Mountains to Climb

Last weekend was beautiful...it had started to feel spring like out, and we were anxious to get out on a hike. Erik decided on Bear Peak, a peak just outside of Boulder behind the Flatirons. On the approach to the trail head, you can very clearly see the peak.  It doesn't look too intimidating; not too far, not too steep. We had looked up the information about Bear Peak before heading up, but must have missed something in the description about it being 8 miles long, and gaining 3000 feet in elevation in 2 miles.  Although it would be nice to boast that this would be an easy and most enjoyable hike for me, I found it to be rather difficult.  I really had to fight to make it to the top.  But, in the end, I made it. And I am so glad that I did. It was beautiful! To the east you could see all of Boulder and Denver, and to the west was endless miles of snowcapped mountains.  I am so grateful to live in a place where I can drive 20 minutes and be in the mountains. It's truly sweet relief that I so often take for granted. Erik and I are hoping to make it a weekly routine to get ourselves in shape...I'm not sure 8 miles is needed every week, but for now I stand gratified that I was able to finish this first hike of many to come this season!
p.s. In the picture below, Bear Peak is the middle, more pointy peak

Reflecting This Lent Season

It's hard to believe that tomorrow is Ash Wednesday. The season of Lent is upon us, and as I began to think about what it meant to me this year, I was encouraged by a dear friend of mine.  She was talking about the distractions that constantly fight for her attention and how this Lent season, she was going to take steps away from those distractions to refocus on what this time means, to full engage in why she calls herself a Christian and what that means; to engage instead in the Wonder of all that it means to be loved by Our Great God.
So, all that said, I will be taking a break from the ever addicting Facebook. Updates about our crazy life and happenings can be found on the blog. I am excited that as a part of this hiatus from Facebook during Lent, I will be challenged to blog more and get back to writing (which at the moment has taken a back seat to too many other things).
I will see you all in April back on the 'book :)