Adventures Into Fall

There is a path we all must take. At one time or another which is where we do not want to trek. It is the unknown and many times seems to be the farthest from our dreams. It may even feel as though a part of us has died when diverted; but this is where faith has to take hold, and we have to let it.

A fall chill was beginning in the alpine air as Chris, his father, Samantha, and I made our way into the changing trees at Kenosha Pass. The streets were flooded with cars, bicycles, hikers, photographers, and an array of families. We all had one thing in common that day-to see the trees change. The trailhead already painted with golds, oranges, and dull greens as if the mountain side was on fire.
We made our way down winding paths and narrow trails to find dead end after dead end. Third time is a charm as we finally made it through all our markers. A few gates and we were within the fire of the leaves. The overlook holding a majestic calmness that could not be disrupted even by the others who had ventured the same way. Upon taking off from our latest lookout point-boom! A loud clunk and a stall startled us all.

Upon further inspection, the U-bolts were not tightened and caused the axle to shift and the driveline to disconnect. Though we needed to fix the dragging pieces, luckily it was a split drive shaft and we were able to at least turn ourselves around to coast to a flatter spot. A four runner came upon us with a family out for a stroll. They immediately came to our aide. The men kicked and clanked the tire back in place to reconnect the shaft. We were off again for only a brief time-boom! The four runner stopped again with us and then finally a rubicon had caught up with the proper tools to tighten the bolts. The gentlemen chit chatted as Chris lay there in the first in his once clean white thermal. It was if they all had known each other for years. We made light of the situation with jokes and the children kept Samantha entertained long enough to jump back into the jeep and finish heading down the trail. Finally, we were locked and loaded to make it back through the gates and wave our rescuers off.

We had planned to make it to higher outlooks, but we were abruptly diverted from our destination. With the help of faith and our new trail friends, we were guided back home with an almost triumphant feeling to end our journey. We will never know why we were not supposed to continue on, but the extra time with each other will be cherished. Another fond memory to remind us that God watches over us always. We just have to let him!

"A bend in the road is not the end of the road. . .unless you fail to make the turn."