Kenosha Pass

Our hike yesterday took us about four miles up segment 5 of the Colorado Trail. We started at the the South side of Kenosha Pass and walked South toward Clark Spring. The weather was great the view spectacular.

We stopped for a group photo and later enjoyed lunch together and some nice fellowship. How blessed we are to live in Colorado. On the hike we stopped and talked with a "through hiker," someone hiking the trail all the way from Durango to Denver.

Much of the trail we hiked afforded us this view of the mountains in the distance and a few remaining aspen leaves in the foreground. The rest of it was in beautiful wooded areas.

Maroon Bells

We decided a hike up in Maroon Bells Wilderness would be appropriate. Well, it turned out to be magnificent. There is a reason these mountains are photographed so much. God's creation displays itself in so many ways at this place! We hiked up to Crater Lake pictured below, and just tried to take it all in.

After a while we decided to hike up Maroon Trail. A few miles later we found a beautiful spot on the slopes of North Maroon Peak with a magnificent view. We sang a hymn, shared some thoughts together about people who were important spiritual influences in our lives, and then enjoyed lunch together. This was a time I will always treasure.

"Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters."

Revelation 14:7

Hanging lake

This hike took us up to Hanging Lake near Glenwood Springs, CO. Some of the group decided it would be fun to pose for a photo while standing on the log. I gave my camera to Dan because I was afraid I'd fall in and ruin it. The water looked to be way over my head and very cold. But we kept our balance and no one went in!

Here is a photo of the group on the way up to Hanging Lake. It was a nice hike but there were a lot of people on the trail and parking places were scarce, so we had to wait a while. While the hike was short (only a mile or so), it was very steep.

Mt. Sniktau

Today we climbed Mt. Sniktau from Loveland Pass. It was a beautiful 59 degrees with a brisk wind pushing us up the hill. While there is still a great deal of snow left in the mountains, the ridges on this climb were relatively snow free, just because of the wind. It made for a nice hike.

The scenery from over 13,000 ft. is terrific. We tried to name as many of the nearby mountains as we could, but there are so many!

At the top we enjoyed some special views and special fellowship. We took some time to share things that have been on our minds and hearts and encouraged each other in our walk with Jesus.

There is something special about being on the summit of a high mountain. You can see for miles around in every direction. Colorado! We are so blessed to be near the red rock walls, cascading waterfalls, lofty peaks, and alpine meadows all bedecked with wildflowers and beautiful views. It's like being in God's garden.

When we returned to our cars we celebrated Chris's birthday! Nothing like a great dessert after a long hike in the mountains!

Of course, there is that moment when everyone stops talking! This community stuff is serious business you know. We have work to do.