Yellow Fall

I still remember my first fall. 2005 in Yosemite National Park. It was amazing. I would walk to work early just so I could take my time and take all the colors in. There were leaves everywhere! I couldn't figure out if my hometown had "fall" and the colors that can come with it, and may be I just was blind to it all those years?? But that particular Fall changed that season for me forever.

Then I moved eventually to North Carolina. Wow!!! Nothing compares to the eastern trees during this time of year. Every color imaginable is painted over the forest. The colors change daily. You don't have time to even blink because you WILL miss something incredible. 

Now here we are in Colorado. It is definitely different. There is a fall. But you have to be looking. Your eyes have to be open. It won't be something that just hits you in the face, but it is there. Sometimes early in the morning when the sun is coming up, and you get those first rays on the trees, it can make them look almost on fire. It is just something else. You also can get a great alpine glow on the mountain range. The entire thing can look hot pink soaking in the sunshine. 

My reason for moving to Yosemite was to work with Pastor Steve Hughes and his ministry in the park. One of the best moves of my life. The way I grew, what I learned, who I met, it has just molded me into the person I am now. God fixed many hurt places inside of me while living there, running and hiking in the Sierras, climbing up the perfect granite walls. I could say SO much about my time there. BUT, Steve actually lives in Denver now with his wife Karen, so for the first time in several years we have been able to spend some real time together. 

Steve took me hiking up about 45 minutes from our house about a month ago. It was just great. It was a beautiful day, with great weather, but just being able to spend some quality time with Steve made my insides happy. I am so blessed to have so many great friends and mentors in my life. They have come and gone as God has had me all over the states and world, but I do carry so much in my heart so many lessons from each of them. 

So here are some pics of the day. Bryce couldn't come because he was on a rock climbing trip with a local school here. And notice the boy isn't with me either!!! Thanks to Grammi and Papa!

Enjoy!