last days

After a long week out on course and some long days organizing for Summit's upcoming fundraiser bike ride, I'm taking the day off! It's hard because it means I'm trying to avoid going to Summit so not to be tempted by work there, which means I'm spending the day mostly by myself. And when days are numbered in a place and with people you love alone time doesn't seem as important. But, it'll be good to get some things done, start packing...etc. since I'll be heading back to San Diego on Sunday from the bike race and on to the next thing...

Last week, as I mentioned, I was out on course with the Milpitas Christian School 8th grade outdoor ed. class. Corinna and I had a group of 11 students and the super intendant under our watch for the week. It was in some ways very enjoyable and in many other ways very difficult and tiresome and stressful. All in all though, I'm glad I went and tried out being an instructor. I was surprised though that it didn't leave me with strong feelings about being an instructor or not in the future. It left me with mixed feelings I guess. But definite confirmation that I do love to be out there and a desire to continue to practice my skills in the wilderness and in a position of leadership especially...it's just the 8th grade factor was an element I don't think I appreciated very much. It ended up feeling a lot like babysitting...but, they had a great time which is important, especially because it snowed on us!!! Our third night out we woke up to quite a few inches of beautiful snowman making snow! It was so lovely! And as the day went on the sun slowly came out - gloriously illuminating the rocks and trees and meadows. It meant though that we needed to start thinking about heading down the mountain early - there didn't seem to be anyway we'd be able to keep the kids dry and warm through another snowy night up there. So, the staff down at Summit somehow organized a mass evacuation of all 80 some of us that were out there in various places on the mountain and we spent our last night scattered around Summit's base. Amazing that it all went as well as it did! I think we were all a bit relieved to say goodbye at that point. Though I must admit that their playfulness and laughter will be missed.

So, now we are preparing for the Whitney classic this weekend! I'm excited for the event! We'll be leaving Friday morning to head down to Lone Pine and then down to Death Valley on Saturday. Unfortunately or not, the drive will take us along the exact route that we'll be riding back up!! I'm afraid it will seem a little daunting covering that 15,000 feet of elevation gain/loss in a car, much less a bike!! So, thanks for your prayers and support thus far! I'll let you know how it goes! :)

I love that it's turned to fall now. It's so wonderful to have cooler days and chilly nights! I do look forward to spending the winter in the mid-west at least once...