Another morning without rain! I’m thinking I must’ve brought the California sunshine with me. Blue and I were off hiking shortly after 7am. It was a perfect morning, birds chirping and woodpeckers pounding on trees. What in the world possesses a bird to pound its beak into a hardwood tree?

We had a bit of climbing and some downhill today. Surprise surprise. The climb in the morning was fairly easy with a nice grade to it. Nothing like yesterday! We made it to Mt Possible named after a hiker who, at first thought the climb was impossible, but made it to the top. It was a marker for us as this was the biggest climb of the day and it was only 9am. We were doing great!

I met some new hikers. One calls himself Mantra because he makes up sayings as he goes down the trail. Blue and I started our own Mantras and it passed the time away. As we reached a rock outcropping, Blue stopped and found a cross on the rock. How sweet that was to see that another believer left a symbol of our faith on a rock, knowing that many would stop and see it. Hi Later I was on a ridge line, I stopped and observed this beautiful cross that was illuminated by the sun. Jesus was at work today with his symbols of love along the way.

As we headed down to Yellow Gap, Natalya had reserved a Bed & Breakfast for us. I like hiking with her. She’s a strong hiker, does the miles without complaint but understands how to relax in style. Catherine picked us up and before we knew it, we were pulling into the most beautiful ten acres I’ve seen in some time. It has not one, but two creeks that run through the property. They have a stunning log cabin home that has bedrooms for guests downstairs and upstairs. We have full access to the kitchen, dining area and living room. And the best part, I was able to walk down to the creek and soak my feet. And if that’s not enough, after dinner, Natalya and I soaked in the Hot Tub. I know, this ain’t no backpacking adventure. This is pure unadulterated pleasure. Yep, it sure is.

Today was a day of blessings and unexpected joys. I had no idea that I’d be living the life of Riley! Yet, our incredible Jesus did. I’m thankful for all the extras that I have received in the past couple of weeks. Thank You Lord for bringing me my friend Natalya who knows how to work hard, but also enjoys a bit of indulgence too. What a great partner she is.

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭133:1‬ ‭NIV‬‬