Back in 1998, our family took a vacation to Colorado. While there, we went on a short hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. As I recall, the trail extended north from Trail Ridge road. I remember looking at a map and noting that we were indeed heading off into the wilderness. The trail made its way through a valley with a small river. Mountain peaks rose on either side. It was a beautiful early summer day. The valley was green with vegetation and wild flowers bloomed around us, but the mountain peaks were still snow covered. As we walked, I had the feeling that we were leaving civilization. The trail was the only thing that betrayed the existence of another human besides our immediate family. It was a wild and rugged country, but it was also extremely beautiful. The majesty of the mountains was breathtaking. It was a profoundly spiritual experience. I have thought of that hike many times since. What is it about experiences like it that touch something in our hearts so dee
