The Rawness of Nature

The text photos are beginning to flood in...

What you see blanketing the ground is a layer of snow. 

We scattered my son Michael's ashes in the serene surroundings of the Trinity Alps. It holds profound significance for us, symbolizing our connection to him. The beauty and tranquility of the area make it a truly special place.

Soaring at an elevation of approximately 7,000 feet or higher, the landscape unfolds in a breathtaking panorama, where the air becomes crisp and invigorating.

These photos of the backpacking adventure were exclusively tackled by the younger members of the group, including my sons.  My husband recognized his limitations and chose to sit this one out, along with Eric, who has an artificial leg.  It’s a bittersweet feeling, reminiscing about those days when he could conquer any trail. I'm glad he had some company. 

It certainly appears to be quite chilly to me -crisp air and some snow glistening on the ground.

Gazing towards the west, the majestic mountains stand guard over the horizon. Beyond their rugged peaks lies the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. However, the journey to reach the coast requires traversing several more formidable mountain ranges, each offering its own challenges and breathtaking vistas along the way, which would take days. This is rugged country. 

Here's my old man, standing in front of his sleeping sack. He said at night he felt the hammock swinging in the wind.  

A couple of weathered tents - Each tent tells a story, whispering secrets of past journeys under starlit skies. 

Our Pastor lay upon the cold ground - He's young and an outdoorsman - he can handle it. 

This isn’t just “camping” — this is true roughing it, where the comforts of home are replaced by the rawness of nature.

 

Memories Made

I'm pleased to report they all came back safe and sound. 

I had noted that the weather had taken a turn for the chillier, courtesy of a cold front sweeping down from Alaska, which lingered in our region for a couple of days. This time, the weather report proved accurate. The temperature plummeted to a brisk 29 degrees in the rugged Trinity Alps. They even witnessed snow flurries in the morning. 

My sons remarked that my husband had no trouble managing his lighter load during the journey. It was clear that all his meticulous preparation paid off. In the weeks leading up to the trip, he had been training with a well-packed backpack filled with bottled water, gradually acclimating himself to the weight. Additionally, he had taken to riding his bike regularly. This preplanning made a significant difference, proving that taking the time to prepare is far more effective than simply jumping into a strenuous overnight hike without prior preparation.

He’s feeling sore, but he accomplished his goal. When I asked if he’d consider doing it again next year, he said that it was still too soon to make a decision. This morning at church, I noticed that most of the men didn’t attend, but my husband was there, standing out among the crowd. I turned to him and whispered, “They’re half your age, and yet you showed up—now that speaks volumes!”

Meanwhile, back at home.

 I noticed the temperature had dropped to a comfortable 70 degrees, with strong gusts of wind - an unsettling reminder that where there’s wind, there’s an ever-present risk of fire. My phone buzzed incessantly, issuing 33 urgent notifications about nearby wildfires. These fires were caused by human hands, through recklessness or deliberate action. We know that we have arsonists living among us. 

Fires have always been my Achilles' heel; I can face most challenges with a steady heart, but the mere thought of flames sends a chill down my spine. The haunting images I've seen and the harrowing tales shared by friends echo in my mind, amplifying my dread. I can’t shake the fear of being caught, unable to escape in time. I know I am not alone. 

I had intended to treat myself to a delicious double meat burger from In-N-Out. However, I hesitated, torn between my concern for Laydee and Susie, who were at home, and I didn't want the unthinkable to happen and not be able to get to them. In the end, my grand dinner comprised nothing more than some leftover potato salad.

By 8 pm, the wind had died down, and I stopped getting alerts on my phone. I was then able to read in bed peacefully till lights out. 

I watched the movie The Conclave on Amazon, and I genuinely enjoyed it.  It had a captivating plot that kept me engaged throughout, and I believe my husband would have appreciated it just as much. The suspense built steadily, culminating in an unexpected twist at the end that completely took me by surprise. 

Navy successfully reeled in a fish.

They all came straggling in around 5:30 yesterday - they looked tired, a little smelly, and plenty dirty but had that glow on them of a time well spent. 

In response to the unfolding events, remember that God is with us in every circumstance, and we can rely on His strength and guidance as we navigate these difficult times (Philippians 4:6-7).

Debby

 

And they're off...🥾🥾🥾

🥾🥾🥾🥾🥾🥾

From last year - 

👆👉 Off into the Woods 

they go...👇👈

After much anticipation, the 32-hour backpacking trip has finally arrived, and I feel a mix of relief and exhaustion. The past two weeks have been filled with my husband's endless talk and $pending on extra gear, much of which he didn’t even pack. Men and their hobbies. 

🏕️ It almost didn’t happen.

 The Pastor informed my husband that he couldn’t use his bike on the trail due to the enforcement of forestry service restrictions. (No bikes on trails)  Then, the driver scheduled to take them suddenly announced he would be very late. My husband faced tough choices: 

1. Pack his CPAP machine, a burdensome necessity.

2. Go without it, risking poor sleep and safety 😴 

3. Bow out of the trip entirely.

Just when it looked bleak, my youngest son, Navy, stepped in and offered to carry his devices. With both sons' help, they can lighten his load and set off a bit ahead of schedule.

❄️🌨️

The weather has turned colder, with temperatures dropping to a predicted 28 degrees in the Trinity Alps. (Thanks Alaska)  Fortunately, they are well-prepared in long johns and thermal sleeping bags rated to 10 below.  It will be my husband’s first time sleeping in a hammock instead of a tent - a risky decision that piques my curiosity about what his Chiropractor will think!  😬

😎😎

While the men might be freezing their bums off, I find myself basking in a delightful day with temperatures hovering between 78-81. This unseasonably cool weather for this time of year is a refreshing gift, and I’m more than happy to embrace it, knowing it won't last for long. 

I searched my Google Photos for this image from a past Summer Solstice at the Sundial Bridge, capturing a yoga class that arrived just in time to observe it. 

Nestled in my river town, the Sundial Bridge elegantly spans the Sacramento River, serving as a picturesque gateway to the scenic River Trail. This architectural marvel is celebrated as one of the largest functioning sundials in the world, attracting visitors year after year who gather to revel in its beauty and significance.

For me, the summer solstice is a reminder of God as the Master Creator of all things, intricately crafting the sun, moon, and stars, as described in Genesis. The ebb and flow of the seasons, along with the celestial dance of heavenly bodies, compose a vivid tapestry of His magnificent creation. Through this lens, I find a deep appreciation for the beauty and order of the natural world, which reflects God's boundless creativity and power.

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Psalm 19:1 

A photograph of Foodie, fully immersed in his surroundings, captured amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Trinity Alps, showcasing his passion for nature.

Have fun guys! 

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. 

😥

 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! 👀

Debby