Something to Celebrate

There is nothing like getting away for an anniversary. What a blessing it is to be able to spend a whole weekend with my best friend. This year we went to the Beaver Mines area and enjoyed exploring. We hiked around the campsites (there are a lot), walked along the edge of the lake and EVEN climbed table mountain - at least to the tree line. .At that point rain was threatening and we didn't feel like it was wise to keep going up when we should be going down!

Headed down to the lake

Our first point of exploration was the lake. We hiked down the hill through the trees following what was probably a game trail. We came out at the waters edge. As we hiked west the sun began to set and I couldn't resist capturing it on film. The colors were lovely.

Sunset

 The mountains were hazy but the forest vegetation was brilliant. What a beautiful evening!

Hazy mountains

 Day 2: We decided to hike up Table Mountain. Now I break out in hives if I get overheated so I have to be pretty careful hiking. As we hiked up the mountain we took our time and enjoyed the scenery, resting when necessary. I never broke out in hives even once and we went all the way to the treeline!

This is the lake from just below the
 treeline on table mountain.

 When we got to the top of the treeline we thought we would turn around and go back down. There were some dark rain clouds gathering in the west and we didn't want to be stuck on a mountain trying to climb down a muddy slippery trail...

Rain threatens our hike

 But just as we were ready to turn and go back some hikers came by and told us of the wildlife they could see just a little further down the trail. We decided we would go for it and continued hiking. It only took a few minutes and we discovered what they were telling us about. Chad got out his scope so he could see up close...

We discovered something to look at across the
valley on the next mountain. Chad's
spotting scope brought us in pretty close.

 I got the camera on full zoom. It is pretty hard to take a picture that far away (they were on the neighboring mountain) and have it come out clear and crisp, but this is what we got.

This is what we saw! Mountain goats at
a natural salt lick.

Had to have a picture of the two of us before
 we head  back down the mountain!

 We headed back down the mountain and made it back just in time to have supper before the rain drove us inside.

Sunrise. Isn't it glorious?

 Sunday morning was glorious! What an amazing sunrise! I couldn't believe how the sun hitting the mountains turned them such a brilliant red!

Sunrise. I couldn't get enough of the changing colors!

 Sunday was a beautiful relaxing day. We got to do lots of reading and relaxing after attending church in Pincher. I love going to church when we are on holidays, it sets the tone for the day so beautifully.

Sunset  over the water. It was a little on the windy side that day.

 Sunday night we enjoyed yet another wonderful sunset.

Dusk - looking out over the lake.

 The water shone like a shimmering mirror very different from the previous nights sunset.

Chad enjoying the view

 Before turning in and in the last hour of daylight Chad hiked up to a huge rock and enjoyed the view. I had the camera so I don't know what he saw from there, but if it was anything like the side we were on, it would have been breathtaking.

One last shot of the scenery as we drove away.

We had a wonderful weekend. The scenery was amazing. I couldn't believe how often I could take the same picture with just a little bit of different lighting conditions and come out with a completely different view. As long as there was light I could take a good picture, but as the sun sank lower the picture quality changed completely until it was pointless to try because the results were fuzzy and out of focus.

I couldn't help but think how life with light is a lot like taking pictures. As long as there is light in ones life things are clear, crisp and beautiful. Colors change as quickly as the season of life do. Yet each is absolutely breathtaking! However, if we try to live without light, then things quickly become distorted and blurry. There is no real joy left and it is difficult to know where to look for clarity. I find clarity every day in the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ. What a blessing it is to live in light and enjoy the wonders of life in every season.

I am so grateful for the wonderful time I enjoyed with my eternal companion as we celebrated another anniversary. Time marches steadily onward, and each year seems to get better!