Week 106 - Denver CO Area - 08-24-2008

Picture Perfect Week in Denver,

Hello from Denver and the outlying areas. A very common question we get about our full timing adventure is "What is your favorite part of traveling?". For the first few months we named off places we visited and things we did. But after awhile we both realized that, while there are thousands of places to visit and things to do, the best part of traveling is the people you spend time with. We spent this week with two families that we have known for 38 and 50 years!

The first part of the week we stayed with Jeff and his family. Pete met Jeff at Cal Poly University in San Luis Obispo CA in 1970. Ellen and Pete spent time with Jeff in 1973 including a trip to Jeff's Mom's house in Redwood City CA. Jeff with his wife Joanne and children visited our house in Atascadero years ago, and we visited in Lakewood (Denver area) two years ago.

This second visit was outstanding. We met Jeff Sunday morning at his church. Jeff, a widower, has been blessed with the gift of hospitality. We shared many wonderful meals, and spent Monday afternoon horseback riding in Colorado Springs. The ride was great, the horses gentle and the views were spectacular.

Pete and Ellen with Jeff, Beth, Jackie and Matt.

Jeff and Pete lead the horses to the tack barn.

1) Jeff boards his horse, Peko, at a stable in Colorado Springs. While it is quite a drive from Lakewood, Jeff makes the trip every week. From the stable you are at the start of hundreds of miles of trails. 2) Check out Joey's big blue eyes!

The City Slickers are ready for a big ride. Yeehaw!

Jeff lead us on roads and trails. Some were tucked in the trees and ...

some had amazing views!

1) Denali, Jeff's Chesapeake Bay Retriever, laid his head on Ellen's shoulder for most of the trip. 2) The sign on the truck said "OVERSIZE LOAD"; it seemed believable.

On Tuesday Pete worked all day as Ellen went to ride all the great bike trails in Denver. She rode 20 miles on her bike to and from Bear Creek Reservoir. It will take a while to ride all the trails as there are a total of 850 miles of trails.

The second half of the week was spent with the Stamphers, Eric and Lena. Eric is Pete's nephew. They are doing the Lord's work, raising three foster children. Eric and Lena are wonderful hosts. We enjoyed endless hours of sharing, eating and getting to know their kids. Lena was raised in Russia and it was fascinating to hear how life was under communism. Lena is teaching Eric and the kids to speak in Russian. Did we pick up any words? Da!

Pete, Aaron, Ellen, Dasha, Lena and Eric. Dasha is two years old. Aaron is two months old. He and his twin brother Robert were preemies. Robert is still in the hospital but should be home in a few days.

Everyone got into the act helping with Aaron and Dasha. As you can see Dasha has an incredible smile and a wonderful personality. Our prayer for these children is for good health and that they can stay with Eric and Lena. "And Lord may you richly bless these parents as they care for Your little ones".

We will be visiting Estes Park and the Rocky Mountain National Park next week. Then we will make our way to Amarillo, TX.

May your week be blessed,

Love, Pete and Ellen

Photos from Aug 2008