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!