Red Mushroom - Durango, Colorado

Diane and I took over 100 pictures on our last trip to Durango and this was by far the best picture of the day. Someone told me it is a magic mushroom and will give you a buzz if you eat it. I don't know about that, but it gives me a buzz to look at it.

Enjoy!

Ben Zander - Conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra

I attended a presentation by Ben Zander, conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and was amazed at his enthusiasm for life. I thought you might enjoy this little clip on U-Tube as a sample of his presentation. He was truly inspirational and opened my eyes to new possibilities!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r57r534apRo

Black Box Hike

Although it has been a few months since we hiked the Black Box, I would like to share some thoughts about my experience. I consider it a privilege to have had the opportunity to participate in the hike. I wish all of my family could have joined us and experienced it together. The Black Box experience allowed me to see people in a different situation that presented challenges and opportunities for each person to show their true colors. We had the challenge of rappelling down an 80 foot vertical wall with many who had never rappelled before. Some found it a great experience. Others found it extremely intimidating. Since there was only one rope to descend the wall, it gave everyone time to watch others and to anticipate their turn. Unfortunately, it took us much longer than expected and everyone had a chance to learn patience. Needless to say, some had more anxiety than others. Some demonstrated more patience than others.

Once we made it to the bottom of the wall, we had a long hike through many obstacles including deep water swims, swift currents, large boulders, and deep mud. Knowing roughly how long it would take to reach the bottom of the canyon, we knew it would be close to dark before we got out of the canyon and we had to hustle. Hurrying as fast as we could, we came out of the canyon just as it got dark. We thought we would be back to the cars in no time, but because of the dark and a poorly marked trail, we found we still had a long way to go.

We would hike awhile, and then we would have to stop while Mack and Trevor went ahead in search of the trail. We were still wet and started getting cold in the night air. We found ourselves huddling together to stay warm. At this time, everyone was tired and ready to be home. This is when I saw the real personalities emerge. Looking at our situation from a different perspective, I could see a small group of people where some were prepared physically and emotionally and able to reach out and help others in the group, sharing warm, dry clothes, and what little food they had left, but more importantly, giving encouragement and emotional support where needed. To those who reached out with such loving support, I thank you for your great examples. You were an inspiration to me.

I thought of the pioneers and the trials they experienced as they crossed the plains. I am sure some were more prepared than others and some had more physical or emotional stamina. Some were able to reach out and offer assistance to those around them. If it weren’t for those willing to reach out and help where they could, fewer would have made it to the Rocky Mountains.

Thanks again to Mack for organizing this trip and inviting others to partake of the lessons available to all who went. It was truly a spiritual experience and I am thankful for the lessons I learned along the way.