Purple Mountain Majesties

Today we visited Pike's Peak. It was Brrry cold at such a high elevation. We should have been able to see in all directions for miles, but for the heavy cloud that covered us and the entire top of the mountain. The road up was exciting, with lots of great views. And on the way down, we were blessed to see a family of 11 bighorn sheep. A park ranger stood beside us taking pictures as fast as he could. He was deeply moved by the sight. He's worked in that park for 41 years, and said it's been many years since the sheep have come that close to the road. What a thrill to be so near to these beautiful animals!

It was after a visit to Pike's Peak that the author of "America the Beautiful" penned the poem containing the words, "For purple mountain majesties above the fruited plain."

After our return to Colorado Springs, we hiked a trail in the Garden of the Gods, a huge park among massive red rock formations. The rain (a typical afternoon occurrence this time of year) came before we were satisfied, so we're going to try to get up early and walk another trail in the morning before we head out for the Black Hills in South Dakota.

Today we worked on this from Psalm 65:
You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds,
O God our Savior.
You are the hope of everyone on earth,
Even those who sail on distant seas.

Now we have only 3 more verses to memorize, and then we'll spend the rest of the trip reviewing the entire psalm. I have to admit that Calli and Gavin master it before I do.

I'm feeling well, thank the Lord. All of us felt the thinness of the air at 14,000+ altitude, but I was no worse than anyone else. My energy level is about normal. Can you believe it?

Thanks for your love.
Carol