I'm Goin' Home

           That title is/was a great performance by Ten Years After at Woodstock all those years ago.  Alvin Lee on lead guitar; he was absolutely amazing.  It is still one of my favorite performances to watch of all times!!

            So, here I sit in the Denver International Airport

DIA- Concourse B

 and to be honest, I’m not impressed.  A few factors contribute to my impression.  One, the United Airlines (timeliness of flights?  What’s that?!?!).  My flight from Durango was an hour and 20 minutes late taking off, but that was okay for me as I had a 3 ½ hour layover in Denver; until I got to Denver and found out there’s another 1 ½ hour delay!  I won’t be on the ground in Atlanta tonight until after midnight!  Hey, that’s another day’s per diem.  Oops!  That doesn’t apply anymore.

            Then, the cave that the regional planes come into is one of the worst I’ve ever seen in all my years of flying.  It’s like a tunnel, jammed with way too many people trying to do what they’re supposed to do, long line, poor signage and NO flight monitors to let you know your next gate.

            Okay, the whining’s over.  The flight from Durango was an amazing visual performance.  There is a LOT of snow up in the Rockies!  Absolutely stunning views.  As we left Durango, we headed northeast and I wondered if I’d get to see Lemon Reservoir, the one John and Patricia own, (well, they don’t really own it, but it’s theirs!). 

Snow in the Rockies

Lemon Aerial View

Lemon in Its Beauty

Today, I was able to take a picture from the plane of both Vallecito and Lemon Reservoirs, John and Patricia’s front and back yards!!  Here’s the shot from the plane.  Not the greatest pic, but particularly memorable as two days ago I was hiking up the west side beyond Lemon Reservoir!!  Incredible!  Thanks John!  Thanks Patricia!

John and me

Try to count the rings
400 year old Ponderosa

Debris Dam in Night Valley

            I had a chance this morning for coffee with Chris and some good conversation and then he dropped me at Diane’s.  Diane and I had a small amount of time to connect and the conversation was amazing.

Chris, Me and Hermosa Mtn.

Skipper and me

Chris and Diane

Diane and me

            I’ve got lots to process from this trip.  I’m certain this is an experience unique in my life.  I’ve never had an opportunity to do the things I’ve done in the manner I did them and for as long as I had.  God has truly blessed me and I know that my life is enriched by what has transpired.  I also know that I will be processing the events and experiences for some time to come.

            I am indebted to the folks here in Durango that I encountered.  And I am most certainly ready to be home and with friends and family back in Georgia!!

            I am truly a blessed man!!

God's Beautiful Creation

A Little Bit About Acupuncture

I thought it prudent to include a little bit more about acupuncture:

From website http://www.medicinenet.com/acupuncture/page3.htm

How does acupuncture work?

Here are current thoughts from the National Institutes of Health on the manner by which acupuncture might produce beneficial health results.
Many studies in animals and humans have demonstrated that acupuncture can cause multiple biological responses. These responses can occur locally, i.e., at or close to the site of application, or at a distance, mediated mainly by sensory neurons to many structures within the central nervous system. This can lead to activation of pathways affecting various physiological systems in the brain as well as in the periphery. A focus of attention has been the role of endogenous opioids in acupuncture analgesia. Considerable evidence supports the claim that opioid peptides are released during acupuncture and that the analgesic effects of acupuncture are at least partially explained by their actions. That opioid antagonists such as naloxone reverse the analgesic effects of acupuncture further strengthens this hypothesis. Stimulation by acupuncture may also activate the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, resulting in a broad spectrum of systemic effects. Alteration in the secretion of neurotransmitters and neurohormones and changes in the regulation of blood flow, both centrally and peripherally, have been documented. There is also evidence that there are alterations in immune functions produced by acupuncture. Which of these and other physiological changes mediate clinical effects is at present unclear.

Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture

          So, as I type these words this evening, I’m sipping on my first cup of herbal tea from the Chinese Medicine and Acupuncturist I met with today here in Durango.  His business name is Root and Branch Medicine (www.rootandbranchmedicine.com ) .  I had stopped in the office a couple of days ago to discuss the on-going dysfunction of my salivary glands since radiation and chemotherapy last fall.  I still have very little saliva and it makes eating difficult if not impossible without several glasses of liquid at every meal.

        (Sorry, no pictures tonight, but trust me, I had a bunch of needles stuck in me today!!)

            Todd was very quick to tell me that he thought we could realize some success with my situation; there just needed to be an appointment opening before I leave on May 1^st.  He checked the books and sure enough, there was availability at 1:30 pm today, April 24, 2014. 

            My appointment began promptly at1:30 and Todd spent about 30 minutes talking about my background, particularly the cancer therapies from last year.  Initially, he uses observational diagnostics to assess certain conditions in the patient. He quickly found a couple of blocked areas/pressure points which he recommended that I manipulate daily to enhance the energy flow back to my mouth.  Then, it was on to the table.

            I lay down on the massage table with support under my knees and head.  He inserted 20-22 needles into my ears, arms, legs and feet.  The insertions did not hurt and I did experience some sensations (hard to describe) as some were inserted.  He then turned on a heat lamp on my feet and one on my mid-section, turned down the lights and left the room.  As I lay there I could hear a clock ticking faintly and then some very, very relaxing music (more like just sounds) began to play faintly.  I know I nodded off a couple of times, but with five needles stuck in each ear, I decided it better to stay awake!

            After about ten minutes, he returned to make sure I was doing ok.  He asked if I had any sensations in the areas where the needles were placed.  I said no, until he gently touched the area surrounding the needle.  It was very sensitive to touch.  I asked why this was and he said it’s the build-up of energy at that point.  No, I don’t know any more than that.  I’m just going with the flow here.  It was an amazingly relaxing experience.  I would rate it up there with a massage.  I did note that if I flexed my hands or feet I had a sensation of tension/aching in the particular extremity.  I lay on the table for at least half an hour and found it to be an excellent experience.

            Todd came back in and removed the needles.  He left the room while I relaxed a few more minutes and then I met with him again.  He instructed me in the preparation of herbs for tea to be consumed three times a day for the next two weeks as well as providing me some pills,

(liu wei di huang wan).  I’m to consume about 24 of these per day for the next two weeks.  Todd then wants me to assess progress on saliva production.  He attributes at least some of the dysfunction to the kidneys and spleen and the spleen in particular.

            I look forward to the results I’m going to experience.  All in all, this was a very positive experience.  Obviously I cannot speak to success or failure yet as I’ve only just begun.  From just the relaxation standpoint, I recommend trying Chinese Medicine and acupuncture if someone is considering it.

#ColoradoJourney

Easter 2014

It’s been a very interesting and culturally powerful week getting to this Saturday evening, Easter Eve 2014. I attended several events for the Native American Hozhoni Days celebration in Durango.  I attended the talent competition for Miss Hozhoni, the Round Dance (and yes, I did join the dancing!) on Thursday night, the Pow Wow on both Friday night and Saturday.  I watched with keen interest the “Gourd Dance” on Friday night, the drum playing and the preparations the men and women were accomplishing to get ready for the dance and drum and singing competitions.  The regalia these folks put on are utterly amazing.  It takes them up to two hours to get ready for the competitions.  Some of the outfits are valued in the $1000’s of dollars and may have been handed down from one generation to the next.  I’ve never seen anything like it!  So, this was my mental preparation for my experience in Mesa Verde and Easter Morning.

Getting Ready

Prepaing for Grand Entry

Grand Entry Underway

Quite an extravaganza!!

It’s Easter Eve, 2014.  I am comfortably secure in a room at the Far View Lodge, Mesa Verde National Park.  I experienced an incredible photo opportunity this evening.  Following a very good dinner at the Metata Room restaurant, I quickly checked sunset time for Cortez, CO and found it to be 7:53.  I hurried to the car and drove to Park Point, the highest elevation point in Mesa Verde NP at 8572 feet above sea level.

            I’d been here the other day and had the entire parking lot and observation point to myself.  Well, God and I had it to ourselves.  It was the same again this evening.   I got a lot of pictures tonight.  I LOVE digital cameras!  Film is so cheap!!

            So, here I am again where the ancestral Puebloans lived from about 900-1200 AD.  I can’t say that I’m experiencing any strong sensations about this place, but there seems to be something going on.  I’ve experienced sensations of déjà vu several times this week.  There’s a sense of belonging, no, it’s not that strong, but there’s definitely a sense of connectedness to being here. 

            Easter morning had me awake at 5:15AM.  I knew sunrise to be at 6:35, so I figured I’ve got time for a cup of coffee and then I’ll head out.

            By 6 I was ready to go, knowing the spot I wanted to be at was about 10­-15 minutes drive, I headed out.  Arriving at the turn-off to Park Point I noted the gate still locked and another car already there; likely for the same reason I was. I decided that they’d gotten up even earlier than me so I’d respect their privacy and find another spot.  Less than five minutes away was another picturesque spot. 

            I took my camera, tripod, headset and phone with praise and worship music and found a nice spot to wait for the sun and to quietly come into God’s presence. I’m accustomed to more traditional Easter mornings, but was blessed to have such an experience as what I was this morning.  I was alone with God on the side of hill in Mesa Verde National Park.  Quiet?  Oh my gosh, it was so quiet up there!!  And the grandeur and beauty are breath-taking!

My Worship Spot

            The sun cooperated and rose right on time.  I took a lot of pictures in hopes that some will be worthy of keeping and/or showing to others.  I’ll share a couple with you here.

Sunrise

       

   The canyons and mesas

 

The San Juans

More Sunrise

God's handiwork

            As I left my worship spot this morning, I came around a curve and looked down into the ravine.  There was a wild horse.  He didn’t see me at first, so I stopped the car and got out to take pictures.  By now he knew I was there and was high-tailing it further down the ravine.  I was unable to get any kind of decent picture of him, but it was very cool to even see him.  I asked a ranger later about the wild horses.  She says there are actually quite a few in the park and they peacefully coexist with the elk and deer.  Actually, the horses tend to over-populate and have to be removed to other locations.

            I headed back to the lodge for a wonderful breakfast in the Metata Room while enjoying more of the grand view of the mesas and canyons to the south.  I had a ticket for the 9:30 tour of the Balcony House archaeological site, so that was the next thing on my agenda.  The Balcony House site had been closed since last fall; this was the first tour of the season, not necessarily a big deal, but kind of noteworthy.

            I realize these events and activities are “out of the ordinary” for an Easter morning, but that has been the nature of this journey I’ve been on.  God has taken me out of the ordinary.

Starting down...700 feet

             Our guide this morning told us a great deal about the Puebloan people.  Did you know that Mesa Verde is not only a U.S. National Park?  It is a World Heritage Site which is pretty unique.  It’s not the archaeology that makes it a world heritage site.  The fact that the descendants of the Puebloans still live fairly close is the distinction.  The Hope and Zuni tribes are direct descendants.

For Hopi’s and Zuni’s, all of this area, the ruins, etc., are considered hallowed ground and at some point in their lives, they make a pilgrimage to Mesa Verde and the land of their ancestors.  The Puebloans consider all living things as important and it is spiritual to treat all living things with respect and care. 

Serious ladders!

Not for the faint of heart

As I listened to our guide this morning, I noted the feeling I've had of connectedness to this area.  It makes me wonder if there is a spiritual presence/significance to this place?

These structures were built where they were because of the availability of water via seep springs.  The rain falls on the mesa top above and gradually filters through the sandstone and comes out in some areas.  The availability of the springs was why the people built where they did.

Seep Springs

I really was here!

90% original construction!!

It was an amazing morning.  With my tour complete I determined that I would like to return to Mesa Verde someday with Muggy and we will do more visiting and touring.  If you ever decided to visit this wonderful place, do not try to do it all in one day.  You cannot.  There is too much to see and learn.  Give yourself at least two days.  Plan to stay in the lodge if you can afford it, (standard rooms are about $90).  Take the tours, take the hikes, visit the museum.

A little scary coming up!!

Happy Easter Everyone!!

I was missing my new best friend, Skipper, back in Durango so I decided it was time to head home. 

I had enjoyed an atypical yet glorious Easter Morning and was thankful and blessed to have had more amazing adventures and experiences.

Beauty and Balance, Hozhoni

            If I were to choose one word to sum up my approach to life and living it is balance.  Monday night I was introduced to yet another nuance of the word. 

            The nuance came when I queried about a translation of a Native American word, Hozhoni.  I spoke with the reigning Miss Hozhoni, Chanetel Johnson Monday evening and she explained that Hozhoni means beauty and balance assessed or apprised by all.

This week at Ft. Lewis College here in Durango the community is celebrating Native American culture with the 50^th annual Hozhoni Days Pow Wow.  There are several activities scheduled and the events culminate with the pow wow on Friday night and into Saturday.  Some research uncovered an important event as part of the celebrations. 

Monday evening was the talent competition for the candidates competing to be crowned Miss Hozhoni on Friday evening.  There are four young ladies competing for the title of and each one performed a traditional talent and a contemporary talent.

The traditional talents performed were singing in the native language, telling stories in the native language, explaining the “Changing Woman” ceremony and demonstrating the proper method to comb and tie-up the hair of a woman. 

All of the performances were very good, but I was particularly impressed by the stories and song in their native languages.  I think these young ladies speak English predominantly and it must be quite difficult to learn the native language.  One young lady in particular told a story in native language and she talked for 15 minutes straight.  I am sharing a few moments of the story so the reader can listen.

Click here to listen to a cut of the story.

Simply being in attendance at this event was very meaningful for me.  .

There was a young lady who spoke to the group who is the reigning Miss Northern Navajo Teen for 2014.  She was very confident and comfortable in front of this large group and pretty funny too!  She had visited her grandfather this past summer and he makes flutes. He had given her one and she has now learned how to play it. Here is a short sample of what she played for us.
Click here to listen to flute playing sample.

I spoke with her after the event and wished her well.  I asked if I could have my picture taken with her and she obliged.  Unfortunately, my camera corrupted those particular files.

As I said above, I spoke with the reigning Miss Hozhoni after the event.  She told me there is to be a Round Dance on Thursday evening.  Anyone who wishes to can participate in the dance.  I’m going to be there on Thursday night?!?

As I was leaving, a Native American gentlemen about my age approached and spoke to me.  I think he was acknowledging my interest in his culture and he appreciated it.   I was touched deeply that he spoke to me and we were able to briefly express mutual interest in his culture.  It was a very special moment.

Fellowship With Friends

Saturday evening:  Tomorrow, unless God intervenes, I will attend a Quaker meeting here in Durango.

            Sunday, Apr 13, 2014 – I did attend the Quaker “Friends” worship service this morning.  I parked about a ½ mile away and sat there for ten minutes as I did not want to arrive too early.  It’s one thing to attend a church which is similar, even if only remotely, to what one regularly attends.  It can be challenging as we don’t know anyone, but we can have a reasonable sense of what to expect.  Attending a service at which one is totally unfamiliar with the method of worship, the beliefs, etc. is quite another experience.  It is unnerving.

            I had prepared last night as well as possible by reading about Quakers and the ways in which they worship.

Quaker Fellowship Building

            At 9:35, I pulled into the parking lot and walked to the front door, kind of expecting to be met by someone, but there was no one in the foyer.  The church is very, very small and there was a double door standing open to the sanctuary or worship room on the right.  I peeked in and saw a handful of folks (seven I believe) sitting in various locations in two rows of chairs organized around the outside of the room.  One man was talking and the others seemed to be giving some deference to him as the “teacher” for the morning.  I was to learn later that this is their “Sunday School” and I found it not greatly dissimilar to our Connections’ Class.  They invited me in and I crossed the room and sat down.

            The dialogue continued on the subject of how the early church was hijacked (my word not the speaker’s) by the “control freaks” (his words, not mine) of the early church and for many years that was what the church was.  I think they went on to say that the church today is becoming one of finding answers and truth in one’s own.

            The session concluded at 1000 and we all went into the foyer.  I met Robert and Suzanne (her mother was born in Columbus GA and she loves GA). Robert explained to me a little about the worship service that was to begin forthrightly.  It was an unprogrammed service and a silent service at that.

            Unprogrammed means no one leads it as contrasted to a programmed service in which a minister leads.  One may find either kind or worship service format at Quaker Fellowships in different areas. 

            With that, all of nine of us headed into the worship room.  It’s a rectangular shaped room about 20’ by 30’.  No adornments whatsoever save for seven or eight large windows through which one can see the pine trees surrounding the church or the mountains.  No one said a word, but each person entered into quiet contemplation and meditation awaiting or seeking the Lord’s insight or revelation.  After an undetermined time of introspection, anyone can speak, but the thoughts are supposed to be personal insights or revelations from God.

            I closed my eyes and prayed to myself.  Guidance I had read said an individual should leave the cares of daily schedules and such outside and seek to focus on hearing from God.  I considered sharing my own experiences about God calling me up to mountains so that we can be closer to Him, but I chose to keep these thoughts to myself.

            Further private thoughts on this went back to the year Muggy was so sick.  As we struggled through that time, God opened our eyes to understand adversity (of whatever kind) to be mountaintop experiences, not valleys.  It was during that time that Muggy’s room faced northwest from Emory and we had a wonderful view of Kennesaw Mountain. 

            I’ve since written about that a few times, but this morning I was delving deeper into it.  Here I am in Colorado and just two days ago God led me to Park Point Fire Lookout Tower at 8572 feet above sea level. 

God and me, 8572 feet above sea level

It was only God and me up there that day and the sanctity of the moment was not lost on me.  He had again, led me to the mountaintop to draw closer to Him.

            From thence my thoughts went to the contour lines on the trail maps I have studied since arriving here; the closer the contour lines, the steeper the grade.  Then, I was reverse thinking about valleys as mountaintops (the change in perspective I strive for during adversity) which led me to think of contour lines going down into a valley.  Last week, John told me many times it’s more difficult going down a mountain than up for fear of tripping and/or falling. 
            Now my thoughts went to the difficulties and travails that we encounter when adversity strikes us or those in our lives and we can stumble or fall during our descent into the valley.  And this is precisely why we must look at these times as mountaintops not valleys, so that we will keep our eyes focused on God and draw closer to Him.

            As I said, I did not share (probably should have) but instead, I asked God to show me what He had for me this morning.  Then, the gentleman across the room stood and shared about a newspaper article he had read that week about the 8-year old girl attending a Christian School.  Because she was such a tomboy, wore her hair short and liked to do “boy” things (shoot bb guns, etc), the school was not comfortable with her behaviors and asked her to leave the school (according to the article there were some other behaviors such as wanting to use the boys’ restrooms and others unmentioned).  The man shared that his take-away from this was to look on the heart not the outward appearance.

            And it struck me!  My gosh, this is the fourth time in three weeks that God has shown that lesson to me. First, at the Episcopal service when the reverend said God looks at the heart, not the outward appearance.  Then, at the meditation session on Thursday and the last word that morning was “let” (as in let it be, let them be…).  Then, last Sunday I while attending the Vallecito Lake Church of the Outdoors with John and Patricia I again was reminded to look at the heart, the inside of people, not the outward appearance.

            In Patricia’s own words, John’s friends call him the curmudgeon of the dam.  If you met John on the street you might wonder.  He’s gruff in manner and appearance.  He has a beard he has been growing for over 40 years and he is not shy about sharing his opinions about life, things or you if it strikes his fancy.  Patricia looks every bit the gentle hippie, but as a previous writing (blogged) shared, we all struck a special friendship that day in the woods.

            Then, here I am, in a Quaker worship service hearing the same message again.  And I had just been thinking about the phrase again of “Let go, let God”.  There’s the “let” word again and the only difference between those two sets of two words is the “d” in God.  To me that “d” means discipline and I now apply that thought of discipline to what God was saying this morning about look on the inward, the heart of people and do not be caught up in judgment or making assessments of people based upon negative aspects and/or observations. 

            For some reason, God is emphasizing this lesson to me; as simple as it may seem, it is profound.  And now I’m taken to part of the reason, part of what I’m pursuing out here.  I’m beginning to understand….I think!

            So now, a few words on connecting dots again.  Prior to my arrival here in Durango, Chris asked if I wanted him to stop the newspaper delivery while I was here.  I said, “No, I think I’d enjoy reading it.”  This, I believe, was God directing my paths and appointments so that I would read the same article and have the same foundation as the speaker this morning while I was here!!

            I spoke with this man after the service.  I had shared to the group that I was visiting and that I was on a spiritual journey.  He commented to me that he envied what I was doing.  I said to him, “It is a gift that I have been given by God” as I pointed toward heaven.

Pursuit of Connections

Endeavoring to catch up here a little bit.  It’s now Tuesday morning and I have not posted since last week.

Thursday evening I found myself with some unconnected dots.  I’m left wondering if these will be connected at some time in the future, or if these were simply random circumstances.  I’m inclined to think the former as I am too convinced of God’s hand on my day to day activities, not only while I’m here in Colorado, but regularly.

            So, late Thursday afternoon I headed for the Ft. Lewis College campus and the Center for Southwest Studies Library.  The library has chosen to divest itself of some of its books and they offered them for sale to the public.  There were some interesting books for sale and I couldn’t resist the urge to buy a few of them.  A couple of them are analyses of the religious practices of Native Americans.  In and of itself, the visit to the library was not an unconnected event; it was simply an event.

            However, while there a man came in to look at the books.  He spoke rather loudly to the librarian stating, “I just heard about this sale.  I didn’t know it was going on until John just told me about it!”  And he was excited to have the opportunity to look the books over.

            I had already made my purchases, but was drawn back to a couple of older books that I ultimately resisted the temptation to spend more money on. 

            The strange thing was, the late-comer noticed what I was looking at and he started speaking to me about the sociological theories of [Michael] Mann and how he posits there are four pillars of any society which the elite manipulate to their liking.

            I was intrigued as I’ve spent more than a few moments thinking that our lives are manipulated by the elite (read, ultra-rich), and I felt this was an opportunity to learn more.  As I think back on the moment, I’m fairly certain I had a very quizzical, yet puzzled look on my face as he spoke.

            I finally said to him, “Well, you are actually quite far over my head with Mr. Mann’s theories, but I am interested in learning more.”

            As that moment, he could not remember Mann’s first name so he asked the librarian to look him up.

            I took out my phone and performed a quick search and discovered that Michael Mann is a professor at UCLA.

            With that, I left the library and headed for Noble Hall.  There was a lecture beginning in an hour as part of the Lifelong Learning Series on recent developments in brain science which I wanted to hear.

            I was an hour early so I had brought one of my new books and was looking for a place to curl up and read for a little while.  While walking past one of the classrooms, there was a video playing for a class and as I passed by, I heard the lecturer say something about male aggressiveness in our society and I was, again, intrigued.

            So, I stood in the doorway and listened.  A female, the professor I assume, was standing near the doorway and she looked at me and smiled; as if to say, you’re welcome to listen in.  So, I did.

            The video is by Jackson Katz on violence by men.  I have now found it, or at least a similar one on a TED talk at:

http://www.ted.com/talks/jackson_katz_violence_against_women_it_s_a_men_s_issue

            So, I sat down on the steps of the classroom and listened.  So, the lecture concluded and I exited the classroom and went next door for the lifelong learning lecture. 

            So, for the lecture this evening, we were entertained by Dr. Ben Kater, a retired neuroscientist who has some pretty lofty credentials. 

            He gave us a lot, but three basic take-aways:  1)  It is likely that EVERYTHING we do, experience, sense is changing the brain; all the time, 2) Any constraints put upon us, and particularly children, which can impact the brain’s development can be severely limiting, and 3) exercise is probably the BEST thing one can do to improve and enhance the brain’s neuroplasticity.

            Here’s a picture of the brain’s vascular system.  Dr. Kater said, “It’s beautiful isn’t it?!”

            

Brain's vascular system

                                   

           

            During Q&A, at least three individuals, maybe four asked questions about the benefits of meditation on brain development and plasticity.  It was interesting to watch the obvious interest that the questioners had of Dr. Kater; appearing desirous of his endorsement of what is obviously their lifestyle choice.  He did not endorse meditation as a bonafide method for benefit of the plasticity of the brain, but said, “I used to use meditation, but now I have horses!”

            He presented some pretty amazing findings from his studies about the ways in which the brain is able to overcome sensory deprivations and/or changes.  Too complex to try to put here, but definitely worth researching.

            Saturday provided me with an opportunity to visit Mesa Verde (the Green Table) National Park. 

Approaching from the east

It’s early in the season and a wonderful time to visit if one doesn’t mind a lack of crowds!!  I’ve posted several photos from the day on my facebook page and will put a couple of the better ones here.  It was interesting to learn that, historically we have referred to the people who lived here as the Anasazi.  Today I learned that the word Puebloan is a better word to use.

Looking back to the east

Cliff Palace, 1500 years old

Canyon view from Cliff Palace

No modern tools!

            I mentioned the early season lack of visitors to the park.  I had some solitary moments throughout the day, but particularly at Park Point Fire Lookout Tower.  This spot is the highest elevation in the park (hence the reason for it being a fire lookout location!) at 8572 feet above sea level.  The amazing thing was that God and I were the only ones up there!  Talk about alone time with God!

View to the south from Park Point

            There was much of the park I did see, but much left undiscovered and I will return at least one more time before I depart Colorado.  It was quite a day and a trip to the Trimble Hot Springs that evening was very much in order. 

            Can you believe I am actually getting to do all of this?!?!

            And, as I prepared to head for bed on Saturday evening, some thoughts.  I am now at the halfway point of this adventure.  I’m ready to be with Muggy, but I am still anxious to see what God has for me.  I confess to some confusion in the myriad things coming across my path.  I will not obsess.  I will wait upon the Lord to show me what He has for me.