We find ourselves in Silverton, Colorado. We use the expression deliberately because as we are often lost, this seems appropriate. We have the feeling that this day is going to be special although each one is. However, before we start, we attend to a little business as always. Using our wisdom, we decide to sell a little oil, a portion of Verizon and some Australian Dollars. Why are we telling you this? We want you to receive ‘hot market tips’ from us. We are feeling very generous. The trick though, is if we are selling then you should take the other side of the trade—you should be buying. Unfortunately, we find this works too often for our liking.
We find suitable accommodation but there is nobody on duty. We want to attempt ‘Ice Lakes Basin’ climb today as we read that it is strenuous but breathtaking. We are not fooled by the ‘breathtaking’ bit any longer. At 12,500 feet, how much air can one reasonably expect? We think there is an opening in this state for weight watchers—sort of low calories and thin air. Okay, that’s maybe why we are not too successful in business. Nevertheless, we are always trying. Back to the accommodation. We worked hard for today’s rent money so we want to pay the motel before our editor visits the stores. We need to put all the foodstuffs in the room and the fridge. It is a bit of a riot. We have few clothes and much in the way of cooking utensils and food and more food. Sometimes we are a little embarrassed when we arrive at a place and unload three or more bins of items. And that’s only if we’re staying the night. I say to Jen we should arrive late at night and sneak the stuff into the room. She says I’m too sensitive.
Good news. The cleaner sees us and tells us to come back later. We explain the intricacies involved in kosher travel. She understands and checks us in without payment. We set up, make another trade and head for the trailhead. We are ‘fired-up’ and ready to go. Most important, we even know where to go. We really are having a good day.
The hike is 7 miles with an elevation gain of over 2,500 feet. However, we move up like two youngsters—from time-to-time, I’m prone to a little exaggeration. The black clouds forming play a strong role in our haste. Then we are knocked-out. We see what Adam gave up because he needed a ‘bloody’ apple—and to satisfy a negative desire. We see balance in the world. There is the hatred and venom spewed at us each day, us being the Jews. But when we trudge up the slopes, through the streams, over the meadows, in the forests, over the rocks, across the snow, we understand another part of the world. We are very distressed about the behavior we see, but are comforted in Hashem’s unspoiled places. The mountains are bold and high with snow-capped peaks. They reach for the sky. Maybe that’s why we like to climb them—they are closer to Heaven. They are so beautiful that we imagine at the top, the angels frolic and gambol when Hashem gives them a vacation. We didn’t mention the waterfalls. They are everywhere. They bring down the melting snow as ice-cold water. We know the temperature because when we took our boots off, our skin was blue. At the top, we overlook a lake and more waterfalls. The streams are so strong and wide that in places we have to jump. At other crossings, we walk through hoping that we will not be washed away. All the time we are looking at the mountains and the trees, clumped together, like the forests of Oregon. The mountains look like Rainier, a favorite of ours. No matter what we write or the pictures we show, it does not capture reality. This time, I do not exaggerate. It is a place where the soul jumps out of the body and sings, ‘I’m in Heaven, I’m home.’ We think we taste a little of Shamayim.
We sit in the basin, climb the rocks and look at the waterfalls and mountains. What can top any of this? Only one thing. My editor announces: ‘It’s time for lunch.’ When she is around, a person never goes hungry. However, we are not hungry today. There is too much beauty to experience and enjoy. We wish to keep our capacity free to consume the delights that surround us.
It is getting darker and we feel a drizzle. We decide to cross a few more streams, take a few more pictures and then we head back to the wilderness we call civilization. We indeed feel blessed again. B’H.
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