Hiking the Crimson Trail with Alison and Ammon

Usually, I am a solo hiker. Iris says, I shouldn't go alone and that she worries about me when i'm by myself in the mountains for hours on end. I try to tell her that I'm safer now, in my advanced years, than I have ever been, because I am much more careful than I used to be. Now it takes me all day to do a half day hike, partly because I am slower than I used to be, and partly because I love to take pictures and to ponder the things of eternity when I am alone in the mountains. I am certainly not adverse to having hiking partners, especially like my friend, Terry, from China two weeks ago, and today my wonderful daughter and her dear husband. Actually, Alison has been after me most of the summer to take her with me on a hike. We just couldn't seem to make our schedules, or maybe it was my lack of schedule, match up. This week has been a very busy and stressful week for Alison and her family. She lost someone very near and dear to her, her father-in-law, Donald Daugs. He passed away Sunday evening and his funeral was on Thursday. There has been much sadness at his passing and consoling and also pondering the things of eternity, those things that really matter most. On top of it all, she has had her regular classes to teach at school and parent-teacher conferences, among other things I have been worried about her getting overly tired and not getting her rest, but when we talked after the funeral and she told me she wanted to go hiking with me on Saturday. Yes!! I love my daughter and am always happy when we can spend time together. Accordingly, we went for a hike along the Crimson Trail this afternoon. Ammon came too, and we had a great time. The weather was awesome and we took our time and enjoyed being together and soaking in the beauties that surround us. We met many other hikers out taking advantage of the beautiful fall weather. One young lady even asked us if we'd take a picture of her. I thought it was interesting and turned out beautifully. Thank you, Alison and Ammon, for going with me today. I am a happy man. Love you so very much.

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