And the Trip Down

What goes up,

must come down

(or so the saying goes)

-
And we needed to come down...

since we don't have a cabin up there,

and since it was just a trip and it was time to head home.

-

Despite my making it up

and my immense joy at doing so,

I knew we should try another way down...

so we did.

---

Of course coming down a mountain,

the road involved a lot of beautiful curves and winding roads,

signs like this,

and road grades of about 17% in at least 2 places

-

BUT

it was a lot easier on me then the road up had been

and still very, very pretty

And as I sit here typing...

I'm thinking when will we go back?

Because, despite the fear, I really want to!

-

Blessings on your travels,

Aimee

Finally Did It!

I love mountains--I really, really do!

But there have been a couple places, in the NW mountains, that I have avoided because of past fearful incidents---

As of this weekend, there is one less of those places:)

-

So let's take a trip while I conquer THAT place!

The road up is an interesting one.

Lots and lots of trees.

And you know I love trees!

Lots of curves and...

views like this one.

Lots of clear views like this one...

as you climb higher and higher up the mountainside.

But after what seems like an eternity

(which is actually a lot less when the passenger

- yours truly -

is not asking the driver to travel 10 mph)

you reach the top

the peak

the summit

THE GOAL

(and yes I did consider dropping to my knees and kissing the ground).

But no time for that because now comes the hike--

a short hike

on a seriously steep hillside...

(memo to self: NEVER wear sandals to hike.)

Of course, mountain goat Farmer Boy does not need to worry--

he is sure-footed in all kinds of footwear--

but even he said the hillside was steep:)

However, the short hike in slippery sandals was well worth it for this-

BEAUTIFUL!

By this time I was giving thanks for the trees, I was leaning against-

first because I was still shaking from the drive up

and secondly..

they gave me something to hold onto while I was trying to get some photos of the beautiful vistas.

But I did keep thinking--in between the shaking--

wow am I glad we kept going!

(of course there were few places to turn around at)

But really, I was thankful...

because I love the views from mountains,

the moss laden trees,

plants that are hidden in the forests and

time with my DH--the mt goat.

Speaking of plants--there were many--some with red berries

(sorry but the camera--I mean I--was shaking too much on that photo),

this pretty little flower,

and these.

I really, really wish I had taken a better photo of these--

they were really pretty!

I have no idea what they were though.

My DH wasn't feeling well so he returned to the car-

and I walked a bit more-no longer shaking

in the mostly flat area of the lower part of the park.

There were only 2 other people there so I had the area mostly to myself.

Myself and the tall, tall trees.

And the views.

And the shadows.

And the tall, tall, tall trees.

And then it was over...well except for the drive DOWN!

-

BUT I did it

(and this time I won't wait some 30 odd years more to do it again)!

-

Have you conquered any old fears lately?

Found blessing in a special place?

Blessings from the mountainside,

Aimee

The Word on Wednesday

And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.“
Mark 6:30 NKJV

As we move closer to Labor Day, it is becoming more and more evident that mom will soon cease her earthly labors and go on to her heavenly rest. Every time our home phone rings I dread answering it because it is the line my sibling generally uses to call me and I don't want to hear THOSE words.

Yes, I don't want my mom to suffer and I know that in heaven she will know eternal peace, perfect love and joy, no pain, fellowship with Christ and happy reunions with family and friends long since passed on--but...
-
the thought of life without her always young spirit, her sense of humor, her constant love, her prayers, her smile, her conversations; it is something I am not ready for. I don't think it is an easy thing to say goodbye to someone who has been so much a part of your life, is it?
--
So I am tired--not physically, but definitely emotionally and spiritually. I am in need of a retreat for my soul. I need to heed God's call and come away for awhile--with Him--and rest my heart there, in His presence, under the shadow of His wings and I don't need to, as much as I'd like to, climb the mountains, visit the desert or find refuge in the forests to pray, meditate on His Word or just be silent before Him.
-
Blessings,
Aimee

Note:
“Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”
Photo:
A valley view from the coast range.