Faith of Our Fathers

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Purpose of trip: Family Reunion with Sywulkas

Fun times: Playing games with lovely people that make splitting headaches secondary

I was truly happy walking down the path toward the river, my eyes feasting on the trees and bushes and the blue sky. Then I saw the swarm.

accomplishments: driving, hiking, victory over altitude

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standouts: how centered our family is around God

cool convos: Ben on postmodern Christianity.

Barbara on Gelato

There was so much I saw and thought about that now I don't feel like writing down. Let's see...everything in Colorado is GORGEOUS! When driving I really just wanted to soak it all in. Returning to California was unfortunately a let-down as far as scenery is concerned. But we do have Yosemite. It's just the long desert that lacks everything but truck stops.

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One thing I remember noting I should write about was the relationship of people and "nature" or shall we say, "the great outdoors". It's a pretty simple observation.

We went to Fishcreek Falls twice, once just our family and Ruthie and Uncle Richard, and then the whole gang. It was really beautiful. I was truly happy walking down the path toward the river, my eyes feasting on the trees and bushes and the blue sky. Then I saw the swarm. No, not bees. People. I remembered then a magazine of sweeping landscapes on page after page and then an abrupt photograph of tourists along a bank fishing for salmon. It disgusted me.

But this time it did not. I was glad to see the trees and wade in the river, glad to stand on the bridge and feel the cool spray. I was glad I got to hike the two miles with the elevation gain of 2400 feet on a path that the American Pioneers did not have.  I think I had heard so much in science classes without seeing it for myself. Hmm, like don't listen to feminists without kids telling you how to raise your children.

I always hope to find a balance in stewardship of the great outdoors and enjoyment of them. I want to enjoy and obey in this matter as well as all of life.