Backpacking The Mountain, Wilderness Trail Of Life

What A View !

It was a strenuous climb, with a heavy pack, but the experience was worth it. Having slowly ascended the near side of life's mountainous trail, we camped at the top of the world awhile, for the view and the breeze. The trail up had crossed many an adventure, confronting bears, skunks, snakes, switchbacks and precipices along the way. But there had also been azalea, rhododendron, and cold, clear springs to quench our thirst for water, beauty, and time with Mother Nature. After dozens of false peak tops, we finally stepped out on the real top of the world, loved it, breathed it, slept it, and gazed from its loftiness at God's glorious creation, passed the night there ... and regretfully left it.

That dawning, we stepped off of that mountain-top experience at the peak of life ... on the far side of our mountain ... on the down-hill trail. This far side, going down life's mountain, is not as challenging in many ways, but even more so in others ways. With worn out feet, knees, and the larger walking joints above them, with weaker eyes to see God's creation, difficulty hearing the birds and winds in the trees, and with fading energy, the down-hill side requires less effort but is more painful. At least, I can see trail's end from here, and a good long rest ahead. So, if I don't show up here some morning, with another blog, you will know where I am.

Old Fred and I will see you on the other side where we will meet Bettie and Eloise ... and all of you, our friends, family ... and He who made those mountains, and us.

Its been quite a hike Fred.