My Grandma Cox loved the song "When It's Springtime in the Rockies". I was thinking about her today as we were out enjoying the gorgeous spring display Mother Nature is putting on here in Utah.
The Battalion left the eastern side of the Rockies early in the spring of 1847. We will be leaving almost exactly the same time. One of the fun things about doing this research now is being able to see the same seasonal beauties they did. It also means, it may be cold when we start. I wonder how cold was it for them? Were they afflicted with spring rains?
We have certainly enjoyed our training sessions much more since we've been able to get out and ride the trails. Riding a stationary bike and walking in a circular track at the community center is not ideal in my book. The clouds, the beautiful blue sky, the blossoms on the trees, the cool breezes. It all lifts the heart and cheers the spirit. I'm looking forward to being outdoors and hopefully enjoying all of that at a much slower pace.
On our first trek, I was surprised to find myself feeling like I did when I was a child – noticing and happy to see all the plants, weeds, flowers, and insects. It made me sad to realize that over the years I'd lost a lot of that excitement for God's creations. I hope I'll have that same experience this time – as I open my eyes, walk slowly, and take it all in.
