As we packed up to hit the trail this morning, the stars were shining. We must be far enough off the grid that we are seeing all the shiniest stars. The problem is I have a tiny pin light for a headlamp so I’m glued to Triple-Z as I muddle up the trail till daylight hits. We’ve decided 5am is too early and 5:30am will be our new start time. Thank the Lord!

But once the sun came up, oh my goodness, we were walking through a flower garden that only our creator could possibly design! It was like nothing I’ve ever seen. There were flowers as far as the eye could see and as tall as me. There were times where you have to slice your way through the bouquets of colors!

Let alone we had flowers that were out of this world, we were climbing back up to the Continental Divide. Back up to 12000′ and it has been nothing but climbing since yesterday! We had somehow descended below 9000′ so we had a lot of makeup to do. The last big push was loose shale and I’m guessing about 20-25% grade. It was all I could do to get me and my behemoth pack to the top.

Once back on the ridge line, there were mountains in every direction. These huge majestic mountains are truly one of the biggest draw for me. Backpacking is tough business. There are times when I am so weak, cold and tired and I know the only strength that I have left is my faith in the Lord. He never fails to get me where I need to be, never leaves me to fend for myself, Jesus just picks me up and transports me to my next home. There are so many times I wonder how I even managed because there is no way that this 5’7″ woman can do what God has me do!

We give all the glory to God above! He is the one who keeps us healthy and truly fit enough to do this. Today was a special day. We had unending views from mountain top to ridge lines. We saw deer that were the healthiest and strongest I have ever seen. There were marmots and picas that would run around like children. Birds and hummingbirds that would fly overhead greeting us as we walked down the trail. It was the best day on the trail yet! I keep on hearing, wait it gets better. I find it hard to believe that anything can top what we saw today!

Now to Him who is able to do unmeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever, Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21