Despite foreboding weather forecasts and unforeseen extra days of work my dad and I managed to bag another 14er this past weekend. Saturday after I helped dad take forms off of the footers at our new church we headed to the mountains. After supper in Buena Vista we headed up a jeep trail into a beautiful mountain valley. This trip was especially exciting because we had more wildlife sightings that I’ve had on basically any 14er hike to date! At our camp site we had a deer walk within 15 or so feet of us, saw big-horned sheep across the valley, saw a beaver in the pond just below our tent, and even heard some coyotes just after sunset. Then came the fun part. I’ve officially decided, it’s not so much the hiking that I love, it’s definitely the scenery. My GOODNESS are the views spectacular once you get above timberline! The flowers were blooming full force in the alpine meadows, there was snow on a few of the surrounding peaks, and we just could not have asked for better hiking weather. Along with the usual hiking wildlife like picas and marmots, we saw several ptarmigans and more sheep (Oh yeah, and a robin that was hanging out way up in the tundra for some reason too). So, dad and I can now cross Mt Huron off of our 14er lists. I’ll try to get some pictures from the hike online in the next little while so that you can get just a LITTLE taste of why I love being in the mountains.

Before our hike I got bored again, and we all know what happens when I get bored. Yup, crazy projects that may or may not have any practical value but sure are entertaining to me This week I had quite the variety. Mom gave me a new “car” so I did a little photo shoot in our driveway. (Isn’t Photoshop grand?) Next on the list a bit of modification to my “old” car. Earlier this year I saw a Toyota with the letters “TOY” inscribed in its break lights so that it illuminated when the breaks lit (much like the Dodge logos over the break lights of many Dodge pickups). Well, this custom lettering got me scheming… now each and every time I hit my breaks I can proudly display the Apple Logo! I know, it’s a bit excessive, but it was a fun break. I even managed to squeeze out a bit of php work and designed a website so that my housemates and I from East Hall can keep a list of what we’re bringing to school in a few days.

Now for the real excitement! Beth will be here… in MY house TOMORROW!!! . This is amazing in several respects. First, it means that summer is over because we’ll be leaving together for Goshen in like 3 days. Second, it means that our almost full year of long distance dating had finally drawn to a close! There were times when I thought I’d never see the day when that happened. Finally, it means that I will actually get to SEE Beth again, and while the cynical may say that it’s “only” been 4 weeks since I was with her last, that is PLENTY long for me!! So over the next few days Beth and her parents are scheduled to pull in and Beth and I are scheduled to pull out, hopefully with all of our belongings packed into my car… phew, wish us luck . So there is the current status of my life, hope you all enjoyed!