The Annual Men's Church backpacking adventure
It's that time of the year - time for the Men's annual Hike to the Trinity Mountains
In this photo, you can see my son, whom I call Foodie, in camouflage, alongside my husband during last year's overnight hiking trip with our Church.
Although I usually avoid sharing personal family images, this one offers a glimpse without too much detail.
A standard backpack for an overnight hike should weigh in at or around 40 pounds, tops. But his CPAP machine and battery backup alone weighed about 25 pounds. With his other gear, he exceeded that 40 lb limit, which made the hike challenging enough for him to believe that this was his last backpacking trip.
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To accommodate the CPAP and battery, he developed a plan to make it easier. He is bringing his mountain bike to carry this heavy equipment and his supplies. IT looks like it will work. Eric, his buddy with the plane, has an artificial leg, and he does this, and this is where my husband got the idea. It should work, plus he is riding with Eric in his truck to the trailhead.
This is when you have to just trust your man.
And Trusting God for his safety.
Snow was still in them hills - this time last year. They will no doubt see some patches of snow this time. The temperatures should be around 65 with lows of 40 at night. Which, in my personal taste, is perfect hiking weather. I no longer backpack. Day hikes are the best I can do.
I took these images from a video recorded during last year’s hike, which is why they may appear slightly blurred. However, they still convey the stunning mountain vistas that showcase the grandeur of the granite mountains in the background.
Boulder Lake - from last year's hike.
Elevation 6700 feet.
There is another hike that day, going up and over that mountain (Tapie Peak), which reaches an elevation of 7435.
This year's hike is special because my youngest son, Navy, is joining the hike, which brings me joy. Both of my sons are born-again Christians, and are prodigals - but work commitments keep them from attending Sunday services. Navy also faces challenges as his wife is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the family is pressuring him to join which complicates his navigation of their differing beliefs. Her ancestors were original Mormon pioneers.
This is when you have to just trust your son (and God) and stay out of it.
Last year, Foodie shared a positive relationship with Pastor Josh, who is a few years older and relatable. He appreciates the supportive group of men in their community, including police officers and outdoor enthusiasts, which gives him a sense of belonging. As my middle child, Foodie has always been a bit of a rebel, and while he has totally turned around, it's promising to hear him relaxed around law enforcement.
Afterwards, they all gather at a pizza place just outside Douglas City.
I'm so EXCITED for my alone time.
So they leave early on Friday morning around 6:45 am (yes!) And I'll have the house to myself until about 4-5 pm on Saturday.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delights in his way.Psalm 37;23
So that's the latest here - Keep Looking UP! š
Debby
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delights in his way.
Psalm 37;23
So that's the latest here -
Keep Looking UP! š
Debby
I'm impressed that your husband can still do that type of hiking, Debby. Danny hiked over 300 miles in the Smokey Mountains when he was in his 30s and 40s whenever he could and has wonderful photos and memories. I do hope the guys have an amazing weekend and that you can enjoy some alone time. Blessings always!
ReplyDeleteBackpacking is one of those hobbies that’s so hard to give up.
DeleteHow exciting for these guys and I'm glad your husband found a way that would allow him to make this trip. I know the hike is so interesting and yet so beautiful. Hope they come home with all kinds of stories and photos. I wish we lived in an area that had some great hiking places...just don't find those around here ...
ReplyDeleteThey will have fun. Even last year when it was difficult for my husband, he had a blast.
DeleteWhat a great bonding experience this will be for them! Looks like something I could never do for sure. The photos are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBackpacking is hard - to carry around all your gear. I enjoyed it when I was younger but only liked hiking in the spring or fall.
DeleteI'm also impressed that they can do this! It looks like beautiful views and will be a great time of fellowship for them. And you - enjoy the alone time!
ReplyDeleteThe fellowship and bonding will be good for my sons. My husband is pleased that both of them are coming and it blesses my heart!
DeleteLooks like a beautiful place for a hike! I love day hikes but never wanted to spend a night outside! Enjoy your alone time!
ReplyDeleteDay hikes are fine and much more enjoyable for me now.
DeleteI am shocked he can do this - but awesome. How can he use his machine without electricity - batteries? I guess he really needs his machine. My husband is going to Florida tomorrow with a friend - he flies model planes, and it will be a nice time here to have some free time.
ReplyDeleteHe has a battery backup and yes his sleep apnea is exacerbated by high altitude due to the reduced oxygen levels so he has to have it. Even at home, he can’t sleep without it.
DeleteFlying model planes sounds fun. Enjoy your free time.
Wow ... one needs a lot of stamina to go hiking like that; and courage. Best wishes to you all always. God bless.
ReplyDeleteA strong will, can jump start stamina and my husband has both. Blessings to you and yours, Victor
DeleteSuch beautiful scenery. It's so nice to have time alone, but even nicer when your menfolk return.
ReplyDeleteOh yeah - it’s nice to have that little break once in awhile.
DeleteHope the guys have a wonderful trip. Hope you enjoy your alone time. My daughter joined a different religion from us which her husband was. I was alright with it because at least she was attending church. My mom did not like it at all though. Janice
ReplyDeleteLDS has major doctrinal differences. They don’t believe in the Trinity, Joseph Smith was a prophet and they have 2 other books that are sacred texts written by said prophet they follow. It is counterfeit Christianity.
DeleteI love the peeks of your family, I have never shown my brother or his wife because they do not want their photos on line, his family sends me photos now and then, but they don't put them on FB or anywhere on the internet.
ReplyDeleteWhat a super idea using the bike and pray for all of them a safe and wonderful hike on those stunning mountains. I have not had an alone time since 2017, I did get 3 nights with bob in hospital 2 months ago. I can't even shop now, order everything to come here. the past 2 years I can't even have time in the other rooms of the house.
I do get overnight alone time at least once a year that I cherish. I’d go out of my mind, without some time to myself - it’s how I recharge.
DeleteOof, that’s tough.** Backpacking is hard enough without extra weight throwing things off—especially something as essential as a CPAP. It’s bittersweet when you realize a beloved hobby might not be as doable as it once was. But what a way to go out, pushing through one last adventure. Hope the views (and the sense of accomplishment) made it worth it. Maybe lighter alternatives or car camping could keep him in the outdoors without the strain? Either way, major respect for making it happen!
ReplyDeleteHe does do some car camping and then does day hikes which are doable. He’s in good shape still but is slowing down as we all are.
DeleteI'm sure the men will have a good time, and I'm sure you will too :-)
ReplyDeleteI’m excited for them! It’s all they have talked about for days now!
DeleteHi, I am sending prayers for all of those on the adventure. I love that your husband keeps going, even when the going gets tough.
ReplyDeleteOH yeah, that is just who he is and always has been. It's that military training!
DeleteSounds like a great time in beautiful country, hope all goes well for your hubby! What is it about 'alone time' that is so great?! I like it too, for a short time, then I'm always happy when everyone is home.♥
ReplyDeleteI will cherish my 24 hours - but you're right, it's always nice to have them home again.
Delete"Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow."
What stunning images ... and oh, that gorgeous scenery. Those temps are perfect, for sure. Your attitude of letting go and trusting in your 'menfolk' is something not many people could adopt. (Or would, I should say!) Blessings to all!
ReplyDeleteWhat I liked most about this the pizza.............lol
ReplyDeleteThe hiking would be too much for me.............