The next day we ate a picnic lunch in Breckenridge, and the children fed the fesh in the stream.
Day 3 was followed by an unsuccessful attempt to hike up Buffalo Mountain. Weather (Levi kept seeing "Lightning McQueen" in the sky), sore back, etc. allowed us to only make it a little over 1/2 way up. Nevertheless, it was a great experience as a family. Benjamin was a great encourager to Levi, who wanted to hike it himself in order to "get his best time", which he hears the other children always try to do during their PT workouts back home.
This was a picture from the "boulder field" which was the apex of our ascent that day.
Day 4 was marked by our ride on Vail Pass. Jonathan and Darol rode up Vail Pass, pulling Levi in the buggy (12 miles + uphill), and met the rest of the crew at the top. We then all rode down together. Here is a shot from the Rock Garden on the way down.
A huge success was the assault of Mt. Shavano by Darol, Jonathan, Elizabetha nd Benjamin. This was Jonathan's 6th 14,000 climb. Elizabeth and Benjamin insisted they were ready for the feat, and despite Darol's concern about their readiness, they proved themselves worthy! Everyone got up by 3:40 AM for the 2 hour drive to the trailhead. Climbing over 4000 feet up, and then back down, they completed the 9.25 mile trek in about 8 hours. Darol was extremely pleased with the effort of the team.
We were able to worship 3 times at Agape Outpost, outside in their amphitheatre. Here is their outdoor baptism pool. Temperatures in the summer would only be about 60 degrees...and they've actually done baptisms there in January!!
One of the highlights for the children was a trip to a glassblowing shop in Frisco. John, the owner, involved several of the children in actually creating some drinking glasses. They were working with glass in 2000 degree kilns! Jonathan and Elizabeth especially enjoyed it, and Elizabeth proclaimed that she wanted to do this as her profession. While watching their work, Donna noticed that John kept drinking while working.
Darol: "Yes, it's very hot in here. He needs to stay hydrated."
Donna: "No, I mean DRINKING, DRINKING." [meaning beer].
Darol: Hmmmm...maybe the children shouldn't be working with him so much. ;-)
Fortunately everyone was fine, and the children really produced something worthwhile for all their work.
Another highlight of the trip was a visit from the Cameron's, some great friends from our years in Charlotte who had been living in Utah, where Greg was stationed in the Air Force. We had a great time with them for the few days they had with us before leaving for Greg's next assignment in Omaha, Nebraska.
Our final family picture at Officer's Gulch...
