My long anticipated trip with Russ and Rich was cut short by Gustav and the DNC. When it appeared that Gustav was headed for New Orleans, Rich checked on early flights out of Denver and discovered that a 7:40Am Thursday flight was the only thing available until Sunday (our scheduled departure day). Fortunately, we were able to hike Mt. Elbert on Wednesday morning and, although I felt all my 60 years, we summited in 4.5 hours ascending about 4500 feet to the 14,440 foot summit. The day could not have been more beautiful with clear skies and a cool, stiff breeze (in fact, quite cool at the summit!). We were planning an overnight hike with two 14ers but, alas, maybe later. All in all, it was a wonderful trip. Thanks Rich!

Some of the fondest memories from my childhood are of days spent plodding up and down the Llano River near Kingsland, TX with my mom and dad. We never had a boat but fishing was probably my dad’s favorite vacation passtime. Mom and dad are gone now and my time off is spent for the most part with children and my children’s children. They are, indeed, the “crown of the aged.” We just returned from four days of swimming, boating, fishing and playing on the Llano with my son, daughter and their families. I hope that my children and grandchildren will remember these days with special fondness in the years to come. What times of refreshing come from our time together! I pray that they feel the same way.