Spring Break Six Pack

It has been nearly two years since Turner and I were together on a state high point. In May of 2009 we drove up Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts on a spare tire, and enjoyed the New England spring scenery. A blizzard prevented an attempt on Texas earlier that year, and now we are back to try Guadalupe Peak once more. A rosy New Mexico dawn greets me as I write from the hotel room in Carlsbad, New Mexico. We have driven down from Denver on a Thursday afternoon, enjoying the 600 mile trek thanks to the scenery, a book on tape (Jan Karon's Light in the Window), and the amusements of iphones and laptop computers. We have many memories of this route: countless drives to Texas to visit Rene's family and trips to Big Bend and Carlsbad Cavern National Parks. But Guadalupe Peak is just the beginning of this odyssey, and 600 miles a mere fraction of the total we will drive (Lord willing!!!) these eight days. After a brief visit with Rene's family in Seguin and Houson, the high points of Louisiana, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas beckon. And on top of the high points, Alex has also been doing some delicious research, finding wonderful eateries all along the route. More than 3000 miles, six high points, and fantastic food. Now THIS is a spring break!

It is thought-provoking to consider what has transpired in the two years since we sat on Mt. Greylock and looked down on the postcard-like North Adams, Massachusetts. Turner has nearly completed his first two years of high school; there has been football and track; backpacking trips and family vacations; Alex is now in Middle school, and has overcome dysgraphia to be an excellent student. She also has begun her basketball career. We endured a move to Arvada to be closer to school, and have rejoiced at every involvement in the community and in our children's lives. Our church bought a building after 22 years of ministry, or least a part of a building.

Guadalupe Peak is a rigorous climb on a desert trail. We think we will be tired at the end of the day, and already the thought of a pool and a hot tub at day's end sounds amazing. Today marks a turning point. Rene' and Alex are joining us for the first time. Alex is old enough to hike with us now, and there is a certain charm in bringing the whole family together.