So teach us to number our days so that we can present to Thee a heart of wisdom. Psalms 90:12
On the last day of 2022, I thank you for following me in the changing environment of DebDays Blog. For years, I have shared my hiking adventures throughout the world. As my health has caused me to change from climbing mountains and high altitude distant hikes to walks and strolls, my writing has also adapted. … Continue reading Beauty Beyond Belief
I always have wanted to hike to Antelope Canyon in Arizona to see the rocks that look like waves – too remote and too restricted. I tried to hike in Zion National Park to the Slot Canyons, but they were filled with fast flowing water on my last visit. A week in Las Vegas allowed … Continue reading Canyons and Waves
Flat walks are also fun. Especially after a big climb and lots of steps the day before. After breakfast, we proceeded to Grand Wash which we had seen when we drove into the park. There is no gateway into the park, therefore many people never visit the Visitor Center and pay to park. We were … Continue reading Grand Wash in Capital Reef NP
Weird name for a National Park known for its red rock formations. There is one white grouping of rocks that resembles the US Capital. The Reef name came from the waterfall rock ripple in the earth that traverses 100 miles to Arizona and can be seen from space. We were only 62 miles from Lake … Continue reading Capital Reef National Park
Cottonwood Creek tumbling toward Buena Vista, Cottonwood Pass at 12,000 feet and Cottonwood Lake are some of my favorite places in Colorado. The majestic peaks pour their stored snow into creeks that tumble out of the heights in Cottonwood Creek to Cottonwood Lake for enjoyment. It leaves the overflow of the lake to course its … Continue reading Revisit High Altitude
It was the day of the visit to go to the High Mountains. There was no other day for my visiting friend and it rained. Clouds on High Mountains obscured the view of their glory. In the Western USA, we never complain about rain – the liquid from the sky is too precious. Stopped at … Continue reading Living Water Pours
Near Four Mile Creek west of Divide is a ‘little’ mountain with a one track path up to a look out. It is a nature trail and that is usually easy. I decided to try to climb even with my heart issues. It took me an hour to climb a mile and half, but I … Continue reading A little Gem
11 Miles Canyon greets the driver with a roar of clear water after the entrance. It is located on State Highway 96 just South of Lake George, Colorado west of Woodland Park, CO. We headed into the 11 Miles Canyon (cost is $8 per car) to find a quiet place for reflection, silence and solitude. … Continue reading 11 Miles of Water Beauty
Why would I not visit this magnificent valley in 24 years living in Colorado? I had never ventured on the Road to Jefferson through the Tarryalls from Lake George. The mountains are at 11,000 to 12,000 feet above sea level and there are paths crossing many of them, but they are not famous. They pale … Continue reading Magnificent Secret
Out of Buena Vista, Colorado lies one of my favorite roads leading to Cottonwood Pass, and Crested Butte. It follows a beautiful creek, has Hot Springs and some of the favorite hikes of my past. Denny Creek parking lot was very full, so we traveled on to the Ptarmigan Lake Trail. Starting at 10,000 feet, … Continue reading Cottonwood Lake Lesson
The sign stated “Live to Hike Another Day” at the beginning of the trail in Palo Duro Canyon in Texas. This was followed by a sign telling you how much water you should have for each hour you expected to be hiking: 1 Gallon for each person and pet for a six mile hike. High … Continue reading Live to Hike Another Day?
“One’s most effective work can grow out of first learning to do nothing well.” Backpacking with the Saints, Belden Lane P. 215 Americans only see ourselves as productive if our calendars are full and we are really busy. The pandemic hit this notion hard when we learned that the world did not revolve around our … Continue reading Resting Well
Visiting a cousin in Mineral Wells, Texas was stepping back in time. My father became acquainted with her just one year ago when she came to a “Stinson Memorial” gravestone ceremony in Evansville, IN. She has been researching the Stinson name for 50 years. This is before Ancestry and 23andme were even a thought. She … Continue reading Elders Remember
The Silence of Nature allows reflection. Not matter how challenging today is with all the stress of disease, money, war and politics, I can be still in nature, and think about similar times in the past when I was much younger. I reflect on my peace, not because I have retired, but because I have … Continue reading Abilene Reflection
“There is a deep mystery in being poised on the edge of something new in my life, asking how to maneuver the next part of the trail before me.” St. Bernhard of Montjoux (Backpacking with the Saints, Beldon Lane p.218). As I approached a monumental birthday, and truly a change in status of age, I … Continue reading Girls Weekend Changes Me
Two Visits this year to this charming small town in the upper reaches of Texas Hill Country. Hico, Texas motto is “Where everybody is Somebody.” A Brownwood couple had recommended we visit, and we made a side stop in the Winter to Wiseman Chocolates. It is a quaint shop in the old doctors victorian house … Continue reading Hi Ho. Hi Ho. Off to Hico we go
Why is it that we never deeply explore our own ‘backyard’ adventures as much as the visitors and tourists do? As we travel, I am always looking for green tracts on the maps. Because of the dog, we are identifying places to stop and let him run and sniff a bit. That is how I … Continue reading Backyard Beauties
On my yearly break from insane living, I read poetry and sacred focused writings regarding nature. My two favorite authors are Laurie Kehler and Beldon Lane. Laurie writes in “This Outside Life, p. 148”, “Why? Keeps us looking at God’s hand, going in circles. What’s next? Directs our gaze upward to God’s face opening the … Continue reading Slow Down for Adventure
Christopher Cross released this song about ‘riding like the wind’ to the border of Mexico. Wind in the Spring in Texas reminds me of this song. We do not go outside to see how hot it is, we test the wind. It was really windy and the water was rough on our first Kayak trip … Continue reading “Ride Like the Wind”in Texas
Hiking Enchanted Rock in the middle of Texas 20 miles north of Fredericksburg, was one to remember. Sustained winds of 30 plus miles per hour with gusts of 40-50 miles per hour buffeted us in every direction as we climbed 1,843 feet in 0.8 miles with no trees to shield us from the onslaught. It … Continue reading Enchanted Wind
“The only indispensable item I pack (on a backpacking trip) is a capacity for amazement,” says Beldon Lane in ‘Backpacking with the Saints’ p. 91. For a moment upon meeting the my house guest husky Kemah, I was amazed. She is large, black and white and has beautiful blue eyes. Her soft hair has been … Continue reading Amazing Capacity
Meridian State Park in central Texas is located near Hamilton, TX which is the Northernmost point of the “Hill Country”. The Juniper forests on Stinnery Ridge Trail spread like a canopy over the trail because of their size. My allergies immediately made me want my inhaler. It is known for its birding especially the precious … Continue reading Warbler CCC Home
Beaver Creek, Colorado is located west of Vail and accessible through Avon, Colorado. The Gondola or open chair lift lifts you to the ski restaurant at 10,200 feet altitude. Reservations are suggested and it is open with weather permitting from Memorial Day in May to Labor Day in September during the week. You cannot take your … Continue reading Beaver Creek Beauty
Waiting for Taz, our twelve-year-old Schipperke dog to be treated at the Veterinary School in Ft. Collins, Colorado, we decided to sneak out for a quick hike in the nearby hills. This area had been threatened by fire in 2020 and I wanted to see how close the fire had come to this area. We … Continue reading Peaceful Poudre
Walking in Florida is like breathing water. The cloying humidity requires us to get up and be done with any mileage walks by 8:30 am. The afternoon thunderstorms were quite impressive and the humidity increased as the day heated. We were there for a Memorial service in late July 2021, and had a day to … Continue reading Breathing Water
Found another Arizona written blog: Pinnacle Point is one of the most unique rock shapes in the Scottsdale skyline. It is located in the central part of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and one place I remember from hiking here 20 years ago. I hiked and took no pictures – only my memories remain. Maybe my husband … Continue reading Desert Pinnacle and Gateway
Have you ever walked and prayed? Taken a prayer walk? When I see something spectacular in nature on a hike, I say ‘thank you God for this beauty’. My friend and I decided to try the different methods of prayer outlined in the book “Want to Hear God? Connect with Him in Prayer” by Nancy … Continue reading Prayer Walk Miracle
l am glad to say Taz survived the cancer tumor surgery, the big hematoma bruise after climbing and tearing out the inside stitches. He has a few more years of adventures and walks in the life of Taz. Our hiking dog Taz had a fatty tumor between his leg and groin that continued to grow. Finally … Continue reading Last Big Hike?
The High Chaparral Open Space is my neighborhood’s nearby hiking space with views to Pikes Peak, manageable 1.5 miles of trails, a lookout place to the Front Range of the Rockies with 200 mile views on a clear day, and wildflowers and wildlife. It was gifted in perpetuity to the Parks and Recreation Department and … Continue reading Encroaching Progress
My grandmother Helen was a remarkable woman. She received her nursing degree from Cleveland, Ohio in the 1930’s when women from tiny little backwater Indiana towns did not go away to school. She married a younger man and when she was 28, decided it was time to have a family, so she did. For the next … Continue reading Oh the Joy!
Have you ever had a physical injury limit your hiking or walking? How did you handle the news? Where did you go for help? What helped you recover? Have you ever had a change in your health status? My heart is malfunctioning. I have to wear a Holter monitor for two weeks while we try … Continue reading AAA Limitations
Remote small towns have one disadvantage – physician and dental specialists are not here that we need. We were directed to a practice in Austin which was located by Shoal Creek Trail. While my husband was busy with appointments, Taz and I walked the trail, sidewalks and along the road. When have you walked in a … Continue reading Austin, TX Shoal Creek Homeless
Sometimes it is too hot to hike. Then you have to go shopping. Somewhere. Brady, TX was the perfect place to visit on a hot day in April. Brady, TX websites refer to this small town as “The Heart of Texas” as it is 15 miles from the geographic center of this very large state. … Continue reading No Words – Just Odd
What a Cave! Inks Lake State Park is very close to Longhorn Caverns State Park as they are on the same road. The guys barely made their 3:00 pm cave “Walking Tour”. There is also a “Wild Cave Tour” that requires safety equipment. The cave colors are muted and varied colors of tan and brown … Continue reading Longhorn Cavern State Park
Burnet, TX – pronounced “Burnet, like durn it or learn it”… for a long 12 hour day searching for Bluebonnets in central Texas. As it seems in all the small towns in Texas, there is a center square surrounding the County Courthouse in the ‘County Seat’. on ‘the square’ in Covid masks and continued social distancing … Continue reading Streams and Dreams
We scheduled a two-day retreat at ‘TK Ranch’ south of Breckinridge, Texas. Who know so many towns in Colorado have the same names in Texas towns but with a very different look? Breckinrideg: Ranch versus mountain town. The beautiful Bunkhouse had three private bedrooms with bath and slept 12 people. (Available through VRBO). There were … Continue reading Ranch Retreat and Ranch Repeat
In March 2021, we kayaked a cool 4 miles round trip which takes about two hours. After his San Antonio Kayak experience, our Schipperke was a pro and rode well in the back. We rented from Bayou Kayaks for a very reasonable price. He brings the kayaks to Riverside Park and picks them up and … Continue reading Kayaking Pecan Bayou
There are paintings and pictures and towels and everything ‘bluebonnet’ to honor the State Flower of Texas. The late cold snap and snow of 2021 delayed the normal blooming by two weeks. Mid-March to Late April you can search and find the different varieties of bluebonnets from the South to the North of the great … Continue reading Wildflower Watch
My BFF and my husband ate lunch at El Jardin at the Botanical Gardens for my birthday. They had great “bowls” with fresh raw vegetables, nuts, squash, and dressing. The garden plants were completely devastated from the 2021 Big Texas snow and freeze. Signs of survival were small shoots of green near the roots. What survived? … Continue reading Picture This Screamer
People with good intentions and money can transform a community. When we made a trip to Waco we included a trip to the Silos and Magnolia Kitchen made famous by Chip and Joanna Gaines, a mother of five and an active businesswomen of HGTV fame. My memories of this area of Waco was of a … Continue reading Magnolia and Waco Mothers
Sunshine. Trails. Views. Scat. Cactus. Weird trees. Strange shaped rocks. Mesquite trees provided shade even in the heat of the morning as the grasses were blowing on the way to Gorman Falls. We missed the turn to the Falls and there was no sound to guide us because of low water. Within a short time, … Continue reading Colorado Bend Texas State Park
The city of San Antonio is slowly reopening after a year of Covid and a disastrous freeze in February 2021. The Riverwalk in the middle takes us to the reclaimed Pearl District for a birthday celebration in the Hotel Emma. It was a cool evening to stroll and listen to street musicians and live bands … Continue reading San Antonio Riverwalk Celebration
Our first hike in Lake Brownwood State Park was a delightful surprise. First, I thought all of this area was flat and this path was rocky, and up and down. Second, we hiked along the path with good views of the Lake and listened to the waves hitting the rocks. Third, I was hiking with … Continue reading Hiking Lake Brownwood State Park
Lake Brownwood State Park has several paths, but it only takes 3-4 times hiking to cover the entire park. Our first adventure was close to the gate. There was a public “feral pig” hunt going on in the park last time we visited. Closed for pig hunting – that led to asking some questions. Yes. … Continue reading Hiking is….different in Texas
Why would you move to Brownwood, Texas from Colorado Springs, Colorado? Buying a second home sight unseen having never been to Brownwood, relocating for one-third of the year 11 hours away, and moving with only what we could get into two vehicles was definitely a “leap of faith.” There is no hiking in flat Brownwood. But…. … Continue reading Brownwood, Texas? Why?
A ‘night out in Old Town’ Scottsdale started with a drive in evening traffic, passing through wealthy shopping areas, outdoor restaurants brimming with people, and warnings of the changes of Covid. “Face masks that cover your nose and mouth are currently mandatory in all public places in Scottsdale.” As the website says, “shopping in Old … Continue reading Scottsdale Old Town, MIM and Cemetary
Seeking a shorter and easier hike after our climbing on Gateway Trail, we visited Tom Thumb trailhead in McDowell Sonoran Preserve in order to explore “the Marcus Landslide.” (3.0 mi/4.8 KM)” After traversing the rollercoaster and unpaved road, and finding the elusive trailhead, we headed out on a descending path. I personally enjoy climbing first … Continue reading Landslide Brought Me Down
Our tour at Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home in Scottsdale, AZ began in the early morning. It was a not a traditional hike, as we stood and walked throughout his home site marveling at the architectural designs. Wright purchased the land in the 1930s. Can you imagine Phoenix 90 years ago? It is … Continue reading Taliesin West – Frank Lloyd Wright
McDowell Sonoran Preserve The Southern section of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve (MSP) trailhead Lost Dog Wash was packed with people on a Thursday morning in November. The desert had finally cooled and Covid mania was waning in Scottsdale. People wanted to be outside, doing something, and having fun. (See previous post about the MSP) Did … Continue reading McDowell Sonoran Preserve Day 2
Scottsdale, Arizona’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve (MSP) is a wonderful way to enjoy the desert landscape and hike safely. It is the largest urban preserve in America. All trailheads are easily accessible, have a wonderful shelter, ample parking, maps, and bathrooms. They open at 6:17 am? Not 6:30 am? And close at dark. Perhaps that is … Continue reading Urban Desert Hiking
Our final Sedona Vortex search took me back to Boynton Canyon for a supposedly quick hike. I had been there in 2019 on the same path visiting the same tree. I know the way to go. For sure. Wrong turns happen and I headed off through the brush on another path. After about ten minutes, … Continue reading Resolute Family Vortex Seekers
A road trip to Payson, AZ, “up in the mountains” and east of Sedona a couple of hours took several unexpected detours in November. The town itself was not very big, but is a crossroad for agriculture and ranching in the area. The new Dutch Brothers coffee shop in town was busy even in Covid … Continue reading Winding Sedona Side Trip
Cathedral Rock can be approached from both the Red Rocks State Park or from the other side of this monolith off the Back O’ Beyond road between Sedona and Village at Oak Creek. It is considered one of the highest energy vortex places and therefore, one of the busiest. Near the Chapel of the Holy Cross … Continue reading Cathedral Crazy Covid Climb
….the promise of a new dawn.” Ralph Waldo Emerson What is it about the magic of sunsets? People all over the world remember particular sunsets they have witnessed. The colors, clouds, changing horizon view, and composition of earth and rocks reflecting off of the declining sunlight are charmed. The sun rises and the sun sets, then hurries around to … Continue reading “Every Sunset brings…
Because of my husband’s injury and being in a boot, we were restricted for a couple of days to drives and short walks. We headed through the country southwest of Sedona to the towns of Jerome, Clarkdale and the Tuzigoot national monument. The most important thing we discovered was flavored Ginger Beer that was found only … Continue reading Contemplate Copper Conduction
Amazing Tree Colors. Inviting running Water. Shining Bright Sun. Temperature Perfect. Clear Nature Smell. Smooth Stacked Rocks and Even Trails. All our senses were delighted by a hike to Red Rock Crossing where Oak Creek flows outside of Sedona, AZ. This is a delightful space to visit in a state park outside of town about … Continue reading Colorful Fall Vortex
The Holy Cross Chapel (Location: 3190 West State Route 89A, between Village at Oak Creek and Sedona Arizona) is a place of spiritual reflective beauty. Open free to the public with a gift of silence, it is teeming with visitors in this time of Covid. It is always an opportunity to sit quietly and reflect on our … Continue reading Art Visits Sedona
Bell Rock is a butte near Village of Oak Creek south of Sedona and is known by its distinctive bell shape. It is also the location of an energy vortex. We headed to the area on the east side known for its energy and hoped to penetrate my husband’s injured ankle from the day before, … Continue reading Views from Bell Rock – Post Accident Day 2
A week hiking in Sedona! What could go wrong in this lifelong dream? My husband slipped, twisting his ankle on our first walk to Bell Rock. He was admiring the magnificent scenery and stepped off pavement IN THE PARKING LOT. He knew it was hurt, but wanted to continue the 3-mile hike we had planned. … Continue reading Super Sedona Accident Day 1
The Grand Canyon National Park celebrated its centennial, 1919-2019. Last time I was there was in 1999 to celebrate the New Millennium with my family. Peaceful beauty and amazing views, without tons of people are my memories. We arrived at the Grand Canyon ready with the masks and cleanser after a night in Flagstaff and … Continue reading GC Pandemic Majesty
Petrified Forest National Park lies north and south of Interstate 40 between Flagstaff, Arizona and Gallup, New Mexico. Even during the time of Covid in 2020, the Painted Desert Visitor Center was sort of open— and not open. They were limiting visitors into the center, the theater was closed, but shopping was available. I did … Continue reading Magic Color Revealed
The Rabbit Ears Pass straddles the Continental Divide in Northern Colorado and is a source of recreational activity areas of all kinds. Rabbit Ears Pass area is outside of Steamboat Springs on Highway US 40. It covers 56 square miles and is an important transcontinental road started in 1911 and completed in 1917 and is being … Continue reading Rabbit Ears Challenge
Whether you are new to an area or a native, an experienced or novice hiker, one of the best ways to get to know people and your surroundings is to hike. You may never put on hiking boots, but people like to walk, even if it is around their neighborhood. There are so many trails, … Continue reading Goal: 500 Miles in 5 Months
I am not being lazy – I have run out of words for the beauty of this area of Colorado called Steamboat Springs. It is a lasting memory and I want to return there again and again to such magnificent nature. Hopefully, the fires will be out next year, and the smoke will not ruin … Continue reading Yampa River Garden
Stagecoach State Park is located in the Yampa Valley about 15 miles from Steamboat Springs, Colorado. It has a large reservoir – over 800 acres for water sports with hiking trails around the perimeter of the lake. The buildings were all closed due to the Covid pandemic. Little did we know, there was history here … Continue reading Pandemic Disappointment – Again
Pearl Lake State Park is the destination for a beautiful fall hike in northern Colorado – gorgeous lake and reflections of fall all around us. It is very close to Steamboat Lake and can be hiked and visited the same day. A smaller body of water but enough if you have a kayak or canoe … Continue reading Pearl Perfection
Steamboat Lake State Park is about one and half hours north of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. It is a sizable lake and there were a few people boating, kayaking, and one lady napping on her paddleboard. The summer cabins were closed, a skeleton crew were at the visitors centers, and Covid had limited the people to the … Continue reading Survival of Beauty
Fish Creek Falls – what a name. I do not see how any fish would survive the falls or the rapidly flowing creek. It was cool and dark in the shadows of the mountain walls. It is 165 foot falls which is big in Colorado. This walk is “one of the most popular” in Steamboat Springs, … Continue reading Fish Creek?
Hark! the herald angels sing:“Glory to the newborn King!Peace on earth and mercy mildGod and sinners reconciled”Joyful, all ye nations riseJoin the triumph of the skiesWith angelic hosts proclaim:“Christ is born in Bethlehem”Hark! the herald angels sing:“Glory to the newborn King!” Christ by highest Heav’n adoredChrist the everlasting Lord!Late in time behold Him comeOffspring of … Continue reading Christmas Story
St. Ignace, Michigan is one area the tourist ferries depart to Mackinac Island for the day-trippers. We stayed there one night and walked the shoreline of Lake Huron and ate an amazing meal after driving through the Upper Peninsula in rain for 8 hours. We boarded the ferry at 8:30 am with Covid restrictions enforced. … Continue reading Island Fascination
I always heard about “Beautiful Door County” in upper Wisconsin when I lived in Chicago in the late 2000s. I never made it there until the Covid summer of 2020. We drove through the rural country through Wisconsin from northern Bayfield to Green Bay, WI and back up the “thumb” of Door County. How do … Continue reading Wisconsin Fish Boil
The Midwest hiking Blogger I follow suggested the destination of Bayfield, Wisconsin. What a beautiful small town on the shore of Lake Superior! Bed and Breakfasts, stores, churches all hugged the protected bay. Covid precautions were strongly encouraged in this remote town – masks, sanitizer everywhere, dining outside, and social distancing. We decided to visit … Continue reading Why do they do that?
How well do you read maps? Do you know how to navigate without any GPS, Satellite or Internet service? This skill of map reading and navigation was vital in upper Wisconsin. I had forgotten the big atlas and had only a small map of the individual 50 states. The WiFi or Internet service was spotty, our … Continue reading Fear of Maps
“Always increasing illnesses, husband and his family issues, and operating a business for a few months had taken its toll. I was constantly sick with something. Head cold. Herpes. Pain in neck area. Back issues. Breathing issues. I was using essential oils to keep going. And then one night, I could not sleep. Sitting on … Continue reading My Remarkable Journey
Upper Minnesota wilderness gave us the opportunity to kayak and canoe in the Boundary Waters near Canada. Hiking trails were not as easily available as the water – so we switched to upper body exercise for two days. The temperature was in the 80s – perfect for watersports. Another Midwest Hiker Blogger had mentioned the … Continue reading WARNING to WARNING
Hiking. Ten Minutes from Home. Sometimes the magic delights you right where you are. I am trying to look for those places. Daily. What places delight your visual senses in your neighborhood? Riding Horses. Thirty Minutes from Home. Celebrating the unusually warm October in Colorado Springs, we rode horses through the yellow woods. Where can … Continue reading Local Delights
The Presidential election of 2020 is over. Hopefully. We will survive with battered bruises as a country. The division between rural and urban will be seen in the voting statistics for sure. When we traveled this summer, we stayed in rural areas throughout the states we visited. There was a definite bias in political signs … Continue reading Look for Green
In America, we normally do not hike on private property. The North Country Trail goes from Vermont to North Dakota and passes through many private fields. There are gates to be opened AND closed and small waterways. In August, the temperature soared and the bugs and humidity were constant companions. In Switzerland, where I learned … Continue reading Land Air Water Animals
Throughout this summer I was losing a friend to cancer. She and I were neighbors, spiritual sisters, cancer survivors, and hiking buddies. Her illnesses slowed her hiking over the last couple years, but she never stopped hiking and walking until she could no longer breathe from her lung metastasis. It is hard to not see … Continue reading Losing Her
The hardest thing in my hiking as I age is change. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 46:4 NIV My desire to hike long distances above four … Continue reading Sixty Hiking
What lessons have I learned from three weeks on American roads? Do not be afraid. We are adaptable to disruption in our lives. We are informed. We traveled over 5000 miles, visited all but one of the Great Lakes, drove through 17 states in 21 days (6 days in New York with family). Hiked in … Continue reading Road Trip Revelations
Road trips are not my favorite way to travel.
East of Glenwood Springs, Colorado up in the Glenwood Canyon lies a rest stop off of I 70. It presents the Best of Colorado: Raging Colorado River, Grizzly Creek feeding into the River through the valley, boulders, rock path, crashed trees and those cerulean blue skies. And clean restrooms. It is also the place of my old … Continue reading Perfect Perfection Destroyed
Where did these seashells come from on the side of a mountain path
We have to transition from training to enjoyment of hiking. I have decided my word for the pandemic is adaptable.
“Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you. For to you and your descendants I will give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham. I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky” Genesis 26:3-4a NIV “We worked early and late, from … Continue reading Car Camping
The black cow lowers its head and watches us carefully as it chews on the grass. In the distance it has seen the little white dog in the grass. The little white dog becomes intertwined with its genetic calling. A schipperke was bred to nip at the heels of horses along the canals in Belgium. Taz, our … Continue reading Cow Jumped over the Moon
Facebook groups are a marvelous way to find people whom like the same things you like and have great information. I found two groups this year: “Women who Hike Colorado” and “Colorado Springs Lady Hikers”. You have to be approved to be in the group, but I enjoy the posts, pictures and the hiking information very much. Some … Continue reading Speed Hiking
Everyone who visits Colorado Springs is bombarded with “Have you visited Garden of the Gods?” It is a park of towering red and white stones located on the west side of Colorado Springs. There are pictures of visitors to this area in the 1800s in wagons. This year in 2020, we have updated bathrooms (do you detect the … Continue reading Garden of the gods
Spruce Mountain can be seen from I 25 at the Greenland exit between Monument and Larkspur, Colorado. There is an old ranch house, an Open Space area (good in the winter for snowshoeing), set off the gravel road over a couple of old sets of railroad tracks. Spruce Mountain has a large parking area and porta-potties at … Continue reading Cloudy Spruce Mountain
They lied…
Less than four miles should be easy. It should be a delightful day. We should have enough time before it gets too hot. The dog should be alright with a creek. There should be shade. We should have enough water – three 16 oz bottles. I should not burn as I have sunscreen on my face and arms. We should … Continue reading Sunstroke in Canyon
Check the weather. Take your hiking pack. Water. Treats, leash, bowel and waste bags for the dog. Look at the app and/or map to plan an unknown journey. Boots. Walking Stick. Camera/Phone. We are prepared for an early morning 4 mile hike in town on a new trail in Palmer Park. Or so I thought. Within 10 minutes of climbing on the north side … Continue reading Unexpected Change
Seven Bridges Trail in Colorado Springs is located high up in Cheyenne Canyon, and represents ‘perfection and completion’ to me. Colorado perfection. Red Rocks. Green Pine trees. Lime green Aspens. Blue Columbine flowers. Flowing Streams. No bugs. Cold, Clear Snow Melt. Rocks and huge boulders. Cerulean Blue Sky. Cool temperatures in the morning and hot afternoon. Moderate hiking difficulty for 3.7 miles climbing … Continue reading Perfect and Complete Trail
Trees. A short drive north of Colorado Springs is the area called Black Forest. From the air, the trees are so thick the area appears black. But how did it get its name? This hike is called Section 16 in Black Forest. We have other areas called Section 16, so what does this name mean? The Romans first … Continue reading Four Miles of Trees
Go back in time. People in America are moving westward to explore and settle and find their fortunes. They use trains to navigate across country. It is the middle 1800s to the mid 1900s. There are few roads across America and fewer cars, and passenger travel was still a viable option. Then the world changed. The Freight lines replaced the passenger … Continue reading Deserted Land: Rails to Trails
In the age of Covid-19, we must be adaptable. We wanted to walk in one area in the mountains, but it was closed. We went to Mueller State Park, but there can be no dogs on the trail, so that did not work. We finally drove to a favorite hike – Dome Rock Wildlife Viewing. In my five times … Continue reading Country Walking with Social Distancing
Devastation. Seven years have passed since fire destroyed Black Forest Regional Park north of Colorado Springs in 2013. We came here to become engaged in a little outbuilding I loved. The shack was miraculously not destroyed in the fire, and has been renewed by an Eagle Scout. It is still a special place to us. The burned out … Continue reading Renewal Takes Time
Palmer Park is a 200-acre park in the middle of my city of Colorado Springs. It is popular with mountain bikers, hikers, and dog owners. There are miles of trails and I have hiked here frequently for 22 years. On a busy cloudy weekend, parking was unavailable close to one of my favorite trails, so we drove … Continue reading New Old Paths
Palmer Park is a favorite of people in Colorado Springs because of the off leash dog park, vistas, horse trails, rock climbing, and available access. With 27 miles of trails at 6,338 to 6,597 feet above sea level, there are easy, intermediate, hard, short (0.7 mile) and long (3.8 miles) trails to explore. (alltrails.com/parks/us/Colorado/palmer-park) But what … Continue reading Falling into Change
My name is Taz, the Schipperke, and I am the reason my people walk so much. My people and I do notice the incredible view and blue sky with the mountains in the distance, but only when I am not distracted. If I am on a mission, they have to watch out for me, and my … Continue reading Yelling! Fear! Come!
I am Taz the Wonderdog! I go with my people to the ‘Open Space’, after the Park visit, which is a big cleared dirt path in our neighborhood area with no sidewalks or homes when we want a long walk. We go together three miles – most of which I am illegally off leash. I have learned … Continue reading Friends, Strangers, Watch it!
My name is Taz, for ‘Tasmanian Devil’ and I am an active eleven-year-old handsome cream Schipperke. People talk to me and tell me I am handsome, but they do not know what kind of dog I am. Yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks – I learned to sit on command last year … Continue reading Sniff, Smell, Sniff, Smell
In Colorado in the USA, Spring is coming in April. We get teasers of sunshine mixed with five inches of snow within two days. With the statewide lockdown in our homes, the neighborhoods are flooded with families, kids and of course dogs. Our dog Taz, views the lock down very differently. There are two words in our house … Continue reading Walk! Yes! Twirl! Happy!
The Pikes Peak Greenway trail meanders up and down hills from the Edmondson Trailhead on Woodmen Road in Colorado Springs, north to the Air Force Academy. Beautiful homes are hidden along Monument Creek or in bluffs above the train tracks on the Pikes Peak Greenway trail. One home even had hoodoos in their backyard decoration. We … Continue reading Hailing Rattlesnakes
A trip to a favorite park is always uplifting for my spirit. We returned to Red Rocks Canyon Park in Colorado Springs in early March 2020, and started up Hogback Valley on a Friday morning. We knew there would be few people, but there was a new sign: Trail is MUDDY. Walk through the Mud. Do not … Continue reading Stand Firm in Mud
It was the first hike of 2020 up a mountain and I knew it would be hard. The snow on the trail was a mixture of ice, slush, hard pack and muddy. Life resembles this trail with a mixture of easy, fast, cautious, and not pleasant paths. It changed so quickly from one type of snow to … Continue reading Snowy Path Resembles Life
